Pictured (L-R, front row): David Israelite (2023 NSAI Advocacy Award recipient), Sonya Isaacs, Steve Bogard (NSAI, Board President), Bobby Braddock (2023 NSAI Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient), Nicolle Galyon, Emily Shackelton, Ashley Gorley (2023 NSAI Songwriter of the Year recipient), Megan Moroney, Trannie Anderson (NSAI 2023 Song of the Year recipient), Ben Burgess and Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI Chief Operating Officer); (L-R, back row): Jimmy Yeary, Bart Herbison (NSAI, Executive Director), Ben Johnson, Dallas Wilson (NSAI 2023 Song of the Year recipient), Ben Williams, Mark Holman, Hunter Phelps, David Fanning and Paul Jenkins. Photo: Jason Davis
“This is becoming my favorite industry awards show.” That statement was shared among throngs of songwriters, publishers and other industry members at last night’s (Sept. 26) sixth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, put on by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) with presenting partner City National Bank.
And for good reason. The night was full of epic performances, tender speeches and shared congratulations. As it has been since the beginning: it was a love fest.
Songwriter and producer Bobby Braddock, NSAI’s 2023 Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, pictured with Tracy Lawrence, Blake Shelton, and Garth Brooks (2022 NSAI Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient). Photo: Jason Davis
Throughout the night, the winning songs in the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category were performed, as were tributes to some of the night’s esteemed honorees, Bobby Braddock, David Israelite and Tim McGraw.
The show opened with talented vocalists Jimmy Yeary and Sonya Isaacs singing a medley of “Golden Ring,” “The Jet Set” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” as one of many musical moments tributing the incomparable Braddock.
Later in the show, Garth Brooks appeared to a hooping and hollering house. He was tasked with presenting Braddock with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, but he wasn’t alone. Tracy Lawrence soon joined the stage to perform the Braddock-penned classic, “Time Marches On.” A highlight of the evening was when Blake Shelton, whom Braddock discovered, appeared to perform the iconic “He Stopped Loving Her Today” that Braddock penned alongside Curly Putman for George Jones. Toby Keith got a huge applause when he appeared to sing “I Wanna Talk About Me,” on which he sounded as stellar as ever.
When Braddock made his way to the stage, he insisted that the award was an honor to all of the songwriters who had written with him over the years. The songwriter—who has had chart-topping hits in five decades—was incredibly humble, thanking his family, publishers and the Nashville community.
“I love country music. I’m fortunate to play a small part in it,” Braddock shared. “Long live country music!”
2023 NSAI President’s Keystone Award recipient Tim McGraw. Photo: Jason Davis
Lori McKenna was on hand to honor McGraw, who was being presented with the NSAI President’s Keystone Award. She played her epic “Humble And Kind” that McGraw sent into the stratosphere. “Tim McGraw always makes me cry,” McKenna said.
The President’s Keystone Award recognizes significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters. In a video that played with messages for McGraw, almost all participants spoke about his commitment to cutting the best songs—no matter if he had a hand in writing them. For McGraw, the best song wins.
“You are the songwriters. The corner stone of Music Row,” McGraw said to the crowd.
“I listen to hundreds of your songs as I’m trying to record what I’m hearing in my head. I consider it one of the most precious and awesome things I get to do, listening to your demos,” he added. “I heard your song and I fell in love with it. Thank you for trusting me with your songs.”
Israelite, the Chairman & CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association, was given the NSAI Advocacy Award for his significant service to the songwriting community. Brett Young performed a cover of Israelite’s favorite song, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. When Israelite got up to speak, he said Young’s cover was now his favorite version.
Israelite spoke about the work NMPA and NSAI had done together for the betterment of songwriters. “Songwriting is a collaborative exercise. As you’ll see tonight, most great songs are the result of a team effort,” he said. “The same is true in my world.”
Ashley Gorley was the night’s Songwriter of the Year, an award he has taken home a record seven times. He was treated to performances of “God Gave Me A Girl” by Russell Dickerson and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” by Cole Swindell as an example of two of his hits from the past year.
2023 ‘Songwriter of the Year’ Ashely Gorley with NSAI’s Lindsay Glover. Photo: Kristen Kelly / NSAI
When Gorley spoke, the chart-topper with over 60 No. 1 hits shared something that he had found himself telling rising songwriters lately.
“I’ve been in Nashville a long time and this past year was the biggest year I’ve had,” Gorley shared. “To anyone that’s out there that is digging in, just be patient, keep being you and do what you do best.”
In between in awards, the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” were revealed through videos from the creators about the song’s writing process. Then, the artist or songwriter(s) behind the song would perform them.
Josiah and the Bonnevilles performed a folky version of Taylor Swift‘s “Anti-Hero” (Swift, Jack Antonoff); while Megan Moroney thrilled the audience with her breakout hit “Tennessee Orange” (Moroney, David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Ben Williams).
Tony Lane and Travis Meadows played their hit with Cody Johnson, “Human,” while Nicolle Galyon performed Morgan Wallen‘s “Thought You Should Know” (Galyon, Wallen, Miranda Lambert). Emily Shackelton sounded beautiful on Carly Pearce‘s “What He Didn’t Do” (Shackelton, Pearce, Gorley). Hardy and Renee Blair brought the house down on “Wait In The Truck” (Hardy, Blair, Jordan Schmidt, Hunter Phelps.)
Pictured (L-R): Jill Moody (NSAI, Director of Membership), Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI, Chief Operating Officer), Song of the Year Winners Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson, Steve Bogard (NSAI, Board President). Photo: Jason Davis
Gorley, Phelps and Ben Johnson performed another winner they wrote with Hardy, “Give Heaven Some Hell.” The ever-charming Ernest appeared a few times throughout the night to perform winners “Flower Shops” (Ernest, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman) and “You Proof” (Ernest, Wallen, Gorley, Charlie Handsome), with Handsome in tow for accompaniment.
The top-voted of the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” is named Song of the Year. That honor went to Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson for Wilson’s “Heart Like A Truck.” Trannie and Dallas performed the tune—Lainey couldn’t be there as she had sold out Red Rocks that night.
NSAI Notches Another Epic Nashville Songwriter Awards Show [Recap]
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, front row): David Israelite (2023 NSAI Advocacy Award recipient), Sonya Isaacs, Steve Bogard (NSAI, Board President), Bobby Braddock (2023 NSAI Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient), Nicolle Galyon, Emily Shackelton, Ashley Gorley (2023 NSAI Songwriter of the Year recipient), Megan Moroney, Trannie Anderson (NSAI 2023 Song of the Year recipient), Ben Burgess and Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI Chief Operating Officer); (L-R, back row): Jimmy Yeary, Bart Herbison (NSAI, Executive Director), Ben Johnson, Dallas Wilson (NSAI 2023 Song of the Year recipient), Ben Williams, Mark Holman, Hunter Phelps, David Fanning and Paul Jenkins. Photo: Jason Davis
“This is becoming my favorite industry awards show.” That statement was shared among throngs of songwriters, publishers and other industry members at last night’s (Sept. 26) sixth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, put on by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) with presenting partner City National Bank.
And for good reason. The night was full of epic performances, tender speeches and shared congratulations. As it has been since the beginning: it was a love fest.
Songwriter and producer Bobby Braddock, NSAI’s 2023 Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, pictured with Tracy Lawrence, Blake Shelton, and Garth Brooks (2022 NSAI Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award recipient). Photo: Jason Davis
Throughout the night, the winning songs in the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” category were performed, as were tributes to some of the night’s esteemed honorees, Bobby Braddock, David Israelite and Tim McGraw.
The show opened with talented vocalists Jimmy Yeary and Sonya Isaacs singing a medley of “Golden Ring,” “The Jet Set” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” as one of many musical moments tributing the incomparable Braddock.
Later in the show, Garth Brooks appeared to a hooping and hollering house. He was tasked with presenting Braddock with the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, but he wasn’t alone. Tracy Lawrence soon joined the stage to perform the Braddock-penned classic, “Time Marches On.” A highlight of the evening was when Blake Shelton, whom Braddock discovered, appeared to perform the iconic “He Stopped Loving Her Today” that Braddock penned alongside Curly Putman for George Jones. Toby Keith got a huge applause when he appeared to sing “I Wanna Talk About Me,” on which he sounded as stellar as ever.
When Braddock made his way to the stage, he insisted that the award was an honor to all of the songwriters who had written with him over the years. The songwriter—who has had chart-topping hits in five decades—was incredibly humble, thanking his family, publishers and the Nashville community.
“I love country music. I’m fortunate to play a small part in it,” Braddock shared. “Long live country music!”
2023 NSAI President’s Keystone Award recipient Tim McGraw. Photo: Jason Davis
Lori McKenna was on hand to honor McGraw, who was being presented with the NSAI President’s Keystone Award. She played her epic “Humble And Kind” that McGraw sent into the stratosphere. “Tim McGraw always makes me cry,” McKenna said.
The President’s Keystone Award recognizes significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters. In a video that played with messages for McGraw, almost all participants spoke about his commitment to cutting the best songs—no matter if he had a hand in writing them. For McGraw, the best song wins.
“You are the songwriters. The corner stone of Music Row,” McGraw said to the crowd.
“I listen to hundreds of your songs as I’m trying to record what I’m hearing in my head. I consider it one of the most precious and awesome things I get to do, listening to your demos,” he added. “I heard your song and I fell in love with it. Thank you for trusting me with your songs.”
Israelite, the Chairman & CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association, was given the NSAI Advocacy Award for his significant service to the songwriting community. Brett Young performed a cover of Israelite’s favorite song, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. When Israelite got up to speak, he said Young’s cover was now his favorite version.
Israelite spoke about the work NMPA and NSAI had done together for the betterment of songwriters. “Songwriting is a collaborative exercise. As you’ll see tonight, most great songs are the result of a team effort,” he said. “The same is true in my world.”
Ashley Gorley was the night’s Songwriter of the Year, an award he has taken home a record seven times. He was treated to performances of “God Gave Me A Girl” by Russell Dickerson and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” by Cole Swindell as an example of two of his hits from the past year.
2023 ‘Songwriter of the Year’ Ashely Gorley with NSAI’s Lindsay Glover. Photo: Kristen Kelly / NSAI
When Gorley spoke, the chart-topper with over 60 No. 1 hits shared something that he had found himself telling rising songwriters lately.
“I’ve been in Nashville a long time and this past year was the biggest year I’ve had,” Gorley shared. “To anyone that’s out there that is digging in, just be patient, keep being you and do what you do best.”
In between in awards, the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” were revealed through videos from the creators about the song’s writing process. Then, the artist or songwriter(s) behind the song would perform them.
Josiah and the Bonnevilles performed a folky version of Taylor Swift‘s “Anti-Hero” (Swift, Jack Antonoff); while Megan Moroney thrilled the audience with her breakout hit “Tennessee Orange” (Moroney, David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Ben Williams).
Tony Lane and Travis Meadows played their hit with Cody Johnson, “Human,” while Nicolle Galyon performed Morgan Wallen‘s “Thought You Should Know” (Galyon, Wallen, Miranda Lambert). Emily Shackelton sounded beautiful on Carly Pearce‘s “What He Didn’t Do” (Shackelton, Pearce, Gorley). Hardy and Renee Blair brought the house down on “Wait In The Truck” (Hardy, Blair, Jordan Schmidt, Hunter Phelps.)
Pictured (L-R): Jill Moody (NSAI, Director of Membership), Jennifer Turnbow (NSAI, Chief Operating Officer), Song of the Year Winners Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson, Steve Bogard (NSAI, Board President). Photo: Jason Davis
Gorley, Phelps and Ben Johnson performed another winner they wrote with Hardy, “Give Heaven Some Hell.” The ever-charming Ernest appeared a few times throughout the night to perform winners “Flower Shops” (Ernest, Ben Burgess, Mark Holman) and “You Proof” (Ernest, Wallen, Gorley, Charlie Handsome), with Handsome in tow for accompaniment.
The top-voted of the “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” is named Song of the Year. That honor went to Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson and Dallas Wilson for Wilson’s “Heart Like A Truck.” Trannie and Dallas performed the tune—Lainey couldn’t be there as she had sold out Red Rocks that night.
Chuck Aly Named President/COO Of ‘Country Aircheck’
/by Liza AndersonChuck Aly
Chuck Aly, VP/GM of Country Aircheck, has now been named President/COO of the music industry trade publication and will continue to report to Lon Helton, Publisher/CEO.
Aly helped to establish Country Aircheck in 2006, marking over a decade with the publication. His previous career stops include Radio & Records, MusicRow and Shock Ink/Force.
“Butch had Sundance. Rachel had Monica. John Dutton has Rip. For the last 17 years I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have Chuck by my side,” says Helton. “He took a huge chance when he left Radio & Records 17 years ago following its purchase by Billboard to join me on this little escapade called Country Aircheck. I couldn’t have done it without him; I wouldn’t have done it without him. So earned, so deserved. Hopefully this new title will keep him around another 17 years.”
“The nationwide community around country music – as a business and an artform – inspires me greatly. I’m incredibly grateful to Lon, the talented Country Aircheck team and everyone in the industry for letting me be a part of telling this story,” Aly adds.
He can be reached at chuck@countryaircheck.com.
Zandi Holup Inks With Big Loud Records
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Big Loud’s Sara Knabe, Greg Thompson, Stacy Blythe, Candice Watkins, Patch Culbertson, Zandi Holup, Big Loud’s Nate Yetton, Seth England, Joey Moi and Austen Adams. Photo: Brayln Kelly
Zandi Holup has signed a label deal with Big Loud Records.
Holup’s first single, “Gas Station Flowers,” arrives Oct. 6, and was produced by Al Torrence, producer and guitarist in Charles Wesley Godwin‘s backing band, The Allegheny High, who also played on the recording.
A Pennsylvania native, Holup began writing songs when she was 12. She spent time in the Northeast and on the west coast before relocating to Nashville six years ago to pursue her musical dreams. Inspired by the folk singer-songwriter movement of the 1960s, her true-to-life lyrics and affinity for melancholy are no surprise, citing trailblazers Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Dolly Parton as her musical heroes.
“After no more than 10 seconds into hearing Zandi sing for the first time, I knew in my bones that I had to find a way to support, champion and collaborate with her,” shares Nate Yetton, Big Loud VP of A&R. “We are so thrilled that she’s chosen to entrust her prolific artistry and treasure trove of repertoire to us here at Big Loud.”
“Finding and developing great talent is critical to the Big Loud way,” says Seth England, Big Loud CEO/Partner. “Zandi has a truly unique voice and sharp pen. We’re honored and excited to invest in her development and help bring her songs and her perspective to the world.”
“I feel blessed to be working with a record label that doesn’t try to intervene with my creation but gives me the tools to create my art in a larger way,” shares Holup. “From the beginning, Big Loud has seen me for who I am, my vision and never asked for me to change, but to keep going while they support me.”
Pilgrimage Music & Culture Festival Sells Out For Second Time In Event History
/by Steven BoeroPictured (L-R): Zach Bryan. Photo: Courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images For Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. Ashley McBryde. Photo: Alive Coverage.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival packed The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee celebrating its ninth year with a sold-out event this past weekend (Sept. 23-24). Across three stages, two days and thousands of fans, the music and arts festival put on a knock-out show with performances from Zach Bryan, Ashley McBryde, The Black Crowes and so many more.
During the festival, fans filled the farm from stage to stage, selling out the event for the second time in Pilgrimage Festival history.
“We were absolutely blown away by the performances we witnessed this weekend and are grateful to all the artists for making this a really special year. We want to thank the fans for being here and for their enthusiasm and passion for this festival. They show up ready to have a great time and their energy is one of the reasons we can attract such top tier talent,” shared festival producers Michael Whelan, Better Than Ezra’s frontman Kevin Griffin and W. Brandt Wood.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2023. Photo: Courtesy of Alive Coverage
Highlights from Saturday (Sept. 23) included comedian and podcaster Theo Von joining Better Than Ezra on stage to gift the iconic Pilgrimage Festival Gibson Guitar to a lucky fan in the crowd, which has become a festival tradition, as well as a hometown performance from rising Nashville artist Hailey Whitters and a memorable moment from headliner The Lumineers, who rocked-out from their very own satellite stage. The Black Crowes, Yola and The Head And The Heart closed out the first night.
Additionally, Franklin Fun Farm captivated guests with high-flying aerialist acts on the first day.
On Sunday ( Sept. 24), the Midnight Sun stage was filled with fans by 3 p.m. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats kicked things off in the afternoon. The fun continued when Griffin joined Tigirlily Gold for a fun performance of their top-40 hit song “Shoot Tequila” that he co-wrote with the duo.
More major moments included Dierks Bentley’s pop-up at Charlie Worsham’s set for “Things I Can’t Control.” Nashville-based producer/songwriter of The Cadillac Three, Jaren Johnson and country artist Ian Munsick also made appearances in Worsham’s set.
Charlie Worsham & Dierks Bentley. Photo: Courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
Sunday night headliner Zach Bryan continued the party with stellar guests, starting off with an appearance from The War And Treaty, who also graced the Midnight Sun stage earlier in the day, to perform their collaboration “Hey Driver.” Noah Kahan hit the stage with Bryan to perform their song “Sarah’s Place” from Bryan’s surprise EP Boys Of Faith.
The Lumineers and Bryan both returned for an encore Sunday night for their never-performed recent duet “Spotless.” Bryan even stopped the show to bring a fan on stage to sing and play guitar during his popular hit “Heading South.”
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival has established itself as a leader in the music and arts festival business. Beyond the music, the festival creates a space for community to join together and celebrate. Football fanatics were able to watch their teams live on LED screens at The Beer Hall, and Makers Village provided attendees with a place to peruse and shop.
The War And Treaty. Photo: Courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
2023 Nashville Songwriter Award Winners – Complete List
/by LB CantrellDavid Israelite, and Tim McGraw
Songwriters and publishers were celebrated Tuesday night (Sept. 26) at NSAI’s 6th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, presented in partnership with City National Bank.
At the Ryman Auditorium, dozens of performers honored a great group of award-winning songwriters.
Ashley Gorley was honored as Songwriter of the Year for a record seventh time. Gorley was honored with performances of “God Gave Me A Girl” by Russell Dickerson and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” by Cole Swindell.
Song of the Year was awarded to Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson and Lainey Wilson for their hit “Heart Like A Truck,” recorded by Wilson. Nine additional songs and their writers were celebrated as winners in the peer-voted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” award category.
Previously announced honorees, David Israelite (Chairman & CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association) and Tim McGraw, were both celebrated with special performances for their achievements. Brett Young honored Israelite with a performance of his favorite song, “Hallelujah.” Lori McKenna took the stage to honor McGraw with a performance of her own “Humble And Kind.”
Garth Brooks presented Bobby Braddock with the 2023 Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. He was honored with multiple performances from Jimmy Yeary and Sonya Isaacs, Tracy Lawrence and Blake Shelton.
Click here to read MusicRow‘s full recap of the 6th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards.
Complete List Of Award Winners Below:
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Heart Like A Truck” Written by Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Ashley Gorley
SONGWRITER-ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Morgan Wallen
KRIS KRISTOFFERSON LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
(Given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others.)
Bobby Braddock
NSAI PRESIDENT’S KEYSTONE AWARD
(Given in recognition of significant contributions to the betterment of all songwriters, chosen by the current NSAI President.)
Tim McGraw
NSAI ADVOCACY AWARD
(Bestowed by the NSAI Board of Directors to an individual who has significantly served the American songwriting community.)
David Israelite – Chairman & CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA)
“10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” Award Winners:
Each year, the highly-coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written Awards” are voted on by Professional Songwriter Members of NSAI honoring the work of their songwriter peers. Songs eligible for the award have at least one Nashville-based writer and charted in the Top 20 of Billboard Airplay chart in the Christian, country, mainstream top 40, and/or rock genres between May 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023. The NSAI Song Of The Year is the highest vote-getter.)
“Anti-Hero”
Written by: Jack Antonoff, Taylor Swift (recorded by: Taylor Swift)
“Flower Shops”
Written by: Ben Burgess, Mark Holman, Ernest Keith Smith (recorded by: ERNEST feat. Morgan Wallen)
“Give Heaven Some Hell”
Written by: Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps (recorded by: HARDY)
“Human”
Written by: Tony Lane, Travis Meadows (recorded by: Cody Johnson)
“Tennessee Orange”
Written by: David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins, Ben Williams (recorded by: Megan Moroney)
“Thought You Should Know”
Written by: Nicolle Galyon, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen (recorded by: Morgan Wallen)
“wait in the truck”
Written by: Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt (recorded by: HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson)
“What He Didn’t Do”
Written by: Ashley Gorley, Carly Pearce, Emily Shackelton (recorded by: Carly Pearce)
“You Proof”
Written by: Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen (recorded by: Morgan Wallen)
CMA Makes Expansive Changes To The CMA Touring Awards Honors
/by Steven BoeroThe 2022 CMA Touring Awards Winners at the 2022 CMA Touring Awards on Monday, January 30, 2023. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
The Country Music Association has announced expansive changes to its CMA Touring Awards, which recognize behind-the-scenes members of the country music touring community.
New this year, the 2023 CMA Touring Awards will add five categories to its current 15 categories. CMA members will soon have the opportunity to vote for Crew, Backline Technician, Stage Manager, Support Services Company and Unsung Hero of the Year. Additionally, a CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award is determined each year by CMA’s Board of Directors.
“So often, those within our hard-working touring community are the unsung heroes of our business,” says Jay Williams, WME Nashville Partner/Co-Head and CMA Awards & Recognition Committee Chair. “As CMA honors excellence within the genre throughout the year, we recognize the Touring Personnel category of CMA’s membership is the second largest within the organization. I’m thrilled that our Board has unanimously made the decision to expand our support with the addition of these new categories and processes.”
New CMA Touring Awards Categories:
In addition to these new categories, the balloting process for the 2023 CMA Touring Awards has also been updated. A Nomination Round will take place between Friday, Oct. 6 and Thursday, Oct. 19, allowing eligible CMA Professional voting members in the select categories of membership the opportunity to nominate individuals/companies in all 20 categories while providing a brief explanation for their nomination.
A CMA Touring Awards Nominations Task Force will then review the top 20 nominated individuals/companies in each category and determine the finalists. The task force is comprised of individuals who are knowledgeable in the field of country music touring. A Final Round of voting between Wednesday, Dec. 13 and Thursday, Dec. 28 will allow eligible CMA Professional voting members to cast their vote amongst the top 5 to 8 finalists in each category. CMA members are encouraged to keep an eye on their inbox for balloting information.
The 2023 CMA Touring Awards ceremony is expected to be held in Nashville in early 2024. More details will be announced soon.
Chris Stapleton Confirms 2024 U.K. & Ireland Arena Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton‘s “All-American Road Show” will head across the pond next fall for a series of arena shows in the U.K. and Ireland.
The overseas trek will include stops at Manchester’s AO Arena, Glasgow’s OVO Hydro Arena, Dublin’s 3Arena, Birmingham’s Utilita Arena and London’s The O2. The shows will feature special guest Marty Stuart. Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting tomorrow (Sept. 27), with general on-sale following this Friday (Sept. 29). For more information, click here.
Stapleton will continue his “All-American Road Show” through this fall, and join George Strait for several stadium shows next year. The performances will support Stapleton’s upcoming new album, Higher, which will be released on Nov. 10 via Mercury Nashville. Two of the project’s tracks, “Think I’m In Love With You” and “White Horse,” are out now.
Make Wake Artists & WME Sign The Castellows
/by Caela GriffinPictured L-R: Kevin Falck, Kanan Vitolo, Ellie, Lily, Powell, HB Riordan, Chris Kappy
The Castellows, a country music trio of sisters, has signed with Make Wake Artists for management and WME for global representation.
Featuring Ellie on acoustic guitar, Powell on banjo and Lily on lead vocals, The Castellows are from a small southern town where they grew up on a farm, honing their classic sound. The women vowed to continue using the family name “Castellow” in honor of their great-grandmother. After a year of posting videos of their rich harmonies online, The Castellows have built a fanbase of more than 1 million followers across multiple social media platforms.
“We are so excited and honored to make this announcement,” say The Castellows. “Both Make Wake and WME have shown that they see our vision for the music we want to create. Everyone on both of these teams is so amazing and we are so excited to take this next step in our careers with them.”
At Make Wake, The Castellows will be working with Chris Kappy as their manager and HB Riordan as their day-to-day.
“When we first met ‘The Girls’ we were blown away with their authenticity, humor, and creativity,” says Kappy. “Even at this stage in their career, they feel like seasoned veterans when they hit the stage. The sound is there, the chops are there, now we can’t wait to get their music to the fan’s ears and let the magic take place. Happy to be a part of the team!”
At WME, the band will be working with Nashville office Co-Head and Partner Joey Lee and agents Kanan Vitolo and Kevin Falck.
“Lily, Powell, and Ellie captivated us with their incredible harmonies and genuine personalities instantly,” their agent team shares. “They are authentically country and bring a fresh sound to the genre. We couldn’t be more excited to have them at WME and work with them as they embark on the next chapter of their career.”
The trio spent the summer writing, recording and touring, including an opening slot with Turnpike Troubadours in early September.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Continues To Top The Country Charts
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan continues to top the country charts this week, according to Luminate data.
On the country albums chart, Zach Bryan reigns at No. 1 with 79K in total consumption (1.5K album only/98 million song streams). Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time follows at No. 2 with 76K (2K album only/94 million song streams), and his Dangerous: The Double Album is right behind at No. 3 with 38K (393 album only/49 million song streams). Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) moves up to No. 4 with 32K (9K album only/30 million song streams), and Bryan secures another spot as American Heartbreak rises to No. 5 with 31K (1.9K album only/38 million song streams).
Additionally, Dan + Shay‘s Bigger Houses scores top country album debut, landing at No. 9 with 18K (11K album only/9.3 million song streams).
The top country streaming songs stay the same as Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” takes the top slot with 24 million new streams, adding to 111 million ATD.
Wallen’s “Last Night” claims No. 2 once again with 17 million streams, adding to 916 million ATD, and Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover carries on at No. 3 with 13 million new streams, adding to 420 million ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” persists at No. 4 with 12 million streams, adding to 960 million ATD, and Oliver Anthony‘s “Rich Men North Of Richmond” retains the fifth slot with 12 million new streams, adding to 100 million ATD.
Dean Dillon Honored With Tennessee Music Pathways Marker
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Ed Butler, Tennessee State Representative; Mark Ezell, Tourist Development Commissioner; Dean Dillon; Faith and Hope, Dillon’s sisters. Photo: Courtesy of Adventure Anderson County
Legendary songwriter Dean Dillon has been honored with a new Tennessee Music Pathways marker, which was unveiled at a ceremony on Sept. 22.
Returning home to Rocky Top to celebrate, Dillon joined state and local officials for the unveiling of the marker not far from his hometown of Cherry Bottom.
“I like to think my accomplishments were seeded here as I look back on my days,” said Dillon about the special celebration honoring his legacy.
Dillon has penned dozens of hits, having written or co-written songs for George Jones, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith and 11 No. 1 hits for George Strait, some of those being “The Chair,” “Nobody in his Right Mind Would’ve Left Her” and “Ocean Front Property.”
After winning a talent contest at Jacksboro High School in Campbell County, he began performing regularly in Knoxville on the Jim Clayton Star Time television show. Dillion graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1973 before hitchhiking his way to Nashville, where he began work as an Opryland performer. He made his first record in 1974, and scored his first chart-topping single in 1979. In 2002, Dillion was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and is a 2013 BMI Icon recipient. The Tennessee native now resides in Colorado.