The CMA EDU Class of 2023-2024. Photo: Becca Risley/CMA
CMA wrapped its 10th annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit in Nashville from July 30 through Aug. 1.
Created to develop and support the next generation of music industry leaders, CMA EDU is offered to students who demonstrate a drive to succeed in the music business. The multi-day conference, held at CMA headquarters, included three days of professional development training, industry education and community-building opportunities for college students from around the country.
Throughout the summit, CMA EDU students heard from industry veterans and leaders on a variety of topics. Highlights included a conversation moderated by Brittany Schaffer, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University, with artist Megan Moroney and her team, including Taylor Lindsey, Head of A&R for Sony Music Nashville, Elisa Vazzana, UTA Agent, and Juli Griffith Artist Manager and Owner at Punchbowl Entertainment, on her journey in the music industry and advice for those breaking into the business.
Touring professional Mike Finn hosted a conversation about the touring landscape while Charlie Morgan, Apple Music’s Head of Music Programming and CMA Board Chairman, spoke to attendees about streaming and the future of music.
Digital marketing agency Girlilla Marketing hosted a panel with Stevie Zea Escoto, Senior Managing Director, Lindsey Feinstein, Account Director, Gigi Morrison, Junior Creative Manager, and Kate Cacopardo, Account Coordinator, focused on cultivating brand identity and the importance of building your personal brand. Publishing company Concord curated a discussion with Brad Kennard, Senior Vice President, A&R, Courtney Allen, Senior Director of A&R, Matt Turner, Senior Director of A&R, and singer-songwriter Andy Albert about the role of publishing in the music industry ecosystem. Artist Russell Dickerson also made a surprise appearance during the conversation, discussing songwriting, performing and his experience in the business.
“We could not be more excited to have hosted our CMA EDU class of 2023-2024 for the CMA EDU Leadership Summit over the last few days,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “As a trade association, we are committed to equipping and supporting the next generation of leaders with tools, resources and community-building opportunities as they step into their careers with confidence. The CMA EDU Leadership Summit is a culmination of those efforts, and the start of a year-long journey for our CMA EDU students, giving them a firsthand look into our business. With a 91% job placement rate for those graduating from the program, we are so grateful to the industry partners and leaders that give their time to make CMA EDU a success, and the incredible students who show up so willing to learn. The future of our business is bright!”
This year’s summit welcomed the CMA EDU Class of 2023-2024, made up of 39 students from 20 universities, including the University of Miami, The Ohio State University, Middle Tennessee State University, The University of South Carolina, Vanderbilt University, Auburn University, Belmont University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Northeastern University, Chapman University, Ohio University, the University of Mississippi, the University of Georgia, Clemson University, the University of Tampa, Loyola University New Orleans, Sinclair Community College, The University of Alabama and SUNY Oneonta.
Applications for the 2024-2025 program year are now open. For more information applying for the next CMA EDU class, visit cma-edu.com.
Nickelback Invites All Their Rowdy Friends To Bridgestone Show
/by LB CantrellNickelback performing at Bridgestone Arena
When multi-Platinum rock band Nickelback hit Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena earlier this week on their “Get Rollin’ 2023 Tour,” it was clear the band had a lot of friends in town.
Josh Ross performing at Bridgestone Arena
Not only did UMG Nashville newcomer Josh Ross and country rocker Brantley Gilbert open the show, but Nickelback’s set featured multiple special guest spots from country hitmakers. While the band has plenty of access to Music City stars with their management team being Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman of The Core Entertainment, it was evident that Nickelback genuinely enjoys country music.
To kick off the night, country riser Ross took the stage. He charmed the audience with performances of “On A Different Night,” “Red Flags,” “Ain’t Doin’ Jack” and his debut radio single, “Trouble.”
The Canada native sounded just as good as his records, and was able to keep the arena-sized audience’s attention throughout his set.
When Gilbert took the stage, any doubt about a Georgia-born country boy opening for one of the top-selling rock bands of all time was dismissed. Gilbert brought the grunge, the pyro, the energy and the volume. He blasted through multiple hits such as “Kick It in the Sticks,” “Small Town Throwdown,” “Bottoms Up” and “Country Must Be Country Wide.” He showed his tender side—and skill as a songwriter—on tunes such as “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” and “One Hell of an Amen.”
Gilbert brought some buddies out too. Jelly Roll joined him for their collaboration, “Son of the Dirty South,” just before he had to blast off for a concert in Huntsville, Alabama hours later.
Eliciting one of the night’s biggest reactions, Gilbert brought out a long-time friend, Jason Aldean. The two performed two songs Gilbert wrote, the first being his and Colt Ford‘s “Dirt Road Anthem,” which became a Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum hit for Aldean. They then performed Gilbert’s solely-written “My Kinda Party,” which he recorded before it became a huge career hit for Aldean. The two exchanged thanks for changing each other’s lives with the success of the songs.
After a rowdy set from Gilbert, the arena was more than ready for Nickelback to take the stage. Once they did, their marathon of hits took fans down memory lane. With ease and joy, Nickelback thrilled fans with 2006’s “Far Away,” 2005’s “Animals,” 2003’s “Someday,” 2002’s “Hero,” 2001’s “How You Remind Me” and more.
They had special guests appearing by song two, when Nashville-based rocker Chris Daughtry joined them for “Savin’ Me.” Gilbert and Ross reappeared to join Nickelback for a cover of Steve Earle‘s “Copperhead Road.”
Hardy & Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger
In a special surprise, Ernest, a friend of the band’s lead singer/guitarist Chad Kroeger, made his way on stage to sing “Flower Shops.” Kroeger sang along to every word. Later on, he invited out country-rocker Hardy to perform his “Sold Out” and was thrilled by the experience. Bailey Zimmerman also joined the band at one point to sing their iconic “Rockstar.”
The night’s top highlight, though, came when the band performed the titanic 2005 hit “Photograph.” Performing a lot of the song acoustically, the Bridgestone Arena crowd singing along was defeating. When we thought the song was over, the group surprised us with another chorus of the enduring hit with the full band, which made for the perfect finale to a lot of fans’ favorite Nickelback song.
After a night of hits and fun collaborations, the band closed the evening up with an encore of “Gotta Be Somebody” and “Burn It to the Ground.” The band plays tomorrow night (Aug. 5) in Milwaukee as the “Get Rollin’ Tour” rolls on.
William Beckmann Releases New Album
/by Caela GriffinBuzzy Texas artist William Beckmann released his album Here’s To You, Here’s To Me today (Aug. 4).
The album follows his 2022 effort, Faded Memories, which featured his top-streaming single “Bourbon Whiskey” as well as a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire” and the haunting “In The Dark.”
His success within the Texas music scene over the past few years has positioned him as a force to be reckoned with. Earlier this year, he received a coveted invitation from Parker McCollum to grace the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage. He has independently garnered more than 670,000 followers on TikTok and over 3 million streams of Faded Memories.
Here’s To You, Here’s To Me features a lineup of songs that delve into various facets of life, love, and longing. The track-by-track storytelling offers a glimpse into Beckmann’s soul, evoking emotions through his music.
The seven song album features current single “Tennessee Drinkin’,” Beckmann’s fastest rising single on the Texas Regional Radio chart, currently at No. 3 and poised to be his second consecutive No. 1 and 5th consecutive top 20.
Here’s To You, Here’s To Me Track List:
1. Damn This Heart Of Mine
2. Tennessee Drinkin’
3. She Can’t Be Found
5. Leaving Kansas for Tennessee
6. It’s Still January
7. Bad Dreams and Amphetamines
8. The Party
Casting Crowns Unveils Two Tracks From Forthcoming 20th Anniversary Project
/by Liza AndersonThe Grammy-winning group Casting Crowns will celebrate their 20th anniversary this fall with new album Lifesongs: A Celebration of the First 20 Years. Ahead of the release, they have unveiled two tracks: “All Because of Mercy” and a reimagined version of “East to West,” which features Ben Fuller.
The milestone collection will include 21 songs and 21 guest artists who have taken Casting Crowns songs and re-recorded them in their own way. The album will feature chart-toppers “Voice of Truth,” “Nobody,” “Praise You In This Storm” and “Who Am I” as well as songs re-recorded by the group themselves. Casting Crowns will reveal all of the guest artists and songs via their social media accounts in the coming weeks.
“It is crazy to even think about the last 20 years. In 2003, we were just the youth band from our church in Atlanta,” shares lead singer-songwriter Mark Hall. “I still remember the world taking a chance on our song, ‘If We Are the Body,’ and how we soon learned that the church can handle the truth when it is spoken in love. And that is what we’ve been doing ever since—ministry in our churches and speaking truth in love. We can’t wait for everyone to hear the band and fan favorites reimagined with some of our friends on this new album.”
The track “All Because of Mercy” is their next radio single, and follows the long history of 15 No. 1s on Christian radio. The message of the song falls in line with the band’s purpose of speaking the truth in love to the church.
“The message of ‘All Because of Mercy’ is really simple. The only reason I belong to the Father, the only reason I can pray, the only reason I can rest and have peace is because of what God has done and the finished work of Jesus,” adds Hall. “When I’ve been reminded that the reason I belong to God is because of what He did through Jesus, I can come to Him in any condition and in any situation. It is all because of Jesus and all because of His mercy.”
Casting Crowns will also hit the road on the “Casting Crowns’ 20th Anniversary Tour: A Live Symphony Experience,” which kicks off Sept. 28 in Albany, New York. A live orchestra will accompany the band on the 20-city journey. For more information, click here.
CMA Hosts 10th Annual EDU Leadership Summit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CMA EDU Class of 2023-2024. Photo: Becca Risley/CMA
CMA wrapped its 10th annual CMA EDU Leadership Summit in Nashville from July 30 through Aug. 1.
Created to develop and support the next generation of music industry leaders, CMA EDU is offered to students who demonstrate a drive to succeed in the music business. The multi-day conference, held at CMA headquarters, included three days of professional development training, industry education and community-building opportunities for college students from around the country.
Throughout the summit, CMA EDU students heard from industry veterans and leaders on a variety of topics. Highlights included a conversation moderated by Brittany Schaffer, Dean of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University, with artist Megan Moroney and her team, including Taylor Lindsey, Head of A&R for Sony Music Nashville, Elisa Vazzana, UTA Agent, and Juli Griffith Artist Manager and Owner at Punchbowl Entertainment, on her journey in the music industry and advice for those breaking into the business.
Touring professional Mike Finn hosted a conversation about the touring landscape while Charlie Morgan, Apple Music’s Head of Music Programming and CMA Board Chairman, spoke to attendees about streaming and the future of music.
Digital marketing agency Girlilla Marketing hosted a panel with Stevie Zea Escoto, Senior Managing Director, Lindsey Feinstein, Account Director, Gigi Morrison, Junior Creative Manager, and Kate Cacopardo, Account Coordinator, focused on cultivating brand identity and the importance of building your personal brand. Publishing company Concord curated a discussion with Brad Kennard, Senior Vice President, A&R, Courtney Allen, Senior Director of A&R, Matt Turner, Senior Director of A&R, and singer-songwriter Andy Albert about the role of publishing in the music industry ecosystem. Artist Russell Dickerson also made a surprise appearance during the conversation, discussing songwriting, performing and his experience in the business.
“We could not be more excited to have hosted our CMA EDU class of 2023-2024 for the CMA EDU Leadership Summit over the last few days,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “As a trade association, we are committed to equipping and supporting the next generation of leaders with tools, resources and community-building opportunities as they step into their careers with confidence. The CMA EDU Leadership Summit is a culmination of those efforts, and the start of a year-long journey for our CMA EDU students, giving them a firsthand look into our business. With a 91% job placement rate for those graduating from the program, we are so grateful to the industry partners and leaders that give their time to make CMA EDU a success, and the incredible students who show up so willing to learn. The future of our business is bright!”
This year’s summit welcomed the CMA EDU Class of 2023-2024, made up of 39 students from 20 universities, including the University of Miami, The Ohio State University, Middle Tennessee State University, The University of South Carolina, Vanderbilt University, Auburn University, Belmont University, Oklahoma State University, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Northeastern University, Chapman University, Ohio University, the University of Mississippi, the University of Georgia, Clemson University, the University of Tampa, Loyola University New Orleans, Sinclair Community College, The University of Alabama and SUNY Oneonta.
Applications for the 2024-2025 program year are now open. For more information applying for the next CMA EDU class, visit cma-edu.com.
Charles Wesley Godwin Draws Inspiration From Home On New Album ‘Family Ties’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Big Loud Records
Charles Wesley Godwin will release his third album, Family Ties, via Big Loud Records on Sept. 22. Fans are getting a taste of the new project with four new songs, “All Again,” “Family Ties,” “Cue Country Roads” and “West of Lonesome,” out now.
A portrait of home, relationships, and lessons learned and lived, the 19-track project was recorded at one of Godwin’s dream studios, Echo Mountain in Asheville, North Carolina, before he signed a record deal. The songs that comprise Family Ties are portals into Godwin’s life—tales of the native West Virginian’s friends, family and foundation. Tracks include the unflinching “Miner Imperfections,” penned for his father; the mournful “The Flood” for his mother; “Gabriel” for his son; the melancholy yet hopeful “Dance in Rain” for his daughter; and the love letter “Willing and Able” for his wife.
“I had to get back to the basics,” says Godwin of what finally set him and his new songs free. “I decided I was going to write about my life and my family. It’s where my heart was guiding me: to be super personal and dig right into the weeds of my life.”
Godwin and his band, The Allegheny High, will head back out on the road this month as openers on close friend Zach Bryan‘s arena tour, then begin their own headlining trek in September. He will also headline the historic Gruene Hall in Texas for the first time in October.
2. “Family Ties” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
3. “Miner Imperfections” (Charles Wesley Godwin, Zach McCord)
4. “The Flood” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
5. “All Again” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
6. “Gabriel” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
7. “Dance in Rain” (Charles Wesley Godwin, Zach McCord)
8. “Another Leaf” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
9. “That Time Again” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
10. “Skyline Blues” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
11. “West of Lonesome” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
12. “Headwaters” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
13. “10-38” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
14. “Two Weeks Gone” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
15. “Soul Like Mine” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
16. “Willing and Able” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
17. “Cue Country Roads” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
18. “Take Me Home, Country Roads” (Taffy Nivert Danoff, William Danoff, John Denver)
19. “By Your Side (Underture)” (Charles Wesley Godwin)
Natalie Grant & Dolly Parton Join Forces For New Duet Of ‘Step By Step’
/by Lorie HollabaughNatalie Grant has teamed up with the inimitable Dolly Parton for a reimagined duet of “Step By Step” from her upcoming new album, Seasons.
Made popular by Whitney Houston, the iconic song appeared on the soundtrack for The Preacher’s Wife. The new duet marks the first time Grant and Parton have recorded together, having shared the stage earlier this year at Dollywood.
“In 1996, ‘Step By Step’ is a song I would blast on cassette in my beat up Volkswagen Golf as I drove to my job at Medicare,” shares Grant. “The dream when I moved to Nashville was music, not Medicare, but I had to do what was necessary to keep going. This song was my reminder to keep putting one foot in front of the other. If you would’ve told me then that one day, I would not only be recording this song, but doing it with an international icon, I never ever would’ve believed it. I still can’t believe it.”
The release of ‘Step By Step’ follows the announcement of Grant’s new album, Seasons, which will be available on Oct. 6. The 10-track album features Grant’s own takes on songs that have made a lasting impression on both her life and her career. She invited some of the top artists in their genres to join her on the project, including Mary Mary with their first re-recorded version of the smash hit “Shackles (Praise You),” Tasha Cobbs Leonard on Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and her mother and daughters on Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”
The first single from Seasons, “You Will Be Found” with Cory Asbury, has resonated with audiences around the globe with over 20 million global on-demand streams and is currently No. 3 on the Mediabase Audience Chart, matching Grant’s highest-charting Billboard Airplay career single, “King of the World.”
This Sunday (Aug. 6), Grant will perform during the 54th annual Stellar Awards, honoring Cece Winans. Winans also appears on Seasons, performing “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory).” The Stellar Awards air on BET Network at 7 p.m. CT.
Bailey Zimmerman Releases ‘Religiously. The Acoustic Sessions.’ Live Videos
/by Caela GriffinBailey Zimmerman released his five-track Religiously. The Acoustic Sessions. to streaming services today (Aug 4). Filmed in Nashville, performance videos of the stripped-down tracks from his full length debut project are available on YouTube.
To commemorate the release of Religiously. The Acoustic Sessions., Zimmerman will perform on NBC’s Today on Tuesday, Aug. 8
Zimmerman’s Religiously. The Album. arrived in May as the biggest streaming debut album of the year across all genres, as well as the biggest streaming country debut of all time. With two 2x Platinum singles, “Fall In Love” and Rock And a Hard Place” already, Zimmerman already has 2.6 billion global streams. He continues to support Morgan Wallen on the “One Night At A Time Tour” before hitting the road for his own sold out headlining “Religiously. The Tour” in February 2024.
Religiously. The Acoustic Sessions. Track List:
1. Religiously (Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Alex Palmer, Frank Romano, Marty James)
2. You Don’t Want That Smoke (Jimi Bell, Tucker Beathard)
3. Warzone (Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Gavin Lucas, Michael Hobby)
4. Chase Her (Heath Warren, Matthew Schuster, Andrew Stoelzing, Jared Scott, Nate Miles)
5. Fadeaway (Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Gavin Lucas, Heath Warren)
Darius Rucker To Release ‘Carolyn’s Boy’ In October
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Courtesy of UMG Nashville
Darius Rucker has announced that his first solo album in six years, Carolyn’s Boy, will be released on Oct. 6. The track “Have A Good Time” is available now, along with his current chart-climbing single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves.”
The Diamond-certified star previously shared news of the project on NBC’s Today during an interview with Craig Melvin back in November.
“I wanted to name the record Carolyn’s Boy because Mom never got to see any of my success,” explained Rucker during the interview. “She died before any of this happened, so it’s just another homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.”
When asked why now is the right time to honor her, Rucker was reflective, conceding, “Years ago, I wasn’t really sure what my place in country music was and I was trying to find it. Now I have found it–I know–and I think it’s time to give that record.”
He will return to Today on Sept. 1 to perform songs from the album as well as fan-favorite hits as part of the Citi Concert Series.
Rucker is currently on his “Starting Fires Tour,” and will travel to his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina for the return of his personally-curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival on Oct. 7-8, following the album’s release.
In celebration of the Carolyn’s Boy announcement, Riverfront Revival is offering a limited number of Six-Pack GA Weekend Ticket Bundles, allowing fans to bundle and save $15 per pass while supplies last. For more information, click here.
Carolyn’s Boy Track Listing:
1. “Beers And Sunshine” (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
2. “In This Together” (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
3. “Never Been Over” (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
4. “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
5. “Ol’ Church Hymn (feat. Chapel Hart)” (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
6. “7 Days” (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
7. “Same Beer Different Problem” (Darius Rucker, Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
8. “Sara” (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
9. “Have A Good Time” (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
10. “Sure Would Have Loved Her” (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
11. “Southern Comfort” (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
12. “3am in Carolina” (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
13. “Lift Me Up” (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
14. “Stargazing” (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)
Jason Aldean Opens Second Kitchen & Rooftop Bar Location In Gatlinburg
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean
Jason Aldean surprised fans at the grand opening of the second location of his Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar last night (Aug. 3) in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Aldean’s first iteration of the restaurant is located on Nashville’s lower Broadway.
The country star thrilled fans at the venue’s official opening, performing a 35-minute set of his hits. The Mayor of Gatlinburg, the honorable Mike Werner, was on hand along with Aldean and his family for the official ribbon cutting to commemorate the grand opening.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The three-level venue includes a restaurant that features the now-famous John Deere 4020 Tractor Bar—an homage to Aldean’s song “Big Green Tractor,” as well as a rooftop with a large deck overlooking scenic views of the smoky mountains. Each level will contain photos and memorabilia from Aldean’s notable performances and videos as well as a breakfast diner and a boutique gift shop. The venue is expected to bring 125 new jobs to the area.
The menu was curated by Aldean in partnership with Chef Tomasz Wosiak, Vice President of Culinary Development for TC Restaurant Group, and features family favorites from Aldean’s childhood including “Mama Aldean’s Peach Cobbler” and “Grandma’s Pot Roast.” Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar is the bar’s second location to open, with additional yet-to-be-announced locations expected in late 2023.
Bailey Zimmerman Earns Third MusicRow No. 1 Hit
/by LB CantrellBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Spidey Smith
Bailey Zimmerman has topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for the third time with “Religiously.”
Appearing on Zimmerman’s full-length debut LP, Religiously. The Album., Zimmerman co-wrote the tune with Austin Shawn, Alex Palmer, Frank Romano and Marty James. Its success continues a streak of hits for the young entertainer, who has topped the MusicRow chart now three times since October of 2022, first with his debut single “Fall In Love” and then with its follow-up, “Rock And A Hard Place,” which stayed atop the MusicRow chart for three weeks.
“Religiously” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.