Brothers Osborne performs during UMG Nashville’s Music Is Universal event. Photo: Chris Hollo
CMA Fest marked its 50th anniversary in Nashville this past weekend, wrapping on Sunday (June 11) after four straight fun-filled days. The milestone anniversary of the largest and longest-running country music festival in the world brought over 90,000 estimated attendees from all 50 states as well as a record-breaking 51 countries each day, a 12 percent increase from 2022.
Packed lineups of both established and rising acts hit the daytime stages, while Nissan Stadium—which alone saw a 10 percent increase in attendance—and Ascend Amphitheater featured performances by a variety of stars at night.
Carrie Underwood kicks off her new channel live and in person from SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour at the Margaritaville Cafe in Nashville with SiriusXM host Buzz Brainard. Photo: Jason Davis
Parmalee, Lauren Alaina, Ingrid Andress, Priscilla Block, Tyler Braden, Breland, Jackson Dean, Travis Denning, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Evans, Corey Kent, Maddie & Tae and more took the Chevy Riverfront Stage. The Dr Pepper Amp Stage included A Thousand Horses, Avery Anna, Rodney Atkins, Blanco Brown, Craig Campbell, Mackenzie Carpenter, Callista Clark, among others.
Tyler Booth, Dillon Carmichael, Carter Faith, Ryan Griffin, Chapel Hart, Home Free, Kat & Alex, Tiera Kennedy, Brett Kissel, Jerrod Niemann and more serenaded crowds from the Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park, and the Maui Jim Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza hosted the likes of Justin Champagne, Ben Chapman, Kyle Clark, Abbey Cone, Taylor Edwards, Drew Green, Jonathan Hutcherson, Willie Jones, Bryan Martin, Chase McDaniel, Madeline Merlo and more.
Throughout the four days, BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and Ryman Auditorium gave 19 emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their talent during the Ryman and BMI Block Party. During the event, BMI’s VP of Creative, Nashville Clay Bradley presented The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award to its first-ever recipient, Macy Dot Neal, in honor of the legendary artist.
Fans also headed to Skydeck on Broadway for UMG Nashville’s inaugural Music Is Universal event as well as Spotify House at Ole Red and Fan Fair X in Music City Center, which hosted daily performances on the Spotlight Stage from nearly 50 artists to full audiences. Chapel Hart, Blanco Brown, Adam Doleac, Tiera Kennedy, Kimberly Perry, Mason Ramsey, Randy Travis, Sam Williams, Bailey Zimmerman and many others participated in anticipated meet-and-greets with excited fans.
Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, Cody Johnson, Reba McEntire and Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy
On Friday (June 9), Wilson and Tractor Supply co-hosted Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottom Barn Dance presented by Tractor Supply for her fan club at downtown Nashville’s Bell Tower, and Carrie Underwood launched her exclusive year-round SiriusXM channel Carrie’s Country in person from SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour at the Margaritaville Cafe.
On Night One, Nissan Stadium hosted King Calaway, Jo Dee Messina, Jordan Davis, Luke Combs, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay and special guests on the main stage as well as RVSHVD and Ashley Cooke on the platform stage. Night Two featured Tanya Tucker, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban and Hardy along with more surprise guests in addition to Hailey Whitters and Dalton Dover on the platform stage. Johnson surprised special guest Reba McEntire with a Gold plaque for their hit duet “Dear Rodeo” backstage before his set.
Ascend Amphitheater returned for a fifth year with a packed crowd on Friday night. The party started with headliner The Cadillac Three bringing the energy alongside Little Big Town. Additional acts included Boy Named Banjo, Randy Rogers Band, Elvie Shane and Tenille Townes.
Tracy Lawrence, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi and Eric Church took Nissan’s big stage and Ian Munsick and Alana Springsteen took the platform stage during Night Three.
On Sunday, The Black Excellence Brunch was held at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and featured notable Black artists and industry leaders while honoring BMI Executive Director, Creative, Shannon Sanders. After the cancellation of the afternoon shows due to bad weather, Nissan’s Final Night housed thousands of fans as Josh Turner, Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan sang on the main stage and Megan Moroney and Nate Smith served as platform stage performers. Bryan also closed out the final day of CMA Fest with his Nut House at Luke’s 32 Bridge to celebrate 15 years of the fan club.
Ticket proceeds directly benefit music education initiatives across the country through the CMA Foundation. This year, CMA will donate $2.5 million to the CMA Foundation. Additionally, the three-hour primetime concert special CMA Fest was filmed during this year’s festival and will air July 19 on ABC.
Pictured: Parmalee with Chevy Riverfront Stage hosts Bubba and Big D
Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, Stephanie Davenport, Madeline Edwards, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy and Sam I Am Entertainment’s Sam Borenstein
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Macy Dot Neal and BMI’s Mitch Ballard. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
Lainey Wilson performs during Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottom Barn Dance presented by Tractor Supply. Photo: Roxy Moure
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, K. Michelle, CMA’s Mia McNeal and Trell Thomas at the Black Excellence Brunch. Photo: Derrick Johnson for CMA
Industry Ink: Dustin Lynch, Jelly Roll, Craig Campbell, More
/by Lorie HollabaughDustin Lynch Brings His Pool Situation To Margaritaville Nashville
Dustin Lynch performs at his Pool Situation event. Photo: Jack Owens
Dustin Lynch took over the rooftop pool at Margaritaville Hotel Nashville on Saturday (June 10) for a Music City edition of his popular annual Pool Situation Parties. After launching the first country music-themed, full-weekend pool party of its kind in Sin City in June 2021, Lynch punched up all the “Party Mode” entertainment during CMA Fest’s 50th anniversary weekend.
Bringing the iconic spinning wheel from his long-standing eight-year-running Pool Party bash during Luke Bryan’s annual Crash My Playa, the free event served up shots, mullets (ready with a barber onstage) and more. Surprise artists mixed in with Lynch performing his top hits, such as MacKenzie Porter, Little Big Town and Lynch’s mentee Austin McNeill from the 2023 Tractor Supply Emerging Artists Program.
Jelly Roll Reaches Billionaire Status Pandora Style
Pictured (L-R): Pandora’s Johnny Chiang and Buzz Brainard, Artist Jelly Roll, Pandora’s Bekah Digby, BBR’s John Carroll, Pandora’s Chris Patyk and Alina Thompson, BBR’s JoJamie Hahr and Chris Loss. Photo: Ryan Postas for SiriusXM
Jelly Roll was honored last week by Pandora as a Pandora Billionaire, recognizing over a Billion career streams on the platform. The rising star was also honored as the Billboard 2023 Breakthrough Artist after being revealed as the cover of Billboard’s Country Power Player Issue.
Jelly Roll also made his official CMA Fest performance debut last week with a surprise appearance Friday night at Nissan Stadium, where he performed “Need a Favor” and “Son of a Sinner.”
Craig Campbell’s ‘Outskirts Of Heaven’ Goes Gold
Pictured (L-R): Kinkead Entertainment Agency’s Michelle Barnett, Nathan Brewer, Ben Costello, Bob Kinkead and Julie Devereux; Maddy Grossl, Maddog Management; Craig Campbell; producer Mickey Jack Cones; Mindy Campbell; Kinkead’s Greg Scott; Preslee Campbell; Craig Campbell, Campbell Entertainment
Craig Campbell was halfway through his set on the Dr. Pepper AMP Stage at CMA Fest last weekend when his manager, Maddy Grossl, interrupted him with news that his hit “Outskirts of Heaven” was certified Gold. Grossl, Craig’s wife and daughter, producer Mickey Jack Cones, and much Campbell’s team came on stage to deliver a plaque and celebrate the occasion. Originally released in 2016, the song has received over 51 million streams on Spotify alone.
“I knew we were close, and I knew we would get there one day,” said Campbell. “We couldn’t have done it without all these folks on stage, especially my wife Mindy, my daughters, Maddy, this entire team and especially the fans. This one’s for you all!”
Ryman Auditorium Unveils New Ford VIP Lounge
Pictured (L-R): Matthew Schuster, SVP Strategy and Business Development, Opry Entertainment Group; Sean Lupton, VP Brand Partnerships, Opry Entertainment Group; Hannah and Matthew Barker, Two Rivers Ford Dealership; Gary Levy, General Manager, Ryman Auditorium). Photo: Catherine Powell
Ryman Auditorium has unveiled a new Ford VIP Lounge in partnership with Mid-South Ford Dealers. The Ford Lounge is part of a $1.3 million investment at the Mother Church that also includes a new retail shop, which opened in March. Following a ribbon cutting earlier in the day, the new space welcomed guests for the first time at Marty Stuart’s Annual Late-Night Jam.
The new VIP lounge offers exclusive entry to the show, private restrooms, hor d’oeurves, cocktails and soft drinks, as well as a commemorative Hatch Print Show of that night’s show. Entry to the Ford VIP Lounge is available as an add-on with concert ticket purchase for an additional $100. To celebrate the new space, the Ryman and its partners will surprise guests with giveaways and VIP upgrades each month throughout the year.
“We are always looking for new ways to elevate the guest experience at the Ryman,” says Gary Levy, General Manager of Ryman Auditorium. “We are fortunate that Ford shares our passion for creating unforgettable moments, and we are thrilled the new Ford Lounge will provide such a unique experience for fans while visiting the Ryman.”
Trend Management Opens Music City Office
Pictured (L-R): Marlena Hurlbut, Trend Senior Talent Manager, Sarah Kerstetter, Trend Senior Talent Manager, Courtney Stevener, Trend Director of Talent Management, McKenna Monk, Trend Senior Talent Manager, Alexa D’Amato, Trend Talent Manager, Faye Halligan, Trend Director of Talent Relations, and Morgann Westmoreland, Trend Senior Talent Manager. Photo: Lovers of Love Photography
Full-service talent management agency Trend Management has expanded to Nashville in addition to its Houston headquarters and bi-coastal representation in New York City and L.A. Founded in 2019, Trend Management’s expansion to Nashville will allow for continued growth for the company as it follows CEO and founder Ted Raad’s mission to provide a client-first experience that advocates for the creators, their personal brands and their individual entrepreneurial opportunities.
Trend’s Nashville team includes Senior Talent Manager McKenna Monk, a Nashville native and granddaughter of the late revered radio personality Charlie Monk. The company represents a roster of influencers, creators and entertainers across the lifestyle, fashion and entertainment industries, including internet personality and entrepreneur Jaclyn Hill, actress and former Real Housewives of Orange County star Gretchen Rossi, lifestyle influencers Alexa Anglin, Caleigh Ryan, (wife of country artist Hardy) and viral TikTok creator and internet personality, Danae Hays, among many others.
On The Cover: MusicRow’s Artist Roster Issue Features Jordan Davis On Cover
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow has released its 2023 Artist Roster print issue, featuring ASCAP songwriter and MCA Nashville recording artist Jordan Davis on the cover.
Having solidified himself as one of the industry’s top singer-songwriters, 2022/23 marked a breakthrough year for Jordan Davis. In February 2023, Davis released his second full-length album, Bluebird Days, which earned the Shreveport, Louisiana native rave reviews as well as a RIAA Gold-certification. The CMA and NSAI Award winner recently earned his first ACM Male Vocalist nomination (2023) and his hit single, “Next Thing You Know,” continues to climb the charts and resonate with fans. Produced by Paul DiGiovanni, Bluebird Days features 17 songs total, including his fifth career No. 1 hit, “What My World Spins Around” and his double-Platinum, multi-week No. 1 “Buy Dirt” (feat. Luke Bryan), which won numerous accolades including CMA and NSAI Song of the Year and earned ACM, AMA, Billboard and iHeart Music Award nominations.
Davis previously notched three consecutive No. 1 hits off of his Gold-certified album, Home State, including the double-Platinum certified “Singles You Up” as well as the Platinum-certified “Take It From Me” and “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot.” In 2019, Davis was awarded Best New Country Artist at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. He is a two-time nominee for ACM New Male Artist of the Year and was named Billboard’s Top New Country Artist of 2018. Davis has amassed more than four billion streams worldwide and appeared on Ellen, Good Morning America, The Today Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live and more. He recently announced his “Damn Good Time Tour,” which will kick off late summer and includes a headlining show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater as well as tour dates across the country. For more information and tickets, visit jordandavisofficial.com.
Featured by The Tennessean, American Songwriter, Billboard and more, Bluebird Days debuted to early rave reviews, with Billboard noting, “Davis soars on Bluebird Days” and Entertainment Focus echoing, “Jordan Davis comes of age on new album Bluebird Days and shows the world the type of mature, meaningful and melodic songwriter he is.” Bluebird Days is a “rich, deep, meaningful album” (Entertainment Focus) that digs deep into Davis’ personal experiences and offers a wide range of emotions, meditations, and memories, matched by his signature sound blending traditional and contemporary genres and styles.
This year’s Artist Roster print edition features exclusive editorials including a celebration of Kane Brown’s elevation into a genre-leading artist, shared by members of Brown’s team Martha Earls, Braeden Rountree, Dennis Reese and Alex Alvga. Brown recently completed a monumental tour of the nation’s 29 NBA arenas, becoming the first country artist in history to do so and fulfilling a dream sparked in 2020. This season of career wins for Brown also includes his hit single “Thank God” released with his wife, Katelyn, and a television appearance on the drama Fire Country. Brown is continuing to climb to great heights.
Four of Nashville’s top managers—Brad Belanger, Blythe Scokin, Mandelyn Monchick and Zach Sutton—join together for a round-table about working in the fast-paced industry with its dynamic social media and technological climates.
Music Health Alliance’s Founder and CEO Tatum Hauck Allsep and CFO and Certified Senior Advisor Shelia Shipley Biddy celebrate a decade of healing the music. MHA has provided healthcare access through advocacy services since its launch in 2013.
MusicRow catches up with RECORDS Nashville for the Artist Roster issue, speaking with Executive Vice President Joe Fisher, Vice President of Promotion and Commercial Strategy Josh Easler and RECORDS Founder Barry Weiss about their collaborative work with a wide range of artists.
This issue also celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Association’s annual CMA Fest with a look back at some of the biggest moments in the history of the event.
Additionally, the Artist Roster contains a six-part company directory, complete with client rosters in the categories: Label, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity, Artist Services (Banking, Business Management/Financial/Insurance, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing, Radio Promotion and Media) and Organizations (Trade & Professional Development, Performing & Mechanical Rights and Unions).
This edition also offers a summarizing Artist Grid, which has become an indispensable tool connecting artists to their team members in Label, Management, Talent Agency and Publicity categories.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2023 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Industry Celebrates Historic 50th Anniversary Of CMA Fest With Events Across Nashville
/by Liza AndersonBrothers Osborne performs during UMG Nashville’s Music Is Universal event. Photo: Chris Hollo
CMA Fest marked its 50th anniversary in Nashville this past weekend, wrapping on Sunday (June 11) after four straight fun-filled days. The milestone anniversary of the largest and longest-running country music festival in the world brought over 90,000 estimated attendees from all 50 states as well as a record-breaking 51 countries each day, a 12 percent increase from 2022.
Packed lineups of both established and rising acts hit the daytime stages, while Nissan Stadium—which alone saw a 10 percent increase in attendance—and Ascend Amphitheater featured performances by a variety of stars at night.
Carrie Underwood kicks off her new channel live and in person from SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour at the Margaritaville Cafe in Nashville with SiriusXM host Buzz Brainard. Photo: Jason Davis
Parmalee, Lauren Alaina, Ingrid Andress, Priscilla Block, Tyler Braden, Breland, Jackson Dean, Travis Denning, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Evans, Corey Kent, Maddie & Tae and more took the Chevy Riverfront Stage. The Dr Pepper Amp Stage included A Thousand Horses, Avery Anna, Rodney Atkins, Blanco Brown, Craig Campbell, Mackenzie Carpenter, Callista Clark, among others.
Tyler Booth, Dillon Carmichael, Carter Faith, Ryan Griffin, Chapel Hart, Home Free, Kat & Alex, Tiera Kennedy, Brett Kissel, Jerrod Niemann and more serenaded crowds from the Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park, and the Maui Jim Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Plaza hosted the likes of Justin Champagne, Ben Chapman, Kyle Clark, Abbey Cone, Taylor Edwards, Drew Green, Jonathan Hutcherson, Willie Jones, Bryan Martin, Chase McDaniel, Madeline Merlo and more.
Throughout the four days, BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and Ryman Auditorium gave 19 emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their talent during the Ryman and BMI Block Party. During the event, BMI’s VP of Creative, Nashville Clay Bradley presented The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award to its first-ever recipient, Macy Dot Neal, in honor of the legendary artist.
Fans also headed to Skydeck on Broadway for UMG Nashville’s inaugural Music Is Universal event as well as Spotify House at Ole Red and Fan Fair X in Music City Center, which hosted daily performances on the Spotlight Stage from nearly 50 artists to full audiences. Chapel Hart, Blanco Brown, Adam Doleac, Tiera Kennedy, Kimberly Perry, Mason Ramsey, Randy Travis, Sam Williams, Bailey Zimmerman and many others participated in anticipated meet-and-greets with excited fans.
Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, Cody Johnson, Reba McEntire and Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy
On Friday (June 9), Wilson and Tractor Supply co-hosted Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottom Barn Dance presented by Tractor Supply for her fan club at downtown Nashville’s Bell Tower, and Carrie Underwood launched her exclusive year-round SiriusXM channel Carrie’s Country in person from SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour at the Margaritaville Cafe.
On Night One, Nissan Stadium hosted King Calaway, Jo Dee Messina, Jordan Davis, Luke Combs, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay and special guests on the main stage as well as RVSHVD and Ashley Cooke on the platform stage. Night Two featured Tanya Tucker, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban and Hardy along with more surprise guests in addition to Hailey Whitters and Dalton Dover on the platform stage. Johnson surprised special guest Reba McEntire with a Gold plaque for their hit duet “Dear Rodeo” backstage before his set.
Ascend Amphitheater returned for a fifth year with a packed crowd on Friday night. The party started with headliner The Cadillac Three bringing the energy alongside Little Big Town. Additional acts included Boy Named Banjo, Randy Rogers Band, Elvie Shane and Tenille Townes.
Tracy Lawrence, Little Big Town, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi and Eric Church took Nissan’s big stage and Ian Munsick and Alana Springsteen took the platform stage during Night Three.
On Sunday, The Black Excellence Brunch was held at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and featured notable Black artists and industry leaders while honoring BMI Executive Director, Creative, Shannon Sanders. After the cancellation of the afternoon shows due to bad weather, Nissan’s Final Night housed thousands of fans as Josh Turner, Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, Tim McGraw and Luke Bryan sang on the main stage and Megan Moroney and Nate Smith served as platform stage performers. Bryan also closed out the final day of CMA Fest with his Nut House at Luke’s 32 Bridge to celebrate 15 years of the fan club.
Ticket proceeds directly benefit music education initiatives across the country through the CMA Foundation. This year, CMA will donate $2.5 million to the CMA Foundation. Additionally, the three-hour primetime concert special CMA Fest was filmed during this year’s festival and will air July 19 on ABC.
Pictured: Parmalee with Chevy Riverfront Stage hosts Bubba and Big D
Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, Stephanie Davenport, Madeline Edwards, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy and Sam I Am Entertainment’s Sam Borenstein
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Macy Dot Neal and BMI’s Mitch Ballard. Photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
Lainey Wilson performs during Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottom Barn Dance presented by Tractor Supply. Photo: Roxy Moure
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, K. Michelle, CMA’s Mia McNeal and Trell Thomas at the Black Excellence Brunch. Photo: Derrick Johnson for CMA
Fourward Records Launches In Nashville
/by LB CantrellWill Ward. Photo: Austin Nelson
Music industry veteran Will Ward has officially launched Fourward Records in Nashville.
The company has already completed a number of signings, which include 18-year old folk pop-artist, Brenn!, in partnership with Justin Lubliner’s Darkroom, as well as indie-rock group Sarah and the Sundays in partnership with AWAL.
Joey McCarthy serves as Head of Music at Fourward. In addition to the label, he oversees the company’s Nashville-based publishing division which launched in November of 2019. Fourward’s publishing division has a global administration deal with Reservoir Media and its current writer roster includes Andrew Stoelzing and Mike Robinson.
McCarthy also oversees the company’s artist management division, which oversees the careers of Max Drazen and DJ/producer/engineer Aaron Hibell.
Ward tells MusicRow, “I am very excited to launch Fourward Records, and incredibly excited about our first artists, Sarah and the Sundays and Brenn! I’m particularly proud that both albums were recorded in Nashville with Nashville-based producers. Even better that Brenn! is recording with our very own, Mike Robinson.”
Three New Categories Added To 66th Annual Grammy Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Recording Academy has added three new categories for the 66th Annual Grammy Awards: Best African Music Performance, Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Pop Dance Recording.
Additionally, the Academy has moved existing categories Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical and Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical to the General Field, allowing all Grammy voters to vote in these non-genre-specific categories. The category additions and amendments were voted on and passed at the Recording Academy’s most recent semiannual Board of Trustees meeting held in May 2023.
“The Recording Academy is proud to announce these latest category changes to our Awards process. These changes reflect our commitment to actively listen and respond to the feedback from our music community, accurately represent a diverse range of relevant musical genres, and stay aligned with the ever-evolving musical landscape,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “By introducing these three new categories, we are able to acknowledge and appreciate a broader array of artists—and relocating the Producer Of the Year and Songwriter Of The Year categories to the General Field ensures that all our voters can participate in recognizing excellence in these fields. We are excited to honor and celebrate the creators and recordings in these categories, while also exposing a wider range of music to fans worldwide.”
Descriptions of the new Grammy Award Categories:
Best African Music Performance:
A track and singles category that recognizes recordings that utilize unique local expressions from across the African continent. Highlighting regional melodic, harmonic and rhythmic musical traditions, the category includes but is not limited to the Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Afro Pop, Afrobeats, Alte, Amapiano, Bongo Flava, Genge, Kizomba, Chimurenga, High Life, Fuji, Kwassa, Ndombolo, Mapouka, Ghanaian Drill, Afro-House, South African Hip-Hop, and Ethio Jazz genres.
Best Pop Dance Recording:
Recognizes tracks and singles that feature up-tempo, danceable music that follows a pop arrangement. Eligible Pop Dance recordings also feature strong rhythmic beats and significant electronic-based instruments with an emphasis on the vocal performance, melody and hooks. Dance remixes are eligible in the Best Remixed Recording category only and may not be entered in Best Pop Dance Recording.
Best Alternative Jazz Album:
This category recognizes artistic excellence in Alternative Jazz albums by individuals, duos and groups/ensembles, with or without vocals. Alternative Jazz may be defined as a genre-blending, envelope-pushing hybrid that mixes jazz (improvisation, interaction, harmony, rhythm, arrangements, composition, and style) with other genres, including R&B, Hip-Hop, Classical, Contemporary Improvisation, Experimental, Pop, Rap, Electronic/Dance music, and/or Spoken Word. It may also include the contemporary production techniques/instrumentation associated with other genres.
Spirit Music Group Partners With Erik Belz On JV, Signs Patrick Ridgen
/by LB CantrellErik Belz. Photo: Brittany Belz
Spirit Music Group has formed a joint publishing venture with writer, producer and manager Erik Belz. In addition to aligning Belz as a writer on Spirit’s roster, the deal established Belz’s publishing company, Electric 88 Music, which will sign and develop his own roster of artists, writers and producers.
Belz has produced and written songs for artists across many genres, including Pitbull, Austin Mahone, Granger Smith, Thompson Square, Jez Dior, Kylie Morgan, Metro Station, Smoke Purp, Jake Paul, Slim Jxmmi and Lia Marie Johnson. He has served as co-manager for EDM star Slushii since 2021. Belz’s music has appeared in such shows such as CSI, Scorpion, Station 19 and The Equalizer.
The first signing to Belz’s Electric 88 Music is Patrick Ridgen, who is professionally known as PLAYDED and is a Los Angeles-based producer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Electric 88 Music will be based at Belz’s recording studio complex in Encino, California.
“Spirit Music is excited to get to work with Erik as a writer/producer as well as a partner to sign and develop talent,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “We are also thrilled to welcome PLAYDED to the Spirit family. We can’t wait to see what we can build together!”
“Spirit Music Group has been very supportive of my career and creative vision from day one,” shares Belz. “I am excited to partner with Jon [Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group], Frank and the Spirit Music Group team to create opportunities for new talent and to kick things off with the signing of a proven talent like Patrick.”
“To have the support of the team at Spirit Music Group and Electric 88 Music is really a dream come true,” adds Ridgen. “I couldn’t be happier to work with this team of exceptional creative executives.”
Margaret Jacobi Lee Joins The Orchard’s Nashville Office
/by Lorie HollabaughMargaret Jacobi Lee
Margaret Jacobi Lee has joined The Orchard as Senior Director of Marketing of the Nashville office. Lee joins the growing team and will report directly to Katie Studley, VP, Nashville.
Lee recently served as the Head of Marketing at AMFM, an artist management company representing Greta Van Fleet, Marcus King, St. Paul & The Broken Bones and more. She managed the digital team and developed comprehensive marketing campaigns at the company. Through previous experience at AWAL and Kobalt Label Services in New York, she has built artist resources, led brand initiatives and developed impactful release campaigns for acts such as The Strokes and Joss Stone.
“I’ve long admired The Orchard’s global footprint and their innovative data strategies. I’m excited to provide growth opportunities for artists in Nashville’s creative community with Katie Studley and a growing office,” shares Lee.
Luke Combs’ ‘Beautiful Crazy’ Earns Diamond Status
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Caryl Atwood (SVP, Commercial Partnerships, SMN), Ken Robold (EVP & COO, SMN), Luke Combs, Steve Hodges (EVP, Promotion & Artist Development, SMN), Rob Williford), Taylor Lindsey (SVP, A&R, SMN), Randy Goodman (Chairman & CEO, SMN) & Liz Cost, (VP, Marketing, SMN). Photo: David Bergman
Luke Combs‘ titanic hit “Beautiful Crazy” is officially Diamond-certified by the RIAA, meaning it has sold 10 million copies. The tune is only the sixth country song in RIAA history to achieve the feat.
Combs co-wrote “Beautiful Crazy” with Rob Williford and Wyatt Durrette as a bonus track to his 2017 debut album This One’s for You. Combs and Williford joined the Sony Music Nashville team to celebrate its Diamond certification at Comb’s CMA Fest Bootleggers Fan Club Party.
Combs performed “Beautiful Crazy” as part of his set at Nissan Stadium during Thursday night (June 8) of CMA Fest.
Chase McGill Enters The Top 5 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellChase McGill at ACM Songs & Stories, Powered by The Bluebird Cafe + NSAI held at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort on May 10, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Chase McGill moves from No. 7 to No. 5 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
McGill is a co-writer on Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Jordan Davis’ “Next Thing You Know,” Morgan Wallen’s “Ain’t That Some,” Luke Combs’ “5 Leaf Clover,” Luke Bryan’s “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” and Conner Smith’s “Creek Will Rise.”
Ashley Gorley marks another week at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Tracy Chapman (No. 2), Zach Bryan (No. 3) and Ryan Vojtesak (No. 4) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
The ‘Concert For Love & Acceptance’ Celebrates Powerful Night Of Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Shelly Fairchild, Jamie Floyd, and Ty Herndon perform together onstage during The Concert for Love & Acceptance hosted by GLAAD at Wildhorse Saloon. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for GLAAD
Ty Herndon and GLAAD’s “Concert for Love & Acceptance” presented an evening of music and unity on June 7 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, showcasing a coalition of artists and celebrities dedicated to accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
Maddie & Tae perform onstage during The Concert for Love & Acceptance. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for GLAAD
The concert featured performances from Herndon, Chrissy Metz, Maddie & Tae, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Sam Williams, Brooke Eden, Chapel Hart, Desmond Child, Billy Gilman, Jamie Floyd, Brandon Stansell, Bryan Ruby, Wendy Moten, Shelly Fairchild, Justin Fabus, Auti, Autumn Nicholas, Jada Cato, Jason Catron and Matt Bloyd.
Wendy Moten performs onstage during The Concert for Love & Acceptance. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for GLAAD
“With all that’s going on in the world, this event has gained a new level of significance. I’m so grateful to the artists and fans who came together to send a message of love and acceptance from here at CMA Fest to LGBTQ people all around the globe,” said Herndon.