The 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.
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.
Daily Lineups Announced For Born & Raised Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Born & Raised Music Festival in Pryor, Oklahoma has announced the daily lineups for its third annual festival set for Sept. 14-16.
The country and camping experience at the Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds will feature headliner Gary Allan on Thursday, Sept. 14 as well as sets from Wade Bowen, Reckless Kelly, Kaitlin Butts and the newest lineup addition Lance Roark, among others. Friday, Sept. 15 will include Texas band Whiskey Myers‘ headlining set and a late night set featuring The Texas Gentlemen in addition to performances from Ryan Bingham, Lukas Nelson + POTR, Flatland Cavalry and more. Oklahoma’s own Turnpike Troubadours to close out the festivities on Saturday, Sept. 16 along with Randy Rogers Band, Randy Houser, William Clark Green, The Red Clay Strays and more.
Additionally, Nicky James, Cliff Cody, Lucas Jagneaux & The Roadshow and John Goolsby will perform acoustic sets throughout the weekend.
The festival will also feature a kick-off celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 13 with a campground barbecue party featuring performances from 49 Winchester, The Damn Quails, Kat Hasty and Wyatt Flores. All three-day weekend passes include free access to the pre-party, along with a meal voucher to use during the kick-off celebration. Single day, weekend and camping passes are all on sale now. The campgrounds for Born & Raised will open on Sunday, Sept. 10 with General Admission and VIP camping options still available for purchase. For more information, click here.
Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark-Penned Musical ‘Shucked’ Wins Historic Tony Award
/by Caela GriffinAlex Newell as Lulu in Shucked at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City. Photo: Emilio Madrid
Shucked, the musical written by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally and produced by Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen alongside Broadway producer Mike Bosner, earned nine Tony nominations, and won one last night (June 11) at this year’s 76th annual awards ceremony.
Alex Newell made history as the first openly non-binary actor to win the Tony for Best Actor in a Featured Role In a Musical for their role as Lulu.
“To my entire building and cast and crew of Shucked, you are my rock. I love you all. Thank you for seeing me,” said Newell in their acceptance speech. “Broadway, I should not be up here as a queer, nonbinary, fat, Black little baby from Massachusetts. And to anyone that thinks that they can’t do it, I’m going to look you dead in your face and tell you that you can do anything you put your mind to.”
On the musical’s opening night (April 4), Newell’s powerhouse performance of the now-hit “Independently Owned” garnered the first of many standing ovations for the night.
Staged at New York City’s Nederlander Theater, Shucked is a tale from the heart of the heartlands helmed by prior Tony winners—featuring a book written by Robert Horn and direction by Jack O’Brien. The show is also nominated for 12 Drama Desk Awards, seven Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama League Awards.
The Shucked – Original Broadway Cast Recording is available on all streaming platforms and on CD. The album is produced by Jason Howland, Billy Jay Stein, and the show’s composers McAnally and Clark.
Bethany Mako Rejoins Warner Chappell Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughBethany Mako has rejoined Warner Chappell Music as A&R Manager.
Mako comes to Warner Chappell from Songs & Daughters, where she was a Creative Manager on the team, working closely with Nicolle Galyon, Lauren Watkins and Tiera Kennedy. Prior to joining Songs & Daughters, Mako started her career at Warner Chappell, rising through the ranks from intern to assistant and then A&R Coordinator.
“We’re so happy to welcome Bethany Mako back to Warner Chappell,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “She literally brightens up every room that she’s in and her passion for music and songwriters has always shined through in her work. We’re incredibly excited to have her back on the team, and I’m really looking forward to working with her during this new chapter of her career.”
“I started at Warner Chappell as a 19-year-old intern, so it feels surreal to be back in this role,” says Mako. “I’m so grateful to Ben Vaughn, Phil May, and the rest of the team for being so supportive and welcoming me back with open arms. Warner Chappell is home to the best songwriters in the world, and it is an honor to be a part of their careers!”
Naomi Cooke Johnson Signs Solo Deal With BMG/BBR Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughNaomi Cooke Johnson. Photo: P Tracy
Naomi Cooke Johnson, former lead vocalist of Runaway June, has signed with BMG/BBR Music Group. The upbeat “Girls of Summer” is the first taste of new music from Cooke Johnson as a solo artist, and is set for release June 23.
Raised in rural Virginia, Cooke Johnson was given her first guitar at age seven. By 15, she was helping support her family by waiting tables in a Florida restaurant until the seas of Alaska came calling, and she took a job as a deckhand on a salmon fishing boat.
She later moved to Nashville and began playing late night gigs at the legendary Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge as a staff musician. Leaning on influences like Bonnie Raitt and Shania Twain, Cooke Johnson began crafting songs about her life’s struggles and determination to overcome them. During her time as part of Runaway June, she helped craft many of the group’s hits, including the Gold-certified top 5 hit “Buy My Own Drinks.”
“Naomi’s evolution as an artist inspired us to write this next chapter together. Her spirited approach to songwriting, unbridled creativity and dogged persistence of her singular vision offers something unique to the world of music,” says BMG/ BBR Music Group GM Peter Strickland.
“I could not be more excited to be back with BMG/BBR Music Group,” says Cooke Johnson. “The teams in Nashville and around the world are unparalleled. They have fully embraced my vision, identity and the music I am creating…this time as Naomi Cooke Johnson.”
Cooke Johnson has also signed with artist management team Fusion Music/Red Light Management and inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.