The Country Music Association has announced the launch of a new membership structure that features four tiers of membership—Student, Industry, Professional and Lifetime. With the restructure, CMA aims to offer both prospective and current music industry personnel access to professional development, educational programming, mental health resources, opportunities for intentional connection and so much more.
The Student tier is completely free and offered to high school or college students aged 16 or older (or high school/college-aged individuals) who are interested in working within the music industry, whether that is the Country Music industry or beyond. Student members will receive access to internships and apprenticeships, tailored and intentional programming (including access to CMA’s collegiate professional development program, CMA EDU), as well as opportunity for community building.
The Industry tier is offered to both current and prospective music industry professionals who don’t work the majority of time in country music. Industry members see value in being connected to CMA and have access to a portion of membership benefits. The Industry tier costs $25 annually.
The Professional tier is offered to industry professionals who primarily work within country music. Professional members receive access to research and insights, professional development opportunities, thoughtful community connection, healthcare guidance, customer/client cultivation, mentoring, CMA’s member directory, opportunities to purchase event tickets and more. Professional members are invited to vote for the CMA Awards and other industry honors if they meet additional criteria. Financial assistance is available to assist with annual dues ($100) through scholarships and individual sponsorships.
The Lifetime tier is offered to various individuals who have achieved prominent industry accolades. Lifetime members receive all benefits provided to Professional members, in addition to specialized communication and a premier level of community connection.
“As part of our strategic planning, every few years, we take a deeper look at CMA’s operations to ensure that we are set up for success,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “In looking specifically at CMA Membership, we saw the need to not only create growth opportunities with our industry’s future in mind, but to also ensure our organization and what we offer our industry remains relevant. It’s important that our business recognize why CMA exists and how we can be instrumental not only in the genre’s success, but the success of each and every individual who has an investment or interest in country music. We are excited to continue to support our current members, and we look forward to welcoming new members into CMA.”
“Throughout the past several years, including the work we did to support our industry through the pandemic, we truly understand the value of listening,” adds Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “We cannot assume we know what our members want. What excites me most is seeing how feedback from those within country music and even music industry professionals working in other genres has directly influenced what CMA Membership has become. We recognize the importance of wrapping our arms around individuals even before they step foot into our industry, and we intend to support them throughout their careers.”
Current CMA members can access a brand-new member website by logging into CMAmember.com. Additional content and information will continue to be featured for members to frequently engage with. Prospective members are also encouraged to visit the new website to learn more about what CMA membership can offer and to find out which tier is best suited for their own professional journey.
CMA Launches New Membership Tiers
/by LB CantrellThe Country Music Association has announced the launch of a new membership structure that features four tiers of membership—Student, Industry, Professional and Lifetime. With the restructure, CMA aims to offer both prospective and current music industry personnel access to professional development, educational programming, mental health resources, opportunities for intentional connection and so much more.
The Student tier is completely free and offered to high school or college students aged 16 or older (or high school/college-aged individuals) who are interested in working within the music industry, whether that is the Country Music industry or beyond. Student members will receive access to internships and apprenticeships, tailored and intentional programming (including access to CMA’s collegiate professional development program, CMA EDU), as well as opportunity for community building.
The Industry tier is offered to both current and prospective music industry professionals who don’t work the majority of time in country music. Industry members see value in being connected to CMA and have access to a portion of membership benefits. The Industry tier costs $25 annually.
The Professional tier is offered to industry professionals who primarily work within country music. Professional members receive access to research and insights, professional development opportunities, thoughtful community connection, healthcare guidance, customer/client cultivation, mentoring, CMA’s member directory, opportunities to purchase event tickets and more. Professional members are invited to vote for the CMA Awards and other industry honors if they meet additional criteria. Financial assistance is available to assist with annual dues ($100) through scholarships and individual sponsorships.
The Lifetime tier is offered to various individuals who have achieved prominent industry accolades. Lifetime members receive all benefits provided to Professional members, in addition to specialized communication and a premier level of community connection.
“As part of our strategic planning, every few years, we take a deeper look at CMA’s operations to ensure that we are set up for success,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “In looking specifically at CMA Membership, we saw the need to not only create growth opportunities with our industry’s future in mind, but to also ensure our organization and what we offer our industry remains relevant. It’s important that our business recognize why CMA exists and how we can be instrumental not only in the genre’s success, but the success of each and every individual who has an investment or interest in country music. We are excited to continue to support our current members, and we look forward to welcoming new members into CMA.”
“Throughout the past several years, including the work we did to support our industry through the pandemic, we truly understand the value of listening,” adds Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “We cannot assume we know what our members want. What excites me most is seeing how feedback from those within country music and even music industry professionals working in other genres has directly influenced what CMA Membership has become. We recognize the importance of wrapping our arms around individuals even before they step foot into our industry, and we intend to support them throughout their careers.”
Current CMA members can access a brand-new member website by logging into CMAmember.com. Additional content and information will continue to be featured for members to frequently engage with. Prospective members are also encouraged to visit the new website to learn more about what CMA membership can offer and to find out which tier is best suited for their own professional journey.
Louis York To Release New Sophomore LP, ‘Songs With Friends,’ Featuring Guest Collabs
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville-based artists/producers Louis York will release their sophomore album Songs with Friends later this year. “Heaven Bound,” the album’s first single featuring vocals from pop songstress Jessie J, is out now.
The powerful duo and creation of songwriting and production team Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony, Louis York has worked with a bevy of high profile artists. Their new album is stacked with collaborations, including tracks with Lalah Hathaway, PJ Morton, Chris Daughtry, and Breland, among others.
“We have a big history of hit-making with Jessie J,” explained the duo. “We have topped the charts, broken records and made the world dance several times over. Louis York pairing with one of the best singers on the planet is a force of nature. ‘Heaven Bound’ shows the best of all three of us. This duet is from the heart. It’s soulful, anthemic and undeniable. A perfect introduction to Songs with Friends.”
Songs with Friends follows the group’s 2019 debut album American Griots – The Album, which featured a collection of stand-out tracks, all written and produced by Harmony and Kelly. From singles “How Will I Feel,” which showcased the duo’s songwriting craft, to the country-inspired “Teach Me a Song,” which featured Jimmie Allen, the album was praised by The Today Show, PBS Newshour, The Tennessean, Billboard, NPR, Grammy.com and Paste magazine.
Most recently, Louis York executive produced the Tennessee State University marching band’s debut album The Urban Hymnal, which took home the Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. In addition to being featured artists on the album track “Blessings On Blessings,” the duo were also co-writers and co-producers on the album.
Kassi Ashton Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Grand Ole Opry, photo by Chris Hollo
MCA Nashville artist Kassi Ashton made her Grand Ole Opry debut on March 15, paying homage to those who have stood in the historic circle before her with a special opening song.
The Missouri native started her Opry set with a rendition of the Sammi Smith classic, “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” explaining to the audience the promise she made to herself when she was young that when she got the chance to stand in that spot, she would sing one of the tunes from her Queens of Country songbook. Ashton also performed her brand new single “Drive You Out of My Mind,” which is at radio now.
“I tried to soak up as much of the history, talent and magic of the circle my boots could hold,” says Ashton. “It went straight to my heart. My roots are still singing with joy.”
The soulful singer is currently on the road with Old Dominion for the band’s “No Bad Vibes Tour” and will also play the 50th Annual CMA Fest in Nashville in June.
Industry Ink: Zac Brown Band, Brantley Gilbert, Tenille Townes
/by Liza AndersonZac Brown Band Celebrates Sold-Out Show At RodeoHouston
Zac Brown Band performing for a sold-out crowd during RodeoHouston. Photo: Tyler Lord
Zac Brown Band brought a sold-out crowd of over 72,000 people to NRG Stadium on Sunday, March 5 during RodeoHouston.
The Grammy-winning group performed classics such as “Home Grown,” “Keep Me In Mind” and “Toes,” and also surprised fans with a rendition of The Allman Brothers‘ “Whipping Post” fueled by soothing guitar and drum solos. Their country ballad, “Colder Weather,” prompted attendees to put their phones up and illuminate the arena. They then concluded with a cover of “America, The Beautiful” and their smash hit “Chicken Fried.”
Brantley Gilbert Earns Multi-Platinum RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg and Scott Borchetta, Brantley Gilbert, The Valory Music Co.’s Ashley Sidoti, Chris Palmer and George Briner. Photo: Nick Rau
Brantley Gilbert recently celebrated multiple Platinum RIAA certifications for his six-time Platinum “Bottoms Up,” double Platinum “One Hell Of An Amen” and double Platinum “The Weekend.”
Gilbert is set to release an extended version of his album So Help Me God next month, and will hit the road with Nickelback on the “2023 Get Rollin’ Tour” this summer.
Tenille Townes Takes Home Country Album Of The Year At The 2023 JUNO Awards
Tenille Townes at the 2023 JUNO Awards. Photo: CARAS/iPhoto
Tenille Townes claimed her second Country Album of the Year win with her project Masquerades at the 2023 JUNO Awards on Monday, March 13. She previously won Country Album of the Year in 2021 for her debut album The Lemonade Stand.
During the ceremony, Townes performed an acoustic rendition of “Where You Are” as well as “The Sound of Being Alone” from her latest award-winning collection. She will continue her “Side A + B Tour,” an expansion of her successful Canadian run earlier this year, starting next month in Newport, Kentucky.
In Pictures: CRS 2023
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): CRB’s RJ Curtis and Garth Brooks. Photo: CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2023 wrapped up on Wednesday, March 15, after three days of performances, panels and sessions.
Attendees enjoyed a full-day Streaming Summit, insightful panels, “Power Hour” sessions, mentoring breakfasts and featured interviews with Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney. Anchor CRS events such as the Amazon Music Presents: “Country Heat at CRS” showcase, Warner Music Nashville’s Luncheon, Bob Kingsley‘s Acoustic Alley, “Team UMG” at the Ryman, Big Machine Label Group’s Luncheon, Lainey Wilson‘s Bell Bottom Music Celebration, “Paddle Royale” Ping Pong Tournament, and the New Faces of Country Music showcase and dinner, were also big hits.
Next year’s CRS will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 28 through Friday, March 1. Registration for the event will open later this year.
Gabby Barrett and Colton Dixon perform a duet during the Warner Music Nashville Luncheon. Photo: CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
The New Faces of Country Music Class of 2023. Pictured (L-R): Nate Smith, Priscilla Block, Jackson Dean, Jelly Roll and Frank Ray. Photo: CRB/CRS/Hunter Berry
Pictured (L-R): CRB’s RJ Curtis, CMT’s Cody Alan, Visionary Media Group’s Anastasia Brown, Julia Cole, O.N.E The Duo, Miko Marks, Ashley Cooke, CMT’s Leslie Fram and BMI’s Shannon Saunders. Photo: CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen
Black River artists at the Black River cocktail party at The Palm during CRS. Pictured (L-R): Ray Fulcher, Kelsea Ballerini, MaRynn Taylor and Josiah Siska.
Sony Staff and The CORE Entertainment with New Faces honoree Nate Smith. Pictured (L-R): Lyndsay Church, Adam Davis, Suzanne Davis, Helena Akhtar, Houston Gaither, Amy Menz, Nate Smith, Ali O’Connell, Taylor Manns, Chief Zaruk, Paul Grosser and Simon Tikhman.
Kenny Chensey and BMI execs backstage at “The Artist Interview,” presented by BMI. Pictured (L-R): Jose Gonzalez, Leslie Roberts, Kenny Chesney, David Levin and Dan Spears.
Chris Lane, Champion of the “Paddle Royale” Ping Pong Tournament. Photo: CRB/CRS/Hunter Berry
Carly Pearce Unveils New Track From Upcoming Live Album
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Big Machine Records
Carly Pearce has released “Should’ve Known Better (Live From Music City),” the latest preview of her upcoming album 29: Written in Stone (Live from Music City), out March 24 on Big Machine Records.
Produced by Pearce alongside David Clauss, the album marks the country star’s first live album and serves as a retelling of her album 29, recorded during an intimate concert at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works. The performance featured appearances from special guests Ashley McBryde (“Never Wanted To Be That Girl”), Lee Brice (“I Hope You’re Happy Now”), The Isaacs (“Easy Going”), Matthew West (“Truth Be Told”) and Jenee Fleenor (“29”).
Previously released tracks from the project include “What He Didn’t Do (Live From Music City)” and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl (Live From Music City).”
Pearce will perform at this year’s CMT Music Awards on April 2, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount +. She is up for two awards this year: Female Video of the Year (“What He Didn’t Do”) and CMT Performance of the Year (LeAnn Rimes with Ashley McBryde and Pearce – “One Way Ticket”). Ahead of the show, Pearce will kick off CMT’s all-new series of specials with CMT Defining: Carly Pearce on March 30.
29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City) Track Listing:
1. “Diamondback (Live From Music City)”
2. “What He Didn’t Do (Live From Music City)”
3. “Easy Going (Live From Music City)”
4. “Dear Miss Loretta (Live From Music City)”
5. “Next Girl (Live From Music City)”
6. “Should’ve Known Better (Live From Music City)”
7. “29 (Live From Music City)”
8. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl (Live From Music City)” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
9. “Your Drinkin’, My Problem (Live From Music City)”
10. “Liability (Live From Music City)”
11. “Messy (Live From Music City)”
12. “Show Me Around (Live From Music City)”
13. “Day One (Live From Music City)”
14. “All The Whiskey In The World (Live From Music City)”
15. “Mean It This Time (Live From Music City)”
16. “Truth Be Told (Live From Music City)” – Carly Pearce and Matthew West
17. “Every Little Thing (Live From Music City)”
18. “Hide The Wine (Live From Music City)”
19. “I Hope You’re Happy Now (Live From Music City)” – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
Bailey Zimmerman Slates Full Length Debut ‘Religiously. The Album.’ For May
/by Lorie HollabaughBailey Zimmerman. Photo: Spidey Smith
Bailey Zimmerman has announced he’ll release his full-length debut, Religiously. The Album., on May 12 via Warner Music Nashville/Elektra.
Zimmerman co-wrote 11 of the 16 tracks on the new project, including the soaring title-track, “Religiously,” out today.
“The past two years of my life have been insane and the fact that I get to release my first ever album is so surreal,” Zimmerman shares. “Thank you to everyone that has had my back through thick and thin. I will never be able to repay y’all for the love and support, this album is for you.”
The rising singer-songwriter was also recently announced as a first-time 2023 CMT Music Awards nominee, receiving a nod in the Breakthrough Male Video of the Year category for his Platinum-selling, No 1. debut “Fall In Love,” as well as the Male Video of the Year category for current single “Rock And A Hard Place.” The Platinum-certified hit is No. 2 at country radio now, continues its reign as one of the Top 3 most-streamed country songs of the year in the U.S., has earned nearly 550 million global streams to date and is currently Top 20 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 chart.
Zimmerman’s 2022 record-shattering debut EP, Leave The Light On, made history upon release as not only the most-streamed all-genre debut of 2022, but also the biggest streaming country debut of all time. He has earned more than 1.5 billion career streams to date, and was ranked as Billboard’s 2022 No. 2 Top New Country Artist and No. 4 Top New Artist across all genres.
Programming Revealed For 2nd Annual CMT Music Awards Week
/by Lorie HollabaughCMT has announced a slew of specials slated for the second annual CMT Music Awards Week March 27-April 2.
The stacked week of original programming includes the debut of a brand-new series CMT Defining, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of CMT Next Women of Country, on March 30. CMT Defining will highlight a featured female artist as they walk filmmakers through their personal and professional past, present and future with a goal of defining who they are as an artist. Next Women of Country alum Carly Pearce will kick off the series, sharing a one-of-a-kind look back at her career and the milestones that shaped it, from her arrival in Nashville over a decade ago, to her rise to stardom and latest critically-acclaimed album, 29: Written In Stone.
CMT’S Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner are set to host the CMT Music Awards Nominee Special, a half-hour celebration featuring the star-packed list of CMT Awards nominees, on March 27.
The week will also consist of two new CMT Storytellers spotlighting Kane Brown, on March 28, and Dierks Bentley, on March 29, as they share never-before-heard stories about how their hits came to be.
The CMT Music Awards will then return to CMT on April 2 at 7 p.m. CT, followed by the inaugural CBS broadcast of the CMT Music Awards Extended Cut, featuring 30 extra minutes of bonus content and never-before-seen performances on April 6 at 7 p.m. CT.
Date Announced For 2023 Billboard Music Awards
/by LB CantrellThe 2023 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) will take place on Sunday, Nov. 19. Additional details regarding this year’s show will be announced soon by Billboard and Dick Clark Productions.
Winners for the BBMAs are determined by performance on the Billboard charts. This year’s awards are based on music consumption reflected on charts dated Nov. 19, 2022 through Oct. 21, 2023. Billboard Music Award winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including audio and video streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay and touring.
Last year, Taylor Swift took home four awards, including for Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Female Artist and Top Country Album (Red (Taylor’s Version)). Morgan Wallen walked away with Top Country Male Artist, while Dan + Shay won their third trophy for Top Country Duo/Group. Eric Church took home the award for Top Country Tour and Walker Hayes earned the trophy for Top Country Song for his smash mega-hit “Fancy Like.”
Randy Travis, Joe Nichols, More Added To ‘Still Playin’ Possum’ Tribute Show
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones” has added Aaron Lewis, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, Dillon Carmichael, Gretchen Wilson, Joe Nichols, Randy Travis and Sara Evans to the growing list of performers for the tribute show on April 25.
Set to take place at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the event will be filmed for an upcoming television special, and features tributes to Jones and his enduring legend. Among the special moments on tap for the evening are Wynonna and Jamey Johnson paying tribute to George & Tammy Wynette in a special performance of “Golden Ring.”
With the recent configuration of the stage, the producers of the show are releasing around 300 extra tickets, which will go on sale today through TicketMaster and the Von Braun Box Office. In addition, the Nancy Jones VIP dinner, taking place the night before the concert at the Von Braun Center Ballroom, will include appearances by Travis, Jeannie Pruett, songwriter Billy Yates, Tony Jackson and others to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are $200 and will include a sit-down meal as well as a photo opportunity with Nancy Jones.
“I am so thankful to the loyal fans of country music. George’s music still lives on and I am so honored that so many of George’s fellow artists and friends have agreed to come to celebrate him,” says Nancy Jones. “This special night would not be the same without so many people doing what they do best – from the producers of the show to the artists bringing their voices to the fans buying the tickets.”