Filmore Readies His Second LP, ‘Mean Something,’ For Release This Friday

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Filmore. Photo: Harrison Shook

Curb Records recording artist Filmore is set to release his second LP, Mean Something. Comprised of songs he released throughout 2022, the project is available everywhere tomorrow (Jan. 13).

The 11-track collection includes the title track, “Who Cares,” and his latest release, “USA (feat. Pitbull).” Mean Something was produced by Zach Abend, Jordan Schmidt and Sam Bergeson.

Filmore made his major label debut in 2020 with the release of State I’m In, and has quickly amassed more than 236 million career streams. Prior to being signed, the Wildwood, Missouri native was the first independent artist to be featured on Spotify’s Hot Country cover.

The rising singer-songwriter has honed his live show with opening slots for artists such as Sam Hunt, Blake Shelton, Pitbull, Carrie Underwood, Dan + Shay and Lauren Alaina. He’s also been featured on festival lineups for Stagecoach, Watershed, CMA Fest and Country Thunder.

Mean Something Track List:
1. Somewhere With Beer
2. Girl Back
3. Leave Me A Memory
4. Falling Out Of Love
5. Without Tennessee
6. If That Ain’t Country
7. USA (feat. Pitbull)
8. One Last Time
9. Johnny Got A Girl
10. Bar In Belize
11. Mean Something

Spotify Reveals 2023 Country Artists To Watch, Exec. Rachel Whitney Gives Insight

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Spotify has been rolling out its Artist To Watch campaign throughout the week, revealing its predictions for the stars of 2023.

On Thursday (Jan. 12), Hot Country, Spotify’s flagship country music playlist, revealed the roster of emerging country artists who they predict to take the scene by storm in 2023.

Hot Country’s 2023 Artists To Watch include Avery Anna, Dylan Marlowe, Ella Langley, Ernest, 49 Winchester, Jackson Dean, Josh Ross, Megan Moroney, Restless Road and Tanner Adell.

Anna, a Nashville singer-songwriter, is most known for her 2022 single “Narcissist.” Marlowe appeared on the scene with his viral remake of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License” and has since been making waves with his breakup track “Goodbye Gets Around.”

Langley has been impressing with her unique blend of country and rock on “Country Boy’s Dream Girl,” while 49 Winchester is a Virginia-based group known for its unique brand of alt-country, rock-n-roll and folk.

Ernest built on his success as a country songwriter in the last year with his very successful collaboration with Morgan Wallen, “Flower Shops.” Dean also hit it big with his outlaw country song, “Don’t Come Lookin’,” which was recently featured in Yellowstone.

Ross, a Canadian singer-songwriter, hit the top of the charts up north this past year with his singles “First Taste of Gone” and “On a Different Night.” Moroney became a viral sensation with “Tennessee Orange” and recently released her debut EP Pistol Made of Roses.

Restless Road built on the success of their collaboration with Kane Brown, “Take Me Home,” with the release of “Growing Old With You.” Adell is bringing a new vibe to country music with her dance-worthy singles “Country Girl Commandments” and “Honky Tonky Heartbreak.”

Of the 10 artists Spotify has highlighted, Nashville Head of Editorial Rachel Whitney says that this list represents a wide range of country music that has performed well on Spotify.

“As we came back in full force last year, it became even clearer that there is no one style that encompasses country music today,” Whitney tells MusicRow. “Our Hot Country Artists To Watch encompass a wide range of sounds and influences. The music they’re creating, and the connection they’re making with fans, is broader than ever and we are thrilled for fans to hear these exciting artists in 2023 and beyond.

“Each of the artists on our list this year has forged their own path to success,” she continues. “For example, Megan Moroney released a viral smash with ‘Tennessee Orange,’ 49 Winchester has built loyal listeners through dedicated time on the road, Dylan Marlowe originally caught our attention with a unique cover, and Ernest broke into the artist arena after years of writing hit songs behind-the-scenes. Several of the artists on this list found success through our Fresh Finds Country playlist, like Tanner Adell who played our Fresh Finds stage at CMA Fest last summer and blew everyone away. The one thing they all have in common is that our Hot Country listeners love their music!”

As for 2023, Whitney says she expects the spectrum of country music to only get wider.

“Country music has expanded into a mix of different sounds over the years, and the doors are open to new artists in ways they haven’t been before. I’m looking forward to hearing artists and producers integrate more of the cutting edge sounds they like, and likewise hearing others get back to their roots and slimming down production, as long as they’re getting music out the door in the way that is most authentic to them. Fans on Spotify are here for all of it, and I am sure we’ll continue to program a wide variety of songs on Hot Country to great success.”

Birthplace Of Country Music Museum Receives Grants For $1 Million Expansion

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A $1,050,000 grant from a number of sources will help the nonprofit organization The Birthplace of Country Music move forward on an expansion project for the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, located in Historic Downtown Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee.

The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission approved $500,000 for the BCM expansion as part of its mission to generate economic growth in agriculture and tourism sectors and attract new businesses to Southwest Virginia.

“The funding from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission will enable us to move forward on applying for historic and new market tax credits,” said Leah Ross, Executive Director of Advancement for BCM. “Grant funding and tax credits ensures we’ll be able to open with zero debt.”

In December of last year, the United States Congress signed the FY 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act into law. This omnibus included $500,000 of Community Project Funding to assist BCM with the building project.

BCM was also awarded $50,000 from the Genan Foundation, a private philanthropic foundation created in 1987 by the late Anne and Gene Worrell, who owned and operated Worrell Newspapers. The company started in Bristol and eventually purchased the Bristol Herald Courier, then expanded to include more than 30 papers across the country.

The former Automotive Service & Supply building, located next door to the museum, was donated to BCM in 2014 by local businessman Joseph R. Gregory and his wife Cindy. According to Bristol, Virginia tax records, the two-story, 7,800 foot structure—now referred to as the Annex—was constructed in 1881. The application form for downtown’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places indicates it was built circa 1900 and originally used as a grain, feed, fertilizer and cement warehouse.

BCM plans for the building include a new special exhibit area and climate-controlled archival storage, in addition to adding offices, restrooms and event space. Some work has already been done to shore up the building’s structure and dig an elevator shaft. The project is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete once construction starts, and the $3.6 million renovation will increase the museum’s size to 41,000 square feet.

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is part of parent company BCM’s mission to perpetuate, promote, and celebrate Bristol’s rich music heritage. Through the museum, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival and WBCM Radio Bristol, BCM seeks to educate and engage audiences worldwide regarding the history, impact, and legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions from which BCM derives its name; and to create recognition, opportunities, and economic benefit for BCM’s local and regional communities.

Country Music Hall Of Fame Launches ‘Night Train To Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues’ As Online Exhibit

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has unveiled its newest online exhibit, “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues, 1945-1970,” which is available to access for free on the museum’s website.

The multimedia exhibit explores the story of Nashville’s vibrant and pioneering R&B scene and its important role in helping the city become a world-renowned music center. The online exhibit revisits, updates and preserves the museum’s award-winning “Night Train” physical exhibit, which was featured in its 5,000-square-foot temporary gallery space from March 2004 to December 2005.

Hatch Show Print poster announcing Earl Gaines and Jimmy Beck at the New Era Club, c. 1959. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

“Night Train to Nashville” explores Nashville’s R&B activity in the decades following World War II. As Nashville’s country music industry was just getting started, the city was also a hotbed for R&B in the late 1940s,’50s and ’60s, with celebrated performers including Country Music Hall of Fame member Ray Charles, Arthur Alexander, Ruth Brown, Jimi Hendrix, Etta James and Little Richard, among others contributing to the city’s rich musical heritage. During this time, R&B reigned alongside country in the city’s clubs and studios, on radio and on nationally syndicated television.

The multimedia exhibit showcases historic photos, performance videos and audio recordings, as well as instruments, show posters, stage wear and other rare items featured in the original exhibit.

“The ‘Night Train to Nashville’ story provides important context about how R&B played a vital role in Nashville becoming ‘Music City,’” explains Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Similar to the original exhibit in 2004, the online version offers a multidimensional vantage point from which to consider the era’s race relations and the city’s Black musical culture, and how they affected the making of this incredible music and Nashville’s evolution. As the city developed into a major recording center, it did so against a background of urban change and at a time when racial barriers were tested and sometimes broken on bandstands, inside recording studios and on the airwaves.”

To mark the launch of the online exhibit, the museum will host a free conversation and performance with key members of the historic Nashville R&B music scene in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). On Jan. 25 in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ford Theater, Levert Allison (of the Fairfield Four), Jimmy Church, Peggy Gaines Walker, Frank Howard, Charles “Wigg” Walker and other participants will perform. The museum’s Michael Gray and NMAAM’s Dr. Bryan Pierce will join the discussion. Tickets are available here.

The museum will also mount a physical “Night Train to Nashville” exhibit in its galleries in January 2024, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the original exhibit.

Nashville Artists Rack Up Nominations At 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Kelsea Ballerini and Bailey Zimmerman

The nominees for the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards have been unveiled. Marking the award show’s tenth year, the ceremony will take place on March 27 at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to celebrate 2022’s most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app. Fans can watch the awards live from 7-9 p.m. CT on FOX. The event will also be broadcasted on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.

Across more than 35 categories for the 2023 awards, Nashville artists racked up an impressive 30 nominations. Leading the pack among this year’s country nominees are Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen, who each received three nods.

Underwood is nominated for Country Artist of the Year, as well as the socially voted Favorite Tour Style and Favorite Residency (“Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency”). Wallen has hit hat in the ring for Country Artist of the Year, Country Song of the Year and the socially voted Best Lyrics category for “Wasted On You.”

Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Also present in the Country Song of the Year category are “Half Of My Hometown” (Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney), which also got an all-genre nod for Best Collaboration;  as well as “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis feat. Luke Bryan), also nominated for Best Lyrics; “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” (Cole Swindell); and “The Kind Of Love We Make” (Luke Combs).

Combs also saw his name among the nominees for Country Artist of the Year, alongside Underwood, Wallen, Jason Aldean and Kane Brown. On tap for Best New Country Artist are Cody Johnson, Elvie Shane and Priscilla Block, as well as Bailey Zimmerman and Elle King, both of whom earned a second nomination. Zimmerman got a nod for the Social Star Award, while King is among the nominees for Best Collaboration for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” with Miranda Lambert.

Parmalee. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Parmalee received a nomination for Best Duo/ Group of the Year, making them the only country act in the category.

Among the other country nominees are Sheryl Crow (Favorite Documentary, Sheryl) and Shania Twain, who got two nods for Favorite Documentary (Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl) and Favorite Residency (“Let’s Go!”).

Country-turned-pop starlet Taylor Swift earned a staggering seven nominations, five of which include social categories. Among her other nods are Song of the Year for “Anti-Hero” and Artist of the Year. Rising Nashville-based artist Gayle also racked up 2 nominations for Best New Pop Artist and Best Lyrics (“Abcdefu”).

Social voting for categories, such as Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Best Fan Army, the Social Star Award, TikTok Bop of the Year, Favorite Documentary, Favorite Tour Style and more, is open now through March 20. Fans can vote on Twitter using the appropriate category and nominee hashtags or by clicking here.

Producer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year nominees will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional categories include Label of the Year and individual winners for Album of the Year in pop, country, alternative, rock, dance, hip-hop, R&B, Latin and regional Mexican formats.

For a full list of nominees, click here.

Partial List Of 2023 iHeartRadio Music Awards Nominees:
Song of the Year:
“About Damn Time” – Lizzo
“Anti-Hero” – Taylor Swift
“As It Was” – Harry Styles
“Big Energy” – Latto
“Enemy (from the series Arcane League of Legends)” – Imagine Dragons
“First Class” – Jack Harlow
“Ghost”- Justin Bieber
“Heat Waves” – Glass Animals
“INDUSTRY BABY” – Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow
“Woman” – Doja Cat

Artist of the Year:
Beyoncé
Doja Cat
Drake
Dua Lipa
Harry Styles
Jack Harlow
Justin Bieber
Lizzo
Taylor Swift
The Weeknd

Best Duo/Group of the Year:
AJR
Black Eyed Peas
BLACKPINK
Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
Glass Animals
Imagine Dragons
Måneskin
OneRepublic
Parmalee
Red Hot Chili Peppers

Best Collaboration:
“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” – Elle King & Miranda Lambert
“Cold Heart” – Elton John & Dua Lipa
“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini ft. Kenny Chesney
“I Like You (A Happier Song)” – Post Malone ft. Doja Cat
“INDUSTRY BABY” – Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow
“One Right Now” – Post Malone & The Weeknd
“Sweetest Pie” – Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa
“Unholy” – Sam Smith & Kim Petras
“WAIT FOR U” – Future ft. Drake & Tems
“You Right” – Doja Cat ft. The Weeknd

Best New Pop Artist:
Dove Cameron
GAYLE
Jax
Nicky Youre
Steve Lacy

Country Song of the Year:
“Buy Dirt” – Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan
“half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini ft. Kenny Chesney
“She Had Me At Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell
“The Kind of Love We Make” – Luke Combs
“Wasted On You” – Morgan Wallen

Country Artist of the Year:
Carrie Underwood
Jason Aldean
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen

Best New Country Artist:
Bailey Zimmerman
Cody Johnson
Elle King
Elvie Shane
Priscilla Block

Best Lyrics: *Socially Voted Category
“About Damn Time” – Lizzo
“abcdefu” – GAYLE
“Anti-Hero” – Taylor Swift
“Buy Dirt”- Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan
“Glimpse Of Us”- Joji
“Lift Me Up”- Rihanna
“N95” – Kendrick Lamar
“pushin P” – Gunna ft. Future, Young Thug
“Super Freaky Girl” – Nicki Minaj
“Wasted On You” – Morgan Wallen
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” – Lin-Manuel Miranda performed by the Cast of Encanto

Social Star Award: *Socially Voted Category
Bailey Zimmerman
Charli D’Amelio
Em Beihold
GAYLE
GloRilla
JVKE
Lauren Spencer-Smith
Yung Gravy

Favorite Documentary: *Socially Voted Category
Halftime – Jennifer Lopez
Life in Pink – Machine Gun Kelly
Love, Lizzo– Lizzo
Niall Horan’s Homecoming: The Road to Mullingar with Lewis Capaldi – Niall Horan + Lewis Capaldi
Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me – Selena Gomez
Shania Twain: Not Just a Girl – Shania Twain
Sheryl – Sheryl Crow
Untrapped: The Story of Lil Baby – Lil Baby

Favorite Residency: *Socially Voted Category
“An Evening with Silk Sonic” – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
“Enigma + Jazz & Piano” – Lady Gaga
“Let’s Go!” – Shania Twain
“Love In Las Vegas”- John Legend
“Love On Tour” – Harry Styles
“Play”- Katy Perry
“REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency” – Carrie Underwood
“Usher: My Way – The Las Vegas Residency” – Usher
“Weekends with Adele” – Adele

AIMP Elects Michael Lau As National Chair

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Michael Lau.

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP)’s Executive Committee has unanimously elected Michael Lau as National Chair for 2023-2024. Lau, the owner of independent music publishing companies Imachew Music and Middle Foot Music, was also re-elected to a second two-year term as President of the AIMP New York Chapter.

As National Chair, Lau will work with the Executive Committee to lead the coordination of efforts between all four Chapters—Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville and New York—to help ensure the organization stays true to its mission. He will provide guidance on the planning and execution of educational events and coordinate outreach to bolster the independent music publishing community.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve as AIMP National Chair, and I would like to thank the Executive Committee for putting their trust in me,” shares Lau. “As the music industry continues to evolve, it is our duty to educate the independent music publishing community on how new trends, legislation and technology will affect them, as well as advocate for their interests. I look forward to carrying that mission forward in the massive footsteps of previous National Chairs John Ozier and Teri Nelson Carpenter.”

In addition to his work with the AIMP, Lau is a member of the Operations Committee of The MLC. He serves on the Advisory Boards of Jammber and MyPart Inc., is an Advisor and Mentor for the NYU Steinhardt Music Business Program’s Entrepreneurship course, and is an Alumni Mentor at Berklee College of Music.

The AIMP Executive Committee, which consists of each regional Chapter’s President and Vice President, meets monthly to discuss national initiatives and coordinate regional activities. In addition to Lau, the 2023-2024 Committee consists of Atlanta Chapter President Tony D. Alexander (Made in Memphis Entertainment), Atlanta Chapter Vice President Crystal Morris (Digital Royalty Distribution), Los Angeles Chapter President Marc Caruso (Angry Mob Music), Los Angeles Chapter Vice President Frank Handy (Position Music), Nashville Chapter President Ree Guyer (Wrensong), Nashville Chapter Vice President Duff Berschback (Concord Music Publishing) and New York Chapter Vice President Debbie Rose (Sundae Songs, LLC).

Bailey Zimmerman Named Apple Music Up Next Artist

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Record-breaking artist Bailey Zimmerman has joined Apple Music’s Up Next program, their monthly initiative centered around identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent.

The small town Illinois native went from spending long hours at his family car dealership and late nights doing roadwork on the gas pipeline, to a major label record deal and back-to-back Platinum hits in under two years.

Upon the release of his EP, Leave the Light On, in October 2022, Zimmerman broke the record for biggest country debut EP of all time by first-day streams on Apple Music worldwide. His music has also reached the Daily Top 100 in 13 countries, and last year, he saw an increase in streams of over 1,600 percent on Apple Music worldwide.

“I still wake up every day feeling so unbelievably grateful for all the support y’all have shown me since I quit my job to make music two years ago,” says Zimmerman. “To be named an Up Next Artist by Apple is truly a dream come true. God is so good! I’m so thankful for y’all.”

In his exclusive Apple Music short film, out now, Zimmerman takes fans to his favorite spots in Nashville, and gives a glimpse into his world of writing and producing music with his friends and producers. Additionally, he sat down for an interview with Apple Music’s Kelleigh Bannen, where he discussed his dream collaborations, what’s next for him this year and how’s he’s handling his newfound stardom.

To watch the film and interview, and listen to an expanded edition of Leave the Light On that includes three tracks reimagined for Apple Music Sessions, click here.

Matt Malcolm Joins Wasserman Music As Fairs & Festivals Agent

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Matt Malcolm. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

Matt Malcolm has joined Wasserman Music as a Fairs & Festivals agent focusing on country and Americana events.

Based in Nashville, Malcolm’s experience includes over 10 years with William Morris Endeavors’ Nashville team, where he served as an agent for artists including Chancey Williams, Catie Offerman, Smithfield, Liv Warfield, and others. During the pandemic, he held positions at Quay Entertainment in LA and CUE Audio in Nashville.

Other new hires at Wasserman include artist representatives Jake Bernstein and Ollie Seaman, Latin music agent Juan Toro,international festivals agent Jesse Fayne and Natalka Dudynsky, who will book casinos and performing arts centers.

“Wasserman continues to be thoughtful about ways to grow our footprint in the music industry and expand our ability to service our world-renowned clients,” notes Wasserman Music EVP & Managing Executive Lee Anderson. “It is critical that anyone who joins our team shares our ethos, and the additions of Jake, Ollie, Juan, Natalka, Jesse and Matt do just that. We are thrilled to welcome them and their clients to the Wasserman family.”

2022 capped another year of growth for Wasserman, which included the announcement of the company’s first U.K. office, the opening of its Brooklyn office, the creation of an Artist Marketing & Digital Strategy Department and hosting the inaugural Music Accelerator Program at Tennessee State University.

Kelsea Ballerini Adds Spring Leg Of ‘Heartfirst Tour’

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Kelsea Ballerini has announced the second leg of her “Heartfirst Tour,” adding nine new headlining shows across the country beginning in March. Kicking off March 6 in Toronto, the spring leg will visit Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Atlantic City and more through March 18.

The tour picks up where Ballerini left off on the “Heartfirst Tour” last fall, which launched her new album Subject To Change. Pre-sales start Jan. 17 with the Spotify presale following on Jan. 18. Tickets for the general public go on sale Jan. 20.

Ballerini’s spring shows follow a handful of dates on “The Judds: The Final Tour” and a sold-out run in the UK throughout February. She’ll spend the rest of the spring on Kenny Chesney’s “I Go Back Tour.”

She’s also up for a Grammy at the upcoming 2023 Grammy Awards for “Best Country Solo Performance” for “Heartfirst,” as well as two trophies at the 2023 iHeart Radio Music Awards alongside Chesney for Country Song of the Year and Best Collaboration (“Half Of My Hometown”).

Whiskey Myers Adds 15 New Dates To 2023 Tour

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Whiskey Myers. Photo: Khris Poage

Whiskey Myers has added 15 additional dates to their upcoming 2023 tour. Cities added to the cross-country trek include Kansas City, Milwaukee, Evansville and a Nashville show at Ascend Amphitheater on May 6.

Kicking off Feb. 16 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the tour now spans 23 cities. Joining the genre-bending band across varying dates are Giovannie & The Hired Guns, Rival Sons and The Weathered Souls, with additional support acts to be announced. Tickets for the newly-added shows go on sale Friday, Jan. 13 at whiskeymyers.com.

Whiskey Myers has played more than 2,500 live shows since their emergence in 2007. In addition to headlining their own sold-out shows at iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheater and the Ryman Auditorium, plus performing at marquee festivals Bonnaroo, Stagecoach and more, the six-piece was also personally selected to open The Rolling Stones’ Chicago stadium show in 2019.