MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Bree Marie Fish
Big Loud singer-songwriter MacKenzie Porter has added quite an impressive chapter to her musical resume in 2022.
Though not new to the country music scene, the Canadian closed 2021 by adding her first U.S. No. 1 with the six-week chart topper “Thinking ‘Bout You” alongside Dustin Lynch. Heralding in 2022 with her own slate of new music, she also landed a slew of supporting slots on treks that traveled across the world, as well as an extensive stretch of festival dates, a hefty hand of award nominations, and more.
However, with nearly a decade in Nashville under her rhinestone encrusted belt, Porter’s journey to success has been years in the making.
Growing up on a bison ranch in the countryside of Canada, her love for country music blossomed at a young age. After her parents enrolled her in classical music lessons with hopes of her learning to read music and learn its theories, she slowly discovered her own style of music.
MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Bree Marie Fish
At the same time, a 16-year-old Porter began acting professionally. During a two-year dry spell of acting gigs, she turned to songwriting to ease her creative frustration. That’s where the ball began to roll and her eyes became fixed on Nashville.
“I really fell in love with songwriting and thought, ‘Nashville is obviously the best place for country music and writing.’ I started having dreams about coming [to town] and started making trips” Porter shares with MusicRow. “One of my very first trips I stayed with a family and the dad was a songwriter. He took me to the Bluebird Cafe and played in writer’s rounds. I was just so enthralled with the writing community here.
“I moved to Nashville as soon as I had enough money saved up, which was eight or nine years ago now,” she recalls. “It really is a 10-year thing. Of course it happens faster for some people, but for your average person, it does take that long. It’s like people really have to prove themselves here.”
And prove herself she has.
Earning spots on a handful of Artist to Watch lists, including nabbing a spot in MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Artist Class of 2023 and being voted the 2022 MusicRow Discovery Award, Porter spent much of 2022 out on the road with acts such as Walker Hayes, Chris Lane and Jordan Davis. Following the return to the road post-COVID, she was finally able to play some of the venues that have come to represent a rite of passage for up-and-coming artists.
MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
“I had never played all those venues that everybody plays, like the House of Blues. It was amazing to go to all of the venues across the U.S. and experience them for the first time, especially with guys like Jordan, Walker and Chris.” She continues, “It was really cool to cut my teeth with those kinds of people and see my songs react. It wasn’t just ‘Thinking ‘Bout You’ either, people knew my other songs like ‘Pickup’ and ‘These Days.’ It was cool to see it slowly translating to an audience.”
In June, Porter became the first Canadian, female country artist this century to earn five No. 1s in Canada as her single, “Pickup,” topped the charts up north. Throughout the year, though, Porter continued to ride the success of “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which notched a nomination for Favorite Country Song at the 2022 American Music Awards and made her the only female nominated in the category.
When looking back at the big milestones of this year, at the top of Porter’s list is playing at Nissan Stadium with Lynch during CMA Fest, which she explains ticked off an item on her bucket list.
“It’s so crazy. I never thought all of this was going to happen from this one song. I knew the song was really special, but a lot of songs go No. 1 and a lot of songs are hits but they never go No. 1. It’s surreal to have all of these first experiences for me come from ‘Thinking ‘Bout You,’” Porter gushes. “The first year I moved to town I played [a little stage at CMA Fest] and nobody was there. This year, we played all of the big stages and it was just insane.”
Dustin Lynch and Mackenzie Porter perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2022. Photo: John Shearer for Getty
She adds, “I feel like we get into the grind of Nashville but those are the moments we can step back and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, maybe this is working.’ That was a really cool moment for me.”
In addition to her coveted CMA Fest spot, Porter did a summer run of festivals and a wave of shows across Canada. Throughout the sets, Porter got to see thousands of people singing back the words to her songs, including deeper album cuts.
“You can’t really take moments like those for granted,” she puts simply. “For me, it’s a confirmation that this is working. I always have self-doubt about things, so to see something work after such a long road is super emotional. I’ve wanted it so bad and it’s finally working.
“It has been the most rewarding, exciting and exhausting year of my life,” she shares with a laugh. “I would never trade any of these moments, though, because it’s the first time I’ve gotten to do so many things and play in front of so many people. The feeling on stage is unmatched.”
As 2022 draws to a close, Porter has some big plans for the new year. Looking ahead, fans can expect a swath of new music as she plots the release of her debut, full-length album. With hopes of getting it out before summer, Porter is currently hard at work in songwriting camps and the studio crafting what she explains has been a “long time in the works.”
With hopes of also building her touring resume with some headlining shows in 2023, Porter will be one of many acts taking over the Spotlight Stage at next year’s famous C2C Festival across the pond from March 10-12, as well as Gulf Coast Jam in June and TidalWave Music Festival in August.
Kane Brown Earns Third MusicRow No. 1 Of 2022
/by Alex ParryKane Brown tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Thank God.” This is Brown’s third MusicRow No. 1 of 2022 following his two-week No. 1 “One Mississippi” and three-week No. 1 “Like I Love Country Music.”
“Thanks God” was written by Josh Hoge, Jaxson Free, Kyle Fishman, Christian Davis, and Jared Mullins and features Brown’s wife, Katelyn Brown. It appears on Brown’s third studio album Different Man.
In October, Brown was honored with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s 2022 Champion of Youth Award. The Champion of Youth Award is bestowed to individuals for exhibiting above and beyond service to Boys & Girls Clubs.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Trace Adkins & Melissa Etheridge Deliver An ‘Awesome Audio Outing’
/by Robert K OermannIt may be winter outside, but I’m warm and cozy with a excellent stack of new country sounds.
Leading the hit parade is the thrilling teaming of Trace Adkins and Melissa Etheridge. They are a bonfire in their first duet performance, an unchallenged Disc of the Day.
Also turning in quality work are Brett Young, Jenny Tolman, Jimmie Allen (with Cheat Codes), Helene Cronin and Benjy Davis (with Ashley McBryde). Speaking of Benjy Davis, the presence of the Louisiana stylist along with fellow column newcomers Mike Ryan and Emily Nenni gives us a healthy crop from which to choose a DISCovery Award. I’m giving Benjy the nod.
ASHLEY McBRYDE & BENJY DAVIS / “Gospel Night at the Strip Club”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Banjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
–Despite the billing, this is Benjy’s gritty performance all the way. The Louisiana jazzbo’s downbeat rasp and the stark acoustic production form the perfect audio frame for this extraordinary lyric of redemption for all. I don’t care who’s singing it, this is a brilliant song.
SHANE PROFITT / “Country Boys”
Writers: Shane Profitt/Blake Bollinger/Nate Kenyon; Producer: Julian Raymond; Label: Big Machine
–“How It Oughta Be” remains the single, but this rouser is bound to please redneck listeners. The lyric trots out every bro’ country cliche in the book–beer, bonfire, hunting, fishing, snuff, pickup truck, grain alcohol, blue jeans, guns, tractor, pasture/holler countryside, yadda, yadda, yadda.
JENNY TOLMAN / “It’s a Boy”
Writers: Jenny Tolman/Corey Wagar; Producer: Dave Brainard; Label: JT
–Longtime DISClaimer favorite Tolman is due to deliver her first child on Christmas Eve. This lilting, melodic and utterly lovely song celebrates the upcoming event with joy and sweet sentiment. Also, she sings her face off. Play this.
BRETT YOUNG / “You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me”
Writers: Brett Young/Matthew James Alderman/Tiffany Lane Goss; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG
–His lovelorn vocal is bolstered at every turn by a churning, chiming production. It’s New Year’s Eve and he’s drinking alone in a window seat on an airliner. This one’s definitely a keeper.
CHEAT CODES & JIMMIE ALLEN / “Lose You”
Writers: Nick Bailey/Levon Grey/Eric Aukstikalnis/Josh Hoge/Karolis Labanauskas/Kyle Fishman/Trevor Dahl; Producers: Nick Bailey/Trevor Dahl/Kyle Fishman/Leondis/Embody/Aukoustics; Label: CC
–The pop trio has an album of all-country collaborations due next month. Among Cheat Codes’ many guests on their One Night in Nashville album will be Russell Dickerson, Lee Brice, LBT, Dolly, Brett Young and Lady A. This advance track is quite promising. The electro boys wisely stay out of Jimmie’s way, letting his assured vocal lead the way.
TRACE ADKINS & MELISSA ETHERIDGE / “Love Walks Through the Rain”
Writers: Marla Cannon-Goodman/Kelly Archer/Mickey Jack Cones; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones/Derek George; Label: Verge
–This is electrifying. The stormy, dramatic power ballad is sung to the utmost by these two charisma factories. Trace’s background in gospel shines through in his vocal harmony work, and Melissa matches him lick for lick. When they take turns burning down the barn on their verses, shivers go through the body. An awesome audio outing.
HELENE CRONIN & MATT KING / “Landmarks”
Writers: Ava Paige Davis/Helene Cronin; Producer: Matt King; Label: HKC
–Her folkie alto is intimate and expressive on this ballad about finding your way home. King shadows her in phrase-perfect vocal harmony. An eloquent song, eloquently and exquisitely sung.
PARKER McCOLLUM / “Stoned”
Writers: Parker McCollum/Brett James/Mark Holman; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: MCA
–This new shooting star continues to go from strength to strength. On this crashing, bluesy ballad, he wails expressively about self medicating to stave off loneliness. He’s as terrific as ever, but the too-big production should have been turned down.
EMILY NENNI / “In the Mornin’”
Writers: Emily Nenni/Michael LoPinto; Producers: Emily Nenni/Miko Eli; Label: New West/
Normaltown
–Charming. She’s a free-spirited gal who’s warning her beau that she’ll be hitting the road once their one-night-stand is over. She’s a solidly country singer and the funky band twangs right along. I dig her moxie.
PARMALEE / “Girl in Mine”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Casey Brown/David Fanning/Matt Thomas/Travis Wood; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Stoney Creek
–Jaunty and upbeat, if not particularly meaningful.
MIKE RYAN / “Die Runnin’”
Writers: Barrett Baber/Korey Hunt/Dan Martin Alley; Producers: Bart Butler/Ryan Gore; Label: MR
–Ryan delivers like a pro, swearing to get to her in times of trouble. The country-rock track kicks up some dust. But it’s the song and its oomphy vocal delivery that shine brightest. He’s an indie success story worth your attention. The Opry featured him on its stage last month.
TYLER BRADEN & SYDNEY SIEROTA / “Try Losing One”
Writers: Tyler Wayne Davis/Adam Newman Wood/Tyler Braden; Producers: Adam Wood/Randy Montana; Label: Warner
–Braden’s solo performance of this is already a masterpiece, so I see no reason to add Echosmith’s Sierota to the song. Especially since she is nowhere near his class as a vocalist. Anyhow, I’m supportive of anything that makes this man the star he deserves to be.
Broken Bow Records Named No. 1 Country Airplay Label By Mediabase
/by LB CantrellBroken Bow Records team
Broken Bow Records was the No. 1 airplay label for country music in 2022, according to Country Aircheck/Mediabase.
The label’s success was powered by hit songs from Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, Lainey Wilson, Chase Rice, Craig Morgan, Everette and Tyler Farr. With Aldean’s “If I Didn’t Love You” and “Trouble With A Heartbreak,” and Lynch’s “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter),” Broken Bow Records ended the year with 3 of the Top 10 songs of 2022.
“I could not be more proud of this roster and this team. Lee Adams and Shelley Hargis, the entire Broken Bow promotion staff, Renee Leymon and syndicated radio team are the best at what they do, and this could not be more deserved,” shares SVP/Promotion BBR Music Group, Carson James. “Broken Bow had 3 of the Top 10 songs, and if you include Parmalee’s ‘Take My Name’ on Stoney Creek Records, BBR Music Group had 3 of the Top Four songs! Just an unbelievable year for our artists and team.”
Aldean celebrated his 27th No. 1 song this year, along with winning the ACM Single of the Year, iHeartRadio Country Song of the Year, CMT Collaborative Video of the Year and Billboard and Grammy nominations for his single “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood.
Lynch’s “Thinking ‘Bout You” garnered more listens than any other song on the country chart and aided in the securing of his first American Music Awards nomination.
Wilson was all over the map this year, with wins at the 2022 CMA Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. She also claimed ACM New Female Artist of the Year and ACM Song of the Year, as well as the iHeartRadio Award for Best New Country Artist and CMT’s 2022 Breakout Artist of the Year honor.
Rice, who has garnered more than 2.3 million albums sold and over 2.3 billion on-demand career streams to date, is set to release I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell on Feb. 10, 2023. Morgan released a deluxe edition of his God, Family, Country album this year, containing his country radio single, “How You Make A Man.”
Country Music Hall Of Fame To Spotlight Career Of Dick Curless
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is shining a light on the musical contributions of Dick […] in a new exhibit focused on his life and career. The new exhibit, “Dick Curless: Hard Traveling Man from Maine,” opens Jan. 13 and will run through Jan. 7, 2024.
Best known for his 1965 national hit, the truck-driving anthem “A Tombstone Every Mile,” Curless was also known for his expressive baritone voice and authenticity, and placed more than 20 hits on the Billboard charts.
Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The exhibit will trace Curless’s life and legacy from his rural northeast upbringing and popular truck-driving songs of the 1960s and ‘70s, to his 1995 return to recording with his acclaimed final album, Traveling Through.
It will feature a selection of instruments, stage wear and personal artifacts donated by the Curless family and is guest co-curated by music historian and award-winning author Peter Guralnick, who wrote an extensive profile on Curless in his 2020 book Looking to Get Lost: Adventures in Music and Writing.
Some of the artifacts on display in the exhibit will include:
Photo: Bob Delevante for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
“Dick Curless sang country music with conviction and commitment,” shares Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Though he was not a household name, he was admired by his musical peers from Nashville to Bakersfield, and of course by his many fans nationwide. He created memorable and distinctive music that reflected his working-class roots and life experiences.”
In support of the exhibit opening, Guralnick will lead a discussion exploring Curless’s life and music on Feb. 18 in the museum’s Ford Theater. Joining the conversation will be musician, producer and artist manager Jake Guralnick, Peter’s son, who produced Traveling Through for Rounder Records.
Chuck Mead, co-founder of country band BR549 and longtime Americana solo artist, will perform briefly in tribute to Curless. Tickets are available here.
Ninth Annual Combustion Music Hope Town Music Festival Raises More Than $250K
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Kenny Jackson with Anthem Pictures
Combustion Music recently wrapped its ninth annual Combustion Music Hope Town Music Festival, raising over $250,000 for local charity partners.
The three-day event kicked off Friday (Dec. 2) at Hope Town Inn & Marina with a performance by Darius Rucker and actor Charles Esten, who sang original song “Hope Town” with co-writers Austin Goodloe and Combustion President, producer and songwriter Chris Farren.
Saturday’s writers round featured hit writers Brett James, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Kendall Marvel and Brett Tyler, who performed some of their over 150 collective No. 1s at Firefly Sunset Resort. Rising writers and artists Goodloe, Payton Smith, Joybeth Taylor, Tom Whall, Jessica Farren and Emily Earle also performed over the weekend.
An ongoing live auction raised money for partners Every Child Counts (ECC), Friends of the Environment (FRIENDS), and the Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue (HFTR).
“Hope Town is an incredibly beautiful place, but it still has plenty of need,” notes Farren. “I realized early on the importance of giving back to this place that has given us so much. It’s been a very trying time for the people of these islands since hurricane Dorian, but I’m super grateful to all of my friends and countless supporters for helping us aid in that recovery in some way.”
Money raised will be directed specifically towards the rebuilding process from the devastating 2019 Hurricane Dorian, which ravaged the Hope Town community. Those interested in financially supporting the recovery can donate via Venmo @hopetownmusicfest.
Dolly Parton To Publish New Children’s Book Featuring Billy The Kid
/by Lydia FarthingDolly Parton and Billy The Kid. Photo: Sebastian Smith
After a stacked 2022, Dolly Parton is already tacking on new endeavors for 2023 as she plans to publish a new picture book about her goddog, Billy the Kid.
Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes it Big tells the story of Billy the Kid, a dog who barks to the beat of country music and has dreams of becoming a country music star in Nashville. However, when he encounters some bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows, he calls on his favorite songs, and the help of some new friends, to regain his self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be.
“I am so proud to bring this book and the message it conveys to life,” Parton shares. “Years back I wrote a song ‘Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny’ for my children’s album I Believe In You. I wanted kids to understand how harmful bullying can be to someone. When I launched the Doggy Parton line of pet products earlier this year, my goddog Billy got to be the star of the show. Since he’s a big star now, I knew a story with him at the center could help drive home important messages in a unique way. I hope this is the first of many books with Billy.”
“Working with Dolly is a true delight, and we’re so happy to adopt her goddog, Billy the Kid, into the Penguin Workshop family!” adds Francesco Sedita, President, Penguin Workshop. “This story is going to bring joy (and a little bit of country) to so many.”
Parton’s previous children’s books include Coat Of Many Colors (1994) and I Am A Rainbow (2009).
CMT Unveils New Listen Up Class Of 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughCMT has revealed its newest lineup of rising artists to watch in its 2023 Listen Up program, which recognizes and supports country’s most promising newcomers across all CMT platforms.
The new 2023 Listen Up roster features Ashley Cooke, Bailey Zimmerman, Brandon Ratcliff, Catie Offerman, Chapel Hart, Cody Belew, Conner Smith, Corey Kent, Dalton Dover, Drake Milligan, Hannah Ellis, Ian Munsick, Jackson Dean, Kameron Marlowe, Madeline Edwards, Nate Smith, Pillbox Patti, The War And Treaty, Warren Zeiders and Zach Bryan.
The year-long initiative is committed to raising support for these artists via full cross-brand support for their music and videos across CMT and CMT Music, CMT Hot 20 Countdown, CMT Hits on Pluto TV, CMT.com and CMT social platforms. The campaign also includes opportunities with other brands across Paramount Media Network, including live events, the Paramount Times Square NYC Billboard, and more.
“We’re thrilled to welcome this exciting list of new artists to our 2023 Listen Up initiative,” notes Leslie Fram, SVP of Music & Talent at CMT. “Each of these acts stand out in their authenticity and are already finding an audience with exceptional music. We look forward to amplifying their content across all CMT platforms and building long lasting relationships with this dynamic group of individuals.”
Since 2011, CMT’s Listen Up franchise has introduced new talent to the brand’s fan base and helped launch the careers of many country stars. Some notable alumni of the franchise include Ashley McBryde, Blanco Brown, Breland, Brett Eldredge, Brittney Spencer, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Jimmie Allen, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lily Rose, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Morgan Wade, Thomas Rhett, Walker Hayes and Yola, among others.
Tanya Tucker To Star In ‘A Nashville Country Christmas,’ Airing Dec. 12
/by Lorie HollabaughTanya Tucker is making her acting debut in the lead role of her first original movie, A Nashville Country Christmas, airing on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. CT on Paramount Network.
Tucker portrays country superstar Josie Carson in the new holiday film as she bolts from her outrageous lifestyle, and seeks a haven at her grandma’s Tennessee farm outside of Nashville. Rather than refuge, she finds romance there, reconnects with her ex–played by Academy Award-winner Keith Carradine–returns to her musical roots, and finds an unexpected family when she discovers three kids who’ve outsmarted the foster care system are living at the family farm at Christmas.
“It’s amazing that after 50 years in this business, I get to see my dreams become reality! And being part of A Nashville Country Christmas is definitely one of them,” Tucker shares. “I’ve always wanted to do more acting, and it was a gift from the good Lord when this role came along. I can’t wait for everyone to enjoy the movie this season.”
The movie will also air in an encore presentation on Christmas Day at 10 a.m. CT on CMT. The day after the premiere, A Nashville Country Christmas will be available on ParamountNetwork.com, the Paramount Network App, Paramount Network VOD and additional platforms, including Amazon, Vudu, etc.
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum To Host Free Ford Community Day On Dec. 11
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is partnering with the Ford Motor Company Fund for the museum’s 14th Ford Community Day on Dec. 11.
Museum admission will be free from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. as a thank you to the Middle Tennessee community and to reward lucky out-of-town visitors. Tours of Historic RCA Studio B will also be free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition to touring the exhibit galleries, visitors can choose from a variety of programs and events that offer fun for all ages.
Runaway June will perform, headlining a full day of activities which include a Songwriter Session with Parker Welling (“Love You Like I Used To” by Russell Dickerson, “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett), a Musician Spotlight with Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy, and various family programs.
Visitors can also drop into Hatch Show Print’s classroom between 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. to print a holiday card and learn more about one of America’s oldest working letterpress print shops. Family programs in the Taylor Swift Education Center will include Creative Zone: Sparkle, Fringe and Rock & Roll: Wearing the Western Edge; Ukulele Workshop and Blues Jam with Harmonica Player Carlos DeFord Bailey; Velvet Elvis Painting; and Musical Instrument Petting Zoo.
Reservations for tickets to the performances are available at countrymusichalloffame.org/
In addition to programming and events, special discounts will be available to museum visitors. Ford Community Day visitors who show their Ford car key will receive 10% off purchases in the Museum Store and Hatch Show Print, and on food and beverage purchases at Red Onion and Bajo Sexto.
Visitors who wish to purchase a museum membership will receive $5 off an Individual Level membership and $10 off a Family Level membership. The discount will be honored only on Dec. 11 at both the membership desk and online. To redeem, visit countrymusichalloffame.org/
‘Thinking ‘Bout 2022:’ MacKenzie Porter Looks Back On Her Whirlwind Year [Interview]
/by Lydia FarthingMacKenzie Porter. Photo: Bree Marie Fish
Big Loud singer-songwriter MacKenzie Porter has added quite an impressive chapter to her musical resume in 2022.
Though not new to the country music scene, the Canadian closed 2021 by adding her first U.S. No. 1 with the six-week chart topper “Thinking ‘Bout You” alongside Dustin Lynch. Heralding in 2022 with her own slate of new music, she also landed a slew of supporting slots on treks that traveled across the world, as well as an extensive stretch of festival dates, a hefty hand of award nominations, and more.
However, with nearly a decade in Nashville under her rhinestone encrusted belt, Porter’s journey to success has been years in the making.
Growing up on a bison ranch in the countryside of Canada, her love for country music blossomed at a young age. After her parents enrolled her in classical music lessons with hopes of her learning to read music and learn its theories, she slowly discovered her own style of music.
MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Bree Marie Fish
At the same time, a 16-year-old Porter began acting professionally. During a two-year dry spell of acting gigs, she turned to songwriting to ease her creative frustration. That’s where the ball began to roll and her eyes became fixed on Nashville.
“I really fell in love with songwriting and thought, ‘Nashville is obviously the best place for country music and writing.’ I started having dreams about coming [to town] and started making trips” Porter shares with MusicRow. “One of my very first trips I stayed with a family and the dad was a songwriter. He took me to the Bluebird Cafe and played in writer’s rounds. I was just so enthralled with the writing community here.
“I moved to Nashville as soon as I had enough money saved up, which was eight or nine years ago now,” she recalls. “It really is a 10-year thing. Of course it happens faster for some people, but for your average person, it does take that long. It’s like people really have to prove themselves here.”
And prove herself she has.
Earning spots on a handful of Artist to Watch lists, including nabbing a spot in MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Artist Class of 2023 and being voted the 2022 MusicRow Discovery Award, Porter spent much of 2022 out on the road with acts such as Walker Hayes, Chris Lane and Jordan Davis. Following the return to the road post-COVID, she was finally able to play some of the venues that have come to represent a rite of passage for up-and-coming artists.
MacKenzie Porter. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
“I had never played all those venues that everybody plays, like the House of Blues. It was amazing to go to all of the venues across the U.S. and experience them for the first time, especially with guys like Jordan, Walker and Chris.” She continues, “It was really cool to cut my teeth with those kinds of people and see my songs react. It wasn’t just ‘Thinking ‘Bout You’ either, people knew my other songs like ‘Pickup’ and ‘These Days.’ It was cool to see it slowly translating to an audience.”
In June, Porter became the first Canadian, female country artist this century to earn five No. 1s in Canada as her single, “Pickup,” topped the charts up north. Throughout the year, though, Porter continued to ride the success of “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which notched a nomination for Favorite Country Song at the 2022 American Music Awards and made her the only female nominated in the category.
When looking back at the big milestones of this year, at the top of Porter’s list is playing at Nissan Stadium with Lynch during CMA Fest, which she explains ticked off an item on her bucket list.
“It’s so crazy. I never thought all of this was going to happen from this one song. I knew the song was really special, but a lot of songs go No. 1 and a lot of songs are hits but they never go No. 1. It’s surreal to have all of these first experiences for me come from ‘Thinking ‘Bout You,’” Porter gushes. “The first year I moved to town I played [a little stage at CMA Fest] and nobody was there. This year, we played all of the big stages and it was just insane.”
Dustin Lynch and Mackenzie Porter perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2022. Photo: John Shearer for Getty
She adds, “I feel like we get into the grind of Nashville but those are the moments we can step back and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, maybe this is working.’ That was a really cool moment for me.”
In addition to her coveted CMA Fest spot, Porter did a summer run of festivals and a wave of shows across Canada. Throughout the sets, Porter got to see thousands of people singing back the words to her songs, including deeper album cuts.
“You can’t really take moments like those for granted,” she puts simply. “For me, it’s a confirmation that this is working. I always have self-doubt about things, so to see something work after such a long road is super emotional. I’ve wanted it so bad and it’s finally working.
“It has been the most rewarding, exciting and exhausting year of my life,” she shares with a laugh. “I would never trade any of these moments, though, because it’s the first time I’ve gotten to do so many things and play in front of so many people. The feeling on stage is unmatched.”
As 2022 draws to a close, Porter has some big plans for the new year. Looking ahead, fans can expect a swath of new music as she plots the release of her debut, full-length album. With hopes of getting it out before summer, Porter is currently hard at work in songwriting camps and the studio crafting what she explains has been a “long time in the works.”
With hopes of also building her touring resume with some headlining shows in 2023, Porter will be one of many acts taking over the Spotlight Stage at next year’s famous C2C Festival across the pond from March 10-12, as well as Gulf Coast Jam in June and TidalWave Music Festival in August.