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.
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.
Industry Ink: BMI, Don Cusic, Chase Wright
/by Lydia FarthingBMI Caps 2022 Songwriter Series With Performance From The War And Treaty
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Bruce Esworthy, War and Treaty’s Michael and Tanya Trotter, BMI’s Clay Bradley, Max Brown, Bluebird’s Erika Wollam-Nichols, and BMI’s Shannon Sanders. Photo: Steve Lowry
BMI wrapped its 2022 BMI Presents at the Bluebird Cafe shows with husband and wife duo, The War And Treaty.
Composed of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, the pair have been musical partners for years, writing about and honoring soldiers and their dedication to protect our country. Michael served in Iraq and has openly discussed his difficulty with post-traumatic stress disorder following his service.
The monthly songwriter-in-the round series aims to highlight a diverse lineup of both emerging and established songwriters. The inaugural season featured performances by Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick, Julia Cole, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, K. Michelle, Gabe Lee, Lauren Housley, Tristan Bushman, and more.
Belmont’s Don Cusic Inducted Into The Western Music Hall Of Fame
Don Cusic.
Don Cusic, a professor in Belmont University’s Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, was recently inducted into the Western Music Hall of Fame by the Western Music Association (WMA) in the historian category.
Cusic is an author of 28 books and more than 500 articles who has taught music business courses since 1982. He is currently the co-host of the International Country Music Conference and Editor of the International Country Music Journal.
“I grew up watching Roy Rogers on TV—he was a hero of mine—and now, to be in the same Hall of Fame with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Gene Autry, and others is beyond words,” Cusic shares. “I carried a Roy Rogers lunch box to school during my early days and my favorite entertainment was watching cowboy shows on TV. It’s hard for me to believe that the Western Music Association chose to honor me with their ultimate award.”
The WMA Hall of Fame was established in 1989 to honor groups and individuals who have made significant contributions to western music composition, performance, and history.
Chase Wright & Friends Raise Over $2,000 For Room In The Inn
Pictured (L-R, back row): Chase Wright, Andrew Jannakos, and Mark Campbell. (L-R, front row): Melanie Barnett Ober, Erin Kinsey, Avery Anna, and Quiana Jimerson. Photo: Austin Friedline
Morris Higham Management’s Chase Wright invited friends and singer-songwriters Avery Anna, Andrew Jannakos, and Erin Kinsey to his inaugural “Love Your Neighbor, Y’all” round at the historic Bluebird Cafe.
The round, which took place on Tuesday night (Dec. 6), benefited Room in the Inn, a nonprofit organization that is committed to sheltering people experiencing homelessness in Nashville and providing programs centered around human development and recovery. Overall, Wright and friends raised over $2,000 for the night.
Tanya Tucker Receives Distinguished Storyteller Award
/by Lydia FarthingTanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish
The National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards recently honored Tanya Tucker with the Distinguished Storyteller Award for excellence in storytelling outside of journalism.
The Grammy-winning artist is set to star in her first original movie, A Nashville Country Christmas, which will air on Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. CT on Paramount Network. She is also featured in The Return of Tanya Tucker, Featuring Brandi Carlile, which chronicles the resurgence of her career. The documentary, now in theaters, will be available on digital and Blu-ray on Jan. 10.
Pictured (L-R): Byron Allen, Jennifer Lee, Ryan Seacrest, Tanya Tucker, and Marla Gibbs. Photo: Derrek Kupish
The Distinguished Storyteller Award is presented to a person who has proven to be a great storyteller through forms of artistic expression outside of journalism. Kathlyn Horan, who directed The Return of Tanya Tucker, presented the award to Tucker.
Additionally, Byron Allen received the Impact Award, Ryan Seacrest received the Luminary Award, Marla Gibbs was honored with the Legend Award, and director Jennifer Lee (Frozen) picked up the Distinguished Storyteller Award for film.
Phil Vassar & Deana Carter Spread Some Christmas Cheer On Holiday Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughPhil Vassar and Deana Carter are celebrating the season with their “Coming Home For Christmas Tour,” which will visit eight more cities before wrapping on Dec. 18 in Oxford, Alabama.
They will bring holiday cheer to fans in Milwaukee, Charleston, Augusta, and more through the end of the year. The two released a video for their song “Brand New Year” last month, as well as co-wrote the holiday original and title of the tour.
Fans have made it a tradition to join Vassar for an evening of Christmas classics and original holiday music for years, packing out venues for his last four treks. “Coming Home for Christmas” will be the sixth Christmas tour for Vassar, whose career has garnered 10 No. 1s and 26 top 40 hits.
Remaining “Coming Home For Christmas” Tour Dates:
Dec. 08 Northern Lights Theater – Milwaukee, Wis.
Dec. 09 Northern Lights Theater – Milwaukee, Wis.
Dec. 10 Midland Center for the Arts – Midland, Mich.
Dec. 11 The Clyde – Fort Wayne, Ind.
Dec. 15 Riviera Theater – Charleston, S.C.
Dec. 16 The Miller Theatre – Augusta. Ga.
Dec. 17 Gold Strike Casino – Robinsonville, Miss.
Dec. 18 Oxford Performing Arts Center – Oxford, Ala.
Travis Tritt Announces First Leg Of 2023 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughTravis Tritt
Travis Tritt will kick off the first leg of his 16-date 2023 tour this spring, with special guests War Hippies, Scooter Brown and Donnie Reis, as well as Tyler Reese Tritt on select dates.
Set to launch March 30 in Troy, Ohio, the trek will include stops in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Fans will get a chance to experience Tritt and his band performing some of his hits, including “Anymore,” “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive,” “Here’s A Quarter” as well as songs off his most recent album, Set In Stone. Tickets are available at travistritt.com/tour/.
A multi-Platinum-selling and award-winning artist, Tritt has amassed more than 30 million in career album sales, two Grammy awards, four CMA Awards, a Billboard Music Award for Top New Artist, and more. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, he has also notched five No. 1s and 20 top 10 hits throughout his decades-long career.