We’re all about gender parity today at DISClaimer.
Note that half of the tracks reviewed in this edition of the column feature female voices. Which is the way things ought to be, since that’s half of the listening audience.
Note also that the two best written songs here come from female artists. I refer to Ingrid Andress’ lovely “Blue” and to Ashley McBryde’s inspiring “Bonfire at Tina’s.” On the other hand, Travis Denning’s fine composition gives the gals a run for their money, and Restless Road is a total rush.
Finally, note that the Disc of the Day award belongs to a mighty country woman, Ashley McBryde.
DARIUS RUCKER & CHAPEL HART / “Ol’ Church Hymn”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Ben Hayslip/Josh Miller/Greylan James; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol
–Warm, loving and kind sounding. He sings of the soothing power of love while the Chapel Hart trio harmonizes softly in the background. I’d have mixed them up louder in the mix and given them a verse of their own.
TRAVIS DENNING / “Buy a Girl a Drink”
Writers: Travis Denning/Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury
–Very, very sweet. Sung with boyish charm, yet laced with aged wisdom, it’s an encapsulation of life and love that’s impossible to resist. The churning production is a big plus, too.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Hate My Heart”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/Hillary Lindsey/David Garcia/Michael Hardy; Producers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia; Label: Capitol
–It’s a rollicking banger that contrasts her desire to party with a heartbreak that’s holding her back. The stacked female harmonies are cool, but the guitar-dominated track could have been more creative.
HARDY / “Jack”
Writers: Michael Hardy/David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Joey Moi/Michael Hardy/David Garcia/Derek Wells; Label: Big Loud Rock
–Don’t misled by the soft, quiet intro. This turns into a slammin’ rock track with ferociously pounding rhythm. “Jack,” as you might expect, is a certain Tennessee whiskey who may or may not become your pal.
MADELINE EDWARDS / “Too Much of a Good Thing”
Writers: Madeline Edwards/Ian Christian/Trannie Anderson; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
–I have long loved the smokey quality in her voice. A string of excellent indie releases has led to this major-label debut. Her gospel-y piano provides understated power and pulse to the enveloping ballad. I’m in. Make her a star.
JAMESON RODGERS / “Things That Matter”
Writers: Lynne Hutton/Jameson Rodgers/Elwyn Ahnquist Smith/Will Bundy; Producers: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: Sony
–Forget about politics, the economy and material possessions and concentrate on the simple pleasures of life, advises Mr. Rodgers on this gently swaying outing. It’s a breezy and totally country sound that’s as refreshing as a soft spring rain.
ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Bonfire at Tina’s”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
–This woman is tower of talent. On this slow-burn blazer she’s feisty and fierce. It’s a sisterhood anthem with lots and lots of heart. The gals get together to drink, smoke and bitch around a bonfire, and the result builds to an inspiring crescendo.
ADAM DOLEAC / “Whiskey Barstool Wonderland”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Lindsay Rimes/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Arista
–The power ballad yearns for lost love while deep percussion pounds and electric guitars soar. I think what I like best about it is how his singing ranges from feathery whisper to shouted tenor anguish. Definitely hooky. It’s the title track to his debut album, an 18-track serving.
INGRID ANDRESS / “Blue”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland/Shane McAnally; Producers: Sam Ellis/Ingrid Andress; Label: Warner/Atlantic
–Languid and dreamy, this is a mini-masterpiece of a romantic ballad. The lines are exquisite as she describes a shade that she is seeing for the first time, the blue of his eyes. You’ll find it on her new sophomore album, Good Person.
RESTLESS ROAD / “Sundown Somewhere”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Cole Swindell/Cole Taylor/Jacob Rice; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA
–A wafting country rocker loaded to the gills with the trio’s stunning harmony voices. These guys are so radio ready it’s ridiculous. In a word, irresistible.
ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Busy”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Seth Mosley/Jessica Cayne; Producers: Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor/Michael O’Connor/Seth Mosley; Label: Warner
–There’s not a lot of singing going on here. More like shouting with hints of melody. However, it does have plenty of attitude.
TYLER BOOTH / “Feeling Whitney”
Writers: Andrew Wotman/Austin Post; Producers: Tyler Booth/John Johnson; Label: Sony/Villa 40
–Covering a Post Malone tune as a country single might sound nutty. Melodically, it actually works pretty well, and Tyler’s baritone voice is fine, as usual. The lyrics are still oblique.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ashley McBryde Serves Up Feisty ‘Sisterhood Anthem’
/by Robert K OermannWe’re all about gender parity today at DISClaimer.
Note that half of the tracks reviewed in this edition of the column feature female voices. Which is the way things ought to be, since that’s half of the listening audience.
Note also that the two best written songs here come from female artists. I refer to Ingrid Andress’ lovely “Blue” and to Ashley McBryde’s inspiring “Bonfire at Tina’s.” On the other hand, Travis Denning’s fine composition gives the gals a run for their money, and Restless Road is a total rush.
Finally, note that the Disc of the Day award belongs to a mighty country woman, Ashley McBryde.
DARIUS RUCKER & CHAPEL HART / “Ol’ Church Hymn”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Ben Hayslip/Josh Miller/Greylan James; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol
–Warm, loving and kind sounding. He sings of the soothing power of love while the Chapel Hart trio harmonizes softly in the background. I’d have mixed them up louder in the mix and given them a verse of their own.
TRAVIS DENNING / “Buy a Girl a Drink”
Writers: Travis Denning/Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni/Chase McGill; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury
–Very, very sweet. Sung with boyish charm, yet laced with aged wisdom, it’s an encapsulation of life and love that’s impossible to resist. The churning production is a big plus, too.
CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Hate My Heart”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/Hillary Lindsey/David Garcia/Michael Hardy; Producers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia; Label: Capitol
–It’s a rollicking banger that contrasts her desire to party with a heartbreak that’s holding her back. The stacked female harmonies are cool, but the guitar-dominated track could have been more creative.
HARDY / “Jack”
Writers: Michael Hardy/David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey; Producers: Joey Moi/Michael Hardy/David Garcia/Derek Wells; Label: Big Loud Rock
–Don’t misled by the soft, quiet intro. This turns into a slammin’ rock track with ferociously pounding rhythm. “Jack,” as you might expect, is a certain Tennessee whiskey who may or may not become your pal.
MADELINE EDWARDS / “Too Much of a Good Thing”
Writers: Madeline Edwards/Ian Christian/Trannie Anderson; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
–I have long loved the smokey quality in her voice. A string of excellent indie releases has led to this major-label debut. Her gospel-y piano provides understated power and pulse to the enveloping ballad. I’m in. Make her a star.
JAMESON RODGERS / “Things That Matter”
Writers: Lynne Hutton/Jameson Rodgers/Elwyn Ahnquist Smith/Will Bundy; Producers: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: Sony
–Forget about politics, the economy and material possessions and concentrate on the simple pleasures of life, advises Mr. Rodgers on this gently swaying outing. It’s a breezy and totally country sound that’s as refreshing as a soft spring rain.
ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Bonfire at Tina’s”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
–This woman is tower of talent. On this slow-burn blazer she’s feisty and fierce. It’s a sisterhood anthem with lots and lots of heart. The gals get together to drink, smoke and bitch around a bonfire, and the result builds to an inspiring crescendo.
ADAM DOLEAC / “Whiskey Barstool Wonderland”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Lindsay Rimes/Jonathan Singleton; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Arista
–The power ballad yearns for lost love while deep percussion pounds and electric guitars soar. I think what I like best about it is how his singing ranges from feathery whisper to shouted tenor anguish. Definitely hooky. It’s the title track to his debut album, an 18-track serving.
INGRID ANDRESS / “Blue”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland/Shane McAnally; Producers: Sam Ellis/Ingrid Andress; Label: Warner/Atlantic
–Languid and dreamy, this is a mini-masterpiece of a romantic ballad. The lines are exquisite as she describes a shade that she is seeing for the first time, the blue of his eyes. You’ll find it on her new sophomore album, Good Person.
RESTLESS ROAD / “Sundown Somewhere”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Cole Swindell/Cole Taylor/Jacob Rice; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA
–A wafting country rocker loaded to the gills with the trio’s stunning harmony voices. These guys are so radio ready it’s ridiculous. In a word, irresistible.
ROBYN OTTOLINI / “Busy”
Writers: Robyn Ottolini/Seth Mosley/Jessica Cayne; Producers: Erik Fintelman/Mark Schroor/Michael O’Connor/Seth Mosley; Label: Warner
–There’s not a lot of singing going on here. More like shouting with hints of melody. However, it does have plenty of attitude.
TYLER BOOTH / “Feeling Whitney”
Writers: Andrew Wotman/Austin Post; Producers: Tyler Booth/John Johnson; Label: Sony/Villa 40
–Covering a Post Malone tune as a country single might sound nutty. Melodically, it actually works pretty well, and Tyler’s baritone voice is fine, as usual. The lyrics are still oblique.
Jon Kraft Signs Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Taylor Phillips, Jon Kraft, Mason Hunter (BMI), Will Overton (WCM)
Singer-songwriter Jon Kraft has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
Born and raised in Lincoln County, West Virginia, Kraft dreamed of writing songs inspired by his experiences growing up on Bear Creek. Following graduation from Marshall University, he landed a job in the oil and gas industry negotiating pipeline deals throughout the country, all while starting and managing a real estate business back home.
A few years ago, his passion for storytelling and songwriting led Kraft to Nashville to pursue his dream. He moved to Music City in 2017 and began writing with some of the city’s top writers.
Travis Chaney & Bridgette Tatum Launch SoNash Publishing
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Travis Chaney, Abigail Wate Ayala and Bridgette Tatum
New Nashville-based publishing company SoNash has opened its doors with a team that includes President,Travis Chaney, Vice President Bridgette Tatum, Abigail Wate Ayala as Creative Director, and Juli Newton-Griffith as Creative Consultant.
A coach, consultant and entrepreneur, Chaney’s partnership with Tatum stems from years of a successful working relationship. Tatum is an entrepreneur and songwriter who has more than 100 recorded songs under her belt, including the No. 1 most-played song of 2009, Jason Aldean’s “She’s Country.”
“I have a passion for business and a passion for music,” Chaney explains. “I’ve started several businesses from the ground up, but the key to success has always been the people directly involved in the companies. Bridgette Tatum and I have built a strong working relationship over the past five years. She is an amazingly gifted songwriter and also brings a high business acumen which, coupled with her creative talents, represents all the ingredients I was looking for in a great business partner. I’m ecstatic to be working with her alongside an extremely talented team of music minds.”
“SoNash is here to give integrity and respect to the relationship between publisher business and writer’s creativity. We want to build, cultivate, and help successfully push both SoNash and the writers together toward each one’s goals as a team,” Tatum adds. “I’ve heard it said, ‘Music stops at business and business stops at music.’ I don’t think that’s true. I believe both can shake hands and make the music special. One cannot work without the other. This landed on the side of good, with a lot of direction from God. For that I’m excited and grateful.”
Wate Ayala holds a degree from MTSU and during college interned at multiple music companies, including SeaGayle Music, Sandbox Entertainment, Huskins-Harris Business Management, and Cornman Music, where she was hired. Following two years at Cornman, she worked at Bring A Shovel Management before joining SoNash as Creative Director.
“I am so incredibly excited to join the SoNash team. Bridgette and Travis are building an incredible culture and environment for songwriters and a place for songs to grow and prosper. I am honored to be working for them and to also have guidance from Juli as I start my journey with SoNash!” notes Wate Ayala.
Newton-Griffith has over 30 years of experience in Nashville’s music industry, garnering over 1,000 cuts for artists such as Stuart Harris, Wynonna Judd and Travis Tritt, and representing over 100 songwriters.
“Publishing is a huge passion of mine and to be able to keep my hands in it with SoNash is amazing. They are building something great and I’m happy to be a consultant for them,” shares Newton-Griffith.
Kentucky Rising Concert Featuring Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam Raises Over $2.5 Million
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton playing at the Kentucky Rising benefit concert. Photo: Courtesy of Sacks & Co.
The Kentucky Rising benefit concert in Lexington, Kentucky on Tuesday night (Oct. 11) raised over $2.5 million for flood relief in Eastern Kentucky.
Eastern Kentucky-natives Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam and Tyler Childers performed at the sold-out event at Lexington’s Rupp Arena, which also featured performances from surprise guests Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs, S.G. Goodman and University of Kentucky football coach Mark Stoops.
Proceeds raised will benefit the Kentucky Rising Fund to assist with ongoing aid and recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky following July’s devastating floods. Working with the Blue Grass Community Foundation, the Kentucky Rising Fund will use the entirety of those funds to support both immediate needs and long-term recovery projects as they emerge.
The concert, which culminated in a group finale of John Prine’s “Paradise,” is available for on-demand viewing for the next 48 hours via Veeps.
Cody Johnson, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, More Earn Multiple 2022 AMA Nominations
/by Lydia FarthingPhoto: Courtesy of AMAs
Nominees for the 2022 American Music Awards were unveiled on Thursday (Oct. 13). This year’s show, which serves as the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, will air live from Microsoft Theater in LA on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. Fan voting is now open.
Throughout this year’s 37 categories, the country genre is well represented with five different trophies: Favorite Male Country Artist, Female Country Artist, Country Duo or Group, Country Album, and Country Song.
Cody Johnson leads the country ranks with three nominations (Favorite Male Country Artist, Favorite Country Album for Human: The Double Album, and Favorite Country Song for “‘Til You Can’t”). Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Walker Hayes, Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen all nab two nominations. Lainey Wilson, Maren Morris, Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Dustin Lynch and Mackenzie Porter, Dan + Shay, Lady A, Old Dominion, Parmalee and Zac Brown Band earn one nod each.
Music City also sees some familiar faces in other categories, including rising rocker Gayle earning a seat at the New Artist of the Year table. Christian artists Anne Wilson, For King & Country, Matthew West, Cece Winans, and more also make an appearance in the Favorite Inspirational Artist and Favorite Gospel Artist categories.
Outside of Nashville music, Latin artist Bad Bunny comes in as this year’s most-nominated artist with eight nods. Powerhouses Beyoncé and Taylor Swift are the most-nominated female artists with six nominations each, with two of Swift’s nominations coming in the country categories. Earning five nominations each are Adele, Harry Styles, and The Weeknd. With two nods for Collaboration of the Year and Favorite Touring Artist, Elton John also makes history as the longest-recognized artist in AMA history to-date.
Partial List of 2022 American Music Awards Nominees:
Favorite Male Country Artist
Chris Stapleton
Cody Johnson
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Walker Hayes
Favorite Female Country Artist
Carrie Underwood
Lainey Wilson
Maren Morris
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Favorite Country Duo Or Group
Dan + Shay
Lady A
Old Dominion
Parmalee
Zac Brown Band
Favorite Country Album
Carrie Underwood – Denim & Rhinestones
Luke Combs – Growin’ Up
Cody Johnson – Human: The Double Album
Taylor Swift – Red (Taylor’s Version)
Walker Hayes – Country Stuff: The Album
Favorite Country Song
Chris Stapleton – “You Should Probably Leave”
Cody Johnson – “’Til You Can’t”
Dustin Lynch ft. MacKenzie Porter – “Thinking ‘Bout You”
Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan – “Buy Dirt”
Morgan Wallen – “Wasted on You”
Favorite Inspirational Artist
Anne Wilson
For King & Country
Katy Nichole
Matthew West
Phil Wickham
Favorite Gospel Artist
CeCe Winans
Doe
Dewey Smith
Maverick City Music
Tamela Mann
New Artist of the Year
Dove Cameron
Gayle
Latto
Måneskin
Steve Lacy
Industry Ink: Callista Clark, Madeline Edwards, Tim Montana, BMI
/by Lydia FarthingCallista Clark Begins Debut Album Celebrations At Nashville’s Listening Room Cafe
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Callista Clark, SB Projects’ Morgan Feldman and Tony Bracy. Photo: Rachel Deeb.
Rising Big Machine Records artist Callista Clark started the celebrations for her full-length debut with a sold-out album release show at The Listening Room Cafe on Tuesday night (Oct. 11). Real to Me: The Way I Feel arrives on Friday (Oct. 14).
Alongside SiriusXM’s Macie Banks, Clark held a discussion about the making of the record. Songwriters Liz Rose and Emily Landis were also invited on stage to share the story behind the songs they co-wrote with Clark. The budding singer-songwriter performed a number of album tracks, including “Real To Me,” “Gave It Back Broken,” “Sad,” “Wish You Wouldn’t,” “Heartbreak Song” with songwriter Chris DeStefano, “Brave Girl” and top 20 debut “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” as well as a cover of Hall & Oates’ “You Make My Dreams Come True.”
“When I began writing this album and sharing what felt real to me, I couldn’t do that without thinking about my younger self and how shy I was,” Clark noted. “It’s ironic to think that that version of myself would grow up to share her personal diary in song and perform them in front of thousands of people. This record will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Madeline Edwards Rings In Warner Signing With Stops In New York & Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Samantha Borenstein (Manager, Sam I Am Entertainment), Madeline Edwards, Stephanie Davenport (Sr. Director of A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Cris Lacy (Co-President, Warner Music Nashville). Photo: Thomas Crabtree.
After her recent signing with Warner Music Nashville, Madeline Edwards made a pit stop in New York on Oct. 6 before taking over one of Nashville’s hottest new venues, The Electric Jane, on Tuesday evening (Oct. 11). Backed in each city by a full band, she premiered tracks from her forthcoming, 12-track debut album, Crashlanded, out Nov. 4.
Since breaking onto the scene on the CMA Award stage last year, Edwards has landed on Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch list, been named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and included as a Top 20 Breaker artist on NPR. She was recently selected as Billboard’s August Rookie Of The Month, as well as an Apple Music August Country Riser. She was featured alongside The Highwomen on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way tribute record and joined Chris Stapleton‘s “All-American Road Show Tour” earlier this summer.
Tim Montana Raises Over $250K For Military Nonprofit Oranizations
Country rocker Tim Montana hosted his third annual Tim Montana & Friends American Thread Sporting Clays Shoot last Tuesday (Oct. 4), raising over a quarter of a million dollars for military charities Special Ops Xcursions and Memorial 3 Gun Foundation.
Held at the Nashville Gun Club, the event featured a special performance of the National Anthem by Veteran Donnie Reis as SOCOM Para-Commandos sky divers carrying patriotic flags landed in the field. There were also appearances by active duty Army Special Forces from Ft. Campbell, dinner courtesy of Traeger Grills, a live auction hosted by World Livestock Auctioneer Championship second-place winner Ted Odle and plenty of sporting clay shooting. The night ended with performances from Colbie Caillat, Michael Ray and Tyler Farr.
“Veterans Day is every day in my mind,” Montana explains. “I’m fortunate to do what I do for a living because of those that sacrifice their lives for our freedom. Giving back is so important and I’m honored to be able to help.”
BMI Stage At ACL Fest Shines Bright During Weekend One
Charlotte Sands at the BMI Stage at ACL Fest, Weekend One 2022. Photo: Erika Goldring.
The first weekend of Austin City Limits (ACL) Festival wrapped up with plenty of artists gracing the event’s signature BMI Stage.
Among the stage’s lineup for Weekend One were Aly & AJ, Charlotte Sands, Chicocurlyhead, Darkbird, Eric Tessmer, Sarah and the Sundays, Lilyisthatyou, Katzu Oso, Jessia, Isaac Dunbar and more.
The two weekend-long event will continue this coming weekend at Zilker Park in Austin, Texas.
Mitchell Tenpenny Raises Over $50K At First Annual Cornhole Tournament
/by Lydia FarthingMitchell & his mother, Debbie Tenpenny. Photo: Brocoff Photography
Riser House/Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville artist Mitchell Tenpenny hosted his first annual Cornhole Tournament on Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 11) benefitting his foundation, the 10Penny Fund.
Overall, the event raised $50,302, and Dallas Wilson and Jared Mullins were crowned the winning team. Among the star-studded attendees were Jimmie Allen, Chris Young, Chrissy Metz, Ernest, Jon Langston and Alana Springsteen, as well as Tenpenny’s fiance and fellow artist Meghan Patrick.
Tenpenny recently released his 20-track album, This Is The Heavy, of which he co-wrote every song and co-produced the project with Jordan M. Schmidt. His history-making No. 1 single, “Truth About You,” marked the shortest span between an artist’s No. 1 songs in modern chart era with just three weeks since his last chart topper, “At The End Of A Bar” with Chris Young.
MusicRow caught up with Tenpenny ahead of the release of This Is The Heavy to talk about the album, his “farm emo” sound and more. To read the full interview, click here.
New Female-Powered Musical Residency ‘She Believed She Could’ To Open In November
/by Lorie HollabaughShe Believed She Could, a one-of-a-kind stage production celebrating the stories and music of chart-topping women in country music, will make its opening weekend debut on Nov. 4-5 at Nashville’s newly-opened Woolworth Theatre.
The production features an all-female cast of up-and-coming singer-songwriters who pay tribute to country’s leading ladies, including Belles, Jillian Dawn, Kaylin Roberson, Layna, Maddie Walker, and Regan Stewart. All individual artists in their own pursuits, the members of this lineup have collectively earned millions of music streams, secured opening slots on pop and country tours, and competed on high-profile music competition shows such as American Idol and Real Country.
By design, the majority of the show’s creative and administrative team is comprised of women, including Kate Malone, who signed on as Music Director for She Believed She Could.
“She Believed She Could focuses on the passion and persistence required to relentlessly pursue a musical dream. Whether it’s the story of a country music icon who became a household name or a next generation superstar, She Believed She Could showcases the magic when that dream materializes as a great song and is released to the world,” explains Todd Cassetty, the show’s creator, director and producer. “Collectively, the stories and music in our show–as told and sung by some of the most talented women I know–results in an extraordinary, moving experience that transcends ages and genders.”
She Believed She Could will run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night with 6 p.m. showtimes throughout the end of the year. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Oct. 14) at 10 a.m. CT.
Nashville Winners Abound At 2022 IEBA Awards
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Chris Von Belkhom, Owner/investor of Basement East; Dave Brown, Co-Owner/Founder of Basement East; Mike Grimes, Co-Owner/Founder of Basement East
Live entertainment industry professionals from all over the world gathered in Nashville this week (Oct. 9-11) for the 52nd annual IEBA Conference.
Pictured (L-R): CAA’s Yves Pierre, Live Nation’s Jay Byrd, WME’s Aaron Tannenbaum, IEBA’s Pam Matthews, The Neal Agency’s Austin Neal, UTA’s Jbeau Lewis, Wasserman Music’s Lenore Kinder
The 3-day event included panel discussions that ranged from contract terms and conditions, to crowd management and event safety, to how live entertainment impacts small and midsize markets, and what we can learn from Gen Z.
Attendees were also treated to over 30 live performances from acts including Lily Rose, Tenille Arts, Niko Moon, Shaun Johnson’s Big Band Experience, Tag Team, Switchfoot, and The Travelin’ McCourys.
The conference concluded with IEBA’s Honors & Awards ceremony. 17 industry leaders were recognized for their outstanding achievements in 2022. The full list of winners is below.
IEBA’s 53rd annual conference will be held in Nashville from Oct. 8-11, 2023.
2022 IEBA Industry Award Winners:
Club of the Year
The Basement East
Casino of the Year
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Theater of the Year
Fox Theatre – Atlanta
Arena of the Year
Bridgestone Arena
Amphitheater of the Year
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Fair/Expo of the Year
Minnesota State Fair
Festival of the Year
Austin City Limits Music Festival
Club Buyer of the Year
Chris Cobb
Casino Buyer of the Year
Andrew Saunders
Corporate Buyer of the Year
East Coast Entertainment
International Buyer of the Year
Barrie Marshall
Fair/Expo Buyer of the Year
Michelle Romeo
Festival Buyer of the Year
Amy Corbin
Venue Executive of the Year
David Kells
Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year
Sarita Stewart
Agent of the Year
Aaron Tannenbaum
Promoter of the Year
Mike Smardak
Conner Smith, Breland, More To Play Second Annual Opry NextStage: Live In Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughThe second annual Opry NextStage Live In Concert, which showcases artists picked for the NextStage artist discovery program, has been set for Nov. 20 at the Grand Ole Opry House.
The latest and final member of the NextStage Class of 2022, viral singer-songwriter Nate Smith, will take the stage alongside other 2022 NextStage artists Breland, Restless Road, Elvie Shane and Conner Smith, with special performances by NextStage alumnae Hailey Whitters and Priscilla Block, who will host.
A California native and Arista Nashville artist, Smith’s song “Wildfire” went viral on TikTok in 2020. This year, he has garnered attention on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart while his newest single “Whiskey On You” is currently sitting at No. 11 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. Smith was also nominated for MusicRow‘s Discovery Artist of the Year award at this year’s MusicRow Awards.
“I am thrilled and honored to be the Opry’s NextStage artist for November,” Smith shares. “They have spotlighted so many artists that I admire, and I can’t wait to share a stage with them next month! There’s nothing like the Grand Ole Opry and it means the world to me to have their support.”
Tickets are available at Opry.com beginning this Friday (Oct. 14).