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CRS 2021 Highlights
CHECK OUT OUR GUIDE TO THIS YEAR’S MUST TUNE-IN MOMENTS
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Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern is this year’s 2020 CRB President’s Award recipient. The award will be presented during “CRS Honors,” the official launch to CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, at 12:30 PM/CT, immediately following the morning sessions of the all-new CRS Streaming Summit.
Trahern was named CMA CEO in 2014 following stops at Great American Country (GAC), The Nashville Network (TNN), and C-SPAN. She helms CMA’s three network television properties (CMA Fest, CMA Country Christmas and the CMA Awards), leads one of the biggest music festivals in the world and serves as President of the CMA Foundation. As a trade association, CMA represents every aspect of the Country Music industry and Trahern has made community outreach a priority, whether it is providing members affordable healthcare options or offering online tools and resources for music professionals displaced by COVID-19 shutdowns. Her vision and leadership have been instrumental in launching CMA’s Music Industry COVID Support (MICS) initiative. She was recently recognized as one of the Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs. Trahern is consistently included on various Billboard lists, including Women in Music and Country Power Players, on which she was profiled as “Executive of the Year” in 2017. In 2011, she was the subject and honoree of the prestigious Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum by the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.
The CRB President’s Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the marketing, production, growth, and development of the Country Radio Seminar and the multiple services that Country Radio Broadcasters provides to the country radio and music communities.
CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, commented, “Sarah is the epitome of this award. Her selfless and tireless work on behalf of artists, songwriters, labels, managers, touring professionals, and Country Radio, and her steadfast support of CRB and Country Radio Seminar make her a highly deserving honoree. I am blessed to call her colleague, confidant and friend. And all of us in Country are blessed to have her as a true leader in our genre.”
The 2020 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award recipient, Rascal Flatts, will also be recognized during the Opening Ceremonies. The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio through their creativity, vision, performance, and/or leadership. On the heels of celebrating their 20th Anniversary Year, Rascal Flatts was named the 2020 Artist Career Achievement Award recipient during a surprise announcement made at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2020’s Opening Ceremonies. President/CEO of Big Machine Label Group, Scott Borchetta will present the award to Rascal Flatts.
Hailed as one of the most influential groups in modern country history, superstar vocal group Rascal Flatts are a chart-topping trio created by vocalist Gary LeVox, multi-instrumentalist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney. Since their founding in 2000 and subsequent breakout with the Top 5 hit, “Prayin’ for Daylight,” the band has gone on to infuse country’s traditional mainstream with smooth-pop textures, arena-rocking energy and faithful positivity, impacting countless fans and fellow artists along the way. They’ve racked up 17 Number One hits, over 23.4 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads, 2.2 billion streams worldwide and 4.4 billion streams solely on Pandora, while also selling over 11 million concert tickets and earning more than 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People’s Choice and more, making them the most awarded country group of the past decade. For more information visit rascalflatts.com.
Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Mickey Guyton is also confirmed to open CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience with a performance of the national anthem, sponsored by Veterans Matter.
Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where the CRB President’s Award and Artist Career Achievement awards are historically given, could not be held in person and is subsequently being held virtually during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.
CRS AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
Wednesday, Feb. 17
10-10:50 AM/CT Programming
Mentoring Breakfast:
This one-on-one session, sponsored by vCreative, provides the opportunity for attendees to sit down with experienced PDs and Format Leaders, who can help them build their skill set and learn fresh new ideas. Confirmed mentors for the session are Mark Anderson(Entercom), Gail Austin (iHeartMedia), Carletta Blake (WGAR/ Cleveland), Kevin Callahan (Entercom), Johnny Chiang (Cox Media Group Houston), Charlie Cook (Cumulus), Gator Harrison (iHeartMedia), John Foxx (WNSH/New York), Steve Geofferies (iHeartMedia), Rod Phillips (iHeartMedia), Jeff Kapugi(WMXQ/DC + WPOC/Baltimore), Mike Kennedy (Entercom), Bruce Logan (Hubbard Radio), Mike Moore(WHKX/Atlanta), Mike Preston (KPLX/Dallas + KSCS/Dallas), Tim Roberts (Entercom), Cindy Spicer (WFUS/ Tampa + WQIK/Jacksonville), and Meg Stevens (iHeartMedia).
1-1:50 PM/CT Imaging Workshop:
Station imaging and recorded promos are a key component on any station. For the first time ever, CRS has assembled a group of top imaging professionals to listen to actual submitted station imaging and provide real-time feedback and tips. Experts will take you into their computer and rebuild station promos using their years of experience and expertise. Panelists are Jake Kaplan (97.1 AMP/Los Angeles), Chadd Pierce (Pierce Voice), and Matt Warren (Gorilla Sound) and moderated by Joey Tack(KNCI/Sacramento)
2-2:50 PM/CT Music Scheduling
Workshop:
In this workshop, panelists will show off their favorite tips and tricks to scheduling a great log, in an efficient way. Plus, they’ll share some of their favorite software features that you may not be using. Panelists are Kristopher Jones (Merge Music Media), Tom Lorino(Throwback Nation Radio), and Bryan ‘B-Dub’ Washington (Hubbard/B-Dub Radio), and the moderator is Brent Michaels (KUZZ/Bakersfield).
Thursday, Feb. 18
Organized by Gator Harrison (iHeartMedia) and Lou Ramirez (Warner Music Nashville), the Believers Breakfast will feature Gator Harrison, Russell Dickerson (Triple Tigers), and Chris Tomlin (Capitol Christian Music Group), who will discuss the stability of Faith and the music industry; celebrity with humility; life balance in an industry that’s 24/7; how to stay Faith-centered in a chaotic, divisive world; fatherhood and leading spiritual lives.
10-10:50 AM/CT Label Mentoring
Breakfast:
A unique opportunity to meet and greet with some of the industry’s most inspiring record label executives to create a network, gain knowledge, and connect on everything from mentorship to motivation. Together, they will answer the questions: how can radio, records, and all attendees work together to better the music industry as a whole? What key people can you connect with to help move your career forward? And, how can you implement this new knowledge today? Confirmed mentors for the session are Randy Goodman (SONY), Tony Grotticelli (UMG), JoJamie Hahr (BBRMG), Dave Kelly (BMLG), Laurel Kittleson (Curb), Mandy McCormack (Pearl), and Lou Ramirez (WMN).
1-1:50 PM/CT Awards Submission
Workshop:
Submitting for ACM and CMA Awards can be a daunting yet rewarding task! Between choosing the right content to include in the audio and written portions, to archiving content throughout the year, there are many elements to a winning submission. A group of current and past winners have been assembled who will share all their pro tips and tricks to getting nominated and winning these prestigious awards. Panelists are Justin Cole (Entercom), John Shomby (Country Radio’s Coach), and Scott Ward (Scott Ward Voice Pro), and the moderator is Kelly Ford (Entercom).
Friday, Feb 19
10-10:50 AM/CT Women’s Mentoring Breakfast:
Sponsored by NuVoodoo Media this session offers attendees the opportunity to approach and chat with some of music’s female “power players.” Confirmed mentors for the session are Stacy Blythe (Big Loud), Marci Braun (WUSN/ Chicago), Raffaella Braun (Triple Tigers), Becky Brenner (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Shanna “Quinn” Cudeck (WMIL/Milwaukee), Kelly Ford (WNSH/New York), Becky Gardenhire (WME), Holly Hutton (WYCD/ Detroit), Beth Laird(Creative Nation), Allison Laughter (Red Light Management), Miranda McDonald (MCA), Ebie McFarland(Essential Broadcast Media PR), Ashley Stegbauer Morrison (WWKA/Orlando), Ashley Sidoti (Valory Music Co.), Lauren Thomas (Sony/Nashville), Tiera (Singer-Songwriter/Apple Music Country Radio Personality/Host), Candice Watkins (Big Loud), and Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville).
11-11:50 AM/CT Aircheck Workshop:
Country Radio’s top programmers and consultants will offer a personalized, virtual aircheck and feedback session. Attendees are invited to submit Airchecks to be highlighted and discussed among the panel of experts during the workshop [HERE]. Panelists are Becky Brenner (Albright, O’Malley & Brenner), Kevin Callahan (Entercom), Bruce Logan (Hubbard), Tracy Johnson (Tracy Johnson Media Group), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Associates), and JoJo Turnbeaugh (iHeartMedia).
More details surrounding other sessions are below:
‘Til The Wellness Runs Dry: How to Handle the Anxiety of the Music Business: Elizabeth Porter, Founder and President of Entertainment Health Services, explains how anxiety affects us, offering clues to identify workplace triggers while providing tips on how to be the best you for yourself, and others.
PPP: Post-Pandemic Playbook: An examination of how COVID-19 has affected operations, programming, labels, marketing, and sales, which now requires advanced best-practices for working remotely, revenue strategies, organizational structures, and more.
21 Promotions in ‘21: Attendees will receive 21 immediately executable promotions they can utilize to accomplish ratings and revenue goals in the face of reduced personnel, social-distancing, and fewer events.
Talk Data to Me: The authenticity and application of multiple radio call out, consumer research, and streaming data points will be probed, with a tutorial on the merits of each and how to apply all types of data to programming decisions.
Your 24/7 Brand: Radio in 2021 goes far beyond the dial. This session will discuss digital strategies for stations and talent in all market sizes to capitalize on branding, distribution, and content ROI.
TLC: Talent Loving Coaching: How do PDs and management coach on-air talent in a way that fosters creative freedom, with structure for growth and improvement? Successful PD/Talent combos discuss working relationships and how to accomplish mutual goals.
The 4th annual “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS” show is set for Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 4 PM/CT, will be headlined by Tim McGraw (Big Machine Records) and will also feature performances by Kameron Marlowe (Columbia Nashville), Priscilla Block (Mercury Nashville), Shy Carter (Warner Music Nashville), and Track45 (Stoney Creek Records).
“Country Heat highlights the best in the genre and we’re thrilled to bring it to life at CRS for the fourth year in a row with a slate of unforgettable performances from the next crop of rising stars and superstar, Tim McGraw,” said Kelly Rich, Country Lead for Amazon Music.
The “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat at CRS” showcase will conclude the first-ever Streaming Summit, held during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience. Country Heat is the ultimate Amazon Music global play list for today’s country music fan, updated each week to feature a mix of country hits and breaking singles from both new and established acts.
Country music superstar Luke Bryan, the featured artist scheduled to appear at the annual “CRS Artist Interview,” sponsored by BMI. Bryan will sit down for a rare and exclusive Q&A session discussing his continuous success at Country radio and the expansion of his recording, touring, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Luke Combs and Maren Morris Join NPR Music’s Ann Powers for Discussion
This special session, sponsored by AllAccess.com, features two of Country Music’s newest, most prominent trailblazers, 2020 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Luke Combs, and 2020 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Maren Morris. During a rare and exclusive Q&A session, to be held Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 3 PM/CT, Combs and Morris will open a conversation into how their roles as artists matter in the changing culture of Country music.
Ann Powers, NPR Music’s critic and correspondent and the Nashville correspondent for WXPN’s World Café, is set to moderate. Powers, Combs and Morris will discuss what Country music means in light of its complicated and often problematic past and how artists can hold themselves accountable in helping shape a genre that is as diverse as America itself.
Warner Music Nashville Luncheon
The third annual Warner Music Nashville Luncheon, to be held Feb. 17 at Noon CT. Headlined by Dan + Shay with additional performances by Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Drew Parker, Ian Munsick, Michael Ray, Robyn Ottolini, and Shy Carter.
“No matter where we are in the world, all of us at WMN remain committed to CRS and its mission to educate and connect,” said SVP Radio Kristen Williams. “While we would love to be welcoming everyone to Nashville, we look forward to celebrating together in a new way. From GRAMMYwinning global superstars Dan + Shay to the brightest new talent, we can’t wait to bring our music into your homes.”
ACM Entertainer of the Year Thomas Rhett To Headline “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley”
Multi-platinum performer and 2020 ACM Entertainer of the Year, Thomas Rhett, will appear on the annual “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley,” to be held on Wednesday, Feb. 17, during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.
“Every year this event brings together such special songwriters in our community and it’s an honor to help keep that tradition going on behalf of Bob,” Thomas Rhett said. “Even though it may look a little different this year, I can’t wait to share what we have planned with y’all!”
Along with writing and co-producing much of his own material, Thomas Rhett has written songs recorded by Jason Aldean (“I Ain’t Ready to Quit” and “1994”), Florida Georgia Line (“Round Here”), Michael Ray (“Think A Little Less”) and Old Dominion’s GRAMMY-nominated “Some People Do,” among others.
Thomas Rhett’s most recent release, his GRAMMY-nominated fourth studio album CENTER POINT ROAD continued to propel his meteoric career as “few singers have played a larger role in defining the sound of country music over the past halfdozen years” (Rolling Stone), debuting atop the Billboard 200 and spawning three No. One hits including its PLATINUM lead single, “Look What God Gave Her,” which was first introduced on SNL. Thomas Rhett has scored nearly 10 BILLION total career streams and received two CMA Triple Play awards for penning three No. One songs within a 12-month period, adding to his collection of trophies from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Billboard Music Awards, CMT Music Awards and more. “At the top of his musical game” (Winnipeg Free Press), the in-demand entertainer has headlined multiple nationwide and international tours as well as major festivals.
Each year, “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley,” brings together highly-awarded songwriters who perform some of their most popular hits while sharing the stories behind the songs. The event has become one of Country Radio Seminar’s most anticipated events.
Thomas Rhett’s special guests who are set to appear are Rhett Akins (“Get Me Some of That,” “Boys ‘Round Here,” and “When She Says Baby”) and Parker Welling (“Blue Tacoma,” “Love You Like I Used To” and “Every Little Thing”). This year’s “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley” is sponsored by Country Top 40 with Fitz and First Horizon.
The lineup has been announced for the “Team UMG at the Ryman” luncheon, to be held during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience. Comprised of emerging and established artists from Universal Music Group (UMG) Nashville’s roster, this year’s event will feature a headline appearance by Eric Church and additional performances by Lauren Alaina, Priscilla Block, Jon Pardi, and Parker McCollum.
Royce Risser, EVP Promotion UMG Nashville comments, “While we will miss being with you all in person at the Ryman, trust me when I say you do not want to miss what we have planned. This year’s show will be from an entirely new perspective, with a couple of surprises along the way. You really don’t want to miss it.”
The “Team UMG at the Ryman” luncheon will only be available for viewing through CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience and is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 at Noon CT.
