ON THE COVER
Kelsea Ballerini did something bold – and unthinkable: she created an intimate, songwriter EP to capture a jagged moment in her life. It was intimate, small and a document of a moment of strength and chaos in her own life; she didn’t do it for awards or acclaim, but to share with anyone who might need a steadying hand facing similar circumstances and not sure where to turn. Today, Kelsea’s Rolling Up The Welcome Mat becomes her fourth GRAMMY nomination – and it is in the prestigious, wildly competitive Country Album category. At her most deeply personal, she joins everyman populist sensation Zach Bryan, critically acclaimed hard country songwriter Tyler Childers, progressive rock-country firebrands Brothers Osborne and working woman country force Lainey Wilson to create a sense of what country music’s future offers. “Making this record was simply my way of making sense of a really emotionally complicated place in my life,” says the woman who’s recently graced the cover of TIME100’s Next and NYLON, as well as performing on the MTV Video Music Awards. “I went to one of my best friends and collaborators, Alysa Vanderheym, and she quietly and diligently helped me write my truth. I really don’t have the words for the pride I feel for this music and the way that it’s connected with people. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I’m deeply grateful to the Recording Academy for this honor. I am truly beaming.” This NMA award winner icon closes her essay with this final assessment of the artist and woman Kelsea has become, “She has a powerful sense of self in those moments: she knows exactly where her heart is, and she always leads with love and inclusivity.”
... INSIDE COUNTRY
Country Artists reel in nominations at 2024 NMAs
We thought it might have been a misprint but once confirmed it was quite something to see that Beyonce was #1 “most added” at Country radio. Her new “Texas Hold ‘Em” (Parkwood/Columbia) has been quite the surprise so far in 2024. It appears that this one has broken wide open on multiple formats and Country […]
... INSIDE AC
Adult Contemporary Radio Reels In NMA Nods
Benson Boone has to be one of the most talented artists in the AC40 arena. His latest in “Beautiful Things” (Night Street/Warner) reminds us about why he is so important for this format. Songs like this so well written with the vocal delivery he displays are quite rare to find these days but when you […]
... INSIDE TOP40
Top40 Nominees at NMAs
Beyonce told us that she wanted to go Pop & Country and has she ever. Her new “Texas Hold ‘Em” (Parkwood/Columbia) has turned out to be the treat of the year so far. Not only is it a breakout at pop radio, Country has also jumped on this one with open arms. We will see […]
... INSIDE COLLEGE
Peyton Shay Shares Anti-Relationship Banger “Savior Complex”
Peyton Shay has unveiled her latest single, “Savior Complex,” a powerful anthem celebrating self-reliance and independence. This bold and emotive track is now available to stream and download across all major platforms. “Savior Complex” emerges as the ultimate soundtrack of self-sufficiency, challenging the conventional narrative of dependency in relationships. It cleverly captures the rebellious spirit […]