![]() Record-breaking heat wave in the forecast. (9/6a)
![]() This oughta be interesting. (9/6a)
![]() We're putting our asses in seats. (9/4a)
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THE GRAMMY SHORT LIST
Who's already a lock?
COUNTRY'S NEWEST DISRUPTOR
Three chords and some truth you may not be ready for.
AI IS ALREADY EATING YOUR LUNCH
The kids can tell the difference... for now.
ALL THE WAY LIVE
The players, the tours, the enormous beers.
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Is there anything about life during COVID-19 that will change how you do business?
I’ve noticed my team is healthier mentally by having the choice to work wherever they feel comfortable. We’ve learned the job can be done remotely, and that seems to give them a work/life balance they didn’t have before.
Are your clients using TikTok?
Yes, they all do. Some of them use it for comic relief and doing videos; some put music out. It’s like a new version of Vine. I think it’s great. They love it too.
What about physical product?
Either vinyl, or educate fans how easy it is to stream. Both my parents are 73, and they stream music now. I had to take a second to show them, explain why $12 a month is a great deal to upgrade; now they use it all the time. I think technology scares some people, but you just have to show them how it works. I mean, it was harder showing my parents how to sync their Bluetooth than how to stream.
Who’s your pick for Entertainer of the Year and why?
Completely biased, but Luke. He’s the most-streamed artist in the genre, the most. He’s played on radio in the genre, his shows are all sold out and he’s a damn fine human being. The fact that he’s the top of all three of those silos we view as measuring sticks speaks volumes about who he is to his fans—and the fans are what matters. So yeah, I think Luke is ETOY.
What’s the biggest challenge?
Live shows being gone, and bands being able to put food on the table, keep people employed and have a fanbase to come back to when this is all over. Country artists at all levels derive the majority of their income from touring and fan interaction. It’s scary when you hear bands that tour in a bus and sell out 3k-cap rooms are fighting to stay afloat week to week.