STATE OF THE STATE: MONUMENT


So, the “Fancy Like” guy has two of the Top 5 country streaming songs YTD. In last year’s Nashville special, we told you that Walker Hayes’ unicorn cut was blowing up at TikTok. Of course, that was before the Monument star and his rocket of a song turned into a full-fledged, mainstream pop-culture phenomenon, hitting #1 at Country radio, racking up mind-boggling stream numbers (about 434m ATD) and nearly 100m video views, and gracing an Applebee’s commercial that aired somewhere in the vicinity of a bajillion times.

Like we were saying, it’s the #3 country streaming song of the year, and follow-up single “AA” is #5. It’s also Top 5 at radio now. New music is due shortly, and Hayes kicks off an arena tour this fall. He’s also built out his brand still further with a book.

Singer Caitlyn Smith is another star making noise in the stable of Jason Owen, Shane MacAnally and GM Katie McCartney, as the one-listen gem “Downtown Baby” goes to radio, with streaming already in effect.

Smith has established herself as a potent live act, both on her own headlining tour and as support for such biggies as George Strait, Reba McEntire and Old Dominion, reportedly leaving each such appearance with a score of new fans.

Meanwhile, Team Monument is continuing to think outside the Nashville box with new signings like pop-savvy North Dakota sisters Tigirlily, Pillbox Patti (the provocative nom de guerre of hit songwriter Nicolette Hayford), troubadour/guitar hero Alex Hall and roots-pop heartthrob Brandon Ratcliff.

A GENERATIONAL HITS LIST
They got a name for the winners in the world. (10/5a)
A TASTE OF RAINMAKERS 2024: MONTE AND AVERY LIPMAN
Won't be long now. (10/4a)
THE BOSS: KAMALA WAS BORN TO RUN
A not entirely unexpected endorsement (10/3a)
GRAMMY CHEW: THE FUTURE OF GRAMMY IS (MOSTLY) FEMALE
There's no glass ceiling in pop. (10/4a)
ERLICH TO EXIT SPOTIFY FOR TBA VENTURE
One of the good guys is changing lanes. (10/2a)
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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