NEAR TRUTHS: REALIGNMENT AND RECOGNITION
Underscoring the year's biggest stories (11/19a)
NEAR TRUTHS: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
Nervous time in the music biz and beyond. (11/16a)
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NOW WHAT?
We have no fucking idea.
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.
WHO'S BUYING THE DRINKS?
That's what we'd like to know.
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WHAT IT IS: Ravyn Lenae returns with her highly anticipated sophomore album, Bird’s Eye, two years after the success of her debut, HYPNOS, which garnered critical acclaim from NPR, Pitchfork, Harper’s Bazaar, The Guardian and the Washington Post, among others. During this transformative period, Lenae navigated the challenges of her early 20s while stepping into the spotlight. Executive-produced by Grammy-winner Dahi, known for his work with Kendrick Lamar, Steve Lacy, Kelela and SZA, Bird’s Eye highlights Lenae’s skillful blend of genres. The album is her most introspective and musically complex work yet, showcasing a deeper exploration of her artistry.
ALBUM: Bird’s Eye
RELEASE DATE: 8/9
SINGLE: “One Wish” f/Childish Gambino
TV: Fallon, Colbert
LIVE: Currently headlining Bird’s Eye Live Tour; recently supported Omar Apollo at Red Rocks
INTERNET: 23m+ TikTok views on “Love Me Not,” 69m+ Spotify streams across catalog over past year (up 35% from year prior)
PRESS: New York Times, Pitchfork, NPR, FADER, Rolling Stone, SPIN
BOOKING: Fred Zahedinia & Evan Hancock/Wasserman
MANAGEMENT: John Bogaard/Terrains
WHAT IT IS: Dexter and the Moonrocks are reviving blue-collar rock. With a distinct sound that blends influences from Foo Fighters to Tyler Childers, the “sad grunge cowboys” from Abilene, Texas, have cultivated a devoted following among fans who rock both combat boots and cowboy boots. Their dynamic live performances have packed venues of 600 to 1,000 capacity, while their music has garnered more than 75m on-demand streams in just three years. With anthemic guitars, crashing drums and emotive lead vocals, they are leading the charge in a genre they call “western space grunge,” carving out a unique niche in the evolving alternative-rock scene.
SINGLE: “Sad in Carolina”
LIVE: On the Eastern Space Grunge Tour through early December; spring dates TBA
INTERNET: 700k TikTok followers; 200k Instagram followers; 25k YouTube subs,
RADIO: “Sad in Carolina” heading Top 5 at U.S. Alt (week of 10/28)
PRESS: Alt Press, Texas Monthly, Austin American Statesman, Substream, Raised Rowdy, Music Connection
BOOKING: Mike Krug/WME
PUBLISHING: Warner Chappell (BMI)
MANGEMENT: Chris Schoemann/Lionsclaw Entertainment
WHAT IT IS: Raised in the small town of Greensburg, Kentucky, Chase McDaniel has emerged as a resilient voice in Nashville’s singer-songwriter scene. Drawing from his experiences and the complexities of life, he crafts songs that resonate with authenticity, blending vulnerability with a distinct swagger. McDaniel’s music reflects his journey through adversity, offering listeners a sense of connection and reassurance that they’re not alone in their struggles. His commitment to honesty in songwriting serves as a testament to the idea that perseverance can lead to meaningful connections and artistic success.
ALBUM: Blame It All on Country Music
RELEASE DATE: 1/26/24
SINGLE: “Made It This Far”
LIVE: Selling out clubs all over the country; returns to the road again in 2025 after a big 2024, which included his Grand Ole Opry debut
INTERNET: “Project” hit #1 on Digital Sales and iTunes Country single charts; “Your Daughter” hit #3 all genre on the iTunes Country singles chart
RADIO: Radio tour kicks off 2025 with a projected single impact in February
PRESS: RFD-TV, MyNashville (cover), MusicRow, American Songwriter, Holler, more
BOOKING: Kevin Neal/WME
PUBLISHING: Carly Strickland/Big Machine Label Group
MANAGEMENT: Kevin Spellman/Vector