Tag: CMA

Spotify House Rocks Country Music’s Biggest Weekend at Nashville’s CMA Fest

June 13, 2023

Reba McEntire performs onstage at Spotify House during CMA Fest 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Last weekend, Spotify two-stepped its way back to Nashville’s legendary Broadway thoroughfare for the annual CMA Fest. The event, hosted by the Country Music Association, is one of the biggest live-music weekends. It first began as Fan Fair in 1972, and quickly grew to a multi-day festival that rebranded as CMA Fest in 2004. This year, CMA Fest celebrated its 50th anniversary. Over the span of four days, we invited artists and fans to take in the sights and sounds at our Spotify House multi-stage experience.

For the fourth year, Spotify House took over Ole Red, country music star Blake Shelton’s restaurant, bar, and concert venue, to host a four-day experience featuring over 70 artist performances. The star-studded lineup, which included chart-toppers Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, Lady A, and Hailey Whitters, made the venue a revolving door of wide-ranging country sounds and blazing-hot talent. Country music legend Reba McEntire made her return to Nashville’s Lower Broadway at Spotify House for the first time in 10 years for the CMA Fest 50th Spotlight Performance, which also featured Billy Currington, Kimberly Perry, and Craig Morgan. Surprise performers from Spotify House included Kelsea Ballerini and Megan Moroney. 

On the fourth floor, attendees enjoyed the Fresh Finds Rooftop, which was presented in collaboration with The Sims. Spotify is teaming up with The Sims over a shared mission to unlock creative potential and support expression in rising creatives. The Fresh Finds stage was back for its second year and gave fans, press, and industry insiders the chance to discover country music’s next wave of independent stars including Wyatt Flores, Payton Smith, Haley Mae Campbell, and Shaylen.    

Throughout CMA Fest, Spotify Mic Check host Lea Palmieri was onsite chatting with many of the country music artists who performed at Spotify House. 

“​​I’ve been here [in Nashville] ten years now. I think the first thing that shocked me about Broadway is how many amazing artists and singers there are, and how accessible music is walking up and down Broadway any given weekend—it doesn’t seem like you could top it. And then CMA Fest rolls through town and you’re like, ‘Wow, what just happened?’ You accidentally stumble into any room down Broadway and you’re going to find somebody amazing.” — Brett Young, on the Broadway atmosphere.

“I mean, that’s the thing with songwriting: it’s all the production. It’s all in how you perform it. So really, I feel like my music has always been very organic and acoustic, not really that pop, even though I’ve been labeled as the pop genre. I feel like being in the country [genre], has a very nice blend and flow and it’s natural for me.” — Colbie Caillat, on her sound and transition to country music.

“We were very intentional about getting the right song and the follow-up to that and just kind of allowing the process to shape itself really, and allowing the songs to show themselves. And so, yeah, it’s been awesome. I really enjoy performing that song. You have to plan your breaths on that song because it’s like spitfire—it’s nonstop.” — Brian Kelley, on his new music and the release of the single “See You Next Summer.”

Get the full scoop on the happenings of Spotify House by tuning into the full episode.

Want more from the weekend? Turn up Spotify’s Hot Country playlist, which also boasts the best, brightest, and on-the-rise country music talent, and check out a photo gallery of the four guitar-strumming, ballad-belting days.

Country Newcomer Lainey Wilson Racks Up Accolades and Releases an Enhanced Album on Spotify

November 2, 2022

This isn’t Lainey Wilson’s first rodeo. Though, in fact, she’s set to perform at this year’s National Finals Rodeo in December. But back to the music—the country star has been appearing on stages since she was a kid and released her first album when she was only 22.

With a sound that blends throwback country and a bit of modern flare, Lainey’s no stranger to the charts, and she’s seen her name stamped across a series of accolades and nominations. She’s a six-time Country Music Award (CMA) nominee and was crowned this year’s New Female of the Year by the Academy of Country Music (ACM). She’s also “Breakout Artist of the Year” for Country Music Television (CMT).

Fans fell in love with her track “Things A Man Oughta Know,” which landed her her first number one and was ACM’s 2022 Song of the Year. She also collaborated with country star Cole Swindell in his song “Never Say Never,” which has racked up more than 31 million listens on Spotify.

Lainey is releasing her new album, Bell Bottom Country, with an enhanced version where fans can hear Lainey talking through the creation of her album, working with her producer, Jay Joyce, and more. For the Record caught up with the Louisiana native to learn more about what fans can expect from the release.

What’s something you want fans to know about the creation of your new album, Bell Bottom Country?

I want fans to know how much of a labor of love this project was. Before these songs were written, they were experiences and stories. Before these songs were recorded, they were vulnerable, raw words and melodies that my cowriters and I recorded as rough demos, or even just voice memos on our phones. Before the final versions on my record existed, the voice memos and demos were reimagined and produced by my mad scientist of a producer, Jay Joyce, who was leading a group of incredible musicians. I want fans to know that a lot of people put their hearts into this record, and that’s why it turned out to be so special. I’m so proud to be surrounded by people who give me the freedom and support to do my thing. Acceptance is a special feeling. I hope they feel some of that when they’re listening to this record.

You’ve had a stellar year and now you’re the most-nominated artist at the upcoming CMA Awards. Was there a particular nomination you were most surprised or excited by?

Well the thing I’m most surprised about is being the most-nominated artist. I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. But after that, I would say I’m most surprised about the Album of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year nominations. In my opinion, Album of the Year is the most overarching, highly regarded award since it isn’t gender dependent and it recognizes so many creatives’ contributions to the project. 

Do you have a process or any rituals around songwriting? What about recording? 

I’ve got a little “hook book” note I keep on my phone that is just a running list of song ideas. I usually run through a couple ideas in my hook book at the beginning of a cowrite, unless one of the other writers comes in with a specific idea. When we get into the studio, I don’t really have any rituals for recording days. But on days I’m putting down vocals, I do some vocal warm-ups and sip some whiskey to loosen up. 

How was it working with Spotify on the Enhanced Album?

Getting to work with Spotify to turn this into an Enhanced Album was just a thick layer of icing on the cake. I feel like I’m giving y’all a project that’s a lot to digest in the best way, so it’s awesome that Spotify’s Enhanced Album allowed me to explain some of it to y’all as you listen. 

What’s a piece of advice you have for other up-and-coming artists?

Don’t do it!! Ha ha—just kidding. Kind of. I would say, make sure you can’t imagine yourself doing anything else. If you can, you might want to go do that. It’s been a hard journey and a lot of work, but if you love it as much as I do, it’s all worth it. 

What’s next for you?

I’ve got the CMA Awards coming up. Then we’ve got the Yellowstone Season 5 premiere a few days after that. Crazy! I’ll be in the first episode of the season airing November 13. We’ve also got a string of shows out west in mid-November, followed by my first week off since January to celebrate Thanksgiving, and we’ll then head to Las Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo! Then we blink a few times, celebrate the holidays, and make our way back out west to start my first headline tour in Spokane, Washington, on January 4! 

 

Give Lainey’s new enhanced album a listen here.

Spotify House and Hot Country Return to Nashville for This Year’s CMA Fest

May 26, 2022

After a two-year hiatus, CMA Fest is back along with our marquee country-music showcase, Spotify House. Starting June 9, Spotify’s Nashville team and our flagship Hot Country playlist will take over downtown Nashville’s Ole Red for four days of nonstop country music. 

The long weekend will feature a daily lineup of diverse emerging artists and world-renowned stars, plus access to exclusive late-night jam sessions and surprise special performances for fans.

“So much has happened in Nashville since the last CMA Fest, and this includes the rise of some incredible talent and trends within country music. When we were building the lineup for our Spotify House at Ole Red this year, we knew we wanted to curate a group of artists that reflect the trends of our listeners,” said Mary Catherine Kinney, Lead, Strategic Music Partnerships at Spotify. “The genre is growing, and fans will be able to experience the full scope of the genre under our roof. Between our initial lineup announcement today and a few of the surprise guests we have to come, this is truly a set list built by the listeners, and we can’t wait to experience it all in person.”

The full mainstage lineup includes: 

Adam Doleac, Ashland Craft, Ashley Cooke, Ashley McBryde, Bailey Zimmerman, Brantley Gilbert, BRELAND, Brett Eldredge, Callista Clark, Carter Faith, Chase Wright, Cole Swindell, Conner Smith, Corey Kent, Danielle Bradbery, Dalton Dover, Darius Rucker, Dylan Scott, Georgia Webster, Hailey Whitters, Hannah Ellis, Ingrid Andress, Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis, Kameron Marlowe, Kidd G, Lainey Wilson, Lily Rose, Meghan Patrick, MacKenzie Porter, Madeline Edwards, Mickey Guyton, Midland, Mitchell Tenpenny, Nate Smith, Nelly, Nikki Lane, Niko Moon, Restless Road, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Ryan Hurd, Spencer Crandall, Steven Lee Olsen, Tiera Kennedy, Tyler Hubbard

We’re also introducing the Fresh Finds stage for the first time this year. As part of Spotify’s commitment to supporting rising talent and music discovery, fans will be able to see new acts from our Fresh Finds Country playlist perform live throughout the weekend. Stay tuned for the lineup reveal coming next week! 

You can also tune in to our Spotify House at CMA Fest 2022 playlist to listen to all your favorite country stars performing at Ole Red—and make it the soundtrack to your summer.

Discover new artists and get reacquainted with your country favorites by listening to the Hot Country playlist:

Spotify House Brings Together The Hottest Lineup at Nashville’s CMA Fest 2019

May 22, 2019

The Country Music Association’s CMA Fest in Nashville, TN is country music’s biggest annual gathering. This year, Spotify is back at the fest with a stellar lineup to satisfy every country music fan’s cravings.  

From Thursday, June 6 to Sunday, June 9, Spotify will return to Blake Shelton’s and Opry Entertainment Group’s restaurant and music venue, Ole Red, to host ‘Spotify House’ complete with an exceptional lineup of emerging artists, established stars, country music icons and special surprise guests throughout the weekend. The curated set is a collaboration between Spotify, The Grand Ole Opry, and Ole Red.  

The Spotify House daytime schedule will run from 11:30am to 7:00pm. Nightly headlining shows and late-night jam sessions will be scheduled from 7:30pm to 2:00am. All shows will be open to the public and space will be limited to first-come, first-served.

Spotify House will bring together a remarkable group of artists to celebrate everything country, from the sound to the ability to connect the past, present, and future of the country music community. Spotify continues to offer fans and artists truly unique experiences and showcases a deep commitment to country music and its dedicated fans, through both live performances of established country stars, or helping fans discover new and unexpected talent.

Spotify House 2019 lineup highlights will include:

  • Breakout music star Lil Nas X, who took the music world by storm with his country chart-topping hit “Old Town Road,” will perform during CMA Fest at the new Spotify House nighttime rooftop series.
  • Returning headliners, rollicking country trio Midland, who will perform songs from their hit debut album On the Rocks (Big Machine Records), alongside new material from their upcoming second album, including the new single “Mr. Lonely.”
  • Country music legend and ten-time Grammy nominee Tanya Tucker, who will thrill fans with an headlining appearance.
  • ACM Award winners and CMA Award nominees Old Dominion, who will bring their trademark blend of old-fashioned country music and rock n’ roll grit.
  • Talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, five-time Grammy nominee, and CMA Award winner Hunter Hayes returning as a headliner for the second year in a row.
  • American Idol runner-up and CMA Award nominee Lauren Alaina as a headliner.
  • 2019 CMT Music Award-nominated country music duo Maddie & Tae, who are currently on tour opening for Carrie Underwood’s Cry Pretty Tour 360.

Other standouts acts including Chris Young, Morgan Evans, Tenille Townes, Emily Ann Roberts, Mitchell Tenpenny, Filmore, James Barker Band, Cassadee Pope, and many more.

For full schedule and lineup updates at Ole Red visit https://olered.com/nashville/spotify/.

Get ready for CMA Fest with the Ole Red playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/37i9dQZF1DX6HIvDVo75RY?si=rfHFkYKjRzmTHcbJY8Xnbw

Spotify’s Enhanced Hot Country Playlist Brings the Heat at Nashville’s CMA Fest

May 24, 2018

The common thread among country music artists and fans is the ability to relate to the songs and stories that connect them. Songs about real people, real stories, and real lives. Spotify is committed to being the connection point for these shared experiences, and thanks to Spotify’s recently re-launched, enhanced Hot Country Playlist, country fans are now enjoying even more opportunities to connect with the stars of the genre.

June 7 to 10, tens of thousands of country music fans will descend on Nashville for the Country Music Association’s CMA Fest and will have the opportunity to experience the artist-fan community that Hot Country is fostering live and in-person. Whether you’re watching a live performance from your favorite rising country stars, listening to a new Spotify country playlist through the CMA Fest App, discovering the artist with whom you have the most in common, or making a playlist with the artist you love, Spotify will be on the ground highlighting the stories that connect the past, present, and future of country music community.

New Friends at Ole Red

Thursday through Sunday, members of the public can enjoy a stellar lineup of artists at Ole Red, Blake Shelton’s and Opry Entertainment Group’s highly anticipated new restaurant and music venue, and Spotify’s CMA Fest Headquarters. The packed lineup is curated in collaboration between Spotify, The Grand Ole Opry and Ole Red.

Some of the featured artists include:

  • Trio Midland, ACM New Group of the Year, who will be performing songs from their impressive debut album On the Rocks (Big Machine Records), which went to No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums and features their hit debut No. 1 single “Drinkin’ Problem.”
  • Young country singer-songwriter Michael Ray, whose anticipated sophomore album Amos will be released June 1
  • Talented singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, five-time Grammy nominee and CMA Award winner Hunter Hayes
  • Canadian country singer and Canadian Country Music Awards’ Female Artist of the Year 2011, Tenille Townes, who recently signed a record deal with Columbia Nashville
  • American Idol runner-up and ACM Awards’ New Female Vocalist of the Year, Lauren Alaina, who topped the country charts in 2017
  • As well as Maddie & Tae, RaeLynn, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jimmie Allen, Cassadee Pope and many more.

For schedule and lineup updates at Ole Red see: visit www.olered.com/spotifyhotcountry.

Making the Most of the CMA Fest Partnership

Spotify has also partnered with CMA Fest to enhance the digital and music discovery experience for fans at the festival. Users who authenticate with Spotify in the CMA Fest mobile app will be able to stream music from each of the performing artists, and will have access to a breadth of co-curated playlists. Spotify users who access the app can generate a unique playlist of select CMA Fest artists, catered to their specific music tastes.

In addition to the app partnership, Spotify will be taking over CMA’s MusicStreaming Lounge on Friday June 8 at Xfinity Fan Fair X at Music City Center. Fans will have the opportunity to come by the lounge, discover Spotify’s new features, and make Spotify playlists in-person with Country artists performing at the festival.

Spotify’s participation at CMA Fest shows Spotify’s commitment to fostering growth in the Country Music audience across the platform and the world. Country fans, whether new or seasoned, young or old, can look forward to a Country Music-filled weekend, complete with new favorite songs, bands, music discovery knowledge, and a commitment from Spotify that no matter where they are, they’ll always have country music to take them home.