{"id":1301565,"date":"2018-12-18T08:00:48","date_gmt":"2018-12-18T15:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cmt.com\/news\/?p=1801718"},"modified":"2018-12-18T08:00:48","modified_gmt":"2018-12-18T15:00:48","slug":"cmt-listen-up-reveals-2019-class","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/music-news\/cmt-listen-up-reveals-2019-class\/","title":{"rendered":"CMT Listen Up Reveals 2019 Class"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"byline\">by <span class=\"author\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cmt.com\/news\/author\/tinglel\/\" title=\"Posts by Lauren Tingle\" rel=\"author\">Lauren Tingle<\/a><\/span> <span class=\"date\">17m ago<\/span><\/span> <\/p>\n<p>A four-piece super-group, down-home southern rockers and burgeoning lyrical geniuses are among the talented artists chosen for CMT\u2019s \u201cListen Up\u201d program for 2019.<\/p>\n<p>The year-long campaign will spotlight country music\u2019s most promising newcomers across CMT platforms, exposing the network\u2019s passionate music fan base to the diversity of today\u2019s country music landscape through featured promotions of their new music and videos.<\/p>\n<p>The new Listen Up class is comprised of Brandon Lay, Dillon Carmichael, Gone West, Hardy, Ingrid Andress, Kylie Morgan, Lainey Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Nick Wayne, Rachel Wammack, Riley Green, Ruston Kelly and Tenille Townes.<\/p>\n<p>Since 2011, CMT\u2019s Listen Up franchise has helped launch the careers of superstars including Brett Eldredge, Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris and RaeLynn. The 2018 class alone included Jimmie Allen, Jordan Davis, Maggie Rose, Morgan Evans, Morgan Wallen and Russell Dickerson.<\/p>\n<p>Follow the conversation on social media using #CMTListenUp.<\/p>\n<p>Meet the 2019 class below:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Brandon Lay<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"88b5ca07\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.22.40-PM-1545090497.png?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.22.40-PM-1545090497.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.22.40-PM-1545090497.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.22.40-PM-1545090497.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.22.40-PM-1545090497.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.22.40-PM-1545090497.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.22.40-PM-1545090497.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.22.40-PM-1545090497.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"Screen Shot 2018-12-17 at 5.22.40 PM\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Lay grew up in Jackson, Tenn. and broke through in 2017 with his debut single \u201cSpeakers, Bleachers and Preachers,\u201d which was co-written with Luke Laird and Shane McAnally. His follow-up, \u201cYada Yada Yada\u201d is a flirtatious tale that has the main character trying to convince his love to stay in after she gets all dolled up for a night out with friends. Lay is fresh off a monumental summer opening for Kenny Chesney on the Trip Around The Sun stadium tour. Lay is currently writing and recording for his debut album.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Dillon Carmichael<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"08a7aafc\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/DillonCarmichael-1545088956.jpeg?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/DillonCarmichael-1545088956.jpeg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/DillonCarmichael-1545088956.jpeg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/DillonCarmichael-1545088956.jpeg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/DillonCarmichael-1545088956.jpeg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/DillonCarmichael-1545088956.jpeg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/DillonCarmichael-1545088956.jpeg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/DillonCarmichael-1545088956.jpeg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"DillonCarmichael\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image portrait p3x4\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>There\u2019s no doubt about it, Carmichael is country to the core and has a throwback voice that embodies the greats, including Randy Travis and Hank Williams, Jr. Produced by Grammy winner Dave Cobb, Carmichael\u2019s debut <em>Hell on an Angel<\/em> offers hardcore honky-tonk country that touches on the perennial themes including love (\u201cDancing Away with My Heart\u201d), commitment (\u201cMight Be a Cowboy\u201d) and drowning in regret (\u201cNatural Disaster\u201d). Carmichael is also the nephew of John Michael and Eddie Montgomery and a Nashville local.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Gone West<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"7fa09a6a\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/GoneWest-3314-FullRes-1545089102.jpg?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/GoneWest-3314-FullRes-1545089102.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/GoneWest-3314-FullRes-1545089102.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/GoneWest-3314-FullRes-1545089102.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/GoneWest-3314-FullRes-1545089102.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/GoneWest-3314-FullRes-1545089102.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/GoneWest-3314-FullRes-1545089102.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/GoneWest-3314-FullRes-1545089102.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"GoneWest-3314 (FullRes)\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Gone West comprises of Grammy winner Colbie Caillat, Jason Reeves, Justin Kawika Young and former JaneDear Girl, Nelly Joy. Reeves is Joy\u2019s husband and collaborator on Caillat\u2019s breakout album <em>Coco<\/em>, and Young, a four-time Hawaii Music Award winner, is Caillat\u2019s fianc\u00e9. The four musicians formed their band in Nashville less than a year ago and based on their first material together, their future is bright.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Hardy<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"8fd80e1e\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-18-at-1.42.56-AM-1545118965.png?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-18-at-1.42.56-AM-1545118965.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-18-at-1.42.56-AM-1545118965.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-18-at-1.42.56-AM-1545118965.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-18-at-1.42.56-AM-1545118965.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-18-at-1.42.56-AM-1545118965.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-18-at-1.42.56-AM-1545118965.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-18-at-1.42.56-AM-1545118965.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"Screen Shot 2018-12-18 at 1.42.56 AM\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Philadelphia, Miss. native Hardy is having a moment and proving he\u2019s one of Music Row\u2019s most consistent hit-makers on the rise. Most recently, he\u2019s co-written Morgan Wallen\u2019s \u201cUp Down,\u201d Florida Georgia Line\u2019s \u201cSimple\u201d and Seth Ennis\u2019 \u201cCall Your Mama,\u201d and has been part of several writing sessions with FGL\u2019s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley on the duo\u2019s 2018 summer tour. <em>This Ole Boy<\/em>, Hardy\u2019s four-song debut EP, offers hooks for days that stay on the brain and just won\u2019t leave.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ingrid Andress<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"e1c40fc9\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ingrid-Andress-Headshot-1545089397.jpg?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ingrid-Andress-Headshot-1545089397.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ingrid-Andress-Headshot-1545089397.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ingrid-Andress-Headshot-1545089397.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ingrid-Andress-Headshot-1545089397.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ingrid-Andress-Headshot-1545089397.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ingrid-Andress-Headshot-1545089397.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ingrid-Andress-Headshot-1545089397.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"Ingrid Andress Headshot\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image portrait p3x4\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Denver Colo. native Andress has a multifaceted songwriting talent that would do well in any music city. And she has a resume that would be the envy of any rising musician, having co-written Charlie XCX\u2019s \u201cBoys\u201d and Vice\u2019s \u201cSteady 1234.\u201d But there is nothing more thrilling than seeing her perform solo with just a piano. Her voice is both wistful and empowering. And her lyrics endear, especially in her latest song, \u201cLadylike,\u201d an autobiographical ballad that shows all the women she is and that she won\u2019t play into any of society\u2019s stereotypical roles that sometimes trap unsuspecting people. A member of CMT\u2019s Next Women of Country program, Andress is arguably one of the most creative tunesmiths to call Nashville home in recent memory.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Kylie Morgan<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"96c33f5f\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Kylie-Morgan-High-Res-1545089414.jpg?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Kylie-Morgan-High-Res-1545089414.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Kylie-Morgan-High-Res-1545089414.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Kylie-Morgan-High-Res-1545089414.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Kylie-Morgan-High-Res-1545089414.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Kylie-Morgan-High-Res-1545089414.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Kylie-Morgan-High-Res-1545089414.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Kylie-Morgan-High-Res-1545089414.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"Kylie Morgan High Res\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>A Newcastle, Okla. native, Morgan has been writing songs since she was 12, and Nashville has been her home since she was 18. With a vocal style that\u2019s equal parts smoke and sweet, Morgan is on the rise with her debut single \u201cEasy to Forget,\u201d a power ballad about trying to get over a relationship gone south. It\u2019s the first release from a forthcoming EP with hit-makers Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Lainey Wilson<br \/>[<\/strong>image src=\u201dwp-attachment:\/\/1801726\u2033 title=\u201dLainey Wilson Headshot\u201d] Wilson\u2019s high and lonesome voice epitomizes one of her all-time favorite singers, Lee Ann Womack, and her sound is as raw and audacious as the other Louisiana singers who came before (See \u201cMiddle Finger\u201d from her 2018 self-titled EP). A member of CMT\u2019s Next Women of Country, the Baskin, La. native lived her first three years in Nashville in a bumper-pull camper outside of the recording studio of producer Jerry Cupit (George Jones, Tim McGraw), who is also a family friend. During that time, she accumulated her first cuts with Luke Combs and fellow rising artist Kasey Tyndall. She joins Morgan Wallen\u2019s If I Know Me Tour in 2019.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Mitchell Tenpenny<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"78cd5e73\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/MitchellTenpenny_creditMatthewBerinato_4366_R_VERTICAL-1545089637.jpg?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/MitchellTenpenny_creditMatthewBerinato_4366_R_VERTICAL-1545089637.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/MitchellTenpenny_creditMatthewBerinato_4366_R_VERTICAL-1545089637.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/MitchellTenpenny_creditMatthewBerinato_4366_R_VERTICAL-1545089637.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/MitchellTenpenny_creditMatthewBerinato_4366_R_VERTICAL-1545089637.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/MitchellTenpenny_creditMatthewBerinato_4366_R_VERTICAL-1545089637.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/MitchellTenpenny_creditMatthewBerinato_4366_R_VERTICAL-1545089637.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/MitchellTenpenny_creditMatthewBerinato_4366_R_VERTICAL-1545089637.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"MitchellTenpenny_creditMatthewBerinato_4366_R_VERTICAL\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image portrait p3x4\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Tenpenny is a Nashville native who grew up in the music industry under the guidance of his grandmother, Donna Hilley, a prominent figure in Music Row\u2019s publishing world. Before she passed in 2005, she helped facilitate the careers of Nashville\u2019s great songwriters, including Bobby Braddock, Taylor Swift and others, giving Tenpenny a front-row seat at the sacrifice music people encounter in their rise to prominence. His first big break came when Granger Smith recorded one of his originals, \u201cIf the Boot Fits.\u201d He just released his full-length debut <em>Telling All My Secrets<\/em>, featuring his breakout hit \u201cDrunk Me\u201d and his second single \u201cAlcohol You Later.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Nick Wayne<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"e87243e2\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/nickwayne01-1545089830.jpg?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/nickwayne01-1545089830.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/nickwayne01-1545089830.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/nickwayne01-1545089830.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/nickwayne01-1545089830.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/nickwayne01-1545089830.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/nickwayne01-1545089830.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/nickwayne01-1545089830.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"nickwayne01\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Music Row needs writers like Wayne to show the complex nature of a man\u2019s heart. And he has a voice that\u2019s to die for. Cue his high falsetto on \u201cHow Do I Get Close,\u201d a song he wrote inspired by his relationship with fellow touring musician, Hannah Ellis. He croons about a world in which he has a steady job in a gas station where he might have a better chance of seeing his girlfriend instead of being on the road constantly. \u201cHow Do I Get Close\u201d is part of a two-sided single with the arpeggiated \u201cIf You Ever Wanna.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rachel Wammack<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"9f757374\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Rachel-Wammack-Headshot-1545089957.jpg?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Rachel-Wammack-Headshot-1545089957.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Rachel-Wammack-Headshot-1545089957.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Rachel-Wammack-Headshot-1545089957.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Rachel-Wammack-Headshot-1545089957.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Rachel-Wammack-Headshot-1545089957.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Rachel-Wammack-Headshot-1545089957.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Rachel-Wammack-Headshot-1545089957.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"Rachel Wammack Headshot\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The same soul that runs through her native Muscle Shoals, Ala. runs through Wammack, and it shows in her eponymous EP. It\u2019s just a taste of the soul-baring performances she has in her catalog. Her lead single, \u201cDamage,\u201d co-written with Tom Douglas and David Hodges has her playing a bartender who is part-therapist and part-lifelong student. Her voice haunts and is full of promising possibility. She is also a member of CMT\u2019s Next Women of Country program.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Riley Green<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"66bbab2b\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.52.28-PM-1545090804.png?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.52.28-PM-1545090804.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.52.28-PM-1545090804.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.52.28-PM-1545090804.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.52.28-PM-1545090804.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.52.28-PM-1545090804.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.52.28-PM-1545090804.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Screen-Shot-2018-12-17-at-5.52.28-PM-1545090804.png?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"Screen Shot 2018-12-17 at 5.52.28 PM\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>A Jacksonville, Ala. native, Green has an authentic sound that will have country people everywhere recognizing themselves in his music. He was bred on many of the southeastern clubs that groomed mainstream stalwarts and Americana favorites, including Cole Swindell, Brent Cobb and others. He is currently having a moment with his Top 20 radio hit \u201cThere Was This Girl\u201d and his headlining Outlaws Like Us tour.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Ruston Kelly<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"ffb2fa91\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ruston-Kelly-photo-Slayer-1545090394.jpg?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ruston-Kelly-photo-Slayer-1545090394.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ruston-Kelly-photo-Slayer-1545090394.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ruston-Kelly-photo-Slayer-1545090394.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ruston-Kelly-photo-Slayer-1545090394.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ruston-Kelly-photo-Slayer-1545090394.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ruston-Kelly-photo-Slayer-1545090394.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Ruston-Kelly-photo-Slayer-1545090394.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"Ruston Kelly photo Slayer\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Kelly\u2019s debut album <em>Dying Star<\/em> boldly reflects the self-inflicted damage from the drug addiction that nearly killed him, but it ultimately delivers a message that\u2019s overall life-affirming. Through overcoming his demons, Kelly accurately documents the human condition in a poeticism that is unmatched among his contemporaries. The pedal steel playing is an emotional performance by his father Tim \u201cTK\u201d Kelly, who channeled his private pain in watching his son struggle with drugs. To listen to Kelly\u2019s music is to understand oneself for the better.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tenille Townes<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"photo\" id=\"11bc9bbd\">\n<div class=\"deferred_content\"><noscript class=\"deferred_content\" data-deferred-info=\"{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;img&quot;}\"><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Tenille-Townes-Headshot-1545090732.jpg?quality=0.85&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=480\" srcset=\"http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Tenille-Townes-Headshot-1545090732.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=481 481w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Tenille-Townes-Headshot-1545090732.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=660 660w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Tenille-Townes-Headshot-1545090732.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=768 768w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Tenille-Townes-Headshot-1545090732.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=980 980w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Tenille-Townes-Headshot-1545090732.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1200 1200w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Tenille-Townes-Headshot-1545090732.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1500 1500w, http:\/\/cmt.mtvnimages.com\/uri\/mgid:file:http:shared:cmt.com\/news\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2018\/12\/Tenille-Townes-Headshot-1545090732.jpg?quality=0.8&amp;format=jpg&amp;width=1800 1800w\" title=\"Tenille Townes Headshot\" class=\"js-srcset-img shortcode-image\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><\/noscript><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>As a child growing up in rural Canada, Townes learned how to read by poring over album liner notes in the back seat of her parents\u2019 vehicle. So, to say music is her life is an understatement. Four years ago at age 19, she made the 45-hour drive down from her home in Grande Prairie, Alberta to Nashville to pursue music professionally. A member of CMT\u2019s Next Women of Country program, she writes from a perspective that embodies the emotional fortitude of Patty Griffin and Lori McKenna with a Shania Twain attitude. Townes\u2019 debut album is currently in the works with producer Jay Joyce, and she will be on the road with Dierks Bentley\u2019s Burning Man tour starting in January.<\/p>\n<div class=\"author\">\n<div class=\"description\">Lauren Tingle is a Tennessean and storyteller who eats music for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When she\u2019s not writing or rocking out, she enjoys yoga and getting lost in the great outdoors.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cmt.com\/news\/1801718\/cmt-listen-up-reveals-2019-class\/\" target=\"_blank\">via:: CMT News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by Lauren Tingle 17m ago A four-piece super-group, down-home southern rockers and burgeoning lyrical geniuses are among the talented artists chosen for CMT\u2019s \u201cListen Up\u201d program for 2019. The year-long campaign will spotlight country music\u2019s most promising newcomers across CMT platforms, exposing the network\u2019s passionate music fan base to the diversity of today\u2019s country music [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[159],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1301565","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-music-news"},"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-11 05:06:38","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"KSKE Ski Country","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1301565","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1301565"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1301565\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1301565"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1301565"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1301565"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}