The CMA Awards Nominees Are In

It’s the 50th Anniversary for the CMA Awards which air November 2nd and everyone from Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert to Maren Morris and Cam are going to be there. Yet once again the nominees for entertainer of the year consist of mostly men, with the exception of artist Carrie Underwood, who along with Maren Morris will be performing this year. Luckily the CMA Awards have included an all female category, which features all five of the women whose music is played on the radio… Can you guess who? (full list of nominees below)

Regardless the CMA Awards are going to be a blast this year and are a must see for any country music fan. So tune in to ABC live on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. CT.

Full List of Nominees:

Entertainer Of The Year

Garth Brooks

Luke Bryan

Chris Stapleton

Carrie Underwood

Keith Urban

Single of the Year

(Award goes to Artist, Producer(s), and Mix Engineer(s))

“Die a Happy Man,” Thomas Rhett

Produced by Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure

Mix Engineered by Justin Niebank

The Valory Music Co.

“Humble and Kind,” Tim McGraw

Produced by Byron Gallimore and Tim McGraw

Mix Engineered by Byron Gallimore

Big Machine Records

“My Church,” Maren Morris

Produced by busbee and Maren Morris

Mix Engineered by Dave Clauss and busbee

Columbia Nashville/Sony Music Nashville

“Nobody To Blame,” Chris Stapleton

Produced by Dave Cobb and Chris Stapleton

Mix Engineered by Vance Powell

Mercury Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville

“Record Year,” Eric Church

Produced by Jay Joyce

Mix Engineered by Jay Joyce and Jason Hall

EMI Records Nashville/Universal Music Group Nashville

Album of the Year

Dierks Bentley, Black

Maren Morris, Hero

Eric Church, Mr. Misunderstood

Keith Urban, Ripcord

Carrie Underwood, Storyteller

Song of the Year

(Award goes to Songwriter(s))

“Burning House,” Camaron “Cam” Ochs, Tyler Johnson, Jeff Bhasker

“Die a Happy Man,” Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett, and Joe Spargur

“Humble and Kind,” Lori McKenna

“My Church,” busbee and Maren Morris

“Record Year,” Eric Church and Jeff Hyde

Female Vocalist of the Year

Kelsea Ballerini

Miranda Lambert

Maren Morris

Kacey Musgraves

Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year

Dierks Bentley

Eric Church

Tim McGraw

Chris Stapleton

Keith Urban

Vocal Group of the Year

Lady Antebellum

Little Big Town

Old Dominion

Rascal Flatts

Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year

Brothers Osborne

Dan + Shay

Florida Georgia Line

Joey + Rory

Maddie & Tae

Musical Event of the Year

“Different For Girls,” Dierks Bentley feat. Elle King

[Capitol Records Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville]

“Home Alone Tonight,” Luke Bryan featuring Karen Fairchild

[Capitol Records Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville]

“The Fighter,” Keith Urban (featuring Carrie Underwood)

[Hit Red Records / Capitol Records Nashville / Universal Music Group Nashville]

“Think Of You,” Chris Young (duet with Cassadee Pope)

[RCA Nashville / Sony Music Nashville]

“You Are My Sunshine,” Morgane Stapleton with Chris Stapleton

[Low Country Sound / Elektra Records]

Musician of the Year

Jerry Douglas, Dobro / Lap Steel Guitar

Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar

Dann Huff, Guitar

Brent Mason, Guitar

Derek Wells, Guitar

Music Video of the Year

“Burning House,” Cam

“Fire Away,” Chris Stapleton

“Humble and Kind,” Tim McGraw

“Record Year,” Eric Church

“Somewhere On A Beach,” Dierks Bentley

New Artist of the Year

Kelsea Ballerini

Brothers Osborne

Maren Morris

Old Dominion

Cole Swindell

Why Support Women in the Music Industry?

From the Grammy’s to the Country Music Association Awards, women are found being discriminated against in the music industry. Last year of the 135 nominees at the Grammy Awards women didn’t even make up a third of the total nominated and the sexism doesn’t just end there. Take a look at the charts for example, in 2015 only 15 women made Billboard’s top 100 list and only a year ago two leading ladies, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, represented all women on the  country music charts.

So that’s why I am supporting women in the music industry, but what will it take for us all to see more women on the radio?

The main thing a fan can do is (legally) download music from the artists they like, which sends a message to the labels and radio that supporting those artists could be good business. Don’t just complain there’s nothing you like — get engaged, get involved, call your local radio station and ask for what you want, and let them know you want and would support higher fare.

In the meantime, instead of complaining about the lack of women on the radio, let’s focus on the fact that female artists are creating such strong work right now, and celebrate the fact that we as fans get to access that work online, via satellite radio, NPR and especially through attending live shows by those artists. We’re lucky to be living in an age and time when we don’t have to sit around waiting for a song we like to come on the radio — we can go find whatever we want, whenever we want, and that winds up providing enough financial support for those artists to make a good enough living to continue doing what they’re doing.

So make sure to join these female artists in their fight for equality in the music business by following Next Women of Country and New Women of Music via Twitter, Instagram, Blogger, and more!

By New Women of Music

Lauren Davidson's New EP 'Hear Me' Is Available Now!

October 7, 2016 -- It’s here! Brooklyn born artist, Lauren Davidson, has just released her debut EP “Hear Me,” and she owes all her success to her upbringing. Born into a musical family, Lauren was always exposed to music. From singing lessons to dance classes, Lauren’s childhood was driven by musical theatre. By the age of 10 Lauren was starring in multiple theatre productions and found herself comfortable up on stage. Continuing her passion for musical theatre into college, Lauren found herself ready for a change. So Lauren made the switch to pursue her own musical journey and has since found herself as an independant artist.

Not a native of the south, Lauren's music pulls from the pop singer-songwriter genre, but also incorporates elements of contemporary country. Lauren’s songs are personal and convey both her own experiences and emotions. Her newest EP “Hear Me” features country inspired songs in a style that is uniquely her own.

As for the future, Lauren hopes to tour the world, release a full length album, and hear her song on the radio. Best of all Lauren hopes to inspire all women in the music industry to go after their dreams and fly, stating “don’t listen to the haters and keep making music! [Because] us women gotta stick together.”

So keep your eye out for new talent Lauren Davidson as she makes her way into the music scene. And don’t forget to check out ‘Hear Me’ via Spotify, Soundcloud iTunes, and by clicking here.

Ten New Songs to Check Out This Week

Boomerang -The Hobbs Sisters

Signs Along the Road -Lockwood Barr

He's Just Not That Into You -Kalie Shorr

Already Gone -Alex Stern

Morning Coffee -Jenny Ray

The Lucky One -Amber Lawrence

Silver Linning -Kelly McGrath 

Workin' on Whiskey -Jessica Mitchell 

When I'm Gone -Kate Voegele

I Could Use a Love Song -Maren Morris 

Listen Here

When One Door Closes Another One Opens for New Artist Camille Rae

Small town artist Camille Rae may see herself as shy but with the stage as her home, Camille can’t help but share her love of music with the world. Born and raised in Kentucky, where her family currently resides, Camille was the first to break away from the small town life. Though missed, Camille’s family has been supportive through all her endeavors. In fact, Camille's Aunt was a singer herself and always encouraged Camille to sing in her local church choir.

With country roots and an old sound, Camille knew she was destined to be a country artist. Inspired by 90’s talent, Reba and Martina McBride, Camille hopes her music is a reflection of their strength. Camille’s music is personal and empowering. Camille hopes her listeners find comfort in her music and have fun singing along.

In August, Camille released her newest single ‘But I Want You.’ Written by artists with a similar sound, Camille found the song fun and easy to sing. About that person you really want to want but cannot have, ‘But I Want You’ is relatable and can be enjoyed by anyone.

Independant and a self-starter, Camille is in it for more than just the fame and fortune. Camille hopes to open up more doors and sign with a major label in the near future. She also believes that “if you have the desire in your blood… just keep going and trust those who believe in you.”  

A believer in women ready to enter the country music scene, I hope you all take the chance to check out Camille’s newest single ‘But I Want You’ via Spotify, iTunes, and on her website at www.camillerae.com.

Ten New Songs To Check Out

But I Want You -Camille Rae

Loaded Gun -Lauren Davidson

Welcome to the Party -Kelleigh Bannen 

Act Like You Don't -Brooke Eden

Village -Cam

Runnin' Into You -Towne

Secrets -Carrie Cunningham

Dreamin' -Laura Oakes

Blush -Maybe April

Infinite Love -Sara Evans

Listen Here

Sing It Again Alexandria Corn

Beginning her journey born and raised in upstate New York, Alexandria Corn was bound to pursue a career as a pop artist. That was until Alexandria made the trip, alongside Gloriana, to Nashville for CMA Fest. There she surprised herself, falling in love with the sounds and stories of country music, and decided to change course.

Though currently located in Los Angeles, Alexandria plans to make the move to Nashville in May, once her debut EP has been completed. There she’ll be able to work alongside her band and hopes to get picked up by a major label. With the help of her friend and mentor, Jillian Farrar, she also hopes to book a spot at the 2017 CMA Fest, an opportunity for Alexandria to perform among those who’ve inspired her along the way including women of country artists Maren Morris and Carrie Underwood.  

More recently, Alexandria released a new single titled “Say It Again,” advising her listeners to not be afraid of making the first move in a relationship. The official “Say It Again” music video can be found by clicking here.

On the move, but up for the challenge of making a name for herself in country music, Alexandria is sure one to look out for in the upcoming year. So make sure to check out Alexandria's music via iTunes, YouTube, and Soundcloud. You can also find Alexandria on her social media pages at alexandriacorn.