CRS Dive: Continuous Measurement Big Yellow Dog

Home , Girl Going Nowhere, Honky Tonk Time Machine, Look What God Gave Her, Stronger Than the Truth

March 18, 2019, Issue 644

CRS Dive: Continuous Measurement by Sue Wilson Confession time: The mysterious and intimidating ratings system almost kept me from a career in programming. That may have been an unexpected reflection to have as I sat in on the CRS panel “Programming In An Always On World,” but as my radio life progressed, I realized I was not alone in that thinking. Having met many programmers along the way – and for the many who are new to programming now – understanding diary methodology and how it compares to PPM can be a challenge. As 200 diary markets begin a three-phase transition to Nielsen’s “Continuous Measurement” monthlies Jon Miller in August, the company’s Jon Miller led a Through The Looking-Class: The Country Music Hall of Fame crucial session for any programmer facing this significant methodol- Class of 2019 at this morning’s (3/18) press conference ogy change and hoping for a better handle on a slippery system ... (available here). Pictured (l-r) are Ray Stevens (Veteran Era before it’s too late. (Ed. Note: No less than iHeartMedia Chairman/ Artist), Jerry Bradley (Non-Performer) and Brooks & Dunn’s CEO Bob Pittman recently suggested that radio ratings could be Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks (Modern Era Artist). phased out in less than 10 years.) Poll Position: But first, a story. It was the love of music, first Big Yellow Dog Lets Music Lead and foremost, that drew me toward a career in radio. I quickly be- Conventional thinking would have Big Yellow Dog came more fascinated with the medium’s behind-the-scenes oper- Music drawing a straight line from their successful development ation over the behind-the-mic stuff. How does a station pick which of Meghan Trainor, Maren Morris and Tenille Townes to songs to play and how often? Why are some songs moved up in Logan Mize and beyond – perhaps even status as the next rotation and some moved out? Clearly those decisions made much upstart record company. of the difference between stations with good ratings that everyone After all, co-owners Kerry listened to and those with low ratings. But not being a numbers O’Neil and Carla Wal- person (heck, I chose radio because I thought it required very little lace have a label services math!), I felt alone in my understanding of ratings methodology staff and recently contracted established promotion pros to work and felt dumb asking too many questions. Mize’s single “Better Off Gone.” Conventional, however, isn’t (continued on page 6) their style. ©2019 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected]

March 18, 2019 Page 4

Started 20 years ago as a publishing company, Big Yellow Dog was different from their very first signing. “Kerry brought in a truck driver who drove chickens around in a semi,” Wallace says. “Do you like this? I was like, okay.” Phil Lee was more Americana artist than songwriter. “Both of our tastes were probably with artists,” Wallace continues. “We probably didn’t realize that, as we were built to pitch songs and get cuts, but Phil wasn’t going to have songs anyone in Nashville was likely to cut.” With that proclivity noted, the company explored other outlets for music. “It helped us open the doors to film and television [sync licensing],” Wallace says. “We were able to find opportunities for music beyond these two streets, which led to finding more artists we could work with in that way.” Supplying music to Hollywood meant Big Yellow Dog was in the master recording business. “Sync took us into all different genres,” O’Neil says. “When Carla signed Meghan, there wasn’t a question about what to do. In Nashville there was no fit, but our approach wasn’t pointed only to Nashville, it was to point They Were All Yellow: Manager Charly Salvatore, O’Neil, wherever the talent was. Carla was spending weeks and weeks in BYDM’s Meaghan Campbell, Mize, Wallace and BYDM’s Kara LA building it out even though the music was mostly written here.” Wintergrass (l-r) celebrate 100 million streams for Mize’s Trainor’s signing with Epic preceded similar journeys for album Come Back Road. Morris and Townes, who also moved on from BYD development to label deals. “There was a concerted effort to sign and do do that, and that’s not what makes it work. What makes it work everything for artists,” O’Neil says. “We’d be the manager, then is a hit record and a great artist. If you’re going to succeed as an fire ourselves. We’d be the label, then fire ourselves and get indie, that’s what you have to have. That’s what we’re invested in.” them up-streamed.” Business dynamics may be working in their favor. If the tra- Like those artists, Mize has long been in the BYD fold, ditional model of adding staff to support an artist launch meant eventually signing with Arista for a time. What’s different is the eventually adding more artists to amortize those costs, perhaps company’s recent decision to work his music to radio directly. the shift away from physical product and its costs makes the stan- “The beauty of it is we can afford the time it takes for artist de- dard label product pipeline less crucial. Having an elite batting velopment, to make mistakes and find the right songs,” Wallace average probably helps, too. “From Maren to Tenille to Logan, our says. “Artists go through different phases and we’re able to move commitment to artist development is about trying to get the right when they move. We’ve worked 10 years or more with each of culture for these artists to put it all together,” O’Neil says. “And these people.” they all do it differently. We are devoted to that. This is not a one- Adds O’Neil, “Teddi Bonadies is running promotion with Skip off, it’s a continuation of what we’re doing in [multiple genres].” Bishop. That gives us seasoned veterans and the flexibility to keep “It’s about the music,” Wallace says. “It’s about believing in amping up as opportunities present themselves.” Also on the something, even if everyone else is doing project are promotion vets Heather Propper, Kim Stevens and Pat something different. We never know what’s Surnegie. Positive response on streaming services cemented the going to walk in our front door.” –Chuck Aly decision to approach radio. Typically, independent labels hope to convince programmers that their investment in airplay will lead to long-term mutual- Chart Chat ly beneficial relationships (or at least counter notions to the Double congrats to Luke Combs, Steve contrary from their competitors). “That’s the predictable messag- Hodges, Shane Allen and the Columbia ing,” O’Neil admits. “We’ve got a song we think will stick, we’re promotion team on landing a second week Luke Combs staying, we’re putting up all this money. I’ve watched businesses at No. 1 with “Beautiful Crazy.” The song is ©2019 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected]

March 18, 2019 Page 6

MY TUNES: Mike Harris UMG/Nashville COO Mike Harris discusses his most influential music: 1. Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately”: This is my wife and I’s wedding song – how can it not be on the list? 2. Eric Church’s Mr. Misunderstood: When I was trying to decide to if I should take the job in Nashville, I had to do work on my house in Mike Harris NY. While I worked on my house, I played that album over and over and over and over. At the end of the day, I said to myself “How the fuck could I not to be part of this?” 3. The Beatles’ “In My Life”: I lost a couple of good buddies in 9/11, and that song is one of the things that always reminds me of friends lost. 4. George Strait: I was fortunate enough to get down to Tiny House Of The Rising Sun: KKBQ/Houston’s Christi Gruene Hall to see Strait’s 2017 surprise show, and I was Brooks and Cactus Jack (waving) at the station’s new Rodeo completely blown away. I’ll never forget looking around when Radio Broadcast Booth, a tiny home that housed station he played “Troubadour” and seeing every single person in the staffers during RodeoHouston. room singing along with him like George asked them to duet. 5. Bruce Springsteen’s Darkness on the Edge of Town: Ortmeier will be featured speakers during the Nashville Asso- When I was in grammar school, I went to a battle of the bands ciation of Talent Directors (NATD)’s “Breaking Artists” Speaker and the winner played “Prove It All Night.” From that point on, Series March 26 at 6pm CT at Nashville’s MA Event Space, Level I was hooked. I remember buying the album and listening to One. The event is free for NATD members; others may purchase it over and over again. Growing up in NY, I lost count of how tickets here. many times I saw Springsteen live. And, I was never disappointed. SESAC is hosting a songwriters’ night benefitingGilda’s Club • Highly-regarded song or album you’ve never heard: I Middle Tennessee April 17 at the SESAC/CMA building that might be the only New Yorker who hasn’t listened to Jay Z’s The will feature Tony Arata, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Rivers Black Album. Rutherford. Details here. • “Important” music you just don’t get: I’ll be honest – I Reviver’s Tenille Arts received six Saskatchewan Country never really got prog rock – especially Yes. I tried to like them, Music Association Awards nominations. Full list here. but I just couldn’t get through a song. Even today when I hear “Owner of a Lonely Heart” on the radio, I have to turn it off. • An album you played incessantly: Radiohead’s The Bends. CRS Dive: Continuous Measurement I always loved the album, but it also helped put my son to sleep (continued from page 1) when he had colic as a baby. When he would cry nonstop, I would put him in his car seat in the back of our minivan and crank it up… By the mid ‘90s I was a few years into my first programming job three or four blocks later, he was out cold. Listen to that record and at AC WDOK/Cleveland – then a four-book diary market – when I try to figure that one out. I also have Brothers Osborne’s Port Saint met Edison Research’s Larry Rosin. Though new to radio, his com- Joe on repeat in my office – day and night (ask Brian Wright in the pany had a proven track record in political research. He probably office next to me). doesn’t know this, but in a 20-minute conversation he changed my • An obscure or non-country song everyone should lis- life with a brilliant analogy for understanding the ratings. ten to right now: I ran an independent distribution company Here’s how I remember it: In political research, Larry said, it was for years…obscure was normal. Not sure if it is so obscure, but important that a candidate determine the difference between what listen to City and Colour’s “Lover Come Back.” That’s a song issues the general public cares about, and what the registered voter that sticks in my head. (Listen here) cares about. If, for example, a general community poll showed • Music you’d rather not admit to enjoying: I won’t deny education was a top concern, it would be easy for the candidate to being one of the 228k followers of Spotify’s Yacht Rock playlist. see that as the hot button. However, if the poll only targeted registered voters, you may find something different – perhaps infrastruc- ture – was the big issue. So the candidate should focus on making the fifth chart-topper from his debut album This One’s For You. crumbling roads his platform, as that would lead to actual votes. Songwriters are Wyatt Durrette, Robert Williford and Combs. In radio, we may not know who the diary keepers are, but And kudos to Lee Adams, Shelley Hargis Gaines and the we can approximate the mentality of those who would agree Broken Bow reps on notching 16 adds for Jason Aldean’s to do that and target them. Who cares if general listener Jane “Rearview Town,” topping this week’s board. doesn’t like a bunch of blather? If a morning zoo was getting strong ratings, clearly the people holding diaries preferred that! A light bulb went on for me, and I know other young or would- News & Notes be programmers have had similar revelations. Imaging, stopset Tejas Broadcasting LTD/Amarillo, TX and Clovis, NM positioning, promos, contesting, marketing – everything a diary has sold its seven stations to High Plains Radio Network, market programmer does is run through that filter. Among the including Classic Country KKNM/Bovina, TX. core frustrations, of course, have been the time lag in getting that Former A&R executive Dorothy Carvello will discuss her new diary data and that it is only provided four times a year (or twice!). book, Anything for a Hit: An A&R Woman’s Story of Surviving the That’s about to change, however. Music Industry, with Change the Conversation March 20 at Let Me Explain: As Nielsen’s VP/Audience Insights, Miller of- 6pm CT at Nashville’s Analog At Hutton Hotel. The event is free fered his own analogies in opening the CRS session. “This is a big and open to the public; RSVP here. sea change,” he said. “This is the biggest measurement change Spotify Global Head of Country Programming John Marks Nielsen has made in a decade. We are transforming the way our and UMG/Nashville VP/Marketing-Digital Accounts Annie markets are measured and reported to monthly reporting.” ©2019 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected]

March 18, 2019 Page 8

OFF THE RECORD: Ashley McBryde Atlantic/WAR’s Ashley McBryde puts an industry spin on the artist interview: I grew up listening to KAMS/Mammoth Spring, AR. The first time I heard myself on the radio, I had just begun radio tour and was at KMLE/Phoenix. My radio rep came out and told me we got the add, then we went and sat in Ashley her car and all of a sudden, I heard, “Up next McBryde we have Ashley McBryde with ‘A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega.’” I just looked at my rep and grinned ear-to-ear. We listened in silence until the song was over. Then, I asked if we Roo-mates: River House/Columbia’s Luke Combs, SiriusXM’s could go get tacos for lunch. Storme Warren, the festival’s Jeremy Dylan, Valory’s Thomas This memory is both funny and scary. When I was in Rhett, singer/songwriter Troy Cassar-Daley and Deluge Music’s Kylie Sackley (l-r) at the CMC Rocks Festival in Australia. Bakersfield performing at Crystal Palace, I needed to go change for a show. The PD had his 10-year-old son take me to a room to change – he tells me to walk up a flight of stairs, down another He started by contrasting the primary ratings systems. “We three steps, and go into the room on the other side, because it had know that in the diary world, durations, or long periods of listen- a mirror. Then he tells me that if the lights go out, run, because it’s ing occasions are the norm,” Miller said. “PPM has proven for a supposedly haunted. I go in there, and have maybe one boot off decade that that’s not quite how people use radio. People tend to and the pipes start rattling. I run back out and end up changing in use more stations more often in short bursts.” another person’s room, because I wasn’t taking any chances! Next he looked at Starbucks, which he said measures coffee My dog Banjo was always my favorite road companion, until consumption in two ways: the size of the cup purchased and the she lost the ability to control herself when she smelled beef jerky. number of cups purchased. Starbucks is not concerned about up- Now, I’d say my favorite is Dayna Johnson. Dayna does my hair selling on size of cup, preferring its customers return multiple times and makeup on the road, and when someone is constantly that for a new cup. In fact, 70% of its revenue comes from those who close to you, you get to know each other pretty well. She’s always in visit Starbucks four or more times per week. PPM is similar, with such a good mood and, when I’m nervous, she can always center programmers in those markets seeking repeat (return) listeners. me. She is also the co-founder of my Instagram “All Faked Up” Leaving that as background, Miller turned to continuous mea- stories. (Watch in her Instagram story highlights) surement – monthly rather than quarterly books in diary markets. I can’t go in a truck stop and not get boiled peanuts. You Stations are already accustomed to monthly data in the form or can’t find them everywhere though – usually you can only find them Arbitrends, so what’s different? Arbitrends are three-month rolling in the South and the Southeast! If I see a crockpot of them when we averages. The new books will offer updated weighting, complete walk in, I will get a gallon bag and eat them until I’m sick and have demographic information and can be used as “currency,” mean- to take my jewelry off because my hands are swollen. ing presented to advertisers as “sellable” data, unlike Arbitrends. I wish I could have dinner with Doc Holiday, and we would No, There Is Too Much: With companies and advertisers in order streak rare. That’s the most cowboy thing you could possibly eat. particular used to seeing a real time and overnight data on which Girl Going Nowhere opens not softly, but carefully so that to base decisions, diary market radio stations have been at a disad- you want to listen to the entire first track, then you go for this vantage. Miller asserts CM begins to close that gap while offering ride – did she just say that, why did the guitar do that, what’s programmers a more timely look at what’s working and what isn’t. happening, why is this record now over? And, significantly, programmers won’t have to live with a “bad My last impulse buy was a tube of little plastic animals at a book” as long. “While I’m not saying here that wobbles will cease truck stop. I couldn’t resist. I like to hide them in places we play. to exist, spreading out the sample and reporting each month will I have a workshop in my barn and it was flooding the actually bring more stability,” Miller said. Other key points: other week, so we got up on top of the roof to see what was • Sample sizes are not changing, but will be allocated across 12 months. going on. One of the pieces that was supposed to deflect water • Nielsen is working to improve representation in the key 18-54 sample. was up too high, so we took a hammer and beat the crap out • CM will begin in July 2019 with the first month release in August. of it until it was low enough for water to run off of it. That’s the • The goal is to have at least a 1,000 in-tab sample. most redneck thing I’ve done lately. • There will be no holiday book. I wish I had written “Hold My Hand” by Brandy Clark. When I • PD Advantage will not change but will have monthly refreshes. heard that song and the line “to reach out with your fingers and get • Nielsen has begun work for two-book markets; rollout TBD. ‘em tangled up with mine,” it was the most soothing and infuriating With every report on the growth of other media platforms, a feeling, because I hadn’t thought of it first! sense of dread for radio can be exacerbated. While competition My road essentials are pistachios and a little soccer ball I for audience is fierce and TSL is declining, radio still reaches more carry everywhere I go. Americans than any other media. Better, more timely data will My least favorite interview question is “So tell me a little hopefully be a more useful tool for improving content, reacting to bit about yourself…” I hate that question, because it means the the audience and making better decisions. Reach Sue Wilson here. interviewer didn’t do any research about you previously – they haven’t listened to your stuff, and I’m basically doing their job for them. I’d be okay with being stuck in Chicago. It’s the greatest city – the food is amazing, the sports teams are great (if I liked Lon Helton, [email protected] sports). Some of the nicest people I’ve met in the last few years Chuck Aly, [email protected] have been from Chicago. Caitlin DeForest, [email protected] I just finished episode 10 of Netflix’s You, and I’m so rooting Monta Vaden, [email protected] for that psychopath. I just love him. (615) 320-1450

March 18, 2019 SEEK & EMPLOY Here’s a list of job seekers and open gigs. Not listed? Send info here and we’ll include AVAILABLE JOBS you in a future update. MIDWEST SOUTHEAST Houston area are being considered at present. Cumulus/Detroit has a Dir./Digital Content Beasley WQYK/Tampa PD Travis Daily is Send airchecks here; apply here. opening for its three-station cluster, including seeking an experienced afternoon drive produc- Entercom KILT/Houston is looking for a PD to Country WDRQ (NASH FM). Apply here. er. Materials to Daily here. succeed Bruce Logan. Résumés and airchecks to Marshalltown Broadcasting KXIA/Marshall- Max Media’s WGH/Norfolk has a morning Country Format Captain Mike Moore here. town, IA is searching for a morning co-host. opening. Airchecks and résumés to VP/Program- Airchecks and résumés to PD JD Justice here. ming Rusty James here. WEST COAST Townsquare/Grand Rapids, MI is search- Cumulus’ WSM-FM (Nash Icon)/Nash- Cherry Creek/St. George, UT has an opening for an OM. Airchecks and résumés to Rick ville has an opening for a part-timer. Duties will ing for a Dir./Production. The cluster includes Sarata here. also include the Icon Network. Flexibility and Country KCIN and KIYK, and the job comes Bliss WJVL/Janesville, WI has an opening for on-air experience is required (no beginners). with co-host responsibilities on cluster AC KREC. a part-time weekender. At least one year on-air Materials to VP/Country Charlie Cook here. Materials including production and imaging experience is required. Airchecks and résumés to Cumulus’ WSM-FM (Nash Icon)/Nash- samples here. PD Justin Brown here. ville is in search of on-air traffic reporters. Redwood Empire KBBL/Santa Rosa, CA PD KSE Radio Ventures/Denver is searching Materials to VP/Country Charlie Cook here. Carey Edwards tells Country Aircheck that the for an engineer. Apply here. The cluster is also Guaranty WTGE/Baton Rouge has an open- station is looking for a new on-air talent to add looking for a full-time traffic coordinator; details ing for a middayer. Three to five years experience to its existing lineup. Applicants interested in this and application here. in Country is required, along with strong pro- newly created position should send airchecks Entercom WUSN/Chicago is seeking part-time duction, digital and social media skills. Airchecks and résumés to Edwards here. on-air talent. Apply here. and résumés here. Buck Owens KUZZ/Bakersfield, CA is seeking Midwest Communications is currently re- Cumulus WKDF/Nashville is seeking part- part-time on-air talent. Candidates must be local, cruiting future programming leaders. Ideal can- time air talent for weekends and fill-ins. Three have weekend and holiday availability, and a min- didates should be able to coach and grow talent, years of on-air experience and residing in the imum of one year of on-air experience. Résumés excel at music scheduling and creative imaging, Nashville area are required. Airchecks and and airchecks to PD Brent Michaels here. possess good social media skills and be able to résumés to PD John Shomby here. Buck Owens/Bakersfield, CA is looking for collaborate in maximizing sales opportunities Bristol WXBQ/Johnson City, TN is still a full-time receptionist. Résumés here. and digital platform growth. Submit résumés and searching for a PD to succeed Bill Hagy. The Bonneville KNCI/Sacramento is searching for airchecks here. right candidate will also have on-air responsibil- a PD to take the day-to-day reins from Group NRG/Lincoln, NE is looking for an OM for ities. A minimum of five years as a Country PD is Dir/Programming Chad Rufer. Apply here. the cluster, which includes Country KFGE. Send required. Airchecks and résumés here. Sonoma KFGY/Santa Maria, CA is on the résumés and airchecks to Market Manager Ami Entercom WPAW/Greensboro, NC has an hunt for a new morning co-host. Airchecks and Graham here. opening for an afternoon jock. Apply here. résumés to PD Dan Weir here. Cumulus/Youngstown, OH is seeking a clus- Vallie Richards Donovan Consulting has ter OM and Country WQXK PD. Complete job an immediate PM drive opening at a legendary OTHER description and application here; résumés and east coast Country station. Send airchecks and Westwood One has a full-time on-air opening airchecks to Market Manager Bill Kelly here. résumés to “Country Jobs” here. for Mainstream Country announcer/music sched- Entercom WUSY/Chattanooga is on the hunt uler. Apply here. NORTHEAST for a midday on-air personality. Apply here. Consultant Joel Raab is looking for a Brand Aloha Station Trust WFRE/Frederick, MD has Summit WCYQ/Knoxville is looking for a PD. Manager for a Top 75 Market. Raab is also on an opening for a weekend/fill-in talent. Those Send airchecks and résumés to Summit/Knoxville the hunt for morning talent fro two different Top living in the Frederick, MD, Washington, DC OM Rich Bailey here. 50 Market stations. Send materials here. and Baltimore MD area can send airchecks and Hubbard WIRK/West Palm Beach is search- Summit is currently seeking on-air talent and résumés to PD Brian Mo here. ing for a PD to succeed Sammy Cruise, who is programmers for all formats, including their Binnie/Portland, ME has an opening for an stepping down to focus on his air shift. Interested Country properties. Send résumés and airchecks to on-air Promotions Assistant. The cluster includes candidates may apply here. Summit VP/Programming Beverlee Brannigan Country WTHT. Send airchecks and résumés to here; apply for current Summit openings here. OM Stan Bennett here. SOUTHWEST The Music City Music Council has an open- Binnie Media/Maine is searching for a Dir./ Cumulus KSCS/Dallas is searching for a ing for Manager, reporting to the Mayor’s Office Traffic and a part-time Sales Assistant in Portland, morning co-host for Hawkeye In The Morning. of Economic & Community Development. Duties for its stations which include Country WTHT and Airchecks and résumés to PD Mac Daniels here. include acting as liaison between the city and WBQQ. Send materials here. Cox Media Group/Houston is searching for music industry. Strong working knowledge of lo- Townsquare/Hudson Valley, NY has open- a Digital Media Sales Specialist. Apply here. cal government practices and the music industry ings for part-time on-air talent and digital con- Cox/Houston is also on the hunt for an IT are required, as well as budget development and tributors. The cluster includes Country WKXP & Systems Manager. Apply here. oversight experience. Cover letters and résumés WZAD as well as Hot AC WCZK & Classic Rock LCKM KTFW/Dallas has an unspecified part- to Economic & Community Development Mgr. WPDH. Materials to OM Joe Limardi here. time on-air opening for an experienced talent. Audra Ladd here. iHeartMedia/Dover-Wilmington, DE is Contact PD Mike Crow here. seeking a Board Op to support on-air talent. Entercom KILT/Houston has immediate open- Applications here. ings for part-timers. Only applicants living in the ©2019 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected]

SEARCHING •Bo Matthews 317-413-0185 Former WIL/St. Louis PM Drive Host now •Steve Albertsen •Bill Fox •Jeremy Guenther offering voiceover services Former NGR/Lincoln, NE OM Former WOKQ/Portsmouth, NH Formerly with Riser House, Capitol and [email protected] [email protected] morning host KSSN & KMJX/Little Rock 636-575-6222 402-332-7666 [email protected] [email protected] •Mike Nelson 501-590-4878 •Andy Roberts •Cactus Jack Former Riverbend/Idaho Falls, ID OM Former WIXY/Champaign, IL PD Former Entercom/Phoenix Dir./Pro- [email protected] •Chris Matthews [email protected] duction Formerly with KBEB/Sacramento, •Cash Williams 217-637-4407 [email protected] KMLE/Phoenix, KAWO/Boise Former KTTS/Springfield, MO APD/MD 602-430-5908 [email protected] [email protected] •Matt Gapske Former WMAD/Madison, WI APD/ •Terry Cooley •Fritz Moser midday host Former Radio Mankato Dir./Programming Former WLHK/Indianapolis PD [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] FOR YOUR ACM CONSIDERATION

GROUP OF THE YEAR 1.3 BILLION 6 CONSECUTIVE NO. 1s ON-DEMAND AUDIO & VIDEO STREAMS AT COUNTRY RADIO

Make It Sweet SOLD OUT Tour Dates: PERFORMED IN FRONT OF MORE THAN Ascend Amphitheater (Nashville), 1.5 MILLION FANS IN 2018 All State Arena (Rosemont IL), including sold out UK headlining tour Hulu Theater at MSG, & Red Rocks Amphitheatre

“This band is gentle, but not simple, making whispery rock with a faint whiff of a summer beach, topped with lyrics that become complex if you look past the breeze” — THE NEW YORK TIMES

SINGLE OF THE YEAR “HEAVEN” 4X PLATINUM® #1 COUNTRY AIRPLAY SONG BILLBOARD #1 MOST HEARD SONG OF 2018 COUNTRY AIRCHECK / MEDIABASE

OVER A HALF BILLION ON-DEMAND STREAMS “2018’S BIGGEST PURE COUNTRY SMASH” - VARIETY #1 COUNTRY VIDEO 2018

EVER WONDERED HOW BIG “HEAVEN” REALLY IS?

March 18, 2019 LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud Stations ADDS

LUKE COMBS 2nd Week at No. 1 1 1 Beautiful Crazy (River House/Columbia) 28959 121 8914 43 57.126 1.002 156 0

3 2 CHRIS STAPLETON/Millionaire (Mercury) 23582 701 7452 314 45.723 2.632 154 0

5 3 RILEY GREEN/There Was This Girl (BMLGR) 21190 1004 6727 233 39.299 2.164 156 0

7 4 BRETT YOUNG/Here Tonight (BMLGR) ✔ 20925 1776 6362 635 38.705 3.857 156 0

6 5 MICHAEL RAY/One That Got Away (Atlantic/WEA) 20317 1058 6377 359 37.928 2.882 156 0

8 6 OLD DOMINION/Make It Sweet (RCA) ✔ 19163 1589 5819 550 36.26 1.856 156 0

10 7 JAKE OWEN/Down To The Honkytonk (Big Loud) 17539 526 5569 143 30.962 1.574 155 0

11 8 CHASE RICE/Eyes On You (Broken Bow) ✔ 17502 2198 5302 672 31.631 4.167 153 0

4 9 JORDAN DAVIS/Take It From Me (MCA) 16173 -4439 4993 -1323 30.961 -10.29 156 0

12 10 CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Love Wins (Capitol) 14860 -144 4542 -21 27.607 -0.709 154 0

13 11 JON PARDI/Night Shift (Capitol) 14836 254 4639 87 27.855 0.708 155 0

14 12 KELSEA BALLERINI/Miss Me More (Black River) 14427 833 4369 302 25.584 0.991 156 0

16 13 ELI YOUNG BAND/Love Ain't (Valory) 13381 540 4215 171 23.106 1.115 154 1

15 14 CODY JOHNSON/On My Way To You (CoJo Music/WMN) 13247 -50 4016 66 26.013 0.897 155 0

17 15 KANE BROWN/Good As You (RCA) 13158 775 4063 219 24.219 1.905 156 1

2 16 MIDLAND/Burn Out (Big Machine) 11703 -12251 3543 -3755 27.933 -17.454 155 0

18 17 MORGAN WALLEN/Whiskey Glasses (Big Loud) 11455 643 3497 217 20.164 1.823 152 2

19 18 BRETT ELDREDGE/Love Someone (Atlantic/WMN) 11168 803 3337 237 19.663 0.86 151 0

21 19 LEE BRICE/Rumor (Curb) ✔ 9883 1268 2989 420 16.487 1.611 149 3

24 20 THOMAS RHETT/Look What God Gave Her (Valory) ✔ 9185 2076 2627 633 17.384 4.395 152 9

22 21 FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Talk You Out Of It (BMLGR) 8611 987 2613 304 14.099 2.148 147 0

20 22 TYLER RICH/The Difference (Valory) 8210 -900 2668 -269 14.121 -1.192 145 0

23 23 RODNEY ATKINS/Caught Up In The Country (Curb) 7866 570 2558 191 13.778 1.3 133 0

25 24 GEORGE STRAIT/Every Little Honky Tonk Bar (MCA) 7509 470 2275 125 14.175 1.108 139 4

Chart Page 1

March 18, 2019

LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud Stations ADDS

26 26 RUNAWAY JUNE/Buy My Own Drinks (Wheelhouse) 7135 122 2303 44 11.416 0.254 136 2

29 27 B. GILBERT & L. ELL/What Happens In A Small Town (Valory) 6505 852 1991 322 9.806 0.961 142 6

28 28 LOCASH/Feels Like A Party (Wheelhouse) 6261 25 1985 -9 9.033 0.128 130 0

30 29 RANDY HOUSER F/H. LINDSEY/What Whiskey Does (Stoney Creek) 5904 266 1811 64 8.662 0.125 131 2

31 30 CHRIS YOUNG/Raised On Country (RCA) 5692 181 1603 66 11.39 0.795 127 8

32 31 ERIC CHURCH/Some Of It (EMI Nashville) 5624 435 1766 174 10.169 1.305 130 4

34 32 RASCAL FLATTS/Back To Life (Big Machine) 4905 481 1481 130 6.244 0.727 146 1

35 33 CARLY PEARCE/Closer To You (Big Machine) 4852 436 1419 94 6.765 0.757 139 1

33 34 MADDIE & TAE/Friends Don't (Mercury) 4428 -349 1337 -105 7.075 0.099 126 0

41 35 KACEY MUSGRAVES/Rainbow (MCA) 4092 761 1166 172 5.646 1.411 114 10

36 36 MORGAN EVANS/Day Drunk (Warner Bros./WEA) 4051 283 1169 71 7.232 0.843 113 4

37 37 COLE SWINDELL/Love You Too Late (Warner Bros./WMN) 3986 228 1108 47 7.197 0.575 98 1

38 38 TENILLE TOWNES/Somebody's Daughter (Columbia) 3772 44 1265 19 6.451 0.088 92 0

DAN + SHAY/All To Myself (Warner Bros./WAR) 3611 458 951 123 7.024 1.246 95 8

39 40 RUSSELL DICKERSON/Every Little Thing (Triple Tigers) 3582 107 1087 41 5.939 0.366 110 0

40 41 JUSTIN MOORE/The Ones That Didn't Make It.. (Valory) 3433 49 1010 39 6.316 0.287 92 8

JASON ALDEAN/Rearview Town (Macon Music/Broken Bow) 3107 423 969 165 4.571 0.45 106 16

43 43 BROTHERS OSBORNE/I Don't Remember Me (Before..) (EMI) 2892 13 820 2 4.65 0.101 99 5

44 44 LAUREN ALAINA/Ladies In The '90s (19/Mercury) 2886 59 894 37 3.503 -0.056 101 5

45 45 TIM MCGRAW/Thought About You (Columbia) 2858 134 827 51 3.539 0.085 100 4

48 46 CHRIS LANE/I Don't Know About You (Big Loud) 2762 89 772 20 4.152 0.026 76 4

46 47 DYLAN SCOTT/Nothing To Do Town (Curb) 2756 56 813 27 3.312 -0.079 102 2

Debut 48 HARDY/Rednecker (Tree Vibez/Big Loud) 2511 314 747 114 3.776 0.32 79 13

49 49 JIMMIE ALLEN/Make Me Want To (Stoney Creek) 2377 77 745 7 2.843 0.023 95 2

50 50 DYLAN SCHNEIDER/How Does It Sound (Placer Music/Cold River) 2361 140 824 18 3.32 0.696 74 1

Chart Page 3 March 18, 2019

Country Aircheck Add Leaders Adds Activator Top Point Gainers JASON ALDEAN/Rearview Town (Macon Music/Broken Bow) 16 THOMAS RHETT/Look What God Gave Her (Valory) 2063 ✔ HARDY/Rednecker (Tree Vibez/Big Loud) 13 BRETT YOUNG/Here Tonight (BMLGR) 1062 ✔ KACEY MUSGRAVES/Rainbow (MCA) 10 LEE BRICE/Rumor (Curb) 1027 ✔ CHRIS JANSON/Good Vibes (Warner Bros./WAR) 9 CHASE RICE/Eyes On You (Broken Bow) 1020 ✔ DIERKS BENTLEY/Living (Capitol) 9 OLD DOMINION/Make It Sweet (RCA) 963 ✔ THOMAS RHETT/Look What God Gave Her (Valory) 9 KANE BROWN/Good As You (RCA) 764 CHRIS YOUNG/Raised On Country (RCA) 8 JASON ALDEAN/Rearview Town (Macon Music/Broken Bow) 658 DAN + SHAY/All To Myself (Warner Bros./WAR) 8 ELI YOUNG BAND/Love Ain't (Valory) 650 JUSTIN MOORE/The Ones That Didn't Make It.. (Valory) 8 BRETT ELDREDGE/Love Someone (Atlantic/WMN) 570 ZAC BROWN BAND/Someone I... (ZB Collective/BMG/Wheelhouse) 7 MORGAN WALLEN/Whiskey Glasses (Big Loud) 558 Country Aircheck Top Point Gainers Activator Top Spin Gainers CHASE RICE/Eyes On You (Broken Bow) 2198 ✔ THOMAS RHETT/Look What God Gave Her (Valory) 378 THOMAS RHETT/Look What God Gave Her (Valory) 2076 ✔ LEE BRICE/Rumor (Curb) 232 BRETT YOUNG/Here Tonight (BMLGR) 1776 ✔ BRETT YOUNG/Here Tonight (BMLGR) 217 OLD DOMINION/Make It Sweet (RCA) 1589 ✔ CHASE RICE/Eyes On You (Broken Bow) 212 LEE BRICE/Rumor (Curb) 1268 ✔ OLD DOMINION/Make It Sweet (RCA) 193 MICHAEL RAY/One That Got Away (Atlantic/WEA) 1058 KANE BROWN/Good As You (RCA) 149 RILEY GREEN/There Was This Girl (BMLGR) 1004 ELI YOUNG BAND/Love Ain't (Valory) 149 FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Talk You Out Of It (BMLGR) 987 JAKE OWEN/Down To The Honkytonk (Big Loud) 140 B. GILBERT & L. ELL/What Happens In A Small Town (Valory) 852 BRETT ELDREDGE/Love Someone (Atlantic/WMN) 125 KELSEA BALLERINI/Miss Me More (Black River) 833 JASON ALDEAN/Rearview Town (Macon Music/Broken Bow) 119 Country Aircheck Top Spin Gainers Country Aircheck Top Recurrents Points CHASE RICE/Eyes On You (Broken Bow) 672 JASON ALDEAN/Girl Like You (Macon Music/Broken Bow) 19053 BRETT YOUNG/Here Tonight (BMLGR) 635 SCOTTY MCCREERY/This Is It (Triple Tigers) 17594 THOMAS RHETT/Look What God Gave Her (Valory) 633 LUKE BRYAN/What Makes You Country (Capitol) 15139 OLD DOMINION/Make It Sweet (RCA) 550 JIMMIE ALLEN/Best Shot (Stoney Creek) 13188 LEE BRICE/Rumor (Curb) 420 LUKE COMBS/She Got The Best Of Me (River House/Columbia) 12225 MICHAEL RAY/One That Got Away (Atlantic/WEA) 359 THOMAS RHETT/Sixteen (Valory) 10345 B. GILBERT & L. ELL/What Happens In A Small Town (Valory) 322 DAN + SHAY/Speechless (Warner Bros./WAR) 9824 CHRIS STAPLETON/Millionaire (Mercury) 314 DUSTIN LYNCH/Good Girl (Broken Bow) 9787 FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Talk You Out Of It (BMLGR) 304 DAN + SHAY/Tequila (Warner Bros./WAR) 8950 KELSEA BALLERINI/Miss Me More (Black River) 302 RUSSELL DICKERSON/Blue Tacoma (Triple Tigers) 8047

Chart Page 4 March 18, 2019

COUNTRY AIRCHECK ACTIVITY A D D D AT E S

TIM MCGRAW/Thought About You (Columbia) March 25 Remains at 45* DUSTIN LYNCH/Ridin’ Roads (BBR) 2,858 points, 827 spins HUNTER HAYES/Heartbreak (Atlantic/WMN) 4 adds: KKWF, KSON, *KWEN, WYNK BRAD PAISLEY/My Miracle (Arista)

CHRIS LANE/I Don’t Know About You (Big Loud) Moves 48-46* April 1 2,762 points, 772 spins AARON GOODVIN/Bars & Churches (Reviver) 4 adds: KMLE, KNIX, KVOO, WWKA SCOTTY MCCREERY/In Between (Triple Tigers)

DYLAN SCOTT/Nothing To Do Town (Curb)

Moves 46-47* April 8 RACHEL WAMMACK/Enough (RCA) 2,756 points, 813 spins QUEEVA/How Do You Know (--) 2 adds: KTEX, WDXB Send yours to [email protected] HARDY/Rednecker (Tree Vibez/Big Loud) Debuts at 48* 2,511 points, 747 spins C H E C K O U T 13 adds including: KCYE, KDRK, WAVW, WCTQ, WGNA, WKML, WOGK, WRNS, WSOC, WSSL March 29 George Strait Honky Tonk Time Machine (MCA) JIMMIE ALLEN/Make Me Want To (Stoney Creek) LoCash Brothers (Wheelhouse) Remains at 49* Jake Owen Greetings From…Jake (Big Loud) 2,377 points, 745 spins Eli Young Band This Is Eli Young Band (Greatest Hits) (Valory) 2 adds: WDXB, WGTY Various Now That’s What I Call Country Vol. 12 (UMG/Sony)

DYLAN SCHNEIDER/How Does It Sound (Placer Music/Cold River) April 5 Remains at 50* Brooks & Dunn Reboot (Arista/Sony Music) 2,361 points, 824 spins Reba McEntire Stronger Than the Truth (Big Machine) 1 add: *W1HC April 13 DIERKS BENTLEY/Living (Capitol) Kip Moore Room To Spare Vinyl (MCA) 2,027 points, 600 spins 9 adds: KAJA, KBQI, KCCY, KKGO, KWJJ, *W1MC, WBCT, April 26 WTGE, WXBQ Dylan Scott Nothing To Do Town (Curb) Justin Moore Late Nights And Longnecks (Valory) ASHLEY MCBRYDE/Girl Goin’ Nowhere (Atlantic/WAR) Randy Rogers Hellbent (Thirty Tigers/Tommy Jackson) 1,858 points, 583 spins Darryl Worley Second Wind: Latest & Greatest (BFD/The Orchard) 1 add: WUSN Kiefer Sutherland Reckless & Me (BMG)

May 31 Thomas Rhett Center Point Road (Valory)

Chart Page 5 March 18, 2019 LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Points +/- Points Plays +/- Plays Stations ADDS

1 LUKE COMBS 11409 -237 2573 -21 52 0 1 Beautiful Crazy (River House/Columbia) 3rd Week at No. 1 2 2 CHRIS STAPLETON/Millionaire (Mercury) 10482 145 2349 5 52 0 4 3 BRETT YOUNG/Here Tonight (BMLGR) ✔ 10021 1062 2155 217 53 0 3 4 RILEY GREEN/There Was This Girl (BMLGR) 9931 36 2165 -7 52 0 5 5 MICHAEL RAY/One That Got Away (Atlantic/WEA) 9193 369 2039 74 52 0 9 6 OLD DOMINION/Make It Sweet (RCA) ✔ 8729 963 1873 193 52 0 8 7 JAKE OWEN/Down To The Honkytonk (Big Loud) 8449 546 1876 140 49 0 11 8 JON PARDI/Night Shift (Capitol) 7395 166 1555 15 53 0 12 9 CODY JOHNSON/On My Way To You (CoJo Music/WMN) 7303 181 1548 59 53 0 10 10 CARRIE UNDERWOOD/Love Wins (Capitol) 7240 -102 1524 -11 52 0 13 11 KANE BROWN/Good As You (RCA) 6792 764 1381 149 53 0 15 12 CHASE RICE/Eyes On You (Broken Bow) ✔ 6710 1020 1424 212 51 2 14 13 KELSEA BALLERINI/Miss Me More (Black River) 6456 439 1354 97 52 0 16 14 ELI YOUNG BAND/Love Ain't (Valory) 6335 650 1371 149 50 0 7 15 JORDAN DAVIS/Take It From Me (MCA) 6248 -1926 1363 -405 48 0 6 16 MIDLAND/Burn Out (Big Machine) 5712 -2887 1243 -694 45 0 17 17 BRETT ELDREDGE/Love Someone (Atlantic/WMN) 4712 570 988 125 52 0 21 18 LEE BRICE/Rumor (Curb) ✔ 4531 1027 949 232 51 6 19 19 MORGAN WALLEN/Whiskey Glasses (Big Loud) 4494 558 924 84 52 2 28 20 THOMAS RHETT/Look What God Gave Her (Valory) ✔ 4438 2063 874 378 52 8 18 21 GEORGE STRAIT/Every Little Honky Tonk Bar (MCA) 4320 340 952 61 50 1 22 22 FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/Talk You Out Of It (BMLGR) 3784 287 753 47 50 2 20 23 TYLER RICH/The Difference (Valory) 3620 -237 779 -62 47 0 24 24 MAREN MORRIS/Girl (Columbia) 3503 440 711 100 51 1 23 25 RODNEY ATKINS/Caught Up In The Country (Curb) 3312 137 681 35 41 0 26 26 BRANTLEY GILBERT & LINDSAY ELL/What Happens In A Small Town (Valory) 2816 412 555 94 48 6 25 27 ERIC CHURCH/Some Of It (EMI Nashville) 2811 66 494 18 42 2 30 28 KACEY MUSGRAVES/Rainbow (MCA) 2478 301 498 53 45 0 27 29 RUNAWAY JUNE/Buy My Own Drinks (Wheelhouse) 2441 53 522 5 43 1 29 30 LOCASH/Feels Like A Party (Wheelhouse) 2370 64 517 3 44 0

Chart Page 6 March 18, 2019

LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Points +/- Points Plays +/- Plays Stations Adds 34 31 JASON ALDEAN/Rearview Town (Macon Music/Broken Bow) 2347 658 485 119 40 10 31 32 CHRIS YOUNG/Raised On Country (RCA) 2070 64 429 9 43 2 32 33 RANDY HOUSER f/H. LINDSEY/What Whiskey Does (Stoney Creek) 1724 -12 358 0 42 1 33 34 CARLY PEARCE/Closer To You (Big Machine) 1694 4 344 14 41 1 35 35 TIM MCGRAW/Thought About You (Columbia) 1667 30 335 9 33 3 36 36 MADDIE & TAE/Friends Don't (Mercury) 1457 -79 331 -24 39 0 40 37 DIERKS BENTLEY/Living (Capitol) 1425 262 252 41 19 4 38 38 DAN + SHAY/All To Myself (Warner Bros./WAR) 1412 104 211 25 24 3 37 39 RASCAL FLATTS/Back To Life (Big Machine) 1404 73 276 17 36 0 39 40 ASHLEY MCBRYDE/Girl Goin' Nowhere (Atlantic/WAR) 1248 46 245 5 24 0 41 41 HARDY/Rednecker (Tree Vibez/Big Loud) 1153 64 171 26 15 0 42 42 COLE SWINDELL/Love You Too Late (Warner Bros./WMN) 1110 32 163 4 32 0 46 43 LAUREN ALAINA/Ladies In The '90s (19/Mercury) 994 276 194 61 26 5 44 44 AARON WATSON/Kiss That Girl Goodbye (Big Label) 961 156 190 27 19 0 43 45 TENILLE TOWNES/Somebody's Daughter (Columbia) 922 27 179 1 31 0 52 46 CHRIS JANSON/Good Vibes (Warner Bros./WAR) 795 267 117 35 10 3 45 47 MATT STELL/Prayed For You (Wide Open/Records/GCE) 774 48 105 7 6 0 47 48 DYLAN SCOTT/Nothing To Do Town (Curb) 734 46 161 9 25 0 49 49 RUSSELL DICKERSON/Every Little Thing (Triple Tigers) 726 135 123 24 21 1 51 50 GABBY BARRETT/I Hope (---) 698 118 72 14 6 0 53 51 BROOKS & DUNN w/L. COMBS/Brand New Man (Arista) 630 105 128 21 18 1 48 52 RYAN HURD/Michigan For The Winter (RCA) 620 0 62 0 1 0 55 53 JUSTIN MOORE/The Ones That Didn't Make It... (Valory) 600 94 89 3 9 1 Debut 54 ZAC BROWN BAND/Someone I Used To Know (ZB Collective/BMG/Wheelhouse) 570 119 63 9 4 0 50 55 TRAVIS DENNING/After A Few (Mercury) 544 -40 83 -4 6 0 59 56 MORGAN EVANS/Day Drunk (Warner Bros./WEA) 504 36 81 8 29 0 Debut 57 BROTHERS OSBORNE/I Don't Remember Me (Before..) (EMI Nashville) 499 85 93 16 13 1 58 58 ADAM HAMBRICK/Rockin' All Night Long (Buena Vista/Capitol) 491 21 141 3 12 0 Debut 59 BACKSTREET BOYS/No Place (RCA) 460 20 46 2 1 1 54 60 CHRIS LANE/I Don't Know About You (Big Loud) 441 -65 71 -2 8 1 ©2019 Country Aircheck™ — All rights reserved. Sign up free at www.countryaircheck.com. Send news to [email protected]

Chart Page 7