Country Radio Seminar was the place to be for three days last week in Nashville, and Pop Blitz Magazine had a prime spot for all the action.

My first day started off in the media room with interviews. Had the pleasure of talking with 90s country legends Keith Burns, T. Graham Brown, and Skip Ewing, as well as upcoming artists Jet Jurgensmeyer, Allie Colleen, Walker Montgomery, Sheyna Gee, and Taylor Austin Dye.

I took a brief break in between a full day of interviews to grab some food and hear some tunes. Wednesday’s luncheon was put on by Warner Records and featured performances from Ashley McBryde, Gabby Barrett, Blake Whiten, The Band Loula, The Creekers, and the label’s newest artist Colton Dawson. Ashley shared her sobriety journey before playing a brand-new song “Bottle Tells Me So”. She also performed “Arkansas Mud”, and “What If We Don’t”.

Day two began with more interviews at my booth. Country legend TG Sheppard, Kaleb Sanders, Drew Taylor, Dani-Elle, Madison Olivia, Tori Rose, Tyra Madison, and Jesse & Noah stopped by to chat.

Thursday Team MCA held their annual event at the Ryman. On the lineup were sixteen of Universal Music’s talented roster of artists. We were treated to one song each from Kassi Ashton, Dalton Davis, Carter Faith, Wyatt Flores, Vince Gill, Jacob Hackworth, Tyler Hubbard, Vincent Mason, Parker McCollum, Madden Metcalf, Needtobreathe, Jon Pardi, Kenny Whitmire, 49 Winchester, Brothers Osborne, and Keith Urban. Upcoming artist Carter Faith blew everyone away, receiving a standing ovation. Vince Gill played “The Whole World” as a tribute to modern day events. Keith Urban treated fans to a performance of a brand new song “We Go Back”. He also played snippets of two covers “On and On” and “Steal Away” after announcing his upcoming project, an album of yacht rock songs.

Stopped by the Outlaw Showcase put on by Bandanna Cheyenna and Brickshore Media. Saw Bandanna, Abby Anderson, and Mary Kutter play a few acoustic songs.

Day three was a long one. More interviews with Randy Cobb, Lexie Stevenson, Emma Grace Glover, Grace Humphries, Tori Rose, Carrie Brockwell, Noelle Toland, Andrea Vasquez, and Bandanna Cheyenna.

Friday’s lunchtime entertainment was a joint event from Big Machine Records and Nashville Harbor Records. There were performances from Mackenzie Carpenter, Cole Goodwin, Naomi Carman, Greylan James, Caroline Jones, The Band Perry, The Jack Wharff Band and Shaylen. The Band Perry was welcomed back to CRS for the first time since their New Faces days. They sang their old smash hits, “You Lie”, and “Better Dig Two”, as well as “Psychological”, their first new single released in over nine years.

After lunch I had the chance to stop by a panel. Ella Langley and JoDee Messina had a conversation about all things’ music, and I was but a fly on the wall for it.

Friday night was the biggest event of CRS, the New Faces Showcase. I scored a last-minute invite and got the chance to see some great performances. This year’s class of Artists to Watch included Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross. Chase Matthew kicked things off with a bang. He had a room full of industry people on their feet, dancing and singing to his smash “Darlin”. Lauren Alaina surprised everyone by joining Chase on a duet of “All My Exes”. And then there was Ella Langley. She stole the show, performing “Dandelion”, “Be Her” a brand-new song “Loving Life Again”, and the finale her current #1 hit “Choosin’ Texas”. The showcase was a perfect end to the week. Thank you to Country Radio Seminar for having me out! Until next year…