Day two of CRS 2025 in Nashville picks up where yesterday left off, with enthusiasm spreading across the entire Country radio format. The industry’s premiere country radio conference runs through Friday February 21st. Barrett Media’s Jason Barrett and Stephanie Eads are in attendance along with hundreds of Country radio and music industry professionals. You can see a bunch of highlights from the event across social media.
Here are some of the notable items from the second day of the Country Radio Seminar.
Session Recaps:
Chuck Aly led a panel discussion with Jeff Rizzo, Keith Rothschild, Brian Michel, Rachel Whitney, and Adam Weiser. The group explored the nature of Mainstream Country Music’ and what does and doesn’t work in the radio format. Dialogue followed on what is and isn’t a hit, passion scores, the way programmers balance serving their audience and introducing new music that may push the envelope.
Leigh Jacobs and Carolyn Gilbert of Nuvoodoo Research presented a study on behavior traits of Country Radio listeners. The study looked at which platforms users use to consume Country music. Spotify led most categories with radio a close second followed by YouTube.
The research showed that most respondents who have listened over 5 years believe Country music has gotten better. Among those who feel it’s gotten worse, it was connected to the format becoming too pop focused. Radio performed well in the car, but at home and at work, YouTube and streaming were preferred. The study also showed that commercial breaks, song fatigue, and poor scheduling were the top reasons for tune out.
Leigh and Carolyn also shared that 2/3 of the audience are interested in new County songs. Half of the respondents listed radio as the go to source for finding new music. Radio was also the top choice for learning about Country Concerts. Streaming and YouTube though were considered better at providing deeper information about the artists and songs.
Lastly, 40% of the respondents were listening for the music, and less interested in the on-air talent. Hosts that were mentioned most in a positive light were Bobby Bones, Cody Alan, Kix Brooks, Lon Helton, and Big D & Bubba. The traits considered most important were funny, lighthearted and entertaining.
Attendees soon braved the cold, flocking to the Ryman Auditorium for the Universal Music Group’s special two-hour showcase. The packed auditorium enjoyed performances from Dierks Bentley, Tyler Hubbard, Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Jordan Davis, Tucker Wetmore, Vincent Mason, Parker McCollum, and others. Ringo Starr made a special appearance as well, creating excitement throughout the venue.
Eric Church closed the show with an outstanding performance. Church shared how the year 2018 was the worst of his life, playing in Las Vegas the night before the largest mass shooting in US history. He then discussed the difficulty of dropping his kids off at school, the day after a school shooting took place in Nashville, a mile away from his kids’ school.
After Church’s powerful setup, he moved into an incredible presentation of his new song “Johnny”. Supported by an amazing choir, Church’s lyrics and vocal delivery produced emotional reactions across the room, Barrett Media’s Stephanie Eads among those affected.
Following the live music break at the Ryman, many returned to the Omni in Nashville for the remainder of the day two sessions. Tucker Wetmore was featured in the Cycle of a Song session. Next came a conversation on ‘How to Turn Moments Into a Career’ featuring Travis Moon, Johnny Chiang, Sarah DeMarco, Allison Laughter, and Lucy Bartozzi. Wrapping up the day before the night time festivities begin is an artist conversation with Old Dominion.
Looking Ahead:
The final day of CRS 2025 wraps up tomorrow with a variety of sessions and performances. Still to come are the Women’s Networking Breakfast, AI’s Legal Impact on the Country Music Industry, Interviewing Tips, and How to Embrace Crossover Artists and the New Audience. Other sessions include 30 Sales Ideas in 30 Minutes, How to Sound Local Everywhere, Evolving Your Playlist, and How to Break Through Voice Tracking.
Eric Church and Jelly Roll will take the stage for an artist to artist conversation to close out the conference. Immediately afterwards is a New Faces Cocktail Reception, and New Faces of Country Music Dinner and Performance sponsored by ACM and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. More details about CRS can be found here.
