Second Annual AIMP Nashville Awards, presented by the Academy of Country Music,
to take place Monday, May 8 at The Ryman Auditorium
NASHVILLE, Tenn. —The Nashville Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) announces its nominees for the second annual AIMP Nashville Awards, presented for the first time ever by the Academy of Country Music. The awards will take place at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Monday, May 8, 2017 and will feature performances from Nashville’s hottest independent writers and artists.
“We are very excited to once again celebrate the achievements of Nashville’s independent music publishing community at the second annual AIMP Nashville Awards,” said AIMP Nashville Treasurer and awards co-chair, Ree Guyer. “The show serves as a platform to honor the unique and talented artists and writers who call Nashville home, while also serving as a reminder of the support shown from writers, artist and publishers within our AIMP community.”
Last year, the inaugural AIMP Nashville Awards featured noteworthy performances of AIMP nominated songs by artist-writer nominees Kelsea Ballerini, Brandy Clark, Tyler Farr, Sam Hunt, Old Dominion and a show-stopping collaboration by rising writer nominees, Brothers Osborne and Maren Morris. Award winners included “Girl Crush” (Song of the Year), SMACKSongs (Publisher of the Year), and Hillary Lindsey (Songwriter of the Year) and more.
“The growth of the AIMP in Nashville over the last two years has been incredible, in large part due to this awards show,” said AIMP Nashville Executive Director, John Ozier. “The caliber of songwriters, publishers and artists that are nominated this year really show the strength of the independent music publishing community in Nashville.”
“The Academy is delighted to support AIMP in this most important endeavor: honoring the independent spirits who keep country music relevant with their craft,” said Tiffany Moon, Executive Vice President/Managing Director of the Academy of Country Music. “The contribution these artist and writers make to the industry – and to fans – is a tremendous gift.”
The nominees, listed below by category, were selected by 300 AIMP voters through anonymous ballots.
AIMP Rising Independent Songwriter of the Year
Kelly Archer
Luke Dick
Justin Ebach
Adam Hambrick
Jesse Lee
Jordan Schmidt
AIMP Rising Independent Artist-Writer of the Year
Ryan Beaver
Devin Dawson
Walker Hayes
Natalie Hemby
Carly Pearce
Caitlyn Smith
AIMP Artist – Writer of the Year
Brothers Osborne
Brandy Clark
Eric Church
Maren Morris
Old Dominion
Brett Young
AIMP Song Champion of the Year
Jeff Carlton
Courtney Crist
Celia Froehlig
Shannan Hatch
Bart Herbison
Jeff Skaggs
AIMP Publisher’s Pick
“Leaving Nashville” written by Abe Stoklasa, Donovan Woods
Big Yellow Dog Music, Shakala Publishing
“Love Can Go To Hell” written by Brandy Clark, Scott Stepakoff
Kobalt Music, Sea Gayle Music, Ten Ten Music Group
“Love Triangle” written by Nicolle Galyon, RaeLynn, Jimmy Robbins
Big Machine Music, Prescription, Round Hill Music
“Rich” written by Jessie Jo Dillion, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz
Big Machine Music, Big Yellow Dog, Kobalt Music, Revelry Music
“Tacoma” written by Bob DiPiero, Caitlyn Smith
BMG, Cornman Music, Round Hill Music
“Wheels” written by Steve Moakler, Gordie Sampson, Caitlyn Smith
BMG, Cornman Music, Creative Nation Music, Pulse Songs
AIMP Song of the Year
“Blue Ain’t Your Color” written by Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey, Steven Lee Olsen
Cornman Music, Hillarodyrathbone Music, Sea Gayle Music
“Head Over Boots” written by Luke Laird, John Pardi
Creative Nation Music, Song Factory Music
“Vice” written by Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne
SMACKSongs
“Kill A Word” written by Eric Church, Luke Dick, Jeff Hyde
Little Louder Music
“Sleep Without You” written by Kelly Archer, Justin Ebach, Brett Young
Big Machine Music, Downtown Music, Red Creative, Word Country
“80s Mercedes” written by busbee, Maren Morris
BMG, Big Deal Music, Big Yellow Dog Music
AIMP Independent Writer of the Year
busbee
Ross Copperman
Zach Crowell
Ashley Gorley
Luke Laird
Shane McAnally
AIMP Independent Publisher of the Year
BMG
Big Loud Shirt / Round Hill Music
Big Yellow Dog Music
Combustion Music
Creative Nation Music
SMACKSongs