Includes Cumulus Radio Airplay Across the U.S. and Big Machine Label Group Recording Contract
National grassroots competition concludes with naming country music’s next big star
Nearly 1,500 artists entered NASH Next 2017 talent competition providing winner coveted nationwide radio airplay–the most effective medium to cultivate an artist and propel a major music career
NASHVILLE, TN – Cumulus Media, #1 for country and radio’s dominant source for country music, announced Wednesday night (11/1) RADIO ROMANCE from Hermitage, TN as the NASH Next 2017 Challenge artist development competition grand prize winner. The final competition event took place at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville with live performances from the Top 10 national finalists and a special performance from 2016 NASH Next winner Todd O’Neill and The Valory Music Co’s Delta Rae. The finale showcased up-and-coming country talent discovered through this first-of-it’s-kind national radio grassroots talent search and artist development program for country music, sponsored nationally by Country Inns & Suites By CarlsonSM.
“Great showmen, very cohesive sound and a polished performance” were a few of the phases used by the NASH Next 2017 judges to describe Radio Romance, who will receive national radio airplay on Cumulus Media radio stations, and a recording contract under the Big Machine Label Group umbrella. As a surprise addition to the grand prize package, Country Inns & Suites presented Radio Romance with a gift of 10 free nights at any County Inns & Suites locations.
In 2011, Sam Hayes (Lead Vocal/Acoustic Guitarist), Josh Gramling (Lead Guitar/Vocals) and Moises Padilla (Drummer/Vocals) met and not only hit it off in the writing room and studio, but also found themselves becoming close friends. They began playing shows together on the streets of Broadway in downtown Nashville, and one day decided if they were going to keep playing together they might as well pick a band name. RADIO ROMANCE was born and the guys have been writing, recording and touring ever since. The band’s traditional country sound, mixed with their 90’s pop/rock harmonies make for a dynamic live performance full of energy.
“We woke up this morning and we didn’t have a record label or a booking agency. All we had was our one manager,” said Sam Hayes of Radio Romance. “But we are going to bed tonight with a record deal. We can’t thank our fans and family enough for all the support they have given us that got us here tonight.”
The winner of the NASH Next 2017 Challenge was selected by a celebrity panel of some of the biggest names in country music, including Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta, – the world’s No. 1 independent record label and home to superstar artists including Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert and more; Kix Brooks, half of Grammy-winning duo Brooks & Dunn, country music’s most successful duo of all time, and host of Westwood One’s American Country Countdown; award-winning Songwriter Hall of Fame writer Desmond Child, chart-topping entertainer Brantley Gilbert, who judged from home via a live stream while he awaits the birth of his first child, and theTennessean’s Cindy Watts.
“Radio leads the way when it comes to music discovery. NASH Next 2017 genuinely discovers new artists, enables all of the contestants to be heard and allows the winners to take advantage of an amazing opportunity to have their music backed by a major label as well as played nationally on the radio,” said Mike McVay. EVP, Programming and Content, Cumulus Media. “We’re very excited to see what the future holds forRadio Romance.”
Cumulus’ NASH Next 2017 Challenge pays tribute to the great tradition of radio as a launch pad for our most beloved musical talent and celebrates country music, the most popular music genre in the United States with almost 100 million fans. While television boasts several talent competitions, NASH Next is the first contest of its kind to offer its winner the opportunity for coveted radio airplay, which is the most effective medium to cultivate an artist and propel a major music career. And with Cumulus’ country programming broadcasting on almost 85% of all country radio stations nationwide, that opportunity is huge and unprecedented.
“We’re so excited to add Radio Romance to the Big Machine Label Group family,” said Borchetta. “This was the toughest competition yet for NASH Next but at the end of the night it was obvious that Radio Romance had prevailed.”
To sample RADIO ROMANCE’S music, as well as hear songs and watch music videos from all of the Top 10 finalists, please visit: http://nashnextpresents.com.