When we began planning the 2024 version of River Jam, I had a goal in mind. To reset the decks and book pretty much all fresh artists with a few exceptions (Drew Cooper Shaker Hymns). We, and the music scene at large, needed a reinvigoration. A youth movement of sorts. The energy, bright eyes and passion that only comes when you're at the start of this journey.
So, I set about listening to new acts, talking to trusted gatekeepers and searching for artists that moved my needle. I found them in droves. Whittling it down to those we ended up being able to put on the lineup was not easy. We missed on a few that we really wanted due to prior engagements (hello Presley Haile--maybe, next year!) But, man what we ended up with was nothing short of amazing.
All weekend long, folks kept coming up to me and saying that the River Jam 24 playlist was the best thing they'd heard in a long time. I took pride in that. I posted that this lineup is the best from top to bottom, as far as pure songwriting goes, that we've ever had. That bore out to be true when the proof came in the pudding Friday, Saturday and especially Sunday.
Let me run through these acts, chronologically from when they played and give a short blurb about what each did this weekend.
Hank Weaver - has control of a college town like I haven't seen in a while. The SMTX loves this cat and soon enough the whole state will.
Slade Coulter - not a new name, and someone that has played River Jam once before, but Slade is poised to take that proverbial next step. He's on the cusp of stardom.
Lucas Jagneaux - there is not a finer country band around than his Roadsheaux. This is pure country. The kind that makes you want to dance, drink or cry depending on the song. Jagneaux can bend the strings on his guitar just as deftly as he can sing. His songwriting is catchy as all get out and deserves to be on radios nationwide.
Meredith Crawford - that voice and those songs are undeniable. This is a woman singing about real life. She makes you feel each syllable. She had people crying and getting goosebumps one verse in this past Sunday.
Landon Hoffman - this kid was described to me by one well plugged in manager as "a badass little motherf*cker." His songs are good and his voices take them next level. He's going to make it.
Race Ricketts - clever, smart, entertaining, genuine. The type of songwriter that can fit into any context.
Mason Lively - also not a River Jam rookie, but a guy that keeps cranking out songs that connect. He's got the total package, the songs, the look, the charisma and the heart.
Cameron Allbright - I had one industry person tell me "He's going to be the next Parker." That's a lot of pressure and perhaps unfair. But, what isn't unfair is this kid's talent. The reason that comparison is on display is apparent the first time you hear him sing one of his songs.
Logan Ryan - this kid strolled into River Jam with the most streaming plays of any artist on the bill and the coolest mustache I've ever seen. He's already got a foothold on a strong career that will only get more firm with each passing gig.
Taylor Hunnicutt - I've dug Taylor's music for a couple of years now thanks to Adam Hood telling me to check it out a while back. Relatable passion. She sings with such conviction and writes the same way. It's no surprise she's on her way to festival headliner status. We'd love to have her back next year as part of our full band repertoire but she'll likely join the long list of folks that breakout and surpass our budget. And we couldn't be happier for her!
Julianna Rankin - another River Jam vet who is still a fresh face. She's making her moves though. Tunes recorded in Muscle Shoals, a rising profile, one hell of a voice and a a reply song to Wade Bowen's "Trouble" that would make Kitty Wells proud.
Graycie York - we've been able to watch this young artist grow from just a few gigs under her belt into likely the most confident performer on the lineup. She's assured, witty and her songwriting just keeps getting better.
J.D. Graham - the most human songwriter going down the highway today. If the trajectory of these last two albums continues, he will put his name down among the greatest of all time. Hell, he might already be there.
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