Nashville’s New Year’s Eve ‘Big Bash’ to Infuse Country Traditions into Celebration: Between 2023 and the upcoming 2024, Megan Moroney and Bailey Zimmerman are set to perform approximately 250 concerts, entertaining nearly 10 million fans who are perhaps more familiar with chart-topping tracks by Creed, Nelly, and Nickelback than classics from Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson.
Interestingly, Lynyrd Skynyrd is slated to perform at Sunday night’s “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash,” broadcasted on both CBS and Paramount+.
For purists who might be irked by a lack of recognition for classics like “Ring of Fire” or “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain,” the lineup might raise eyebrows.
The anticipation lies in whether the younger audience will resonate with classics like “Freebird,” gravitate towards Lainey Wilson’s “Watermelon Moonshine” as the downtown Nashville New Year’s Eve Bicentennial Park headliner, or connect with Moroney’s “Why Johnny” and Zimmerman’s “Rock and A Hard Place.” This shift signifies country music’s journey towards achieving unparalleled commercial success and cultural significance.
On New Year’s Eve, viewers can expect over 50 consecutive performances featuring a lineup that includes the previously mentioned artists along with Old Dominion, Elle King, Thomas Rhett, Trace Adkins, Grace Bowers, Kane Brown, Jackson Dean, HARDY, Cody Johnson, Dustin Lynch, Parker McCollum, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Blake Shelton, Trombone Shorty, and Morgan Wallen.
It’s noteworthy that such acclaim is garnered even without the heightened spotlight of mainstream popular culture set to shine on country music in 2024.
The intricate narrative of how Nashville’s music industry, and the city itself, seamlessly integrates into the broader societal awareness while preserving its foundational elements is a tale as vast as the anticipated crowd of over 200,000 awaiting the descent of the music note at Bicentennial Park.
Emerging Country Artists Flourish Amidst Mainstream Pop’s Limelight
Moroney and Zimmerman shared insights with The Tennessean at The Stage, a popular honky-tonk on Lower Broadway, as they prepared for their performances featured in CBS and Paramount+’s extensive five-hour broadcast. The event showcases Music Row’s favorites performing live at Bicentennial Park and various other Nashville venues.
Reflecting on her journey, Moroney expressed, “It’s been quite a ride.” Her ascent from gaining attention as a TikTok standout with her rendition of “Tennessee Orange” during her time at the University of Georgia to becoming a chart-topping artist set to open for Kenny Chesney in 2024 exemplifies her rapid ascent in the industry.
“I firmly believe that emotionally resonant songwriting will always strike a chord with listeners,” she remarks about her journey in the industry.
Discussing introspective themes in contemporary country music in 2023 inevitably brings Zimmerman into focus.
His poignant pop ballads seamlessly resonate with today’s 20-something male country music enthusiasts.
Closing out 2023 on a high note, the Illinois-born artist boasted two tracks, “Religiously” and “Rock and a Hard Place,” on Billboard’s Hot 100 year-end chart. Additionally, he dominated country radio charts with No. 1 hits for a significant portion of the year and accumulated nearly half the monthly Spotify listenership of renowned artist Morgan Wallen.
As 2024 unfolds, Zimmerman anticipates delving deeper into a fusion of radio-friendly country and rock. Interestingly, an artist who once admired the likes of HARDY, Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, and Wallen now finds himself mentored by them during their tours.
Come January 27, 2024, Zimmerman will mark his 24th birthday, a noteworthy milestone considering Nickelback’s iconic track “How You Remind Me” debuted when he was merely 18 months old.
Interestingly, this positions the emerging country artist as a pioneering figure in contemporary rock, embodying a “throwback” vibe.
“Simply put, I’m just someone who discovered my talent one day in my mom’s bedroom, took a chance, and before I knew it, I had signed a record deal. It feels surreal,” he reflects.
A premier global celebration epicenter
“Nashville stands as a top global hub for festivities,” remarks John Osborne of the Brothers Osborne.
Over the past five years, Music City has witnessed nearly a 20 percent increase in spending by tourists, even welcoming five percent more visitors compared to the pre-COVID-19 era.
Moroney chimes in, stating, “Country music thrives on genuine narratives and tales.”
With that sentiment, the evolution from tracks like “Tennessee Orange,” “I’m Not Pretty,” and “Girl In The Mirror” to hits like the Brothers Osborne’s “I’m Not For Everyone” gains heightened significance.
In its 15th year, the concert returns to Bicentennial Park for the seventh consecutive time, contributing to a staggering $40 million in direct spending from both local residents and visitors.
“The ‘Big Bash’ shines a spotlight on Nashville’s dynamic live music culture for the entire nation,” commented Deana Ivey, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Texans Uphold Country Music Traditions
To understand the direction in which country music is evolving, one must delve into its Texan roots. Texas has consistently infused Nashville with a rebellious, outlaw spirit. Yet, what was once deemed “outlaw” now embodies the genre’s rich history and resonates with its contemporary crossover appeal.
Engaging with Cody Johnson, a native of Walker County, Texas, and Parker McCollum, who made the move from Houston to Austin, underscores the enduring influence of these Texan origins on today’s mainstream country scene.
Reflecting on the connection, McCollum remarks with a grin, “Over the past two decades, there’s always been a direct path from Texas to Tennessee.” He points to artists like Johnson, Miranda Lambert, and George Strait as shining examples of “iconic” contemporary country figures hailing from the Lone Star State.
Johnson echoes this sentiment, stating, “We take immense pride in upholding Texas’ esteemed legacy in country music. Embracing this heritage demands nothing less than giving our all, striving continually to achieve that pinnacle.”
It’s not solely about securing No. 1 spots on the radio or packing arenas. Crafting albums that serve as stepping stones, enhancing the trajectory of my entire career, holds significance,” expresses Johnson.
When considering the collective experience of the Texans featured on “New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash,” Johnson and McCollum together contribute nearly three decades of expertise to the stage.
Both artists find themselves in a unique position, given the predominant influence of mainstream Nashville country music over the past decade, where a vast majority of their audiences are often witnessing their performances for the very first time.
“Striving to strike a balance between timeless appeal and fresh innovation pushes artists to produce music that resonates, regardless of whether listeners are seasoned equestrians or city dwellers,” quips Johnson.
McCollum emphasizes the essence of authenticity, stating, “Staying true to the roots is paramount. This isn’t about fleeting social media trends; it’s about robust songwriting paired with relentless touring. The tried-and-true path, reminiscent of icons like Randy Rogers and George Strait, remains the blueprint for genuine accolades and recognition.”
Reflecting on his journey, the multi-award-winning artist shares, “I have tracks from over a decade ago that still garner significant streams, and I’m gearing up for a new double album titled ‘Leather’ in 2024. The longevity of songs crafted with dedication and passion truly defines the arc of my career.”
“Preserving Country Music’s Authentic Roots”
From emerging talents like Moroney and Zimmerman to seasoned traditionalists like Johnson, there exists a vibrant landscape poised for country music’s evolution.
“It’s a risky endeavor, basing your livelihood on consistently producing great songs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” remarks McCollum.
Zimmerman chimes in, emphasizing their commitment: “Amidst the whirlwind of this incredible journey, our goal remains steadfast: to stay true to ourselves and our roots.”
Johnson reinforces this sentiment, stating, “Ultimately, the heart of the matter lies in genuine bands delivering authentic tunes night after night on tour. Upholding country’s foundational traditions is crucial for this momentum to endure.”
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