Audacy has announced Launch, a music discovery program designed to spotlight emerging artists. Through broadcast and digital airplay, on-air artist vignettes, digital editorial and engaging social content, Audacy will leverage its multiplatform reach and the power of radio to introduce new artists to its millions of listeners and followers. The program commences with three Launch Artists.
Three-time CMT Music Award-winning singer-songwriter Jelly Roll and his single “Need A Favor” will be featured across Audacy’s Hot AC portfolio. Jelly Roll’s inclusion in the program expands his relationship with Audacy, which began in March 2022. After hearing dozens of new songs and artists during label/manager/artist meetings in Nashville, Audacy decided that all of its country brands would support Jelly Roll and add his then-nascent single “Son of a Sinner” to their rotations. Since then, the single has risen to No. 1 across multiple formats, and Jelly Roll has sold out numerous venues across the country.
“Radio has long played an essential role in new music discovery, and Launch reaffirms radio’s unique ability to promote emerging talent and deliver compelling content to its audience,” said Michael Martin, Senior Vice President of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives, Audacy. “What started last year at Losers Bar in Nashville with budding star Jelly Roll has blossomed into a platform that will shape the future of music and provide a launchpad for talented musicians. Launch represents our ongoing commitment to driving new music discovery and delivering unique experiences to our dedicated listeners.”
“Audacy has continued to be a huge supporter of this single,” said Jelly Roll of his 2022 single, “Need A Favor,” and the role Audacy played in his success. “I’m excited to continue my partnership with them and officially be a part of their new Launch program.”
Singer Warren Zeiders and his single “Pretty Little Poison” will be featured across Audacy’s Country brands.
“As a dude who wasn’t planning to do this whole thing, I kind of got very blessed, and Audacy has believed in me along the way,” said Zeiders. “The best way to put it is I’m very fortunate and blessed. I think that the good Lord has kept his hand on me and has brought my fans into my life who have supported me since day one, so I’m just super fortunate that I get to say that I’m going to be an artist who is on country radio…growing up listening to the radio, I’m just super grateful.”
2023 Billboard Women in Music Rising Star winner, rapper and singer Doechii and her single “What It Is” will be featured across Audacy’s CHR stations nationwide.
“I am honored and can’t thank Audacy enough for this opportunity,” said Doechii. “I have been so excited seeing the response to my record “What It Is” and I can’t wait for it to reach a larger audience.”
Audacy will also introduce three new expertly-curated Exclusive Stations on the Audacy app and digital platform, spotlighting Launch Artists and filled with more music that fans should know.
Launch: New Country
Launch: New Country brings listeners the artists and music they should know, featuring the rising stars of Country and the songs that are sure to be everywhere soon. Get in on the ground floor and discover what’s next with the inside edge on the next wave of hit music.
Launch: New Pop
Launch: New Pop brings listeners the artists and music they should know, featuring the rising Pop stars and songs that are sure to be everywhere soon. Before they take over the world, take in these tracks that are destined to be big. Discover what’s next with the inside edge on the next wave of hit music.
Launch: New Alternative
Launch: New Alternative is packed with music listeners should know, featuring the most buzzed about bands and songs that are sure to be everywhere soon. Discover what’s next with the inside edge on the next wave of Alternative music.
Audacy plans to identify its first Alternative Launch Artist in the coming weeks.
This story first appeared on radioinsight.com