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Title: Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces Show Was Once Make Or Break. Now It’s a Validation
Tom Roland, Billboard
Country Radio Seminar’s (CRS) annual New Faces show was once the make-or-break moment for aspiring country artists looking to break into the industry. Those who didn’t receive an invitation were often left wondering if they had what it takes.
However, times have changed, and so has the significance of this event. In recent years, the stakes are no longer as high, and many newcomers feel that the platform is now more focused on providing a validation rather than a make-or-break opportunity.
“It’s still an incredible honor to be invited,” says Tim Nichols, who was part of the 2014 New Faces class. “But I think it’s changed in terms of how much importance people put on it. It’s not the only way to get discovered anymore.”
This shift is likely due to the rise of social media and streaming platforms, which have dramatically altered the game for artists and industry professionals alike.
“There are so many more ways to reach an audience now,” notes Keith Urban, a longtime advocate of new talent and former CRS New Faces performer himself. “Country Radio Seminar used to be the only way to get discovered, but that’s not the case anymore.”
Urban is correct; with social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube becoming increasingly important for artists to build their fanbase and gain visibility, the pressure has been lifted from these young artists. They are no longer solely reliant on this single event to launch their careers.
The shift in focus also means that newcomers can now gauge their success by different metrics, such as streaming numbers or engagement rates, rather than just relying on a CRS New Faces invite.
“I think it’s fantastic that we’ve reached an era where there are so many more ways for artists to succeed,” says Urban. “If I were starting out today, I’d be taking advantage of those platforms and building my own audience.”
In the end, while the stakes may have changed, the importance of CRS New Faces remains the same: it provides a valuable platform for artists to showcase their talent and connect with industry professionals.
As Tim Nichols put it, “It’s still an amazing opportunity to get in front of people who can help your career.”
Source: http://www.billboard.com
