Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 8, 2024 4:59 am GMT
Warner Chappell Music Dominates Country Airplay Rankings in 2024
For the second quarter of 2024, Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has solidified its position as a leader in the country music publishing industry, holding the top spot on Billboard’s Country Airplay publisher rankings. The Nashville-based powerhouse boasts a 33.53% market share, an increase from the previous quarter and a significant presence in 68 of the top 100 songs across country radio. Among these hits is the highly popular track “Where It Ends,” performed by rising star Bailey Zimmerman, who has been signed with WCM since 2023.
The success of Warner Chappell is remarkable, as it marks the third consecutive quarter the company has maintained its No. 1 ranking. With a notable history of excellence in the Nashville publishing scene dating back to 2017, WCM’s achievements come as it continues to outshine competitors like Sony Music Publishing and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).
Industry Competition and Rankings
In the current rankings, Sony Music Publishing claimed second place with an 18.94% market share, featuring 49 songs in the Q2 2024 Country Airplay chart. Notable entries include Sam Hunt’s “Outskirts” at No. 3 and Kenny Chesney’s “Take Her Home” at No. 5. Surprisingly, within Sony’s collection, Ashley Gorley emerged as the top country songwriter with 15 charting songs, demonstrating the importance of songwriting prowess in achieving radio success.
UMPG moved up to third place with a 7.69% market share, representing 23 songs this quarter, including hits like “Tucson Too Late” by Jordan Davis and “I Had Some Help” which features Post Malone and Morgan Wallen. The landscape also saw Kobalt achieve a rise to fourth place, capturing 6.88% and featuring hits by Jordan Davis among others. Conversely, BMG’s market share decreased to 4.95%, marking a slight decline from its previous ranking.
- Warner Chappell Music: 33.53% market share, 68 songs.
- Sony Music Publishing: 18.94%, 49 songs.
- Universal Music Publishing Group: 7.69%, 23 songs.
- Kobalt: 6.88%, 22 songs.
- BMG: 4.95%, 11 songs.
- Big Machine Music: 4.19% from 11 songs.
New Collaboration: Jessie Murph and Bailey Zimmerman
As the music publishing competition intensifies, individual artists continue to make their mark. Among the noteworthy collaborations is “Someone in This Room,” a poignant track featuring Jessie Murph and Bailey Zimmerman. The song is part of Jessie Murph’s debut album, That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil, which was released in early September 2024. This collaboration adds to the anticipation surrounding Murph’s album, which also includes features from other artists like Koe Wetzel and Teddy Swims.
“Someone in This Room” explores themes of relational decline and emotional turmoil. The lyrics highlight the struggles of a couple that has grown distant, capturing the emotional intricacies of their bond. With its atmospheric sound, the song showcases an engaging blend of atmospheric acoustic guitar and synth-based instrumentation that underlines the raw emotion of the lyrics.
Lyrics and Themes
The track’s shared narrative reflects the complexity of modern relationships. Jessie’s verses depict the cycle of emotional pain and the sometimes blurred line between love and toxicity. The imagery, such as references to “broken dishes,” stands as a metaphor for the damage inflicted upon each other in the heat of arguments, suggesting deeper issues of incompatibility and resentment.
One of the standout choruses conveys a profound sense of ambiguity in identifying the “good” and “bad” partners within the relationship. Lyrics like “Someone’s too [expletive] up to leave the kitchen” poignantly illustrate the struggles of discord, hinting at personal flaws while wrestling with feelings of guilt and identity.
| Key Themes | Lyric Excerpt |
|---|---|
| Emotional Struggles | “How does it feel to break a man?” |
| Toxic Relationships | “You ain’t who you were, and I ain’t either.” |
| Mutual Pain | “It just comes out, I like the way it breaks you down.” |
Artist Reflections
Upon releasing her album, Jessie Murph expressed her heartfelt gratitude towards her fans, sharing, “I fucking love y’all with my whole heart and soul, thank you for listening.” Her genuine appreciation resonates with her audience, reminding them of the strength found in vulnerability expressed through music.
Meanwhile, Bailey Zimmerman’s involvement in the track showcases his rising prominence in the country music scene. Zimmerman’s collaboration with Jessie reflects a growing trend of genre-blending partnerships that drive the evolution of country music, bringing fresh narratives and musical styles to the forefront.
The Road Ahead
As Warner Chappell continues its dominance in the country music landscape, artists like Jessie Murph and Bailey Zimmerman are paving new paths within the genre. Their latest collaboration not only exemplifies the intricacies of songwriting but also showcases the collaborative spirit that is central to musical evolution today.
The second quarter of 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting time for country music. With great performances and fresh new songs, both the music industry and new artists are making big moves. Fans and people in the industry are looking forward to seeing what happens next!
