Audacy : 2024 Launch Artists Take Off

PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 15, 2024 - Audacy announces its latest LAUNCH artists: Top 40 artist Muni Long and Country singer Kassi Ashton. Audacy LAUNCH is the Company's music discovery program designed to spotlight emerging artists. By leveraging Audacy's extensive multiplatform reach and the influential power of radio, Audacy introduces these artists to its vast audience of millions of listeners and fans.

Audacy LAUNCH allows listeners to explore upcoming artists' music in ways that resonate with them most as musicians climb to new heights in their careers. Audacy will support Muni Long and Kassi Ashton's work through broadcast and digital airplay, on-air artist vignettes, digital editorial and engaging social content.

Audacy's inaugural LAUNCH artists are now at the forefront of the music industry. Three-time CMT winner Jelly Rolly, recipient of the CMT Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, Warren Zeiders and 2023 Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Doechii have received numerous accolades, nominations, record-setting hits and multiplying fanbases following the momentum created by LAUNCH. The Company is preparing for another year of growth from this next generation of LAUNCH artists as their journeys begin.

"Muni and Kassi are on the brink of something big, and LAUNCH will catapult that potential to unprecedented levels. This program creates an exclusive way for listeners to find who and what is bound to take over their favorite formats. The remarkable success amassed by our 2023 artists has proven it's way more than that," said Michael Martin, Senior Vice President of Programming and Head of Music Initiatives, Audacy. "LAUNCH has laid the foundation for talent to flourish, and it has been a testament to the influence of radio promotion and its position as a reliable source of music exposure. We will continue to foster our relationships with previous LAUNCH artists and their newly acquired fanbases as we continue uplifting rising stars year after year."

Grammy award-winning, Billboard-charting and Platinum-certified Muni Long will be featured across Audacy's CHR stations with her song "Made For Me," which is already a hit across Audacy's Urban stations.

"Muni Long is a special, multi-talented artist who makes timeless music that resonates both cross-culturally and generationally. We appreciate all of the support from Audacy in helping to ensure that her songs reach a broad audience of listeners," said Tunji Balogun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Def Jam Recordings.

MCA Nashville recording artist Kassi Ashton 'crash-landed' on Country radio with her single, "Dates In Pickup Trucks," in 2022. Audacy is fueling the success of her latest single, "Called Crazy," by featuring it across its Country brands.

"Few artists are as comfortable on a stage or in front of a mic as Kassi, and when you hear her sing, you understand why. Getting her music to the masses in a major way has always been our goal. Having Audacy choose Kassi as their new LAUNCH artist is an incredible way to streamline that," said Miranda McDonald, Vice President of Promotion, MCA Nashville. "We cannot thank Audacy enough for their belief in Kassi and this song. We can't wait to see how this will impact her career!"

"I just started balling, and I don't think that's going to be the last time that I cry over being chosen for this honor," said Ashton. "As artists, we work, put our heads down, sweat, cry and play in vans, hotels and airports. So, to be recognized by such a needle mover like Audacy, I couldn't ask for anything better. I will always be grateful."

The Audacy app and digital platform will also feature two expertly curated Exclusive Stations featuring music from LAUNCH artists and other rising artists.

For LAUNCH and artist assets, please click here.