Big news from the country music scene this week! CMT Programming Assistant, Saniel Marriner, aka San Man has been nominated for the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award at this year’s CMA International Awards.
The nominees for this prestigious award are determined by the CMA Board (made up of than 7,300 industry professionals worldwide!).
The award recognises outstanding achievements by those who have supported and impacted the growth and promotion of Country Music in the International marketplace.
Huge congratulations on your nomination! How did you feel when you found out?
It is such a huge, gracious surprise. I can’t express how incredibly blessed I am getting to do what I do for a job. Working in country music and something I love is rewarding enough every day and then to be nominated for an international award is so humbling. I was speechless when I first heard the news, it’s such a privilege.
What does your role entail and what do you love most about it?
I program CMT Australia which means all the songs that air, our playlist, countdowns, content on the channel and liaise with our industry/label partners. I also provide admin support to our amazing Music Channels Programming Team of Monique Bour and Julia Natoli across our MTV channels too. I love that I get to combine my passion for not only country music but all genres of music with my job. Honestly, it’s a ridiculous gig to have! I know I have already mentioned them, but I love working with Mon and Julz, they are so hardworking and absolute music maestros (shout out to Karinne and Ste too!).
Who are the best up and coming artists we all need to add to our Spotify lists?
I love music from all genres so my Spotify mixes are all over the place! Ha! From a country side of things, if you are a fan of Taylor Swift you have to check out up and comer Callista Clark out of the US, she is going to be a star! That early-mid Tay Tay country-pop feels. From a non-country side of things, you have to check out Aussie Mia Wray, a bit of Adele about her voice. Just before this lockdown, I caught her sold out show at the Landsdowne Hotel, so good!
In your humble opinion, who is the greatest country musician of all time?
I couldn’t do justice in attempting to sum up the impact Johnny Cash has had on country music. The Man In Black represents and provided a voice for so many people that love the genre through his performances, his songwriting, his ethos and his beliefs. I love his music and it speaks for me, he is a true icon of not only the country music landscape but music in its entirety.
