By: Jon Stojan
“Chart Breakers,” a groundbreaking television series, blends elements of travel, big house reality, and competition shows to create a unique viewing experience. This first-of-its-kind series sets off on a quest with iconic songwriters, venturing out to discover the freshest voices in country music. Produced by Jason Sciavicco and accomplished songwriter Chris Lane, the show navigates through the aspirational and challenging world of songwriting centered in Nashville, the undisputed heart of country music.
The show features a panel of esteemed judges, including veteran publisher Janine Ebach, prolific hit songwriter Wyatt Durrette, and accomplished artist-writer Filmore. Each judge brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the show, offering contestants invaluable insights into the music industry. The culmination of the series is a high-stakes finale, where contestants vie for a grand prize of $100,000 and a coveted recording contract.
Chart Breakers scoured five cities in search of extraordinary songwriting talent. These cities included Nashville, Greenville, Marietta, Pensacola, and Statesboro. The journey commenced in Nashville, where the judges selected the initial group of contestants. These aspirants then embarked on a transformative journey, traveling from city to city. In each destination, finalists faced fresh challenges and competed against newly discovered talent. The competition was fierce, with no guarantee of retaining a spot on the bus, and participants could be left behind at any moment.
The competition intensified as it progressed, with eight semi-finalists reaching a secluded cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, they were tested through daily challenges focusing on their songwriting skills. In this idyllic setting, the contestants lived and worked together, facing eliminations that occurred almost daily. Winners of mini-challenges received additional mentorship from industry professionals like Dave Kennedy, Levi Loury, and Justin Ebach, all of which helped prepare them for the season finale.
Photo Credited to: Chart Breakers
The grand finale of the show took place at a renowned theater in Atlanta on November 29th. It was a spectacular event, complete with a red carpet entrance and special guest performances by the show’s judges. Out of the four finalists, one was chosen to receive the grand prize—a record contract and a substantial cash award. Chart Breakers stands out in the entertainment industry for its unique emphasis on the songwriting journey, promising to make a lasting impact in the music world.
Adding to the excitement, Chart Breakers offered weekly opportunities for songwriters to win $1,000. This initiative encouraged aspiring songwriters to showcase their talents and gain recognition. To participate, contestants were required to record a video of themselves singing an original song, post it on TikTok and Instagram using #ChartBreakers1K, and tag @chartbreakerstv. The contest stipulated that videos should mention the contest within the first five seconds, encouraging creativity and engagement. Entrants had the chance to submit new entries every week, increasing their opportunities to win.
The judges of Chart Breakers are a testament to the show’s high caliber. Filmore, a country recording artist and songwriter, boasts over 216 million career streams, demonstrating his profound impact on the music industry. Wyatt Durrette, known for his 17 #1 hits, including “Beautiful Crazy,” one of the most-played songs in country music history, brings an unparalleled level of expertise to the show.
As Chart Breakers gears up for its first season, it promises to be a journey of artistic self-discovery for the contestants. Whether they are crafting heartfelt ballads or upbeat pop tunes, the show offers a platform for songwriters to express themselves and potentially leave a lasting mark on the charts—and the world. With its unique focus on the art of songwriting and the allure of a significant cash prize and publishing contract, Chart Breakers is set to captivate audiences and elevate the careers of aspiring songwriters.
