Andrew Wendowski, the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem, plays a significant role in shaping the landscape of music journalism as the Editor-In-Chief of the independent brand. At 29, his extensive background in multimedia has positioned him well within the industry. Before establishing Music Mayhem in 2014, he made a name for himself as a highly regarded photojournalist and tour photographer, working with top labels such as Interscope Records and Republic Records. Wendowski’s remarkable portfolio includes photos of music icons like Taylor Swift, Metallica, and Carrie Underwood, and his work has been featured in numerous high-profile publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone.
Recently, at the Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest, country artist Dierks Bentley shared the spotlight with emerging star Zach Top, who he praised as the future of country music. Bentley enthusiastically highlighted Top’s contribution to reverting country music to a more traditional sound while also incorporating bluegrass elements. The festival, known as “The Music Event of Summer,” featured a star-studded lineup including Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, and Jason Aldean, and showcased collaborations that captured the essence of the genre.
Top, who has enjoyed significant success himself, performed his recent hit “I Never Lie” and expressed excitement about the opportunity to play in a stadium setting again. He noted that the nerves are part of the thrill of performing in front of huge crowds and sharing the stage with more experienced artists.
The CMA Fest is a testament to the vibrancy of country music, bringing together beloved artists to celebrate and perform for dedicated fans. With the festival’s continued success and the emergence of new voices like Zach Top, the future of country music appears bright. The spirit of collaboration and appreciation among artists fuels this artistic community, ensuring that fans can always look forward to more exhilarating performances in the years to come. The 2025 CMA Fest, which spanned four days in early June, marked another milestone for the event, maintaining its reputation as a cornerstone of the country music summer calendar.