We've partnered with CMT's Music City to reveal behind-the-scenes details from the hot new reality show. Tune in to the premiere on Thursday, March 1 at 10/9c!
If you're a reality TV buff, you're already familiar with producer Adam DiVello's repertoire of riveting shows, which includes The Hills and Laguna Beach. Well, hold tight, because his newest buzz-worthy hit, Music City, hits the small screen on March 1. Set in Nashville's competitive music scene, Music City follows five dreamers with goals of finding love and making it big, all while balancing the demands of family, friends, and relationships. In anticipation of the show's debut, we sat down with DiVello to get the inside scoop on the catchy tunes, the swoon-worthy relationships, and the city where it all takes place. Here's why it has all the makings of a reality masterpiece — and your new favorite show — straight from the man himself!
1The Obstacles Are Relatable (and Captivating to Watch!)
Image Source: CMT/ Music City
Balancing a career with life outside the office is a conundrum anyone can relate to, but DiVello reveals that the stakes are higher than ever in Music City thanks to the fame and fortune that stem from a successful country music career. "These are real decisions that affect their lives moving forward," DiVello said. "The cast is a little bit older than my previous casts . . . a couple of them, like Rachyl and Kerry, are married, and they have a 2-and-a-half-year-old son. That in and of itself raises the bar on your decisions." With a young family and a burgeoning career to consider, Kerry faces an important decision about his priorities.
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2The Cast Is Utterly Irresistible
Image Source: CMT/ Music City
Get ready to fall in love, because the cast of Music City is chock-full of Southern charm. From Kerry Degman, a hunky crooner who adores wife, Rachyl, and son Wolfgang but longs for stardom, to Jessica Mack, a romantic whose heartfelt song lyrics echo her quest to find "the one," the cast is completely endearing. According to DiVello, Kerry and Rachyl were cast first, shortly followed by their tight-knit group of friends. "This group moved to Nashville with a dream, and they're right around that age where they're trying to figure out what they want to do and how much they're willing to give up for that dream," DiVello said. "Everyone is at different levels with their career, but they're all at that crossroads where they're putting it all on the line for their dream."
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3Every Episode Features a Killer Playlist
Image Source: CMT/ Music City
Music fans, this series has your name written all over it. According to DiVello, Music City features original music aplenty from budding stars such as Kerry and Jessica. The producer worked with each musician to write new songs that beautifully parallel the plot while simultaneously creating covers of hit tunes fans will recognize from their Top 20 playlist. As the season evolves, viewers will be offered a behind-the-scenes peek into the emotional journey of each performer. "I think it's aspirational in that everybody has had a dream or thought about going after a dream, and that's how [viewers] will relate to this cast," DiVello said. "The ones that have gone through the process will relate to it, and the ones who wish that they had will have a voyeuristic look into what it would have been like."
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4The Location Will Make You Want to Book a Flight ASAP
Just as Laguna Beach and the Hollywood Hills played pivotal roles in DiVello's previous hit shows, so too does Nashville take center stage in Music City. With its plethora of entertainment, foodie culture, and friendly vibe, the Southern city may just be the hottest new stateside travel destination. "Nashville in and of itself is a character in the show," DiVello shared. "It's just booming, and it's so much fun to watch [the characters] navigate these waters that we haven't seen before in this format of television. It's an exciting backdrop for a series."
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5The Relationship Drama Will Have You Glued to Your Screen
Image Source: CMT/ Music City
Let's face it: a healthy dose of dating drama is one of the building blocks of a binge-worthy TV show, and Music City offers up a number of complex relationships to swoon over. While DiVello says that predicting the success or failure of relationships on the show is impossible, it's always evident when two characters share chemistry. Jackson Boyd and Jessica's relationship in particular is one to watch. After an electric first date, the couple begin to address their differing values and goals as they determine how to move forward. Meanwhile, Alisa Fuller's rocky path to finding her soulmate will keep you glued to your seat.
