MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

This week’s MusicRow Weekly highlights major moves in the industry, from executive appointments to label signings and publishing deals. Click here to see the full edition.

Industry veteran Brian Wagner has been appointed Executive Director of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), stepping into the role on March 1, 2025. Wagner succeeds Pam Matthews, who is retiring after more than a decade at the helm of the organization.

In another major leadership move, Katie Fagan has joined Mom+Pop Music as President of its Nashville office. She arrives at the independent label following a 14-year tenure at Prescription Songs, where she most recently served as the Head of A&R in Nashville for eight years.

Major Bob Music has made key promotions and expansions within its team, with Andy Friday rising to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Emily Hasty stepping into the role of Creative Director. Additionally, Aubrey Daniels has been recruited as the company’s new Head of Publishing.

Hardy is venturing further into the industry with the launch of his label, Crow Records, in partnership with Big Loud Rock. The first signing to the new label is Sikarus. Meanwhile, Big Machine Records has welcomed the new duo Something Out West to its roster.

Several publishing deals made headlines this week, including hit songwriter David Garcia renewing his global publishing deal with Spirit Music Group. Western rapper Ryan Charles has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, while songwriter and producer Cameron Montgomery has signed with Downtown Music Publishing.

The Grand Ole Opry stage saw some first-time performances from legendary and rising talent alike. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Ringo Starr made his debut on the Opry, alongside Warner Music Nashville newcomer Redferrin, who also stepped into the iconic circle for the first time.

This week’s My Music Row Story column features SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill, who serves as Senior Director of Creative Services at SESAC PRO, overseeing the country genre in Nashville. She is among the honorees for the 2025 class of MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row, which will be recognized in March.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Zach Top notches his first No. 1 this week with “I Never Lie.” Explore more chart data here.

MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.