MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly covers a range of significant developments within the country music industry, from career shifts and artist signings to the honoring of songwriters and the loss of beloved figures. Click here to see the full edition.

In a notable departure, Candice Watkins has resigned from her position as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Big Loud Records, after more than six years with the label.

The industry mourned the loss of Lesly Simon, who passed away on March 27 after a battle with breast cancer. Simon was a respected figure in the music business, dedicating over 20 years to the industry. In 2016, Garth Brooks hired her as the General Manager of his label, Pearl Records, and she later played an instrumental role in the success of Trisha Yearwood’s Gwendolyn Records. The industry also bid farewell to Troy Seals, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Seals, who passed away at 86, was a prolific songwriter who co-wrote over 75 charted singles, including 30 top 10 hits and 11 No. 1 records. His timeless classics, like “Seven Spanish Angels” and “Lost in the Fifties Tonight,” have left a lasting imprint on country music.

Monument Records has undergone significant changes, with the exit of much of its staff. Going forward, select aspects of the company will be managed by Sony Music Nashville.

The Country Music Association (CMA) announced the 2025 recipients of its prestigious Triple Play Awards. This award recognizes songwriters who have penned three No. 1 hits within a 12-month period. This year’s winners include a diverse group of talented individuals such as Rocky Block, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen, among others. They will be honored at a ceremony on April 29 in Nashville, hosted by composer and CMA Board member Jim Beavers.

Multiple-time Grammy winner Billie Eilish, along with her brother and collaborator Finneas, have joined the management roster at Jason Owen’s Sandbox Entertainment. Additionally, Kiley Donohoe launched her independent firm, Greenhouse Management, with a roster featuring Ernest, Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford. 

FBMM promoted Laura Beth Hendricks, Ben Huddleston and Abby Lamb to Associate Business Manager roles in its Nashville office. Creative Nation made key hires, adding Alex Albanese as Creative Manager and promoting Abby Holcomb to Senior Director, Operations & Digital and Jayne Hamblin to Director, Management & Records.

There were multiple other signings this week, including country singer-songwriter Caroline Jones, known for her work with Zac Brown Band, signing with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Singer-songwriter Averie Bielski also signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, while songwriters Olivia DaPonte and Chris McKenna inked with Warner Chappell Music Nashville & Group Projects. Producer Dom Martinez signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. Finally, Matt Schuster partnered with new management, signing with Dillon Goldberg of FNGRPRNT.

Rising country star Maddox Batson made his Grand Ole Opry debut on March 26. Laci Kaye Booth followed suit, making her own Opry debut on March 29.

mtheory unveiled its four new participants selected for its Equal Access Development Program. This year’s cohort includes artists MŌRIAH and Michael Warren, alongside management professionals Tanner Davenport and Kohl Almire.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen notches the No. 1 spot again this week with “I’m The Problem.” 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.

Madison Hahnen
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