MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly dives deep into the heart of Nashville’s music industry, spotlighting major milestones, new leadership moves and exciting partnerships that continue to shape Music City’s ever-evolving landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

A highlight of the week was the 2025 AIMP Nashville Country Awards, held Tuesday night (April 8) at Marathon Music Works. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the event honored the independent voices behind many of country music’s biggest moments. Among this year’s standout honorees were Jon Decious, named Rising Songwriter of the Year, and breakout artist Zach Top, who received Rising Artist-Writer of the Year. Courtney Allen of Concord was recognized as Song Champion of the Year, while the Publisher Pick of the Year went to “Hell Is A Dance Floor,” penned by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel.

The prestigious Songwriter of the Year honor was awarded to Jessie Jo Dillon, while Jordan Davis was named Artist-Writer of the Year. Big Machine Music took home the title of Independent Publishing Company of the Year, and “The Painter,” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins, earned Song of the Year.

The community bid farewell to a longtime industry leader, Amy Smartt, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at CMA. She announced her retirement after nearly 20 years of service. Her last day was Wednesday (April 9).

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is preparing to unveil a landmark exhibition: Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. Opening May 20, this immersive celebration of the icon’s life and legacy will run through September 2026.

Belmont University also recognized one of the industry’s top marketers, presenting the 2025 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence to Results Global’s Chief Marketing Officer John Zarling. The honor was bestowed during the university’s annual Best of the Best Showcase, hosted by the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.

On the business front, Big Machine Music announced the addition of Preston Berger as Senior Manager of Publishing. Meanwhile, Ernest made headlines with the launch of his own label, DeVille Records, in collaboration with Big Loud Records. The label’s first signings include Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford and Cody Lohden. Anotherland Agency has named Megan Wise as Vice President of New Business.

The Neal Agency brought on Michelle Bower as President of Strategic Partnerships. Electric Feel Entertainment also expanded its leadership, appointing Chandler Nicole Sherrill as Senior Director of Creative.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Warrior Poet Music formed a new alliance to sign rising singer-songwriter Chandler Brown to a global publishing deal. In agency news, Lanco has signed with UTA for representation in all areas.

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) revealed its 2025 Board of Directors this week. Newly elected members include Deric Ruttan, Lydia Vaughan and Dan Wilson, with Jimmy Yeary returning to the board. Re-elected for two-year terms are Kelly Archer, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Hodges, Lee Thomas Miller, Tim Nichols, Josh Osborne, Troy Verges and Parker Welling.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. John Morgan makes his debut in the No. 1 spot this week with “Friends Like That,” featuring Jason Aldean. 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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