MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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The latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly brings with it a wave of significant developments across Nashville’s music industry, from high-profile signings and business launches to heartfelt milestones and charitable efforts. Click here to see the full edition.

Grammy-winning artist Kacey Musgraves signed with the relaunched Lost Highway Records. This move marks a return for Musgraves, who was the final artist to join the label before it was folded into Mercury Nashville in 2012.

The new business venture FEMco (Fram Entertainment & Music) was launched from music industry powerhouse Leslie Fram. FEMco is set to serve as a consulting collective focused on artist development, talent booking and production, and B2B connectivity within Nashville’s entertainment world.

In publishing news, country superstar Morgan Wallen has introduced his own publishing company, Wilder Music. The venture kicked off with the signing of hit songwriter Jared Mullins in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Steve Earle was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry over the weekend by none other than his longtime friend and fellow Opry member Vince Gill.

Trisha Yearwood is beginning a new era in her musical journey by partnering with Virgin Music Group. The deal covers both new music and her more recent catalog via her own Gwendolyn Records imprint. It also reconnects Yearwood with MCA Nashville, her longtime label home from 1990 to 2006.

Dualtone is moving forward under new leadership. Whitaker Elledge, previously GM and SVP, has officially stepped into the top role following the passing of beloved President Paul Roper. Elledge joined the label in 2018 and has played a pivotal role in A&R and Artist Development.

RaeLynn has returned familiar ground, signing again with The Valory Music Co., the label that helped launch her career. Her debut release under the new deal, “Heaven Is A Honky Tonk,” drops May 9 and comes via a partnership with Red Van Records and Jonas Group Entertainment.

Other notable signings this week include Grammy-nominated artist Ink joining the rosters of Big Loud Records and Electric Feel Records. Meanwhile, singer-songwriters Ian Harrison and Evan Bartels have both signed with WME for global representation, further expanding their reach and opportunities in the live and media spaces.

In philanthropic news, the T.J. Martell Foundation’s annual Nashville’s Best Cellars Dinner brought together prominent figures from the music and wine industries on April 22 at the Loews Nashville Hotel. The evening honored veteran executive Joe Galante with the 2025 Billy Ray Hearn Award of Excellence and raised funds in support of cancer research.

Finally, the country music world turned its attention westward for the 2025 edition of the Stagecoach Festival, held April 25–27. As always, the event drew massive crowds and top-tier performances, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the live country music calendar.

This week’s My Music Row Story features an insightful conversation with Leo33 label head Katie Dean.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green sits at No. 1 this week with “Worst Way.” 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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