MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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The latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a flurry of major industry news, spotlighting significant executive shifts and landmark signings. Click here to see the full edition.

At Music Corporation of America (MCA), Rob Femia has been elevated to Chief Operating Officer, adding the title to his existing role as Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs. Femia now oversees operations across the label group’s roster, which includes EMI Records Nashville, Lucille Records, Mercury Nashville, and MCA Nashville.

On the radio front, Big Loud Records has made a notable addition with the hiring of veteran broadcaster Lauren “LT” Thomas as Senior Vice President, Radio Promotion. She joins recently promoted SVP Tyler Waugh and will report directly to EVP Stacy Blythe.

WME is also making strategic moves, announcing that industry veteran Leslie Cohea will join as Partner and Music Touring Executive. Cohea officially starts on July 14.

Taylor Swift revealed that she has bought back her master recording catalog from Shamrock Capital, securing ownership of her six original studio albums. In a letter posted to her website, Swift described the acquisition as a deeply personal victory in her fight for artist control and ownership.

Country star Kane Brown is branching out into film with his feature debut in the upcoming romantic comedy The Token Groomsman. Starring alongside Taylor Lautner, Brown will play Neil, the loyal and humorous best friend who guides Lautner’s character through a chaotic weekend pursuit of money and love.

Celebrated singer-songwriter Lori McKenna has renewed her long-standing relationship with Creative Nation, extending her publishing, management, and record deals with the independent company.

Hudson Westbrook has signed a record deal with River House Artists in partnership with Warner Music Nashville, while Cole Goodwin has signed a record deal with Big Machine Records.

Leadership Music has announced its incoming Class of 2026, welcoming 46 new members to its prestigious program. Beginning in October, participants will engage in an eight-month journey to gain comprehensive insight into the music industry, fostering cross-functional knowledge and deep networking opportunities.

Post Malone is stepping further into Nashville’s cultural landscape with plans to open a massive new entertainment venue at 305 Broadway. In partnership with TC Restaurant Group, the 26,000-square-foot space will boast six bars, three stages, a full-service restaurant, and a rooftop. The site is under renovation with a focus on preserving its historic architecture, and once complete, it will feature the largest ground-floor footprint on Broadway.

On the publishing side, Micah Wilshire has inked an exclusive, global deal with Universal Music Publishing Group, while Sony Music Publishing has secured two new signees: Joe Reeves and country artist Frank Ray, who joins under a worldwide agreement. Presley Barker has also joined Universal Music Publishing Nashville with an exclusive publishing deal.

Riser House Entertainment is expanding its internal team, adding three new members across key departments. Alex Heimerman has been named Vice President, Streaming & Strategic Partnerships. Hayley Irvine comes on board as Product Manager, and Eliza Charette joins as Project and Label Relations Coordinator.

In agency news, Jayson Entertainment Group has announced the creation of a new agency division, to be led by Matt Malcolm. His leadership will guide the company’s efforts to expand its footprint in artist representation and booking.

One of the more unique partnerships this week comes from Spirit Music Group, which has launched a joint publishing venture with NFL star DeAndre Hopkins and music exec Erik Belz. The new venture, LASA Music, will be led creatively by Belz, and has announced its flagship signing: Lecade. The deal includes select catalog songs and future works, marking a bold crossover between sports and music.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen takes the No. 1 spot with “Just In Case.” Explore more chart data here.

The 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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