MusicRow Weekly (Artist Roster, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures the energy and evolution of Nashville’s music industry, with new signings, board appointments, legacy tributes and more. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow has unveiled its 2025 Artist Roster issue with Old Dominion gracing the cover. The print edition includes exclusive features on Kenny Chesney’s Las Vegas residency at The Sphere, a discussion with Sara Knabe about Big Loud’s expanding roster, day-to-day management insights from Sophia Sansone and Emily Crews and a backstage look at the Grand Ole Opry. It also spotlights how independent and signed artists are leveraging modern distribution, with input from executives at ONErpm, CMDshft, The Orchard and Stem.

The MusicRow Weekly also contains the nominees for the 2025 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, which is set for Oct. 6 at the Music City Center.

Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, has joined the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Board of Officers and Trustees, alongside reelections of industry veterans including Vince Gill, Jody Williams and Al Giombetti.

Rising singer-songwriter Trey Pendley has signed with Leo33 and Make Wake Artists. Known for his Southern storytelling and lived-in lyrical approach, Pendley launched his debut track “Drunk as Any Rich Man.”

DJ/songwriter duo AD/HD—Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure—has partnered with The Neal Agency for booking. Born during their time touring with Thomas Rhett, the pair have more than 100 No. 1 hits between them, along with many Grammy nods and major awards.

Canadian breakout Noeline Hofmann has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. Nashville-based writer and producer Foster Ferrell has inked a deal with 507 Publishing.

Business management firm Wiles + Taylor has elevated five team members, including Lizzy Stone and Amy Gellick to Account Manager, Karla Stafford to Director of Financial Reporting & Compliance and David Zeigler and David Murray to Business Manager.

The Grand Ole Opry will return to the Ryman Auditorium for a one-night-only show on July 17, honoring its final 1974 broadcast at the historic venue. The lineup includes Bill Anderson, Lorrie Morgan and Mandy Barnett, among others, with throwback performances meant to replicate the original night.

Kinfolk Nashville hosted its first-ever Writers Camp, amplifying Black voices in country and beyond. The event featured various creatives with sessions on sync licensing, publishing and Nashville’s changing music scene.

The BMI Cookout made its debut as a Southern Soul takeover in celebration of Black Music Month. Held on the BMI Nashville rooftop, the event featured performances by 803Fresh, Shae Nycole, TA Thomas and Young Guy, hosted by Shannon Sanders and DJ Trucker.

Red Dirt rockers Southall made their Grand Ole Opry debut, performing “Scared Money” and their Platinum-certified hit “Why.” With nearly 700 million career streams, the band continues to build momentum.

The 16th Annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp brought together 27 participants with Williams syndrome for a week of songwriting, artist mentorship and a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Their original song, “Our Best Year Yet,” paid homage to the Opry 100 celebration.

This week also features an insightful conversation with Combustion Music’s Chris Farren.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs sit in the No. 1 spot with “Backup Plan” 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.

Lauryn Sink
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