MusicRow Weekly (MusicRow Awards Issue, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures landmark moments, new ventures and leadership shifts across Nashville’s music industry. Click here to see the full edition.

Leo33 breakout artist Zach Top graces the cover of MusicRow’s 2025 Awards issue. The release highlights nominees across 16 categories, from Song of the Year to Entertainer of the Year, with winners set to be announced Sept. 3.

The SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards inducted six more “women behind the music,” including Lori Badgett, Cheryl Harris, Gina Keltner, Pam Russell, Mary Self and Kay West. The evening honored the honorees’ careers while also paying tribute to the late Jeannie Seely, a longtime co-host and cornerstone of the event.

Spotify has tapped Katie Studley as its new Head of Nashville Editorial. Studley most recently served as VP at The Orchard.

A major new imprint has emerged as MCA Nashville and Jessie Jo Dillon launch Gatsby Records, with rising country artist Carter Faith as the first signing. Her debut album Cherry Valley will arrive Oct. 3.

Meanwhile, Middle Tennessee State University has renamed its College of Media and Entertainment in honor of Scott Borchetta, solidifying the Big Machine Label Group founder’s legacy in education and innovation.

At the Academy of Country Music, Taylor Wolf has been promoted to Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives, where she will expand fundraising initiatives and partnerships while overseeing philanthropic programs.

Owen Riegling has signed a U.S. deal with Big Loud Records in partnership with Universal Music Canada, while Emily Ann Roberts has inked with RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville. In publishing, Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed emerging songwriter Aniston Pate, and Levi Hummon has joined Withrow Street Music and CTM Publishing. Additionally, Julia Cole has signed with Broke Records and management firm Neon Coast, marking the label’s first country signing.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Scotty McCreery and Hootie & the Blowfish maintain the No. 1 spot with “Bottle Rockets.” 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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