MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with major moves, milestone achievements and exciting developments across Nashville’s music industry. From executive appointments to artist accolades, here’s a closer look at what’s making headlines. Click here to see the full edition.

Stephanie Wright is returning to familiar territory, rejoining MCA Nashville as EVP/Head of A&R. In this role, Wright will not only lead the A&R team in talent scouting, but also steer the label’s broader creative direction and artist development strategies.

Over at Big Loud Records, several key personnel changes signal a strategic growth phase for the label’s marketing division. Effective immediately, the company has promoted Brianne Deslippe to SVP of Marketing, Amy Beard to VP of Marketing, and Morgan Sweat to VP of Creative Services. Joining Big Loud’s team are newly appointed department heads Corey Brewer (VP of Media & PR), Jen Danielson (VP of Streaming) and Alex Henderson (VP of Global Marketing).

In the digital music space, Amazon Music has announced pivotal promotions within its country division. Michelle Tigard Kammerer has been elevated to Global Head of Country Music, while Emily Cohen Belote steps into the role of Global Lead for Country Music Programming.

Leadership Music has named its new executive team for the 2025-26 term. Neal Spielberg of Spielberg Entertainment has been elected President of the Board, with Diane Pearson of City National Bank set to serve as President-Elect. Other officers include Past President Scott Gerow, Treasurer Steve Eggart, and Secretary Brad Bissell. The Executive Committee also welcomes Catherine Moore, Andrew Kautz, Manuel Delgado, Jackie Patillo, and Rondal Richardson. In addition, six new board members have been appointed.

Country superstar Jason Aldean has been honored by SoundExchange with the prestigious Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his place among the most-streamed artists in the platform’s history. The award coincides with Aldean’s 30th career No. 1 single.

In publishing news, chart-topping songwriter Jimi Bell has renewed his deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Worktape Music, solidifying a continued partnership. Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter Michael White has inked a new publishing agreement with Major Bob Music.

On the booking side, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Matthew West has joined The Neal Agency for representation.

Warner Music Nashville is undergoing a strategic restructuring of its radio department. The new framework introduces two specialized teams—Team WMN and Team WAR—supported by a centralized radio executive group. Among the leadership updates, Andy Flick has been promoted to Senior Director, Syndication and Market Strategy, while Paige Elliott has been named National Director of Radio for Team WMN.

Emerging artist Atlus has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Finally, RED Creative Group has welcomed Kaileen Smith as its new Director of A&R.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Big Loud’s Sara Knabe.

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.

Madison Hahnen
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