MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly reflects a dynamic stretch across Nashville’s music industry, with major leadership moves, new ventures, and artist signings signaling continued momentum in both the label and management sectors. Click here to see the full edition.

Scott Borchetta has officially launched a management division under Borchetta Entertainment Group. Carly Pearce has been named the division’s first client, and Mike Blong joins as Manager.

Clint Higham, John Esposito, and Kris Lamb have unveiled a new label venture, HEY NOW Records. The imprint launches with major star power, signing Kenny Chesney as its flagship artist. Lamb will serve as Co-Founder and President.

MCA has elevated Miranda McDonald and Jimmy Rector to Senior Vice President, Promotion & Regional Marketing, while Triple 8 Management has promoted Aaron Sawyer to Partner.

The industry also celebrated excellence at CRS 2026, where the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was unveiled during the annual CRS Honors ceremony. Previously inducted figures Mike Moore and Trish Biondo revealed this year’s honorees. In the On-Air Personality category, Chris Carr, Michael J, and Rick Jackson will be recognized, while the Radio category includes Marci Braun, Phil Hunt, Bruce Logan, and John Marks.

At Curb Records, Todd Thomas has been promoted to National Director, Promotion, where he will work alongside Allyson Gelnett (Massey) to co-lead the label’s country radio department. At the same time, longtime executive RJ Meacham will depart at the end of March after a decade with the company.

Sony Music Nashville and global superstar Kane Brown have renewed their relationship with a new multi-album, worldwide deal.

The independent publishing community is also preparing to take center stage, as the Association of Independent Music Publishers has announced the final nominees for the 2026 AIMP Nashville Awards. Set for April 14 at Analog at the Hutton Hotel, the ceremony will be hosted by Storme Warren and will spotlight songs driven by Nashville’s independent publishing sector. Songwriters Johnny Clawson and Jessie Jo Dillon lead this year’s nominations.

Jeanette Porcello has joined Concord Label Group as Senior Director of A&R. Rising talent continues to secure key representation and deals, with Cori Kennedy signing with WME for worldwide representation, and Ethan Garner inking a label deal with RECORDS Nashville in partnership with RCA Records.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Jordan Davis takes the No. 1 spot with “Turn This Truck Around.” 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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