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

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is led by the release of MusicRow’s 2026 Artist Roster print issue, an essential resource and annual snapshot of Nashville’s music industry landscape. Gracing the cover is ASCAP songwriter and American Dogwood/EMPIRE artist Shaboozey, whose breakout success continues to make waves across genres and audiences. Click here to see the full edition.

Beyond the cover story, this year’s Artist Roster issue offers an in-depth look at the continued evolution of Nashville’s label groups and a behind-the-scenes exploration of the city’s newest venue, The Truth. Industry leaders also lend their expertise throughout the publication, with TK Kimbrell sharing insights on estate management and Dwight Wiles discussing financial stability within the music business. A special roundtable on modern artist management brings together Morris Higham’s Will Hitchcock, Neon Coast’s Nikki Boon, Range Media Partners’ Jared Cotter and Shopkeeper Management’s Crystal Dishmon for a timely conversation on navigating today’s rapidly changing artist landscape.

As always, the issue serves as a vital industry resource through its extensive company directory, featuring client rosters across labels, management firms, talent agencies, publicity companies and artist service providers. The publication also highlights important industry organizations and charities, while the popular Artist Grid returns as a quick-reference guide connecting artists with their core label, management, agency and publicity teams.

The week also brought notable executive and management moves across the industry. Shane Tarleton has joined LEO33 as Co-Head alongside Katie Dean, while rising country star Tucker Wetmore has signed with Sandbox Entertainment for management. Ryan Hurd has entered a new chapter by signing with Combustion Masters, the label arm of Combustion Music, and David Nail has assembled a new team, signing with 117 Entertainment for management and public relations, New Frontier Touring for worldwide touring representation and Carnival Music for publishing.

Several artists and songwriters announced new partnerships this week. Angel White has signed with American Dogwood, Waylon Payne has joined Big Loud Texas, Max Alan has signed with Sony Music Nashville, Highway Home has inked a deal with Warner Records, and Eli Winders has signed with Big Loud Publishing. Songwriter Kyle Schuesler has entered a new publishing agreement with Liz Rose Music, while Sam Banks has signed with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

Recognition for excellence in songwriting was also front and center as Riley Green was named the 2026 NSAI Songwriter-Artist of the Year and Blake Pendergass earned Songwriter of the Year honors ahead of the 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has announced “Kenny Chesney: Living in Fast Forward,” presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum. The exhibit will open July 23, 2026, and run through June 2027, offering visitors an immersive look at Chesney’s life, career and enduring impact on country music.

Elsewhere, Triple Tigers Records and its radio promotion division AKANDO Music celebrated internal promotions, elevating Mackenzie Cooper to Manager of Radio Promotions and Hope Garrison to Associate Director of Marketing. Entersong Entertainment also unveiled a new strategic partnership with The Heartland Network that will focus on developing and producing original music-centered programming, with filming slated to begin later this year.

Finally, one of the week’s most memorable milestones belonged to Jason Scott & The High Heat, who made their Grand Ole Opry debut on June 11.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen remains in the No. 1 spot with “Don’t We.” 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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