DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kelsea Ballerini Offers Sophistication & Elegance

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Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Patrick Tracy

It’s a downbeat, ballad kinda day here at DISClaimer.

Hudson Westbrook, Riley Green, Jackson Dean, ERNEST, Pynk Beard, Jake Owen and the dynamic duo of Shaboozey & Stephen Wilson Jr. are all offering softer sounds in their new tracks. So is Kelsea Ballerini, who takes home the Disc of the Day prize.

Among the tempo tunes, the outstanding submission comes from Dalton Davis, who easily triumphs as our DISCovery Award artist of the week.

JACKSON DEAN / “Over and Over”
Writers: Jackson Dean/Luke Dick/Laura Veltz; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Machine
– Dreamy and captivating. A gentle wash of acoustic instrumentation sets the romantic mood as Dean softly seduces every note of this swirling meditation on s-e-x.

NATE SMITH & TYLER HUBBARD / “After Midnight”
Writers: Casey Brown/Corey Crowder/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Casey Brown; Label: Sony Music Entertainment
– Lotsa jangling, crashing electric guitars. Rowdy, good-ol’-boy, good-time vocals. Very repetitive song.

JENNA PAULETTE / “Steady”
Writers: Rhett Akins/Jenna Paulette/Will Bundy; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– The rolling tempo and open-air arrangement frame her country-gal vocal perfectly. She sings of her beau that he’s a steady, comforting, warm presence. Authentic and believable.

JAKE OWEN / “Middle Age Crazy”
Writer: Sonny Throckmorton; Producers: Jake Owen & Shooter Jennings; Label: Good Company
– Owen slows down the 1977 Jerry Lee Lewis classic to a crawl. You have to admire the effort, since the original is so timeless, inimitable and enduring. The track is drawn from Owen’s new album Dreams to Dream, which marks a new, contemplative shift in sound and style for him.

PYNK BEARD / “One More Slow Dance”
Writers: Sebastian Kole/Trevor Brown/Warren “Oak” Felder/Zaire Koalo; Producer: Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Red Bull Records
– Very nice. His country baritone croons a tune that yearns for romance. The production has lots of quirky rhythm touches and an echoey chanting male background. Pynk Beard (Sebastian Kole) celebrates the release of his Red Dirt Diaries collection with a show tomorrow night (Friday, Nov. 14) at Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up club downtown at 9 p.m. followed by an appearance at The Pinnacle on Saturday in the multi-artist “Jukebox Nashville” event.

RILEY GREEN / “Ol’ Stray Dog”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Jon Randall; Producer: Erik Dylan; Label: Nashville Harbor/Big Machine
– A blue and lonesome ballad for those who are lost and wandering. Full of heart.

MAGNOLIA RISING / “Hit the Ground”
Writers: Devynn Hart/Trea Swindle/Bandana Cheyenne; Producer: Zakk Garner; Label: MR
– A rousing, rocking anthem of resilience and survival. The duo is Devynn Hart and Trea Swindle, formerly two-thirds of Chapel Hart.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “I Sit in Parks”
Writer: Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Black River
– Airy and pretty. In a lilting soprano, Ballerini muses on her life’s direction, wistfully thinking about where she is and where she wants to be. Sophisticated and elegant sounding.

DALTON DAVIS / “Cows in the Front Yard”
Writers: Christian Stalnecker/Dalton Davis/David “Messy” Mescon/Jet Harvey; Producer: David “Messy” Mescon; Label: MCA/Republic
– Hillbilly hilarious. The ditty bops splendidly, and the lyric is steeped in redneck wit. And then there’s the drawling, beyond-country, twanged vocal phrasing. Love this.

SHABOOZEY & STEPHEN WILSON JR. / “Took a Walk”
Writers: Shaboozey/Connor Sullivan/Stephen Musselman/Stephen Wilson Jr.; Producers: Sean Cook, Stephen Musselman, Connor Sullivan; Label: American Dogwood / EMPIRE
– Drawn from the soundtrack of the heartbreaking film of brotherhood titled The Long Walk. The stately ballad is a touching, moody meditation on death and love. Both CMA New Artist nominees sing with chesty authority. Striking and powerful. The online comments on this one are explosively massive.

HUDSON WESTBROOK / “If He Wanted To”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner Records/River House
– Lovelorn and lovely. Wistful advice for someone yearning for someone who isn’t showing up emotionally.

ERNEST / “Blessed”
Writers: ERNEST/Mark Holman/Jordan Merrigan/Matt Mulhare; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud
– Be thankful. Your life, no matter how simple, is a gift. In mid-song, he switches to an extended, spoken-word passage.

LUCIE TIGER / “Harvest Moon”
Writers: Lucie Tiger/Stephanie C. Brown/Mark Narmore; Producer: Charles Holloman & Lucie Tiger; Label: 2120 Music
– A twanging murder ballad with a wicked, thumping, uptempo kick. This Aussie troubadour recently won the Country Vocalist of the Year honor at the Josie Awards, which recognize indie acts.

My Music Row Story: G Major Mgmt’s Virginia Bunetta

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Virginia Bunetta. Photo: Mary Craven Dawkins

Since 2011, Virginia Bunetta has overseen the career of Thomas Rhett, including partnering with the singer and his father/fellow hitmaker, Rhett Akins, to launch Home Team Publishing as a partnership with Warner Chappell.

Bunetta’s career began at NSAI, followed by time at WBR/RAYBAW Records and Irving Azoff’s Front Line Management managing Jewel. She has been honored as a MusicRow Rising Women on the Row, a Billboard Nashville Power Player and by HITS Magazine.

Photo: Courtesy of Bunetta

MusicRow: Where did you grow up?

I grew up in West Virginia. I moved to South Carolina and Los Angeles for college and then to Nashville in January of 2002.

Were you a country music fan?

Oh yeah. I grew up listening to Crystal Gayle. Country music was such a big part of our household. I’m from Appalachia—six miles down a dirt road, across two creeks. We had 500 acres, a horse farm and had a garden we worked and ate from. I grew up in the country.

Were you always planning to work in music?

I always knew I wanted to run my own business but I didn’t really know what I wanted to do specifically. I knew I wanted to work around music—not necessarily in it as a musician. I went to business school and started doing a little PR work after moving to Nashville. Susan Stewart was at NSAI at the time, and she hired me as the marketing director which was my first job in the industry.

What was that experience like?

I worked there for about two years and helped with Tin Pan South and sponsorships. That’s where I really got to know songwriters and started to understand that songwriting is the central nervous system of the Nashville community. Everything truly begins with the song, and with the songwriter.

After that, I was hired to run a joint venture label at Warner Bros. Records and worked on Cowboy Troy, John Anderson and James Otto. That was where I really learned the ins and outs of the record label side. It was right before labels started doing 360 deals, so everyone was watching digital downloads become part of how consumers got their music. I saw that shift happening firsthand. I realized I wanted to move into management because at the label, I only had control over one part of the artist’s career. I wanted to see the bigger picture and help guide the whole thing.

Photo: Courtesy of Bunetta

So how did that transition into management happen?

Jewel called me and asked me to be her manager. I flew out to meet with Irving Azoff, and he hired me.

That’s quite a leap. What was it like working with Jewel?

She’s so prolific—an incredible songwriter and singer. She can captivate a room with just her guitar and voice like no one I’ve ever seen. She’s truly phenomenal.

So what came next—was that when you started working with Thomas Rhett?

Yes. In Nashville, managers often get calls from publishers or friends saying, “I’ve got this new act. Will you meet with them?” That’s how it used to happen. Around that time, Ben Vaughn, who was at EMI Publishing sent me some demos from Thomas Rhett. He was maybe 19 or 20 and still a student at Lipscomb. I already knew his dad, Rhett, from the songwriting world.

Even then, Thomas Rhett’s songwriting was so evolved for his age. It felt real and genuine. So I signed him to management around 2011, and I remember telling myself I really needed to focus our attention as a company on breaking this act. That became our priority, and still is.

Photo: Courtesy of Bunetta

What do you remember about those early days with him?

Every year we sit down and say, “If we had a magic wand, what would we want this career to look like in a year?” Then we work backward from there. Fenway Park was on that list early on. He’s checked so many boxes—Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, all the award show moments, all the songs going No. 1—but Fenway was the one we hadn’t done until last year. And I know there will be more.

I’ve watched him grow from a young, emerging artist learning his craft into this incredible, consummate professional. He’s exactly what you see: kind, genuine, a wonderful husband and father. I feel really lucky to work with someone like that and to have witnessed his evolution.

You’ve been together a long time, which isn’t always common in artist-manager relationships. How have you made that last?

I think management is different from some of the other areas of the business because we have to wake up every day and earn it. Managers don’t own assets in the traditional sense, so the dynamic keeps us sharp. It’s kept me investing in him, expanding my team and growing alongside his career.

G Major has built support around digital marketing, analytics and data—having people who can give us insights so we can make the best decisions for him. I really believe in him as both an artist and a writer, and that belief keeps me motivated.

You’re TR’s manager, but you’re also a leader at G Major Entertainment. What has it been like to lead a company as a woman in this business?

I feel like leadership is service. Whether you’re male or female, you’re serving the people you lead. That’s how I approach it. For me, that also means being honest about who I am, including my role as a mother, and not apologizing for it.

It’s not easy, but I think when you’re living in a way that’s most truthful to you, it rarely is. But it’s worth it. I think we’re in a time now where women are more empowered to live that way.

Photo: Corey Miller

That’s such a healthy example to set. How do you manage to be successful and live with boundaries?

I have a great team who can fill in the blanks when I’m away. And I have an artist who understands the value of my work here and my work as a mom at home. That makes all the difference.

What’s your favorite part of what you do now?

I love hearing new songs right after they’ve been written, when the artist is so excited to share them with the world. Even though I’m on the business side, management is actually very creative.

We get to take the music and, alongside the label and booking team, design the kaleidoscope of an artist’s year. There are so many moving parts, but we get to dream up creative campaigns around songs no one’s heard yet. And then to see one of those songs take off—or to see something like the Thomas Rhett and Teddy Swims collaboration come to life—is just incredible.

Who have been some of your mentors?

So many. I think “mentor” is an interesting word, though. I tend to think of people as guides, both in and outside of music. Marion Kraft is someone I really admire. When I’m stuck and need advice, I’ll call her.

There are also guides outside of music. For example, Martha Beck has a book called The Way of Integrity that I love. I also love Brene Brown’s book on leadership Dare to Lead. At G Major the staff actually read books on business together—like the Brene Brown one—as part of our year end work.

Photo: Corey Miller

What’s some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Irving Azoff once told me not to over-sign—he said, “Don’t sign a bunch of stuff. Sign what you think you can break and break it.” I’ve carried that with me ever since.

Another guide for me is the poet Mary Oliver. When I read her or Martha Beck, I’m struck by how thoughtful and honest and present they are. I’m striving to be more of that in my next season.

Something I want to stress that maybe other women need to hear is that everything in life and in business is in a season. For me, the season to double down on building a company and breaking acts was in my 20s and 30s. In my 40s, I find myself tending to and caring for my existing obligations—nurturing my staff, the artists’ career that I was a part of since day one [TR] and is now a massive organization, and most importantly, be a present wife and mother to my two small daughters at home. I go out at night less and travel only when necessary. I know I’m missing opportunities to grow and sign and hustle, and it’s okay. It is not the season for that for me. I know other seasons lie ahead but this one is precious and just as important as the ones that came before. So be gentle and kind to yourself and be patient—and know what season you are in.

JUST IN: Dan + Shay Sign New Management Deal

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Simon Tikhman, CEO and Co-Founder, The Core Entertainment; Dan + Shay; Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, CEO and Co-Founder, The Core Entertainment

Three-time Grammy-winning, multi-Platinum duo Dan + Shay have signed with The Core Entertainment for management. The duo will be represented by The Core Entertainment co-founders and CEOs Simon Tikhman and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk.

Dan + Shay have built a career defined by powerful performances and enduring, emotionally resonant songs. Their catalog includes landmark hits such as “Tequila,” “Speechless,” “10,000 Hours” (with Justin Bieber), “Glad You Exist” and “Save Me The Trouble,” contributing to billions of streams, multiple No. 1 singles and numerous Platinum and Gold certifications worldwide.

In joining The Core Entertainment, Dan + Shay join an acclaimed, multi-genre roster that includes Bailey Zimmerman, Cameron Whitcomb, Nate Smith, Josh Ross, Nickelback and more.

“We’ve always admired The Core’s ‘music-first’ mentality, and from our first conversations with Simon, Chief, and the entire team, we knew that it was the perfect home for us,” Dan + Shay share. “They have built something truly special, and we are proud to be a part of the story they are writing. We believe in their passion and vision for our music, and can’t wait to launch the next chapter of our career together. The best is yet to come.”

Tikhman and Zaruk note, “Dan + Shay are rare talents—world-class vocalists, songwriters, and performers whose music continues to connect on a global level. We’re honored to join their team and look forward to building on everything they’ve created while opening new doors across music, touring, and partnerships.”

JUST IN: MCA Elevates Tatiana Angulo & Taylor Viegut

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Taylor Viegut & Tatiana Angulo.

MCA has promoted Tatiana Angulo and Taylor Viegut, both taking on Vice President roles within the label.

Angulo will serve as the Vice President, Streaming. Since joining MCA, she has overseen campaigns for artists such as Chris Stapleton, Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Dierks Bentley and Keith Urban by using data-driven strategy to grow engagement and audiences. She has also developed partnerships for artists across the label, including Peloton’s first live in-studio performance featuring Keith Urban and the MCA x Peloton CMA Fest Activation. She is a Belmont University graduate and a Texas native. Angulo has also worked as an adjunct professor at Belmont.

Viegut will serve as the first-ever Vice President, E-commerce & Business Development. In her new role, she will spearhead the label’s e-commerce initiatives. Viegut first joined MCA five years ago, and has since created successful commercial partnership initiatives across streaming. Prior to MCA, Viegut worked at CMA where she led DSP relationships and expanded mobile growth to amplify country music’s digital impact.

Additionally, Vipin Reddy, also serving as Vice President, Streaming, will handle the MCA roster, which includes Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Carter Faith, Vince Gill, Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and others.

“I am excited to see both Tatiana and Taylor take on these new, expanded roles,” shares Mike Harris, MCA CEO. “Tatiana’s ability to drive successful streaming strategies and Taylor’s keen focus on the growing importance of e-commerce demonstrate their forward-thinking approach. Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and support our artists in the evolving music landscape.”

Angulo can be reached at: Tatiana.Angulo@umusic.com and Viegut can be reached at: Taylor.Viegut@umusic.com.

BREAKING: Cris Lacy Named Chair & President Of Newly-Rebranded Warner Records Nashville

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Cris Lacy

Warner Music Nashville is rebranding to Warner Records Nashville, and Cris Lacy has been named Chair & President of the renamed label. She reports to Warner Records Group CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson.

Former Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President Gregg Nadel will be taking on a new leadership role within Warner Music Group, with details to be revealed shortly.

Lacy’s appointment comes as the company continues to build a unified global structure that crosses genres and geographies. With the establishment of Warner Records Nashville, the label’s activities will be more closely aligned with the Warner Records Group team to support and ignite country music’s cultural resonance and global potential. Widely admired across the industry, Lacy is a 20-year veteran of Warner Music Nashville’s operations, having climbed the A&R ranks before being named co-head of the division three years ago.

Bay-Schuck and Corson share, “This rebrand marks an exciting new era for our flagship Nashville label—one that builds on everything that already makes it so special, guided by Cris’ extraordinary leadership. Her passion, vision, and unwavering respect for artistry define the label’s spirit and have earned the trust of the Nashville community. Together, we’re collaborating closer, and expanding the reach and opportunities for artists in a genre where the future feels limitless. This is an exciting next step as we continue to forge a global ecosystem that amplifies our competitive edge and impact for our artists.”

Lacy notes, “Nashville has always been synonymous with exceptional storytelling, expertly crafted lyrics, and incomparable musicianship. Its growing influence is permeating other genres, and is increasingly found front and center on the world’s stage. This move formalizes the cross-pollination that we’ve been developing over the years with our Los Angeles colleagues across areas such as A&R, marketing strategy, data/research, business affairs, and radio promotion. Warner Records is a powerful brand, and we know that we’re stronger when we work together to propel our artists and their life’s work to new heights.”

The Warner Records Group encompasses Warner Records US, Warner Records UK and Warner Records Nashville. The company’s Nashville roster includes artists inked jointly by Warner Records and Warner Nashville, such as Gavin Adcock, Adrien Nunez, Slater Nalley, The Bends, The Castellows and The Creekers. The combined roster now includes notable artists such as Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Bailey Zimmerman, Dasha, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett, Hudson Westbrook, Ingrid Andress, Randy Travis, Warren Zeiders and many others.

Jessie Jo Dillon Re-Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jessie Jo Dillon. Photo: Meri Grey

Jessie Jo Dillon has jumped back into the Top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Kelsea Ballerini’s “Baggage,” Megan Moroney’s “Beautiful Things,” HARDY’s “Bottomland,” Russell Dickerson’s “Happen To Me” and Vincent Mason’s “Wish You Well” all push the songwriter to No. 9 this week.

Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the fifth consecutive week with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Blake Pendergrass moves to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case” and “Wish You Well.”

Chase McGill (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Tyler Hubbard & Crew Celebrate Two No. 1 Hits

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Pictured: MusicRow’s LB Cantrell, David Garcia, Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Schmidt, Geoff Warburton, MusicRow’s John Nix Arledge; Photo Credit Larry McCormack for BMI

BMI brought Tyler Hubbard and his team together on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 6) to celebrate two chart-toppers, “Back Then Right Now” and “Park,” the latter marking Hubbard’s fourth No. 1 as a solo artist.

Excited chatter and the smell of fresh pizza filled Moto Moda, a new Nashville pizza joint and motorcycle club, as industry members, friends and family gathered among motorcycles and face paint stations to celebrate the chart-toppers. BMI’s MaryAnn Keen took the mic to welcome the crowd and invite “Park” songwriters Hubbard, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Canaan Smith, and producer Jordan Schmidt to the stage.

ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston kicked off the round of speeches, with Rhythm House’s Vanna Moua, Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, HAYLO Music’s Josh Saxe, and Sony Music Publishing’s Kenley Flynn following suit to praise the song and its creators.

(Back Row L-R): Rhythm House’s Vanna Moua, Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston, Sony Music Publishing’s Kenley Flynn, MCA’s Damon Moberly, HAYLO Music’s Josh Saxe; Front Row L-R: Jesse Frasure (BMI), Canaan Smith (ASCAP), Tyler Hubbard (BMI/Producer), Jordan Schmidt (Producer), Ashley Gorley (ASCAP); Photo Credit Larry McCormack for BMI

Frasure was the first of the songwriters to speak, reminiscing about writing the track at a beach writers’ retreat and reflecting on how he continues to learn from Gorley, saying, “He and I have 12 hits together now. It is kind of like being friends with Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan—no matter what you do it is triple the success.”

Smith thanked everyone for sticking with the song and giving it a shot, joking, “Jesse and I were texting after it had been out for a while and I was like ‘I think this thing is dead in the water’ and then, all of a sudden, it took on a whole new life and here we are.”

Gorley was up next, catching a playful “boo” from Schmidt and laughing as he stepped to the mic, joking, “When I produced this… No, but seriously, I am most thankful to God for all of this, my family and these friendships. I am proud to be a part of this, and thank you again to everyone for coming out.”

Saving Hubbard and Schmidt’s speeches for last, Keen invited “Back Then Right Now” songwriters Geoff Warburton and David Garcia to the stage, lamenting that Jessie Jo Dillon could not make it.

ASCAP’s Johnston again took the mic first, followed by Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, Spirit Music Nashville’s Kennedy Murphy, MCA’s Damon Moberly, and Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, who made a donation on behalf of the writers.

“In honor of your two number ones, we will be making a donation to For Others, and their mission is to raise awareness and empower best-in-class organizations to end the child welfare crisis in America,” Barnhart said.

(Back Row L-R): Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, Spirit Music’s Kennedy Murphy, MCA’s Damon Moberly; Front Row L-R: David Garcia (ASCAP), Tyler Hubbard (BMI/Producer), Jordan Schmidt (Producer), Geoff Warburton (BMI); Photo Credit Larry McCormack for BMI

Garcia was the first to speak, praising his fellow songwriters before singling out Hubbard, “Tyler, everyone has said everything about you and it is all great, but the one thing that has been amazing to me over the years is that you always take a chance on people. Seven years ago you invited me over—I had no business being there—but we wrote a song and the rest is history. Thank you.”

Warburton spoke briefly, thanking everyone and saying, “This is a wonderful opportunity and I am just grateful to be in this room. Thank you Tyler, and to everyone here tonight.”

Schmidt followed suit, giving a quick word and teasing, “Geoff stole my speech, so I am going to be even quicker!” He continued, thanking the writers for the song and Hubbard for taking a chance on him.

Finally, Hubbard stepped up to close the night out. “I just want to say I love this town. Thank you for everything you have done for me and allowing me to be a part of the songwriting community and the community as a whole. Y’all have taken a chance on me as well and I am so grateful for that. Thank you for everyone that helped make this happen.”

JUST IN: Michael Young Appointed Sony Music Publishing Chief Information Officer

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Michael Young

Michael Young has joined Sony Music Publishing as Chief Information Officer. Young is based in Nashville and will report to Sony Music Publishing’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Kelly.

In his role, Young will spearhead the company’s technology strategy and its transformation initiatives to provide growth, scalability and efficiency on behalf of songwriters and catalogs globally. He will also collaborate across departments to manage workflows, expand data-driven insights, and refine and implement best practices across software development, security, compliance and data governance.

Young most recently serves as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Chatham Financial. Over his 25 year’s of experience, he has held roles as Reuters, Paycase Financial and Afilias.

“I am extremely excited to join Sony Music Publishing,” says Young. “As a career technologist and a lifelong amateur musician, it’s thrilling to be a part of SMP’s mission-driven culture.  I look forward to working with the team to advance support for SMP songwriters throughout their creative journeys.”

“Michael is an experienced leader who understands how to innovate,” shares Kelly. “We look forward to advancing our capabilities and delivering further growth on behalf of our songwriters around the world.”

“We are committed to investing in technology that grows with our business and adapts to the evolving needs of songwriters,” adds Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing. “With Michael on board, we are well-positioned to bring greater value to Sony Music Publishing songwriters and catalogs today and in the future.”

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a wave of change and celebration across Nashville’s music industry, from long-running television farewells and leadership transitions to label signings, new ventures, and industry innovations. Click here to see the full edition.

After 17 years as host of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, Cody Alan will sign off for the final time at the end of December. His departure also the conclusion of the show itself, which first premiered in 2013. The change comes amid broader shifts at Paramount Global, following its merger with Skydance Media. As part of the restructuring, three additional employees—Ali Marszalkowski (Sr. Director, Communications), Justin Permenter (Manager, Communications), and Mark Thomas (Sr. Director, Marketing and Creative Production)—are also exiting the company. Longtime CMT Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events, Margaret Comeaux, will depart at the end of the year, closing out a 25-year tenure with the organization.

In other industry news, BBR Music Group/BMG announced several key moves within its A&R department. Camille Kenny has been promoted to VP, A&R, while Tahsin Rakib Himi steps up to Director, A&R Research. Kennedy Nickerson has been elevated to Manager, A&R, with two new additions to the team: Jacee Badeaux joins as Sr. Director, A&R, and Talia Heimanson comes aboard as A&R Coordinator.

Belmont University is taking major steps toward supporting wellness in the entertainment community with the creation of its new Center for Mental Health in Entertainment. The initiative is funded by a $3 million grant from the Country Music Association, which allocates $1 million toward programming and $2 million to endow the CMA Chair & Executive Director position, to be held by longtime industry leader Debbie Carroll. That endowment will be matched by the Johnson Academic Challenge—a program established by Belmont Board Chair Milton Johnson and his wife Denice—as part of a university effort to create up to 20 endowed professorships.

CTK Enterprises has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of three new department heads, forming new divisions to better serve its growing client roster. Patrick Kells has been named Head of Retail Merchandising, Robert Kelley takes on the role of GM, Dolly Parton’s Life Of Many Colors Museum, and Adam Davis joins as Director, Content Development & Archiving.

Sam Williams has parted ways with Mercury Nashville after four years, while 49 Winchester has inked a new deal with MCA, releasing future projects through their Lucille Records imprint. Danny Gokey has joined the Red Street Records roster, Kaitlin Butts has signed with Republic Records, and Kellie Besch has entered into a publishing agreement with Integrity Music. Meanwhile, Meg McRee and Ben Chapman have joined the publishing roster at Blue Harbor Music, and Natalie Hemby has renewed her publishing partnership with CTM Outlander.

Veteran business manager Mallory Mason Pascal has launched her own firm, Oak Haus Business Management, bringing more than 15 years of experience to the new venture. Elsewhere, acclaimed banjoist Alison Brown has debuted her new weekly radio show, Pick Like A Girl, airing on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction (ch. 77). And in media, respected country music journalist Cindy Watts has been named Editor of Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Rounding out the week’s milestones, rising artist Elizabeth Nichols celebrated her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (Nov. 1), marking a defining moment in her blossoming career.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. HARDY takes the No. 1 spot with “Favorite Country Song.” 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.

BREAKING: Nominees Revealed For 68th Annual Grammy Awards

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The nominees for the 68th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning (Nov. 7) across all categories.

Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, was joined by David Foster, Sabrina Carpenter, The Osbournes, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Nicole Scherzinger, Little Big Town, Sam Smith, CeCe Winans, KAROL G, Angélique Kidjo, Jon Batiste, Lizzo and Mumford & Sons to unveil the nominees via livestream.

Tyler Childers, Sierra Hull, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Jelly Roll, Zach Top, Shaboozey, Lainey Wilson and more are among the nominees.

“The Grammy Awards are our opportunity to honor the people who make this community so vibrant and this year’s nominees remind us of the incredible talent that is driving music forward,” shares Mason jr. “From emerging talent to influential icons, these nominees reflect today’s broad and diverse musical landscape, and I am excited to celebrate them in the coming weeks ahead and on Music’s Biggest Night®.”

This year’s eligibility period includes recordings released between Aug. 31, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2025. The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine Grammy winners, will take place Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026.

The Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sun., Feb. 1, 2026, and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the Telecast, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony® will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.

The major field and some Nashville-related categories are below. For a full list of this year’s finalists, visit grammy.com.

Record Of The Year
“DtMF” – Bad Bunny
“Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Anxiety” – Doechii
“WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish
“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
“luther” – Kendrick Lamar With SZA
“The Subway” – Chappell Roan
“APT.” – ROSÉ, Bruno Mars

Album Of The Year
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – Bad Bunny
SWAG – Justin Bieber
Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T & Malice
MAYHEM – Lady Gaga
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
MUTT – Leon Thomas
CHROMAKOPIA – Tyler, The Creator

Song Of The Year
“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga, Henry Walter & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
“Anxiety” – Jaylah Hickmon, songwriter (Doechii)
“APT.” – Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown, Rogét Chahayed, Omer Fedi, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Chae Young Park, Theron Thomas & Henry Walter, songwriters (ROSÉ, Bruno Mars)
“DtMF” – Marco Daniel Borrero, Scott Dittrich, Benjamin Falik, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Hugo René Sención Sanabria, Tyler Thomas Spry & Roberto José Rosado Torres, songwriters (Bad Bunny)
“Golden [From “KPop Demon Hunters”]” – EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)
“luther” – Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha, Matthew Bernard, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, Solána Rowe, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar With SZA)
“Manchild” – Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
“WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

Best New Artist
Olivia Dean
KATSEYE
The Marias
Addison Rae
sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Dan Auerbach
Cirkut
Dijon
Blake Mills
Sounwave

Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical
Amy Allen
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Tobias Jesso Jr.
Laura Veltz

Best Country Solo Performance
“Nose On The Grindstone” – Tyler Childers
“Good News” – Shaboozey
“Bad As I Used To Be [From “F1® The Movie”]” – Chris Stapleton
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert And Chris Stapleton
“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
“Love Me Like You Used To Do” – Margo Price & Tyler Childers
“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
“Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” – George Strait, Chris Stapleton

Best Country Song
“Bitin’ List” – Tyler Childers, songwriter (Tyler Childers)
“Good News” – Michael Ross Pollack, Sam Elliot Roman & Jacob Torrey, songwriters (Shaboozey)
“I Never Lie” – Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols & Zach Top, songwriters (Zach Top)
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Andy Albert, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson & Lainey Wilson, songwriters (Lainey Wilson)
“A Song To Sing” – Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton)

Best Traditional Country Album
Dollar A Day – Charley Crockett
American Romance – Lukas Nelson
Oh What A Beautiful World – Willie Nelson
Hard Headed Woman – Margo Price
Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top

Best Contemporary Country Album
Patterns – Kelsea Ballerini
Snipe Hunter – Tyler Childers
Evangeline Vs. The Machine – Eric Church
Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll
Postcards From Texas – Miranda Lambert

Best American Roots Performance
LONELY AVENUE – Jon Batiste Featuring Randy Newman
Ancient Light – I’m With Her
Crimson And Clay – Jason Isbell
Richmond On The James – Alison Krauss & Union Station
Beautiful Strangers – Mavis Staples

Best Americana Performance
“Boom” – Sierra Hull
“Poison In My Well” – Maggie Rose & Grace Potter
“Godspeed” – Mavis Staples
“That’s Gonna Leave A Mark” – Molly Tuttle
“Horses” – Jesse Welles

Best American Roots Song
“Ancient Light” – Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins, songwriters (I’m With Her)
“BIG MONEY” – Jon Batiste, Mike Elizondo & Steve McEwan, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
“Foxes In The Snow” – Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell)
“Middle” – Jesse Welles, songwriter (Jesse Welles)
“Spitfire” – Sierra Hull, songwriter (Sierra Hull)

Best Americana Album
BIG MONEY – Jon Batiste
Bloom – Larkin Poe
Last Leaf On The Tree – Willie Nelson
So Long Little Miss Sunshine – Molly Tuttle
Middle – Jesse Welles

Best Bluegrass Album
Carter & Cleveland – Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter
A Tip Toe High Wire – Sierra Hull
Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union Station
Outrun – The Steeldrivers
Highway Prayers – Billy Strings

Best Traditional Blues Album
Ain’t Done With The Blues – Buddy Guy
Room On The Porch – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey – Maria Muldaur
Look Out Highway – Charlie Musselwhite
Young Fashioned Ways – Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush

Best Contemporary Blues Album
Breakthrough – Joe Bonamassa
Paper Doll – Samantha Fish
A Tribute To LJK – Eric Gales
Preacher Kids – Robert Randolph
Family – Southern Avenue

Best Folk Album
What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow – Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson
Crown Of Roses – Patty Griffin
Wild And Clear And Blue – I’m With Her
Foxes In The Snow – Jason Isbell
Under The Powerlines (April 24 – September 24) – Jesse Welles

Best Regional Roots Music Album
Live At Vaughan’s – Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet
For Fat Man – Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Church Of New Orleans – Kyle Roussel
Second Line Sunday – Trombone Shorty And New Breed Brass Band
A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco – (Various Artists)

Best Gospel Performance/Song
“Do It Again” – Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter
“Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters
“Still (Live)” – Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing III, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters
“Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters
“Come Jesus Come” – Cece Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“I Know A Name” – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters
“YOUR WAY’S BETTER” – Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & PERA, songwriters
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Jason Bradley Deford & Brandon Lake, songwriters
“Headphones” – Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Tyshane Thompson, Bongo ByTheWay, Michael Render, Lecrae Moore, William Roderick Miller & Clifford Harris, songwriters
“Amazing” – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls, songwriters

Best Gospel Album
Sunny Days – Yolanda Adams
Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann
Only On The Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett
Heart Of Mine – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
CHILD OF GOD II – Forrest Frank
Coritos Vol. 1 – Israel & New Breed
King Of Hearts – Brandon Lake
Reconstruction – Lecrae
Let The Church Sing – Tauren Wells

Best Roots Gospel Album
I Will Not Be Moved (Live) – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
Then Came The Morning – Gaither Vocal Band
Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah – The Isaacs
Good Answers – Karen Peck & New River
Back To My Roots – Candi Staton