MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures major announcements, creative partnerships and milestone achievements that continue to shape the ever-evolving landscape of Music City. Click here to see the full edition.

A&R leader Jessi Vaughn Stevenson has launched Perfect Game Creative, a new music publishing, management and A&R consulting company in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Over at Big Loud, notable executive changes were announced as H. Read Davis, formerly VP of Digital, and Lucy Bartozzi, VP of Marketing at Big Loud Records, both exited their positions.

The Music City Walk of Fame unveiled its newest inductees this week, honoring Old Dominion, the late Charley Pride and Liz Rose. The trio will be officially inducted on Nov. 11 at 1 p.m., in a public ceremony celebrating their lasting contributions to Nashville’s musical legacy. They will become the 110th, 111th and 112th stars on the Walk of Fame, recognized for their roles in preserving and advancing the city’s rich heritage.

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) hosted its annual Gold & Platinum Gala on Oct. 23 at the Country Music Hall of Fame, drawing hundreds of songwriters, artists, managers and publishers to celebrate the year’s biggest hits. Over 150 songwriters were honored for earning certified Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum songs between July 2024 and June 2025. Amy Allen was named Top Female Songwriter for achieving five country certifications over the past year, while Ashley Gorley earned Top Male Songwriter honors for the third consecutive year.

In another record-setting milestone, Carrie Underwood has officially been named the highest RIAA-certified female country artist of all time, with a staggering 95 million units sold in the U.S. alone, comprising 22.5 million albums and 72.5 million singles across her solo work and collaborations.

On the live music front, Live Nation announced plans for a new 4,400-capacity indoor venue called The Truth, slated to open in fall 2026 in Nashville’s Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood.

By Design has formed a strategic partnership with BMG, encompassing global distribution, label services and joint label signings. The deal also includes a co-investment strategy for catalog acquisitions through Archetype Music, signaling a strong commitment to long-term growth and collaboration.

Dave Barnes has inked an exclusive deal with Capitol Christian Music Group Publishing, while Peter Daniel Newman signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Showbiz Ro Music. Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux entered a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core. Additionally, Dalton Davis has signed a new record deal with MCA/Republic Records.

Braxton Keith, Preston Cooper and Sacha each made their Opry debuts over the past week, continuing the tradition of introducing rising voices to one of country music’s most hallowed stages.

Industry veteran Melissa Goldberg has joined Teton Ridge as Vice President of Digital + Social Content.

Finally, Randy Rogers and Elic Goicoechea have launched Dreamer Management, a new Austin-based firm representing a lineup of rising acts including Ashton Naylor, Cameron Allbright, Hank Weaver, Parker Ryan, Slade Coulter and Travis Roberts.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green takes the No. 1 spot with “Don’t Mind If I Do,” feat. Ella Langley. 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.

Riley Green Rises To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

Riley Green rises to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track, “Don’t Mind If I Do” featuring Ella Langley.

The song comes off of his 2024 album of the same name and was written solely by Green.

Green recently announced his 2026 headlining “Cowboy As It Gets Tour” with special guests Justin Moore, Drake White, Mackenzie Carpenter, Zach John King, Hannah McFarland and Adam Hood joining him on select dates. The 20-date run will hit Nashville, Alpharetta, Cleveland, Saratoga Springs, Salt Lake City, Hartford and more next summer.

“Don’t Mind If I Do” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jamie O’Neal Is ‘Country Music Eloquence’

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Jamie O’Neal. Photo: Kala C

It’s always nice to catch up with old friends.

Dropping by this edition of DISClaimer are Eric Heatherly, the Kentucky HeadHunters, Andy Griggs and Jamie O’Neal. The last-named was especially welcomed, since she came bearing the gift of the Disc of the Day.

This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Emily Scott Robinson from the Oh Boy Records stable of artists.

KAT LUNA / “Back to You”
Writers: Billy Dawson/Emmi Elliott/Kat Luna/Sara Bares; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– There’s a lot to like here. Her alto delivery is utterly lustrous; the production is pristine perfection; the Spanglish passages are an ear tickling delight. A single to get lost in.

SOUL CIRCUS COWBOYS & ANDY GRIGGS / “Life’s Highway”
Writers: Frank Joseph Myers/Gary Baker/Tammy Rogers; Producer: Frank Myers; Label: Kismet Nashville
– Soul Circus frontman Billy McKnight is a mighty, mighty ferocious vocalist. Match him with gritty Griggs and you have an outlaw, country-rock track that stings and bites in all the right places. Highly recommended.

EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON / “Appalachia”
Writer: Emily Scott Robinson; Producer: Josh Kaufman; Label: Oh Boy Records
– Enchanting. The title tune of Robinson’s forthcoming album is a shimmering, acoustic performance showcasing her deft guitar fingering and a quasi-yodeled folk-soprano vocal. The song is about her homeland’s resilience in the face of natural disasters.

COLE SWINDELL / “Make Heaven Crowded”
Writers: Blake Pendergrass/Cole Swindell/Greylan James/Joel Hutsell; Producers: Greylan James, Zach Abend; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Yearning for peace and light in a dark world. Mellow and comforting.

JILLIAN JACQUELINE, CAITLYN SMITH & LUCIE SILVAS / “Little Sparrow”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: Bryan Brown; Label: JJ
– Recorded in an echoey space, this is a flawlessly trio-harmonized a cappella performance that sends shivers up the spine. A haunting sound.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Therapy”
Writers: Andy Albert/Chris DeStefano/Mitchell Tenpenny/Thomas Archer; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Label: Sony Music Nashville/Riser House Records
– Pretty cute. He’s wishing nothing but bad for his ex. Mostly, he hopes she winds up in therapy because of the lousy way she’s treated him. A banger with smiles for miles.

JAMIE O’NEAL / “Ole Heartache”
Writers: Ed Hill/Jamie O’Neal/Shaye Smith; Producer: Jamie O’Neal, Rodney Good; Label: BFD
– Languidly paced, to underscore the lonesome blues in the soaring tune. Deep twang guitar and aching harmonica work back her terrific vocal performance. Country music eloquence.

JAMEY JOHNSON & RILEY GREEN / “Smoke”
Writers: Erik Dylan/Jamey Johnson/Riley Green; Producers: Jim “Moose” Brown, Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Heartbreak with a southern-rock accent.

TIGIRLILY GOLD / “Mess Out of Me”
Writers: Benjamin Daniel Goldsmith/Emily Shackelton/Kendra Slaubaugh/Krista Slaubaugh; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The duo tackles this ballad with assurance. It plods a bit, but the singing is strong.

KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS / “Big Boss Man”
Writers: Al Smith/Luther Dixon; Producer: Tom Long; Label: Hickory Records
– About 20 years ago, the HeadHunters recorded a dozen classic songs from the Sony-ATV publishing catalog. The long-lost album has been resurrected on the band’s own label. It kicks off with this rocked up rendition of a Jimmy Reed/Elvis oldie.

ERIC & LINDSEY HEATHERLY / “American Love Affair”
Writers: Eric Heatherly/Lindsey Heaherly; Producer: none listed; Label: Deko Entertainment
– Actually, the husband-wife duo is now billed as “American Love Affair,” the same as their song. The Heatherlys remain resolutely, totally-cool, old-school, retro stylists with Duane Eddy -style, deep-twang guitar tones and laid-back, sultry singing. Very groovy.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Dollar a Day”
Writers: Dick Glasser/Vincent LePar; Producer: Charley Crockett, Shooter Jennings; Label: Island Records
– The title tune of Crockett’s new collection is a cowboy’s lonely lament, performed solo with rippling acoustic guitar accompaniment. As always, he is a beacon of country creativity.

ATLUS / “Devil Ain’t Done”
Writers: David Garcia/Geoff Warburton/Sean Haywood; Producer: Andrew Baylis, David Garcia; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– An anguished sinner seeks redemption. Everything here sounds way too electronically processed, but this guy is loaded with talent.

Live Nation Reveals New 4,400-Capacity Music Venue In Nashville

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The Truth rendering

Live Nation has announced that they are opening a new music venue in Nashville called The Truth. The 4,400 capacity indoor music venue is set to open fall 2026 in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood.

“The legendary songwriter Harlan Howard said all you need for a good country song is three chords and the truth. The Truth is built on that same idea,” says Sally Williams, President of Nashville Music & Business Strategy, Live Nation. “Our goal is to create a space that could only exist here—where raw, honest music meets world-class production, and where fans and artists from across all genres can connect in a way that feels unmistakably Nashville.”

The Truth rendering

Designed by Blueprint Studio, Live Nation’s in-house design and development group, The Truth will feature a flexible floor plan with three levels of fans close to the stage, accommodating both standing-room and fully seated shows. The venue seeks to reflect Nashville’s creative DNA, from the inclusion of Harlan’s, a whiskey bar honoring the legendary songwriter, to the Vinyl Room, an exclusive two-story listening lounge celebrating the neighborhood’s deep vinyl roots.

As part of its launch, Live Nation is investing in Nashville’s creative community through multi-year commitments to the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the W.O. Smith Music School.

“NSAI is excited that Live Nation is recognizing Nashville songwriters as the backbone of our music community,” shares Bart Harbison, Executive Director, NSAI. “From naming their amazing new venue, ‘The Truth,’ derived from legendary songwriter Harlan Howard’s famous saying, to lyric displays and other songwriter recognitions inside the remarkable facility, the space will highlight the important contribution of songwriters to the industry ecosystem. In addition, Live Nation’s generous financial support for NSAI will help us continue the work we do for the songwriting profession. We are very enthusiastic about the possibilities we can employ as we work together.”

The Truth is projected every year to generate $74 million in economic impact, support 430 jobs, and contribute $6 million in state and local tax revenue.

The Truth rendering

“The backbone of Music City is the songwriters that put words to our feelings, stories, and joys. I’m excited that The Truth will be a venue that is dedicated to cultivating and supporting great songwriting,” Mayor Freddie O’Connell says. “When I expressed interest in music at a young age, the W.O. Smith Music School helped cultivate my passion, and allowing more folks to have that opportunity is a great way we ensure all Nashvillians can follow their Music City dreams.”

“Culturally, we see The Truth as a connector,” Williams shares. “Our partnerships with the Nashville Songwriters Association International and the W.O. Smith Music School are about investing in Nashville’s next generation of creators. Together, those programs will create opportunities for mentorship, performance, and inspiration right here in the neighborhood, ensuring that The Truth contributes to the city’s creative pipeline as much as its skyline.

“Long term, our hope is that The Truth becomes an anchor for Wedgewood-Houston, a gathering place where artists, neighbors, and the music industry intersect; where the creative class continues to thrive and where the spirit of Nashville keeps evolving.”

Cam Brings Vulnerability & Power To The Ryman Auditorium

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Cam. Photo: Catherine Powell

Cam returned to the Ryman Auditorium Sunday night (Oct. 26) for a performance that balanced intimacy, artistry, and emotional depth with the commanding presence of a master storyteller.

After opening sets from Britton Smith and Anna Vaus, the evening opened with the singer standing alone in a single spotlight at the front of the stage before her band joined her, gathering tightly around one microphone for a hushed rendition of “Slow Down.”

“You don’t have to worry about the past,” Cam addressed the crowd. “You don’t have to stress about the future, this is the one moment in time we all get to be on the same page. And cry and laugh and dance together and I want you to be fully present.”

Cam. Photo: Catherine Powell

From there, she moved into “Turns Out That I Am God” and “Alchemy,” before the reflective “Everblue.” The rootsy “Canyon” followed, evoking the emotion that defines much of Cam’s songwriting. “Hallelujah” filled the auditorium with reflection before she brought her daughter Lucy onto the stage to sing a lullaby.

That tenderness carried through “Just for You” and “We Always Do,” before Cam reignited the energy with “Kill the Guru!” and the witty “Look at the Pretty Girls!” The crowd went wild for “Hungover on Heartache” and “Mayday,” both delivered with fire. A highlight of the night came when Mat Kearney joined Cam onstage for a heartfelt duet of “Nothing Left to Lose,” their voices blending effortlessly in harmony. Cam followed with “Till There’s Nothing Left,” keeping the emotional intensity high, and then launched into a showstopping “Diane,” which had the entire audience on their feet, clapping and singing along.

Cam welcomed Brittney Spencer to the stage for a stirring cover of “Blackbird” from Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. She and her band then gathered once again under a single spotlight for “American Requiem.” The inevitable arrival of her 4× Platinum hit “Burning House” drew a wave of emotion from the audience. She closed the evening with “Village,” leaving the crowd wrapped in the song’s message of connection and community.

Cam and her daughter Lucy. Photo: Catherine Powell

Cam. Photo: Catherine Powell

Hudson Westbrook Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Hudson Westbrook. Photo: Ian Noh

Hudson Westbrook has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. His own tracks “House Again,” “Painted You Pretty” and “Sober” put the singer-songwriter at No. 13.

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

BREAKING: H. Read Davis Exits Big Loud

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H. Read Davis. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle

H. Read Davis has exited his position of VP, Digital at Big Loud.

Davis joined the company in 2022 as Senior Director of Digital, working his way through the ranks to his current position. Before that, Davis held previous roles as Social Media Manager at Spotify and Director of Creative Operations at Crowd Surf. Other career stops include internships at Chrysalis Music Group, Propel Music Group and Big Yellow Dog Music.

During his three years at Big Loud, Davis worked alongside artists, managers and label staff to create and grow artists’ digital identity.

NMPA Honors Songwriters At Annual Gold & Platinum Nashville Gala

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David Israelite; Photo: Nathan Morgan

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) held its annual Gold & Platinum Gala last night (Oct. 23) at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. This year’s gala brought together hundreds of songwriters, artists, managers, and publishers to honor the people behind the hits.

Amy Allen & Ashley Gorley. Photo: Nathan Morgan

The evening recognized over 150 songwriters whose tracks reached certified Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum status from July 2024 to June 2025. During the event, songwriters were called to the stage to accept their plaques as the speakers played their tunes and friends cheered and celebrated each other’s milestones.

Notably, Amy Allen was named Top Female Songwriter with five Platinum and Gold certifications in country music over the past year. Those certifications include “Sweet Dreams” and “Damn Near Normal” by Koe Wetzel, “High Road” by Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph, and “Heartbroken” by Diplo featuring Jessie Murph and Polo G.

Ernest. Photo: Nathan Morgan

“I am beyond grateful to get to learn from so many of the greats of my time and call so many of them friends now. Thank you all of Nashville for taking me in with open arms. I cannot express how thankful I am,” said Allen.

Later, Ashley Gorley was named Top Male Songwriter for the third year in a row. David Israelite, President of the NMPA, presented the award, saying, “In sports, [this is] what we call a hat trick. He is the Michael Jordan, the Patrick Mahomes, and the Shohei Ohtani of songwriting. This is all-time greatness.”

Gorley humbly accepted, thanking God, NMPA, Taperoom, Sony, and ASCAP. “I was reminded tonight of how great country music is and challenged by how high the bar is. I do not take this award lightly. Thank you all very much.”

In addition to the awards, the night featured several performances by artists including Maddie & Tae, Brothers Osborne, and Ernest, who honored Dean Dillon following his acceptance of the Platinum Anthem Award for the 17× Platinum hit “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Maddie & Tae and Deric Ruttan; Photo: Nathan Morgan

Brothers Osborne; Photo: Nathan Morgan

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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It was a momentous week in Music City as the country music community gathered to celebrate milestones, new appointments, and rising talent across the industry. Click here to see the full edition.

On Sunday night (Oct. 19), the Country Music Hall of Fame hosted another star-studded Medallion Ceremony as Tony Brown, June Carter Cash, and Kenny Chesney were formally inducted as the Hall’s 156th, 157th, and 158th members. Following opening remarks from the Hall’s CEO Kyle Young, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, and the Hall’s Circle Guard’s Jody Williams, each honoree was celebrated with heartfelt tributes and inspired performances that paid homage to their remarkable contributions to country music.

The Country Music Association also announced a series of key promotions and one new hire across multiple departments. Michael Farris has been elevated to Vice President, Business Strategy and Insights, while Kate Watson steps into the role of Senior Director, Industry Relations. Jeff Leet has been promoted to Director, Brand Integrity, and additional internal advancements include Lindsey Morrison to Senior Manager, Community Engagement for the CMA Foundation; Richard Xiong to Insights Senior Analyst; and Kennedy Strickler to Communications Project Manager. Rounding out the updates, CMA welcomes Mary Spaulding as Content Production Manager.

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has kicked off its multi-part Board election, beginning with the elevation of Parker Welling to Industry Liaison on the executive committee, and the addition of Ben Williams to fill Welling’s former seat. Artist-writer Drew Baldridge joins the Board as a new Artist-Writer Representative, while Rhett Akins and Roger Brown have both been reappointed, Akins continuing as an Artist-Writer Representative and Brown as Legislative Chair.

Peachtree Entertainment has expanded its leadership team, naming Chris Johnson as Vice President of Production and Chris Thomas as Senior Vice President of Development. Michael Bryan has exited his role as Global Head of Country Music at Apple Music after five years with the company.

Carter Faith has been named Amazon Music’s latest Breakthrough Artist, while Flatland Cavalry has signed with the newly relaunched Lost Highway Records. Slater Nalley has inked a record deal with Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records in partnership with 19 Entertainment.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has promoted Eric Reid to Jr. Manager, A&R. Songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Huff has signed a publishing and management deal with Ten Ten Music Group, and Luke Preston has joined the roster at Big Loud Publishing. Play It Again Music welcomed Amy O’Connor as Director of Digital and Streaming and Molly Reinold as Creative Director.

Penelope Road has signed a management deal with Make Wake Artists. Artist, songwriter, and producer Josef Kuhn, known professionally as Nickname Jos, has inked a global co-publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. KP Entertainment has appointed Colt Murski as Senior Director of Publishing. Konrad Snyder, acclaimed songwriter, producer, and engineer, has joined Electric Feel Publishing’s Nashville roster.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Combustion Music’s Chris Farren.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Zach Top takes the No. 1 spot with “Good Times & Tan Lines.” 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.

Alexandra Kay On Growth, Grit & Finding Her ‘Second Wind’ [Interview]

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Alexandra Kay.

Alexandra Kay is ready to move forward with her sophomore record.

After losing record deals, a viral TikTok breakout, an independent album and over 350 million streams, the Illinois native is finally taking a deep breath on her major-label debut.

For Kay, Second Wind represents a shift in both sound and spirit. Her 2023 debut, All I’ve Ever Known, was an intimate, self-written document of heartbreak.

“The first project was a healing journey through my divorce. I didn’t know who was going to hear it. I wrote it for myself, my heart and my healing. I wasn’t even going to put it out until some friends heard it, and it ended up being really good. I’m always going to sing [those songs], but I’m ready to go into a new chapter, and Second Wind is that,” Kay shares with MusicRow.

The Andrew DeRoberts-produced project marks a new chapter in Kay’s sonic journey. “He led me to ride the line where it’s still very much me, but I’m giving the fans a new sound, and I’m feeling very experimental in the creative process. It wasn’t just me bleeding on a piece of paper this time, which is what I’ve been doing since I started writing songs.”

Across the album’s tracks, Kay collaborated with a mix of longtime friends and new creative partners, including Ava Suppelsa, Maggie Champman, Lauren McLamb, Allison Veltz-Cruz and Jon Nite, among others.

“With Allison, it was very, very easy. I just started opening up to her, and I just knew that she kind of got me. She just kind of gives me that Taylor Swift writing style, which I am in love with and always have been. Jon Nite is the other end of the spectrum. Everything I’ve written with him is fun, but not in a cliche way. He is always making melodies feel fresh and pushing for tempo.”

Of the 14 tracks, Kay chose to cut two outside songs that she felt fit seamlessly into her world. “When I heard ‘Straight for the Heart,’ I was like, ‘That’s a banger,’” she laughs.

The second outside cut felt like a full circle moment “I heard ‘Old Me,’ and it just feels like something I would’ve written. Then I found out Shane McAnally wrote it and I thought ‘of course!’ That was my first write ever in town, so it was full circle for me to cut one of his songs.”

Choosing a favorite changes daily, but two tracks stand out as reflections of her current life. “The whole album is personal, but ‘Second Wind’ and ‘What He Does, ‘” she says. “My partner is so open and so loving and so generous. I’m reminded of that every day. And, ‘Second Wind’ makes me think about what my life could have been if I’d stayed somewhere I wasn’t growing. Those two songs mean a lot.”

“Second Wind” was born from a writing session with Kay’s partner, Rocco [Beall], Cheyenna [Rose Arnspiger], and Kevin Thrasher [Gruft]. “That day I knew we were going to get a love song,” Kay recalls. “We started going in a different direction, and then Cheyenna said ‘second wind.’ The title itself hit me like a ton of bricks. I was like, second album—that could be the title. It describes our love story. [Rocco] completely brought my spark back. I didn’t think I’d ever be the same, much less a better version of myself than I’ve ever been.”

YouTube video

After spending the summer opening for Brad Paisley, she’s currently amidst her own headline run, which kicked off just ahead of the album’s release.

This run marks the first time she’s toured an album that wasn’t released at the time. “We’re not going to slam the audience with a bunch of songs they’ve never heard,” she explains. “We’ll play a lot from All I’ve Ever Known and then the songs that are out from Second Wind. The set is absolutely beautiful. It’s all floral. I’m on this big five-foot cylinder. I tried to get them to let me rise up. They said no,” she laughs.

The album also marks her first label release since signing with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. “I definitely haven’t taken my foot off the gas by any means,” she quipped. “They’ve been great to us. They look at what we’ve done independently and ask, ‘How can we add fuel to the fire?’”

Kay’s schedule stays full between touring, social media, and running her coffee shop in her hometown of Waterloo, Illinois. “I’ve gotten to the point where I’m not afraid of saying no to things,” she says. “I take the time when I need to take the time.”

Alexandra Kay at The Coffee Girl

The café, The Coffee Girl, grew naturally from her viral “coffee covers.” “Ever since I did that and it became such a huge part of my brand, I wanted my own shop,” she explains. “The opportunity came up in my hometown and I said, ‘I’m your girl.’ I got to retire my dad, and now he’s the GM of the shop. Eventually, I want to bring a Coffee Girl location to Nashville.”

If there’s one thing she wants listeners to take from Second Wind, it’s growth. “I hope they just feel hope for themselves,” she says. “I always think of the fan that listened through All I’ve Ever Known and that got them through their divorce. I want this to be their second wind. I want them to realize they’re strong enough to have it. You just have to reach out and catch it.”

Kay will continue on her “Second Wind Tour” through November.