BBR Music Group/BMG Elevates & Expands A&R Team

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Pictured (clockwise): Camille Kenny, Jacee Badeaux, Tahsin Rakib Himi, Talia Heimanson and Kennedy Nickerson.

BBR Music Group/BMG has elevated three of its A&R team members, and has also welcomed two more to the company. All will report to SVP, A&R, Frontline Recordings, North America, Katie Kerkhover.

Camille Kenny has been elevated to VP, A&R, where she will lead day-to-day management across the label’s artists as well as finding, signing, and developing new talent. Kenny joined the label in 2024 as Sr. Director, A&R. Her previous career stops include THiS Music, WME and Big Loud Records. While at Big Loud, she worked with Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Chris Lane, Jake Owen, MacKenzie Porter, Hailey Whitters and Lauren Watkins. Kenny can be reached here.

Jacee Badeaux has joined the label as Sr. Director, A&R, where he will find and develop rising artists, collaborate with the creative community, and guide the label’s roster. Badeaux comes from Big Yellow Dog, where he spent eight years. He started as Director, A&R before being elevated to Sr. Director in 2023. Badeaux has been named to MusicRow’s Next Big Thing and Nashville Briefings’ 30 Under 30 lists, and also serves as co-chair of AIMP Young Professionals Committee. Badeaux can be reached here.

Tahsin Rakib Himi has been upped to Director, A&R Research, where she will lead data-informed artist discovery and deliver insights to support roster additions across the U.S. Recorded team. Before moving to the label’s recording sector, she led the Analytics Engineering team, where she developed scalable data products, including royalty data models, automation tools and API-integrated dashboards, which are used by the global teams across royalties, streaming, and marketing. Her previous career stops also include Hearst Magazines and Vox Media. Himi can be reached here.

Kennedy Nickerson has been promoted to Manager, A&R, where she will collaborate on creative support to the roster as well as continue to elevate processes, project deliverables and more. A Belmont University graduate, Kennedy joined the label in 2020, as an Income Tracking Coordinator for two years, before here promotion to Sr. Coordinator, A&R. Previous career stops include Cornman Music and Big Yellow Dog Music. Nickerson can be reached here.

Talia Heimanson has joined the label as A&R Coordinator, where she will use her experience across record labels, talent agencies, and live music programming. In her new role, she will handle audio assets, as well as assist Kerkhover day to day. Heimanson joins the team after most recently being on the A&R team at Red Bull Records. Additional career stops also include UTA and UC Santa Barbara. Heimanson can be reached here.

“This expansion of our A&R team, with both exciting promotions and new hires, is a natural next step in the growth of BMG,” shares Kerkhover. “Our collective strength and unity are truly at the heart of what we do, allowing us to passionately elevate each artist’s unique vision and relentlessly focus on delivering the highest possible quality. Camille, Jacee, Kennedy, Himi and Talia are poised to continue achieving remarkable things, and I couldn’t be prouder of each of them.”

Beau Bailey Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Beau Bailey. Photo: Eddie Eberle

Beau Bailey has landed the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. HARDY’s “Favorite Country Song,” Blake Shelton’s “Stay Country Or Die Tryin'” and Hudson Westbrook’s “Painted You Pretty” and “Sober” place the songwriter at No. 12 this week.

Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the fourth consecutive week with his own “Change My Mind” and “Don’t Mind If I Do,” feat. Ella Langley. Chase McGill moves up to No. 2 with Keith Urban’s “Straight Line,” Russell Dickerson’s “Happen To Me,” George Birge’s “It Won’t Be Long,” and Morgan Wallen‘s “20 Cigarettes” and “I Got Better.”

Blake Pendergrass (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and 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.

Mark Your Calendar—November 2025

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Single/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:

Drew Baldridge. Photo: Riley Mays

November 3
Drew Baldridge/Rebel/Stoney Creek Records
Spencer Hatcher/When She Calls Me Cowboy/QHMG/Stone Country Records
The Ashley Sisters/Heartless/Spellcast Records
Grayson Goodrich/Dixie Heal The Blues

November 7
Black Sands (feat. Brandon Chase)/Down The Road
Abbie Callahan/Simon Says
Kat Velasco/Show Pony
Danny Kensy/One More Memory/Yep Records
Bucky Heard/Ride the Lightning
Elle Townley/Perfect Christmas/Gilligan Music Group/CD Tex

November 10
Alexandra Kay/Straight For The Heart/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Greylan James/Water At A Wedding/Big Machine
Jason Charles Miller/Run for the Hills/ONE OPPORTUNITY RECORDS
Jessie G/Smells Like Whiskey/Jessie G Music

November 14
Annie Bosko (feat. Amy Grant)/God Winks/QHMG/Stone Country Records
Matt Rogers/Margaritas for Christmas
Drew Taylor/Makers
NORA./Kiss My Ass

November 17
Skip Ewing/I Want It All
Rebekah Snyder (feat. Adam Cunningham)/Don’t Ever Date A Yankee/RSB Project LLC/19th & 7th INC
Randy Cobb/The Sand/South Sixty Five Entertainment Group

November 21
Matt Cooper/Home/QHMG/Quartz Hill Records
Stefanie Micahela/Anything Is Possible

November 24
Delaney Ann/Old Times Sake/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment, LLC

 

Album/EP Releases:

November 7
Various Artists/OPRY 100: Country’s Greatest Songs/Grand Ole Opry/Virgin Music Group
Willie Nelson/Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle/Legacy Recordings
Brad Paisley/Snow Globe Town/EMI Records Nashville
Vincent Mason/There I Go/Interscope/MCA Nashville/Music Soup
Cooper Alan/Winston-Salem
Jake Owen/Dreams To Dream/Good Company Entertainment.
Gabby Barrett/Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe)/Warner Music Nashville
Emmylou Harris/Spyboy/New West Records
Trisha Yearwood/Christmastime/Virgin Music Group/Gwendolyn Records
Colt Ford/Little Out There/Average Joes Entertainment
Drake Milligan/Tumbleweed/BBR Music Group/BMG
RaeLynn/Jingle Jangle Rock/The Valory Music Co.
Jon Wolfe/Barstool Therapy: Session One
McCoy Moore/McCoy Moore/Sony Music
Luke Bell (posthumously)/The King Is Back/Thirty Tigers
Brendan Walter/Disappearing Days/Sony Music
John Berry/John Berry: Live From The Country Music Cruise/StarVista Music
Spencer Hatcher/Honky Tonk Hideaway/QHMG/Stone Country Records
Erin Kirby/In and Out of Love
Lavendine/Deep Blue/400 SWC RECORDS

November 14
Colter Wall/Memories and Empties/La Honda Records/RCA Records
Kaitlin Butts/Yeehaw Sessions/Republic Records
Ashley Cooke/ace/Big Loud Records
Blackberry Smoke/Rattle, Ramble & Roll: The Best of Blackberry Smoke- Volume One/3 Legged Records
Tyce Delk/Enough Ain’t Enough/River House Artists
Jeff Bates/Don’t Hold Me To It/Tall Grass Records
JD Shelburne/Raised On The Good Stuff

November 21
ERNEST/Live From The South/Big Loud
Old Crow Medicine Show/OCMS XMAS/Hartland Records

November 28
Treaty Oak Revival/West Texas Degenerate
Waylon Hanel/When Waylon Comes To Nashville/CDX Records

 

Industry Events:

November 7
Nominees Announced for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards

November 16
SESAC Nashville Music Awards

November 17
ASCAP Celebrates

November 18
BMI Country Awards

November 19
59th Annual CMA Awards

 

Upcoming Nashville Concerts:

Ella Langley.

November 3
John Fogerty/The Legacy Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Jackie Schimmel/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
Noah Floersch/Somethin’ Bout a Tour/The Basement East
Hellogoodbye/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 4
Sabrina Carpenter/Short n’ Sweet Tour/Bridgestone Arena
ERNEST/Ryman Auditorium
The Happy Fits/Lovesick Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Maggie Antone/The Basement East
Franni Cash/Riverside Revival

November 5
Sabrina Carpenter/Short n’ Sweet Tour/Bridgestone Arena
ERNEST/Ryman Auditorium
Purity Ring/Place Of My Own Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Mountain Grass Unit/The Basement East
Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers/EXIT/IN
Nicole Henry/City Winery
Briston Maroney/Paradise/The Blue Room
Michael Sanzone/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 6
Paul McCartney/Got Back/The Pinnacle
Ella Langley/Still Hungover Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Mo Lowda & The Humble/Tailing the Ghost Tour/The Basement East
Briston Maroney/Paradise/The Blue Room
Jenna Davis/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 7
Bryan Adams/Roll With The Punches/Bridgestone Arena
Ella Langley/Still Hungover Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Viagra Boys/The Infinite Anxiety Tour/Marathon Music Works
Max Styler/360 Set/Skydeck
Leon Thomas/Mutts Don’t Heel Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Chaparelle/The Basement East
Leith Ross/I Can See The Future/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Booker T. Jones/Riverside Revival
Briston Maroney/Paradise/The Blue Room

November 8
Watchhouse/Ryman Auditorium
Shakey Graves/Brooklyn Bowl
Various Artists/Ceremony Fest/Cannery Hall
Oliver Hazard & The Last Revel/Head West/The Basement East
White Animals/EXIT/IN
Sun Room/The Jackknife Tour/The Blue Room

November 9
Clay Walker/Ryman Auditorium
Cameron Whitcomb/I’ve Got Options Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Pouya/The Basement East
Various Artists/Nashville Jams For Jill/EXIT/IN
Cold/Beneath The Low Hum Tour/City Winery

November 10
Of Monsters and Men/The Mouse Parade Tour/The Pinnacle
Various Artists/The Big 98 Friendsgiving/Grand Ole Opry House
Vincent Lima/To Love A Thing That Fades 2025 Tour/The Basement East
Wishy/Cannery Hall (Row One)

November 11
Lola Young/The Pinnacle
Gwar/The Return Of Gor Gor/Marathon Music Works
Drake Milligan/Brooklyn Bowl
Rachael & Vilray/2025 Tour/Riverside Revival
John Hollier & the Reverie/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 12
Osamason/Marathon Music Works
El Alfa/Skydeck
Grandson/Inertia Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Sunami & Scowl/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
GBH/EXIT/IN
Rick Braun/City Winery
Matt McClure/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 13
José González/Ryman Auditorium
3OH!3/Do Nashville/Brooklyn Bowl
As It Is/The Basement East
Ryan Hurd/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Cam Allen/EXIT/IN
Eddie and the Getaway/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 14
49 Winchester/Ryman Auditorium
They Might Be Giants/Brooklyn Bowl
JADY/EXIT/IN
John Violinist/City Winery
Post Animal/The Blue Room

November 15
Various Artists/Red Bull Jukebox/The Pinnacle
49 Winchester/Ryman Auditorium
They Might Be Giants/Brooklyn Bowl
Chris Williamson/Cannery Hall (Main Stage)
Graham Barham/The Basement East
Lissie/City Winery
New Constellations/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 16
I’m With Her/Ryman Auditorium
Joey Bada$$/Dark Aura Tour/Marathon Music Works
3QUENCY/Bandemonium Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
Band of Skulls/Cold Flame Tour/The Basement East
Benjamin William Hastings/Cannery Hall (The Mil)

November 17
Drake White/Benefit For The Brain/Ryman Auditorium
Dijon/Marathon Music Works
Christmas With The Celts/City Winery
Triathalon/The Blue Room

November 18
Durry/Your Friend From The Real World Tour/The Basement East
elijah/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Brett Dennen/Art Is Life/City Winery
Kelli Baker/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 19
The Elovaters/Staring At The Sun Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
LØLØ/U TOUR ME ON/The Basement East
Maggie James/EXIT/IN
Night Cap/It’s Happening Tour/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

November 20
Margo Price/Wild At Heart Tour/Ryman Auditorium
GZA/Liquid Swords 30 Year Anniversary Tour/Skydeck
Willi Carlisle/Winged Victory Tour/The Basement East
The Criticals/EXIT/IN

November 21
3BallMTY/Skydeck
The Aces/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Grady Spencer & The Work/Turducken Tour 2025/EXIT/IN
Twen/The Blue Room
The Wonderlands/Cannery Hall (Row One)

November 22
The Band CAMINO/The NeverAlways Tour/The Pinnacle
The Lone Bellow/Ryman Auditorium
Adventure Club/Throwback Tour/Skydeck
Lecrae/Reconstruction World Tour/Brooklyn Bowl
The Last Waltz Tribute/The Basement East
Jens Lekman/EXIT/IN
Luke Spiller/The Songs I Wrote For You Tour/City Winery
Die Spitz/The Blue Room

November 23
Boz Scaggs/Rhythm Review 2025/The Pinnacle
Stephen Wilson Jr./Søn Of Dad Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Die Spitz/The Blue Room

November 24
Stephen Wilson Jr./Søn Of Dad Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Christopher Williams/City Winery

November 25
Spiritbox/Tsunami Sea North American Tour Part II/The Pinnacle
Jagged Edge/Ryman Auditorium
Ezra Ray Hart/90’s Hits & Xmas Riffs/Brooklyn Bowl
Autoheart/The Heartlands Tour/EXIT/IN

November 26
Béla Fleck & The Flecktones/Jingle All The Way/Ryman Auditorium
Goldlink/Brooklyn Bowl

November 28
Playboi Carti/ANTAGONIST TOUR/Bridgestone Arena
Brett Eldredge/Glow Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Effin/Daydream Tour/Cannery Hall (Main Stage)
Thompson Square/City Winery

November 29
Black Tiger Sex Machine/The BTSM Manga Experience/The Pinnacle
Brett Eldredge/Glow Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Fit For A King/Lonely God Tour/Marathon Music Works
guilty pleasures/10th Annual Post-Thanksgiving Bash/The Basement East
Noah Gundersen/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Project Pat/EXIT/IN
Gabe Dixon/Holiday Show/City Winery
William Tyler & Friends/The Blue Room

November 30
Brett Eldredge/Glow Tour/Ryman Auditorium
Thomas Dolby/The Basement East
Talib Kweli/City Winery

A Home For Tradition: The Grammys Get A New Country Category [Interview]

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When the Recording Academy announced the addition of Best Traditional Country Album to its slate of Grammy Awards categories, it marked more than a simple administrative update—it was the result of years of conversation, data and, most importantly, listening.

The announcement, shared in June, outlined that with the addition of this new category, the existing Best Country Album category will now be named Best Contemporary Country Album. The purpose of the refinement is to recognize artists such as Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Colter Wall and Noeline Hoffman, who fall outside the realm of mainstream country.

“We’ve been hearing from artists for a long time,” Shelly Maree, an Awards Manager at the Academy who oversees the country music field, tells MusicRow. “They didn’t feel fully reflected in the categories as they stood, neither in the existing country categories nor in the American Roots field. So this came from them: the creators, the voting members. It’s been in the works for a while.”

Shelly Maree. Photo: Stephen Reidmiller

Maree and her colleague Ralph Olivarez, Director in the Awards Department, were part of the team that helped bring the new category to life. For Olivarez, who oversees the American Roots field (which includes genres like bluegrass, Americana, folk and traditional blues), the change brings much-needed clarity.

“In the Roots categories, we’ve often had conversations with the country screening committee because there were always these edge cases, artists who didn’t quite fit squarely into either field,” he says. “It was clear there needed to be a better home for some of these projects.”

Despite the excitement around the category’s debut, it wasn’t a snap decision. The journey began years ago and was shaped by a structured, member-driven process.

“Any member can submit a proposal [for a change],” explains Maree. “Those proposals are reviewed by our Awards and Nominations Committee in the spring, which includes artists and professionals from across genres. After rigorous discussion and voting, the proposals that pass go to our Board of Trustees for final approval.”

This particular proposal, she says, has been in its current form for about three years. “We started gathering data two years ago, drafted the proposal last summer and it was finally approved this spring. It’s really exciting because it’s been such a long time coming.”

So what exactly qualifies as traditional country?

Ralph Olivarez. Photo: Getty Images for the Recording Academy

According to the Academy’s definition, the category recognizes excellence in albums, both vocal and instrumental, that “adhere to more traditional sound structures of the country genre,” including elements like steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin and live drums.

It also makes room for subgenres such as western, western swing and outlaw country.

But as Maree and Olivarez are quick to point out that it’s not about labeling artists, it’s about evaluating the music on a case-by-case basis.

“We don’t judge the artist. We screen the art,” Maree emphasizes. “An artist might fall into a traditional category one year and a contemporary one the next. It depends on the music they submit.”

Olivarez agrees. “We always try to find the best home for the project. That’s what this is about, giving artists a home that reflects the sound they’ve created.”

Beyond expanding recognition, Maree sees the new category as an invitation. “I hope this encourages artists who didn’t feel represented before to join the Academy, submit their work and engage with this process,” she says. “It also expands the opportunity for artists to be recognized and spotlighted.”

In an industry where airplay and charts don’t always align with artistic success, Maree hopes this change inspires creativity and exploration. “For independent or traditional artists who might not be played on the radio, a Grammy nomination can shine a big light. It boosts streams, it builds buzz.”

It’s not uncommon for artists of any genre to see a boost in interest after Grammy nominations come out, and even more so after the big night. After the 2025 Grammy Award broadcast, Beyoncé’s first-ever Album of the Year win with Cowboy Carter earned her 25,000 equivalent album units—a 254% gain, according to data collected by the Recording Academy in partnership with Luminate Data. Doechii saw a 107% increase on her Grammy-winning Alligator Bites Never Heal, while Best New Artist winner Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of A Midwest Princess saw a 56% increase.

While commercial country has leaned heavily contemporary in recent years, Maree believes the Academy can, and should, reflect both ends of the spectrum.

“We want to be a mirror to the industry,” she shares. “Country music is so broad that it can’t be contained in just one sound or title. This is about opening the door wider.”

Though this category is new for country, the framework isn’t. “We already do this in other genres,” Maree points out. “We have traditional and contemporary blues, traditional and contemporary R&B and traditional pop vocal alongside pop vocal. It’s not a new concept, it’s something some genres need in order to fully reflect their range.”

As country music continues to grow and diversify, Maree sees this addition as a reflection of a more responsive, inclusive Recording Academy.

“I think this move shows we’re adapting, listening more closely to the community and acting on what we hear,” she sums. “We want to honor the full spectrum of what country music is, and this is one step closer to that.”

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.