Lydia Vaughan Continues To Climb The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Lydia Vaughan

Lydia Vaughan continues her upward trend on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The songwriter sits at No. 17 this week with Jordan Davis’ “Bar None” and John Morgan feat. Jason Aldean’s “Friends Like That.”

Riley Green reclaims the No. 1 spot with solo-penned “Worst Way.” Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Not At This Party,” “Park” and “She Hates Me.”

Ben Johnson (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.

Now Open: Applications For MusicRow’s 2025 Artist Roster Company Directory

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Applications for MusicRow‘s upcoming Artist Roster print issue are now being accepted through Friday, May 2, 2025 with the official form below. Previously included companies will also be solicited separately.

This ultimate artist resource edition includes the Artist Roster company directory, featuring contact information and artist rosters for Nashville record labels, managers, publicists, lawyers, talent agents, publicity, artist services companies (business managers, digital music, legal, marketing, radio promotion and organizations), media and banking.

Applications for Artist Roster have closed.

For advertising opportunities in the Artist Roster print issue, email Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here. For questions regarding directory, please email directory@musicrow.com.

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly brings a wave of exciting announcements, new ventures and career-defining moves across Nashville’s music industry landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

One of the most iconic labels in American music, Lost Highway Records, is entering a new chapter, now backed by Interscope Geffen A&M. The label will operate under the leadership of Robert Knotts and Jake Gear, who step into the roles of Executive Vice Presidents and Co-Heads.

Big Machine Label Group, part of HYBE America, appointed Chris Koon as Executive Vice President of Finance. Warner Music Nashville made two promotions within its Commercial Partnerships Team. Katherine Firsching has been elevated to Director, while Blair Poirier steps into the role of Manager.

Dolly Parton announced her new book, Star Of The Show: My Life on Stage, set for release on Nov. 11 through Ten Speed Press. The memoir will look into her storied career on the road and onstage.

Chris Janson returns to Warner Music Nashville, in partnership with his own label, Harpeth 60 Records.

In the publishing world, Ryan Necci signed a worldwide deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville and Southern Pacific Music. Jack Wharff has joined the roster at Kobalt Music.

The Country Music Association has launched the CMA Member Ambassador Program. The program seeks to empower a select group of members to further the CMA’s mission, deepening community ties and promoting the genre’s growth from within.

Several artists also made moves on the label front. Indie-pop band The Wldlfe signed with Riser House Records, while rising artist Peech. joined TAMLA Records and Capitol Christian Music Group (Capitol CMG). Emerging country artist Callum Kerr inked with ONErpm and Huff Co.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Kane Brown takes the No. 1 spot this week with “Backseat Driver.” Explore more chart data here.

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: Joel Katz, Prominent Music Industry Attorney, Passes Away

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Joel Katz

Renowned music industry attorney Joel Katz has passed away at the age of 80, MusicRow has confirmed.

Katz was the founding chairman of the global entertainment and media practice at Greenberg Traurig and played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of countless artists, producers and executives. Over his decades-long career, he represented a wide-ranging roster of legendary clients, including James Brown, Jimmy Buffett, Jamie Foxx, Steve Harvey, Faith Hill, Julio Iglesias, Alan Jackson, the Estate of Michael Jackson, Kris Kristofferson, Little Big Town, Ludacris, Tim McGraw, L.A. Reid, George Strait, James Taylor, Justin Timberlake, TLC and many more. He also served as counsel to major industry organizations such as the Recording Academy and the Country Music Association.

Beyond artist representation, Katz helped shape the modern entertainment industry by facilitating corporate acquisitions and mergers and consulting for multi-national and multi-media entertainment companies.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Katz earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee and spent the majority of his life and career in Atlanta.

In 2021, he stepped down from Greenberg Traurig and joined Barnes & Thornburg, bringing clients including Mike Dungan and Randy Goodman with him.

At one time, Katz was ranked Billboard’s No. 1 entertainment attorney on its Power 100 list of the music industry’s most powerful executives. He also made a lasting impact on education, endowing and establishing a commercial music program at Kennesaw State University—now one of the largest music education programs in the U.S. In recognition of his contributions, the University of Tennessee College of Law named its library in his honor: the Joel A. Katz Law Library.

Katz was also known for his philanthropy, particularly his support of City of Hope and the T.J. Martell Foundation. Over the years, he was honored numerous times, including receiving the Recording Academy’s prestigious Trustees Award.

A service for Katz will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at 3:00 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park (201 Mt Vernon Hwy NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328) followed Shivah at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Temple Sinai (5645 Dupree Dr., Atlanta, GA 30327.)

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Katz’ memory may be made to the Mayo Clinic: Joel and Rikki Katz PSP Research Fund (Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.)

Kane Brown Rises To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Kane Brown; Photo: Dennis Leupold

Kane Brown sits atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his track “Backseat Driver.”

The song is off of his recent, fourth studio album The High Road and was written by Jacob Davis and Jordan Walker.

Brown performed at Bridgestone Arena last weekend (April 11 & 12) as a part of his “The High Road Tour.” Guests such as Ashley Cook, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lauren Alaina and his wife, Katelyn, all took the stage during the show. Brown will continue “The High Road Tour” on April 24 in Columbia, South Carolina, before heading to Grand Rapids, Albany, Atlantic City and more.

“Backseat Driver” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carter Faith Rules Disc Of The Day

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Carter Faith. Photo: Bree Fish

It is a week of surprises in DISClaimer.

Who knew that Brett Young could deliver a tempo tune so handily? What a pleasure to hear Post Malone and Morgan Wallen singing so gently and melodically. Pop diva Lana Del Ray checks in with a swoon-y, Nashville-tinged ballad.

The biggest surprise is this. In a star-studded column featuring Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Parker McCollum and Martina McBride, as well as Wallen, Malone and Young, it’s a baby act who goes home with this week’s Disc of the Day award. You ruled the listening session, Carter Faith

The DISCovery Award goes to Chase McDaniel. I can’t wait to hear what else he has up his sleeve.

CHASE McDANIEL / “Burned Down Heaven”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Jon Nite/Lindsay Rimes; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is a stunning disc debut. McDaniel lays it all on the line with this pillar-of-fire performance. His heartache-on-steroids delivery ranges from an intimate, beautifully phrased baritone in the verses to an anguished, head-to-the-skies tenor shout in the choruses. A monumental musical moment.

BLAKE SHELTON / “Stay Country or Die Tryin”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Drew Parker/Graham Barham/Sam Ellis; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– The proud-to-be-country imagery is fairly routine, but Shelton’s charismatic delivery of the lyric makes it sound mighty and profound. That’s the hallmark of a star.

THE BAND LOULA / “Running Off the Angels”
Writers: Logan Simmons/Malachi Mills/Peytan Porter; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Bluesy, swampy and cool, this conjures a spell with its mysterious, haunting, Biblical images of damnation and redemption. Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons are a male-female duo whose vocal harmonies are stitched up tight. Highly engaging.

MORGAN WALLEN & POST MALONE / “I Ain’t Comin’ Back”
Writers: Austin Post/Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/Louis Bell/Michael Hardy/Morgan Wallen; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– Surprisingly jaunty and breezy. Both men sing splendidly as the track wooshes along. Best line: “There’s a lot of reasons I ain’t Jesus/But the main one is that I ain’t comin’ back.”

HANNAH ELLIS & MARTINA McBRIDE / “All the Women I Am”
Writers: Ava Suppelsa/Eric Arjes/Hannah Ellis/Nick Wayne; Producer: Jason Massey; Label: Curb Records
– On this delightful bopper, Ellis offers a female-country tribute to Reba, Faith and her vocal guest Martina. “If you’re gonna love me, you gotta love them,” because her musical sisters forged her character.

BRETT YOUNG / “Drink With You”
Writers: Brett Young/Emily Weisband/Jesse Frasure/Tony Lucca; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– In this toe-tapper, he realizes he can’t drink with her because she’s way too tempting. Meeting in the bar will only mean he’ll wake up next to her the morning after. A dandy little disc.

JENNA PAULETTE / “The Dirt”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jenna Paulette/Will Bundy; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– Totally country. She’s in this for the long haul: Her love will last until she’s pushing up daisies. Her strong delivery is supported by a chugging track with ringing guitars and punchy percussion. This artist has been putting out quality country sounds all along, and this single is her finest yet.

JOHN MORGAN & JASON ALDEAN / “Friends Like That”
Writers: Brent Anderson/John Morgan/Lydia Vaughan/Will Bundy; Producers: Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy; Label: Broken Bow Records
– He doesn’t miss her a bit, because he has his buddies Willie and Jack alongside him by the fire, blowin’ smoke and sippin’ whiskey with Waylon turned up on the stereo. Sprightly and super catchy. Hit bound.

ADAM DOLEAC & THOMAS RHETT / “Bar Named Jesus”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Chris LaCorte/Josh Jenkins; Producers: Adam Doleac, Chris LaCorte; Label: Mommy and Daddy’s Money
– This song is about redemption. No matter how far down you have fallen, there is mercy and forgiveness. The quiet, acoustic opening passages are followed by an echoey, epic production that lifts and inspires. Well done.

DONNA FARGO / “You Can Count on Me”
Writer: Yvonne Silver; Producer: Stan Silver; Label: Primadonna Records
– Upbeat and utterly positive, somewhat in the bopping manner of her 1974 hit ‘You Can’t Be a Beacon.” It has been 53 years since Fargo lit up the country world with “Funny Face” and “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA,” and she still sounds terrific.

PARKER McCOLLUM / “Hope That I’m Enough”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins/Parker McCollum; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA Nashville
– Yearning and plaintive, nicely embellished with steel, organ, acoustic strings, twanged tremelo electric guitar and brushed drumming. Gently persuasive.

CARTER FAITH / “Grudge”
Writers: Carter Faith/Steph Jones/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– Witty and delightfully bitchy toward a back-stabbing former friend. The uptempo romp has a cute phrase around every corner. She needs to somebody to hold her beer, but she sure can hold one hell of a grudge.

LANA DEL RAY / “Henry, Come On”
Writers: Lana Del Rey/Luke Laird; Producers: Drew Erickson, Lana Del Rey, Luke Laird; Label: Polydor Records
– I realize she’s not a country act, but I just had to hear what this pop queen has been up to with Nashville’s Luke Laird. It’s a very pretty, melancholy, echo-swathed ballad with a full orchestral string section and piano accompaniment. Dreamy sounding.

Morgan Wallen Reveals Tracks From Upcoming Album ‘I’m The Problem’

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Morgan Wallen has unveiled the full track list for his brand new album I’m The Problem, set to release May 16.

The superstar rounds up plenty of friends for this latest project, including Post Malone, Tate McRae, Eric Church, Ernest and Hardy, and he co-wrote 22 of the whopping 37 cuts on the album, curating a collection that’s both personal and resonant, while viewing life through a different lens than he’s used in the past.

Following up last year’s monster hit with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” (which recently topped two billion streams) Wallen doubles down with a new collab with Malone “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” due out tomorrow (April 18). Written by Wallen, Malone, Hardy, Ernest, Louis Bell and Ryan Vojtesak, “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” features a clever kiss-off, as a guy leaves his relationship, vowing never to return.

The album opens with the title track, “I’m The Problem,” a double-edged confession that reveals the complexities of a relationship at its lowest and concludes with “I’m A Little Crazy,” a quiet, contemplative song that looks inward while examining the world outside. 49 songwriters contributed to the expansive new project, including Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Josh Thompson, Jessie Jo Dillon,Chris Tompkins, Josh Miller and many more.

“A lot of the concepts and things we said were a little more difficult with this album,” Wallen says of the writing and refining process. “We were trying to dig deep on things and trying to find new angles. And I feel like we did that. I feel like there’s a lot of stuff that I haven’t said in this record, which I’m really, really proud of.”

Wallen has teased the new album tracks during appearances on NBC’s Saturday Night Live and Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast, and he recently became the first artist ever to have two albums spend over 100 weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart. He’ll kick off his “I’m The Problem Tour” June 20 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

I’m The Problem Track List:
1. “I’m The Problem” (Morgan Wallen, Grady Block, Jamie McLaughlin, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
2. “I Got Better” (Morgan Wallen, Blake Pendergrass, Chase McGill, Ryan Vojtesak, Ernest Keith Smith, Michael Hardy)
3. “Superman” (Morgan Wallen, Ryan Vojtesak, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, James Maddocks)
4. “What I Want” (feat. Tate McRae) (Morgan Wallen, Tate McRae, John Byron, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ryan Vojtesak, Joe Reeves)
5. “Just In Case” (Morgan Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, John Byron, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ryan Vojtesak, Josh Thompson, Blake Pendergrass, Alex Bak)
6. “Interlude” (Morgan Wallen, Ryan Vojtesak, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Rocky Block)
7. “Falling Apart” (Morgan Wallen, Blake Pendergrass, Josh Thompson, Ryan Vojtesak)
8. “Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” (Joe Fox, Chase McGill, Josh Miller)
9. “Eyes Are Closed” (Morgan Wallen, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass, Ryan Vojtesak)
10. “Kick Myself” (Morgan Wallen, Rocky Block, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, James Maddocks)
11. “20 Cigarettes” (Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Blake Pendergrass, Josh Miller)
12. “TN” (Morgan Wallen, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Taylor Phillips, Ryan Vojtesak, Geoff Warburton)
13. “Missing” (Morgan Wallen, Chase McGill, Josh Thompson, Blake Pendergrass, Ryan Vojtesak, Luis Witkiewitz)
14. “Where’d That Girl Go” (Morgan Wallen, Rocky Block, John Byron, Ryan Vojtesak, Blake Pendergrass, Joe Reeves, Geoff Warburton)
15. “Genesis” (Morgan Wallen, John Byron, Rocky Block, Jacob Durrett, Blake Pendergrass, Ryan Vojtesak, James Maddocks)
16. “Revelation” (Trannie Anderson, Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon, Chris Tompkins)
17. “Number 3 and Number 7” (feat. Eric Church) (Rocky Block, Blake Pendergrass)
18. “Kiss Her In Front Of You” (John Byron, Jaxson Free, Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
19. “If You Were Mine” (Chris Tompkins, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia, Geoff Warburton)
20. Don’t We (Morgan Wallen, Ryan Vojtesak, Ashley Gorley, Rocky Block, Blake Pendergrass, John Byron)
21. “Come Back As A Redneck” (feat. HARDY) (Morgan Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Michael Hardy, James Maddocks)
22. “Love Somebody” (Morgan Wallen, John Byron, Shaun Frank, Nicholas Gale, Ashley Gorley, Yaakov Gruzman, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Elof Loelv, Steve Francis Richard Mastroianni, Martina Sorbara, Ryan Vojtesak)
23. “Dark Til Daylight” (Rocky Block, Chris Tompkins, Jimmy Robbins)
24. “The Dealer” (feat. ERNEST) (Blake Pendergrass)
25. “Leavin’s The Least I Could Do” (Morgan Wallen, Michael Hardy, Josh Miller, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
26. “Jack and Jill” (Jacob Hackworth, Jared Mullins, Ned Cameron)
27. “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” (feat. Post Malone) (Morgan Wallen, Louis Bell, Michael Hardy, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak)
28. “Nothin’ Left” (Josh Miller, Greylan James, Matt Jenkins)
29. “Drinking Til It Does” (Josh Thompson, Jimmy Robbins)
30. “Smile” (Morgan Wallen, Rocky Block, John Byron, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Luis Witkiewitz)
31. “Working Man’s Song” (Morgan Wallen, Ryan Vojtesak, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass, Rocky Block)
32. “Whiskey In Reverse” (Morgan Wallen, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Michael Hardy)
33. “Crazy Eyes” (Chris Tompkins, Josh Miller, Jessie Jo Dillon, Daniel Ross)
34. “LA Night” (Chris Tompkins, Travis Wood, Josh Miller)
35. “Miami” (Morgan Wallen, Ryan Vojtesak, Ernest Keith Smith, Blake Pendergrass, Chase McGill, Michael Hardy, Dean Dillon, Hank Cochran, Royce Porter)
36. “Lies Lies Lies” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins)
37. “I’m A Little Crazy” (Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist, Hunter Phelps, Jameson Rodgers)

JUST IN: Chris Koon Appointed EVP Of Finance For Big Machine Label Group/Hybe Music Services

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Chris Koon. Photo: Sean Sorensen

Big Machine Label Group, a HYBE America company, has hired Chris Koon as Executive Vice President of Finance. He brings more than 30 years of financial experience across recorded music, distribution and publishing operations to the role, with precious experience in significant financial leadership positions at Universal Music Group/Capitol CMG.

“Chris’ incredible knowledge of the financial now and what’s coming is extraordinary and mission critical. He’s a fantastic asset to our team,” shares BMLG Chairman & CEO, Scott Borchetta.

Koon will take on expanded responsibilities in a role formerly held by Rick Myers. As EVP of Finance, he will serve an active role with Big Machine Label Group, while reporting directly to BMLG President Andrew Kautz and HYBE America CFO Eric Holden, collaborating with them to enhance the group’s financial strategy and efficiency across the organization.

“In an effort to enhance our financial operations, Chris was our clear choice and has already leveled up our game,” Kautz adds, “Finding someone with his expertise with such a curious and kind approach is elusive in the market, and we are lucky to have him.”

“I am honored to join this company at such an exciting time in its growth,” shares Koon. “I look forward to collaborating with the incredible team to enhance financial strategies, drive operational efficiencies, and support the company’s mission of empowering artists and partners worldwide.”

Chris Janson Returns To Warner In Partnership With His Harpeth 60 Records [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L-R): Tom Lord (Manager, Red Light Management), Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville), Kelly Janson (manager), Chris Janson, Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville) and Clay Hunnicutt (Honey Music). Not pictured: Ray Vaughn and Lauren (Longbine) Bartlett.

Chris Janson has returned to Warner Music Nashville, in partnership with his own Harpeth 60 Records.

Warner Music Nashville previously released Janson’s first three albums—Buy Me A Boat, Everybody and Real Friends—which helped launch the Grand Ole Opry member’s career. Since then, he’s amassed billions of global streams, earned multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, and surpassed 10 million in sales as an artist. He’s charted five No. 1 hits, including “Buy Me A Boat,” “Fix A Drink,” “Good Vibes,” “Done” and “All I Need Is You.” Janson has also written multiple hits for other artists.

Now, he brings Harpeth 60 Records into the fold, with radio promotion led by Clay Hunnicutt as National, alongside team members Ray Vaughn and Lauren (Longbine) Bartlett.

“This new chapter of my career is so exciting,” shares Janson. “I’m incredibly humbled and grateful for the new partnership with Warner. My Harpeth 60 imprint is second to none, with a great promotion staff—headed up by Clay Hunnicutt and flanked by Ray Vaughn and Lauren Bartlett. This is an awesome overall partnership, and I’m thankful to have them on my side.”

Janson is expected to release new music under the partnership this summer.

BREAKING: Lost Highway Records Teams With Interscope Geffen A&M To Launch New Chapter

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Jake Gear and Bobby Knotts. Photo: Matt Paskert

The iconic Lost Highway Records is entering a new chapter with the support of Interscope Geffen A&M. Robert Knotts and Jake Gear will lead the Nashville-based label as Executive Vice Presidents & Co-Heads.

Founded in 2000 by Luke Lewis, Lost Highway became home to culture-defining artists of the era such as Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Ryan Bingham, Hayes Carll, Lucinda Williams, Drive-By Truckers, Lyle Lovett, Tift Merritt, Robert Earl Keen, Shelby Lynne, Elvis Costello and Mary Gauthier. The label was absorbed into Mercury Nashville when Lewis retired in 2012.

Earlier this year, former UMG Nashville head Cindy Mabe announced the relaunch of the label in partnership with T Bone Burnett, who produced the new hit country album for Ringo Starr, Look Up, released on Lost Highway. In this new iteration with Interscope, Burnett will continue to collaborate with the label on a number of projects, including the 25th Anniversary edition of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

John Janick, Chairman & CEO, Interscope Capitol and IGA, handpicked Knotts and Gear to take Lost Highway into the future. Each executive has deep roots in Nashville and embodies the spirit that has guided both Lost Highway and Interscope – an unwavering commitment to putting artists first. As Executive Vice Presidents and Co-Heads of Lost Highway, Knotts and Gear will lead the label into a new chapter, assembling a team of their own team in Nashville who will work closely with IGA.

“Lost Highway carved out a special place in the remarkable musical legacy of Nashville. It was a left-of-center label with one-of-a-kind artists who, at their core, were great songwriters and moved culture. Similarly, Interscope has always been a beacon to artists who don’t fit into a box yet are destined to inspire what comes next,” Janick shares. “With this new chapter in Lost Highway’s history, we are devoted to empowering the next generation of trailblazers, both artists and executives.”

Knotts joins Lost Highway from Nashville-based Thirty Tigers, where he rose through the ranks from intern to Senior Vice President, Artist and Label Services. Over the past 12 years, he has played an integral role in shaping the team, structure, and culture of Thirty Tigers while facilitating campaigns for artists such as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Sturgill Simpson, Lucinda Williams, Turnpike Troubadours, Maggie Antone, Muscadine Bloodline and more. A native of Georgia, he graduated from UGA.

Knotts says, “Over the course of my career, my goal has always been to operate in service to the artist’s vision while understanding the emotional connection to their art. It is with this same spirit that Lost Highway left a lasting impact on the Nashville community—providing a home for artists who aren’t defined by genre and recognizing that the artist’s vision ultimately shapes culture itself. I am honored to carry that approach forward alongside one of my closest friends, Jake Gear. With John Janick’s guidance, and support from the entire Interscope team, we have an incredible opportunity to combine an artist-first mentality with Interscope’s remarkable ability to help build worlds around an artist’s vision.”

Gear comes to Lost Highway from UMG Nashville where, as Vice President A&R, he was instrumental in signing and developing breakthrough artist Tucker Wetmore, working closely with Vincent Mason (whom he previously signed for publishing), as well as A&Ring studio albums by Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis and Dierks Bentley and single releases on Sam Hunt, Josh Ross, Brothers Osborne and Brad Paisley.

An Iowa native and Belmont graduate, he spent 12 years in the publishing community on Music Row, helping to land hit records with Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and Eric Church. In 2020, he partnered with Hillary Lindsey and Concord Music to launch Hang Your Hat Music, and has produced critically acclaimed albums for Hailey Whitters and Flatland Cavalry.

“Lost Highway has a rich history. Many of these releases and artists were formative in developing my own appreciation of the craft of songwriting,” Gear shares. “The label was a pioneer in taste, representing an ethos of artistry first, an openness to taking creative risks and shining a light on artists who drifted on the fringes of the major label defined ‘mainstream.’ Together with my friend, Robert, and with the backing of John Janick and Interscope, I look forward to curating the roster.”