The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) hosted its 2025 AIMP Nashville Country Awards on Tuesday evening (April 8) at Marathon Music Works. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the event spotlighted the independent songwriters and publishers who help make Nashville Music City.

After a lively social hour—complete with drinks and a taco truck—songwriters, publishers and other industry members filled the venue’s event hall. Following brief remarks from sponsor Humanable, the music officially began.

As is tradition at the AIMP Awards, the evening featured intimate and distinctive performances from past and present Rising Artist-Writer of the Year and Artist-Writer of the Year nominees and winners. In honor of the event’s milestone year, each performance paid tribute to a song that had previously won Song of the Year.

Hardy opened the set with the award-winning “Girl Crush,” followed by Jordan Davis performing “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”

Storme Warren then took the stage to begin his hosting duties and present the night’s first award: Rising Songwriter of the Year. The honor went to Jon Decious, independently published by OneRiot Music and Reservoir Media. In his heartfelt speech, he thanked Jesus, his mom, “what the hell Dale,” Mandelyn Monchick, his publishers and “every artist that has let [him] bug them for an afternoon.”

With community spirit running high, Hailey Whitters stepped up to perform Song of the Year winner “Drinkin’ Problem.”

Next, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year was awarded to breakout country artist Zach Top (published by Major Bob Music). Though he couldn’t attend, he shared his gratitude in a video message.

AIMP Nashville Chapter President John Ozier then addressed the crowd, speaking about the tremendous loss the industry has faced with the passing of Warner Chappell President & CEO Ben Vaughn. A moving tribute video followed, featuring emotional words from Scott Hendricks, Tim Hunze, Jody Williams, Ross Copperman, Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett, Mike Molinar, Abbey Adams, Shawn McSpadden and Jessi Alexander. In Vaughn’s honor, AIMP made a donation to Music Health Alliance.

Carly Pearce took the stage next to perform “Rainbow,” offering a moment of comfort and reflection for the Nashville publishing community as they remembered Vaughn.

Song Champion of the Year was then presented to Concord’s Courtney Allen. The room gave her a standing ovation as she took the stage in tears, sharing that she had been going through a difficult week.

“So many people here have showed up for me,” she said. She thanked her champions and the songwriters and artists who trust her with their work.

Lee Brice followed with a performance of “The Bones,” and Jackson Dean performed his hit “One of Them Girls.”

The Publisher Pick of the Year award went to “Hell Is A Dance Floor,” written by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel and independently published by Hang Your Hat Music and Concord Music Publishing. The duo took the stage, with McDaniel expressing gratitude to his support system.

“It was always my dream to be a songwriter,” Mason added. “To win an award picked by publishers means the world to me.” Mae Estes then performed the track.

Jordan Davis was later named Artist-Writer of the Year (published by Anthem Entertainment). He shared that “this room is the only thing [he’s] known since moving to Nashville,” and shouted out some of the writers of his current single, who were in attendance.

Old Dominion delivered “Sand In My Boots” before the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award was presented to Jessie Jo Dillon (Big Machine Music), sparking a round of enthusiastic applause.

“Everyone in this room is incredible,” Dillon said. “I love country music—let’s protect it.”

Ashley McBryde then performed “You Should Probably Leave,” followed by Hannah Ellis and Nick Wayne with their rendition of “Next Thing You Know.”

Independent Publishing Company of the Year was awarded to Big Machine Music. The team took the stage with a cardboard cutout of Alex Heddle, who was away on his honeymoon.

“A lot has been said about community,” said BMM’s Mike Molinar. “We couldn’t do this without you publishers and songwriters.”

The final award of the night, Song of the Year, went to “The Painter,” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins and published by Big Machine Music and Nashblonde Music. Davis and Larkins accepted the honor, thanking their teams, families and Cody Johnson for recording the track.

Morgan Wallen has entered the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “I Had Some Help,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Love Somebody” and “Smile” all put the singer-songwriter at No. 5 this week.

Ashley Gorley stays at No. 1 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Not At This Party,” “Park,” “She Hates Me” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Riley Green remains at No. 2 with solo-penned “Worst Way.”

Charlie Handsome (No. 3) and Taylor Phillips (No. 4) 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.

This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly covers a range of significant developments within the country music industry, from career shifts and artist signings to the honoring of songwriters and the loss of beloved figures. Click here to see the full edition.

In a notable departure, Candice Watkins has resigned from her position as Senior Vice President of Marketing at Big Loud Records, after more than six years with the label.

The industry mourned the loss of Lesly Simon, who passed away on March 27 after a battle with breast cancer. Simon was a respected figure in the music business, dedicating over 20 years to the industry. In 2016, Garth Brooks hired her as the General Manager of his label, Pearl Records, and she later played an instrumental role in the success of Trisha Yearwood’s Gwendolyn Records. The industry also bid farewell to Troy Seals, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Seals, who passed away at 86, was a prolific songwriter who co-wrote over 75 charted singles, including 30 top 10 hits and 11 No. 1 records. His timeless classics, like “Seven Spanish Angels” and “Lost in the Fifties Tonight,” have left a lasting imprint on country music.

Monument Records has undergone significant changes, with the exit of much of its staff. Going forward, select aspects of the company will be managed by Sony Music Nashville.

The Country Music Association (CMA) announced the 2025 recipients of its prestigious Triple Play Awards. This award recognizes songwriters who have penned three No. 1 hits within a 12-month period. This year’s winners include a diverse group of talented individuals such as Rocky Block, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen, among others. They will be honored at a ceremony on April 29 in Nashville, hosted by composer and CMA Board member Jim Beavers.

Multiple-time Grammy winner Billie Eilish, along with her brother and collaborator Finneas, have joined the management roster at Jason Owen’s Sandbox Entertainment. Additionally, Kiley Donohoe launched her independent firm, Greenhouse Management, with a roster featuring Ernest, Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford. 

FBMM promoted Laura Beth Hendricks, Ben Huddleston and Abby Lamb to Associate Business Manager roles in its Nashville office. Creative Nation made key hires, adding Alex Albanese as Creative Manager and promoting Abby Holcomb to Senior Director, Operations & Digital and Jayne Hamblin to Director, Management & Records.

There were multiple other signings this week, including country singer-songwriter Caroline Jones, known for her work with Zac Brown Band, signing with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Singer-songwriter Averie Bielski also signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, while songwriters Olivia DaPonte and Chris McKenna inked with Warner Chappell Music Nashville & Group Projects. Producer Dom Martinez signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. Finally, Matt Schuster partnered with new management, signing with Dillon Goldberg of FNGRPRNT.

Rising country star Maddox Batson made his Grand Ole Opry debut on March 26. Laci Kaye Booth followed suit, making her own Opry debut on March 29.

mtheory unveiled its four new participants selected for its Equal Access Development Program. This year’s cohort includes artists MŌRIAH and Michael Warren, alongside management professionals Tanner Davenport and Kohl Almire.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen notches the No. 1 spot again this week with “I’m The Problem.” 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.

On a night filled with country charm, soul-soothing melodies and infectious energy, Zac Brown Band took the stage at The Pinnacle in Nashville last night (April 3) for their second of two shows.

After an energetic opening set from Irish band Gaelic Storm, the band opened with the feel-good anthem “Toes,” setting the tone for what would be a night of seamless musical transitions. As the crowd sang along, the energy was palpable. Every person, from the front row to the back, swayed to the rhythm of the band’s irresistible tunes. “Homegrown” followed, with its laid-back vibe creating a sense of togetherness and nostalgia.

One of the evening’s most notable moments came when they performed the iconic “Devil Went Down to Georgia.” The fiery fiddle solo was met with wild applause, with fans completely immersed in the spirited performance. Next, the band transitioned into “My Kinda Medicine,” bringing a high-energy rock-infused sound to the stage, and then mellowed things out with the heartfelt “Sweet Annie,” showcasing the depth of their musical versatility.

Next, the band invited Drake White to the stage to join them for the song “As She’s Walking Away.” As the night continued, the hits kept coming with “Same Boat,” “Keep Me in Mind” and “My Old Man,” which Brown dedicated to all the dads. The Nashville crowd sang and swayed in unison, proving Zac Brown Band’s ability to connect with their fans. The energy reached new heights during “Knee Deep,” with videos of Jimmy Buffett singing in the background.

After a quick intermission, the band began their acoustic set, offering a more intimate experience. The soft strums of “The Wind” began, and a wave of serenity washed over the room. The stripped-back sound allowed every word to resonate, drawing listeners into the raw emotion of the music, followed by “Wild Palomino” and “Out In The Middle.”

The second half of the night saw Zac Brown Band deliver more crowd-pleasers. “Jump Right In” and “Island Song” brought a tropical feel, with fans enthusiastically singing every word. The playful “Two Blue Chairs & You” followed.

Another great moment came when the band covered Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” transforming the classic into a unique Zac Brown Band rendition that had the crowd roaring with appreciation. This was followed by the hauntingly beautiful “Someone I Used to Know.”  

The evening took a tender turn with “Loving You Easy,” a song that had fans swaying and holding their loved ones close. The show’s emotional highs continued with Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet,” with band member Caroline Jones taking the spotlight for a stunning solo performance that captivated the audience.

As the night neared its end, the group brought things full circle with the soulful “Goodbye In Her Eyes” and the reflective “Tomorrow Never Comes.” But it was the mashup of “Colder Weather” and the Eagles’ “Take It to the Limit” that truly left fans awestruck.

And of course, no Zac Brown Band concert would be complete without the crowd-favorite “Chicken Fried.” As the final song of the night, the song’s infectious joy filled the venue one last time, bringing the night to a close with everyone singing in unison.