JUST IN: Dawn Gates Exits UMG, Launches Seven Note Enterprises

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Dawn Gates

Industry veteran and longtime Universal Music Group Nashville SVP of Digital Business & Creative Development Dawn Gates has exited her role after nearly 20 years with the company to launch Seven Note Enterprises, a consulting and management firm.

The move comes at a time of both personal and professional evolution for Gates, who recently welcomed twins with her wife, Harper Grae, adding to their family of five.

“After 19 transformative years with Universal Music Group, I’m stepping away to write the next chapters of my career,” said Gates. “I’m deeply grateful to UMG—especially Mike Dungan and Cindy Mabe—for the belief in my vision and the support in taking bold, often unconventional, risks. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most innovative and driven minds in music. However, the industry continues to shift and the way we develop artists, build stories, and connect with audiences is changing—and so am I. As I take some time to evaluate and determine my next long-term venture, I’m looking forward to the flexibility Seven Note provides, both with work and family.”

Gates has long been recognized as a trailblazer in digital business and creative development, having founded digital departments at three major labels and played a key role in building multiple divisions at UMG Nashville—including digital marketing, streaming, D2C, fan clubs and research & strategy.

Most recently at UMGN, she served as the primary liaison for global digital business, integration strategies and commercial growth while also overseeing the label’s content strategy, execution and syndication across marketing initiatives. In February 2024, she led the launch of Sing Me Back Home Productions, UMG Nashville’s production arm focused on film and TV projects. Known for harnessing emerging technologies to elevate campaigns, Gates has driven numerous groundbreaking collaborations over her 27-year career, helped grow the careers of hundreds of major label artists and paved the way for colleagues now in leadership roles across labels, distributors, management firms, DSPs and beyond.

Reach Gates at dawn@seven-note.com.

BREAKING: UMG Nashville Rebrands As Music Corporation Of America (MCA)

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Mike Harris, Dave Cobb

Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced the evolution of its Nashville operations under a new identity: Music Corporation of America (MCA).

Under the leadership of President & CEO Mike Harris and Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, the revitalization of the Music Corporation of America brand seeks to recognize the Nashville creative community as a cornerstone of global music innovation. The company’s roster includes Alan Jackson, Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maddie & Tae, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block, Reba McEntire, Sam Hunt, Tyler Hubbard and Vince Gill.

As parent company UMG continues to lead the industry with a historic 39.4% in overall country marketshare, the newly launched Music Corporation of America takes center stage as the No. 1 overall label group with 16.2%, according to Luminate.

The Music Corporation of America’s portfolio will continue to operate and support frontline labels: Mercury Nashville, EMI Nashville, Capitol Nashville and MCA Nashville along with the newly launched Lucille Records, founded by Cobb. In addition to the full suite of creative and commercial resources based in the MCA Nashville headquarters, MCA artists will also be able to leverage the support of the REPUBLIC Collective in the U.S. and UMG globally.

Katie McCartney has been appointed as MCA’s EVP/General Manager, and Tom LaScola will serve as Head of Artist and Audience Strategy, by way of an enhanced alliance with his company, THE TRENCHES.

As one of Cobb’s first key initiatives, the company has also announced a new creative strategic alliance dedicated to supporting and developing homegrown Nashville songwriting talent naming Jessie Jo Dillon as the newly minted Song Buddy. This position seeks to reflect a deep commitment to the vital role songwriters play in the local creative ecosystem.

“With the popularity of country music and the tremendous impact that it continues to make in popular culture, we recognize the importance of Nashville and the impact it has always made in America,” shares Harris. “The incredible staff of these labels will operate with a sense of independence and autonomy, but with a pursuit of excellence and healthy competition as a shared agenda.”

Cobb adds, “I want to let the art lead, embrace community, and approach the business with intention. We show up, work hard, and put artists, songwriters, community, and fans first. We want to get this right for them. That’s what this is all about.”

Lucille Records will be spearheaded by Austin Jenkins, SVP of A&R for MCA and Head of Lucille. The label is grounded in heart, authenticity, and artistic risk-taking. Its diverse inaugural roster includes Lamont Landers, Landon Smith, Isabel Dumas and Sons of Habit.

JUST IN: LeAnn Bennett Joins Black River Entertainment

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LeAnn Bennett. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

LeAnn Bennett has joined Black River Entertainment as Vice President, Label Services.

In the new role, Bennett will oversee the company’s business affairs, A&R administration and sync licensing efforts, where she has already served as a longterm collaborator and consultant.

“I’m so excited to be working for such a well-respected record company, the wonderful staff, and the excellent roster of artists at Black River Entertainment,” shares Bennett. “They truly are the best in the business.”

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome LeAnn to the team,” adds Rick Froio, Executive Vice President, Black River Records. “She’s already been part of the family behind the scenes for years, and making it official just feels right.”

With over three decades in the music business, Bennett has held roles at Compass Records, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Orbison Records and Capitol Records Nashville. She also founded Bennett Entertainment Group in 2010, through which her consulting services take place.

Bennett will be based in Nashville and report directly to Froio. She can be reached at lbennett@blackriverent.com.

Post Malone, Shaboozey, Morgan Wallen Lead American Music Award Nominations

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Post Malone, Shaboozey and Morgan Wallen.

The American Music Award 2025 nominees have been revealed. The 51st annual ceremony will take place on May 26 in Las Vegas, hosted by Jennifer Lopez.

Kendrick Lamar notches the most nominations this year, with 10 nods. If Lamar garners eight wins this year, he will tie Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston for the most awards in a single year. Post Malone is next in the pack with eight nominations, followed by Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan and Shaboozey with seven nominations each. With six nominations each are Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Morgan Wallen, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA and Taylor Swift.

Up for Artist of the Year are Ariana Grande, Eilish, Roan, Lamar, Wallen, Post Malone, Carpenter, SZA, Swift and Zach Bryan. New Artist of the Year nods went to Benson Boone, Roan, Gracie Abrams, Shaboozey, Teddy Swims and Tommy Richman.

A new category this year, Album of the Year nominations went to Beyoncé (Cowboy Carter), Eilish (Hit Me Hard and Soft), Roan (The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess), Charli XCX (Brat), Abrams (The Secret of Us), Future & Metro Boomin (We Don’t Trust You), Lamar (GNX), Post Malone (F-1 Trillion), Carpenter (Short n’ Sweet) and Swift (The Tortured Poets Department). Also new this year is Song of the Year, with the nods going to Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!,” Hozier‘s “Too Sweet,” Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With a Smile,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” Carpenter’s “Espresso,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control.”

In a big year for musical collaborations, Collaboration of the Year nominations went to Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” Lady Gaga and Mars’ “Die With A Smile,” Marshmello & Kane Brown‘s “Miles On It,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” ROSÉ and Mars’ “APT.” and Swift and Post Malone’s “Fortnight.” Inaugural Social Song of the Year nods went to Roan’s “HOT TO GO!,” Djo‘s “End of Beginning,” Doechii‘s “Anxiety,” Lola Young‘s “Messy,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and Richman’s “Million Dollar Baby.”

On the touring front, Eilish, Luke Combs, Wallen, Swift and Bryan are all up for Favorite Touring Artist. Visually, Boone’s “Beautiful Things,” KAROL G‘s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido,” Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars’ “Die With A Smile” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” all earned nods for Favorite Music Video.

On the country front, Jelly Roll, Combs, Wallen, Post Malone and Shaboozey are all up for Favorite Male Country Artist, while Beyoncé, Ella Langely, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney are vying for Favorite Female Country Artist. Up for Favorite Country Duo of Group are Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, Parmalee, The Red Clay Strays and Zac Brown Band.

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, Jelly Roll’s Beautifully Broken, Moroney’s Am I Okay?, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion and Shaboozey’s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going are up for Favorite Country Album. Rounding out the country categories is Favorite Country Song, with nods going to Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay,” Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph‘s “High Road,” Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

Nominations for the American Music Awards are based on streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay and tour grosses via the Billboard charts and Luminate data tracking. This year’s eligibility period was March 22, 2024-March 20, 2025.

Fan voting is now open here and the @AMAs Instagram profile in all awards categories. Voting closes on May 15 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Collaboration of the Year and Social Song of the Year will remain open through the first 30 minutes of the broadcast.

Click here for a full list of nominations.

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.