Waylon Wyatt To Embark On ‘Everywhere Under The Sun Tour’

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Waylon Wyatt. Photo: Jake Zaoutis

Waylon Wyatt will hit the road this spring on his headlining “Everywhere Under The Sun Tour.”

Kicking off April 23 in New Braunfels, Texas, the tour will stop in Little Rock, Arkansas, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wilmington, North Carolina and more across its eleven dates.

“Can’t wait to be out on the road with the band again,” says Wyatt. “Headlining just about all the mile markers you can think of and opening for the one and only Sam Barber. Gonna be a good one this year. So much new music I’ve been working on for y’all. Been tryna get an album built up and I’ll definitely be trying some of them out at these shows so make sure y’all get out to one. Or I guess just wait til the album drops. Either way we’re gonna be moving different this year and it’s definitely gonna be a tour to remember!!”

The Hackett, Arkansas native will return to Europe later this year for C2C Festival 2026 with dates in Berlin, Rotterdam, London, Belfast and Glasgow, and headlining dates in Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen. He will also support Sam Barber on select North American dates.

“Everywhere Under The Sun Tour” Dates:
April 23 – New Braunfels, TX – Gruene Hall
April 27 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
April 28 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall
May 1 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
May 2 – Urbana, IL – The Canopy Club
May 4 – Detroit, MI – El Club
May 5 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
May 6 – Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre
May 8 – Charlottesville, VA – The Jefferson Theater
May 9 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
May 10 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm

BMI Names Lee Thomas Miller As 2026 Songwriter Ambassador

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Lee Thomas Miller.

BMI has named Lee Thomas Miller as its 2026 BMI Songwriter Ambassador in Residence for the Nashville Creative office.

Throughout the year, Miller will host his own BMI Acoustic Lounge, lead BMI’s signature round at the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival and perform at BMI’s Key West Songwriters Festival and Annapolis Songwriters Festival. He will serve as a key speaker during exclusive BMI events such as BMI’s Next Big Wave Mixer as well as BMI’s Catalog Cast, where he will converse with Belmont University, MTSU and TSU students during the spring course.

“I signed with BMI in the late ’80s, and they were the first place I went to play terrible songs and demos on cheap cassette tapes. BMI has been one of the few constants through decades of change,” says Miller. “Not only are they a vital part of my own career, but I also have the honor of fighting alongside them for reform and protection in our copyright laws. It is humbling that BMI would ask me to serve in this capacity. It is the kind of program that makes our music community a family.”

“Few people understand the songwriter journey like Lee Thomas Miller, who has navigated this changing industry for three decades,” adds BMI Vice President, Creative, Nashville Clay Bradley. “His ability to lead by example and his rooted experience make him the ideal ambassador to help remind songwriters of their worth.”

Miller has earned 13 BMI Awards, both the CMA and an ACM “Song of the Year” award for Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” the CMA “Single of the Year” award for Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This” and three Grammy nominations. He has amassed seven No. 1 hits, 18 Top 20 singles, over 25 million radio spins and over 100 million streams. He has additional cuts with Scotty McCreery, Hailey Whitters, Bryan Martin, Brandon Heath, Parker McCollum, Jason Aldean, Brothers Osborne, Kelsey Hart, Kashus Culpepper and more. In 2015, Miller received the inaugural BMI Champion Award and currently serves as President of NSAI.

ACM & ACM Lifting Lives Reveal New Hires & Promotions

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Pictured (L-R): Elizabeth Hagler, Julie Alcaraz & Brooke Boyd.

The Academy of Country Music and its philanthropic partner, ACM Lifting Lives, have made new hires and promotions across its human resources, accounting and philanthropic departments, elevating one and adding two.

Elizabeth Hagler joins the ACM as Head of Operations, People & Culture. In this role, Hagler will work closely with executive leadership, creative teams and others to support the Academy’s workforce. Previously, the Tullahoma native held her position at Parking Management Company for six years where she expanded the company’s presence on the east coast and oversaw the development of 1,500 employees. She led charitable initiatives including an Angel Tree Partnership, planning events with Make-A-Wish and more.

Julie Alcaraz joins the ACM as a Senior Accountant, Finance & Accounting. Graduating from William Paterson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Business and a Master’s Degree from California State University, Los Angeles, she previously worked at Universal Music Group as Senior Manager, International Royalties before moving to Nashville as the NA Royalties Director for Universal Music Publishing. She opened an accounting firm serving small business owners before accepting a position at Concord Music Group as Director of Accounts Receivable. In addition to her role at the ACM, she also serves as Treasurer and Board Member of Beloved Community Co-Op, a small nonprofit homeschool cooperative in Indiana.

Brooke Boyd has been elevated to Coordinator, ACM Lifting Lives. She began her career at the ACM as an intern in 2023 and was quickly promoted to a full-time assistant. In her new role, Boyd will continue contributing to the growth and success of ACM Lifting Lives’ programs and initiatives. She is a Clemson University alumna.

Josh Osborne Featured As Country Music Hall Of Fame’s Next ‘Poets and Prophets’ Honoree

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Award-winning songwriter Josh Osborne will be featured in The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s next installment of its “Poets and Prophets” interview series on Feb. 21.

A Kentucky native, Osborne began writing songs as a teen and moved to Nashville immediately after high school in 1998, signing his first publishing deal shortly thereafter. Osborne honed his craft for more than a decade before hitting his stride in the 2010s and earning his first No. 1 with Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” in 2012. Now one of Nashville’s go-to tunesmiths, he has scored more than 30 additional chart-toppers, including “Drunk Last Night” (Eli Young Band); “Leave the Night On” and “Body Like a Back Road” (Sam Hunt); “One Man Band” (Old Dominion); “Sangria” and “My Eyes” (Blake Shelton) and “Sand in My Boots” (Morgan Wallen).

Osborne has won two Grammys for Best Country Song: in 2014 for “Merry Go ’Round” and in 2025 for “The Architect,” both by Kacey Musgraves and co-written with Musgraves and Shane McAnally. He was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2021 and NSAI’s Songwriter of the Year in 2019. In 2014, Osborne’s name was added to the Country Music Highway (U.S. Route 23), which runs through his home county in Kentucky.

The interview will be moderated by Museum Writer-Editor Allison Moorer and will be accompanied by photos, film and recordings. After the program, Osborne will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. “Poets and Prophets” is included with museum admission and free to museum members, however seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance.

The museum’s Poets and Prophets series was launched in 2007 and has spotlighted more than 50 songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.

Trevor Noah To Host Grammy Awards For Final Time

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Emmy Award-winning, Grammy and Golden Globe Award nominated comedian Trevor Noah will host the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking his sixth and final time as host. Noah will also serve as an Executive Producer.

The 2026 Grammy Awards will take place on Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles at 7 p.m. CST. The ceremony will stream live on CBS and will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.

Nominees for the 68th Annual Ceremony include Amy Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Tyler Childers, Eric Church, Charley Crockett, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jelly Roll, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Lukas Nelson, Willie Nelson, Margo Price, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Zach Top, Laura Veltz, Lainey Wilson and more. This year will also give out the inaugural Best Traditional Country Album and Best Contemporary Country Album awards.

The 2026 Grammy Awards will be produced by Fulwell Entertainment for the Recording Academy. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor, Jesse Collins, and Noah are executive producers.

Ty Myers To Get ‘Heavy On The Soul’ This March

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Ty Myers will release his new album, Heavy On The Soul, March 27 via RECORDS Nashville/Columbia.

Pictured (L–R): Narvel Blackstock – Starstruck Entertainment; Barry Weiss – President & Co-Founder, Records; Ty Myers; Andrew Saltman – VP, Marketing & Digital, Records; Joe Fisher – EVP, A&R

The project was recorded at Alabama’s FAME Recording Studios, where Myers’ inspirations Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding also recorded. Myers solo-penned 11 out of 17 tunes on the record, with additional writing credits from Scooter Carusoe, Harper O’Neill, Marcus King and more. Brandon Hood served as the sole producer for the album. Session players include guitarist Tom Bukovac and steel guitarist Bruce Bouton.

On Friday (Jan. 16), Myers will release “Message To You.” This follows four previously released songs from the album, including “Leaving Carolina,” “Through a Screen,” “Come On Over, Baby,” and “Two Trains (feat. Marcus King).”

Myers also made his late night television debut yesterday (Jan. 12) on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with a performance of “Thought It Was Love.” Backstage, Myers was given two plaques from RIAA for his debut album The Select’s Gold certification, and Platinum certification of “Thought It Was Love.”

Heavy On The Soul Track List:
1. “Morning Comes” (Ty Myers, Scooter Carusoe)
2. “Me Neither” (Ty Myers)
3. “Pedestal” (Ty Myers)
4. “Don’t You Know” (Ty Myers)
5. “Message to You” (Ty Myers)
6. “Run, Run, Run” (Ty Myers, Harper O’Neill, Jason Nix, Andy Austin)
7. “Game Called Love” (Ty Myers)
8. “Leaving Carolina” (Ty Myers, Braydon Watts)
9. “Come On Over, Baby” (Ty Myers)
10. “Woman” (Ty Myers)
11. “Through a Screen” (Ty Myers)
12. “Two Trains” (feat. Marcus King) (Lowell George)
13. “Southbound” (Ty Myers)
14. “Songs for You” (Ty Myers, Marcus King)
15. “Gone Too Long” (Ty Myers, Braydon Watts)
16. “Bad Guy” (Ty Myers)
17. “Good Morning Paris” (Ty Myers)

Spotify Releases Playlists Of Artists & Songwriters To Watch In 2026

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Spotify has released its 2026 Artists to Watch list and Songwriters to Watch 2026 class, spotlighting the emerging voices about to make a serious impact in pop, dance, country, R&B and more. The group of standout songwriters and artists are chosen by Spotify as being poised to define the sound of the year ahead.

On its Artists to Watch 2026 playlist, Spotify highlights the artists who are turning heads on playlists, gaining momentum around the world, and pushing their genres into new territory. The genre-spanning, culture-driven collection of what’s around the corner features several country artists, including Vincent Mason (Essential track: “Damned If I Do”); Zach John King (Essential track: “Happy For You”); Laci Kaye Booth (Essential track: “Luck Of The Draw”); and Max McNown (Essential track: “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)”).

Spotify selected two essential cuts from each songwriter (or team) for its Songwriters to Watch 2026 playlist. Country songwriters chosen for the list include Travis Wood, (Essential track: “I Ain’t Sayin’” by Jordan Davis); Joe Fox (Essential track: “Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” by Morgan Wallen); and Sam Westhoff (Essential track: “Blink Twice” by Shaboozey and Myles Smith).

“Songwriters are the architects of the songs we fall in love with, and too often their stories stay behind the scenes,” says Jacqueline Ankner, Head of Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships at Spotify. “With Songwriters to Watch 2026, we are spotlighting the creators shaping culture across genres, from Nashville hitmakers to global pop builders and producer-writers pushing sound forward. Our goal is to help these writers reach new audiences, deepen industry recognition, and celebrate the craft at the heart of every great song.”

BREAKING: Sony Music Publishing Acquires Big Yellow Dog Music

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Pictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Carla Wallace, Kerry O’Neil

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has acquired independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD), effective immediately. With the agreement, the company now owns and administers Big Yellow Dog’s catalog of songs and serves as full-service publisher for its roster of songwriters.

Founded in 1998 by Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace and based in Nashville, Big Yellow Dog Music’s catalog includes Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” “Dear Future Husband,” “No” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” Maren Morris’ “The Bones,” “My Church,” “80’s Mercedes” and “I Could Use A Love Song,” songs from the Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Leon Bridges, MUNA, The Black Keys, Aminé, Leon Thomas and more. The company has earned 41 No. 1 songs, Grammy awards and nominations, and honors across BMI, ASCAP, SESAC and ACM awards.

“These last 26 years have been a once in a lifetime journey full of amazing songs, including some worldwide hits,” shares O’Neil. “Now it’s time for a new chapter and Carla and I are so pleased to have our friends at Sony carry the torch from here. We know our writers and their great catalog are in sure hands. Thank you to Jon, Rusty, Cam and Brian. Most of all, I want to thank Carla for her unique and bold creative leadership over all these years.”

“There’s no way to capture 26 years of dancing, creating, and pure joy at Big Yellow Dog Music,” says Wallace. “Sharing each day with an endlessly talented, passionate, and hilarious team has been an unforgettable gift. Championing extraordinary artists, hearing future hits before the world, and watching dreams take flight has been nothing short of magical. It has been a true privilege to partner with one of the most brilliant minds in Nashville, Kerry O’Neil. l know our legacy will continue to thrive in the very best hands with Rusty Gaston and the Sony team.”

“Big Yellow Dog has been a Music Row institution for more than a quarter century,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “Carla and Kerry are two of the most respected publishers in this business, and they have set the bar for independent success in Nashville and beyond. Their catalog contains some of the most performed songs over the past two decades – songs that haven’t just been hits but have defined careers. It’s an honor to represent this amazing collection of songs and to continue Big Yellow Dog’s legacy with future cuts coming from the catalog and new music from their standout roster.”

Syntax Creative Elevates Two, Adds One

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Erin Moorman, Tremon Matlock and Chelsea Owens. Photo: Courtesy of Syntax Creative

Syntax Creative has elevated Erin Moorman to Vice President of Marketing and Tremon Matlock to Marketing Manager, and has added Chelsea Owens as Executive Assistant.

Moorman joined Syntax Creative in 2022 as a Marketing Coordinator and most recently served as Senior Director of Marketing. In her current role, Moorman oversees release strategy and marketing operations for all labels represented by Syntax Creative, managing campaigns across a roster of more than 150 independent record labels. Moorman holds a Bachelors degree in entertainment industry studies from Delta State University and a Masters degree in leadership in music business from Visible Music College.

“Erin earned this,” says Syntax Creative CEO Timothy Trudeau. “She’s clear-headed, accountable, and not afraid of responsibility. We spend a lot of time developing artists in this industry, but we’re just as committed to developing people. Erin is exactly the kind of leader we want growing here.”

“I’m grateful for the trust that comes with this role,” adds Moorman. “There’s a lot of responsibility here, and I take that seriously. My focus is on building systems that work, supporting our team and serving our clients well as we keep growing.”

In his new role, Matlock will continue supporting release campaigns while taking on broader responsibility for coordinating marketing efforts across the roster. He reports to Moorman.

“Tremon is steady and dependable, which matters more than people realize,” shares Moorman. “He pays attention to detail, follows through, and brings consistency to the team. This promotion reflects the trust we have in him and the value he brings to our work.”

Owens holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from California State University, Long Beach, with a background in administrative support, education and music.

Vince Gill To Launch ’50 Years From Home Tour’ This Summer

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Vince Gill. Photo: David McClister

Vince Gill has announced he’ll kick off his “50 Years From Home Tour” beginning in June.

The 22-time Grammy winner will embark on the new summer tour June 18 in Orlando, and visit Clearwater, Athens, Syracuse and more on the initial 14-market run, which will also include a six-night residency in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium beginning July 30. Additional cities will be announced soon. As always, Musicians Hall of Fame member Gill will be joined on stage by a top notch cast of fellow musicians.

Gill has spent the majority of the last nine years as a touring member of the Eagles, and the band is currently in the midst of a lengthy run of performances before sellout crowds at Sphere in Las Vegas.

To honor his 50-year career milestone of leaving home in Oklahoma to begin his career as a performer, Gill is also curating a series of EPs that will be released over the course of the year, titled 50 Years from Home. He has already released three EPs from the series, each featuring six brand-new songs and one previous hit: I Gave You Everything I Had (Oct. 17), Secondhand Smoke (Nov. 14) and Brown’s Diner Bar (Jan. 9).

Tour Dates:
June 18 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center
June 19 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
June 20 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center
June 22 – Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
June 23 – Athens, GA – The Classic Center
June 25 – Fort Myers, FL – Barbara B. Mann PAH @ FSW
June 26 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel PAH
June 27 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
July 9 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter
July 10 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre ****
July 11 – Schenectady, NY – Proctors Theatre ****
July 18 – Battle Creek, MI – FireKeepers Casino **
July 23 – Charleston, WV – Clay Center ****
July 30, 31 & August 1, 6, 7, 8 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium ***

All dates on sale 1/16 with these exceptions:

** (on sale 1/17) *** (on sale 1/23) **** (on sale 1/30)