Capitol CMG Publishing Elevates Five

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Pictured (L-R): Kent Draughon, Katie Barolak, David Gutekunst, Terryl Padilla & Jessica Marion.

Capitol CMG Publishing, a division of Capitol Christian Music Group, has promoted five team members.

David Gutekunst has been elevated to Executive Vice President, where he will helm the publishing division and oversee all business operations and strategy across its creative, marketing and administration teams.

“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside David for two decades now and see firsthand the impact he’s had on our publishing business,” says Brad O’Donnell, President of Capitol Christian Music Group states. “He loves songs, he loves writers, he loves our staff and he loves our genre. He’s a great executive and I know he’s going to do big things in this new leadership role.”

Kent Draughon has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Administration & Operations, where he will lead key administrative functions. Katie Barolak and Terryl Padilla have been upped to Senior Director, Creative. They will co-head creative and writer development strategies, focusing on developing writer brands, making the next generation of songwriting talent and manage CCMG’s roster of writers. Jessica Marion has been elevated to VP, Marketing & Song Promotion. In her new role, she will bring her marketing expierence through her work building the Worship Together brand, to the entire publishing business, leading song promotion and audience exposure.

“I am energized for this new season at Capitol CMG Publishing and honored to lead the way,” adds Gutekunst. “Katie, Kent, Jessica, and Terryl are incredible leaders and advocates for our writers, artists, and partners. Their promotions not only position Capitol CMG Publishing for the future but also recognize a commitment to building on and empowering our internal talent.”

Industry Ink: Zach Top, Chris Janson, ASCAP, Wags & Walks, Future History Management

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Zach Top Earns First Two Canadian Certifications

Pictured: Brayden Mack (MD), Savannah Jackson, Russell James (PD), Dana Thompson (On Air), Docc Andrews (On Air), Zach Top, Katie Dean (Leo33), Tyler Ewing, Lexi Giesbrecht, Brielle Gauer, Celine Trimarchi (On Air).

Zach Top has earned a double Platinum certification for “I Never Lie” and a Platinum certification for “Sounds Like The Radio.” This marks Top’s first two Canadian streaming certifications.

JR Country celebrated the occasion with Top, presenting him with plaques during a recent visit.

 

Chris Janson Performs On ‘Fox & Friends’

Chris Janson.

Chris Janson recently stopped by Fox & Friends to kick off their All-American Christmas Concert Series. Janson performed his rendition of “Run Run Rudolph.”

 

ASCAP Hosts Songwriter Round At Bluebird Cafe

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Kendall Fowler, Zoe Jean Fowler, Austin Jenckes, ASCAP’s Emila James, Makayla Lynn and Mark Irwin.

ASCAP hosted a songwriters’ round on last Wednesday (Dec. 3) at Nashville’s The Bluebird Cafe. The show featured ASCAP members Austin Jenckes, Makayla Lynn, Mark Irwin and Zoe Jean Fowler.

 

Wags & Walks Raises $200,000 On Giving Tuesday

Miranda Lambert with Wags & Walks Nashville Staff. Photo: Courtesy of Brayln Kelly Smith.

Wags & Walks raised over $200,000 during its Giving Tuesday campaign, surpassing its goal of $100,000 per location at both its Los Angeles and Nashville adoption centers.

The funds were raised in part by matched donations from Amanda Seyfried, Trisha Yearwood, Dan & Abby Smyers, The Newgarden Family Foundation, Jason Tartick, Ariadne Getty Foundation, Jason & Gara Post, Rosalie and Harold Brown Charitable Trust and more. Additionally, Miranda Lambert stopped by the Nashville location to help spread awareness.

“This support allows us to act quickly for urgent medical cases and give deserving dogs a second chance,” shares Kathryn Hurley. “Having champions like Miranda Lambert help shine a light on this work made the day even more meaningful. As we move into our Home for the Holidays campaign, we’re energized and incredibly grateful because this momentum truly translates into lives saved.”

 

Future History Management Adds Jameson Roper, Signs Wage War

Jameson Roper & Ryan Richards.

Future History has appointed Nashville-based executive Jameson Roper as Partner and President of U.S. Operations. In addition to bringing his longtime client Bilmuri, Roper has signed Wage War to Future History for worldwide management.

“Getting to firsthand witness Ryan’s excitement and willingness to dive in on every minute detail with artists has always impressed me. We danced around the idea of combining forces for a bit and once the actual proposition came around from Ryan and Andy, I couldn’t have jumped at it faster,” says Roper. “FH’s goal is to represent best-in-class artists, and I’m thrilled to join a company where the people are also best-in-class.”

“I first crossed paths with Jameson ahead of bringing Bilmuri out on Sleep Token’s European tour last year. We connected quickly through a deep love of music and a real passion for the artists we represent, and it was clear from the outset that we shared the same drive and commitment to the people we work with,” shares Future History founder Ryan Richards. “With him now flying the flag for us stateside — and with the addition of two hugely exciting US acts in Bilmuri and Wage War — we’re genuinely thrilled to offer our roster a truly global setup. We’re looking forward to everything we can build together from here.”

Roper can be reached here.

Joybeth Taylor Jumps Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Joybeth Taylor

Joybeth Taylor has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” and “girl you’re taking home,” BigXthaPlug & Langley’s “Hell At Night,” and Gavin Adcock’s “Need To” and “Never Call Again” all push the songwriter to No. 14 this week.

Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the ninth consecutive week with “Change My Mind” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Chase McGill moves to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long” and “the hell you are.”

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

On The Row: Braxton Keith Gives A Preview Of New Music

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Braxton Keith.

Braxton Keith recently stopped by the MusicRow office to give a preview of some unreleased music.

Keith started his musical journey early, learning to play piano in kindergarten. At 12, he traded in piano for guitar. “[I decided to] mainly because my little brother told me I couldn’t do it,” he said with a laugh. Although music was always a passion, he originally chose not to pursue it after being told it it would be too difficult.

MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen, Lauryn Sink and LB Cantrell; Braxton Keith; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

“I got to college and realized that actually every field is a difficult field to get into,” he said. “My parents were both doctors and I realized I wasn’t going to be able to do that, so I decided you have to start somewhere.”

After a conversation with a roommate, he decided to record a song for his own enjoyment and fell in love with the process. He began traveling to Music City to record, and from there, decided to pursue it full time. He kicked off his career touring his home state of Texas supporting acts like Randall King and Triston Marez.

Keith made his Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this year, where he was surprised with his first Gold certification for “Cozy.” He released his debut EP Blue last year.

The Warner Music Nashville artist will hit the road next year on his headlining “This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued.”

@musicrowmag Q&A with @Braxton Keith ♬ Cozy – Braxton Keith

 

PickleJar Up All Night Expands To Over 80 Local Radio Network Stations

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PickleJar Entertainment Group has expanded its flagship country radio program PickleJar Up All Night across more than 80 local radio network affiliates.

Hosted from Nashville by Katie Cook and Scott Gaines, the show is available weeknights from 7 p.m.–midnight or from midnight-6 a.m. ET, and blends emerging artist discovery, fan-driven interaction, exclusive interviews, and authentic Nashville storytelling into a nightly destination for country music culture. The affiliate distribution agreement accelerates PickleJar’s media footprint while aligning affiliate broadcasters with scalable, recurring revenue streams that tie venue technology and content syndication together for the first time in broadcast radio.

This rollout positions the show to reach millions of new listeners while creating tangible revenue opportunities for partner stations – powered by increased VMS adoption inside local music venues and the ability for affiliates to monetize expanded advertising inventory through PickCaster digital signage in the venues. PickleJar is also currently in active discussions with multiple national brands regarding studio naming rights, further extending commercial alignment across broadcast distribution, VMS infrastructure, and PickCaster advertising surfaces.

“This partnership is more than expanded airtime — it’s expanded access,” says Kristian Barowsky, President and Co-Founder of PickleJar Entertainment Group. “PickleJar Up All Night was built to champion new voices in Country music. Reaching millions of new listeners gives us the opportunity to showcase talent on a national stage while strengthening VMS distribution in small and mid-sized markets. We are proud to grow this show, this platform, and the communities of artists who deserve to be heard.”

Chris Reeves, VP of Programming at Local Radio Networks, adds, “PickleJar Up All Night is the kind of modern, fan-forward content we love to bring to our LRN affiliates. We are excited to add the show to our 24/7 programming portfolio and look forward to building future content together — this is only the beginning of where PickleJar and LRN are going.”

22nd Annual Ringside: A Fight For Kids Reveals Rumble On The Row Bouts

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Rumble on the Row has unveiled the bouts for the 22nd Annual Ringside: A Fight for Kids boxing gala, taking place March 6 at The Factory’s Liberty Hall in Franklin.

Taking their place in the ring this year will be Joan Vance (Wiles + Taylor, Account Manager) vs. Ali Nageotte (Wiatr & Associates, Business Manager), Peyton Heben (River House Artists, Manager, A&R) vs. Chase Miller (Rich MGMT, Manager), Sarah Headley (Big Loud Records, Director of Southeast Promotion) vs. Halle Bartlett (One Riot, Creative Director), and Blake McDaniel (Conway Entertainment Group, Vice President) vs Wesley Belden (Raise Financial, CEO).

The event also features gourmet dining, music, and a silent auction. Funds raised will be distributed by The Charley Foundation to provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.

Limited tables and standing-room-only tickets are available here.

Tucker Wetmore Notches Second No. 1

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Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster

Tucker Wetmore has scored his second No. 1 at country radio with “3,2,1.” This makes him the 14th artist in chart history to land his first two singles at No. 1 within the same calendar year, alongside Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood and Tracy Lawrence.

The tune was penned by Josh Miller, Summer Overstreet and Jordan Reynolds, and produced by Chris LaCorte. The track is featured on Wetmore’s debut album What Not To, alongside his first No. 1 “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Wetmore currently has 1.6 billion streams across his catalog.

Wetmore released his new song “Proving Me Right” last Friday (Dec. 5), and is set to perform on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026 to end the year.

Trisha Yearwood Announces ‘The Mirror (Deluxe)’ EP & New Acoustic Tour

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Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood is releasing The Mirror (Deluxe), an expanded digital version of her album The Mirror, via Virgin Music Group and Gwendolyn Records on Jan. 23.

The deluxe edition of the LP features four new tracks: “You’re Gonna Love It Here,” “Different Kind of Hard,” “Undone” and “Country Music HerStory,” along with the fan-favorite bonus track “Put It In A Song.”

To celebrate the arrival of The Mirror (Deluxe), Yearwood will embark on “The Mirror Tour: An Intimate Acoustic Evening of Stories and Songs,” beginning in March along with fellow singer-songwriters Leslie Satcher and Bridgette Tatum. The tour offers fans a rare, up-close experience as Yearwood brings the intimate songs of The Mirror to life, alongside the hits that have defined her career. Tickets go on sale Dec. 12 at trishayearwood.com/tour.

“When we recorded The Mirror, I had such a hard time narrowing it down. I’d co-written so many songs for this project, and I just didn’t want any of them to get lost,” says Yearwood. “This whole writing portal opened for me, and these songs were too important to leave behind. The deluxe really feels like an extension of the album, every track could have lived on the original record because they’re all part of the same story.

‘The Mirror Tour’ is really about bringing these songs to life in the way they were written, with just a guitar and a story,” she continues. “It’s intimate and stripped down, which is how I love to share music. I can’t wait for folks to hear The Mirror in this setting, alongside the songs that have been part of my career all along. It’s going to be a fun way to share this chapter.”

Yearwood is currently in the holiday spirit with the release of her new Christmastime album and is on the road for her “Christmastime: 12 Days of Christmas Symphony Tour,” performing festive favorites with symphonies across the country.

Rissi Palmer Returns To Her Roots On New EP ‘Perspectives’

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Rissi Palmer is set to release her new EP, Perspectives, on Feb. 6.

The project highlights Palmer’s gift for storytelling, blending her personal experiences with her broad musical influences. From the deeply reflective “Old Black Southern Woman” and the joyful warmth of “Good to Me” (both written by Palmer), to the soulful and timely “Can You Run?” (penned by Chris Stapleton), and the poignant “Somebody Somewhere” (an homage to country legend Loretta Lynn), Perspectives is a celebration of both tradition and progress. The deeply personal collection reflects Palmer’s roots while looking forward to the future.

The debut track from the EP, “Old Black Southern Woman” was released earlier this month and is available now on all digital platforms. The accompanying video features appearances by Palmer’s two daughters.

“I’m incredibly proud of these songs,” says Palmer. “Each one felt so distinct, and they deserved their own spotlight outside of our upcoming full-length album. Perspectives is a return to my roots, and when I shared the idea with my longtime friend and collaborator, Shannon Sanders, he immediately understood the vision. Together, we created something special, honoring my influences while staying true to my voice. And with Dan Knobler’s touch on ‘Somebody Somewhere,’ we brought new life to a classic.”

Perspectives Track List:
1. “Old Black Southern Woman” (Rissi Palmer/Kyshona Lamiere; Producer: Shannon Sanders)
2. “Can You Run?” (Chris Stapleton/Mike Henderson; Producer: Shannon Sanders
3. “Good To Me” (Rissi Palmer/Shannon Sanders/Hilton Wright II; Producer: Shannon Sanders)
4. “Somebody Somewhere (Don’t Know What He’s Missin’ Tonight” (Lola Jean Dillon; Producer: Dan Knobler)

‘O Brother, Where Art Thou?’ Soundtrack Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Vinyl Edition & Opry Celebration

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Lost Highway Records is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack by releasing a vinyl edition on Feb. 20.

Certified eight-times Platinum by the RIAA in 2007, the new 25th anniversary edition gives vinyl collectors three new variations to choose from: Standard Black, Sunshine Gold, (which will be available exclusively at the Lost Highway Records store), and Dapper Dan Red, available exclusively at independent record stores.

In honor of the milestone anniversary and new vinyl pressing, and as part of the Grand Ole Opry’s continuing 100th anniversary celebration, T Bone Burnett and Lost Highway will present an evening of O Brother, Where Art Thou? on the Opry on Feb. 28. The special Saturday night show will feature artists from the original soundtrack and more.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? was produced by Burnett for the 2000 Coen Brothers’ film of the same name, which was set in rural Mississippi during the Great Depression and starred George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson. The soundtrack climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart after winning multiple Grammys, including Album of the Year, and was also named Album of the Year at the CMA Awards, the ACM Awards and the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards.

It was the biggest-selling soundtrack of the decade according to Billboard, and in recent years it has been named one of the best soundtracks of all time by outlets including Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and Parade. The film and soundtrack sparked a 21st-century cultural renaissance, reintroducing traditional American roots music to the masses and inspiring a new wave of popular music rooted in the American South, with Lost Highway Records at the epicenter of the movement.

The O Brother, Where Art Thou? anniversary celebration will continue over the course of the year, with a series of special events and activations.