Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Studio Bank & BMI, Miranda Lambert, Ashley Cooke

Kenny Chesney Appears On The Howard Stern Show

Kenny Chesney appears on SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show at SiriusXM Studios on December 02, 2025 in New York City. Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Kenny Chesney stopped by The Howard Stern Show yesterday (Dec. 2). During the two hour conversation, they discussed HEART LIFE MUSIC, including inspiration, alienation, unthinkable moments and notions, mutual friends, the creative process and more.

“It was absolutely my most favorite two hours of radio I’ve ever done,” says Chesney. “It was so fast and so engaged with what we’d written, it made me rethink in a wonderful way so much of what went into the book. To hear someone love your life and journey like that, it makes you realize how much we all inspire each other – and I can’t think of a better gift after the last month of incredible media, book events and the love I’ve received on social media than spending two hours with Howard Stern talking about music, songs and life.”

 

Studio Bank & BMI Celebrate Nashville Songwriters

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Mason Hunter, Brad Warren (BMI), Brett Warren (BMI), Studio Bank CEO Aaron Dorn, Liz Rose (BMI), Phil Barton (BMI), Studio Bank’s Ron Cox and BMI’s Clay Bradley. Photo: Samad Dimble Jr. for BMI

Studio Bank and BMI recently brought together some of Nashville’s most celebrated songwriters for an exclusive songwriter round at BMI’s Music Row office. The round featured Liz Rose, Brett and Brad Warren and Phil Barton. Studio Bank Founder, Chairman and President Aaron Dorn, along with Studio Bank’s Ron Cox and BMI’s Clay Bradley also spoke during the event.

“Our partnership with BMI gives us the opportunity to shine a light on the songwriters who are the creative force behind Nashville’s music industry,” said Dorn. “These are the creators behind the songs we all know and love, and we’re honored to continue our ongoing partnership with BMI to celebrate their incredible contributions.”

 

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation Honors Horse Haven Of Tennessee

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Madeleine Rosenthal

Miranda Lambert‘s MuttNation Foundation has awarded Horse Haven of Tennessee with the 2025 Idyllwind Award, which also includes a $25,000 donation. The award, named in honor of Lambert’s first horse, Idyllwind Ellund, recognizes a U.S. equine rescue or sanctuary that rehabilitates and/or rehomes horses that have been neglected, abused or abandoned, while also educating the public about the difficult conditions horses face.

“One thing that really stood out about Horse Haven of Tennessee is that they’re available for emergency equine rescue to all 95 counties in the state – that’s huge,” shares Lambert. “And, of course, the amazing work they do to help rehabilitate and rehome the animals that come into their care.”

 

Ashley Cooke Hosts Writer’s Round For ACM Lifting Lives

Pictured (L-R): Taylor Wolf (Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives), Kyle Sturrock, Ashley Cooke, Vincent Mason, McCoy Moore, and Brooke Boyd (ACM Lifting Lives). Photo: Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives

Ashley Cooke teamed up with ACM Lifting Lives and The Listening Room for a writer’s round fundraiser on Monday night (Dec. 1). The round featured Cooke, Vincent Mason, McCoy Moore, and Kyle Sturrock, and raised $13,000 for ACM Lifting Lives.

“This Giving-Tuesday-inspired show was a perfect representation of the generosity and spirit of community that Country Music fosters,” says Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director. “We were lucky to witness both the musical prowess and camaraderie of Ashley, Vincent, McCoy, and Kyle on The Listening Room stage for a night of heartfelt songs, laughs, and storytelling. Thank you to the artists, the Listening Room, and the fans who so generously fueled the evening.”

Carter Faith Slates First-Ever Headline Tour

Carter Faith. Photo: Bree Fish

Carter Faith will embark on “The Cherry Valley Tour” next spring, marking her debut headline tour.

The 13 date trek will kick off on Feb. 4 at Sonia in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The journey will make stops in Kansas City, Denver, Charlotte and more before wrapping on March 14 at Nashville’s EXIT/IN.

Tickets are available for pre-sale now, with general on-sale beginning this Friday (Dec. 5) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.

Faith is currently in Australia opening for Kelsea Ballerini, and will support Tucker Wetmore next year after her headline run.

“The Cherry Valley Tour” Dates:
February 4—Cambridge, MA—Sonia
February 5—Washington, D.C. —Pearl Street Warehouse
February 6—New York, NY—The Mercury Lounge
February 12—Indianapolis, IN—Hi-Fi Indy
February 19—Kansas City, MO—Knuckleheads Saloon
February 20—Minneapolis, MN—7th St. Entry
February 21—Madison, WI—High Noon Saloon
February 26—Atlanta, GA—Smith’s Olde Bar
March 4—Denver, CO—Globe Hall
March 6—Phoenix, AZ—The Rebel Lounge
March 9—West Hollywood, CA—The Roxy
March 13—Charlotte, NC—Neighborhood Theater
March 14—Nashville, TN—Exit/In

AristoMedia Group Announces Staff Additions, Promotion

Taylor Dickens, Liza Anderson and Amanda Anderson

The AristoMedia Group has announced some staff additions and a promotion.

Taylor Dickens has been promoted to Senior Publicist at the company. Dickens is a Nashville-based music publicist with over seven years of experience, and at AristoMedia has supported press and client coordination for events including Country Radio Seminar, Country Radio Hall of Fame, Live In The Vineyard, Elevation, Cirque du Soleil’s Songblazers, Concert for Love & Acceptance and more. Before joining AristoMedia, Dickens served as Tour Publicist at All Eyes Media, supporting campaigns for Jason Isbell, Widespread Panic, Daniel Donato and more.

Liza Anderson joins the company as Publicity Coordinator, and Amanda Anderson has been named Digital Marketing Coordinator within the company’s AristoDigital division.

Liza was formerly with MusicRow Magazine, where she served as both Project Manager and Subscription Manager/Writer, contributing to editorial content and managing day-to-day operations. A graduate of the University of Alabama with a B.A. in English and a minor in communication studies, she previously worked with Anderson Benson (now Gallagher), supporting the firm’s Entertainment Specialty Practice and other departments.

Amanda is a lifelong music enthusiast who previously worked with Nashville Rescue Mission, Tennessee Voices and PEG Music, where she enhanced digital presence and helped launch statewide initiatives for community engagement. She brings expertise in digital communications, content creation, and audience engagement to her new role, where she will develop and execute social media campaigns, manage targeted ad strategies, and craft content to amplify artist visibility and connection.

“As we celebrate 45 years of AristoMedia’s legacy, I’m constantly reminded that our strength lies in the people behind the work,” says Christy Walker-Watkins, President and Co-Owner of The AristoMedia Group. “Taylor’s years with Aristo have demonstrated her unwavering dedication, not only to our team but to every client she serves, and we’re proud to recognize her continued growth. Liza and Amanda bring incredible energy, creativity, and a genuine passion for our clients; qualities that will help carry our legacy forward.”

Reach Taylor at Taylor@aristomedia.com, Liza at Liza@aristomedia.com and Amanda at Amanda@aristomedia.com.

Ashley McBryde Announces New Charitable Light On Fund

Ashley McBryde. Photo: Katie Kauss

Ashley McBryde has created her new Light On Fund to support causes close to her heart and help those in need.

The new charitable initiative was named for McBryde’s song “Light On In The Kitchen,” which was inspired by and in honor of her mother Martha and her mother’s two sisters. The Light On Fund will target advocacy for the mental health of veterans, rehabilitation resources for the creative community, helping children in the foster care system, championing ASL interpretation at live music events, and much more.

The inspiration for the fund stems from the kindness of McBryde’s mom Martha, who recently auctioned off one of Ashley’s childhood dresses to give back to her local foster care system in Arkansas. McBryde launched the Light On Fund yesterday during Giving Tuesday by personally matching the amount of money raised from that sale.

“Leaving the light on for someone is the same as telling them you love them where I’m from,” shares McBryde. “Folks are suffering in ways we’ll never see or know about, and the same way I want someone to come to my show and know that for 90 minutes, they’ve got a safe haven, we hope the Light On Fund will be a place of support, care, and nurturing for causes that have touched my life and my history.

“The women in my family have led by generous and humble example, living out that the most important gestures are the ones from one heart to another,” she continues. “With the establishment of the Light On Fund, I hope that we’re letting people know that we see them and we care. Wherever they may be or may end up on life’s journey, we’ll leave a light on for them.”

Fans wanting to support the initiative can buy the official Ashley McBryde’s Light On Fund hat with all proceeds going directly to the initiative here.

Dustin Boyer, Bobby Dirienzo & Olivia Pierce Launch Industry Plant

Pictured (L-R): Bobby Dirienzo (Partner, Head of Operations), Olivia Pierce (Partner, Head of Creative), Dustin Boyer (Founder, Head of Marketing). Photo: Raena Lannom

Dustin Boyer, Bobby Dirienzo and Olivia Pierce have launched Industry Plant, a new creative marketing agency.

“We are not here to manufacture images. We are here to magnify what makes an artist and their music valuable. Because when you understand why someone presses play, you know how to make them press it again,” says the team.

The organization uses a tailored framework rooted in psychology, storytelling and digital strategy.

Boyer will serve as Head of Marketing, joining from Venture Music. Dirienzo will serve as Head of Operations with prior stops that include CMA, MCA and Venture Music. Pierce will serve as Creative Director. She founded her own digital marketing agency in 2022 before joining Venture Music in Nashville.

The company’s current roster includes Austin Snell, Paul Cauthen, The Lone Bellow, Walker Montgomery, Gannon Fremin & CCREV, Ben Gallaher, Kaleb Sanders, Karissa Ella, Warner Records, Warner Records Nashville, Red Street Records, River House Artists, Quartz Hill Music Group, Thirty Tigers, 7S Management and Dirt Rock Empire.

Inaugural Nashbash Ushers In Miami Art Week

Photo: Nathan Leslie

Nashville’s modern music scene was on full display last weekend at the inaugural Nashbash in Miami Beach, where some Music City artists performed leading into the famed Miami Art Week.

The lineup featured co-headliners Maggie Rose and Moon Taxi, as well as Paul McDonald and the Mourning Doves and Jess Nolan. The high-energy, one-of-a-kind celebration presented by Jrodconcerts Media took place at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell, and brought the unmistakable soul of Music City to the center of one of the world’s most influential cultural gatherings. Thousands of fans also tuned in to the free livestream from Volume.com.

The Miami Beach Bandshell welcomed more than 70,000 people to 140+ public concerts, festivals, and special events last year, and in addition to shows by top touring bands, the venue features programs throughout the year for children, free concerts to the public, and several platforms to support locally based artists.

Emily Peacock Launches Peacock Publishing And Creative Consulting

Emily Peacock. Photo: Annelise Loughead

Emily Peacock has launched Peacock Publishing and Creative Consulting.

The first signing to the publishing division will be announced next year. Additionally, Peacock will serve as a day-to-day manager for songwriters and producers and will offer a wide range of consulting services including catalog management, calendar management, pitching and A&R.

Initial clients include Shane Stevens, Danny Majic, Steve Fee and Jason Haag.

“I am so proud to be able to tailor my services to meet the personal needs of each creator and to deliver any type of targeted support they need to help them achieve their goals,” Peacock says. “I look forward to providing the highest level of care and service to my clients and to being a passionate advocate for songs and songwriters that I believe in.”

Peacock started her career working for Hall of Fame Songwriter and BMI Icon Bob DiPiero at Love Monkey Music and industry veteran Leslie T. DiPiero at Tom-Leis Music. She has also made stops at Advanced Alternative Media Inc. and Tree Vibez Music. Most recently she spent two years with Jonas Group Publishing.

She can be reached at emily@peacockcreativeconsulting.com.

Grand Ole Opry Kicks Off Fifth Annual Opry Country Christmas

Maddox Batson. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry kicked off the holiday season on Sunday night (Nov. 30) with the first show of their fifth annual Opry Country Christmas series.

Hosted by Larry Gatlin, performers for the first show included Dailey & Vincent, Maddox Batson, Brandon Heath, The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Charlie McCoy.

Opry Country Christmas will continue through Dec. 23 with performances from Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson, Lainey Wilson, Kathy Mattea, Scotty McCreery, Jon Pardi, Mark Wills and Jamey Johnson, among others.

All Opry Country Christmas shows air on WSM Radio as well as WSM and Opry digital platforms.

Opry announcer Charlie Mattos. Photo: Chris Hollo

Mandy Barnett. Photo: Chris Hollo

Francesca Battistelli & Brandon Heath. Photo: Chris Hollo

Riders In The Sky. Photo: Chris Hollo

Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers. Photo: Chris Hollo

Charlie McCoy. Photo: Chris Hollo

Dailey & Vincent. Photo: Chris Hollo

Timmy McKeever Signs With The Familie For Management Representation [Exclusive]

Timmy McKeever.

Timmy McKeever has signed a management deal with The Familie. Steve Astephen, Chase Berlin and Royce Risser at The Familie will co-manage alongside Jason McKeever.

The 19-year-old Southern California native signed to Big Loud Records following his move to Nashville last year. He will join Maddox Batson’s Live! Worldwide Tour beginning February 2026 and is slated to release new music at the beginning of the year.

“Timmy is an exceptionally gifted young artist,” says Berlin. “He brings real heart, real talent, and a work ethic far beyond his years. We’re beyond excited to partner with Timmy and the team at Big Loud to help shape this next chapter of his artistry.”

“Timmy’s talent speaks for itself,” adds Astephen, CEO & Founder of The Familie. “We’re proud to partner with Jason on co-management and support Timmy as he steps into the next chapter of an incredibly promising career.”

Industry Ink: Chase Rice, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, Hudson Westbrook, More

Chase Rice Partners With Boot Barn & Cody James

Chase Rice. Photo: Courtesy of Boot Barn

Chase Rice has teamed up with Boot Barn and Cody James for an exclusive new curated collection from Cody James Black 1978®.The Cody James Black 1978® curated collection featuring Rice is available online here and in Boot Barn stores.

“Partnering with Boot Barn and Cody James was a natural fit,” says Rice. “They want to share a piece of the American spirit with everyone, whether that’s through a pair of cowboy boots or supporting country music, so our values are a good match. Having the team shoot everything here on my farm was a great experience. This is the place where I draw so much inspiration for my music—it’s part of who I am— so getting to share that side of my life and that pride in country living was something special.”

 

Zach Top Teams Up With Kimes Ranch

Zach Top. Photo: Antonija Klotz

Zach Top has teamed up with Kimes Ranch to launch the “Zach” jean, available at the Kimes booth at the NFR this December and online here while supplies last.

“I’m thrilled to finally share the jeans I’ve been wearing every day for over a year-on stage, on the road, and back home. Working with Kimes Ranch to design these was a hands-on process from start to finish,” says Top. “We wanted something that looked good, felt right, and endured the miles and moments that come with this life. These jeans have been with me through it all, and I can’t wait for y’all to try them.”

“Zach represents the next generation of country and Western culture; his commitment to authenticity aligns perfectly with what Kimes Ranch stands for,” said Matt and Amanda Kimes, founders of Kimes Ranch. “This collaboration brings that spirit to life in denim form, and we couldn’t imagine a better time to debut it than NFR.”

To celebrate the debut of the “Zach,” Kimes Ranch will host a special event on Dec. 11 at Ole Red Las Vegas.

 

Tucker Wetmore Sells Out Southern String Hat Co. Collaboration

Tucker Wetmore recently collaborated with Southern String Hat Co., releasing an exclusive silver duck necklace. The limited edition drop sold out within two hours of its initial release.

“I wanted to make something that felt like the kind of days I love – on the water, windows down, wherever the road takes you,” shares Wetmore. “So I teamed up with my go-to hat brand, Southern String. Hope you dig it.”

 

Official Hudson Westbrook Merchandise Available At Buc-ee’s

Hudson Westbrook. Photo: Emma Kate Golden

Hudson Westbrook merchandise is now available at Buc-ee’s across the country. The collection includes a “Well Darlin’” trucker hat along with select T-shirts and a sweatshirt.

 

Drew Baldridge Celebrates First Sold-Out Headline Show, Australian Tour, Acting Debut & Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Performance

Photo: Courtesy of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Drew Baldridge is celebrating his first sold-out headlining show taking place next week in Glasgow, Scotland. Baldridge completed his first Australian tour opening for Jelly Roll earlier this year.

Additionally, he made his acting debut on the small screen in Hallmark Channel’s A Grand Ole Opry Christmas, which premiered last weekend, and participated in his first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

“Every one of these moments feels surreal,” Baldridge shares. “I’ve chased these kinds of dreams for a long time, and to see them all happening at once is incredibly humbling. I’m just grateful for the fans who’ve believed in me from the start.”

 

FIU Honors Ana Cristina Cash As Part Of Inaugural ‘Panther Portrait Series’

Photo: Pictured (L–R): Sara DuCuennois (FIU Associate Vice President & Chief Alumni Officer), Ana Cristina Cash, and Kenneth Hall (FIU Senior Vice President of Advancement). Photo: Manny Alvarado

Florida International University (FIU) recently celebrated alumna Ana Cristina Cash on Nov. 21 as part of the university’s inaugural “Panther Portrait” series. The university commissioned a custom portrait, which will be permanently displayed on campus.

“It means so much to be recognized by the university that helped shape me both personally and artistically,” she shares. “FIU celebrates diverse stories, and I am proud to be part of a community that encourages artists to stay true to who they are.”

 

John PayCheck Joins The Kirby Organization

John PayCheck & Michael Kelley. Photo: JWA Media

John Paycheck has joined The Kirby Organization’s Nashville division, led by veteran agent Michael Kelley.

PayCheck’s “More Days Ahead Tour” crossed through more than 10 states in 2025 and featured songs performed from his first two albums. He is currently working on an album to be announced next year.

“As TKO continues to expand our footprint within the country genre, we are extremely excited for John PayCheck to join our exceptional talent roster,” shares Kelley. “With his passion for keeping the traditional sound alive, coupled with his family’s legacy in the format living on, we are excited for what the future holds.”