Tyler Halverson Slates New Album For February

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Tyler Halverson. Photo: Ben Christensen

Tyler Halverson will release In Defense of Drinking on Feb. 13 via CMDSHFT. Accompanying the announcement he released his new single, “More Hearts Than Horses.”

Halverson wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on the project alongside Colton Venner, Johnny Clawson, Jon Decious and Ben Chapman, among others. Recorded at Amber Sound in Hermitage, Tennessee, the project was produced by Halverson, Ryan Youmans and Gary Stanton.

The record explores self-induced heartbreak, self-medication and search for redemption.

“You can lose yourself in the troubadour lifestyle, where every night is a damn party and you’re far from your family, your home, and your faith,” Halverson says. “So, this album may be a little bit of a personal battle: Who are you on the road vs. who are you at home. These songs are often about me admitting that I can be reckless and impulsive, but that I’m trying my best. Conflict isn’t always bad if you can make some good out of it.”

Halverson will join Parker McCollum for select dates next year between other appearances.

In Defense Of Drinking Track List:
1. “More Hearts Than Horses” (Tyler Halverson, Colton Venner, Johnny Clawson)
2. “Beer Garden ft. Parker McCollum” (Tyler Halverson, Ryan Carroll Nelson, Nate Fredrick)
3. “8 Second High” (Tyler Halverson, Colton Venner, Johnny Clawson)
4. “Ft. Worth Losing” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious)
5. “Smoke You Out” (Tyler Halverson, JR Atkins)
6. “In Defense of Drinking” (Jon Decious)
7. “Like The Rodeo” (Tyler Halverson, Matt Daniel)
8. “Cowboy Babies” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious, Jaida Dreyer)
9. “Old Men Younger Women” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious, Colin Nash)
10. “The Dreamer” (Tyler Halverson, Ben Chapman, Nate Frederick, Matt Daniel)
11. “Son Brother Believer” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious)

Vincent Mason Announces ‘Monster Energy Outbreak Headline Tour’

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Vincent Mason. Photo: David Higgs

Vincent Mason has announced his “Monster Energy Outbreak Headline Tour” will kick off in January in Kansas City.

The tour will include stops in Dallas, Nashville, New York City, Fort Worth, Tulsa, Orlando, Boston and more through May 15. Tickets go on sale Oct. 29 at vincentmasonmusic.com. Mason joins an impressive lineup of past Outbreak artists, including Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown and Cole Swindell.

“I can’t wait to get back on the road and headline the ‘Monster Energy Outbreak Tour’ now that we can play songs off the debut album,” shares Mason. “Playing shows after putting out new music has always been one of my favorite parts of what I do, and I can’t think of a better way to start the year.”

In addition to the tour announcement, Mason has released “Little Miss,” a song he deems his favorite track from his upcoming debut album. Written by Mason with Chase McDaniel, Ryan Beaver and Jared Keim, the track describes the spark of instant attraction that’s filled with wonder and charm. Mason’s debut album There I Go is due out Nov. 7 via Interscope/MCA Nashville/Music Soup, and he has already amassed over 360 million streams across his platforms.

“There I Go” Confirmed Tour Dates:
Thu, Jan 22 – Kansas City, MO – The Truman
Fri, Jan 23 – Lincoln, NE – Bourbon Theatre
Sat, Jan 24 – Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom
Thu, Jan 29 – Fort Worth, TX – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
Fri, Jan 30 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall
Sat, Jan 31 – Lubbock, TX – Cook’s Garage
Thu, Feb 5 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
Fri, Feb 6 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
Sat, Feb 7 – Dallas, TX – The Studio at The Factory
Thu, Feb 12 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
Fri, Feb 13 – Oxford, MS – The Lyric
Sat, Feb 14 – Baton Rouge, LA – Texas Club
Thu, Feb 19 – Knoxville, TN – The Mill & Mine
Fri, Feb 20 – Newport, KY – MegaCorp Pavilion
Sat, Feb 21 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
Thu, Feb 26 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
Sat, Feb 28 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
Thu, Mar 5 – Gainesville, FL – Vivid Music Hall
Fri, Mar 6 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues
Sat, Mar 7 – Tallahassee, FL – The Moon
Thu, Apr 23 – Richmond, VA – The National
Fri, Apr 24 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
Sat, Apr 25 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of the Living Arts
Thu, May 7 – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall
Fri, May 8 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
Sat, May 9 – Cleveland, OH – Globe Iron
Thu, May 14 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Fri, May 15 – Boston, MA – House of Blues

By Design Partners With BMG

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Pictured (L-R, back row): By Design’s Jeremy Holley, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Peter Strickland and By Design’s Josh Bailey. (L-R, front row): By Design’s Josh Thompson, By Design’s Rod Riley, BMG’s Jon Loba and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s JoJamie Hahr. Photo: William King

By Design, the company recently launched by Josh Bailey, Jeremy Holley, Rod Riley and Josh Thompson, has partnered with BMG. The partnership will include worldwide distribution, label services, joint label signings and a co-investment strategy across catalog acquisitions via Archetype Music.

“Faith-driven music has long been of particular interest to many members of the BMG team,” shares Jon Loba, President of Frontline Recordings, BMG Americas. “Even though we have not specifically engaged in that line of business, there has always been the desire and intention to do so. The opportunity to partner with By Design offered the perfect, complimentary alliance with exceptional, proven industry executives, who have the same heart and artist-first approach to music as BMG. We are so incredibly excited to join forces with Rod, Jeremy, both Josh’s and the entire By Design team, to enter a global genre that is one of the most powerful cultural forces rising today.”

“We partnered with BMG to scale purpose-driven music without compromising values,” shares By Design Co-Founder Thompson. “Their global reach empowers us to honor each artist’s original design – and share it on a global stage.”

“We believe the next global movement in music will be rooted in faith and community, not algorithms and trends,” says Bailey, By Design co-founder. “With BMG’s international infrastructure and our shared commitment to empowering artists, we’re building a new kind of platform, one that’s both spiritually grounded and globally scaled.”

By Design part of a larger ecosystem that also includes Archetype Music and Blueprint. The label’s first signings include Frankie Ballard, Zoe Levert and Alex Jude, with additional artist signings to be announced.

CRS 2026 Unveils Digital Music Summit Agenda

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Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has revealed its Digital Music Summit will return for CRS 2026. The lineup features forward-thinking panels and events between digital and radio landscapes. The sessions will offer discussions, networking opportunities, and artist spotlights.

Registration for CRS 2026 is now open and available here.

CRS 2026 DMS-Focused Panels:
“The Showdown Of The Top 20: Comparing The Social, Streaming, And Radio Charts Of 2025”: ​​Leading voices in DSPs, socials, and radio break down how each chart measurement system tells a different part of the story – and how they all connect. This is a deep look into the behaviors of today’s country music fans, where platforms overlap, and what gaps present opportunities.

“Pack Your Bags: Country’s Gone Global”: Travel with the experts to explore the globalization of country music and the opportunities it has brought to the genre. Come away with insights to help chart your international course.

“Embracing The Change: Country Is Cross Pollinating And That’s Okay”: Now more than ever, country music is being enthusiastically discovered across genres, with numerous artists finding great value in these collaborations and fans eagerly embracing this trend. Attendees will see real-world examples of how cross-genre collaborations benefit all stakeholders in country music.

“Nielsen Schmielsen: New Platforms For Audience Data & Analytics”: Over the past decade, the process of music discovery has undergone a radical transformation. New consumer habits mean new consumer data, which requires new analytic tools to aid music curators and marketers in making the most educated decisions. The pros and cons of these emerging, effective, and relevant consumer metrics, along with established and long-trusted sources such as Nielsen, Mediabase, and Luminate, will be discussed, providing insights on implementing newer tools that will move the needle for the latest generation of music fans.

ERNEST Adds Spring ‘Live From The South Tour’ Dates

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ERNEST. Photo: Braden Walker

ERNEST has announced he’ll extend his “Live From The South Tour” throughout the spring. Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford will provide support on the new dates.

The tour will kick off in January in Denver, and new dates added to the trek include Jackson Hole, Charlotte, Knoxville and more through April 26. He’ll headline his hometown venue, the historic Ryman Auditorium, two nights this year on Nov. 4-5. Public on-sale of the new shows begins this Friday (Oct. 31) , and already announced dates are on sale here.

ERNEST served as support for Morgan Wallen’s “One Night At A Time Stadium Tour” as well as a string of arena shows for Jelly Roll’s “Beautifully Broken Tour,” and continues on the road in 2025 as direct support for Lainey Wilson.

“Live From The South Tour” Added Dates:
1/22 – Jackson Hole, Wy. – Million Dollar Cowboy
2/20 – Charlotte, N.C. – Coyote Joe’s
4/17 – Bettendorf, Iowa – Isle Casino
4/23 – Knoxville, Tenn. – The Mill and Mine
4/25 – Asheville, N.C. – The Orange Peel
4/26 – Chattanooga, Tenn. – The Signal

Jessi Vaughn Stevenson Launches Perfect Game Creative

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Jessi Vaughn Stevenson. Photo: Courtesy of WCM and RUNCLUB Creative

A&R industry executive Jessi Vaughn Stevenson has launched music publishing, management, and A&R consulting company Perfect Game Creative, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

With the partnership, Stevenson will continue working with select Warner Chappell writers, including Morgan Wallen, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, and rising singer-songwriter Schmitty. Beginning in January of 2026, Perfect Game will begin signing new clients to their publishing roster in collaboration with Warner Chappell.

“I’m so proud to see Jessi bring her vision for Perfect Game Creative to life,” says Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “She’s always led with creativity, instinct, and an unwavering dedication – consistently helping songwriters reach their full potential. We’re thrilled that our partnership will allow us to continue working closely together, united by our shared belief in putting songwriters at the heart of everything we do.”

“I’m so deeply grateful to Guy, Carianne, Phil, and Austen for their support and belief in me as I take on this next chapter,” adds Stevenson. “It’s really exciting to keep building on what we’ve accomplished together while stepping into a dream I have had for so long.”

Stevenson most recently served as Vice President, A&R and Digital at Warner Chappell, where she spent a decade. Through her time at Warner Chappell, she developed talent such as Jessi Alexander, Aaron Raitiere, Rhett Akins, Hailey Whitters, Randy Montana, Will Bundy, Lee Miller, and Little Big Town, among others.

NMPA Honors Songwriters At Annual Gold & Platinum Nashville Gala

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David Israelite; Photo: Nathan Morgan

The National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) held its annual Gold & Platinum Gala last night (Oct. 23) at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. This year’s gala brought together hundreds of songwriters, artists, managers, and publishers to honor the people behind the hits.

Amy Allen & Ashley Gorley. Photo: Nathan Morgan

The evening recognized over 150 songwriters whose tracks reached certified Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum status from July 2024 to June 2025. During the event, songwriters were called to the stage to accept their plaques as the speakers played their tunes and friends cheered and celebrated each other’s milestones.

Notably, Amy Allen was named Top Female Songwriter with five Platinum and Gold certifications in country music over the past year. Those certifications include “Sweet Dreams” and “Damn Near Normal” by Koe Wetzel, “High Road” by Koe Wetzel and Jessie Murph, and “Heartbroken” by Diplo featuring Jessie Murph and Polo G.

Ernest. Photo: Nathan Morgan

“I am beyond grateful to get to learn from so many of the greats of my time and call so many of them friends now. Thank you all of Nashville for taking me in with open arms. I cannot express how thankful I am,” said Allen.

Later, Ashley Gorley was named Top Male Songwriter for the third year in a row. David Israelite, President of the NMPA, presented the award, saying, “In sports, [this is] what we call a hat trick. He is the Michael Jordan, the Patrick Mahomes, and the Shohei Ohtani of songwriting. This is all-time greatness.”

Gorley humbly accepted, thanking God, NMPA, Taperoom, Sony, and ASCAP. “I was reminded tonight of how great country music is and challenged by how high the bar is. I do not take this award lightly. Thank you all very much.”

In addition to the awards, the night featured several performances by artists including Maddie & Tae, Brothers Osborne, and Ernest, who honored Dean Dillon following his acceptance of the Platinum Anthem Award for the 17× Platinum hit “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Maddie & Tae and Deric Ruttan; Photo: Nathan Morgan

Brothers Osborne; Photo: Nathan Morgan

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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It was a momentous week in Music City as the country music community gathered to celebrate milestones, new appointments, and rising talent across the industry. Click here to see the full edition.

On Sunday night (Oct. 19), the Country Music Hall of Fame hosted another star-studded Medallion Ceremony as Tony Brown, June Carter Cash, and Kenny Chesney were formally inducted as the Hall’s 156th, 157th, and 158th members. Following opening remarks from the Hall’s CEO Kyle Young, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, and the Hall’s Circle Guard’s Jody Williams, each honoree was celebrated with heartfelt tributes and inspired performances that paid homage to their remarkable contributions to country music.

The Country Music Association also announced a series of key promotions and one new hire across multiple departments. Michael Farris has been elevated to Vice President, Business Strategy and Insights, while Kate Watson steps into the role of Senior Director, Industry Relations. Jeff Leet has been promoted to Director, Brand Integrity, and additional internal advancements include Lindsey Morrison to Senior Manager, Community Engagement for the CMA Foundation; Richard Xiong to Insights Senior Analyst; and Kennedy Strickler to Communications Project Manager. Rounding out the updates, CMA welcomes Mary Spaulding as Content Production Manager.

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has kicked off its multi-part Board election, beginning with the elevation of Parker Welling to Industry Liaison on the executive committee, and the addition of Ben Williams to fill Welling’s former seat. Artist-writer Drew Baldridge joins the Board as a new Artist-Writer Representative, while Rhett Akins and Roger Brown have both been reappointed, Akins continuing as an Artist-Writer Representative and Brown as Legislative Chair.

Peachtree Entertainment has expanded its leadership team, naming Chris Johnson as Vice President of Production and Chris Thomas as Senior Vice President of Development. Michael Bryan has exited his role as Global Head of Country Music at Apple Music after five years with the company.

Carter Faith has been named Amazon Music’s latest Breakthrough Artist, while Flatland Cavalry has signed with the newly relaunched Lost Highway Records. Slater Nalley has inked a record deal with Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records in partnership with 19 Entertainment.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has promoted Eric Reid to Jr. Manager, A&R. Songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Bobby Huff has signed a publishing and management deal with Ten Ten Music Group, and Luke Preston has joined the roster at Big Loud Publishing. Play It Again Music welcomed Amy O’Connor as Director of Digital and Streaming and Molly Reinold as Creative Director.

Penelope Road has signed a management deal with Make Wake Artists. Artist, songwriter, and producer Josef Kuhn, known professionally as Nickname Jos, has inked a global co-publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. KP Entertainment has appointed Colt Murski as Senior Director of Publishing. Konrad Snyder, acclaimed songwriter, producer, and engineer, has joined Electric Feel Publishing’s Nashville roster.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Combustion Music’s Chris Farren.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Zach Top takes the No. 1 spot with “Good Times & Tan Lines.” Explore more chart data here.

The 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.

Mickey Guyton ‘Feels Like Christmas’ On New Album

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Mickey Guyton has released her new holiday album, Feels Like Christmas, today (Oct. 24) via MCA.

The eight track project features classic holiday covers such as “O Holy Night,” “Do You Want To Build A Snowman,” and more, along with original tracks like “Sugar Cookie” and “Save A Little Christmas.” Guyton also teams up with Michael Bolton on the record for “Christmas Isn’t Christmas.”

YouTube video

Guyton is slated to appear in Hallmark’s A Grand Ole Opry Christmas later this year. Guyton will also perform at Nashville’s City Winery on Nov. 11.

Feels Like Christmas Track List:
1. “Save A Little Christmas” (Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks)
2. “Sugar Cookie” (Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski, Kirstin Maldonado)
3. “Mistletoe Kisses” (Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks)
4. “Feels Like Christmas” (Autumn McEntire, Karen Kosowski)
5. “It Won’t Be Christmas” (Emma-Lee, Julie Crochetiere, Karen Kosowski)
6. “Christmas Isn’t Christmas” (Ameerah Roelants, Michael Bolton, Morgan Taylor Reid, Zac Poor)
7. “O Holy Night”
8. “Do You Want To Build A Snowman” (Agatha Lee Monn, Katie Lopez, Kristen Bell)

Lucy Bartozzi Exits Big Loud

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Lucy Bartozzi. Photo: Imani Givertz

Lucy Bartozzi has exited her role as VP, Marketing at Big Loud Records.

Bartozzi joined the team in 2023. During her time at the company, she worked with acts such as Dylan Gossett, Lily Rose, Owen Riegling and more. Her previous career stops include Round Hill Records, mtheory, and Red Bull Records.

At Round Hill Records, she served as Senior Director Marketing for the label, where she worked with Blues Traveler, Lit, Tash Neal, Jared James Nichols, Black Pistol Fire and Lettuce.