RFD TV’s ‘On The Record’ Series Returns Oct. 17

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Suzanne Alexander and Cody Johnson.

RFD TV’s On the Record, presented by John Deere, will return for a fifth season on Oct. 17 on RFD-TV and streaming on RFD-TV Now.

The interview series returns with conversations and up-close performances from chart-toppers, legends, and breakout artists. Hosted by veteran country broadcaster Suzanne Alexander, the new season features Cody Johnson, Crystal Gayle, Anne Wilson, Chase Rice, Deana Carter, Sunny Sweeney, Kaitlin Butts, Mitchell Tenpenny, Jenna Paulette, and more.

“Country music is built on stories,” says Alexander. “This season, we go past the soundbite and into the rooms where the songs were born. Fans will hear the heartbreaks, the big breaks, and the purpose behind the music – straight from the artists themselves.”

Big Loud Texas Hosts Office Grand Opening Celebration

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Pictured (front row, L-R): Lizzy Rector, Kimberly Gleason, Patch Culbertson, Sara Knabe, Brianne Deslippe. (back row, L-R): Hillary Lambert, Brendon Anthony, Jeff Tanner, Stacy Blythe, Craig Wiseman, Jon Randall, Seth England, Paul Logan and Corey Brewer.

Last week, Big Loud Texas, founded by Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall in partnership with Big Loud Records, hosted industry and artists for a grand opening celebration of the Big Loud Texas office in the heart of Austin with multi-day programming.

The grand opening on Wednesday (Oct. 8) kicked off the celebration which continued through Thursday (Oct. 9) with industry events held at both the Big Loud Texas office as well as Arlyn Studios with performances from Dylan Gossett, Alex Lambert, Coleman Jennings and Julianna Rankin.

“It is important and significant that Big Loud Texas has established itself firmly in Austin,” shares Brendon Anthony, VP of Big Loud Texas. “Having a true label and publishing presence is what the Texas music industry has been sorely lacking for many years. Events like these only serve to underscore the effect that investment like Big Loud’s can have on an industry community like Austin’s. I am proud to work alongside our incredible team to support such talented and unique artists and songwriters.”

Country Latin Association Hosts Backstage Experience At Grand Ole Opry

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Pictured (L-R): Rick and Irma Rodriquez, Angie K, Andrea Vasquez, Alyssia Dominguez, Miguel Cancino, Sammy Arriaga, Arcelia Cisneros and Family and Jackie Marushka.

The Country Latin Association (CLA), an organization dedicated to amplifying Latin voices and representation in country music, partnered with the Grand Ole Opry to offer an exclusive backstage tour and show experience for its members.

“One of my favorite things to say is that country music may not be for everyone, but we are everywhere,” says Angie K, Co-Founder of CLA.

Co-founder Andrea Vasquez shares, “Bringing our members to the heart of country’s most iconic stage is a powerful reminder that our stories belong here too. The Opry’s willingness to partner with us speaks volumes about their commitment to inclusion and making this moment possible.”

CLA will host their next showcase at Anzie Blue on Nov. 16. More information on the organization is available here.

Gene Watson Slates 2026 ‘Fourteen Carat Mind Tour’

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Gene Watson.

Gene Watson will hit the road next year for his “Fourteen Carat Mind Tour,” celebrating the 45th anniversary of the song’s release.

The 2o26 run will kick off on Jan. 16 in Weirsdale, Florida. Additional stops will include cities in South Carolina, Indiana, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Missouri, and more before wrapping up on Dec. 6 in Tomball, Texas.

Additionally, Watson has added dates to his 2025 run, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of his career-defining hit, “Love in the Hot Afternoon.” Newly added dates include stops in Texas, Oklahoma and more.

Watson recently celebrated his 82nd birthday on October 11 and released his complete solo catalog to stream on Spotify for the very first time.

For tour tickets and more information, click here.

2025 Tour Dates:
Oct. 10 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 11 Municipal Auditorium – Greenville, Texas
Oct. 12 TurkeyFest – Cuero, Texas
Oct. 18 Social Circle Theatre – Social Circle, Ga.
Oct. 22 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 23 Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tenn.
Oct. 24 Kentucky Opry – Benton. Ky.
Oct. 25 Harken Hall – Nashville, Tenn.
Oct. 31 Grand Ole Opry – Nashville, Tenn.
Nov. 1 GEM Theatre – Calhoun, Ga.
Nov. 2 Tuck’s Bar & Grill – Minor Hill, Tenn.
Nov. 6 Palace Theatre – Corsicana, Texas
Nov. 8 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 14 WVA Country Music Hall – Fairmont, W.Va.
Nov. 15 The Lincoln Jamboree – Hodgenville, Ky.
Nov. 22 Mansion Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Dec. 5 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 6 Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 13 Sugar Creek Casino – Hinton, Okla.
Dec. 20 Liberty Hall – Tyler Texas

2026 Tour Dates:
Jan. 16 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
Jan. 17 Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Fla.
Jan. 30 Cookeville Performing Arts Center – Cookeville, Tenn.
Feb. 6 Walhalla Civic Auditorium – Walhalla, S.C.
Feb, 7 Rome City Auditorium – Rome, Ga.
Feb. 25 Arlington Music Hall – Arlington, Texas
Feb. 27 Texan Theatre – Cleveland, TX
March 2 Strawberry Festival – Plant City, Fla.
March 5 Blue Gate Theatre – Shipshewana, Ind.
March 21 Renfro Valley Entertainment Center – Mt Vernon, Ky.
April 19 Dosey Doe Big Barn – The Woodlands, Texas
April 25 McSwain Theatre – Ada, Okla.
May 1 Lewis Family Homeplace – Lincolnton, Ga.
May 2 The Martin Centre – Douglas, Ga.
June 5 Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts – Amarillo, Texas
June 6 The New Granbury Live – Granbury, Texas
July 25 Pines Theater – Lufkin, Texas
Aug. 28 Reidsville Showcase Theatre – Reidsville, N.C.
Aug. 29 Liberty Showcase Inc. – Liberty, N.C.
Sept. 5 Coyote Country Store – Gail, Texas
Sept. 12 Old Town Theatre – Huntsville, Texas
Sept. 26 The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 9 The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts – Branson, Mo.
Oct. 23 The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts – Branson, Mo.
Nov. 7 The Oaks Event Center – Vidor, Texas
Nov. 13 The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts – Branson, Mo.
Dec. 5 – Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas
Dec. 6 – Main Street Crossing – Tomball, Texas

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Adds Three

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Bridget Herrmann, Dexter Bensman, and Christina Hunt.

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has added three to their team. Bridget Herrmann has joined as Senior Director of Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as Head of Digital Marketing and Christina Hunt as Label Coordinator.

Based in Chicago, Herrmann will optimize airplay, strengthen marketing impact and elevate artist exposure across the globe. Herrmann joins Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment from Red Street Records where she served as Director, Regional Promotion. Prior to that, she spent six years as Manager of Regional Promotion at Warner Music Nashville where she oversaw 50 stations and worked with artists such as Cody Johnson, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell and more. Other career stops include Crush Music Management, Megaforce Records and A&M/Octone Records.

“As Andrew Thoen transitions fully into his role as Director of Streaming & Digital Partnerships, Bridget Herrmann’s name was consistently mentioned as a professional and experienced label promotion executive,” says Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment SVP, Ryan Dokke. “We are excited for Bridget to join our team, bringing her passion and knowledge to serve both our incredible artist roster and radio partners at the highest level. Additionally, we are pleased to welcome Dexter and Christina to the NHRE team.”

Bensman joins the team after serving as Senior Director, Digital Marketing for parent company Big Machine Label Group. In his role, he will spearhead digital marketing strategy and increase online presence for artists. Before BMLG, Bensman held roles at Brown Sellers Brown Management and Innovo Management.

In her new role, Hunt will support Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment President/CEO Jimmy Harnen and team, coordinating day-to-day operations across release planning, artist relations, marketing and more. She graduated earlier this year from the University of Alabama, where she held internships with Universal Music Group, CMA, Make Wake Artists and more.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Bridget Herrmann as our new Senior Director, Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as our Head of Digital Marketing, and Christina Hunt as our new Label Coordinator,” shares Harnen. “All three are talented professionals who bring great energy and expertise, and we’re excited to have them on our team.”

All three are already on the job.

Sony Music Publishing, Sea Gayle Music & Domain Capital Group Launch Global Admin Partnership

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Pictured (L-R): Pete Chiappetta (Domain), Chris DuBois (Sea Gayle), Rusty Gaston (SMP) and Amy Cranford (SMP).

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has launched a global publishing administration partnership with Sea Gayle Music and Domain Capital Group. With the deal, Sony Music Publishing Nashville will provide global administration services to Sea Gayle’s entire roster and catalog, which includes hits such as “You Should Probably Leave,” “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” and more.

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Sony Music Publishing,” says Chris DuBois, CEO, Sea Gayle Music. “I’ve long admired the way Rusty Gaston champions songwriters, and I know our team and catalog are in the very best hands. Together, with Pete Chiappetta and our trusted partners at Domain, we’re confident this new partnership with Sony will give our writers the support of a close-knit creative community and the global reach that their music deserves.”

“Sea Gayle has long been a cornerstone of Nashville’s songwriting community, and what Chris and his team have built is truly special,” adds Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “We’re proud to be partnering with Sea Gayle and Domain to champion these amazing songwriters and catalogs and ensure that they continue to lead country music forward.”

Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley, and Frank Rogers established Sea Gayle Music in 1999. In 2020, Domain Capital Group purchased Sea Gayle’s catalog and started a joint venture with the publisher. Sea Gayle has won ASCAP’s Country Publisher of the Year twice, and its roster includes artists and song catalogs by Brad Paisley, Chris Stapleton, Bobby Pinson, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Thomas Miller and more.

Erin Kirby Releases ‘Make A Move’ From Debut EP Due In November

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Erin Kirby runs the gamut of a relationship on her upcoming debut EP, In and Out of Love, set for release on Nov. 7.

The Georgia singer-songwriter recently released a new track from the project, “Make A Move,” out now on all streaming platforms. Co-written by Kirby with Andrew Beason and Joe Clemmons, and produced by Aaron Eshuis, “Make a Move” tells the story of a woman ready to close the chapter on a broken relationship—urging her ex to “make a move on somebody new” so she can finally be free. The song’s mix of heartbreak and empowerment offers one of the most relatable, cathartic moments off of the upcoming EP. 

“This project is a full love story and ‘Make A Move’ comes after the breaking point,” Kirby shares. “It’s about finding the courage to let go – even when part of you doesn’t want to. This song was easy to write because it’s a place I’ve been in through relationships, friendships, work, and more. I tried my best to put myself and my heart into this song, making it one of the most important songs on this project for me.”

The EP traces an entire relationship from first spark to final goodbye, and the songs on the collection showcase Kirby’s versatility, from the butterflies of attraction to the devastation of heartbreak. “Make A Move” joins her previously-released single, “Nowhere Everywhere” on the upcoming new EP.

“In and Out of Love is my first EP release and it is a scary but exhilarating step in my career,” Kirby says. “This project encompasses a full walk-through of a relationship. It floats through the highs and lows of love, ending with full closure and not a single regret. I have been working up to this moment for a few years and I am beyond excited to share it with the world.”

In and Out of Love Track List:
1. “Nowhere Everywhere” (Erin Kirby, Aaron Armstrong, Sydney Cubit, Mitch Crego)
2. “I Think I’m in Love Again” (Erin Kirby, Ryan Kohn, Davis Loose)
3. “Whiskey Does” (Erin Kirby, Ryan Kohn, Davis Loose)
4. “Make a Move” (Erin Kirby, Andrew Beason, Joe Clemmons)
5. “Regretting You” (Erin Kirby, Sydney Cubit, Gabe Foust)

Meghan Patrick Slates 3rd Annual Benefit Show For YWCA

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Meghan Patrick. Photo: Ford Fairchild

Meghan Patrick will host her third annual benefit show for YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Domestic Violence Services Program on Oct. 27 at The Nashville Palace.

This year’s lineup includes Kasey Tyndall, Meg McRee, Alana Springsteen, Madeline Edwards, Thelma and James, Brad Clawson, Caylee Hammack and Andy Albert. The event will include the writer’s round performances, as well as a silent auction. Patrick will close the night with a full-band set.

Tickets for the event are on-sale now. Direct donations to YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Domestic Violence Services Program can be made here.

Patrick has also revealed that her new single “Both Can Be True” will be released on Oct. 24. The track examines life’s contradictions, reflecting on how faith and doubt, peace and longing, heartbreak and healing can all exist at once.

Lil Man J Signs With UTA

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Lil Man J with the UTA team.

Lil Man J has signed with UTA.

“Matthew Morgan, Curt Motley, Lauren Holland, Nick Barnes, Justin Hill and the whole crew at UTA have shown they understand my music, my brand, and my commitment to becoming a huge live artist. I’m so excited to get out on the road with my band and give my fans an amazing show,” he says.

The 20 year old Charlotte, North Carolina based artist has surpassed 100 million streams. Known for his tracks “Cap Freestyle” and “Whiskey For The Wine,” Kidd G and Paul Wall were featured on remixes of his summer single, “Sippin Country.” He has since released two more tracks, “Stuck In The Middle” and “Life Is Good.”

Lil Man J will make his acting debut in the upcoming independent film Last Shot starring Jamie Pressly, Michael Rapaport, Baron Davis and Laraine Newman.

Grammy Museum & Recording Academy Open Applications For Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship

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The Grammy Museum and the Recording Academy have opened applications for the fourth annual Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship, honoring the vibrant life and legacy of the late music executive and DJ who passed away in 2020 at the age of 31.

Known for his unwavering commitment to music, culture and community, Coleman’s passion continues through this scholarship, which supports college students shaping the future of music through innovation, storytelling and impact. The program aims to elevate the next generation of creators and professionals in the music industry by providing professional development and resources that prepare students for full-time careers.

Five students will be selected to receive two $1,000 tuition scholarships; a $500 stipend for interview preparation; two $250 stipends for books and equipment; access to financial and emotional wellness seminars; and a spring internship at the Recording Academy or Latin Recording Academy.

“Quinn believed deeply in the power of music and was passionate about using his platform to uplift emerging voices and open doors for the next generation of talent,” says Debra Lee, mother of Quinn Coleman and former CEO of BET Networks. “This scholarship is a true reflection of his generous spirit and carries forward his vision for a more inclusive music industry. I’m incredibly proud to see his legacy continue to empower future leaders in music.”

The scholarship is rooted in the mission of the Academy’s DREAM Network (Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Musicmakers), which celebrates the cultural contributions of creators across eight resource groups and works to ensure the music community is fully represented.

Applications are open now and close on Nov. 14, and recipients will be announced on Dec. 9. More information about the Quinn Coleman Memorial Scholarship and an application can be found here.