BREAKING: Scott Borchetta Launches Management Division, Signs Carly Pearce

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Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce & Mike Blong.

Scott Borchetta has launched a management division of Borchetta Entertainment Group. He has signed Carly Pearce as the initial client, and added Mike Blong as Manager.

The news comes after the announcement that Borchetta would exit HYBE AMERICA last month. Borchetta Entertainment Group will operate as a full-service management division, working closely alongside Big Machine Records

“I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this new era of Big Machine then by announcing the formation of the Borchetta Entertainment Group and a new management vertical, starting with the Grammy/CMA/ACM award-winning Carly Pearce and her longtime management partner, Mike Blong,” says Borchetta. “This new season for Carly, starting with the amazing new Riley Green duet, ‘If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay,’ promises to be her best yet. I am so proud to welcome both as the foundational artist and management partner for this exciting new endeavor.”

Blong joins Borchetta Entertainment Group following his tenure at Starstruck Entertainment, where he served as Pearce’s day-to-day manager beginning in 2022.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Carly through multiple stages of her career, and it has been incredibly rewarding to witness her continual growth as an artist and storyteller,” adds Blong. “Joining forces with Scott and Borchetta Entertainment Group is an exciting next chapter for all of us as we continue to build on the momentum Carly has created around the world.”

Jo Dee Messina To Release First New LP In A Decade This Summer

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Jo Dee Messina will release her first new album in over 10 years, Bridges, later this summer. The first single from the new album “Some Bridges,” is out today (March 12).

The new track highlights that life is all about change—and sometimes that change is necessary. “We are often told not to burn bridges—and it’s good advice,” says Messina. “I’ve lived long enough to know that’s true. But there are also exceptions, and sometimes it’s OK to let that baby burn. In life, sometimes we just need to look forward and keep going.”

“Some Bridges” was written alongside Kat Higgins and James T. Slater and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and frequent collaborator who mixed many of Messina’s biggest songs, including the 1996 hit “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”

YouTube video

Most albums reflect a season, but Messina’s new album, Bridges, is 10 years worth of seasons rolled up into one: the love, the life, the pain, the fight, the learning, and the living through it all. Over the past decade, Messina has encountered road bumps both minor and heartbreaking: loss, struggle, and sicknesses that might have wrecked someone without glimmers of light to hold onto like her music, her children, and her faith. All of it is woven throughout Bridges.

Messina will also hit the road throughout the summer playing dates across the U.S. beginning on March 15 in Chandler, Arizona.

Lee Thomas Miller, Eric Paslay, More Among ‘Sac Song & Wine Series’ Lineup

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Lee Thomas Miller & Eric Paslay

“Sac Song & Wine Series” will return for its fourth year in Elk Grove, California at the Lamoure Vineyards. The series is set to begin May 15 and will take place once a month through October 9.

Throughout the series, guests will include Chris DeStefano, Lee Thomas Miller, Kelly Archer, Marv Green, Sarah Buxton, Eric Paslay, James Otto and Ben Williams, with more artists to be announced later.

Each evening will also feature a curated Hometown Segment, showcasing local artists. Guests can also enjoy food trucks, lawn games and more. Tickets are available here.

Sac Song & Wine Series Schedule:
May 15: Chris DeStefano & TBA
June 19: TBA
July 18: Lee Thomas Miller & Kelly Archer
August 21: Marv Green & Sarah Buxton
September 18: Eric Paslay & TBA
October 9: James Otto & Ben Williams

Industry Ink: Megan Moroney, Riley Green, JT Harding, Forrest Frank, Lyrics For Life

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Megan Moroney Shares Cloud 9 Energy On ‘Drew Barrymore Show’

Photo: Courtesy of The Drew Barrymore Show

Megan Moroney sat down for a heart-to-heart conversation this week on The Drew Barrymore Show. During her debut appearance on the daytime talk show, the hitmaker joined Barrymore for a chat about her Billboard 200-topping album Cloud 9 and much more. Moroney’s episode included an impromptu ramen taste test and a discussion of post-breakup payback.

Moroney also took the stage this week at the 72,220-capacity NRG Stadium for her sold-out debut performance at RodeoHouston, where she rode up to the stage in her Cloud 9-pink Bronco.

 

Riley Green Rocks Aussie Rugby Crowd Of 50,000

Riley Green.

Riley Green played for over 50,000 attendees at Wednesday night’s (March 11) Brisbane Broncos vs Parramatta Eels Rugby match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia. He performed at the match before embarking on the first show of his sold-out Australian leg of his tour tonight in Melbourne.

 

‘Music City’ The Musical Gears Up For Opening In New NYC Venue

Pictured: Casey Shuler, Leenya Rideout, Andrew Rothenberg, Jonathan Judge-Russo, Drew Bastian, Stephen Michael Spencer and Julianne B. Merrill. Photo: Tricia Baron

The musical Music City, which opened to rave reviews last year and was extended three times by popular demand in its run at Bedlam, will reopen at 512 West 42nd Street in a new venue.

The immersive space will fully embody the world of Music City, inviting audiences to step inside The Wicked Tickle, a country bar where music, storytelling, and nightlife collide. The show features songs by multi-Platinum songwriter J.T. Harding, including “Smile,” “Sangria,” and “Somewhere In My Car,” and an original book by playwright Peter Zinn. Directed by Bedlam’s artistic director Eric Tucker, Music City will begin performances March 23, and will open on April 8. Tickets are available at here.

 

Forrest Frank Celebrates Houston Homecoming Ahead Of New ‘Jesus Generation Tour’

Photo: Courtesy of Houston Rodeo.

Forrest Frank recently experienced a career-defining hometown moment, headlining the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in front of more than 70,000 fans. The sold-out crowd at NRG Stadium marked Frank’s debut at the legendary event and a full-circle milestone for the singer, who grew up in the Houston area.

Frank’s set featured a surprise appearance from Houston rap legend Paul Wall. This summer, Frank will embark on the “The Jesus Generation Tour,” his largest headline run to date.

 

Sister Hazel, John Rzeznik & Stan Lynch Unite For Lyrics for Life Benefit

Chris Watkins Photography

Sister Hazel hosted the eighth annual Lyrics for Life – An Evening of Making Music Matter on March 7 in their hometown of Gainesville, Florida, raising more than $800,000 for the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation and STOP! Children’s Cancer.

The evening began with an acoustic storytelling performance from Sister Hazel’s Ken Block and Drew Copeland, joined by special guest John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls. The trio performed stripped-down versions of some of their most beloved songs while sharing personal stories with the audience. Rzeznik joined Sister Hazel for “Give A Little Bit,” before the finale of “American Girl” that featured a surprise appearance by Stan Lynch, the former drummer of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers.

McCoy Moore Gets Nostalgic On ‘Sunshine State’ Set For May

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Rising artist McCoy Moore is giving a nod to the place it all began for him on his upcoming debut album, Sunshine State, due out May 22 via Sony Music Nashville/Cervidae Records.

The Lakeland, Florida native co-wrote all but one of the 14 tracks on the new album, produced by Will Bundy, that taps the spirit and nostalgic heat of long-gone summers. The project is filled with heavy bass lines and steel guitars that hang thick like Spanish Moss off an old Live Oak (similar to the one on the album’s cover, which was shot in Moore’s grandparents’ garage). Writers contributing to the new album include Jessi Alexander, Matt McKinney, Shane McAnally, Thomas Archer and more.

“This record is something I’ve been working on my whole life and didn’t even know it. I feel like I covered all the bases of who I am, where I’m from, and the music I love to make. The people, the places, the memories, it all made this record, even after I left Florida,” shared Moore. “It was only right that I give a nod to the place where it all started, the Sunshine State. I hope y’all absolutely love this record and feel the heart that me and my friends put into it.”

Moore is currently in Europe making his debut on the continent at C2C, and has also been on the road on Hardy’s “Country! Country! Tour,” which will continue through September.

McCoy Moore – Sunshine State Track List:
1. “Sunshine State” (McCoy Moore, Thomas Archer, Johnny Clawson)
2. “Every Single Summer” (McCoy Moore, Thomas Archer, Matt Dragstrem, Michael Tyler)
3. “In Here, Out There” (with Cole Swindell) (McCoy Moore, Jessi Alexander, Sam Ellis, Nick Walsh)
4. “Not Even Close” (McCoy Moore, Sam Ellis, Blake Pendergrass)
5. “Went to the Bar” (McCoy Moore, Aaron Eshuis, Colton Venner, Nick Walsh)
6. “Something to You” (McCoy Moore, Johnny Clawson, Colton Venner, Will Weatherly)
7. “Chesney on a Beach” (McCoy Moore, Brinley Addington, Colton Venner)
8. “Bible and a Bar” (McCoy Moore, Jenn Schott, Jason Saenz)
9. “Memories We Never Made” (McCoy Moore, Blake Bollinger, Colton Venner, Nick Walsh)
10. “Prayin’ For Me” (McCoy Moore, Matt Dragstrem, Seth Ennis)
11. “John Deere Blue” (McCoy Moore, Shane McAnally, Johnny Clawson)
12. “Dyin’ On the Hill” (McCoy Moore, Johnny Clawson, Adam James, Matt McKinney)
13. “Beer I Never Shoulda Bought” (McCoy Moore, Andrew Beason, Adam James, Matt McKinney)
14. “Left Alone” (Nick Walsh)

Produced by Will Bundy

Alana Springsteen Slates Sophomore Album ‘I Hope This Helps’ For May

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Alana Springsteen is set to release her sophomore album I Hope This Helps, on May 29 via Santa Anna Nashville. Along with the album announcement, Springsteen is sharing an empowered new track, “Black Sheep,” today.

“Black Sheep” arrives as a windows-down anthem of triumphant self-acceptance for the 25-year-old. Written by Springsteen, Lydia Vaughan, Lauren LaRue and Jared Keim, the soaring track mirrors Springsteen’s transformation from shame and frustration to fully embodied authenticity.

“If I had written ‘black sheep’ two years ago it would have been an insecure, timid plea to be understood, to fit in for once. Instead, the version you hear embodies the confidence that healing has brought me,” shares Springsteen. “I wear the title of ‘black sheep’ proudly, as proof that I was created intentionally to walk this path. That we all were. I love the bridge in this song for that reason: ‘can’t believe I thought it was a weakness, when God’s the one who made me this black sheep.’ If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, out of place, like you were meant for something different… I hope you turn this song up. and I hope you let go of who you thought you had to be to make space for who you were always meant to be.”

The follow-up to her debut album Twenty Something, a three-part exploration of life lessons learned in her early 20s, I Hope This Helps dives even deeper into Springsteen’s inner world, documenting her journey in undoing a lifetime of self-abandoning patterns and the lingering impact of the fear-based faith that raised her. She co-wrote and co-produced all 16 tracks on the new project, in addition to playing guitar and piano throughout. Last month, Springsteen offered an early glimpse of her most unguarded work to date with “note to self,” a soul-searching track that reckons with the pain of her early years.

Springsteen has also announced “Alana Springsteen: Live In Europe,” a headline summer tour of the UK and Europe which will include stops in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Belfast. Kicking off on July 3 in Riaza, Spain, the tour will wrap with a two-night stand at Norsk Countrytreff (a country festival in Breim, Norway) on July 10-11. Springsteen’s summer trek will follow her appearance this weekend at C2C: Country to Country 2026, where she’ll take the stage in Glasgow tonight (March 13), London tomorrow (March 14), and Belfast on Sunday (March 15).

I Hope This Helps Track List:
1. “intro” (Alana Springsteen, Sara Bares, Mark Trussell, Lauren LaRue)*
2. “note to self” (Alana Springsteen, Trannie Anderson, Mark Trussell)*
3. “feels good” (Alana Springsteen, Mags Duval, Ido Zmishlany, Sarah “Solly” Solovay)+
4. “sad hour” (Alana Springsteen, Sasha Alex Sloan, Nicolle Galyon, Mark Trussell)*
5. “love to see it” (Alana Springsteen, Sam Bergeson, Maya K, Lydia Vaughan)^
6. “love me anyway” (Alana Springsteen, Rhett Akins, Trannie Anderson, Chris LaCorte)&
7. “interlude” (Alana Springsteen, Sara Bares, Mark Trussell, Lauren LaRue)*
8. “same God” (Alana Springsteen, Emily Weisband, Will Weatherly, Ben Williams)#
9. “diy” (Alana Springsteen, Annika Bennett, Futuristics, Emily Weisband)*
10. “no man’s” (Alana Springsteen, Jordan Dozzi, Trannie Anderson, Zach Crowell)**
11. “selfish” (Alana Springsteen, Will Weatherly, Sasha Alex Sloan, Emily Weisband)-
12. “fight like this” (Alana Springsteen, Liz Rose, AJ Pruis)*
13. “i loved you then” (Alana Springsteen, Lauren LaRue, Sara Bares, Jared Keim)++
14. “black sheep” (Alana Springsteen, Lydia Vaughan, Lauren LaRue, Jared Keim)^^
15. “how to swim” (Alana Springsteen, Will Weatherly, Joybeth Taylor, Emily Weisband)*
16. “outro” (Alana Springsteen, Sara Bares, Mark Trussell, Lauren LaRue)*

* Produced by Mark Trussell and Alana Springsteen
+ Produced by Ido Zmishlany and Alana Springsteen
^ Produced by Sam Martinez, Alana Springsteen, Co-produced by Sam Bergeson
& Produced by Chris LaCorte and Alana Springsteen
# Produced by Steve Rusch and Alana Springsteen, Co-produced by Will Weatherly
** Produced by Zach Crowell and Alana Springsteen
– Produced by Will Weatherly and Alana Springsteen
++ Produced by Jared Keim and Alana Springsteen
^^ Produced by Sam Martinez, Alana Springsteen, Co-produced by Jared Keim
## Produced by Dave Clauss and Alana Springsteen

Vince Gill Unveils ‘Lonely’s What I Do’ EP

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Vince Gill has unveiled Lonely’s What I Do, the fifth volume in his 50 Years From Home EP series.

The eight-track project features writing credits from Sharon Vaughn, Hadlie Jo Pritchard, Mae Estes, Lee Thomas Miller and Kameron Marlowe, among others.

“I love the melancholy in music,” shares Gill. “I always have. Maybe it goes back to the bluegrass days of the murder ballads, those kinds of songs. There’s so much more emotion in songs that have a little more despair. I think they’re as powerful as they are because they tell great stories. They paint great pictures that take you to that place — whether they’re true or not.”

The project was produced by Gill at his home studio in Nashville, with engineers Matt Rausch and Justin Niebank, and players including Paul Franklin, guitarists Tom Bukovac and Jedd Hughes, bassist Jimmie Lee Sloas, keyboardists Gordon Mote, John Jarvis and Jim “Moose” Brown, and drummer Fred Eltringham.

Lonely’s What I Do Track List:
1. “Nothing Like They Used To Be” (Vince Gill, Sharon Vaughn, Hadlie Jo Pritchard)
2. “A Million Tears Ago” (Vince Gill, Mae Estes)
3. “How’s The Leaving Going” (Vince Gill, Kameron Marlowe, Lee Thomas Miller)
4. “Lonely’s What I Do” (Vince Gill, Sharon Vaughn, Belle Frantz)
5. “The Last Thing You Left Behind” (Vince Gill, Tom Douglas)
6. “How Lonely Lonely Gets” (Vince Gill)
7. “The Book” (Vince Gill, Bob DiPiero)
8. “Pocket Full of Gold”

MusicRow Reveals 2026 CountryBreakout Award Winners

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For 24 years, MusicRow has celebrated country music’s success at radio in secondary markets with its annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards.

Based on spins on the secondary market stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart panel each week, winners in eight categories are awarded. These artists and industry professionals wrote, recorded and promoted the music that played across the nation throughout 2025.

Morgan Wallen, Megan Moroney, Rascal Flatts, Hudson Westbrook, LOCASH and MCA prevail at this year’s CountryBreakout Awards for garnering the most spins in their own respective categories. Hit songwriters Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome and Taylor Phillips, as well as MusicRow Radio Chart reporter Justin Brown are also victors for their esteemed skills.

Morgan Wallen is the winner for Male Artist of the Year for the fourth year in a row, while Megan Moroney takes home her first win for Female Artist of the Year. Rascal Flatts notch their first win in the Group/Duo of the Year category.

The Breakout Artist of the Year honor is given to a new artist whose first single or album was released in 2025, and earned the most spins on stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Hudson Westbrook takes this year’s Breakout Artist of the Year distinction.

The Independent Artist of the Year award honors a top independent act, based on the number of spins earned on stations that report to the chart, as well as factors including label size, distribution model and promotion staff. LOCASH takes home the honor this year for the first time for their success with singles “Hometown Home” and “Wrong Hearts,” which were worked by their own independent Galaxy Label Group.

MCA earns the Label Group of the Year honor, with its artists earning the most spins of any label imprint on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in 2025.

Songwriting juggernaut Ashley Gorley takes home his eighth Songwriter of the Year honor for penning the most No. 1 songs on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in 2025. This year, Gorley tied with Charlie Handsome and Taylor Phillips for the honor, making Handsome’s second time and Phillips’ first time taking home the win.

This year’s Reporter of the Year goes to Justin Brown at WJVL. This honor is an editorial decision that recognizes a MusicRow station panelist that best epitomizes the spirit of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

The winners of MusicRow‘s 24th annual CountryBreakout Awards are highlighted in this week’s MusicRow Weekly newsletter. Click here to view.

Ashley Cooke Unveils ‘the ace sessions’

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Ashley Cooke has released the ace sessions, a six-track acoustic project via all digital streaming platforms.

the ace sessions was initially released through a series of performance videos on YouTube last week. The project features four tracks from Cooke’s 2025 ace, along with the unreleased “olive juice” and a rendition of “can’t fight the moonlight.”

YouTube video

Cooke made a cameo appearance on last Sunday’s episode of CBS’ Marshals, performing “next to you,” a cut from her 2023 debut album. Her fan-favorite track “baby blues” reached the No. 1 spot last week on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown. This weekend, she will return to C2C: Country to Country 2026, performing in Belfast, Glasgow and London.

the ace sessions Track List:
1. “baby blues – the ace sessions” (Ashley Cooke, Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Seth Ennis, Joe Fox)
2. “talk about – the ace sessions” (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Chase McGill, Chris LaCorte)
3. “the hell you are – the ace sessions” (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Chase McGill, Seth Ennis, Joe Fox)
4. “excuses – the ace sessions” (Ashley Cooke, Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock)
5. “olive juice – the ace sessions”
6. “can’t fight the moon light – the ace sessions”

Danny Wimmer Presents Opens New Music City Office

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Live entertainment production company Danny Wimmer Presents has opened a new office in downtown Nashville.

The company has produced festivals across Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, California and beyond for almost 20 years, including Louisville festivals Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life, just three hours north of Nashville.

The Nashville office will serve as a central hub for marketing, creative and administration, led by Boone Vires (SVP, Marketing), Jake Miller (Head of Content & Creative) and Haley Baca (Director of Administration).

“Nashville offers an incredible quality of life that makes it a natural home for our growing team. As DWP has experienced significant growth over the past five years, expanding into a new office in Music City is a strategic step that supports our long-term vision and continued momentum,” says Wimmer, Founder of DWP. “From affordability and accessibility to the depth of entertainment and culture, it’s a place where people can build meaningful careers and fulfilling lives. We’re already seeing strong interest from top talent, strengthening our ability to recruit, retain, and scale for the future.”

DWP sold more than one million tickets across its festivals last season. The company’s portfolio of multi-day experiences includes Aftershock, Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival and Welcome To Rockville.