JUST IN: Michael Young Appointed Sony Music Publishing Chief Information Officer

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Michael Young

Michael Young has joined Sony Music Publishing as Chief Information Officer. Young is based in Nashville and will report to Sony Music Publishing’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Kelly.

In his role, Young will spearhead the company’s technology strategy and its transformation initiatives to provide growth, scalability and efficiency on behalf of songwriters and catalogs globally. He will also collaborate across departments to manage workflows, expand data-driven insights, and refine and implement best practices across software development, security, compliance and data governance.

Young most recently serves as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Chatham Financial. Over his 25 year’s of experience, he has held roles as Reuters, Paycase Financial and Afilias.

“I am extremely excited to join Sony Music Publishing,” says Young. “As a career technologist and a lifelong amateur musician, it’s thrilling to be a part of SMP’s mission-driven culture.  I look forward to working with the team to advance support for SMP songwriters throughout their creative journeys.”

“Michael is an experienced leader who understands how to innovate,” shares Kelly. “We look forward to advancing our capabilities and delivering further growth on behalf of our songwriters around the world.”

“We are committed to investing in technology that grows with our business and adapts to the evolving needs of songwriters,” adds Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing. “With Michael on board, we are well-positioned to bring greater value to Sony Music Publishing songwriters and catalogs today and in the future.”

Cole Brown Joins Creative Nation As Publishing, Management & Records A&R

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Cole Brown

Cole Brown has joined Creative Nation as Publishing, Management & Records A&R.

A Nashville native, Brown graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Law, Justice, and Society, and is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor degree at Nashville School of Law. Before graduation Brown interned with Creative Nation, and also interened for KP Entertainment. In his new role, he will act as a liaison between the Publishing, Management & Records teams scouting new talent, pitching songs, and helping with day-to-day management duties and artist development.

“While working with Cole as an intern and getting to know his great ear, confident drive, and strong pulse on upcoming songwriters and artists, it became obvious to us that we needed to make things more permanent,” says Emily Furman, VP, Creative. “His perspective is a welcomed asset to our creative team!”

“From day one as an intern, Cole demonstrated exceptional work ethic, strong instincts, and a true passion for artists and great songs,” shares Brandon Gill, SVP, Management & Records. “His drive and values align perfectly with our culture, and we’re confident he’ll make a meaningful impact across both our Management & Records divisions.”

“I am so thankful for the continued support and opportunities that Beth [Laird] and Luke [Laird] and the entire Creative Nation team have given me,” adds Brown. “I’m excited to continue working with the incredible roster of writers here at Creative Nation, and getting to have a small role in their careers.”

Cassidy Daniels Extends Deal With Liz Rose Music, Signs With Laguna Madre Management

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Pictured (L-R): Dave Pacula, Gracie Glass, Cassidy Daniels, Liz Rose, Jonathan Motley, Kate Shirley, Scott Ponce. Photo: Courtesy of LRM.

Cassidy Daniels has extended her publishing deal with Liz Rose Music. Additionally, she has signed with Laguna Madre Management, the artist management company founded by Liz Rose Music.

“Liz and the entire Liz Rose Music team have believed in me from the very early stages of my career,” shares Daniels. “I’m sticking with the people who have stuck with me — and by God, they are stuck with me now. I’m grateful and honored to be a part of their journey as much as they are mine.”

“Working with Cassidy Daniels has been one of the great joys of my career,” adds Rose, GRAMMY-winning songwriter and founder of Liz Rose Music. “Cassidy is a hard worker who pours herself into her craft, a natural storyteller with a voice that stops you in your tracks, and the type of person who keeps everyone around her laughing and inspired. We’re so proud to stand behind her and can’t wait to watch the world catch up to the star we already know she is.”

The Marion, North Carolina, native recently competed on the CBS/Paramount TV series The Road, produced by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton.

The Woodlands Resort To Host Inaugural Songwriters Festival In December

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The Woodlands Resort’s inaugural Songwriters Festival, a three-day celebration of music, cuisine and creativity, is set to take place in the Houston area over New Year’s Eve Dec. 29-Jan. 1.

The new festival will feature a lineup that includes Neal McCoy, Darryl Worley and The Frontmen. The festival opens in true Texas style with a night of music, storytelling, and Southern hospitality with an exclusive VIP reception featuring seasonal small bites followed by an intimate performance from Darryl Worley.

Dec. 30 is filled with songwriter sessions and live showcases from a celebrated roster of artists like Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jamie O’Neal, Bridgette Tatum, Casey Beathard, Brice Long, Bobby Tomberlin and Wynn Varble, sharing the stories behind their most iconic hits. VIP guests enjoy private receptions with bourbon and tequila pairings, featuring elevated plates and the evening performance is led by The Frontmen.

On Dec. 31 guests will enjoy electric performances, intimate storytelling sets, and festive dining experiences culminating in the Boots & Bubbles New Year’s Eve Celebration. Neal McCoy will take the stage for a performance and lead the countdown to 2026 with music, laughter, and a spectacular aerial display.

Jan. 1 kicks off with a New Year’s Day Jazz Brunch in the Grand Ballroom—a soulful finale featuring a 14-piece live jazz band and a spread of seasonal favorites. Single event tickets start at $160, and packages include full-day and all-weekend options. The hotel is offering special rates for those coming to town for the festival as well, and tickets are available at events.woodlandsresort.com/songwriters-festival.

George Strait To Return To Texas For One Night Only In April

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George Strait.

George Strait will return to Lubbock, Texas for one night only, in-the-round on April 25 at Jones AT&T Stadium. Miranda Lambert and Hudson Westbrook will join as support.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. CT on Friday, November 21.

Strait recently announced a show at Clemson, South Carolina’s Memorial Stadium for one night only on May 2. Strait will be joined for this show by Cody Johnson and Wyatt Flores.

In 2024, Strait played a few one-off stadium shows including A&M’s Kyle Field. He followed that with five live shows in 2025 with stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Foxborough and Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium.

In addition to these shows, Strait will be celebrated at the 47th Annual Kennedy Center Honors this December. Early next year, he will also be inducted into the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame.

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a wave of change and celebration across Nashville’s music industry, from long-running television farewells and leadership transitions to label signings, new ventures, and industry innovations. Click here to see the full edition.

After 17 years as host of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, Cody Alan will sign off for the final time at the end of December. His departure also the conclusion of the show itself, which first premiered in 2013. The change comes amid broader shifts at Paramount Global, following its merger with Skydance Media. As part of the restructuring, three additional employees—Ali Marszalkowski (Sr. Director, Communications), Justin Permenter (Manager, Communications), and Mark Thomas (Sr. Director, Marketing and Creative Production)—are also exiting the company. Longtime CMT Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events, Margaret Comeaux, will depart at the end of the year, closing out a 25-year tenure with the organization.

In other industry news, BBR Music Group/BMG announced several key moves within its A&R department. Camille Kenny has been promoted to VP, A&R, while Tahsin Rakib Himi steps up to Director, A&R Research. Kennedy Nickerson has been elevated to Manager, A&R, with two new additions to the team: Jacee Badeaux joins as Sr. Director, A&R, and Talia Heimanson comes aboard as A&R Coordinator.

Belmont University is taking major steps toward supporting wellness in the entertainment community with the creation of its new Center for Mental Health in Entertainment. The initiative is funded by a $3 million grant from the Country Music Association, which allocates $1 million toward programming and $2 million to endow the CMA Chair & Executive Director position, to be held by longtime industry leader Debbie Carroll. That endowment will be matched by the Johnson Academic Challenge—a program established by Belmont Board Chair Milton Johnson and his wife Denice—as part of a university effort to create up to 20 endowed professorships.

CTK Enterprises has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of three new department heads, forming new divisions to better serve its growing client roster. Patrick Kells has been named Head of Retail Merchandising, Robert Kelley takes on the role of GM, Dolly Parton’s Life Of Many Colors Museum, and Adam Davis joins as Director, Content Development & Archiving.

Sam Williams has parted ways with Mercury Nashville after four years, while 49 Winchester has inked a new deal with MCA, releasing future projects through their Lucille Records imprint. Danny Gokey has joined the Red Street Records roster, Kaitlin Butts has signed with Republic Records, and Kellie Besch has entered into a publishing agreement with Integrity Music. Meanwhile, Meg McRee and Ben Chapman have joined the publishing roster at Blue Harbor Music, and Natalie Hemby has renewed her publishing partnership with CTM Outlander.

Veteran business manager Mallory Mason Pascal has launched her own firm, Oak Haus Business Management, bringing more than 15 years of experience to the new venture. Elsewhere, acclaimed banjoist Alison Brown has debuted her new weekly radio show, Pick Like A Girl, airing on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction (ch. 77). And in media, respected country music journalist Cindy Watts has been named Editor of Nashville Lifestyles magazine.

Rounding out the week’s milestones, rising artist Elizabeth Nichols celebrated her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (Nov. 1), marking a defining moment in her blossoming career.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. HARDY takes the No. 1 spot with “Favorite Country Song.” 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.

CreatiVets Honors Vets With New ‘Veterans Day Special, Volume VI’ Project

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In honor of Veterans Day, CreatiVets is continuing its mission of empowering wounded veterans to heal through music with the release of Veterans Day Special, Volume VI, available now via Big Machine Label Group.

The five-song collection was co-written by U.S. Veterans through CreatiVets’ songwriting program, and all proceeds from the project will directly support the veterans featured in the collection, as well as the nonprofit’s ongoing work with veterans nationwide.

On Veterans Day Special, Volume VI each of the vets offer their own perspective through the lyrics, representing a wide range of experiences, from Normandy to Vietnam to post-9/11 service. The tracks weave a story of resilience and rehabilitation, embodying the spirit of CreatiVets’ mission. For many veterans, participating in CreatiVets’ songwriting program is a transformative experience – helping them process trauma, reconnect with loved ones and find peace through creative expression.

Among the collection’s meaningful tracks is “We Puerto Rico,” co-written by Roberto Prieto, a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran from Puerto Rico, which features vocals by Howie Dorough of the Backstreet Boys. The song honors Roberto’s service and heritage while celebrating Puerto Rican pride and strength.

“At CreatiVets, our mission is to turn veterans’ lived experiences into art that heals,” shares CreatiVets’ Co-Founder & Executive Director Richard Casper, a Marine Corps Veteran and Purple Heart recipient. “This collection crosses Pop, R&B, Latin, Hawaiian Island and country because healing is not one story or one sound. These are veterans telling their truths, in their own words.

“We are deeply grateful to Howie Dorough for lending his talent to this project,” he continues. “His compassion and commitment brought Roberto’s story to life in a way that honors both his service and his roots. This collaboration captures exactly what CreatiVets is all about – connection and healing through shared creativity.”

Veterans Day Special, Volume VI Track List:
1. “We Puerto Rico (feat. Howie Dorough, David Quiñones)” (Roberto Prieto, Kyle Yepsen, David Quiñones, Tyler Filmore, Chris Daniel, Seth Mosley)
2. “For The Me I Haven’t Met (feat. The Soundlings)” (Jacob Burns, Miguel Vasquez, Sonny Rey, Matt Naylor)
3. “Won’t Last Forever (featuring Ariel Lask)” (Shawn Tillman, Briana McCrae Carr, Ariel Lask, Fabio Campedelli)
4. “Na Koa Lele (The Leaping Knights Of The Hawaiian Isles) (feat. Quinn Loggins)” (Hiroshi Kato, Len Erickson, Quinn Loggins, Larry McCoy)
5. “If Freedom Was Free (feat. Johnny and Heidi)” (Irving Locker, Bart Crowe, Johnny Bulford, Heidi Bulford)

Kelsea Ballerini Contemplates Choices On New Track ‘I Sit In Parks’ From Upcoming EP ‘Mount Pleasant’

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Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Patrick Tracy

Kelsea Ballerini is offering fans a taste of her upcoming new EP Mount Pleasant with the reflective new track “I Sit In Parks,” out today (Nov. 7.)

With an accompanying video capturing Ballerini mulling over choices, sacrifices and real-life costs as she sits on a swing in a park, “I Sit In Parks” furthers the artist’s willingness to be vulnerable and open in unpacking her world for her art. Weighing personal desires, the reality of achieving success and wondering about the things her friends are all experiencing, she sings in the track, “I sit in parks, it breaks my heart/ Cause I see just how far I am from the things that I want…”

Youtube video

“I have always made records – whether songs, EPs or albums – to capture a moment in time,” says Ballerini about the upcoming project. “Mount Pleasant is a collection of six songs I’ve written throughout the summer, marking a chapter of heavy self-examination, longing and stepping further into who I am as a 32-year old woman.”

Ballerini recently wrapped her 35-date “Kelsea Ballerini Live On Tour,” at arenas across the country, and is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year at the upcoming 2025 CMA Awards and Best Contemporary Country Album at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Mount Pleasant Track List:
1. “I Sit In Parks”
2. “People Pleaser”
3. “Emerald City”
4. “587”
5. “The Revisionist”
6. “Check On Your Friends”

Jason Aldean To Release New Album ‘Songs About Us’ In April

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Jason Aldean has released three new surprise tracks from his upcoming new studio album, Songs About Us, which will release on April 24 via BBR Music Group/BMG. “Help You Remember,” “Hard To Love You,” and “Lovin’ Me Too Long” are available now.

Aldean also revealed the entire 20-song track list for the new project. In addition to his Top 20 current single, “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” the new songs set the tone for Songs About Us, which captures some of life’s defining moments through authentic storytelling. The title track is a collaboration with Luke Bryan, and the album also features a duet with his wife Brittany on the song “Easier Gone,” which was penned by Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Jimmy Robbins and Josh Kerr. Aldean also puts his spin on David Lee Murphy’s “Dust On The Bottle” which features Murphy himself.

“Help You Remember” is inspired by Aldean’s own experience having family members going through dementia, and shines a spotlight on the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and their mission.

“It means the world when one of my songs helps someone through a hard time – or celebrates their best moments,” says Aldean. “This album is about all of that – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Every track started with a real story or feeling, and together we turned those experiences into music. In the end, I realized this album is about all of us. These are songs about us.”

In addition to the new album in 2026, Aldean previously announced the extension of his 2026 “Full Throttle World Tour” which will include a first-ever headlining run in New Zealand and return to Australia after 10 years.

Songs About Us Track List:
1. “Anytime Soon” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
2. “Drinking About You” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
3. “Don’t Tell On Me” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
4. “How Far Does A Goodbye Go” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
5. “Songs About Us feat. Luke Bryan)” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Edwards, John Morgan)
6. “Good Thing Going” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
7. “She’s Why” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
8. “Backroads Of My Memory” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
9. “Dust on the Bottle (feat. David Lee Murphy)” (David Lee Murphy)
10. “The High Road” (Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson)
11. “Easier Gone (feat. Brittany Aldean)” (Charles Kelley, Josh Kerr, Dave Haywood, Jimmy Robbins)
12. “Help You Remember” (Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
13. “Country Into Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
14. “What’s A Little Heartache” (Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan)
15. “One Last Look” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
16. “Fight A Fire” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
17. “Hard To Love You” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan)
18. “Little Hometown Left” (Jordan Gray, Ben Hayslip, Danny Majic, Cole Taylor)
19. “Her Favorite Color” (Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Lee Thomas Miller, Neil Thrasher)
20. “Lovin’ Me Too Long” (Ben Hayslip, David Lee Murphy, Jacob Rice)

Brendan Walter Inks With Warner Chappell Music Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Grady Smith (True Grit Management), Spencer Nohe (WCM), Brendan Walter, Austen Adams (WCM). Photo: Gina Di Maio

Brendan Walter has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Walter released his sophomore album, Disappearing Days, today (Nov. 7). The project explores his journey as a young adult and follows his 2024 debut, I don’t know what I’m doing yet. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Walter had a successful college and semi-professional hockey career before moving to Nashville last year. He’s toured with Wyatt Flores and Evan Honer, and amassed 2.5 million global career streams.

“Brendan is a rare artist whose songs feel fresh yet instantly familiar,” shares Spencer Nohe, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “He’s an exceptional songwriter whose humility and work ethic set him apart. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Warner Chappell family and support him in this next chapter of his creative journey.”

“I’m so excited to be working with Warner Chappell,” adds Walter. “I met Spencer at my hockey beer league and he was a beauty, and since then he’s become a great off-ice teammate helping me grow my songwriting career in Nashville. I’m honored to be working with him and the whole Warner Chappell team.”