Levi Hummon Inks With Withrow Street Music & CTM Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Bob Squance (Founder & CEO, Withrow Street Music), Michael Thomas (Co-founder, Withrow Street Music), Levi Hummon, Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder & Chairman, Jonas Group Entertainment), George Kreis (President, Jonas Group Entertainment)

Levi Hummon has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Withrow Street Music and CTM Publishing. Hummon has amassed over 215 million streams over his career, collaborating with Walker Hayes and touring with Hardy and Jordan Davis. In March of 2023, Hummon signed a management deal with Jonas Group Entertainment, followed by a label deal with Red Van Records.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Withrow Street Music and CTM,” says Hummon. “From my first conversation with Bob, it was clear we share a passion for music and a vision for innovation—exploring new ways to grow both within Nashville and beyond. With Michael, Bob, and Thomas leading the way, this new company has an incredibly bright future, and I’m excited to be part of this journey together.”

“We’ve been fans of Levi’s music for years and are excited to be working together on all of the big things he has coming,” says Withrow Street Music Founder & CEO Bob Squance.

WSM’s Co- Founder Michael Thomas adds “Levi is one of the most talented people in the industry and he’s just getting started.”

“We’re thrilled to see Levi take this exciting next step in his career,” adds Jonas Group Entertainment’s Kevin Jonas Sr. “His passion, talent, and commitment to the craft continue to inspire us, and we look forward to watching him grow in this new creative chapter.”

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie & Carrie Underwood To Return As Judges On ‘American Idol’

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Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan. Photo: Disney/Christopher Willard

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood will return as judges on American Idol, following their celebrated debut as a judge trio last season.

Season nine auditions kick off on Aug. 26, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for contestants. More information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition in front of a producer is available here. Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location.

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“Idol Across America” Dates:
“First 900” VIP Event (Aug. 26)
Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 27)
Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 28)
Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 2)
Nationwide open call (Sept. 3)
Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Sept. 4)
Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sept. 8)
Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sept. 9)
Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sept. 11)
East Coast open call (Sept. 12)
The South open call (Sept. 15)
Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sept. 16)
West and Midwest open call (Sept. 18)
Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 19)
Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sept. 22)
Nationwide open call (Sept. 24)

Thomas Rhett Lands 24th Chart-Topper With ‘After All The Bars Are Closed’

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Thomas Rhett has racked up his 24th career No. 1 this week as “After All the Bars Are Closed” tops the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart.

The high flying track also spends a third week atop Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, is the No. 1 country song in Canada, and has racked up over 11.5 billion streams. “After All the Bars Are Closed” is the second single from Rhett’s seventh studio album About A Woman, which he has expanded twice with six total brand-new tracks.

Rhett has had plenty to celebrate all summer long. Last month, he headlined a sold-out Fenway Park show for the very first time, playing to more than 35,000 fans in a defining moment of his “Better In Boots Tour.” The milestone show marked his return to the iconic stadium after being the first country artist ever to set boots on its stage back in 2013 as an opening act. The night featured a RIAA Diamond plaque presentation for “Die A Happy Man” and a surprise Gold certification for “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Woman (feat. Teddy Swims),” which the pair performed live during the epic show.

Jelly Roll Jumps Into Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jelly Roll. Photo: Jacob Distasio

Jelly Roll has moved into the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His collaborations with Shaboozey (“Amen”), Brandon Lake (“Hard Fought Hallelujah”) and Marshmello (“Holy Water”), as well as his solo “Heart Of Stone” all push the singer-songwriter to No. 17 this week.

Charlie Handsome remains in the No. 1 spot for the 13th consecutive week with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Hell At Night,” “Holy Water,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN” and “What I Want.” Blake Pendergrass moves into the No. 2 spot with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman” and “Wish You Well.”

Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Chase McGill (No. 4) and John Byron (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Alison Krauss & Union Station’s ‘Live’ Reissued On Vinyl

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Alison Krauss & Union Station’s Grammy-winning album Live is being reissued on vinyl by Craft Recordings on Nov. 21.

Live was the legendary bluegrass band’s fifth LP and remains their only live album to date. Captured primarily at Louisville’s Palace Theatre over two nights in April 2002, the album’s 25-track setlist culls traditional and original favorites from their catalog, including “The Lucky One”, “Cluck Old Hen,” “Every Time You Say Goodbye”and “There Is a Reason” (So Long So Wrong). The collection also includes selections from the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow” and “Down to the River to Pray”(recorded during an Austin City Limits taping), along with beloved covers of “Baby, Now That I’ve Found You” and “When You Say Nothing at All” (originally released on Keith Whitley: A Tribute Album), which marked the group’s breakthrough single.

A cornerstone in Alison Krauss & Union Station’s catalog, Live received a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, while “Cluck Old Hen” also earned an award for Best Country Instrumental Performance. The album topped Billboard’s Bluegrass charts, while it broke the Country Top 10 and the Billboard 200’s Top 40. The three-LP, 25-track album will be pressed on 180-gram vinyl at QRP with lacquers cut by Matthew Lutthans and presented in a triple gatefold package.

The band’s eighth studio album Arcadia arrived earlier this year via Down the Road Records. Now joined by guitarist and vocalist Russell Moore, the band, featuring longtime members Ron Block, Barry Bales, Jerry Douglas and Larry Atamanuik, is currently on an extensive tour in support of the new project.

Live Track List:
Side A
1. “Let Me Touch You For Awhile”
2. “Choctaw Hayride”
3. “The Lucky One”
4. “Baby, Now That I’ve Found You”
5. “Bright Sunny South”

Side B
1. “Every Time You Say Goodbye”
2. “Tiny Broken Heart”
3. “Cluck Old Hen”
4. “Stay”
5. “Broadway”

Side C
1. “Ghost In This House”
2. “Forget About It”
3. “Faraway Land”
4. “A Tribute To Peador O’Donnell/Monkey Let The Hogs Out”

Side D
1. “The Boy Who Wouldn’t Hoe Corn”
2. “Take Me For Longing”
3. “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow”
4. “Maybe”

Side E
1. “We Hide & Seek”
2. “But You Know I Love You”
3. “When You Say Nothing At All”
4. “New Favorite”

Side F
1. “Oh, Atlanta”
2. “Down To The River To Pray”
3. “There Is A Reason”

Industry Ink: Old Dominion, ‘Twisters,’ Max McNown, A2IM

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Old Dominion Celebrates ‘Barbara’ Release at Minnesota State Fair

Team Old Dominion On-Stage at the Minnesota State Fair. Photo: Mason Allen

Old Dominion celebrated the recent release of their album Barbara at the Minnesota State Fair.

The 13-track project released on Friday (Aug. 22). The project was written by members of the band alongside Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne and Ashley Gorley, among others. The Shane McAnally/Old Dominion-produced project explores themes of what it means to be positive, to seek the light and own your place in the world without denying reality.

 

‘Twisters’ Earns ACM Film Award, Luke Combs Earns Platinum Recognition

Photo: David Bergman.

The producers on the Twisters soundtrack, Kevin Weaver, Brandon Davis, Ian Cripps and Joseph Khoury were honored at last week’s ACM Honors as the film was celebrated with the ACM Film Award.

Ahead of the show while on the red carpet, Luke Combs received a plaque for his 3x RIAA Certified Platinum single from the soundtrack, “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma.”

 

Max McNown Receives New RIAA Certifications, Releases Duet With Avery Anna

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Max McNown has received two new RIAA certifications with “A Lot More Free” reaching Platinum status and “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” receiving a Gold certification.

Additionally, McNown released a duet with Avery Anna, “Turned Into Missing You,” on Friday (Aug. 22).

“Ever since seeing Avery’s content online I’ve had the feeling that we’d hit it off, and sure enough, now that we’ve met, I can confirm she’s as talented and authentic in person as she seems to be online,” shares McNown. “Her vocal capability brought this song to a different level and I’m so honored that she was willing to jump aboard!”

 

A2IM Adds One, Elevates Two

Grey Gordon, Chirag Patel and Emmaline McCourt.

The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) has added Grey Gordon as the new Communications and Digital Marketing Manager. Additionally, Chirag Patel was promoted to Senior Director, Membership, and Emmaline McCourt to Membership Director. They were previously Membership Director and Membership Manager, respectively.

“We are thrilled to welcome Grey Gordon to the A2IM team as our new Communications and Digital Marketing Manager,” says Richard James Burgess, President & CEO of A2IM. “Grey brings a dynamic blend of creativity, experience, and a deep understanding of the independent music community. Her passion for storytelling and strategic communication will play a vital role in amplifying the voices of our members and advancing A2IM’s mission. We look forward to the energy and innovation she will bring to our organization.”

“I’m so excited and honored to be joining the A2IM team,” shares Gordon. “Independent music has always played a meaningful role in my life, and I look forward to helping expand the visibility of our members and community.”

Priscilla Block Announces New ‘Things You Didn’t See Tour’ For Fall

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Priscilla Block. Photo: Britton Webb

Priscilla Block will launch her new 15-date headlining “Monster Energy Outbreak: Things You Didn’t See Tour” Oct. 23 in Fort Myers, FL. Greylan James and Payton Smith will support on select dates on the new tour.

The tour will visit cities across the Southeast and Midwest this fall including Tuscaloosa, Knoxville, Omaha, Louisville, Indianapolis and more through Dec. 6. Spotify pre-sale will open tomorrow (Aug. 26) with public on sale beginning Aug. 27 at priscillablock.com/tour.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be teaming up with the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour to bring my new record, Things You Didn’t See, to life onstage. I can promise you that this tour will be unlike anything you’ve seen from me before, so trust me when I say you don’t want to miss it.”

Block’s sophomore album, Things You Didn’t See, is due out Oct. 10 via MCA. She’ll perform the album track “You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)” during her TODAY Show debut on Wednesday (Aug. 27). In addition to her headlining tour, Block will hit the road with Cole Swindell this September on his “Happy Hour Sad Tour.”

Priscilla Block On Tour:
Thu., Aug. 28 | Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hill | Farmingville, NY
Sat., Aug. 30 | Midwest Old Threshers Reunion | Mount Pleasant, IA
Thu., Sep. 4 | Huntington Center | Toledo, OH^
Fri., Sep. 5 | Canton Civic Center | Canton, OH^
Thu., Sep. 11 | Marshall Health Network Arena | Huntington, WV^
Fri., Sep. 12 | Erie Insurance Arena | Erie, PA^
Sat., Sep. 13 | Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza | Wilkes-Barre Township, PA^
Thu., Sep. 18 | Rupp Arena | Lexington, KY^
Fri., Sep. 19 | The Classic Center | Athens, GA^
Sat., Sep. 20 | Dignity Health Amp | Macon, GA^
Thu., Sep. 25 | Dacotah Bank Center | Brookings, SD^
Fri., Sep. 26 | Alliant Energy PowerHouse | Cedar Rapids, IA^
Sat., Sep. 27 | Alerus Center | Grand Forks, ND^
Thu., Oct. 2 | Blue FCU Arena | Loveland, CO^
Fri., Oct. 3 | Ford Wyoming Center | Casper, WY^
Sat., Oct. 4 | Brick Breeden Fieldhouse | Bozeman, MT^
Thu., Oct. 9 | Angel of the Winds Arena | Everett, WA^
Fri., Oct. 10 | Toyota Center | Kennewick, WA^
Sat., Oct. 11 | Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater | Nampa, ID^
Thu., Oct. 23 | The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon | Fort Myers, FL*#
Fri., Oct. 24 | Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino | Hollywood, FL^
Sat., Oct. 25 | The BayCare Sound | Clearwater, FL^
Sun., Oct. 26 | The St. Augustine Amphitheatre | St. Augustine, FL^
Wed., Oct. 29 | Two Dimes | Tuscaloosa, AL*#
Thurs., Oct. 30 | The Mill & Mine | Knoxville, TN*#
Fri., Oct. 31 | The Signal | Chattanooga, TN*#
Sat., Nov. 1 | The Wind Jammer | Isle of Palms, SC*#
Thurs., Nov. 6 | The Rave II | Milwaukee, WI*
Fri., Nov. 7 – Sat., Nov. 8 | Island Resort & Casino | Harris, MI*
Thurs., Nov. 13 | The Admiral | Omaha, NE*@
Sat., Nov. 15 | Val Air Ballroom | Des Moines, IA*@
Thurs., Nov. 20 | Mercury Ballroom | Louisville, KY*#
Fri., Nov. 21 | The Blue Note | Columbia, MO*#
Sat., Nov. 22 | Midnight Rodeo Springfield | Springfield, MO*#
Fri., Dec. 5 | Joe’s Live | Rosemont, IL*@
Sat., Dec. 6 | 8 Seconds Saloon | Indianapolis, IN*@

^ denotes support dates for Cole Swindell’s Happy Hour Sad Tour
* denotes Monster Energy Outbreak Tour: Things You Didn’t See
# denotes support from Greylan James
@ denotes support from Payton Smith

Neil Vance Joins Quartz Hill Music Group

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Neil Vance

Neil Vance has joined Quartz Hill Music Group (QHMG) as Manager. In his role, Vance will work with Matt Cooper and Spencer Hatcher.

Vance has over 20 years of artist management and booking agency experience, previously managing the careers of Dustin Lynch and Tyler Rich.

“Neil really impressed me back when he was managing Dustin Lynch while Dustin was signed to my former label” says QHMG Founder Benny Brown. “He’ll be a great asset to BSB Management, and specifically to Matt Cooper and Spencer Hatcher as they launch their country music careers on the national stage.”

“Neil’s track record as an artist manager speaks for itself,” adds QHMG Executive Vice President Ash Bowers. “Most of the time, country superstars don’t happen by accident, and Neil is a manager who’s been instrumental in making careers happen time and again. We’re pumped to welcome him to QHMG and BSB Management.”

“Joining the team at Quartz Hill Music Group and BSB Management feels like the perfect next chapter,” shares Vance. “I’ve always been drawn to teams that value artist development, integrity, and long-term vision – and that’s exactly what this is. I’ve known the team for a long time, and I believe in the vision they’re building. The opportunity to work with artists like Matt Cooper and Spencer Hatcher to help develop authentic, lasting careers in country music is exactly where I want to be. I’m excited to contribute my experience, relationships and energy to help take it even further.”

Vance is already on the job and can be reached here.

Alongside Vance’s hiring, longtime Runaway June manager Tina Hill has taken on the role as Manager for Lakelin Lemmings.

“Tina continues to have big wins with Runaway June, and I know that her unique experience and approach to artist management will be a perfect fit for Lakelin as well,” says Bowers.

Owen Riegling Signs U.S. Deal With Big Loud Records

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Pictured (L-R): Liam O’Brien (Marketing Manager, Big Loud Records), Seth England (Partner / CEO, Big Loud), JP Boucher (SVP of Marketing, Universal Music Canada), Julie Adam (President & CEO, Universal Music Canada), Royce Risser (Head of Country Music, The Familie), Lucy Bartozzi (VP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Steve Astephen (Founder / CEO, The Familie), Owen Riegling, Brianne Deslippe (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Cody (Kode) Roberts (Manager, The Familie), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Amanda Kingsland (VP of A&R, Universal Music Canada)

Owen Riegling has signed with Big Loud Records as his U.S. label partner, alongside Universal Music Canada.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have Big Loud Records join my label team alongside Universal Music Canada,” says Riegling. “On my very first trip to Nashville, I stood outside the Big Loud building and dreamed about one day getting the chance to work with them. To see that dream come full circle and become a reality is truly surreal. Big Loud has a proven track record of building artists that I’ve looked up to for years, and I’m honoured to now have their support as I continue to grow my career.”

Since winning the 2022 Boots & Hearts Festival Emerging Artist Competition, the Mildmay, Ontario native has earned two Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards, released his expanded EP Bruce County (From The Beginning), achieved a Platinum-certified hit with “Old Dirt Roads,” and recently earned five 2025 CCMA nominations. He has toured alongside Brett Young, Jake Owen, Tyler Hubbard, Chase Rice and more. He will release his next single, “Taillight This Town,” on Oct. 3. The song was written with Jimi Bell and Kyle Sturrock and produced in Nashville by Oscar Charles.

“I’ve lived a lot of life since my last release—it’s been nearly a year filled with travel, new places and incredible people,” continues Riegling. “All of those experiences have shaped me into who I am stepping into this next chapter. ‘Taillight This Town’ is a song about new beginnings, about leaving behind what’s familiar to chase something new, while still carrying the pieces of where you come from. I’m beyond excited to kick off this next chapter and share not just who I’ve grown into as an artist, but also as a person.”

Steve Martin & Alison Brown Stay ‘Safe, Sensible And Sane’ On New Collab Project

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Steve Martin and Alison Brown. Photo: Beth Herzhaft

Steve Martin and Alison Brown are joining forces on a new album, Safe, Sensible and Sane, due out Oct. 17 from Compass Records. A first taste of the collaborative new project, “Dear Time,” featuring Jackson Browne with Jeff Hanna, is out now.

“Dear Time” is a soul-baring letter to time itself, striking a powerful balance of light-hearted humor and wistful sincerity with lyrics by Martin and featuring harmony vocals from Hanna, who was Browne’s former bandmate during his brief stint in the first iteration of The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. A video for the new tune was filmed at LA’s iconic Troubadour, where both Martin and Jackson Browne launched their careers in the ’60s during a historic period in that music scene, and where Brown later performed as a rising SoCal teen bluegrasser.

The album also features other special guests including Vince Gill, the Indigo Girls, Tim O’Brien, Jason Mraz, Della Mae and more, and includes standouts like the recently released “5 Days Out, 2 Days Back” featuring O’Brien which is nominated for Song of the Year, Collaborative Performance of the Year, and Music Video of the Year at this year’s International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Awards, where Brown also picked up a nomination for Banjo Player of the Year.

Additional high points include “New Cluck Old Hen,” which reimagines a century-old Appalachian banjo tune and features the all-female bluegrass powerhouse Della Mae, “Michael” (feat. Aoife O’Donovan with Sarah Jarosz), a bittersweet reverie adorned with the breezy rhythms of bossa nova, and harmony-fueled track “Money When You’re Old” (feat. Indigo Girls).

In shaping the album’s intricately detailed but freewheeling sound, Brown and Martin worked with over two dozen renowned players, including Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull.

“With the banjo, there are so many styles you can work with, but Alison and I both have an ear for its more melodic, melancholy aspect,” Martin shares. “We got together and played music for days, and ended up making a record where our entire banjo histories coalesce.”

“We didn’t start off by saying, ‘Let’s make an album,’” Brown shares. “We were just having a good time writing songs, and at some point we realized we’d written enough to gather them all together and put a bow on it. There was a joy and ease and sense of fun to the whole process, and now hopefully everyone who listens will share that joy.”

Brown and Martin have each earned accolades for their contributions to banjo music: Brown made history as the first-ever female musician to win an instrumentalist of the year prize at the IBMA Awards (where she was named Banjo Player of the Year in 1991), while Martin received the IBMA’s Entertainer of the Year award in 2011. In 2010, Martin launched the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, which has awarded more than $500,000 to banjo players, with past recipients including Rhiannon Giddens and Jake Blount. Also a longtime co-chair for the Steve Martin Banjo Prize, Brown co-founded the roots-music label Compass Records in 1995. Brown and Martin are set to co-host the International Bluegrass Music Awards next month in Chattanooga.

Safe, Sensible, and Sane Track List:
1. “Friend of Mine”
2. “5 Days Out” (feat. Tim O’Brien)
3. “New Cluck Old Hen” (feat. Della Mae)
4. “Michael” (feat. Aoife O’Donovan with Sarah Jarosz)
5. “Evening Star” (feat. McGoldrick/McCusker/Doyle)
6. “Statement of Your Affairs” (feat. Jason Mraz)
7. “Dear Time” (Prelude)
8. “Dear Time” (feat. Jackson Browne with Jeff Hanna)
9. “Girl, Have Money When You’re Old” (feat. Indigo Girls)
10. “Bluegrass Radio”
11. “Wall Guitar (Since You Said Goodbye)” (feat. Vince Gill)
12. “Let’s Get Out of Here”