Scott Sexton Launches Sexton Entertainment Group

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Scott Sexton.

Scott Sexton has launched Sexton Entertainment Group.

Sexton began his career as a writer and interviewer before transitioning into publicity. The launch follows nearly eight years with 2911 Media, where he served as Vice President of Publicity. During his time at 2911 Media, he contributed to publicity efforts on behalf of a wide range of artists, legacy acts and entertainment projects.

Sexton founded Country for a Cause, an annual benefit that has raised nearly $300,000 for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. He has also supported organizations like the American Federation of Musicians (Nashville) Emergency Relief Fund and Music Health Alliance through the Dottie West Birthday Bash.

“The last nearly eight years have flown by, and I am thankful for every minute at 2911 Media,” he shares. “Jeremy and I have had the opportunity to work with some incredible artists and projects, and I am grateful for the trust that was placed in me by Jeremy and by every client along the way. The future is bright for both of us, and while our professional paths are now taking different directions, I have nothing but respect for Jeremy, 2911 Media, and all we built together.”

“Scott has been an important part of 2911 Media’s growth and success over the past several years, and I’m deeply grateful for his contributions, his loyalty, and the care he has shown our clients and team,” adds Jeremy Westby, President & CEO, 2911 Media. “We support him as he steps into this new season with Sexton Entertainment Group, and we do so with respect, appreciation, and genuine goodwill. This is a friendly transition, and we’re proud of all we’ve built together while looking ahead to the future with optimism.”

Alana Springsteen Plots ‘I HOPE THIS HELPS TOUR’

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Alana Springsteen. Photo: Bill Reynolds

Alana Springsteen will kick off her new “I HOPE THIS HELPS TOUR” on Sept. 17 in Roseville, California.

The 25 date trek will make stops in West Hollywood, New York City, Philadelphia and more before wrapping up in Nashville on Oct. 24. Erin Kinsey and Kyle Schuesler will join as support on select dates.

Fan presale and VIP on-sale will begin tomorrow (May 5), before venue and local presales take place on Thursday (May 7). General on-sale begins will take place this Friday (May 8) at 10 a.m. CST.

The tour will support Springsteen’s upcoming album release with the same name, releasing May 29 via Santa Anna Nashville. Springsteen also slated to make an appearance at CMA Fest next month, before embarking on her seven date “ALANA SPRINGSTEEN: LIVE IN EUROPE,” making stops in Glasgow, London, Belfast and more.

“I HOPE THIS HELPS TOUR” Dates:
Sept. 17 – Roseville, CA – Goldfield Trading Post º
Sept. 19 – San Diego, CA – Moonshine Beach º
Sept. 20 – West Hollywood, CA – Troubadour º
Sept 21. – Tucson, AZ – 191 Toole º
Sept. 23 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater º
Sept. 25 – Manhattan, KS – The Hat º
Sept. 26 – Kansas City, MO – PBR Big Sky º
Sept. 27 – Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s º
Sept. 29 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon º
Oct. 1 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line Music Café º
Oct. 2 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave º
Oct. 3 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s Bar º
Oct. 8 – Indianapolis, IN – Turntable ^
Oct. 9 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation ^
Oct. 10 – Rootstown, OH – The Dusty Armadillo ^
Oct. 13 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works ^
Oct. 15 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall ^
Oct. 16 – New York, NY – The Bowery Ballroom ^
Oct. 17 – Verona, NY – The Showroom at Turning Stone Resort Casino ^
Oct. 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry ^
Oct. 20 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa ^
Oct. 21 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm ^
Oct. 22 – Charlotte, NC – Visulite Theatre ^
Oct. 23 – Atlanta, GA – The Loft ^
Oct. 24 – Nashville, TN – Exit/In ^

º Support from Erin Kinsey
^ Support from Kyle Schuesler

Ella Langley Stays Atop MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley has claimed the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Her own tracks “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “girl you’re taking home,” “Last Call For Us,” “Loving Life Again,” “Low Lights,” “Somethin’ Simple,” “We Know Us,” and “You & Me Time” give her her second consecutive week at No. 1.

Joybeth Taylor remains at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “girl you’re taking home,” “Last Call For Us,” “Low Lights,” “Somethin’ Simple,” “Speaking Terms,” “We Know Us,” and “You & Me Time.” Luke Combs stays at No. 3 with “Days Like These,” “Rethink Some Things” and “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.”

Randy Montana (No. 4) and Chase McGill (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.

Ashley Cooke Unveils Self-Titled Sophomore Album

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Ashley Cooke will unveil her self-titled sophomore album on August 14 via Big Loud Records.

“This record feels like a coming-of-age record disguised as a relationship album. I wrote a lot of it dead in the middle of real-life situations where I learned quite a bit about myself, so you’re getting the real, unpolished, recently-realized-truths in 15 tracks,” she shares. “It’s messy, self-reflective, indecisive, filled with honesty, double entendres and emotional duality (I’m a Gemini, duh). Overall, it’s my perception of love and allllll the chaos it entails.”

Cooke wrote the 15-track project alongside Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Ashley Gorley, Emily Weisband, Seth Ennis and Chase McGill, among others. Produced by Dann Huff, the project features “baby blues,” “excuses” and “the hell you are” from Cooke’s 2025 release, ace.

In celebration of the album, she will release her next single, “high school sweetheart,” on Friday (May 8).

Cooke is set to take the stage at “ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash” in Las Vegas ahead of a run of festival shows throughout the summer.

Frank Ray’s Upcoming EP ‘Good For The Soul’ Set For June

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Frank Ray will release his new EP Good For The Soul on June 26 via Broken Bow Records.

He offered fans a preview of the EP with the new track “Third Row George Strait,” the first song from the project, released last Friday (May 1). Penned by Ben Hayslip, Dan Isbell and Ben Stennis, the single has a nostalgic summer romance feel with up-tempo energy.

“After sitting with the demo for a while and stacking new songs, I started drifting away from this song. Not because it wasn’t great, I just hadn’t made it mine yet. But after working on it with my producer a bit more, everything clicked,” says Ray. “Now I can’t stop playing the song and I hope it hits fans the same way it hit me the first and second time around – it’s kind of like falling in love with your someone all over again.”

The new EP features songs written by Matt Dragstrem, Michael Carter, Brett Kissel, Seth Mosley, and more, and includes a collaboration with Tracy Lawrence on the title track.

Ray premiered the new single “Third Row George Strait” live at the Grand Ole Opry last weekend on Saturday night (May 2).

Good For The Soul Track List:
1. “One Way To Do It” (Matt Dragstrem, Jordan Minton, Seth Ennis)
2. “Lookin’ Out For Me” (Frank Ray, Seth Mosley, Joybeth Taylor)
3. “Third Row George Strait” (Ben Hayslip, Dan Isbell, Ben Stennis)
4. “Hard To Be A Hero” (Frank Ray, Trannie Anderson, Jordan Walker, Seth Mosley)
5. “Good For The Soul” – Frank Ray and Tracy Lawrence (Tim Nichols, Michael Carter, Brett Kissel)

Jon Pardi To Release 10th Anniversary Edition Of ‘California Sunrise’

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Jon Pardi is celebrating 10 years since his breakthrough album California Sunrise with the release of the California Sunrise (10th Anniversary Edition), due out June 12 via MCA.

The triple Platinum, chart-topping album revived honky-tonk swagger and launched Pardi as one of the format’s most distinct voices. Alongside the album’s original 12 songs, the celebratory edition includes three new tracks from the vault: “Drinkin’ and Dancin’,” “If I Had Another Heart,” and “How Did You Know.”

California Sunrise spawned five Platinum-or-better singles, including the 7x-Platinum “Head Over Boots” and 6x-Platinum “Dirt On My Boots.”

“Ten years ago I made a record that would unknowingly change my life,” says Pardi. “Since then, it’s been one hell of a ride—my family has grown, I’ve seen the world, and I’m out here living my dream. It’s pretty damn cool to see how much people continue to embrace this project even all these years later. Thankful for the last ten and looking forward to the next.”

Kate Lazzari Joins Messina Touring

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Kate Lazzari. Photo: Rachel Deeb

Industry veteran Kate Lazzari has joined the team at Messina Touring.

Lazzari comes to Messina with nearly a decade of experience from Concerts West, the boutique touring division of AEG Presents, where she spent the past eight years on the booking team. During her tenure, she contributed to international tours for artists including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Ado, Simone Biles, KALEO, Drake Milligan and Aly & AJ. Her work has taken her across North America, South America and Europe, providing road experiences where she played a key role in artist support and development, tour logistics and operational execution on a global scale.

In her new role at Messina Touring Group, Lazzari will support the company’s full artist roster while also contributing to new touring opportunities and strategic growth initiatives.

“We are so excited to have Kate join our team,” says Haley McCollister, President, Nashville. “Her experience and passion make her a perfect fit for Messina Touring. She will be an integral part of our continued growth, and our clients will greatly benefit from having her in their corner.”

“I’m thrilled to join Messina Touring, an exceptional team with an extraordinary legacy in live entertainment,” shares Lazzari. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to supporting artists and contributing to their continued success in live music.”

Lazzari can be reached here.

Jamey Johnson, Alan Jackson, Mickey Guyton Among National Memorial Day Concert Lineup

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The National Memorial Day Concert, set to air live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on May 24, will feature performances from Mickey Guyton, Jamey Johnson, Alan Jackson, Andy Grammer, Mary McCormack, Blessing Offor and the National Symphony Orchestra.

“We honor and remember all our American heroes, from the all-volunteer force that won our independence in the American Revolution to the over one-million men and women who have given their lives since our nation’s founding 250 years ago,” says co-host Joe Mantegna.

“Joe and I are deeply honored to co-host this 37-year tradition at the U.S. Capitol and salute those who have worn the uniform – past and present – and their families who have stood beside them,” adds co-host Gary Sinise.

The night will feature segments including 1776 American Revolution, WWII 85th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, 25th Anniversary Remembrance of 9/11 Attacks, Vietnam War Veterans Tribute, Gold Star Families Tribute and more.

The concert will stream here.

Midland Readies New Album Due In June

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Midland will release their new record, Stages, on June 12 via Blue Highway Records.

The 10-track project was produced by Trent Willmon and features writing credits from Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols, Seth Ennis, Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin, Josh Osborne and more.

Clint Black joins the band on “Up In Texas,” and the album features the previously-released track “I Wish You Would” with Mackenzie Carpenter.

“We’ve gone so many places and done so many things,” shares bassist/vocalist Cameron Duddy. “I think we got to that place in the road where we wanted to pull it all together. The title is really a tribute to all the places where we’ve made our stand, but it’s also about all the phases and stages we’ve been through to get here.”

“And the more you dig into country’s roots, the more there is to work with,” adds frontman Mark Wystrach. “We’ve always had real respect for the original Texas and California country, so this album lets us pull all that through the songs we’ve written and found to really focus on what matters to us.”

“Nashville, Texas, California, everywhere in between; we’ve been in a pick-up, then a van and finally a bus – it’s all in these songs,” says guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson. “The road dust, sweat, music listened to, it all seeps into who we are and what we do.”

Stages Tracklist:
1. “Marlboro Man” (Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols, Josh Thompson)*
2. “One Day You Won’t” (Seth Ennis, Mike Robinson, Matt Roy)*
3. “Shooting Memories With Tequila” (Ryan Beaver, Joe Clemmons, Mike Walker)*
4. “Walk A Mile” (Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin, Michael White)*
5. “Glass Half Empty” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)*
6. “I Wish You Would (with Mackenzie Carpenter)” (Mackenzie Carpenter, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore)^
7. “Up In Texas (feat. Clint Black)” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Josh Osborne, Bryan Simpson)%
8. “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” (Michael Henderson, Chris Stapleton)*
9. “Drunk Enough” (Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach, Nathan Barlowe, Jamie Moore)*
10. “Vaquero” (Joseph Patton, Brett Sheroky, Dan Wilson)*
* produced by Trent Willmon
^ produced by Jamie Moore
% produced by Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy, Jess Carson, and Trent Willmon

Frank Rogers Receives South Carolina’s Highest Honor

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Frank Rogers and Governor McMaster. Photo: South Carolina Governor’s Office

CEO of Spirit Music and President of Fluid Music Revolution Frank Rogers received his home state’s highest honor on April 30 as the Honorable Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina, presented him with the Order of the Palmetto.

As a producer, Rogers’ work has resulted in 46 No. 1 singles and over 80 top twenty singles, with more than 40 singles and 20 albums being certified by the RIAA as Diamond, multi-Platinum, Platinum or Gold. He has amassed 18 CMA award nominations with one win, and 27 ACM award nominations with five wins. He was awarded MusicRow’s Producer of the Year four times, and Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer honor five times.

As a songwriter, Rogers has had songs recorded by artists such as Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Hootie and The Blowfish, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, Clint Black, Charlie Wilson, Thompson Square, Scotty McCreery, Maddie and Tae, Julie Roberts, Montgomery Gentry, Steve Holy, Michael Ray, Lee Brice, Kidd Rock, Billy Gibbons, Tim Montana, The Cadillac Three and Frank Ray, among others. He has earned 10 No. 1 tracks, including the recent chart-topper “Bottle Rockets,” recorded by Scotty McCreery and Hootie and the Blowfish. He has received 16 ASCAP Songwriter Awards to date.

As an executive, Rogers is the former VP of EMI Nashville Productions where he signed artists including Brad Paisley and Darryl Worley. In 1999, Rogers opened up Sea Gayle Music with Paisley and Chris DuBois where he signed artists including Chris Stapleton and Ingrid Andress.

In 2016, he opened Fluid Music Revolution and in 2019 he was named the CEO of Spirit Music Nashville. In 2022, Rogers was named Chief Creative Officer for Spirit Music and in 2025 rose to CEO of Spirit Music.

He and his wife Jessica endowed a scholarship at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Business, and co-founded Notes For Education which supports arts education in Nashville, Tennessee and Napa, California.