Brian Kelley Readies New Album Due This Month

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Brian Kelley will release his forthcoming album, Sunshine State of Mind Season Two, Chapter One, on June 20. Alongside the announcement, Kelley released “Saltwater Ranch,” the first track to come from the album.

Steeped with Kelley’s signature coastal country sound, the 14-track project was co-written by Kelley and produced by Katlin Owen, with Corey Crowder and Jake Rose stepping in on “Saltwater Ranch.”

Kelley will continue with his “Surf Post Sessions” residency in Florida before embarking on his headlining “Sunshine State Of Mind Tour” in July.

Sunshine State of Mind Season Two Tracklist:
1. “Palm Tree Country” (Brian Kelley, Jake Rose, Blake Redferrin, Canaan Smith)
2. “Blue Sky Inn” (Brian Kelley, Canaan Smith, Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose)
3. “Saltwater Ranch” (Brian Kelley, Jake Rose, Corey Crowder)
4. “Tennessee Tan” (Brian Kelley, Johnny McGuire, Grant Vogel)
5. “People Make The Place” (Brian Kelley, Bobby Pinson, Jon Nite)
6. “Colorado For Hurricane Season” (Brian Kelley, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
7. “Salty Dog” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Blake Redferrin)
8. “Tropical Storm” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Hunter Phelps)
9. “Teal” (Brian Kelley, Canaan Smith, Katlin Owen)
10. “Spend Some Time There” (Brian Kelley, Jake Rose, Corey Crowder)
11. “Always Summertime” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jake Rose)
12. “Blue Sky And A Bottle Of Rum” (Brian Kelley, Matt Dragstrem, Jordan Minton)
13. “Safe Harbor” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Blake Redferrin)
14. “Sundays In Grayton” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jake Rose)

Micah Wilshire Inks With UMPG

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Pictured: Micah Wilshire and Missy Roberts (UMPG Nashville). Photo: UMPG Nashville

Micah Wilshire has inked an exclusive, global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group.

A MusicRow Top Songwriter of 2024, Wilshire co-wrote Jason Aldean’s “Let Your Boys Be Country” and Redferrin’s Platinum single “Just Like Johnny.” He wrote and produced Rock artist Tim Montana’s LP Savage, which reached top 10 on the Active Rock Chart. Wilshire has also been a part of dozens of sync placements in television shows, film/video game trailers, network promos and ads including commercials for Nissan, Ford, the Olympics and the Oscars.

“Micah is one of the most diverse talents I have come across in my career. He seamlessly transitions from writing and producing a Country radio hit, to a top 10 Rock record, to leading a symphony, to getting his songs placed in film/tv. As the Nashville music community continues to expand, the sky is the limit for a talent like Micah. We are thrilled to represent him,” says Missy Roberts, VP, A&R, UMPG Nashville.

“I’m incredibly excited about stepping into this opportunity to be with Universal Music Publishing and to work with such a stellar team,” adds Wilshire.

Jayson Entertainment Group Taps Matt Malcolm To Lead New Agency Division

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Matt Malcolm

Matt Malcolm will lead the newly added agency division at Jayson Entertainment Group. He is already at work booking flagship artist Darryl Worley​, along with non-exclusive clients Andy Griggs, Wade Hayes and Tracy Byrd, is actively scouting talent to grow this division.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt Malcom to Jayson Entertainment Group as the head of our new booking division,” says Aaron Green, Managing Member, Jayson Entertainment Group. “Matt is a seasoned veteran with years of experience, a tireless work ethic and a reputation for integrity. Many moons ago, Jimmy Jay and Jerry booked numerous legends through this very office — icons like Conway Twitty — and we can’t wait to recreate some of that magic. With Matt leading the way, we’re confident this new pillar of our business will be built on both legacy and innovation.”

“I’m honored to be a part of the legacy that Jimmy Jay and his family built at Jayson Entertainment Group. Aaron has an incredible vision and plan for the future for Jayson Entertainment; I’m humbled and excited to build on such a solid legacy,” adds Malcolm.

Malcolm joins JEG from Wasserman Music Group where he was Director/Agent of Fairs & Festivals. Prior to his successful run at Waserman, Malcolm was an agent at WME Nashville for more than 10 years.

Malcolm began his new role in early May and can be reached at matt@jaysonentertainmentgroup.com or 423-341-5682.

Brandon Lake Leads Wins At The 12th Annual K-Love Fan Awards

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Brandon Lake. Photo: Jeremy Poland

Brandon Lake was the big winner at Friday night’s (May 30) K-LOVE Fan Awards with wins for Male Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Worship Song of the Year (“That’s Who I Praise”) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” (feat. Jelly Roll).

CeCe Winans took home the award for Female Artist of the Year during the evening, and for King & Country was named Group of the Year. The Amazon hit series House of David was honored with the trophy for TV/Streaming Impact, while The Sports Impact Award went to OSU Women’s Softball Coach Patty Gasso.

The winners list was rounded out with Leanna Crawford‘s “Still Waters” being named Breakout Single of the Year, The Chosen Season Five awarded for Film Impact, Matthew West‘s, My Story Your Glory winning for Book Impact, and Max Lucado‘s Max Lucado – Encouraging Word Podcast named Podcast of the Year.

The evening also featured performances from some of the biggest names in Christian entertainment including Jeremy Camp, Leanna Crawford, Crowder, Colton Dixon, Elevation Rhythm, for King & Country with Michael W. Smith, Jamie MacDonald, MercyMe, Mac Powell, TobyMac with Jon Reddick and Reddick performing with We The Kingdom, Matthew West, Zach Williams, Anne Wilson, CeCe Winans and Megan Woods.

Hosted by Jeremy Camp, Bart Millard, Mac Powell and Matthew West, the 12th Annual show was taped live at the Opry House on May 25. The show will run a repeat broadcast on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET and on the TBN+ app.

Lee Brice, Matt Stell, Craig Morgan, More Among Lineup For ‘Losers Live’ 2025

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WME is kicking off CMA Fest Week again this year with “Losers Live,” a free, three-night outdoor concert series at Losers Bar & Grill in Midtown June 2-4.

The 2025 series kicks off June 2, with Rodney Atkins taking the stage to get the week started. The show also includes Travis Denning, Matt Stell, Dillon Carmichael, Payton Smith, Mae Estes, Frank Ray, CeCe, Will Jones and Payton Howie.

The lineup for the June 3 show includes Lee Brice, Craig Morgan, Mark Wills, Timmy McKeever, Kaitlin Butts, Meghan Patrick, Logan Crosby, Myles Morgan, Bottomland and Colbie Caillat.

The final night of this year’s star-packed series on June 4 will feature an eclectic and high-energy mix including Easton Corbin, Priscilla Block, Bryan Martin, Cole Goodwin, Skeez, Ian Harrison, and Timothy Wayne, with more artists to be announced in the coming days. The doors open at 5 p.m. each night with the show starting at 6:30.

BREAKING: Lauren ‘LT’ Thomas Joins Big Loud Records As SVP, Radio Promotion

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Lauren “LT” Thomas. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Radio veteran Lauren “LT” Thomas has joined Big Loud Records as SVP, Radio Promotion. She will work alongside newly promoted SVP, Radio Promotion Tyler Waugh and report to EVP, Radio Promotion Stacy Blythe.

“LT’s stellar reputation speaks for itself. The moment she began exploring her next opportunity, leadership at Big Loud unanimously agreed—she was a natural fit for our team,” shares Blythe. “We’re thrilled to welcome her aboard and look forward to the expertise and passion she brings with her.”

“I’ve long admired the vibrant culture cultivated by Seth, Stacy and the Big Loud team,” adds Thomas. “I’m thrilled to be working alongside such a talented group with a powerful track record of success and innovation.”

Thomas most recently served as SVP of Promotion at Sony Music Nashville, where she helped the roster achieve nearly 100 No. 1 radio hits. She also led efforts for Columbia and RCA Nashville. Prior to that, she spent five years at KMLE-FM Phoenix.

She has been recognized for her efforts across the industry, being named to Billboard‘s Executive of the Week list in 2024, Variety‘s Hitmakers in 2023, CRS/Country Aircheck Awards SVP/VP of the Year and National of the Year, Country Aircheck Power 31 and Billboard‘s 40 Under 40. She also serves as co-chair of the St. Jude Country Cares Label Advisory Board.

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s MusicRow Weekly shines a spotlight on several major developments across Nashville’s music landscape, showcasing both industry evolution and a strong commitment to community care. Click here to see the full edition.

Singer-songwriter Matt Stell has deepened his relationship with Endurance Music Group, entering into a new joint venture label deal that builds on his already successful publishing alliance with the company.

Dierks Bentley has announced the launch of the Broken Branches Fund, a multi-year commitment to bolstering mental health support for the creative and touring communities. Administered in partnership with Music Health Alliance (MHA), the fund will provide mental health grants covering outpatient counseling and structured follow-up care for qualified individuals and their families. Bentley’s move underscores a growing awareness and responsibility within the industry to address mental well-being.

Big Machine Records has promoted Rachel Burleson to Senior Director of Streaming. Spirit Music Nashville has welcomed Nick Autry to its roster through a global publishing agreement.

Marketing agency RESULTS GLOBAL revealed formation of a new Digital & Social Media division. Spearheaded by Katrina Maddox as Head of Digital & Social, the team also includes Lindsey Parrish and Tess Schoonhoven as Social Media Managers, and Conner McEuen as Paid Media Manager.

The music business sees the debut of Gutt Law, PLLC,  founded by entertainment attorney Rachel Guttmann. The Nashville-based practice is joined by attorney Victoria Powell and Morgan Brasfield, who will serve as Head of Operations.

Kenny Chesney kicked off his much-anticipated Las Vegas residency at The Sphere with star-studded surprises. The opening night featured Kelsea Ballerini, who joined Chesney for emotional renditions of their chart-topping duet “Half Of My Hometown,” the fan-favorite “You & Tequila,” and an impromptu performance of “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” Grace Potter also took the stage during the weekend, reuniting with Chesney for another powerful delivery of “You & Tequila.”

Eric Church delivered back-to-back performances at The Pinnacle on May 23 and 24, offering a celebration of his latest project, Evangeline Vs. The Machine.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green maintains his No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive week with “Worst Way.” 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.

Kane Brown To Make Feature Film Debut

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Kane Brown. Photo: Dennis Leupold

Kane Brown will make his feature film debut in the romantic comedy The Token Groomsman, starring Taylor Lautner.

In his role, Brown will play Neil, the ride or die best friend and moral compass to Lautner’s character Scott, providing advice and laughs as Scott goes searches for money or love over a chaotic weekend.

“We knew we needed bold, lovable personalities to match the heart and humor of this story,” said Director Natalie Simpkins. “Kane brings something so unique. He has a rare mix of vulnerability and magnetism that’s incredibly compelling.”

Simpkins will serve as Director of the film. She also co-wrote original screenplay alongside John C. Hall and Sohale Andrus Mortazavi. Simpkins, Hall and Pam Renall are the Producers.

Production will begin later this year, and the film will hit over 2,500 theaters across the U.S. upon release.

“We believe in sharp, commercial comedies that bring audiences together, and The Token Groomsman is exactly that kind of film,” said John Fithian, Founding Partner of The Fithian Group. “Working alongside Pam Renall and John C. Hall—two industry veterans with a wealth of marketing, distribution, and filmmaking experience—will be key in shaping the film’s strong release strategy. We’re excited to marry that experience with Attend’s groundbreaking digital tools to bring this film to theaters and beyond.”

“We are thrilled to partner with director Natalie Simpkins and to be representing The Token Groomsman internationally,” said Mimi Steinbauer, President of Radiant. “Her fresh, modern take on romcoms is exactly what makes this film such a great fit for us. It has the perfect blend of humor, heart, and star power to make an impact with audiences around the world.”

Neste Live! Expands Team With Promotions, New Hires

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Jill Kopecky and Sarah Ramsden

Neste Live!, a Live Nation company, has expanded its corporate events division.

Jill Kopecky has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Corporate Events, expanding her leadership role after over a decade with the company. A former MPI Tennessee Chapter President and award-winner, Kopecky brings extensive experience producing major events like NASCAR’s Speedway GLOBE and the Utah State Fair, with recent work extending to Spain and the Middle East.

Sarah Ramsden has also joined as Corporate Talent Buyer. She brings over 20 years of experience to the company, including leadership positions at Dollar General Corporation, most recently as Director of Corporate Events. There, she managed large-scale events including trade shows, employee recognition programs, foundation golf tournaments, grand openings, and annual conferences, and spearheaded private entertainment bookings. Her career began at Belmont University, where she managed complex event operations for both campus and external clients.

With the addition of Ramsden as Corporate Talent Buyer to the Corporate events team, Kopecky will now oversee the corporate events department as well as continuing her role as Corporate Events Talent Buyer within Neste Live!

Additionally, Neste Live! welcomes Leeanne Lisk as Operations Manager. With 12 years at CMT, Lisk contributed to both Executive Administration and the Music & Talent Team, playing a key role in various projects across the network. Her career has also included pivotal positions at Big Machine Distillery as Director of Operations and Events, John Cooper’s Mayoral Administration, and as HR & Operations Manager for the Opry’s Circle Network.

Noelle Sunderland and Lacey Snyder have also been promoted from Talent Buyer Assistants to Booking Coordinators.

Sunderland was recently promoted from her role as Talent Buyer Assistant to Gil Cunningham. Her prior experience includes stops at CAA and Odessey Entertainment Group. Snyder was recently promoted from her role as Talent Buyer Assistant to President Andrew Fortin. Originally from California’s Central Coast, she launched her career in radio at KMLE Country while studying at Grand Canyon University in Arizona.

Shenandoah To Debut ‘The Cumberland Road Trading Post’ At CMA Fest

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Shenandoah is bringing “The Cumberland Road Trading Post” booth to 2025 CMA Fest, taking place June 5-8 in Nashville, which will highlight both established and rising artists.

Half of the booth will serve as a meet and greet area where guest artists can sign autographs, CDs and take photos with fans, and the other half will be dedicated to Shenandoah merchandise sales.

“We’ve been going to Fan Fair for over 40 years, and one thing that’s always remained important is the connection between artists and their fans,” says frontman Marty Raybon. “That’s the heart of country music. We’re proud to bring ‘The Cumberland Road Trading Post’ to CMA Fest. It’s an opportunity for both longtime favorites and fresh faces to meet the folks who support them. This is what it’s all about.”

Shenandoah will sign in the booth on Thursday, June 5 from 1:30-2 p.m. and Sunday, June 8 from 2-2:30 p.m. The band is set to perform on the Chevy Vibes Stage on June 5 at 11:30 AM. They’ll also take part in a discussion on the CMA Closeup Stage as part of a special event — “Timeless Tracks: The Enduring Legacy of Music’s Power Players featuring Pam Tillis, Shenandoah, Mark Willis and Billy Dean” on Sunday, June 8 at 12:45 p.m.