Megan Moroney Celebrates Third Chart-Topper With ‘6 Months Later’

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Pictured (L-R): Kristian Bush, Ben Williams, Megan Moroney, David “Messy” Mescon, and Rob Hatch. Photo: Catherine Powell

Megan Moroney hosted friends, family and industry team members at the SESAC headquarters to celebrate her third chart-topper, “6 Months Later.”

Written by Moroney, Ben Williams, David “Messy” Mescon and Rob Hatch and produced by Kristian Bush, “6 Months Later” dropped last June as the first song released from her Billboard 200-topping new album Cloud 9. The track marked Mescon’s first country chart-topper.

Pictured (L-R): Benji Amaefule, Caroline Hodson, Rusty Gaston, Kristian Bush, Ben Williams, MaryAnn Keen, Megan Moroney, Emilia James, David “Messy” Mescon, Penny Gattis, Rob Hatch, Kurt Locher, Shannan Hatch. Photo: Catherine Powell

Emceed by SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Tape Room’s Caroline Hodson, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Eclipse Music Group’s Penny Gattis and Kurt Locher each took the stage to honor the team behind the track.

Many spoke of the joy of watching Moroney’s career skyrocket, her kindness and the special dynamic she creates among the writers she works with. Industry attendees repeatedly praised the work of her entire team, including her manager Hayley Corbett, in helping cultivate a world that inspires such a deeply dedicated fanbase.

“Megan is one of the smartest artists you are ever going to come across,” shared Gaston. “Everything that’s happening for her is not by accident. It is because of the actions she takes. The vision she has in all of her songs, the vision she has for every image, the vision she has for how the machine moves down the road. What she is doing with Hayley by her side, they are dominating and making history. They are making every one of us proud, and they make country music better.”

The writers and producers took the microphone to share the special writing process for this song, which took place during a retreat on a yacht in the Caribbean.

Moroney with writers, Sony Music Nashville team and manager Hayley Corbett. Photo: Catherine Powell

“I have written with some of the most talented artists in this town and I have never been in a room with anyone who knows what they want to say, how they want to say it and how it will resonate with their fans the way Megan does,” Hatch shared. “Its amazing to watch it happen and I’m glad to be in the room for just part of it.”

“In Hannah Montana’s words, [Megan is] the best of both worlds,” Mescon added. “Its unreal how you just kill it, so thank you for letting us make music with you.”

Williams thanked his wife and each member of his team, noting that many of them had worked with him since he first arrived in town.

“Its amazing what you are doing. Thank you for letting me capture it in a three minute picture. She’s going to be here for a long time, so get used to coming to these,” Bush shared with a laugh.

Moroney took the microphone last, thanking everyone that surrounds her and sharing gratitude for the opportunities she has earned over the past few years.

“I want to give a huge thank you to every single person here. Thank you for believing in me and my music—when I’m in the room and when I’m not in the room, and for cheering for me,” says Moroney. “I feel so lucky to get to do this. I wake up everyday and still can’t believe it’s real.”

Moroney will kick off her “The Cloud 9 Tour” in May.

The Droptines Drop Big Loud Texas Debut ‘Drought Flower’

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The Droptines’ new album Drought Flower is out today (April 3) via Big Loud Texas.

The 11-track project marks the band’s full-length debut, and is a snapshot in time for a group of friends figuring out life and music as they go along. Produced by Jon Randall, Jacob Sciba and Taylor Tatsch, nine of the album’s tracks were written solely by frontman Conner Arthur.

Themes across the album include detachment from a relationship, mourning the loss of a family member, love, growth and more. The album honors the significant others, sisters, mothers, grandmothers and every other female figure in The Droptines’ lives.

“Maturity is reflected [on Drought Flower], for sure, and intentionality,” shares Arthur. “I think the overarching theme of it is an appreciation for the women in our lives and the matriarchy that raised most of us. There are some songs about lost friends and loved ones — there still is the element of laughing to keep from crying and that dark humor — but I think a lot of it is just kind of a love letter.”

The band of five originated in Texas Hill Country, building a solid fan following since they formed in 2019. They made their Opry debut last week, performing “Snowed In” and “Tombstone”. Tonight, The Droptines will take the stage in Austin for their album release show. Starting next week, the band will hit the road for their headlining “Drought Flower Tour,” which stops in Lexington, Washington, D.C., New York City, and more.

Drought Flower Tracklist:
1. “A Town Near You” (feat. Zandi Holup) (Kenneth C Arthur)
2. “Tombstone” (Kenneth C Arthur)
3. “Old Tricks” (Kenneth C Arthur)
4. “Drought Flower” (Kenneth C Arthur)
5. “Mamaw” (feat. Sarah Jarosz) (Kenneth C Arthur)
6. “Snowed In” (Kenneth C Arthur)
7. “What Ate My Friend” (Kenneth C Arthur)
8. “Whatever It Is” (Kenneth C Arthur)
9. “Take Too Much” (Kenneth C Arthur)
10. “Calling All Cars” (Mike McClure, Adam Odor)
11. “Grand Canyon” (Stephin Merritt)

Max McNown Makes Ryman Debut With Steady, Self-Assured Performance

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Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown opened his two-night, sold-out run at the Ryman Auditorium Wednesday night (April 1) as part of his “Cost Of Growing Up Tour” with a set that balanced emotion with boot stomping beats. From the first notes of “Love Me Back,” he captured the attention of the crowd, holding it through the end of the evening.

Early in the set, “Turned Into Missing You” brought out Kimberly Perry as the first surprise guest. McNown followed with “This Side of Heaven,” continuing to lean into the introspective themes that define much of his catalog, before pausing to share a brief reflection with the audience.

“My name is Max and I sing for people sometimes,” he joked from the stage. “What started out on a pier in southern California is now filling out the Ryman Auditorium. It’s an honor that all of you are here tonight.”

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Songs like “Stand Still” and a creative “Marley” and “Three Little Birds” mashup kept the crowd rollicking and singing along. “St. Helens Alpenglow” stood out as one of the more atmospheric performances, while “World Change Me” featured a guest appearance from Mags Duvall, one of McNown’s go to Nashville writers.

The middle of the set leaned heavily into emotional territory. “The Cost of Growing Up” and “97” were particularly resonant, the latter song about reflecting on his grandpa delivered in a way that felt especially vulnerable. McNown kept the momentum steady through “Night Driving,” “The Way I Wanna,” and “Same Questions,” each performed with confidence.

Later, “Done For” saw Duvall return to the stage. “Hotel Bible” and “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” closed the main set on a high note.

Returning solo, McNown began the encore with a stripped-down cover of “Hurt,” paying homage to Johnny Cash with a restrained, acoustic approach. He then shifted into the Platinum certified “A Lot More Free” and closed with his most recent hit “Better Me for You (Brown Eyes),” ending the night with a giant a cappella sing along on both fan favorite tunes.

The “Cost of Growing Up” tour will continue in Birmingham, Indianapolis, Omaha and more through the end of April. McNown is also slated to make festival appearances at Stagecoach, Country Thunder Florida, CMA Fest and more, and will also join Parker McCollum on select dates in June. McNown will also hit the road this summer on his newly plotted “The Summer Vacation Tour,” stopping in Boise, Billings, Boston and more.

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Max McNown. Photo: Daylin Jarvis

Morgan Wallen Returns To The Stage For SiriusXM Channel Launch

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Pictured: Morgan Wallen; Photo: Kevin Mazur Getty Images for SiriusXM

Morgan Wallen notched his first live performance of 2026 with an intimate, 16-song set at The Pinnacle, celebrating the launch of his year-round SiriusXM channel, Morgan Wallen Radio.

The RIAA’s highest-certified country artist returned to the stage after a six month hiatus for nearly 4,000 SiriusXM subscribers on Thursday (April 2), performing a mix of tracks from his latest project I’m The Problem alongside a few fan-favorites. The night was both a warm up for his upcoming 23-date “Still The Problem Tour” and a celebration of his channel set to launch on April 7.

After a several-minute instrumental buildup from his band, Wallen took the stage to a sea of phones and cheers, opening with his current radio single “Don’t We” and the album’s title track “I’m The Problem.” Before moving to his next song, he paused to reflect on his time away from the stage.

Pictured: Morgan Wallen; Photo: Kevin Mazur Getty Images for SiriusXM

“I haven’t played a show in a few months,” Wallen shared. “I’ve been hanging out with my family, hanging out in the woods a little bit, making some new music. Every time I get on stage after a few months off, I think to myself, ‘Man, why did I take so much time off?’ Because I always enjoy being up here.”

He also took a moment to thank SiriusXM for bringing the night together and helping kickstart his career over a decade ago.

“Big shout out to SiriusXM,” he said. “The first time I ever heard my song on the radio was on SiriusXM. I didn’t even know that artists had their own radio stations at that point when I was listening to it. So, to fast forward 10 years from that to be able to say that they’re letting me have a radio station that’s going to be on 24 hours, 7 days a week—it’s an honor and a privilege for me, for my team. It wouldn’t be possible without every single one of you here tonight.”

The evening’s setlist leaned heavily into I’m The Problem tracks, including “I Got Better,” “20 Cigarettes,” “Dark Til Daylight,” “Love Somebody,” “I’m A Little Crazy,” “TN” and “Just In Case.” Wallen also revisited earlier fan favorites such as “More Than My Hometown” and “Chasin’ You.”

“I haven’t played this one in a couple of years,” he said of the latter. “We gotta bring it back – this is one of the first songs I wrote.”

Pictured: Morgan Wallen & Ella Langley. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for SiriusXM

The most memorable moment of the night came when Wallen brought a piano onto the stage for a surprise duet of “Sand In My Boots” alongside breakout star Ella Langley.

The evening closed with two of his biggest hits, the 12x Platinum “Last Night” and 13x Platinum “Whiskey Glasses.” Once again expressing his gratitude, Wallen remained on stage signing autographs and tossing guitar picks into the crowd.

Fans can relive the performance when it airs on April 7, at 4 p.m. CT on Morgan Wallen Radio.

Disney Celebrates ‘Main Street Country’

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Photo: Disney/Catherine Powell

Disney celebrated the release of Main Street Country, out today (April 3), with an event at Grand Ole Opry’s Studio A yesterday (April 2).

The event featured the EP’s artists including Kane Brown,Katelyn Brown, Restless Road, Dasha, Maddie & Tae and BRELAND, industry, friends and family, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Restless Road will also continue the celebration with a performance of “The Climb” tonight at the Grand Ole Opry.

Main Street Country is available now on Spotify, Amazon, Apple Music, and YouTube, and will be available on an exclusive vinyl May 15.

Restless Road. Photo: Disney/Catherine Powell

Maddie & Tae. Photo: Photo: Disney/Catherine Powell

Dasha. Photo: Disney/Catherine Powell

BRELAND. Photo: Disney/Catherine Powell

Zach Top, Hardy, Ashley Cooke, More Among Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game 2026 Lineup

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The Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game is returning to Nashville’s First Horizon Park on June 1, kicking off CMA Music Fest week in Music City.

This year’s roster includes Hardy, Zach Top, Jordan Davis, Ashley Cooke, Priscilla Block, Parker McCollum, Ryan Ellis, Zach John King, RaeLynn, comedian Danae Hays, former quarterback Jay Cutler, former MLB pitcher Roger “Rocket” Clemens and X Games gold medalist Travis Pastrana, as well as fan-favorite personalities Mat Best and Rocker Steiner. Additional talent will be announced in the weeks leading up to the event. Lee Greenwood will also perform “God Bless The USA” during the 7th-inning stretch.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring back America’s Most Patriotic Softball Game for 2026!” says Folds of Honor Tennessee Board President Robbie Goldsmith. “We are incredibly thankful to our sponsors, especially Black Rifle Coffee Company for returning as our title partner as we chase our goal of raising $1 million in one night for the children and spouses of American heroes. We cannot wait to release this year’s star-studded lineup, and I hope everyone can join us for our largest and most fun game yet!”

Tickets are  on sale today (April 3) and can be found here. Proceeds from the Rock ’N Jock Celebrity Softball Game will benefit Folds of Honor, a nonprofit that provides educational scholarships to the children and spouses of America’s fallen or disabled military service members and first responders.

Since its inception in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships, totaling approximately $340 million in educational impact. Of those, 3,457 scholarships have been granted to students in Tennessee, totaling more than $16 million in educational impact in the community.

Industry Ink: Anne Wilson, AIMP, CMHOFM, Lunchbox, Symphonic

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Anne Wilson Performs During NASA’s Artemis II Mission Launch

Anne Wilson. Photo: Rand Smith

Anne Wilson performed the national anthem for NASA’s launch of the Artemis II mission at Kennedy Space Center earlier this week, NASA’s first crewed mission to the moon in more than 50 years.

“What an incredible honor it was to sing the national anthem at the Artemis II launch,” shares Wilson. “This moment feels so full circle for me. There was a time in my life when I dreamed of becoming an astronaut and working for NASA. After walking through deep loss in my family, my path changed in ways I never expected. And yet, standing here now, getting to be a small part of something so historic, I’m just overwhelmed by God’s goodness. He writes stories far greater than we could ever imagine, and I’m so grateful to be living in His.”

 

AIMP Nashville Hosts ‘Back Then Breakfast’ At The MLC

Photo: Courtesy of AIMP

AIMP Nashville’s Young Professionals Committee hosted its “Back Then Breakfast” at the Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) in Nashville.

Panelists Michael Knox (peermusic Nashville), Nate Lowery (Cornman Music) and Kos Weaver (Goat Island) shared stories from their early days in the industry, reflecting on the ups, downs and pivotal moments that shaped their careers. The conversation highlighted how those experiences continue to influence today’s music publishing landscape, while offering attendees insight into the evolving future of the business. The discussion was moderated by MaryAnn Keen (BMI).

 

CMHOFM Opens New Student & Community Art Exhibition

Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently unveiled a new student and community art exhibition in the Taylor Swift Education Center titled Connection. Created in collaboration with the Museum’s Hatch Show Print, the exhibition features posters made by students from Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) and artists engaged with Friends Life Community, a nonprofit that serves adults with developmental disabilities.

Admission to the exhibit is included with museum tickets, which can be purchased here.

 

The Bobby Bones Show’s Lunchbox Appears On ‘The Price is Right’

Lunchbox and ‘The Price Is Right’ Host Drew Carey

This week, Lunchbox from iHeartRadio’s The Bobby Bones Show appeared as a contestant on The Price is Right.

Lunchbox bid correctly on his fourth try to claim a trip to Carter Estate Winery and Resort. He then took the stage to beat the “One Wrong Price” game, taking home all three prizes. Lunchbox returned to the stage to spin the iconic Big Wheel and secured a spot in the final Showcase Showdown, ultimately losing with an overbid of $699 on a travel package to New Orleans, Thailand, and Greece valued at $31,301.

 

Symphonic Hosts Tin Pan South Round At The Bluebird

Pictured (L-R): Eric Olson, Alex Angelo, Logan Turner and Randall Foster.

Symphonic recently hosted a writers’ round during Tin Pan South at The Bluebird.

The round featured Symphonic artists Alex Angelo and Logan Turner, alongside collaborators Jackie Lee and Dallas Wilson. The evening marked Symphonic’s first round at The Bluebird, as well as Angelo and Turner’s first official time playing there.

The MLC Seeking Board Of Directors & Advisory Committee Candidate Suggestions

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The Mechanical Licensing Collective is accepting Publisher candidate suggestions for its Board of Directors and Dispute Resolution, Operations Advisory, and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight committees.

Under the Music Modernization Act, certain governance positions at The MLC are reserved for representatives of musical work copyright owners. The terms of several Publisher seats on the Board and the organization’s advisory committees are slated to end later this year, and elections related to the open Board seats will be held this summer. Board and committee members sit for three-year terms and may be re-elected, and seats are filled according to The MLC’s Bylaws.

There is an opening on the Board of Directors for one Publisher representative. Under The MLC’s Bylaws, a “Publisher” means a music publisher to which songwriters have assigned exclusive rights of reproduction and distribution of musical works with respect to Covered Activities. “Covered Activities” means the making of digital phonorecord deliveries of musical works, including in the form of permanent downloads, limited downloads, or interactive streams, where such activity qualifies for a compulsory license under Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act.

The openings on The MLC’s advisory committees are as follows:

  • Two seats for representatives of musical work copyright owners on the Dispute Resolution Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board for the processing of royalties related to works that are subject to disputes over ownership;
  • Two seats for representatives of musical work copyright owners on theOperations Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the Board concerning the operations of The MLC, including the efficient investment in and deployment of information technology and data resources; and
  • One seat for a representative of musical work copyright owners on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board related to the distribution of unclaimed accrued royalties.

The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees meet regularly, and all meetings allow for virtual participation so that travel is not generally required. Members are expected to devote sufficient time to prepare for and participate fully in all meetings. More information on The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees can be found here. Suggestions should be made no later than May 4 here.

Opry’s ‘Salute The Troops’ Show To Honor U.S. Military In May

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The Grand Ole Opry will honor the U.S. military and mark the USA’s upcoming 250th birthday with the return of a red-carpet parade and a special “Salute the Troops” Opry performance on May 19.

Among the artists set to perform at the tribute are Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as an Army Reserve Warrant Officer,  Lauren Alaina, The War And Treaty, the 100th US Army Band, and more. The Opry will also welcome 3-Star General Robert Harter, the Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the US Army Reserve Command, as a guest announcer. Lt. General Harter will preside over a future soldier swearing-in ceremony live on stage.

Honored active and veteran military guests attending the show will be invited to join a red carpet parade into the Opry House for the evening’s show. Leading the red-carpet walk will be Lt. General Harter, Retired US Army General Keith Huber with MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Carol Whitmore, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Commander and Hal Roesch, VFW Foundation Executive Director.

The public is invited to arrive at 5 p.m. to see the 100th US Army Band perform in the Opry Plaza before they lead the honored red carpet parade guests beginning at 5:45 pm. Opry House doors will open after the honored guests have entered the building for the 7 p.m. show.  Tickets are available at 615-871-OPRY and opry.com.

“As we gather for this Salute to the Troops event, we are proud to recognize both our newest recruits and the generations of service members who have answered the call,” says Lt. Gen. Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command. “Presiding over the oath of enlistment is a privilege and a testament to the enduring strength of our all-volunteer force.”

Ignition Adds Three To Team

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Pictured (L-R): Kennedy Fisher, Vanessa Menzo, Tayler Burke

Ignition has added three new members to its team, spanning operations, digital, and artist management.

Vanessa Menzo has been named Artist Relations & Director of Digital and Social Media, bringing a background in advertising and five years of experience running her own business. She can be reached here.

Kennedy Fisher steps in as Manager of Operations & Creative/Digital Strategy, working across day-to-day operations, social strategy, and content development for the company’s roster. A graduate of Belmont University’s Creative Media program, the Indiana native relocated to Nashville in 2021. She can be reached here.

Tayler Burke joins as Day-to-Day Manager for rising country artist Tyra Madison. Originally from Kentucky and raised in Ohio, she moved to Nashville in 2020 and got her start in social and content, helping shape Madison’s voice and presence online. She can be reached here.