Southall Extend ’10 Years Of Six String Sorrow Tour’

Southall. Photo: Dalton Latham

Southall has added a third leg to their “10 Years Of Six String Sorrow Tour,” which will kick off Aug. 1 in Peoria, Illinois.

The fall dates will include stops in Grand Junction, Salt Lake City, Chattanooga and more through Oct. 17. Tickets for all dates are on sale now here.

The tour rolls through major markets in the south during the summer, including a stop in Nashville on June 26 at Chief’s on Broadway, and while in Music City, Southall will achieve another milestone with their debut at the Grand Ole Opry on June 25 as part of this year’s Opry 100 celebration.

Southall has racked up nearly 600 million career streams and 1.2 million cumulative monthly listeners, and has built a rabid grassroots following touring across the country, winning over crowds alongside Whiskey Myers, Jamey Johnson, Blackberry Smoke and Chase Rice, as well as on their own headlining run.

“10 Years Of Six String Sorrow Tour” Added Dates:
Aug. 1 – Peoria, IL – Crusens
Sept. 3 – Grand Junction, CO – Mesa Theater
Sept. 4 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell
Sept. 6  – Great Falls, MT – The Newberry
Sept. 9 – Greeley, CO – Moxi Theater
Sept. 11 – Billings, MT – Pub Station
Sept. 13 – Casper, WY – The Gaslight Social
Oct. 16 – Oxford, MS – The Lyric
Oct. 17 – Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom

Neil Medley Moves Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Neil Medley. Photo: Jason Myers

Neil Medley has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” along with Hudson Westbrook’s “House Again” and “Sober” push the songwriter to No. 15 this week.

Riley Green remains in the No. 1 slot with solo-penned “Worst Way.” Charlie Handsome moves up to No. 2 with “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Had Some Help,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Love Somebody” and “Smile.”

Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest (No. 4) and Ashley Gorley (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.

Industry Ink: Grand Ole Opry, Dillon Carmichael, ‘Power Of Independent,’ Dynamic Talent, Samir & Victoria, ‘Heartworn Highways’

Carly Pearce Unveils Dolly-Themed Opry Mic Stand At Ryman

Pictured: Carly Pearce; Photo credit: Jamie Wendt

Opry member Carly Pearce helped the Grand Ole Opry unveil a custom Dolly Parton-themed Opry mic stand during Pearce’s sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium Friday night to close out her 40+ date “hummingbird world tour.”  Pearce revealed the specially-designed Opry mic stand in honor of Parton, one of the Opry’s most beloved global ambassadors. Commissioned exclusively for the Opry’s 100th year, the stand features sparkling rhinestones, pink and purple butterflies, and other design elements inspired by Dolly’s signature style, and will be used throughout the Opry’s centennial celebration. In 2021, Dolly surprised Pearce with her invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Dillon Carmichael Named Four Branches Bourbon Brand Ambassador

Dillon Carmichael

Dillon Carmichael has signed on with Four Branches Bourbon as its newest brand ambassador. Through the partnership, Carmichael will amplify Four Branches’ message of “Serve Honorably. Drink Honorably,” and “Sip to Remember” during his upcoming shows. Fans will have an opportunity to learn more about the Four Branches’ mission and taste the bourbon during exclusive pre- and- post-show activations.

Four Branches launched in 2023 and is the only spirits company founded by four veterans representing the four branches of the U.S. armed forces. The company is committed to giving back and supporting the veteran and first responder community, and since its founding, more than $420,000 has been donated to veteran and first responder nonprofits. “I’m honored and excited to be joining the Four Branches’ team and work to raise awareness of the mission to honor the heroes among us and raise a glass to those who have served and continue to,” says Carmichael.

Perk PR Hosts ‘The Power Of Independent’ Panel

Pictured (L to R): Halie Hampton Mosley (WHY&HOW), Blair Miller (Chaos Creators), Trevor Perkins (PERK PR), Kyra Tilition (Fort Nash, Walk Off Entertainment), Morgan Mills (CMDShft), Photo: Kelsey Cotton

Ampersand Studios and PERK PR + Creative Agency hosted “The Power of Independent” panel on May 13 for a full house of artists, creatives, and music industry professionals in a night of community, connection, and career-shaping insight. Moderated by PERK PR founder Trevor Perkins, the panel included industry members Morgan Mills (CmdShft), Kyra Tillotson (Fort Nash / Walk Off Entertainment), Halie Hampton Mosley (WHY&HOW), and Blair Miller (Chaos Creators). Together, they shared their perspectives on creative freedom, audience-building, and sustainable success, proving that independent doesn’t mean alone.

Dynamic Talent International Celebrates Nashville Office Opening

Pictured (L-R): Suzanne Berg (Music Health Alliance), Trevor Swenson (Dynamic Talent International), Erin Lancaster (Music Health Alliance)

Dynamic Talent International marked the official opening of its new Nashville office with a launch celebration last week in the heart of Music City. The event brought together artists, industry executives and community leaders to commemorate the agency’s deeper investment in the Nashville music scene. The event also celebrated the announcement of the hiring of veteran agent Robert Baugh and spotlighted and raised funds for Music Health Alliance. The company also revealed that Baugh will join the Nashville-based team alongside Jamie Leslie, Jordan Cocklin, Jake Hawkins, Adam Easterling, and Jordyn Rothman representing a roster that includes Danielle Bradbery, Drew Green, Chase Wright, Tyler Nance, Erin Kinsey, and Kaylee Bell.

Samir & Victoria Sign With Heartland Records

Heartland Records Nashville has signed new vocal duo Samir and Victoria to the label’s artist roster. The two are currently in the studio recording their debut single, which is set for release in the  coming months. “This is the kind of project that reminds us why we do what we do,” says Brian Curl, President of Heartland Records Nashville and a producer of  the upcoming single. “Samir and Victoria have a rare chemistry and honesty in their music that’s hard to find. We’re incredibly honored to help bring their debut single to life.”

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Hosts ‘Heartworn Highways’ Screening

Pictured: Graham Leader, Jubal Lee Young and Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Senior Director of Editorial and Interpretation Paul Kingsbury at the museum Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

This weekend, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a screening of the 1975 documentary Heartworn Highways, which takes a look at the 1970s country music scene in Texas and Tennessee by spotlighting emerging songwriters like Barefoot Jerry, the Charlie Daniels Band, Guy Clark and Steve Young. Following the screening, Senior Director Paul Kingsbury led a discussion with producer Graham Leader, after which Jubal Lee Young performed his father’s songs “Alabama Highway” and “Seven Bridges Road.”

Katie Cecil Signs With Electric Feel

Pictured (L-R, top row): John Bradley (Country A&R – Electric Feel) and Austin Rosen (CEO & Founder – Electric Feel). (L-R, bottom row): Chandler Nicole Sherrill (Senior Director, Creative- Electric Feel), Katie Cecil and Joel Timen (Perspective Music Group). Photo: Courtesy of Electric Feel

Songwriter, vocalist and vocal producer Katie Cecil has inked with Electric Feel Entertainment on their Nashville roster.

Cecil has written across genres, with cuts including Lanie Gardner’s “Buzzkill,” Chandler Leighton’s “Monster,” Mod Sun’s “Battle Scars,” Shaylen’s “Do It Right The First Time,” Gareth’s “What You Don’t Know” and 408’s “We Don’t Get High Like We Used To.” Her additional collaborations include tracks from Caleb Hearn, Austin Mahone, Dalton Dover, Knox, Lakeview, Big Time Rush, Michael Clifford (5 Seconds of Summer) and more.

“I’m so excited to be working with Electric Feel!” says Cecil. “As a multi-genre writer, I’m thrilled to have found a team who supports a diverse approach to music and has built such an incredible creative community. I was first drawn to EF through collaborating with their talented roster and can’t believe I get to be a part of this family. A huge thank you to my manager, Joel Timen, for facilitating this partnership; my attorney, Matt Cottingham, for making the deal happen; and to John [Bradley], Chandler [Nicole Sherril], Austin [Rosen] and the entire Electric Feel team for welcoming me with open arms. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to grow as a songwriter alongside some of my favorite people!”

Through her production work, Cecil has also worked with Zach Crowell, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins, Nick Bailey and Chris Ganoudis, among others.

“Katie’s a total rockstar,” shares Bradley, Country A&R, Electric Feel Entertainment. “From discovering talent early on to writing with the best in the game, she brings unmatched energy and a fresh, genre-spanning perspective. I couldn’t be more proud to have her as the first female writer to join the EF Nashville roster.”

Cecil was also a part of the band KSM, before releasing a solo project, Wayfarers. The solo album earned TV, film and ad sync placements.

Chris Tomlin Slates Fall Tour

Chris Tomlin is set to hit the road on the “An Evening of Worship With Chris Tomlin Tour,” kicking off Sept. 17 in Buffalo. The tour will visit 20 churches across the country with stops in Richmond, Fort Myers, and more before wrapping in Oklahoma City, in November.

“Worship is transformational when experienced together–there is nothing like the people of God, singing the praises of God, in the presence of God,” says Tomlin. “These nights of worship are different from any other night of music—your soul is singing to a living God.”

The Grammy award winner will be joined by and will introduce The Heritage for their inaugural tour. The collective of worship leaders, brought together under the leadership of Joshua Phillips, blends the timeless nature of worship music with the creativity of a fresh, innovative spirit.

The tour comes on the heels of his upcoming “Worship Under The Stars” concert series being held in three outdoor venues, Central Park in New York City (July 11), Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore (July 12) and Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater in Colorado (Oct. 21).

“An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin Tour” Dates:
Sept. 17- Buffalo, NY- Eastern Hills Church
Sept. 18- South Portland, ME- Eastpoint Christian Church
Sept. 20- Richmond, VA- Liberation Church
Sept. 26- Cincinnati, OH- Crossroads Church East Side
Sept. 28- Fort Wayne, IN- Blackhawk Ministries
Oct. 1- Warner Robins, GA- Second Baptist Church
Oct. 2- Fort Myers, FL- First Assembly of God
Oct. 3- Jacksonville, FL- Westside Baptist Church
Oct. 4- New Bern, NC- Temple Church
Oct. 8- Peoria, IL- Prairie Home Alliance Theater
Oct. 9- Chattanooga, TN- Abba’s House
Oct. 23- Redding, CA- Redding Civic Auditorium
Oct. 24- Portland, OR- Rolling Hills Community Church
Oct. 28- San Jose, CA- Cathedral of Faith
Oct. 29- Bakersfield, CA- Dignity Health Theater
Oct. 30- Tucson, AZ- Zion City Church
Nov. 5- Midland, TX- Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
Nov. 6- Austin, TX- Austin Ridge Bible Church
Nov. 7- Jackson, MS- Word of Life Church
Nov. 8- Oklahoma City, OK- First Southern Baptist Church

Gavin Adcock Brings The Ruckus To Back-To-Back Sold-Out Shows At The Pinnacle

Gavin Adcock. Photo: Will Smith

Gavin Adcock took over The Pinnacle in Nashville for two sold-out nights on Friday (May 17) and Saturday (May 18), delivering a rowdy, high-octane performance that solidified his growing reputation as country music’s wild card.

Gavin Adcock with his 1 billion career streams plaque. Photo: Will Smith

The Georgia native has carved out a reputation as one of country’s most unpredictable rising acts, and the fans came out in full force. Before the first opener hit the stage, the floor was already packed with mostly 20-somethings, beers in hand and lyrics ready.

Erin Kinsey kicked things off with a confident, rock-leaning set that held its own against the rowdy energy of the room. Songs like “Wild,” “Matchmaker” and “Just Drive” connected easily with the crowd. She was followed by country/alt-rock band Fox N’ Vead, who, with a pair of lead vocalists, a dynamic bassist and a Robert Plant-channeling drummer, ripped through a set of originals and covers that had the crowd fired up.

By the time Adcock appeared, swaggering out in white-washed jeans, a brown button-down, leather vest, cowboy hat and a bottle of Jack Daniels in hand, the party was already in full swing. Cups of beer flew through the air as his booming voice cut through the noise and kicked off a setlist full of crowd-pleasers.

From rowdy anthems like “Run Your Mouth,” “Actin’ Up Again,” “On One” and “Past Actions,” to slower, more heartfelt moments with “Sober,” “Need To,” “My Dear My Darlin” and the viral hit “A Cigarette,” Adcock showed depth beneath the party-boy image. For “A Cigarette,” he was joined by songwriter Brent Cobb for a standout moment of the night.

Gavin Adcock & Brent Cobb. Photo: Will Smith

Adcock connected with fans between songs, often telling stories about his time in Georgia and sharing the origins of his music. Before performing “Never Call Again,” which he noted will be his debut country radio single, he dedicated it “to the beautiful women in the crowd,” though it was clear the boys were singing along just as loud.

The set included a gritty cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Dinosaur” and a surprise appearance from Tracy Lawrence, who joined Adcock onstage for a rousing duet of “Time Marches On,” sending the crowd into a frenzy.

By the end of the night, Adcock was shirtless, sweaty and smiling at peak party-boy form. Whether you’re bought into the Gavin Adcock mythos or just there for the music, there was no denying the electricity in the room or the loyalty of his fan base. With the momentum he’s building, it’s only a matter of time before he outgrows The Pinnacle, and fans will be right there with him when he does.

Gavin Adcock & Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Will Smith

Lynn Anderson Clothing And Estate Sale Set For May 31 And June 1

Lynn Anderson.

A clothing and estate sale honoring the legacy of Lynn Anderson will be held on May 31 and June 1 at the Nashville residence of Lisa Sutton, Anderson’s daughter.

Among the items for sale are Anderson’s clothes, including notable pieces from Manuel, head designer of Nudie’s handmade rodeo wear. These include outfits worn during performances at the CMA Awards, The Grand Ole Opry and her regular performances on The Lawrence Welk Show, as well as performances with artists such as Mac Davis and Brenda Lee.

The address will be provided upon RSVP to gdavidson@icon-publicity.com. For questions, contact Icon PR.

Dylan Gossett Plots ‘The Westward Tour’

Dylan Gossett. Photo: Tanner Johnson

Dylan Gossett will head out on the road this fall for “The Westward Tour,” kicking off Sept. 11.

Gossett will hit cities such as Birmingham, Indianapolis, Kansas City and more on the 25+ date trek before wrapping up in Las Vegas on Dec. 6. Kingfishr, Drayton Farley, Willow Avalon, James Tucker and Buffalo Traffic Jam will join as rotating support.

The tour is named after his debut album, Westward, releasing July 18. The 17 track project was written and self-produced by Gossett, and features already released tracks “American Trail” and “Like I Do.” Throughout the album, Gossett sings about love, family, faith and chasing dreams.

Alongside “The Westward Tour,” Gossett is also in the midst of finishing his headline “The Back 40 Tour,” before he heads into his “The American Trail Tour” this July, He will also make festival appearances at Windy City Smokeout, Bourbon & Beyond, Austin City Limits and more throughout the year.

Tickets for “The Westward Tour” are available beginning today (May 19) via an artist presale, with general on-sale taking place May 22 at 10 a.m. local time here.

“The Westward Tour” Dates:
September 11 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
September 14 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
September 17 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium
September 18 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
September 20 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
September 22 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
September 25 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount
September 26 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
September 27 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
October 16 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
October 17 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
October 18 – Richmond, VA – Brown’s Island (PGA)
October 21 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora
October 23 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre
October 25 – Toronto, ON – History
October 27 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
October 29 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
October 30 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
November 1 – Chesterfield, MO – The Factory
November 2 – Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater
November 9 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
November 11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rockwell @ The Complex
November 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
November 14 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
November 16 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
December 6 – Las Vegas, NV – The Theater at Virgin Hotels

Artist Action: Morgan Wallen, Kelsea Ballerini, Tucker Wetmore, More

Morgan Wallen Releases New Album; Breaks Streaming Records

Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen released his fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, on Friday (May 16).

The album broke the record for most streamed country record in its first day on Amazon Music and biggest country album of 2025 by first-day streams worldwide on Apple Music.

Fans can listen to a track-by-track listening experience of I’m The Problem on Amazon Music to hear Wallen discuss the inspiration behind his songs and collaborations. He also sat down with Apple Music’s Kelleigh Bannen on Today’s Country Radio, before joining New Music Daily Radio with Zane Lowe, to discuss the release.

 

Kelsea Ballerini Teams Up With SoFi And tnAchieves

Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Jack Strutz

Kelsea Ballerini has teamed up with SoFi and tnAchieves to launch the Rising Stars Program. This $2 million initiative is aimed at helping the next generation of Tennessee students achieve financial independence. SoFi will provide tnAchieves with over $500,000 in grants to expand its “Complete” program for students across Tennessee to help them meet college enrollment requirements and successfully earn a college credential, from 1:1 coaching to financial assistance for food, housing, laptops, textbooks and emergency funds. SoFi will also equip all tnAchieves students with a financial planning curriculum covering topics like budgeting, investing and saving for future life milestones.

In addition, SoFi is offering every Tennessee resident between 18-24 the opportunity to receive a minimum of $5 in stock of their choosing, at no cost, with a chance to receive up to $1,000 in stock.

 

Tucker Wetmore Shatters Records With Debut Album ‘What Not To’

YouTube video

Tucker Wetmore’s debut album, What Not To, debuted at the No. 15 spot on Billboard’s all-genre 200 Albums chart as Wetmore cracks over one billion total global streams across his catalog. Following the album’s release on April 25, Wetmore just dropped the official music video for his lead single, “3,2,1.”

Wetmore will make his Ryman debut this Wednesday (May 21) just ahead of joining Thomas Rhett as support on on the “Better In Boots Tour” this summer.

 

Lily Rose Teams With Stem For ‘Keys For A Cause’

Pictured (L-R): Stem’s Alison Junker, Lily Rose, Stem’s Courtney Daly. Photo: Dylan McGraw

On May 7 country artist Lily Rose teamed up with music distributor Stem to bring Keys for a Cause to Frisco, Texas. The event, held at Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, saw the music industry and artists coming together to raise money for ACM Lifting Lives ahead of the 60th annual ACM Awards.

 

Musicians On Call Host Third Annual Concert For Caregivers

Concert For Caregivers. Photo: Heather Durham Photography

In celebration of National Hospital Week, Musicans On Call (MOC) hosted its third annual Concert for Caregivers. The private concert for Middle Tennessee caregivers featured performances from Charles Esten, Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann.

A live recording of the experience was distributed this week to healthcare workers across the nation who weren’t present as a gesture of appreciation from MOC.

Billboard Country Live To Bring Exclusive Showcase Concert To Category 10

Billboard will host “Billboard Country Live at Category 10″ June 5–6, spotlighting some of country’s brightest rising stars and top industry tastemakers.

The event will kick off on June 4 with an exclusive gathering on the rooftop of Category 10 honoring Billboard’s Country Power Players, honoring the most influential figures shaping the genre.

A showcase concert presented by Bud Light will take place on June 5 featuring performances by Alexandra Kay, Ashley Cooke, Drew Baldridge, Max McNown and Reyna Roberts. 

The celebration will extend into June 6 with “Country on the Rise,” a second night of music spotlighting the future stars of the genre, with the lineup to be announced in the coming weeks.