RECORDS/RECORDS Nashville Elevates Two

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Andrew Saltman & Sara Gil

RECORDS and RECORDS Nashville has elevated two team members.

Andrew Saltman has risen to Senior Vice President, Artist Development. In this role, he will spearhead a newly reorganized department which will now include both traditional marketing and digital departments for both labels. He joined the team in 2017 and most recently served as Vice President of Marketing and Digital Strategies.

“Working under Barry’s leadership over the past decade has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this next chapter as SVP, Artist Development,” shares Saltman. “I look forward to continuing to champion career artists, helping them grow, evolve, and navigate an ever-changing music landscape.”

Sara Gil has been named General Manager. In this role, she will be overseeing the label operations for the RECORDS New York and RECORDS Nashville offices. She will also continue to handle deal negotiations for new artist signings, budget allocations and strategic release planning, alongside Saltman. As Barry Weiss’ first hire when he launched RECORDS in 2015, Gil was key in supporting the transition of RECORDS from SONGS Music Publishing to Sony Music in 2017.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have spent so much of my career learning from Barry Weiss, whose leadership and vision have had a profound impact on my professional growth,” says Gil. “It’s a privilege to be part of RECORDS, a company that not only champions exceptional talent, but is genuinely committed to developing artists and building enduring careers.”

“Andrew and Sara have each played an instrumental role in the growth and success of RECORDS and RECORDS Nashville over the years,” adds Weiss. “Andrew brings an exceptional instinct for artist development and marketing, while Sara has been a trusted strategic and operational leader since day one. Their passion for artists, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to building long-term careers embody everything we stand for at RECORDS. I’m incredibly proud to recognize their contributions with these well-deserved promotions.”

Trace Adkins To Perform At ‘A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration’

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Trace Adkins. Photo: John Shearer/WireImage

Trace Adkins is set to perform on A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on July 3.

The show kicks off the historic Independence Day weekend’s festivities for the nation’s Semiquincentennial, and Adkins will make the exclusive TV debut of his brand-new song “American Made,” an uplifting anthem honoring the patriotism, ideals and contributions of generations of Americans, during the telecast.

“I have been fortunate enough to have played a small part in several of the A Capitol Fourth celebrations over my career,” says Adkins. “But to be invited to join the 250th birthday of our great country is an honor beyond all others.”

The beloved 46-year holiday tradition is America’s annual birthday party at the U.S Capitol, with performances by pop, country, R&B, Broadway, classical and gospel artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly. In honor of the nation’s 250 birthday this year, the concert finale will feature a live fireworks show over George Washington’s Mount Vernon, which will be the biggest display ever at the home of America’s first president.

A Capitol Fourth premieres live Friday, July 3 from 7-8:30 p.m. CT on public TV stations nationwide, and is seen by service members around the world on American Forces Network. The concert will also be streaming on YouTube and available as Video on Demand from July 3-17.

Brock Phillips Signs With Big Loud Records & Local Hay Records

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Dallas Smith, Brock Phillips, Scott Cooke (President, Local Hay Records) and Seth England (Partner / CEO, Big Loud). (L-R, back row): Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Patch Culbertson (EVP / GM, Big Loud), Brianne Deslippe (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Stacy Blythe (Co-President / Big Loud Records), Justin Clark (Director of Global Marketing & Brand Partnerships, Big Loud Records) and Jordan Pettit (Co-President / Big Loud Records). Photo: Zach Sumney

Singer-songwriter and producer Brock Phillips has signed with Big Loud Records and Local Hay Records, led by the Nashville-based Records’ team, Local Hay’s Scott Cooke and hitmaker Dallas Smith. To celebrate the signing, Phillips has released his new track “Rich Man.”

“I’m beyond excited to be joining the team at Big Loud and Local Hay,” shares Phillips. ”Working with Scott Cooke, and watching the career Dallas Smith has built as a Canadian artist in Nashville, has been a huge inspiration for me. ‘Rich Man’ is just the beginning. I can’t wait for everyone to hear what else we’ve been working on.”

“Brock Phillips is the kind of artist who checks every box you can’t teach — an undeniable, powerhouse voice paired with a pen that knows exactly where to land,” says Sara Knabe, SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records. “That combination creates a dynamic that feels fresh in today’s landscape, but built for longevity. We’re proud to welcome him to Big Loud and get to work.”

“The moment I heard Brock’s voice I knew he was something special,” adds Cooke, President of Local Hay Records. “His work ethic and raw talent are second to none, we are so excited and proud to be part of this journey with him.”

After relocating to Nashville in 2024, his debut single “Something Else” was named one of Holler‘s “Best New Country Songs.” Phillips attended Berklee College of Music, as well as played weekly shows at clubs and bars across Vancouver. He also inked a publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing and Local Hay last year. Phillips will play the Calgary Stampede on July 5 on the Nashville North stage.

Solon Holt Inks With Trenches Records & Republic Records

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Solon Holt.

Solon Holt has inked with Trenches Records and Republic Records.

The Tyler, Texas native began playing in a gospel band at 14 before relocating to Nashville. Inspired by the sounds of Norah Jones, John Mayer, James Taylor, Donny Hathaway and Carole King, Holt began releasing music in 2024. He will support Megan Moroney on her “Cloud 9 Tour,” which kicks off later this month.

“I feel fortunate to watch a very special person take his first steps towards true artistry,” shares Trenches Records’ Tom LaScola. “He has challenged himself along the way to create the most accurate representation of who he is at this point in his life. I couldn’t be more excited to help get this art into the world with our team.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Solon Holt to the Republic family,” adds Republic Records Chairman and CEO Jim Roppo. “His artistry, passion, and creative vision are incredibly inspiring, and we’re excited to begin this journey together and see all that’s ahead.”

In celebration, Holt has released his newest single, “Sad Country Songs.”

“‘Sad Country Songs’ is a bridge between who I was and who I’m becoming,” he shares. “Somewhere along the way, I realized I was saying goodbye to the world that raised me creatively. The song is still deeply informed by country music, but it no longer feels confined by it. It’s both an ode to country music and a quiet farewell to the version of myself that lived entirely inside it. What’s left now is simply: me.”

Scotty McCreery Celebrates Career With ‘15’

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Scotty McCreery will release 15, a retrospective album featuring nine of his hit songs and four new recordings, on July 17.

In celebration of the announcement, he teamed up with Josh Turner to release a new version of “Your Man,” the song McCreery sang during his American Idol audition. The track releases tomorrow (May 15).

15 contains nine previously released tracks including McCreery’s seven No. 1 hits, “Bottle Rockets,” “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It,” “In Between,” “You Time,” “Damn Strait” and “Cab in a Solo,” as well as “It Matters to Her” and “See You Tonight.”

Additionally, McCreery recorded versions of Conway Twitty’s “Hello Darlin’” and Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me, Lord?”

The album also features “Been a Good Run,” a new track written by McCreery, Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell and Derek George.

“Man, fifteen years goes by like a flash,” shares McCreery. “Some days it feels like yesterday when I did my initial American Idol audition in Milwaukee, while other days it feels like it happened a hundred years ago. I’ve lived a lot of life, traveled millions of miles, and followed my dreams, all thanks to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my family, my team, and all the fans who have supported me through these 15 years.”

McCreery will make stops at various fairs and festivals throughout the summer.

15 Track List:
1. “See You Tonight” (Scotty McCreery/Ashley Gorley/Zack Crowell)* – available on vinyl and CD only
2. “Five More Minutes” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Monty Criswell)*
3. “This is It” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis)**
4. “In Between” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Jessi Alexander/Jonathan Singleton)*
5. “You Time” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis)**
6. “Damn Strait” (Jim Collins/Trent Tomlinson)**
7. “Cab in a Solo” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Brent Anderson)*
8. “It Matters to Her” (Scotty McCreery/Rhett Akins/Thomas Lee Miller)**
9. “Bottle Rockets” featuring Hootie & The Blowfish (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Monty Criswell/Derek George/Brent Anderson/Jeremy Bussey/Bobby Hamrick/Darius Rucker/Mark Bryan/Dean Felber/Jim Sonefeld)*
10. “Your Man” featuring Josh Turner (Chris Stapleton/Chris DuBois/Jace Everett)*
11. “Hello Darlin’” (Conway Twitty)*
12. “Been a Good Run” (Scotty McCreery/Rodney Clawson/Monty Criswell/Derek George)*
13. “Why Me,Lord?” (Kris Kristofferson)*
(*) produced by Frank Rogers
(**) produced by Frank Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis

Spotify Brings Together Nashville Songwriting Community For Mental Health Summit

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MusicRow’s LB Cantrell moderates a panel with hit songwriter Emily Weisband, Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Gabe Simon, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston and Perfect Game Creative founder Jessi Vaughn Stevenson

Spotify recently welcomed songwriters, artists, executives and music students to Nashville for a Mental Health & Songwriter Summit at Belmont University’s Fisher Center.

The event held in partnership with Backline and powered by BetterHelp, the world’s largest online mental health platform, was an extension of Spotify’s ongoing Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators initiative, which offers tools, care and space to reflect on the emotional side of creative life.

Belmont’s Center for Mental Health in Entertainment’s Debbie Carroll moderates a panel with Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi, genre-blending artist Breland, hit songwriter Barry Dean and singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun

The summit brought together nearly 200 members of the songwriting community for a day of conversation, resources and shared experiences centered on mental health in the music industry. The programming kicked off with “The Unsung Heroes,” a panel exploring the rejection, comparison and quiet pressures that come with songwriting and song plugging. Moderated by MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell, the conversation featured Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer Gabe Simon, hit songwriter Emily Weisband, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston and Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, founder of Perfect Game Creative.

From there, Christopher O’Reilly, Owner, Remedy Counseling and Wellness, led an interactive session on emotional regulation, giving attendees tools they could take into the studio and beyond. The afternoon’s “Creativity on Demand” panel explored how to live a consistent, balanced, healthy lifestyle while sustaining creative inspiration. Moderated by Debbie Carroll, Executive Director of Belmont’s Center for Mental Health in Entertainment, the panel featured Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi, singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun, genre-blending artist Breland and hit songwriter Barry Dean.

Spotify’s Alex Tamashunas leads a conversation with songwriter Steph Jones

The day closed with a fireside chat between songwriter Steph Jones and Spotify’s Songwriter and Publisher Partnerships Lead, Alex Tamashunas, for a candid conversation on identity, balance and creative longevity.

Local organizations including MusiCares, Porter’s Call, Onsite and Belmont’s Center for Mental Health in Entertainment also shared resources for songwriters and spoke directly with those in the room. The summit offered support people could use right away including a dedicated wellness space, which gave writers the opportunity to connect with wellness practitioners and take a moment to rest and reset. Backline provided pathways to ongoing care through their Case Management program, Global Resource Hub and B-LINE, the music industry’s 24/7 crisis and support line, while BetterHelp extended access to continued mental health support beyond the event.

During the event, Spotify and Backline unveiled Between the Lines, a vital mental health guide for songwriters developed by Backline’s clinical team. The guide offers songwriters a way to stay grounded, care for their wellbeing, and sustain a meaningful connection to their craft as it grows and changes over time.

Randy Travis To Celebrate 40 Years Of ‘Storms Of Life’ At Special Nashville Palace Event

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Randy Travis.

Randy Travis will celebrate 40 years since the release of his debut album Storms Of Life at a one-of-a-kind celebration at the Nashville Palace on June 3.

The celebration will kick off at 5 p.m. and will include live music throughout the evening, featuring a band led by longtime friends Steve and Becky Hinson. The general public can reserve free tickets here.

“In honor of the Storms of Life album and years of Randy Travis and The Nashville Palace, the front room will be renamed, forever and ever, The Randy Travis Room,” says Barrett Hobbs, owner of the Nashville Palace and grandson of John A. Hobbs.

The evening will be a full-circle moment for Travis, who in the late 1970s and early 1980s performed regularly at the Nashville Palace under his birth name Randy Traywick, and later under the stage name Randy Ray. The live album Randy Ray Live At The Nashville Palace, funded by John A. Hobbs, owner of the Palace, led to Travis’ longtime record deal and partnership with Warner Brothers’ Martha Sharpe and producer Kyle Lehning.

Storms of Life became the first debut country album to achieve Platinum status. His first No. 1 single, “On the Other Hand,” paved the way for his next standout track, “Digging Up Bones,” which spent two weeks at No. 1. Travis was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in December 1986, becoming one of the youngest members ever inducted at the time.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Bids Farewell At 60th Anniversary Show

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Photo: Madison Thorn

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band concert at the Opry House became a moment in music history on Wednesday evening (May 13).

The group is in the home stretch of its final tour, which also marks the Dirt Band’s 60th anniversary. Moreover, the Opry House show was staged on the exact anniversary date. Group leader Jeff Hanna founded the act in Long Beach, CA in 1966, and May 13 was the date of its first concert.

The 2.5 hour show was expertly staged, mingling the band’s hits with Americana music classics and alternating acoustic folkie performances with full-on country-rock romps. It featured guests Jerry Douglas, Alison Brown, Kathleen Edwards and Suzy Bogguss. During the concert, each of the band’s members was in the spotlight at various times.

Photo: Madison Thorn

The evening’s music was utterly refreshing, since we experienced a real band, playing and singing without pre-recorded sounds, click tracks, synth effects, video walls or pitch adjusters. “No hard drives up here,” as lead guitarist Jamie Hanna quipped. “And that’s the way we like it.”

Such Dirt Band hits as “Mr. Bojangles,” “Long Hard Road,” “Fishin’ in the Dark,” “An American Dream,” “Workin’ Man (Nowhere to Go),” “Make a Little Magic” and “Stand a Little Rain” were offered. Sprinkled among them were sounds from the pens of such songwriting greats as Kenny Loggins, Rodney Crowell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Michael Martin Murphey, Jerry Jeff Walker and John Prine.

Father-son band members Jeff and Jamie both excelled on lead guitars. The show included featured standout moments for longtime keyboardist Bob Carpenter (“Stand a Little Rain”), drummer/harmonica player Jimmie Fadden (“Workin’ Man,” which he wrote), fiddler/mandolinist Ross Holmes (“Grandpa Was a Carpenter”) and bass player Jim Photoglo (“Fishin’ in the Dark,” which he co-wrote).

The entire group shone brightly on “You Ain’t Going Nowhere,” “Cosmic Cowboy,” “Girl From the North Country,” the bluegrass-gospel “Take Me in Your Lifeboat,” “Helpless,” “House on Pooh Corner” and the new “Nashville Skyline,” Jeff Hanna related that he cowrote and Carpenter sang “Bless the Broken Road,” but it was unsuccessful for the band. Ten years later, Rascal Flatts made it a major country hit.

Photo: Madison Thorn

Following an acoustic segment with band members and guests in various combinations, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band rocked splendidly on “Bayou Jubilee” and “Cadillac Ranch” as the show’s finale. The entire cast then assembled for the encore, a medley of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and “The Weight.”

But no song summed up the mood of the evening better than the lyrics of the group’s 1986 hit tune “Partners, Brothers, and Friends.” As Jeff sang, “It’s great to be a part of something that’s lasted so long.”

“It’s not lost on us how lucky we are to have been doing this with you guys all these years,” he told the crowd. “You are beautiful. Thank you so much.”

Approximately 2,500 attended. Many in the sweetly enthusiastic audience looked like they shared the band’s vintage. Ten dates remain on The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s farewell concert tour, which concludes in Denver on June 18.

Anne Wilson Expands ‘The Stars Tour’ Into Fall With 25 New Dates

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Anne Wilson. Photo: Sophia Mantinazad

Anne Wilson is extending “The Stars Tour” into fall with 25 additional dates across the country. Special guests Peter Burton and Aodhán King will join on select shows.

The new leg kicks off in Portland on Sept. 10 and includes stops in Colorado Springs, Kansas City, Virginia Beach, Birmingham, San Diego and more through Nov. 14. Pre-sale for the new dates has already begun, with general on-sale beginning May 15 at annewilsonofficial.com.

“God has moved in such powerful ways during ‘The Stars Tour’ this spring, and I’m beyond excited to announce that we’re headed back out this fall to keep it going,” shares Wilson. “These nights of worship, music and community have meant so much to me, and I truly feel like we’re just getting started. I cannot wait to see everyone this fall on ‘The Stars Tour!’”

Earlier this year, Wilson released a reimagined version of “Still Do” with Cole Swindell, offering a fresh take on a fan favorite from her album Stars. She is also set to perform as a nominee for Female Artist of the Year at this year’s K-LOVE Fan Awards and recently announced her third book, “Rebel: Following Jesus When the World Walks the Other Way,” set for release on June 9.

“The Stars Tour” Fall 2026 Dates:
Sept. 10, 2026 in Portland, Ore. at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall *
Sept. 11, 2026 in Spokane, Wash. at Fox Theater *
Sept. 12, 2026 in Tacoma, Wash. at Pantages Theater *
Sept. 15, 2026 in Colorado Springs, Colo. at Pikes Peak Center *
Sept. 17, 2026 in Tulsa, Okla. at Mabee Center *
Sept. 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Mo. at The Midland Theatre *
Sept. 19, 2026 in Springfield, Mo. at Spence Chapel Auditorium at Evangel University *
Sept. 23, 2026 in Roanoke, Va. at Berglund Performing Arts Theatre *
Sept. 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Md. at Lyric Baltimore *
Sept. 26, 2026 in Virginia Beach, Va. at The Dome by Rutter Mills *
Sept. 30, 2026 in Houston, Texas at Bayou Music Center *
Oct. 1, 2026 in Grand Prairie, Texas at Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie *
Oct. 2, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Okla. at The Criterion *
Oct. 9, 2026 in Birmingham, Ala. at BJCC Concert Hall ~
Oct. 11, 2026 in Augusta, Ga. at Bell Auditorium ~
Oct. 22, 2026 in Omaha, Neb. at Peter Kiewit Concert Hall at The Holland Performing Arts Center ~
Oct. 23, 2026 in Peoria, Ill. at Prairie Home Alliance Theater ~
Oct. 24, 2026 in Davenport, Iowa at Capitol Theatre ~
Nov. 5, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nev. at The Smith Center ~
Nov. 6, 2026 in Riverside, Calif. at Fox Performing Arts Center ~
Nov. 7, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz. at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall ~
Nov. 9, 2026 in San Diego, Calif. at San Diego Civic Theatre ~
Nov. 12, 2026 in Bakersfield, Calif. at Dignity Health Theater ~
Nov. 13, 2026 in Sacramento, Calif. at SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center ~
Nov. 14, 2026 in Redding, Calif. at Redding Civic Auditorium ~

* with Aodhán King
~ with Peter Burton

NSAI Celebrates Members & Industry Supporters At Annual Member Awards

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Bart Herbison, Ralston Wells, Bryan Mitschell, James Maltese, Gabe Walsh, Jake Arthur, Maxwell Trotter, Grayson May, Adam Epstein, Dewey Longuski, Jessie Brackin, Philip Morgan, Sharon O’Donnell and Josie Bisto. (L-R, front row): Lauren Murray, Tracy Richardson, Sarah Arnold, Natalie Flynn, Allison Barrett, Garland, Jonathan Olivares, Megan Kelley, Jill Moody, Abbey Rowe and Julia Keefe. Photo: NSAI/Tom Turk

NSAI recently held its annual member awards at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville, honoring over a dozen individuals, including standout NSAI members and industry supporters.

After a welcome address, the ceremony began with a performance from NSAI Board Member and songwriter Lydia Vaughan as she shared a few songs and words of inspiration with the audience.

Dewey Longuski was the first honoree, receiving the Ones To Watch Award. Megan Kelley stepped on stage to receive the Bob Kingsley Top 40 Award for receiving the most song placements on Bob Kingsley’s NSAI Top 40 lists in 2025. Longtime NSAI member Jonathan Oliveres was honored with the Volunteer Award, given to a member that has extended assistance and support with their time and efforts for the organization.

To honor the newest Friend of NSAI Award recipients, songwriter Brooke Hatala surprised Ralston Wells with a performance, Adam Epstein was honored with a song by hit songwriter Victoria Shaw, and Julia Keefe, Partner, Edgehill Music Publishing, was honored with a performance by Willie Morrison.

This year NSAI recognized Gabe Walsh, Jacob Rice, Abbey Rowe, Philip Morgan and Jessie Brackin with Milestone Awards.

Additionally, Carl Slack was given the Online Pitch award, Bella Garland nabbed the Mentor Award, and Bryan Mitschell took home the Online Song Feedback Award. Various competitions and challenge winners from the past year were also recognized, including Sharon O’Donnell and Josie Bisto, the Grand Prize winners of the 25th annual NSAI Song Contest, NSAI’s 2025 Chapter Challenge winners, James Maltese and Jake Arthur, and the latest recipient of the Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship, Grayson May.

To close out the event, Song of the Year was given to James Maltese for his song “Grass Roots.”