Old Dominion Performs Surprise Pop-Up Show At Odie’s Opening Night

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Old Dominion performs at Odie’s. Photo: Mason Allen

Old Dominion surprised fans with a special pop-up show at the opening night of their new club Odie’s in Nashville over the weekend.

Filled with neon declaring “No Bad Vibes” and “Cold Beer Stiff Drinks,” as well as a 12-seat pontoon boat bar, there’s a carefree lightness to Odie’s. Old Dominion jumped onstage just after 8 p.m. Saturday (Apr. 26), and the mood was already festive. Along with playing the brand new “Me Most Nights” from their upcoming album, Old Dominion took requests from the 300-plus crowd. They played for 90 minutes for the fans, which included people from as far away as Scotland. Celebrating hits including “I Was On A Boat That Day,” “Hotel Key” and more, Odie’s is set for songwriters and people who like being around creatives, dreamers and friends they haven’t met yet.

“When we started hanging at places like the Blue Bar where we played for no one, and decided on our name, Losers and rebar, too, these weren’t hotspots,” lead singer/guitarist Matthew Ramsey says. “These were places for songwriters to knock off after a day of maybe not getting a song, to sit with your publisher celebrating a cut. These were working class bars, and the people who were working up and down Music Row were creating songs they hoped would say something or create a feeling that an artist was looking for.

“A lot of heavy conversations went down in these places, even if it’s just frustration over a song that’s not quite working,” continues Ramsey. “But a lot of us fell in love with writing, and the community of people chasing this dream in these rooms, too. So when someone approached us about doing a bar, before we said no, we asked if we could do something a little bit different.”

Riley Green Extends ‘Damn Country Music Tour’

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Riley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan

Following his sold-out headline run in Canada, Riley Green has added eight dates to his “Damn Country Music Tour.” The U.S. leg of the tour is set to kick off on May 1 in Athens, Georgia.

The recently announced dates will feature special guests Jamey Johnson, Drake White and Hannah McFarland. Tickets and VIP packages will go on sale to the public Friday (May 2) at 10 a.m. local time. VIP packages vary but include premium tickets, meet & greet and photo opportunities with Riley Green, exclusive access to the VIP Lounge, an autographed tour poster and more. A full list of tour dates and ticket information is available here.

Green recently received five ACM nominations for his duet with Ella Langley on “You Look Like You Love Me,” as well as RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications for “Worst Way,” “Jesus Saves” and “Don’t Mind If I Do (feat. Ella Langley).”

Newly-Announced Dates:
November 6th, 2025 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
November 7th, 2025 – St Louis, MO – Chaifetz Arena
November 8th, 2025 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
November 13th, 2025 – University Park, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
November 14th, 2025 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center^
November 15th, 2025 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
November 20th, 2025 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
November 21st, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center
^ without Jamey Johnson

Shaboozey Slates ‘The Great American Roadshow Tour’ For Fall

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Shaboozey. Photo: Allan Pimenta

Shaboozey is set to hit the road on “The Great American Roadshow Tour” this September.

The tour, supported by Coors Light & Jack Daniels, kicks off Sept. 22 in Indianapolis and makes stops in Nashville, Fort Worth and more before wrapping in Orlando on Oct. 16. Artist presale tickets are available tomorrow (April 29) before general on-sale begins Friday (May 2).

The multi-Platinum artist recently wrapped his “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going” headline tour, which sold out across all markets. Last week, Shaboozey released his extended album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going: The Complete Edition via Empire, which features collaborations with Jelly Roll, Myles Smith and Sierra Ferrell.

“The Great American Roadshow Tour” Dates:
9/22/2025 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
9/23/2025 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
9/25/2025 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
9/27/2025 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Dome
9/29/2025 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle*
10/1/2025 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
10/2/2025 – New Orleans, LA – The Fillmore New Orleans
10/5/2025 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
10/9/2025 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s Texas*
10/12/2025 – St Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
10/14/2025 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – War Memorial Auditorium
10/16/2025 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues Orlando

*Not A Live Nation Show

RaeLynn Returns To The Valory Music Co.

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Scott Borchetta (Chairman & CEO, Big Machine Label Group), RaeLynn and George Briner (President, The Valory Music Co.). (L-R, back row): George Kreis (President, Jonas Group Entertainment), Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder/Chairman, Jonas Group Entertainment), Leslie T. DiPiero (President, Jonas Group Publishing) and Ashley Sidoti (Senior Vice President/Promotion & Digital, The Valory Music Co.). Photo: Eden Gerlock for The Valory Music Co.

RaeLynn has signed with The Valory Music Co., marking a full-circle return to where she kickstarted her career. Her first release for the label, “Heaven Is A Honky Tonk,” is set for release May 9 via The Valory Music Co. in partnership with Red Van Records/Jonas Group Entertainment.

RaeLynn’s early hits like “Boyfriend” and the Platinum “God Made Girls” have recently gone viral on TikTok and Reels, sparking growth and engagement across her social media platforms and sparking a new chapter.

“I’ve been intrigued by RaeLynn since the very first time I saw her on The Voice,” says BMLG Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “It’s now come full circle as her energy is infectious, her determination unwavering, and she’s brought us the absolute best music of her career. Welcome home, Rae!”

“I couldn’t be more excited to be coming back home to Big Machine Label Group,” adds RaeLynn. “Having both Scott Borchetta and Kevin Jonas Sr. covering all corners of my career is a dream come true! Kicking things off with ‘Heaven Is A Honky Tonk’ makes it even sweeter; it’s bold, it’s country, and it’s 100% me. I am more inspired and grateful than ever because of this new music and team!”

RaeLynn’s new single “Heaven Is A Honky Tonk” is a blend of Southern grit and divine rebellion penned by RaeLynn, Lauren Hungate and Caroline Watkins, and paints a picture of paradise with neon lights, pedal steel guitars and sawdust-covered dance floors. She teamed with Aaron Gillespie to co-produce the tune, her first time behind the boards, and her first release with the producer known for his career as the drummer of Metal band Underoath.

Fans will hear new music from RaeLynn all summer when she hits the road on Jason Aldean’s “Full Throttle Tour 2025,” which kicks off May 23 and visits Boston, Nashville, Houston and more.

Ty Myers Moves Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ty Myers. Photo: Emily Vinson

Ty Myers has jumped into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Both solo-penned “Ends Of The Earth” and “Thought It Was Love” push the singer-songwriter to No. 13 this week.

Riley Green stays at No. 1 this week with his solo-written “Worst Way.” Ashley Gorley remains at No. 2 with “Favorite Country Song,” “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Not At This Party,” “Park” and “She Hates Me.”

Ben Johnson (No. 3), Jessie Jo Dillon (No. 4) and Charlie Handsome (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.

Evan Bartels Inks With WME

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Pictured (L-R): WME’s Chris Hrovat, Intelligent Noise’s Rico Csabai, Evan Bartels and WME’s Jay Williams.

Singer-songwriter Evan Bartels has signed with WME for global representation across all areas.

Bartels recently signed with Lost Highway Records and will release his debut EP for the label To Make You Cry on May 23. Raised in the small town of Tobias, Nebraska, Bartels creates a cinematic experience with just his voice and an acoustic guitar on To Make You Cry. Recorded in his self-built cabin just outside Nashville, the six-song collection shines a light on overlooked lives while delving into the sacrifices and spiritual undertones that define the journey of a working musician.

Bartels recently wrapped a successful run at C2C Festival in Berlin and Germany. He returns overseas with upcoming tour dates in the UK and Ireland, along with recently announced U.S. tour dates beginning in May.

“Evan Bartels is a powerhouse of authenticity and grit—his voice carries the weight of lived experience, and his songwriting strikes a chord that’s both raw and timeless,” says WME’s Chris Hrovat. “We’re beyond excited to welcome Evan to WME and look forward to helping him reach new audiences and stages around the world.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the WME roster,” says Bartels. “Chris Hrovat and Jay Williams are two of the hardest-working visionaries in the business and it’s an honor to work with them.”

Downtown Music Hosts Nashville Songwriter Camp

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Nashville Songwriter Camp participants. Photo: Brooke Stevens

Songtrust, Downtown Music Publishing and Downtown Artist & Label Services recently teamed up to host the Nashville Songwriter Camp at East Iris Studios.

The three-day immersive experience brought together a curated group of Nashville songwriters to foster collaboration, spark creativity and produce new compositions. The initiative is part of Downtown Music’s broader mission to support independent creators by uniting artists in dynamic environments and encouraging innovative work.

Writers participating in this year’s camp included Songtrust’s Stephen Day, Eva Snyder, Nic D, Watson Maack and Matt Wertz; Downtown Music Publishing’s Jacob Bryant, John Davidson, Cameron Montgomery, MADGE, Eli Ostheimer and Jill Andrews; and Downtown Artist & Label Services’ Brye, Avi Kaplan, Dylan Brady and Cate Canning, along with Olivia Rudeen, Henry Brill and Josie Dunne.

“The Nashville Songwriter Camp represents our larger commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and encouraging artists to push their creative boundaries,” shares Emily Stephenson, Downtown Music Publishing President. “By bringing together such a diverse and talented group of songwriters, we’re fostering an environment where innovation and collaboration can truly flourish.”

For more information about the camp and updates on the music created during the sessions, contact Chantelle St. Clair at cstclair@songtrust.com.

Red Bull Announces 2025 Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Competition

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Photo: Natalie Somekh

Red Bull is currently accepting submissions for its 2025 Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Competition. Songwriters can submit their original music now through July 1 for a chance to be judged by a powerhouse panel including multi-Platinum singer, songwriter and 2024 Red Bull Jukebox Alum Breland, Whiskey Jam’s Ward Guenther and Red Bull Records executive Greg Hammer. The top three finalists will score a trip to Nashville, with the ultimate winner unveiled live during the next Red Bull Jukebox event — earning an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles, a coveted recording session at Red Bull Recording Studios and a one-on-one coaching session with BMI.

“Over the course of my career, I’ve been lucky to work with incredibly talented songwriters across multiple genres,” says Hammer, Managing Director of Red Bull Records. “What sets the best songwriters apart from the rest is their ability to be authentic storytellers with a unique perspective. They think less about trends and more about sharing a real connection with their audience. I’ll carry that criteria into the competition and I’m excited to help discover the next great hitmaker.”

Last October, Red Bull hosted the inaugural Red Bull Jukebox showcase at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville with performances by Brothers Osborne, Shaboozey, Priscilla Block, Tucker Wetmore, Muscadine Bloodline, Breland, The Castellows and surprise guests including Mickey Guyton and The Fisk Jubilee Singers. Singer-songwriter Gary Frost was chosen as the 2024 songwriting competition winner.

Steve Earle Invited To Become Grand Ole Opry Member

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Vince Gill invites Steve Earle to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Steve Earle was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry family over the weekend by longtime friend and Opry member Vince Gill.

Gill took the stage after Earle’s performance of “Copperhead Road,” presenting Earle with a personalized guitar strap created in celebration of the Opry’s 100th. “You have to be an Opry member to have one of these,” Gill said. “We want to invite you to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

“This is kind of the biggest thing that has ever happened to me in my life,” said Earle, who was clearly moved. Earle then obliged Gill’s request for another song on the hallowed stage, “Hillbilly Highway.”

An Academy Award winner and Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member, Earle has been called one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the past 30 years. His songs have been covered by artists including Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Patty Loveless, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton and more. Earle’s 1988 hit “Copperhead Road” was made an official state song of Tennessee in 2023. His most recent album, Jerry Jeff (2022) consisted of Earle’s versions of songs written by Jerry Jeff Walker, one of his mentors.

Earle has also published two books, a novel I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive in 2011, and Dog House Roses, a collection of short stories in 2003. As an actor, he has appeared in several films and had recurring roles in the HBO series The Wire and Tremé.  In 2017, Earle wrote music for and appeared in Coal Country, for which he was nominated for a Drama Desk Award. In 2020, Earle was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is also the host of the weekly show Hard Core Troubadour on SiriusXM Radio’s Outlaw Country channel.

Earle is the first artist invited to join the Opry in its special 100th year, and will officially be inducted later this year.

NASCAR Teams Up With Eric Church & John Fogerty For New Anthem

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NASCAR on Prime has teamed up with Eric Church and John Fogerty to create its new anthem, a reimagined version of Fogerty’s iconic hit “Up Around The Bend.” The full song will premiere May 25, leading into Prime Video’s NASCAR Cup Series debut at Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway. The new anthem, and a reimagined solo version of the same track by Church, will both be available to stream exclusively on Amazon Music beginning Sunday, May 25. A preview video featuring analysts Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte, along with Cup Series Star Chase Elliott, is out now.

YouTube video

“Working with both Eric Church – an incredible artist who is a genuine NASCAR fan – and the legendary John Fogerty to put a fresh spin on his iconic hit gives our coverage a distinctive sound that matches the energy of the sport,” says Stacey Rosenson, Head of U.S. Sports Marketing, Prime Video. “Incorporating the anthem into our new commercial featuring the legendary duo of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Steve Letarte, alongside current Cup Series star Chase Elliott, taps into the heartbeat of NASCAR and highlights our commitment to delivering a unique, fun, and exciting viewing experience for fans.”

The campaign comes just ahead of the May 2 release of Church’s highly anticipated album, Evangeline vs. The Machine. Fogerty, the leader of Creedence Clearwater Revival, is currently touring in celebration of his upcoming 80th birthday.

Starting on Sunday, May 25 with the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Prime Video will exclusively stream five consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races to conclude the first half of the season. In addition, Prime Video will present exclusive coverage of practice and qualifying for almost the entire first half of the NASCAR season.