CAA Opens Applications For The Hubb 2026

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Photo: Courtesy of CAA

CAA has opened applications for The Hubb 2026, its flagship music-focused summit aimed at developing the next generation of industry talent.

The program is set for October 10–12 in Nashville.

The Hubb offers participants hands-on access to agents, managers and music executives, alongside recruiters and industry partners. Programming will focus on core business verticals including artist management, touring and live production, A&R, label operations, business management and marketing, with workshops designed to reflect current hiring needs and evolving skill sets across the industry.

Applications can be submitted here through May 22. CAA will cover travel and accommodations for accepted applicants.

CAA launched The Hubb in 2018. Named for Barbara “Mother” Hubbard, the longtime Executive Director of the American Collegiate Talent Showcase (ACTS), the event has become a key part of CAA’s broader talent pipeline strategy.

Zac Brown’s Same Boat Hosting Open Casting Call In Nashville

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Zac Brown and the Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line have collaborated on a new venue aboard the Beachcomber, Same Boat, reflecting Brown’s signature style.

The name is a nod to a song Jimmy Buffett sang with Zac on the deluxe edition of The Comeback, and Same Boat is designed to deliver the kind of energy and atmosphere you’d find at a Zac Brown Band show at sea. Brown personally worked with the cruise line’s team on every detail of the venue, from the artwork and design to the music programming, and following rounds of auditions, the line is hosting a Nashville open casting call to find artists who will headline that stage throughout 2027.

Artists interested in participating, including singer-songwriters, solo artists, duos, trios and bands, can attend the final-day open casting call on May 16 at Margaritaville Restaurant on Broadway in Nashville at 10 a.m. Space is limited at the open audition, so interested artists are encouraged to arrive early.

The judging panel includes Buzz Brainard of SiriusXM, Matt Mangano of the Zac Brown Band, and Mindy Espy-Reyes of Mailboat Records. Selected Nashville talent will join the entertainment lineup aboard Beachcomber on weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly contracts, offering a unique opportunity to connect with audiences in a one-of-a-kind cruise experience.

CMA Fest Unveils Fan Fair X Lineup

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CMA Fest has revealed its Fan Fair X lineup, with daily programming taking place inside Music City Center June 4-7.

CMA will once again hosts the annual Artist of the Day on the CMA Close Up Stage, with Russell Dickerson on Thursday, Carly Pearce on Friday, Shaboozey on Saturday, and Ashley McBryde on Sunday.

Additional CMA Close Up Stage programming includes:

Thursday, June 4
– The Red Clay Strays on Amazon Music’s “Country Heat Weekly” Live
– Sound & Story: An Artist Exchange featuring Melissa Etheridge & Gretchen Wilson
– Behind the Hits featuring John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass and Parker Welling

Friday, June 5
– Latino Trailblazers in Country with FILMORE, Andrea Vasquez and Alyssia Dominguez
– Country Central Presents: Charles Wesley Godwin, Willow Avalon, Wyatt Flores and Stella Lefty
– Crook & Chase: Legends & Friends with Clint Black
– Country & Rap: The Black Southern Roots of American Music with Waka Flocka and Nappy Roots

Saturday, June 6
– 40 Years of Randy Travis: Exploring the Icon’s Legacy and Impact
– The Songwriters Behind Country’s Biggest Hits with Ashley Gorley and Shane McAnally
– Audacy Presents: Music You Should Know featuring Carter Faith, Warren Zeiders and Katie Neal
– The Last Take: Behind “On My Way to Heaven” Video with Tanya Tucker and Dennis Quaid
– The Listening Room: 20 Years of the Stories Behind the Songs: Drew Baldridge, Taylor Austin Dye and Emmett Stevens Jr.

Sunday, June 7
– Maddox Batson on Amazon Music “Country Heat Weekly” Live
– Up Close With Brandon Lake
– Dreams Across Boarders: Making Nashville Home with Gareth, Owen Riegling and Kaylee Bell
– Unbridled: Women of Texas Country, From the Ground Up: Jenna Paulette, Kylie Frey and RaeLynn

The Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage will feature acoustic performances from Austin Mackay, Blue Ridge Band, The BoykinZ, Bre Kennedy, Carlisle Wright, Dzaki Sukarno, Desiree Dawson, ERLEND, Faith Hopkins, Gabi Sklar, Gary Frost, Gloria Anderson, Hayley Payne, Jake Hoot, James Maslow, Jarrad Wrigley, Kaleb Sanders, Kelsey Lamb, Kelsi Mayne, Kingswood, Leah Blevins, Liam Price, Maddie Lenhart, Mike Parker, Mogan Griffiths, Noah James, Parker Graye, Rachael Fahim, Sacha, Sadie Bass, Sammy Arriaga, Shawnee Kish, Something Out West, Tori Darke, Tyler Rich, Zoe Jean Fowler and 2’Live Bre.

Debuting this year is the CMA Experience, a fan-first immersive experience featuring interactive exhibits and storytelling highlighting CMA’s legacy, celebrating excellence across its awards and honors, and showcasing how the organization supports, educates and unites the country music community year-round.

Tickets for Fan Fair X are on sale now. Programming at the Close Up Stage will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet-and-greet schedules can also be viewed on the Official CMA Connect App, with additional sessions being added throughout May.

Jordan Davis To Headline Red Bull Jukebox Inaugural Texas Event

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Jordan Davis. Photo: Courtesy of Red Bull

Red Bull Jukebox is set to host its first Texas event in Dallas with headliner Jordan Davis.

The event is set for Aug. 20 at The Bomb Factory in Dallas. Tickets go on sale on May 15.

“I’ve always had a love for Texas – I have some family that still lives there and I spent some time as I was growing up in Texas,” shares Davis. ” “I am looking forward to headline the first Red Bull Jukebox in Dallas. I’m pumped to see how the show shakes out with fan votes and the fans deciding how the night plays out!”

Starting May 15, fans can visit the Red Bull Jukebox Texas website to cast their votes across multiple categories, helping shape the setlist and musical direction of Davis’ performance. Voting for additional categories will open to attendees during the show.

Red Bull Jukebox will also return to Nashville this fall.

Cody Johnson Unveils Tracklist For ‘Banks Of The Trinity’

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Cody Johnson has revealed the track list for his upcoming album Banks Of The Trinity, releasing June 26 via COJO Music/Warner Records Nashville.

The 16-track project will feature collaborations with Luke Combs (“Shoot The Bull”) and Brothers Osborne (“Fool Proof'”), with the later being released this Friday (May 15). Produced by Trent Willmon, writing partners on the record include Kelly Archer, Randy Montana, Rodney Clawson and many more.

Johnson enters this Sunday’s ACM Awards with three nominations including Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Single of the Year for “The Fall.” He is also currently amidst his “Cody Johnson Live ’26” tour, with upcoming dates in Columbus, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City and more. Johnson is also slated to make festival appearances at CMA Fest, Braves Country Fest, Cavendish Beach Music Festival and more throughout the summer.

Banks Of The Trinity Track Listing:
1. “Horseback” (Randy Montana, Wyatt McCubbin, Paul Sikes)
2. “Hello Lonesome” (Jimmy Yeary, Seth Mosley, Matt Rogers)
3. “Fool Proof” (feat. Brothers Osborne) (Jeff Hyde, Jason Scott, Jared Conrad)
4. “Take Me Back (Leave Me There)” (Kelly Archer, Troy Cartwright, Pete Good)
5. “Banks of the Trinity” (Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear)
6. “I Want You” (Tom Douglas, Tony Lane, Matt Rogers)
7. “I Have” (Matt Schuster, Devin Dawson, Adam Yaron)
8. “Bible For A Boy (For Jaycee)” (Lydia Vaughn, Beau Bailey, Josh Phillips, Joe Fox, Andrew Stoelzing)
9. “Kissing A Married Woman” (Beau Bailey, Josh Phillips, Brock Berryhill, Cole Miracle)
10. “Every Man” (Travis Meadows, Gordie Sampson, Drew Kennedy)
11. “Motel Miss You” (Ryan Larkins, Seth Mosley, Emma-Lee)
12. “Shoot The Bull (featuring Luke Combs)” (Ray Fulcher, Casey Brown, Josh Phillips, Drew Parker)
13. “Cricket On A Hook” (Josh Phillips, Mark Holman, Jeremy Stover)
14. “Time Bomb” (Cody Johnson, Trent Willmon, Noe Quantanilla, Codrick Murphy)
15. “Thank Somebody Country” (Jordan Schmidt, Chase McGill, Trannie Anderson, Michael Hardy)
16. “Yippy Ty Oh Hey Hey” (Cody Johnson)

Singer-Songwriter Taylor Jones Signs With BMG

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Pictured (L-R): Layne Faltinsky (Manager, A&R, BMG Nashville), Taylor Jones and Chris Oglesby (VP, Head of Creative Publishing, BMG Nashville)

Rising singer-songwriter Taylor Jones has signed a global publishing deal with BMG.

The Nashville-based writer and Belmont University graduate has steadily established herself within Nashville’s songwriter community, and continues to develop her voice through songs that balance personal perspective and broad emotional resonance. She counts artists like Olivia Dean, Norah Jones and Chris Stapleton as influences, and her work reflects a focus on crafting enduring and accessible songs rooted in soulfulness and sincerity.

“Passion and purpose are foundational to building a career,” says Chris Oglesby, BMG’s VP, Head of Creative Publishing/Nashville. “Taylor combines those with an insatiable appetite for growth. She feels every word she sings and writes what she feels.  We’re excited to be a part of Taylor’s journey while she and Layne [Faltinsky] take this to new heights.”

“It’s a true privilege to become part of the BMG family,” says Jones. “To have this incredible team in my corner and to be surrounded by this talented community of writers is a dream come true. I feel more inspired than ever, and I can’t wait for the songs ahead.”

JUST IN: Riser House Entertainment Adds One, Elevates Three

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Pictured (L-R): Shane Allen, Megan Stottlemyer, Alex Heimerman and Jason VanAuken.

Riser House Entertainment has tapped Shane Allen as Executive Vice President of Promotion and Artist Brand Strategy.

Allen joins with more than 25 years of radio promotion experience. In this role, he will lead the label’s promotion department while helping guide long-term artist branding and overall strategic vision for the company’s roster. Allen will also oversee Riser House’s efforts across SiriusXM and other major platform partners.

“I’m extremely grateful to Matt Swanson, Jennifer Johnson and Mitchell Tenpenny for the opportunity to be a part of the Riser House Entertainment family,” shares Allen. “I’ve admired their culture and success for the better part of a decade and am thrilled to be able to contribute to the future growth of this incredibly diverse entertainment company.”

Additionally, the company has elevated three team members. Megan Stottlemyer has been named Vice President of Label Operations. Alex Heimerman has been promoted to Head of Marketing and Label Strategy. Jason VanAuken has risen to Vice President of Business Affairs.

“As Riser House continues to grow as a boutique label built on passion, vision, and artist development, these promotions reflect the leadership, creativity, and commitment that drive our culture forward every day. I’m incredibly proud of this team and excited for what we’re building together,” says Johnson, President of Riser House Entertainment.

BMG & Concord Tap Björn Bauer As Designated Chief Financial Officer Of Combined Company

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Björn Bauer. Photo: Marina Weigl

BMG and Concord have tapped Björn Bauer as Chief Financial Officer of the combined company, effective upon closing of the transaction.

Based in Nashville and reporting to designated CEO Bob Valentine, he will bring more than two decades of strategic leadership experience to the role and will oversee the business’s finance functions and assume responsibility for the M&A team.

Until the closing of the transaction, BMG’s current CFO, Mathis Wolter, will continue to oversee the finance function and support the integration efforts, before subsequently assuming new responsibilities within Bertelsmann. Concord’s current CFO, Kent Hoskins, will continue to serve in his role until the closing of the transaction, at which time it is anticipated that he will take on another senior leadership position for the combined company.

Bauer will join from entertainment company RTL Group, where he currently serves as Executive Director and member of the Executive Committee, and has been Chief Financial Officer since 2019.

“Björn brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering strong results through operational excellence and disciplined financial management,” shares Thomas Coesfeld, designated Chairman of the combined company. “We are delighted that he is expected to join the combined company following completion of the transaction and look forward to the impact he will have as we continue to strengthen and grow the business. At the same time, I would like to thank Mathis for playing an instrumental role in shaping BMG’s strategic transformation, and for being a trusted partner to me and the executive team over the past three years.”

“We are pleased that Björn is expected to join the combined company as CFO,” adds Valentine. “His deep financial expertise will be invaluable as the company continues to focus on sustainable growth and long-term value creation after the transaction closes.”

“As the global music industry evolves, the combination of BMG and Concord will be uniquely positioned to capture new opportunities through its talent focus, entrepreneurial spirit and global scale, supported by continued investments in catalogs and talent,” adds Bauer. “I am excited to join the combined company upon closing of the transaction, a pivotal moment in its growth journey. I look forward to partnering with the teams to drive the combined company’s next phase of growth and support its long-term strategic ambitions.”

CMA & Disney Extend Deal Through 2032

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CMA and Disney have extended their deal for the CMA Awards, as well as CMA Fest and CMA Country Christmas through 2032.

Adding six years to the already 20 year collaboration between the two companies, the new deal will include expanded opportunities across streaming and digital platforms. With the new deal, this year’s CMA Awards will stream live on Disney+ for the first time ever, alongside the ABC broadcast.

“For two decades, Disney has been CMA’s partner in celebrating excellence in Country Music and bringing its artists and storytelling to audiences around the world,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Extending our collaboration with Disney and expanding the show to livestream on Disney+ marks an exciting next step for CMA, allowing us to reach new audiences while continuing our role in elevating and shaping the genre. As I prepare to retire at the end of the year, ensuring CMA is strongly positioned for the future has remained one of my highest priorities, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together. As we approach The 60th Annual CMA Awards this fall and a new chapter for CMA Fest in the new stadium in 2027, I’m excited for what’s ahead for both CMA and Country Music.”

“We’re grateful to Sarah Trahern and our incredible partners at the Country Music Association and are excited to continue hosting the most iconic night in Country Music for years to come,” adds Debra OConnell, Chairman of Disney Entertainment Television. “Disney has long been the home for the very best in live entertainment and now, with the addition of Disney+, we are expanding the show’s reach like never before.”

Denitia Partners With Thirty Tigers & mtheory

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Denitia and Thirty Tigers team.

Independent singer-songwriter Denitia has partnered with Thirty Tigers to distribute her next album, and mtheory for management services.

She is slated to release new music later this year.

“I’m so excited to welcome Denitia into the Thirty Tigers family,” shares David Macias, Co-Founder and President of Thirty Tigers. “I loved the music that I had heard since she came to Nashville, but when we met, I became aware of her rich and broad history in music. She has shown up meaningfully in some amazing places musically speaking. She is exactly the kind of artist we get excited about working with.”

“I’m truly honored to join the Thirty Tigers family and grateful to partner with a team that believes in my vision and the stories I want to tell,” adds Denitia. “To me, songs have the power to give shape to the things we feel but don’t always know how to say. I’m so excited to share this next chapter of music, particularly with Thirty Tigers and my friends at mtheory by my side.”

In 2024, Denitia was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and made her Grand Ole Opry debut. Last year, she was a featured vocalist in Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, and toured more than 40 dates in support of her latest album, Sunset Drive. She is a member of Black Opry, Rissi Palmer’s “Color Me Country” and mtheory’s Equal Access.

In addition to upcoming summer tour dates, she’s slated to perform at tonight’s Recording Academy Block Party in Nashville.