On The Row: Madden Metcalf Shares Signature Saltwater Southern Sound

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Madden Metcalf. Photo: Brandon Espeleta

Madden Metcalf recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share a preview of his debut project, Saltwater Southern, out today via Wexler Records/MCA.

First discovered by his manager Olivia Zaro, the Panacea, Florida native connected to veteran songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler in 2024 while pursuing a construction management degree. He signed to MCA earlier this year.

Metcalf was inspired to learn guitar after a Riley Green concert and began performing for tips at his uncle’s restaurant where he worked. A fourth generation commercial fisherman and inspired by the sounds of Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, Metcalf describes his sound now as “Saltwater Southern.”

MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell; Madden Metcalf; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

He shared a taste of his new project with the team, previewing “Young Loretta” and “Kinda Paradise.”

The project explores love, heartbreak and more across the five tracks, which Metcalf wrote alongside Wexler and Elliah Heifetz. Saltwater Southern was produced by Wexler and Paul Sikes.

“I’m really excited for the EP,” Metcalf shared with the team. “Its truly every aspect of the lifestyle that I live, that I was born and raised to live. This record really encapsulates everything that we’d listen to [as I grew up]. I’m truly excited for it to be out there.”

Saltwater Southern Track List:
1. “Kinda Paradise” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
2. “Young Loretta” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
3. “I Don’t Wanna Cry Anymore” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
4. “Long John Silver” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
5. “Like My Hometown” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)

 

@musicrowmag @maddenmetcalf went Off The Record with MusicRow to celebrate his new EP Saltwater Southern! #country #countrymusic #offtherecord ♬ Kinda Paradise – Madden Metcalf

 

 

Julianna Rankin Signs With Big Loud Texas Publishing & Sony Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Allie Sisoian (Manager, Red Light Management), Lizzy Rector (Publishing Director, Big Loud Texas Publishing), Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert, Julianna Rankin, Anna Weisband (SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Brendon Anthony (VP, Big Loud Texas). Photo: Natalie Rhea

Big Loud Texas artist Julianna Rankin has signed with Big Loud Texas Publishing and Sony Music Publishing.

Alongside the announcement, Rankin is releasing her second song via Big Loud Texas, “Little Miss Behavin,’” produced by Big Loud Texas co-founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall. “Little Miss Behavin’” follows Rankin’s label debut “Bad Habits and Good Horses,” which was featured in the season finale of Landman via Paramount+.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Julianna Rankin into the Sony Music Publishing family alongside Big Loud Texas,” says Anna Weisband, SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “She’s the definition of heart and soul. Her songwriting is full of true storytelling, personality, and grit. We can’t wait to help share that with the world!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Julianna to the Big Loud Texas Publishing family,” shares Lizzy Rector, Publishing Director, Big Loud Publishing. “She has a voice and storytelling perspective that is rooted and real and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what’s ahead.”

Beginning in April, Rankin will support label-mate Jake Worthington on his “Intent To Tonk Tour” with stops in Chicago, Nashville, Boston and New York.

Tyler Nance Celebrates ‘Midwest Memoir’ At Nashville Palace

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Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Tyler Nance celebrated his debut album Midwest Memoir with a release show at the Nashville Palace last night (March 19), delivering a confident, crowd-pleasing set that showcased both his songwriting depth and growing stage presence.

He opened with “Ain’t Getting Paid” and quickly settled into a groove, moving into “Hell If I Know,” where he balanced guitar work with harmonica. “Don’t Care At All” drew strong audience engagement, with the crowd clapping along and feeding off the band’s energy. From there, Nance leaned into the emotional core of the record with “Shovel,” “Under the Weather,” and “Bad News,” before delivering standout performances of “I’m Not Him” and “Whiskey Me or the Pain.”

Nance kept the momentum high with “Too Good to Be True,” before bringing out Karley Scott Collins for “Leave Me Alone.”

Karley Scott Collins & Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Midway through the performance, the band temporarily exited, leaving Nance in a stripped-down setting with just a guitar player. This quieter segment, featuring “Beer Tabs,” “Liza Ann,” and “Sorrows,” highlighted his songwriting and vocal delivery, offering a more intimate connection with the audience.

When the full band returned, so did the energy. “Nothing’s What It Seems” with another guest appearance from Jackson Dean. Nance then introduced “Whitney Wants a Song,” performing it live for the first time.

Closing out the night, “Same Song and Dance” and “Here’s to Tomorrow” set the stage for the album’s title track, “Midwest Memoir,” before the final run of “Ways Away” and “Keeps Me Sane.” The latter, already a viral hit, brought the evening to a peak as the crowd sang along loudly, turning the performance into a shared moment of celebration.

Midwest Memoir dropped today (March 20) via Santa Anna Nashville. Nance will support Ian Munsick and Gavin Adcock on select dates this year, as well as make festival appearances at Cattle Country, Windy City Smokeout, Country Thunder Wisconsin, and more.

Jackson Dean & Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Industry Ink: Kane Brown, Gabby Barrett, Manhead Merch, ‘La Cara De La Música’

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Kane Brown Appears On Bobby Bones’ ‘The Bobbycast’

Bobby Bones and Kane Brown

Kane Brown was a guest on Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast yesterday, which is now airing on Netflix. During his visit he and Bones talked about not knowing he was bi-racial until he got called a racial slur in school, how he lost $10 million in a bad music deal, his new bar in Nashville and its Miami feel, his Top 5 songs to perform live for fans, and more.

 

Gabby Barrett Celebrates Platinum Milestones At CRS

Gabby Barrett and Cris Lacy, Chair & President, Warner Records Nashville. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Gabby Barrett took the stage at the annual Warner Records Nashville luncheon, where she delivered a powerful performance of “The Easy Part,” and  also debuted a brand-new, unreleased song, setting the tone for what’s to come. Following the performance, Barrett’s team surprised her with news that two of her hits have reached Platinum status, as three-week No. 1 “The Good Ones” reached 5X Platinum and her record-breaking debut “I Hope” achieved 9X Platinum.

 

Jennifer Pirch Joins Manhead Merch

Jennifer Pirch

Jennifer Pirch has been named Vice President of Retail & Licensing at Manhead Merch. In her role, Pirch will lead global retail expansion and licensing strategy, with a focus on scaling distribution, entering new categories, and developing partnerships that extend artist IP into new consumer touchpoints. Pirch brings over 15 years of experience across music, entertainment, and consumer products, and previously held leadership roles at Apex Global Brands and Bravado, Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management division. Having started her career as a designer, she brings an end-to-end perspective across product development and dealmaking, with experience spanning toys, apparel, and multi-category licensing partnerships.

 

Univision Series ‘La Cara De La Música’ Hosts Private Nashville Media Screening

Rick Rodriguez, Founder of Cara Productions. Photo: Jake Blount

Media members and industry guests gathered recently at InDo Nashville for a private screening of the upcoming TV series La Cara De La Música, hosted by La Cara Productions. The bilingual series focused on Latin music, culture, and entertainment will premiere soon on Univision Nashville. Hosted by producer and creator Rick Rodriguez, La Cara De La Música (translated as “The Face of Music”) shines a spotlight on the artists, executives, and cultural leaders representing Nashville’s Latino community within the music industry. The show aims to celebrate the growing influence of Latin music and culture while highlighting the important role the Latino community plays in the broader entertainment landscape.

Keith Urban Honored With St. Jude Angels Among Us Award

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Randy Owen, patient Faith and Keith Urban. Photo: Kayla Schoen / CRS

Keith Urban received The Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award yesterday (March 19) at CRS in Nashville for his outstanding commitment and service to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

During the St. Jude program at CRS, iHeartCountry Brand Coordinator/SVPP Gator Harrison interviewed Urban about the importance of his support for St. Jude throughout his career. After the discussion, Owen surprised Urban with the award, having made the first call to his fellow artists in 1989 to rally around St. Jude from the stages of CRS. St. Jude patient Faith was in attendance to help Owen present the award to Urban.

“Being recognized with the Angels Among Us Award is not something I take lightly,” says Urban. “I’ve witnessed the courage shown by the children and families at St. Jude for more than 20 years, and it never ceases to amaze me. By standing together, we’ve been able to help St. Jude continue advancing research and treatment for children around the world with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is an absolute honor to stand behind a mission this meaningful.”

Urban has supported St. Jude for more than 20 years and began visiting the hospital in 1998. In 2015, St. Jude named him the founding Artist Ambassador of the Connected Caring program, connecting Urban and patients to share personal stories and a love for music. Over the years, Urban has participated in countless benefit concerts, radiothons, livestreams, St. Jude marketing campaigns, a special album release and meet-and-greets with St. Jude patients.

“Country music has a long and meaningful history of supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Keith Urban stands among our most enduring champions,” says Ike Anand, President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “We are grateful to Keith and the country music community for their continued commitment to the St. Jude mission. Thanks to the generosity of artists like Keith and Randy Owen, St. Jude is able to advance lifesaving research and treatment while also bringing moments of joy and comfort to patients and families through the power of music.”

Music Gives to St. Jude Kids helps to raise more than $70 million annually to accelerate research and treatment by St. Jude to help children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The program unites more than 350 radio and music partners in the shared mission.

Jordan Davis Secures The No. 1 Position On The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Jordan Davis secures the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his latest hit, “Turn This Truck Around.”

The track, off of his 2025 album Learn The Hard Way, was written by Davis, Devin Dawson, Jake Mitchell and Josh Thompson.

Davis is currently on the road in Australia through the end of the month, with a stop in Perth, WA, on March 28 before he heads back to the States

“Turn This Truck Around” currently sits at No. 20 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

The Core Entertainment Adds Sarah Pfeiffer & Gabriella Pulley

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Sarah Pfeiffer & Gabriella Pulley

The Core Entertainment has added Sarah Pfeiffer and Gabriella Pulley. Both will report to The Core Entertainment’s CEOs and Co-Founders, Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, and will be based in The Core’s Nashville offices.

Pfeiffer joins the company as Head of Marketing. She arrives from Columbia Records, where she spent eight years working across campaigns for artists including Harry Styles, Ella Langley, ROSALÍA, Tyler, The Creator, blink-182, The Chainsmokers, Koe Wetzel, Max McNown and Alana Springsteen. In her new role, she will oversee marketing for The Core Entertainment’s roster of artists, with a focus on The Core Records which includes Baylee Lynn, Brandon Wisham and more.

“Throughout my career, I’ve discovered a deep passion for developing artists,” says Pfeiffer. “I feel truly at home here at The Core and am excited to step into this role—continuing to grow our team and craft innovative, intentional, and competitive marketing campaigns that help our artists elevate their music and expand their fan bases.”

Pulley joins The Core Entertainment as Chief of Staff. Pulley most recently served as day-to-day manager at 7s Management, where she worked with Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, including through the band’s Madison Square Garden sellout. Earlier in her career, she oversaw day-to-day management throughout Zach Bryan’s rise from theaters to arenas and stadiums. In her new role, Pulley will work across management, records, partnerships and company operations, helping support the next phase of The Core’s expansion.

“I’m thrilled to join a company that prioritizes investing not only in its artists but also in the people behind them,” shares Pulley. “The leadership team is one of the most experienced and forward-thinking groups I’ve had the opportunity to work with. The Core has an exciting road ahead, and I’m honored to be part of a team building what we believe will be a lasting impact on the industry.”

“We’re really excited to welcome Sarah and Gabriella to The Core,” adds Tikhman and Zaruk, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “Sarah is an incredibly sharp and thoughtful marketing executive who really understands how to build campaigns around artists in a meaningful way, and Gabriella brings a level of organization, leadership and calm that is so valuable as a company grows. Just as importantly, they’re both great people, and culture matters a lot to us. We’ve been very intentional about building this team, and these are the kind of hires that make us better.”

Jacob Hackworth Signs With MCA

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Pictured (L-R): Rob Femia (MCA), Sam Shelton, Jacob Hackworth, Stephanie Wright (MCA), Katie McCartney (MCA), Mike Harris (MCA) and Kos Weaver (Goat Island).

Jacob Hackworth has signed to MCA in collaboration with Goat Island Sound.

The West Plains, Missouri native has amassed more than one billion streams in 2025 alone. He signed a publishing deal in 2022 and has since attained roughly 60 major label cuts and notched two No. 1s. He launched his artist career in 2025 with three songs including “When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t” and “Bad As I Do.” In celebration of the announcement, Hackworth released his new single “What Took You So Long” today.

“Getting to know the MCA team while on the Tucker (Wetmore) tour, it quickly became clear they were the right fit—not just as a label, but as people I genuinely connect with. I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead and grateful to have them on my team as we build this next chapter together,” shares Hackworth. “When I moved to Nashville, my goal was to earn a record deal—without fully understanding how difficult that would be. I dove deep into songwriting along the way but this moment was always what I was working toward, now that it’s happening I’m honestly a little speechless. I don’t know how to explain the excitement, gratitude, motivation and all of the other feelings I have right now. It also isn’t lost on me that, of the hundreds of songs I’ve written, my first radio single was inspired by the breakup that drove me to Nashville. Life has a funny way of working out.”

“Jacob is the kind of artist that reminds you why Nashville works the way it does,” says Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA. “He came here chasing a dream, put in the work as a songwriter, and built a reputation the old-fashioned way—one great song at a time. When you combine that level of craft with a voice and presence like his, you know there’s something special happening. We’re thrilled to welcome Jacob to the MCA family as we help bring his next chapter to life.”

“Jacob is a power house creative force. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with the passionate and formidable people that are MCA,” adds Kos Weaver, Founder, Goat Island Sound.

Hackworth is currently on his first-ever radio tour and will pick up his third leg on tour with Tucker Wetmore this summer.

He is signed to Goat Island for management and The Neal Agency for booking.

Kenny Chesney To Perform Exclusive Show At Flora-Bama

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney will perform an exclusive show at Flora-Bama on April 18 with SiriusXM.

The intimate show celebrates 10 years of Chesney’s exclusive SiriusXM channel, No Shoes Radio. Curated and presented by Chesney, the channel features music from himself, his favorite artists across multiple musical genres, live performances, backstage moments and more. To further celebrate, No Shoes Radio will feature daily re-broadcasts of past live concerts, exclusive SiriusXM events with fans, and best-of highlights from Chesney’s summer tours over the coming months.

“We started No Shoes Radio on the internet as a something fun to do, a place to play that special cocktail of reggae, rock, country and more,” says Chesney. “When SiriusXM embraced what we were doing, it opened up a whole other portal for people who live in these songs. After ten years, we needed to do something that captured the sea salt, the joy and all the memories in our music. What better place than inside the Flora-Bama?”

“Kenny Chesney has built something truly special with No Shoes Radio over the past ten years. It’s more than a channel, it’s a community that captures the spirit of his music and the connection he has with his fans,” adds Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Celebrating a decade of No Shoes Radio on SiriusXM with a concert in Flora-Bama, a place that embodies that same laid-back, coastal energy, feels like the perfect way to mark this milestone.”

SiriusXM subscribers can enter for a chance to win a trip to the concert here.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs Delivers ‘Soulful Vocal Performance’

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Luke Combs. Photo: Robby Klein

The stars are out in DISClaimer today.

Esteemed veterans Willie Nelson, Jo Dee Messina and Vince Gill are snuggled up with Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson and Gabby Barrett in this edition.

Big voice, big award winner Luke Combs claims the Disc of the Day award.

Alas, we have no first-timers in the column today. That’s what happens when everyone is already twinkling to brightly.

CLAY STREET UNIT / “Left Unsaid”
Writers: Sam Walker/Scottie Bolin; Producer: Chris Pandolfi; Label: Leo33
– A troubled relationship, set to stuttering steel, rippling banjo, scampering mandolin and brushed drumming. Hearty and bluegrassy and ultimately listenable. Also check out the road-weary “Drive” from this Colorado band’s album Sin & Squalor.

JO DEE MESSINA / “Some Bridges”
Writers: Jo Dee Messina/Kat Higgins/James T. Slater; Producer: David Spencer; Label: Dreambound Records
– Messina’s comeback album after a 10-year silence is heralded via this fierce single. In the wake of a failed romance, she sings, “Some bridges are meant to build; some bridges are meant to burn.” It’s a spitfire performance and a welcome return. Sing on, sister.

LUKE COMBS / “I Ain’t No Cowboy”
Writers: Cody Johnson/Jake Mears/Luke Combs; Producers: Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs; Label: Seven Ridges Records/Columbia Nashville
– She’s left him in a cloud of dust. Combs delvers one of his most soulful vocal performances to date in this yearning ballad of regret. Torrid, believable and gripping. This is a superstar at the peak of his powers. The song comes from his sixth album, The Way I Am, which drops tomorrow (March 20).

LAINEY WILSON / “Can’t Sit Still”
Writers: Aslan Freeman/Dallas Wilson/Lainey Wilson/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Wilson rocks out on this feisty, fresh tempo tune. The production is somewhat too “busy,” with layers of processed, overdubbed vocal sounds.

ALEX MILLER & EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “More Country Than You”
Writers: Alex Miller/Bill Whyte/Emily Ann Roberts; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– The title tune of Miller’s upcoming CD is a bopping retro ditty. It’s also totally cute, with him swapping hillbilly boasts with co-writer Roberts. As the title suggests, this Kentucky wonder is wonderfully C-O-U-N-T-R-Y whenever and whatever he sings.

WILLIE NELSON / “Dream Chaser”
Writers: Bobby Tomberlin/Buddy Cannon/Willie Nelson; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy Recordings
– The living legend is gearing up to release his 79th (!) album this spring. Its title tune marries his gentle, world-weary vocal delivery with a gorgeous, rolling, evocative production by Cannon. I was thoroughly enthralled, and it really made my heart feel good. Also on the collection will be a Willie/Buddy/Bob Dylan co-write and a revival of the 1966 George Jones goldie “Developing My Pictures.” Can’t wait.

BRIT TAYLOR / “Around and Around”
Writers: Adam Chaffins/Adam Wright/Brit Taylor; Producer: Adam Chaffins; Label: Cut A Shine Records
– This former Discovery Award winner remains a peerless Appalachian stylist. Taylor issued her new Land of the Forgotten LP this month, and that’s where you’ll find this terrific twang fest. In addition to being wildly catchy, the country-rocker paints a portrait of a dead-end, working-class existence that she vows to escape. This is an absolutely essential country artist. Buy her on vinyl now.

ALEX HALL & MAE ESTES / “We Should Probably Stop Here”
Writers: Alex Hall/Clara Park; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Yeehall Records/Blue Harbor Music
– They’re trapped in a relationship that neither one can quit. Both sing splendidly, and they’ll perform their duet live for the first time on the Opry next Tuesday (March 24). They’ll also perform in the round at Anzie Blue during the Tin Pan South festival next Friday (March 27).

BRIAN KELLEY / “The Queen of 30A”
Writers: Chase McGill/Cole Taylor/Michael Carter/Shane Minor; Producer: Katlin Owen; Label: BK
– The former FGL member adopts a beach-y groove in this sunny romance. Jaunty and bopping.

LOCASH / “Wrong Hearts”
Writers: Chris Lucas/Josh Thompson/Matt Dragstrem/Preston Brust; Producer: Jacob Rice; Label: LOCASH
– He’s been in all the wrong bars, made all the bad decisions and took all the wrong turns on his way to her. Smooth and classy country.

GABBY BARRETT / “The Easy Part”
Writers: Gabby Barrett/Jon Nite/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producers: Ross Copperman, Zach Abend, Zach Kale; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Her throaty vocal is super compelling as she describes a crumbling relationship. She warns him that leaving is the easy part and that living without her will be tougher than he thinks. A churning, echoey production supports her at every turn. Nicely done.

VINCE GILL / “Lonely’s What I Do”
Writers: Belle Frantz/Sharon Vaughn/Vince Gill; Producer: Vince Gill; Label: MCA
– Exquisitely sad and reflective. We all love the songs that evoke that “Born to Lose” vibe. Someone’s leavin,’ someone’s cheatin,’ someone’s crying, someone’s driving. Ache in every country note. I will go to my grave loving this man’s music.

ASHLAND CRAFT / “Yard Sale”
Writers: Ashland Craft/Kasey Tyndall/Lee Starr; Producers: Jess Grommet, Lee Starr; Label: Leo33
– She’s getting rid of all his stuff, and she’s selling it cheap. Rollicking and sassy. Ashley McBryde and Mae Estes provide vocal harmonies.