Neon Union Share The ‘Good Years’ On Debut Album

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Red Street Records’ country duo Neon Union released their debut album, Good Years, last Friday (Jan. 31).

Good Years features previously released tracks “Alright Where She Left Me,” “How Ya Don’t” and the band’s debut single, “‘Bout Damn Time,” along with with new tracks such as “Clean Hands” and “Fall For Me.” Writers contributing to the project include Danny Myrick, Bobby Pinson, Phil Barton, Tyler Hubbard and more, with Dann Huff and Jay DeMarcus leading the production, along with contributions from Brandon Hood.

“This album is full of experiences and memories of all the Good Years in the rearview,” says Neon Union’s Andrew Millsaps. “We hope everyone connects with these songs as much as we do. Here’s to all the Good Years to come!”

“What an incredible experience it’s been bringing this project to life,” shares DeMarcus. “The talent that Andrew (Millsaps) and Leo (Brooks) bring to the table is beyond compare. I can’t wait for country listeners to get their hands on Good Years!”

Good Years Track List:
1. “Alright Where She Left Me” (Andrew Millsaps, Leo Brooks, Brandon Hood, Bob DiPiero)
2. “Golden Rules” (Josh Miller, Chris LaCorte, Thomas Archer)
3. “Fall For Me” (Bobby Pinson, Ben West, Justin Wilson)
4. “Bout Damn Time” (Tyler Hubbard, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Bobby Pinson)
5. “Made in Mexico” (Leo Brooks, Andrew Millsaps, Aaron Benward, Bobby Pinson)
6. “How You Don’t” (Jake Rose, Chris DuBois, Zach Kale)
7. “Good Years” (Leo Brooks, Andrew Millsaps Aaron Benward, Danny Myrick)
8. “Luck Don’t Live Around Here” (Kelley Lovelace, Chris DeStefano, Neil Thrasher)
9. “Clean Hands” (Tom Douglas, Brett Taylor, Blake Griffith)
10. “Helluva High” (Andrew Millsaps, Leo Brooks, Phil Barton)
11. “Ain’t That The Truth” (Andrew Millsaps, Leo Brooks, Bobby Hamrick)
12. “This Side Of The Dirt” (Hunter Phelps, Nicolette Hayford, Ben Johnson, Jerry Flowers)

Jason Scott Signs With Big Yellow Dog Music

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Pictured: (L-R, front row): Carla Wallace, Jason Scott and Brannen Carter. (L-R, middle row): Jacee Badeaux, Alex Stefano and Alana Morgan. (L-R, back row): Kerry O’Neil and Mark Noel

Jason Scott has signed a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog Music.

Scott, a native of Oklahoma City, is the lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for Leo33 band Jason Scott & The High Heat. Their 2022 debut album Castle Rock received acclaim from NPR, BBC Radio and others. Scott’s music connects deeply with listeners through his storytelling and his mix of heartland rock and southern soul. The band’s live shows at festivals such as Stagecoach and Born & Raised Festival have further cemented their reputation.

“We’re so excited to work with Jason Scott,” shares Carla Wallace, Co-Owner and CEO of Big Yellow Dog Music. “His music is a perfect fit for our brand, and we love his musical authenticity.”

“From the moment I met the Big Yellow Dog team, I knew they were passionate about the music I was making,” recalls Scott. “I’m so proud to partner with such an elite team to help further the creative vision of my music and songs.”

The band dropped their High Country Heat EP late last year, with the single “If We Make It To The Mornin’” now rising on the Americana charts. They’re currently on tour with Blackberry Smoke and will also be performing at festivals like Extra Innings, Jackalope Jamboree and more throughout the year.

Jason Scott & The High Heat are represented by Mark Noel at Triple 8 Management, with booking handled by Jonathan Levine, Lenore Kinder and Tommy Alexander at Wasserman Music.

MTSU Honors Grammy-Nominated Alums At L.A. Reception

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Jessi Alexander, Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee and Dean of the College of Media and Entertainment Beverly Keel. Photo: Andrew Oppmann

Middle Tennessee State University gathered alumni, supporters and friends on Feb. 1 in Los Angeles to honor its six former students with nominations in the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Six MTSU-trained professionals received eight Grammy nominations this year, including singer-songwriters Jessi Alexander (two nominations) and Jaelee Roberts, and audio production engineers Brandon Bell, Jason Hall (two nominations), Bobby Holland and Jimmy Mansfield.

At Saturday’s event, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, named Alexander an honorary professor in the Recording Industry Department. A former College of Media and Entertainment student, Alexander earned two nominations: one for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, (based on a selection of songs written and co-written), and another for Best Song Written for Visual Media for her work on “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” by Luke Combs.

First-time Grammy nominee Roberts, a 2023 commercial songwriting alumna, was presented with a certificate during the event recognizing her nomination as part of the group Sister Sadie for Best Bluegrass Album.

Multiple-winner and nominee Bell, a 2004 Department of Recording Industry alum, captured another Grammy for his mixing work on Billy Strings Live Vol. 1, which won for Best Bluegrass Album. Strings captured the same award in 2021.

The number of MTSU-connected Grammy winners since 2001 currently stands at more than 20 recipients, with nearly 50 Grammys, including nine repeat winners in categories from classical, pop, rock, country, gospel and rap.

NMPA Takes Action Against Spotify For Unlicensed Music In Podcasts

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The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has launched a takedown campaign against Spotify for allegedly hosting unlicensed music in podcasts. Over 2,500 instances of infringement have been identified, with more to follow, according to the organization.

This move follows a May 2023 cease-and-desist letter NMPA sent to Spotify regarding the issue.

NMPA President & CEO David Israelite says, “Spotify has thousands of unlicensed songs in its podcasts, which it has done nothing to remedy. This takedown action comes as no surprise, we have warned of this issue for some time.

“Podcasts are a growing source of revenue for songwriters and publishers, and it is essential that podcasts provide lawfully produced entertainment. This is not hard to do, and Spotify knows, and has known, how to fix this problem for their users. We hope podcast hosts will stand up for their fellow creators and demand that Spotify do better.

“Spotify will stop at nothing to undervalue songwriters on behalf of its bottom line. Look no further than its recent bundling scheme and its ill-conceived appeal of songwriters’ rate increase in CRB III. We will not stop until the platform fixes its podcast problem, and all other areas where songwriters are not earning what they deserve.”

“The Nashville Songwriter Association International (NSAI) applauds The National Music Publisher Association’s (NMPA) take down action against Spotify for unlicensed music contained in podcasts on their platform,” shares Bart Herbison, NSAI Executive Director. “The giant streaming service’s continuing disregard to properly compensate songwriters and composers is again evident in their failure to license these songs. Spotify was warned of this situation nearly a year ago, yet failed to remedy it. To suggest that this action is in response to the recent decision in the MLC lawsuit dismisses the fact that they are illegally using music copyrights.”

The takedown program includes 19 NMPA member publishers including ABKCO, Anthem Entertainment, Big Machine Music, BMG, Concord Music Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, Hipgnosis Songs Group, Kobalt, Mayimba Music, peermusic, Primary Wave Music, Reservoir, The Royalty Network, Inc., Sony Music Publishing, Spirit Music Group, Ultra Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music and Wixen Music Publishing.

A Spotify Spokesperson shared the following statement with MusicRow, “This is a weak reaction to the judge dismissing the MLC’s lawsuit. Last summer, the NMPA claimed that there were unlicensed works in podcasts on Spotify. The fact that the NMPA waited months, despite multiple written requests by Spotify for details, which they never bothered to answer, to report these episodes only further emphasizes that this is a press stunt. Platforms like Spotify, which are home to millions of pieces of UGC content, regularly receive takedown requests, and, as always, we will act promptly and, where appropriate, remove the episodes in question.”

Spotify confirmed it had since received the list of URLs from the NMPA and is investigating the takedown requests; the initial hundred or so include shows from The New York Times, Slate and iHeart.

Gavin Adcock Announces New ‘Need To’ Single, Tour

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Gavin Adcock. Photo: Ash Summerford

Gavin Adcock is releasing his new single, “Need To,” this Friday (Feb. 7), and has announced he’ll embark on his new “Need To” tour beginning in May.

Ticket pre-sales begin tomorrow (Feb. 4) and general public on-sale is set for this Friday (Feb. 7.) Fans can purchase tickets here.

Adcock’s album, Actin’ Up Again, was crowned the largest major-label country debut from a solo male artist released in 2024, with more than 15 million on-demand U.S. streams during release week, and was also 2024’s top streaming major-label debut across the genre.

With the success of Actin’ Up Again, Adcock has aggressively zigzagged across the country on multiple headlining tours including the “Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Gavin Adcock,” boasting 31 sold-out dates, along with his current 30+ date “Actin’ Up Again (Again) Tour,” which is completely sold out as well. Adcock has released multiple singles, collectively amassing over 600 million U.S. streams including the fan-favorite “A Cigarette,” which raked in 110 million+ alone.

“The Need To Tour” Dates:
Here’s the formatted version for easy readability:
May 2 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
May 10 – North Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery [Currently on-sale]
May 17 – Nashville, TN – Pinnacle [Currently on-sale]
May 24 – Grant, OK – Choctaw Casino-Stage 271 [Currently on-sale]
June 6 – Sylvania, OH – Centennial Terrace [Currently on-sale]
June 13 – Crown Point, IN – Bulldog Park [Currently on-sale]
July 24 – Clarksburg, WV – The Clarksburg Amphitheater
August 21 – Wichita, KS – WAVE
August 22 – Colorado Springs, CO – Ford Amphitheater
August 23 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex – Rockwell
August 28 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
August 29 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center
September 11 – Independence, MO – Cable Dahmer Arena
September 12 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
September 14 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory at The District
September 25 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
September 26 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
September 27 – Buffalo, NY – The Outer Harbor
October 3 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion
October 4 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
October 17 – Athens, GA – Classic Center Arena

Christian Hayes Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Christian Hayes makes his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Hunter Hart

Capitol Records artist Christian Hayes made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (Feb. 1.)

Pictured (L-R, back row): Ryan Hofstetter (WME); Taylor Dempsey (Rivida); Jon Folk (WME); Christian Hayes; Reed Moncier, Shaina Botwiin (Capitol Records), Roxy King (UMPG) and Aaron Dombey (Capitol Records); (L-R, front row): Hannah Ferrell (Capitol Records); Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media); Sam Breslin (Capitol Records); Becky Sake (Capitol Records); Helena Capps (Wildrose Projects); James Brown; Emilia James (ASCAP) and Cyndi Forman (UMPG). Photo: Hunter Hart

Hayes took the hallowed stage donning a Schott leather jacket designed by Dixon and Jack embroidered with artwork inspired by his debut EP, Last I Love You and inscripted with his nickname “The Lullaby Kid,” and performed two songs: “Home Sweet Home” and “LILY.”

“LILY” (an acronym for “Last I Love You”) struck a chord with listeners and became a viral hit, with global streams past the six million mark. Last I Love You fuses Americana and folk while bouncing between campfire ballads, cinematic soundscapes and rowdy barn-burners. A veteran of the US Navy Reserve, Hayes began applying the discipline of his military training to his work as a songwriter, amassing more than 900 original songs by his mid-twenties. Five of those songs appear on Last I Love You. 

Cooper Alan Establishes The Cooper Alan Foundation

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Cooper Alan. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Cooper Alan has launched the Cooper Alan Foundation to support mental health organizations and initiatives.

The foundation’s debut event was a weekend in Charlotte, North Carolina, Alan’s home state. It began on Friday night (Jan. 31) with a writer’s round featuring Alan and Walker Hayes, followed by Alan’s sold out “To The Bar Tour” opening show at the Fillmore on Saturday (Feb. 1). Alan also released his new song, “I Gotcha,” with all proceeds from both the concert and the track going directly to the foundation.

Alan’s foundation is deeply personal to him, created to make a positive impact on lives everywhere. It focuses on offering support, resources and advocacy for mental health awareness, with the aim of reducing stigma and ensuring that everyone has access to the care and compassion they deserve.

Cooper Alan & Walker Hayes. Photo: Curt Simshauser

The foundation has raised over $400,000 so far, all of which will go directly to the HopeWay Foundation in Charlotte, providing outstanding care to individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

“The idea for this foundation came to me last spring when my mom reached out with a big vision to give back in a meaningful way,” shares Alan. “Mental health has always been a cause close to my heart, and it’s been an incredible experience to work alongside my parents and my wife, Hally, on this new journey. Raising money and awareness for such an important cause has truly been one of the greatest honors and joys of my life. We’re excited to continue this work together for many years ahead!”

Tyler Rich Says ‘Hello California’ This March

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Tyler Rich will release his sophomore album, Hello California, on March 7 via ONErpm.

Co-produced by fellow Californians Brad Hill and Lalo Guzman, the 10 track project highlights more of the signature style that Rich, originally from Yuba City, California, showcased on his debut album, combining personal storytelling with a sound that fuses his passion for country music and a hint of rock. The album features already released tracks “All The Small Things” and “Give Up To Get It.”

“This album has been a long time coming, and it’s my first chance to release music straight from the heart, with no limits,” shares Rich. “After ten years in Nashville, I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the relationships I’ve built, and the success that came from navigating the industry. Now, as an independent artist, I finally get to take the reins and do things my way.”

Rich co-wrote nine out of 10 tracks on Hello California, working alongside songwriters from Nashville and California, including Blake Bollinger, Parker Welling, Travis Wood and more.

Hello California gives a sneak peek into Rich’s evolving sound, with more music set to drop later this year. Rich will take to the road in March for “The Hello California Tour.” Stops along the 17-date trek include San Jose, New York City, Chicago and more, and also include’s a stop at Nashville’s Exit/In on April 10.

Hello California Track List:
1. “Hello California” (Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Tyler Rich)
2. “Gets Me Every Time” (Jason Massey, Travis Wood, Tyler Rich)
3. “Cigarettes (Lie To Me)” (Dylan Guthro, Lalo Guzman)
4. “Give Up to Get It” (Blake Bollinger, Steven Lee Olsen, Tyler Rich)
5. “All The Small Things” (Jason Gantt, Jason Nix, Tyler Rich)
6. “Whiskey Go Bad” (Blake Bollinger, Reid Isbell, Tyler Rich)
7. “What Do I Know” (Eric Paslay, Jason Massey, Tyler Rich)
8. “Right Tonight” (Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Tyler Rich)
9. “Drive Me Home” (Josh Mirenda, Michael Tyler, Tyler Rich)
10. “Home We Choose” (Emily Falvey, Lalo Guzman, Tyler Rich)

Nashville’s Biggest Moments At The 2025 Grammy Awards

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Sierra Ferrell accepts award for Best Americana Album for Trail of Flowers onstage during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony at Peacock Theater. Photo: Leon Bennett/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards highlighted a mix of country, Americana, roots and Christian music alongside pop, hip-hop and R&B, with several Nashville artists making notable appearances throughout the night.

One of the most significant moments of the evening came when Beyoncé won her first Album of the Year for Cowboy Carter, marking a milestone in Grammy history. She also became the first Black artist to win Best Country Album, an achievement that signals ongoing shifts in the genre. Elsewhere, Kendrick Lamar dominated the night, winning five awards, the most of any artist. Rising pop force Chappell Roan was named Best New Artist, emerging victorious in a highly competitive category.

Taylor Swift presented Best Country Album to Beyoncé, a moment that captured widespread attention, with Beyoncé appearing genuinely surprised by the honor. Shaboozey made his Grammy debut with a performance that started with a verse of “Good News” before transitioning into his 19-week No. 1 hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The performance quickly turned into one of the night’s most interactive, with the entire room joining in.

One of the evening’s many collaborations featured Brad Paisley and Sheryl Crow, who joined Dawes, Brittany Howard, John Legend and St. Vincent for a performance of Randy Newman’s “I Love L.A.” The tribute honored the city’s resilience following the recent wildfires and brought a touch of country to the stage.

In a tribute to Quincy Jones, Lainey Wilson teamed up with Jacob Collier for a high-energy performance of “Let The Good Times Roll.” Wilson’s Southern twang blended seamlessly with Collier’s intricate arrangements, offering a fresh take on the classic.

As always, the majority of awards were handed out during the pre-telecast, where country, Americana and bluegrass artists saw major wins. Chris Stapleton won Best Country Solo Performance for “It Takes A Woman”, though he was not in attendance to accept. Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “II MOST WANTED.” Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne took home Best Country Song for “The Architect.”

Musgraves, who accepted the award, remarked, “There’s so much darkness in this world right now, and it just feels so good to be able to fight some of that darkness through song. It’s such an honor.”

Americana standout Sierra Ferrell had a dominant night, winning all four of her nominated categories: Best Americana Album (Trail of Flowers), Best American Roots Song (“American Dreaming”), Best Americana Performance (“American Dreaming”) and Best American Roots Performance (“Lighthouse”). Ferrell was in attendance and humbly accepted each award. Billy Strings took home Best Bluegrass Album for Live Vol. 1, further cementing his reputation as a leader in modern bluegrass.

The In Memoriam segment paid tribute to a number of industry legends, including Kris Kristofferson, Cissy Houston, Dickey Betts, Joe Bonsall, Sandra Crouch, Joe Chambers, Duane Eddy, Will Jennings, Kinky Friedman, Mary Martin, Sam Moore, Ella Jenkins, Richard Perry, Lanu Simmons, JD Souther, John Titta, Toby Keith and Ben Vaughn, who tragically passed last week.

From major wins to standout performances, Nashville’s presence was undeniable throughout the night.

Industry Ink: Kane Brown, Josh Turner, Kelsey Hart, Prairy

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Kane Brown Kicks Off Season Six Of Amazon’s Country Heat

Kelly Sutton, Kane Brown and Amber Anderson

Kane Brown kicked off season six of Amazon’s Country Heat podcast hosted by Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson as the first guest, dishing on everything from fatherhood to tour secrets. Brown’s episode features endearing stories such as how his wife, Katelyn Jae, ended up being featured on album track, “Body Talk,” the songs he wrote for his children that are featured on his brand new album, The High Road, and what he is doing to gear up for his upcoming headline tour.

 

Josh Turner Celebrates Platinum Hits At Ryman Show

Pictured (L-R): Modern Management’s Ted Greene, Josh Turner and UMGN’s Cindy Mabe. Chris Hollo

Josh Turner recently played a sold-out headline show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, the first time he’s headlined the venue since his sold-out show in 2021. Before the show, Turner was presented with three plaques celebrating RIAA certifications by CEO and Chair of UMG Nashville, Cindy Mabe. The plaques commemorate Turner’s hits “Why Don’t We Just Dancc” being certified three-times Platinum and “Long Black Train” being certified double-Platinum. His album Haywire was also certified Platinum.

“Wow! What a great night at the Mother Church of Country Music!” says Turner. “Sold out show, Tim McGraw’s mama was in attendance, Mike Wolfe of American Pickers was there, my family and lots of friends, and to top it off, my label presented me with three plaques! Thank you to all you fans for making this possible!”

 

Kelsey Hart Marks ‘Life With You’ Milestones

Kelsey Hart celebrates new plaque

Curb Records recording artist Kelsey Hart, the Curb Records team and Riverwood Entertainment recently celebrated the milestones of Hart’s debut single, “Life With You,” including 115 million global streams, 600 million views, one million TikTok creates, 500,000 consumption units, 160 million airplay audience and a No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Weekend Countdown.

 

Lexi Lampkin Joins Opry Entertainment Group Artist Relations Team

Lexi Lampkin

Lexi Lampkin has joined Opry Entertainment Group’s Artist Relations team. After graduating from Washington University, Lampkin worked in Brand Partnerships at William Morris Endeavor before joining Universal Pictures as Global Special Projects and Events Coordinator. She then moved to Dick Clark Productions where she served as Talent Relations Manager, working on talent and artist bookings across a variety of shows including the Academy of Country Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, Golden Globes and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.

 

New Label Concept Prairy Launches

Prairy, a new label concept that is changing the way artists fund, create and share their work with the world, has launched. The company is focused on speed in all ways—closing and funding deals and servicing artist needs. Free of the traditional chains that weigh down legacy music companies and without a physical office, Prairy employs a San Francisco venture style organizational model that celebrates speed, iteration and flexibility, allowing it to invest freely in what matters to its artists and partners—operational agility, transparency and support. The new company has already assembled a diverse roster of artists including Dylan Espeseth, .idk., Ri Wavey, Nicole Amoroso, yurms and imprint partnerships with Trench House and others. prairy team members are strategically located throughout the U.S. and Canada, including Los Angeles, Nashville, New York and Atlanta.

“The system is broken, and we think there’s a better way,” says Scott Lewis, Prairy founder. “The music industry is accustomed to schedules set by the month—we prefer to get things done in days, not weeks.”