Breakaway Names Megan Wise Vice President, Brand Partnerships

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Megan Wise. Photo: David Bradley

Breakaway has tapped Megan Wise as Vice President, Brand Partnerships.

Wise began her trajectory at CAA, rising from the mailroom to agent. She later joined the Country Music Association, where she oversaw brand partnerships, most notably brokering the first-ever presenting sponsorship of CMA Fest and the CMA Fest television special with SoFi. Wise most recently served as Vice President of New Business at Anotherland Agency.

“Megan brings a rare mix of instinct, experience, and real relationships,” says Adam Lynn, Breakaway CEO and Co-Founder. “As Breakaway continues to scale its brand partnerships business, she has a proven ability to translate cultural insight into meaningful, revenue-driving partnerships. We’re excited for her to help shape our next phase of growth in a way that’s both strategic and impactful.”

“Breakaway isn’t just a festival, it’s a lifestyle brand that has captured the attention of a new generation of fans,” shares Wise. “I am thrilled to join a team of industry innovators who have built a powerhouse independent platform. The company is perfectly positioned to create high-impact, 360-degree partnerships across a full ecosystem that includes festivals and concerts, talent management and label services, and a growing media division. I couldn’t be more excited to apply my experience during this next chapter of growth.”

Michael Bryan Launches Southern Drift

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Jordon Isbell, Michael Bryan & Taryn Anderson. Photo: Lance Wilson / RUN CLUB

Michael Bryan, former Global Head of Country Music for Apple Music, has launched Southern Drift, a Nashville-Based management and media company.

The company’s initial ventures include management for Charlie Worsham, a two-time ACM and CMA award winner, and the chart-topping podcast God’s Country, hosted by hit songwriters Reid and Dan Isbell.

Taryn Anderson has been tapped as Chief Operating Officer/General Manager. She has previously served as CFO/COO of Sandbox Entertainment and Account Executive at FBMM, Inc.

Jordon Isbell joins as Vice President, Marketing and Executive Producer of the God’s Country Podcast. She joins from her role as Senior Marketing Director at Virgin Music Group, where she oversaw the Nashville roster, following her time as Founder of 270 Media & Co.

“I’ve spent my career watching how music moves, and it’s never been more fluid,” Bryan says. “Artists aren’t staying in one lane, and fans aren’t either. What pushed me to start Southern Drift was seeing the gap between how artists are building today and how the industry is still structured. We built Southern Drift to move with it, not control it.”

Dan + Shay’s New Single ‘Say So’ Igniting The Conversation Around Mental Health Awareness

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Dan + Shay. Photo: Robby Klein

Dan + Shay’s personal, hope-filled new song “Say So” is helping raise national and community awareness about the grave and timely topic of suicide prevention.

The poignant track arrived at country radio with 112 stations adding the single to immediate rotation, making it the most added song of the week. “Say So” also received overwhelming support by a massive multi-platform launch, including major market billboards from YouTube, Pandora, Spotify and Amazon as well as radio world premieres across major networks including iHeart, Audacy, Cox, Connoisseur, Summit and Beasley.

“If you need somebody, say so” banner on Music Row

A powerful accompanying video, conceptualized and directed by the duo’s Dan Smyers, offers a long-lasting visual that allows room for watchers to react, and mobilize, in their own way. Days after the song and video arrived, banners inspired by the music video were seen around Nashville.

“Music can offer a respite for people during troubled times,” says Stephanie Rogers, EVP and Chief Communications Officer of The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “It also has the power to send potentially lifesaving messages and elevate our culture’s consciousness. Dan + Shay’s song, inspired by a friend lost to suicide, and which urges listeners, ‘If you need somebody, say so’ encourages those in distress to reach out to someone when they’re struggling. It’s important we all learn to speak openly about suicide and mental health, whether we notice someone struggling or could use some friendly support. This song, which assures listeners, ‘If you’re going through hell, you’re not alone,” offers a beacon of hope.”

Youtube video

If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741 to talk to someone who can help.

Written by Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Jimmy Robbins and David Hodges, “Say So” is the first release of more music to come from the duo this year. Dan + Shay are set to perform on April 24 at Stagecoach in Indio, California.

‘Songs For Squeeks’ To Take Place At The Listening Room

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“Songs for Squeeks,” a special benefit supporting music city creative Justin “Squeeks” Mayotte as he battles lymphoma, is set for May 4 at The Listening Room.

Lead singer Marty Raybon will represent the group for the special night. The all-star lineup will also include Shenandoah, Chase Matthew, Alana Springsteen, Priscilla Block, Graham Barham, Tyler Nance, Beau Bailey, Cody Webb, and Ethan Burdick, with additional surprise guests expected.

“Justin has spent years helping artists build their careers behind the scenes,” says Raybon. “Now it’s our turn to show up for him.”

Tickets are available here. Those unable to attend who want to help can make a donation here. All proceeds will directly support Mayotte, his wife Kristina, and their newborn son Grayson as he undergoes treatment.

A respected photographer, videographer, and director in the Nashville music community, Mayotte has worked with both established and emerging artists, helping bring their creative visions to life.

Black River Entertainment Partners With Akando Music For Radio Promotion

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Black River Entertainment has partnered with AKANDO Music for radio promotion.

The first official release under the partnership will be on Chris Young‘s upcoming single “I Didn’t Come Here To Leave,” impacting mid-June.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with AKANDO Music for radio promotion and to begin with Chris Young’s latest single,” says Black River’s National Director of Promotion and Artist Relations, Kellie LaJack.

“Chris Young is one of the most consistent hit makers in our format for the last decade. We are excited to represent him and his music to country radio,” says Raffaella Braun, VP promotion for Triple Tigers/AKANDO Music.

In addition to Young, Black River Entertainment’s roster includes Kelsea Ballerini and MaRynn Taylor.

Hop On A Cure Passes $5 Million In ALS Research Grants

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As of March 1, 2026, Hop On A Cure has given over $5 million in grants to ALS research programs at notable hospitals across the country.

The charity was started in 2022 after John Driskell Hopkins of Zac Brown Band was diagnosed with ALS. The funding supports a diverse portfolio of research efforts, including artificial intelligence-driven drug discovery, gene therapy, biomarker identification and advanced disease modeling.

“Crossing the five-million-dollar mark in research funding is not just a number for us,” shares Nic Shefrin, CEO of Hop On A Cure. “It represents real momentum toward solutions for families facing ALS today. We are deeply grateful to every donor who, like us, believes that accelerating bold science is the fastest path to a world without ALS.”

Among the grants awarded this year is support for research led by Dr. Tim Miller at Washington University in St. Louis, Dr. Rita Sattler at Barrow Neurological Institute in partnership with The Robert Packard Center for ALS Research at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Claire Clelland at University of California, San Francisco, and more.

St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Nashville Reveals Entertainment Lineup

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The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Nashville is returning April 25–26, celebrating 26 years of running, music and community with a full weekend of live entertainment.

Entertainment begins at the free Health & Fitness Expo on April 23 and continues April 24 at the Music City Convention Center. Thursday’s lineup will feature Lance Carpenter, Jamie Floyd and Olivia Rubini. Friday’s Expo continues with Greg Pratt, an interactive line dancing session led by Nashville Dance Fest co-founder Taylor Winston, a performance byGolden West, and a closing set from Dave Kennedy. Race day on April 25 will begin with the National Anthem performed by Julianna Fallon, Miss Teen Volunteer America.

From the start line to the finish, runners will experience a nonstop Music City soundtrack, with live bands, DJs and multiple Honky Tonk Buses energizing participants throughout the course. Positioned at key locations, the buses bring Nashville’s signature country sound to every mile. Finish line entertainment will follow on the Encore Entertainment Stage, with Pratt opening the morning and Rodeo Disco delivering a honky-tonk style performance featuring musicians who have performed alongside artists including Tim McGraw, Dolly Parton and Keith Urban.

The celebration concludes with an interactive line dancing experience led by Nashville Dance Fest founders Taylor and Brittany Winston. Featuring approximately 20 dancers, the finale invites runners and spectators to join in a lively finish line celebration. On April 26, family-friendly events continue at Nissan Stadium with music by DJ Pete, creating a fun atmosphere for participants in the 1 Mile, Doggie Dash and KiDS ROCK races.

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Celebrates ‘Clint Black: The Hard Way On Purpose’

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Clint Black at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of its newest exhibit, “Clint Black: The Hard Way On Purpose” last night (April 21).

The new exhibition traces Black’s story from a working-class kid to topping the charts on his own terms, and includes stage wear, instruments, memorabilia, manuscripts, photos, videos and more. In 1990, Black received four Academy of Country Music Awards for the album which he wrote or co-wrote in its entirety. Six months later, Black won Male Vocalist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards, and also became the first new artist to generate four consecutive No. 1s on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

Photo: Mary Caroline Russell for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

He went on to write or co-write 29 Top 10 hits over the next decade and has racked up sales of more than 20 million records. Black continued to write or co-write his Platinum-selling albums throughout the 1990s, was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1991, and continued winning awards and selling out arenas including the Houston Astrodome. He also played the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 1994 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“Clint Black: The Hard Way On Purpose” is included with museum admission, the exhibit is now open and runs until August 2027. The official exhibit playlist is now available here.

On May 23, Black will participate in an intimate evening in conversation celebrating his new memoir Killin’ Time: My Life and Music. The event will take place at 6 p.m. in the Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and tickets, which include an autographed book, are on sale here.

Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Kyle Young, Clint Black, Erin Osmon, Michael Gray and Mick Buck. Photo: Mary Caroline Russell for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, More Among Country Calling Headliners

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Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson, Miranda Lambert and Rascal Flatts are slated to headline Country Calling Festival 2026. The festival is slated for Ocean City Inlet Beach on Oct. 2 and 3.

The lineup also includes Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson, Travis Tritt, Charley Crockett, Mitchell Tenpenny, Wyatt Flores and many more across the festival’s three stages.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (April 23). Additional information can be found here.

Beyond the music, festival grounds include the full Ocean City Boardwalk experience which includes restaurants, bars, variety shops, and the Jolly Roger at the Pier Amusement Park.

Belmont University Hosts 25th Best Of The Best Showcase

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Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Belmont University hosted its 25th annual Best Of The Best Showcase on April 11.

This year’s performers included Billy Bellino, Ella Gibson, Meghan Curtin, Ella Choi, Naari, Lindsay Liebro, Soupless, Noah Clifton and Carlisle Wright.

The evening opened with a reception honoring the program’s legacy and recognized Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association, as the 2026 recipient of the Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence. Gibson Gives awarded a $5,000 scholarship and guitar to Showcase Council member Bailee Brandon.

This year’s live events partners included CMA, Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival and Nashville Soccer Club. Each partner selected a Showcase artist to perform at their events.

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University

Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University