RLive Signs Madeline Merlo To Management

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Madeline Merlo.

Madeline Merlo has signed to RLive, the management and artist development division of Republic Live.

Merlo is a 3x CCMA Award-winning artist and has notched more than 125 million global streams, six top 10 singles and a Platinum-certified No. 1 track. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024 and earned recognition as part of CMT’s Next Women of Country. She released her six-track EP, One House Down (From The Girl Next Door), in 2024.

“Madeline is an exceptional artist and songwriter whose confidence, creativity, and tenacity have made her one of the most compelling voices in country music today,” shares Kate Howse, Artist Manager, RLive. “Madeline fits seamlessly into the RLive roster of world-class talent, and we’re honoured to partner with her as she steps into the next exciting chapter of her career.”

“I cannot think of a more hardworking, creative and passionate team than RLive to partner with me on this next chapter,” adds Merlo.

Merlo joins a roster that includes Tyler Joe Miller, Zach McPhee and Sarah Vanderzon.

Red Street Records Announces Staff Promotions, Addition

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Sally Allgeier, Cambria Sojka and Olivia Vardy

Red Street Records has promoted staffers Cambria Sojka and Sally Allgeier and added Olivia Vardy to the label team.

Allgeier adds Digital Partnerships to her existing title of National Director of Country Promotion, while Sojka rises to Director of Marketing and Creative, both serving the country and Christian rosters. Vardy joins the team as the Digital Marketing Coordinator.

Sojka continues her creative responsibilities while working arm in arm with the label’s country A&R, streaming, PR and radio departments to serve as the project manager of Red Street Country releases. Allgeier will continue to serve as National Director of Radio Promotion for the country roster while taking on the added responsibility of leading Red Street in the management of DSP partner accounts for both the CCM and country formats. Vardy joins the staff to serve both the Creative and Digital Streaming departments, executing digital marketing initiatives that promote artists and new releases.

“Leading with our artist first mentality, it’s been a mission at Red Street to cultivate the next generation of outstanding executives and leaders in Nashville,” says Red Street GM Alex Valentine. “Watching Cambria and Sally grow within the culture of the team at Red Street has been truly inspiring. Their contributions have been vital to the progress we’ve made over the past few years and these moves are very well deserved. We’re also very happy to welcome Olivia to the Red Street family and look forward to the impact she’ll have on our future.”

NEEDTOBREATHE Slates ‘The Long Surrender Tour’

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NEEDTOBREATHE. Photo: Alyssa Gafjken

NEEDTOBREATHE will kick off the first leg of their 25-date headlining “The Long Surrender Tour” on Aug. 12.

The late summer run will span amphitheaters across the country and will include longtime friends and collaborators Drew & Ellie Holcomb as special guests. The tour will include stops in Los Angeles, Chicago, Indianapolis, Charleston, Austin, and more through Sept. 20.

Artist presale for the new trek begins today (March 17) with local pre-sales beginning March 18 and Spotify pre-sale starting on March 19. Tickets will be available to the public on March 20 here.

“The Long Surrender Tour” launches on the heels of NEEDTOBREATHE’s upcoming album of the same name, releasing on March 27. Produced by Dave Cobb, the new album, led by the early standout “Momma Loves Me” featuring The Red Clay Strays, reflects themes of faith, redemption, and renewed clarity. The project is their 10th studio album and first release for MCA.

“The Long Surrender Tour” Dates:
8/12: Maryland Heights, MO –Saint Louis Music Park
8/14: Dillon, CO – Lake Dillon Amphitheatre
8/15: Sandy, UT – Sandy City Amphitheater
8/16: Sandy, UT – Sandy City Amphitheater
8/18: Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
8/20: Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
8/21: Seattle, WA – Marymoor Amphitheater
8/22: Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino – BECU Live
8/23: Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater
8/25: Moorhead, MN – Bluestem Amphitheater
8/27: Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed – The Shed
8/28: Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
8/29: Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater
8/30: Rochester Hills, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
9/05: Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/06: Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery
9/09: Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
9/10: Rogers, AR – Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion
9/11: Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater
9/12: Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
9/14: Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
9/17: Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
9/18: Birmingham, AL – Coca Cola Amphitheater
9/19: Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
9/20: Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena

BREAKING: Clint Higham, John Esposito & Kris Lamb Launch HEY NOW Records, Sign Kenny Chesney

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Pictured (L-R): Clint Higham, John Esposito, Kris Lamb & Kenny Chesney. Photos: Courtesy of HEY NOW Records

Clint Higham, John Esposito and Kris Lamb have launched HEY NOW Records, signing Kenny Chesney as the flagship artist.

Lamb will serve as Co-Founder and President of the organization. A veteran music executive, his career spans radio, music publishing and label leadership, including time at The Walt Disney Company’s Lyric Street records and more than a decade in executive leadership at Big Machine Label Group. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to more than 80 No. 1 hits and numerous RIAA Gold, Platinum and Diamond certifications, along with Grammy, Country Music Association, American Music and Academy of Country Music Awards.

“Having the chance to create something from the ground up means the options are wide open,” says Lamb, who helms day-to-day operations for the new label. “In a world where structure blocks creativity, HEY NOW is a place where whatever we can conceive, we can realize. This is more than a dream; this is a gateway to creating an entirely new form and reality of Artist Development.”

“We have always believed in finding the best people for what an artist needs,” adds Co-Founder Higham, President of Morris Higham Management and CMA Manager of the Year. “That philosophy has seen us super-serve our clients to create more meaningful opportunities and connections. In today’s flooded marketplace, Espo, Kris Lamb and I looked at this moment and saw an opportunity to super-serve a handful of talented developing and established artists by using that same perspective. By being laser-focused on the music, artists and right next moves, we can accelerate the artist development process through targeted and specific execution.”

“HEY NOW Records was born out of conversations Clint, Kenny and I had about the increasing lack of focus that artists are getting as rosters increase while staffs shrink,” shares Esposito, 15-year veteran Chairman/CEO of Warner Music Nashville. “When Kris joined our conversations, I knew we would be lucky to have him at the helm of our operation. I’m thrilled to be in the role of co-founder, advisor, mentor and cheerleader for Kris as he leads the HEY NOW Records operation!”

Chesney, a recent Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, became the first solo headliner at Sphere in Las Vegas last year. He has notched 105 million RIAA-certified units in the U.S. alone and holds Billboard‘s record for the most Country Airplay No. 1s with 33 chart-topping songs. His book, Heart Life Music, debuted at No. 1 on the New York Times Hardcover Nonfiction and Combined Ebook and Hardcover Nonfiction lists, where it spent seven consecutive weeks.

“When Clint, Espo and Kris came to me with the idea of creating our own team, I was curious,” says Chesney. “A label like this can be all-in, lets-make-stuff-happen – and I have always been about making things happen. Creating and exploring what’s possible inspires me, and this is a moment where we can realize ideas in a matter of hours.”

Lamb can be reached here.

Nominees Unveiled For 2026 AIMP Nashville Awards

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has revealed the final 2026 AIMP Nashville Awards nominees. The nominee-only ceremony will take place at the Analog at the Hutton Hotel on April 14th at 7 p.m, and will be hosted by Storme Warren.

The evening will recognize the past year’s biggest hits written and promoted solely by Nashville’s independent publishing companies and their songwriters. Leading the nominations this year are Johnny Clawson with four and Jessie Jo Dillon with three.

Categories for this year’s awards include Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Publisher’s Pick of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, and Publisher of the Year.

“We are very excited to host our 11th AIMP Awards this year, continuing our tradition of honoring the very best independent songwriters and music publishers in Nashville! We look forward to celebrating all of these talented nominees on Tuesday, April 14th,” says Alex Heddle, Senior Vice President of Publishing at Big Machine.

The final voting period opens at 1:30 p.m. CT today (March 17), and closes at 5 p.m. CT on March 24. For any questions regarding voter eligibility and category requirements, reach out here.

2026 AIMP Nashville Awards Nominees:

Rising Songwriter Of The Year Nominees
*7 nominees (because of a tie)
Dan Alley – Independently published by River House Artists
Beau Bailey – Independently published by Tape Room Music
Jeremy Bussey – Independently published by Spirit Music Group/Fluid Music Revolution
Johnny Clawson – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Josh Dorr – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Lauren Hungate – Independently published by Concord Music Publishing
Emily Reid – Independently published by Reservoir Media

Rising Artist Writer Of The Year Nominees
*7 nominees (because of a tie)
Kassi Ashton – Independently published by Creative Nation
Tigirlily Gold – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Zach John King – Independently published by BOOM Music Group
Vincent Mason – Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing
McCoy Moore – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Emily Ann Roberts – Independently published by Jody Williams Songs
Hudson Westbrook – Independently published by River House Artists

Songwriter Of The Year
John Byron – Independently published by Big Loud Publishing
Jessie Jo Dillon – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Ben Johnson – Independently published by Tape Room Music
Josh Miller – Independently published by Concord Music Publishing
Blake Pendergrass – Independently published by Back Blocks Music
Taylor Phillips – Independently published by Tape Room Music

Artist Writer Of The Year Nominees
Jordan Davis – Independently published by Anthem Entertainment
Russell Dickerson – Independently published by Concord Music Publishing
Hardy – Independently published by Spirit Music Group
Walker Hayes – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Carly Pearce – Independently published by Altadena Music
Zach Top – Independently published by Major Bob Music

Song Of The Year Nominees
“Am I Okay?” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Laird, Megan Moroney; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Creative Nation; Performed by Megan Moroney

“Happen To Me” written by Russell Dickerson, Jessie Jo Dillon, Robert Hazard, Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Big Machine Music, Hang Your Hat/Concord Music Publishing; Performed by Russell Dickerson

“I Never Lie” written by Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols, Zach Top; Independently published by Major Bob Music; Performed by Zach Top

“Texas” written by Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock; Independently published by SMACKSongs; Performed by Blake Shelton

“Weren’t For The Wind” written by Johnny Clawson, Ella Langley, Joybeth Taylor; Independently published by SMACKSongs, Verse2; Performed by Ella Langley

“20 Cigarettes” written by Chris LaCorte, Chase McGill, Josh Miller, Blake Pendergrass; Independently published by Hang Your Hat/Concord Music Publishing, Concord Music Publishing, Back Blocks Music; Performed by Morgan Wallen

Publisher’s Pick Of The Year Nominees
“Come Home To You” written by Jim McCormick, Makayla Lynn Parry, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Independently published by Eclipse Music Group, Wrensong Entertainment, Harvey Dog Songs, peermusic; Performed by Emily Ann Roberts

“Dream Come True” written by Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Carly Pearce, Emily Weisband; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Altadena Music; Performed by Carly Pearce

“Mama I Lied” written by Rob Hatch, David Mescon, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams; Independently published by Eclipse Music Group, Major Bob Music; Performed by Megan Moroney

“Something To You” written by Johnny Clawson, McCoy Moore, Colton Venner, Will Weatherly; Independently published by SMACKSongs, Concord Music Publishing, Tape Room Publishing; Performed by McCoy Moore

“Sounds Like Something I’d Say” written by Kassi Ashton, Barry Dean, Jon Randall; Independently published by Creative Nation; Performed by Kassi Ashton and Parker McCollum

“TN” written by John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill, Taylor Phillips, Ryan Vojtesak, Morgan Wallen, Geoff Warburton; Independently published by Big Loud Publishing, SMACK Songs, Tape Room Music, Big Machine Music, Range Music; Performed by Morgan Wallen

Song Champion Of The Year Nominees
Michelle Attardi – Senior Creative Director, Big Machine Music
Emily Furman – VP of Creative, Creative Nation
Shannan Hatch – SVP, Head of Nashville Creative, SESAC
Lee Krabel – Senior Vice President of Publishing, SMACKSongs
Dave Pacula – Senior VP Creative, Liz Rose Music
Ciara Shortridge – VP, Country Publishing/A&R, Curb Word Entertainment

Top Independent Music Publishers Of The Year
Back Blocks Music
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Concord Music Publishing
Reservoir Media
Tape Room Music

Morgan Wallen Partners With SiriusXM To Launch New 24/7 Channel

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SiriusXM and global superstar Morgan Wallen will launch a new exclusive year-round country music channel on April 7. Morgan Wallen Radio will debut on channel 64 and the SiriusXM app.

Curated and presented by Wallen, the channel will include his biggest hits and fan favorites. In addition to his catalog, subscribers will hear songs from the country megastar’s musical influences and unexpected favorites. Listeners will also hear exclusive commentary and behind-the-scenes stories from Wallen on the making of his music, artists that have left a major impact on him and untold stories from the road as he prepares for his upcoming “Still The Problem” 23-date stadium tour.

Morgan Wallen Radio will be available for free in all SiriusXM-equipped vehicles from launch on April 7 through May 6, giving non-subscribers a chance to experience the service.

“Listeners can expect to hear a lot of things that I listen to on a day-to-day basis, which is probably a lot different than what most people expect,” shares Wallen. “I will be personally curating the music so they will get a glimpse into my world. I’m excited for everyone to hear it.”

“Morgan Wallen is undeniably one of the most influential forces shaping and creating music today,” says Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer at SiriusXM. “At SiriusXM, we’re always looking for ways to bring fans closer to the artists they love, and this launch does just that, from a channel curated by Morgan himself to an exclusive concert experience that gives listeners unprecedented access to his music, his influences, and his live performance.”

Wallen will celebrate the channel’s launch with a recorded, intimate live performance at Nashville’s The Pinnacle on April 2. SiriusXM subscribers and fans can enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the show. Fans who do not live in the Nashville area can also enter for a chance to win a VIP trip to the concert.

LOCASH Launches Music City Power Company With Partners Skip Bishop & Shane Harluk

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LOCASH. Photo: Josh Beech

LOCASH has partnered with manager Skip Bishop and entrepreneur Shane Harluk to launch a new artist development and music marketing hub, Music City Power Company.

Comprised of artists, songwriters and executives, the team will provide A&R, creative direction, distribution, marketing and radio services to clients. The company will be headquartered in Nashville, while the Calgary-based Harluk will lead operations in Canada. Music City Power Company has emerged as a natural extension of Galaxy Label Group, which LOCASH’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas officially founded in 2024. Bishop has also managed the group since 2023, while Harluk has a longstanding friendship with the duo.

Mara Sidweber

Galaxy Label Group and Music City Power Company have appointed Mara Sidweber to the dual role of VP Promotion and Strategy for Music City Power Company and National Promotion for Galaxy Label Group. She will report directly to Bishop. Reach her at mara@galaxylabelgroup.net.

Sidweber spent 12 years at Capitol Records, Nashville in addition to leading marketing and radio promotion at Southern Ground Artists for four years in between. As one of the industry’s top promotion executives, she has spearheaded campaigns for Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Little Big Town, Lady A, Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi, catalyzing 61 No. 1 records. She will now oversee radio promotion for Music City Power Company and Galaxy Label Group.

“At Galaxy, we are deeply familiar with the tools, team, energy and leadership needed to break through and win,” says Bishop. “The Music City Power Company has assembled the best of the best and will offer a level of modern, focused expertise and passion that independent artists need right now.”

Chris Young To Open New Midtown Sports Bar Famous Friends

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Chris Young. Photo: John Shearer

Chris Young has unveiled his new sports bar, Famous Friends.

Located in Midtown at 1516A Demonbreun St., more details about the venue, including its grand opening timeline and venue features, will be unveiled in the coming months.

“I’m very excited for Famous Friends to be open in Nashville! I have been working on this as a passion project for a while now,” Young tells Billboard. “A sports bar that will be Nashville famous for a reason. Something completely different where you can bring all your friends for a great time!”

Young released his latest project, I Didn’t Come Here To Leave, last October. His single “Til The Last One Dies” is currently top 20 at country radio.

Gavin Adcock To Kick Off ‘The Day I Hang It Up Tour’ In May

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Gavin Adcock. Photo: Madelyn Ormond

Gavin Adcock will launch his new 2026 headline “The Day I Hang It Up Tour” beginning May 7 in Hollywood, Florida.

The 27-city tour will visit Spokane, Cincinnati, Lubbock, Baton Rouge, Birmingham, Savannah and more through Nov. 14. Rotating support artists joining Adcock on the dates include Braxton Keith, Corey Kent, Jake Worthington, Pecos & The Rooftops, Tyler Nance, and The Creekers.

Tickets will be available starting with a fan club presale on March 18 with additional presales running throughout the week ahead of the general on sale March 20.

In addition to his own dates, Adcock will join Morgan Wallen for the second time on 16 dates of Wallen’s “Still The Problem Tour 2026.” Adcock has collectively amassed more than 1.5 billion global streams across singles including “A Cigarette,” “Run Your Mouth,” “Deep End,” “Four Leaf Clover” and more. His album Own Worst Enemy, released in August 2025, debuted as the top new country album on the Billboard 200 Country Chart at No. 4 and top streaming new album on the Billboard 200 All-Genre Chart at No. 14 the week of release.

Randy Montana Tops MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Randy Montana

Randy Montana has claimed the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Pushing the songwriter to No. 1 this week is Riley Green’s “Change My Mind,” Jackson Dean’s “Make A Liar,” Luke Combs’ “Sleepless In A Hotel Room,” and Justin Moore and Dierks Bentley’s “Time’s Ticking.” This also marks Montana’s first time at No. 1 in chart history.

Blake Pendergrass moves up to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Brunette,” “Don’t We,” “I Got Better,” and “Wish You Well.” Chase McGill climbs to No. 3 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “I Got Better,” “McArthur,” “the hell you are,” and “Water At A Wedding.”

Ty Myers (No. 4) and Megan Moroney (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.