Preston Cooper Signs With Warner Chappell Music & The Warren Brothers

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Pictured (L–R, back row): Warner Chappell’s Sara Latimer, Brad Warren, Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, Ben Vaughn, Preston Cooper, Warner Chappell’s Christina Wiltshire, Brett Warren, Warner Chappell’s Eric Reid, BJ Hill and Kayce Russell; (L–R, front row): Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule

Singer-songwriter Preston Cooper has signed a joint publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and The Warren Brothers.

The Ohio native began singing in high school, and became a postman shortly after graduating. In 2022, he began pursuing music full-time and the following year, opened for The Warren Brothers, who later invited him to songwriting sessions in Music City. Earlier this year, Cooper moved to Nashville, and has since collaborated with Ernest, Brett James and Lee Thomas Miller, among others.

“I’ve been making music in Nashville for the last 30 years,” says Brett Warren. “I have never been this excited. Preston is a true artist with great songs and a generational voice. I can’t wait for the world to hear him!”

Brad Warren adds, “Preston has the kind of voice that makes you stop whatever you’re doing and just listen the first time you hear him.  That’s how we found him.  I can’t over-hype it. This is the kind of music that reminds me why I love music.”

The 21-year-old is currently one of the special guests on Riley Green’s “Damn Country Music Tour,” and plans to release new music in early 2025.

Weekly Register: Jelly Roll Takes Top Debut On Country Albums Chart

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Jelly Roll‘s Beautifully Broken debuts at the top of both the country albums and all-genre chart with 161K in total consumption (114K album only/55 million song streams), according to Luminate data.

Elsewhere on the country albums chart, Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time tumbles to No. 2 with 48K (1.1K album only/61 million song streams), while Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion falls to No. 3 with 39K (3K album only/45 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album descends to No. 4 with 31K (528 album only/39 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s The Great American Bar Scene slides down to No. 5 with 28K (163 album only/36 million song streams).

The top five country streaming songs stay the same once again this week, as Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” reigns at No. 1 with 18 million new streams, adding to 822 million ATD. Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” holds No. 2 with 15 million streams, adding to 729 million ATD, while Bryan’s “Pink Skies” bides at No. 3 with 12 million new streams, adding to 385 million ATD. Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies” remains at No. 4 with 11 million streams, adding to 235 million ATD, followed by Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” at No. 5 with 10.8 million new streams, adding to 1.05 billion ATD.

Feels Like Home Festival Wraps Inaugural Event

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Midland headlining the inaugural Feels Like Home Festival. Photo: Ismael Quintanilla III

The city of Brownwood, Texas welcomed over four thousand attendees for its inaugural Feels Like Home Festival on Saturday (Oct. 19).

Wanting to uphold Texas and country music traditions, fans were treated to a headlining set from Texas natives Midland. Additional performers included Casey Donahew, Micky and the Motorcars, Tyler Halverson and Hudson Westbrook. In addition to these acts, local Brownwood natives Mason and the Mercenaries, The Cadillac Thieves, Throttleneck TX and Brent Wade also performed. Texas native Chet “The Day Tripper” Garner served as emcee for the event.

Aside from the music, the festival also featured a selection of craft barbecue from Texas-based smokehouses. The list of pitmasters included representatives from Hurtado Barbecue, Hill City Chop House, Pody’s BBQ, Olmos BBQ and Victorian’s Barbecue.

“We extend our appreciation to the Brownwood community for their support of the Feels Like Home Festival,” says Mayor of Brownwood Stephen E. Haynes. “This past weekend marked a significant milestone for Brownwood, as we welcomed thousands of visitors and showcased the brand new Brownwood Event Center Complex. We are deeply appreciative of the community’s collective efforts in making this event a success.”

Other ways attendees filled their day was through various activities, including mechanical bull riding, axe throwing, bull roping, giant Jenga and cornhole. Guests could also participate in immersive art instillations and sponsorship activations, with opportunities to win prizes and giveaways.

‘You Got Gold’ Event Raises $300K For Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief

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Photo: Catherine Powell for the Ryman

The Prine Family and the Hello In There Foundation’s 2024 “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine” event raised $300,000 to support disaster relief in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

The benefit series took place Oct. 9-12, and featured shows at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater (Oct. 11), The Basement East (Oct. 10, Prine’s birthday) and the Ryman (Oct. 9), along with an array of daytime community events.

Pictured (L-R): Jack Prine, Fiona Prine, Tommy Prine and Jody Whelan. Photo: Emma Delevante for You Got Gold

Performers for this year’s Ryman event included Jackson Browne, Rosanne Cash, Patti Griffin, SG Goodman and more. The Basement East show featured tribute performances by Jesse Welles, Gabe Lee, Kaitlin Butts and others. The finale, at the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame, included Elizabeth Cook, Amanda Shires, Billy Ray Cyrus, Buddy Miller and Shawn Colvin, Kathy Mattea and more.

“We are continually floored by the generosity of John’s fans. For the past three years, this community has gathered together to celebrate John’s music and legacy and this year was no different,” says Fiona Prine. “We are so grateful for the continued support and contributions made on behalf of John, and we are so fortunate to be able to help so many people in need through the great work of the Hello In There Foundation.”

A portion of the funds will directly benefit individuals who have experienced significant loss due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including low-income families with children and hospitality workers who have lost wages in the Gulfport, Florida area, where the Prine family has maintained a home for decades.

Additional organizational grants will be made to local and regionally-based organizations doing on-the-ground work in the Southeast, particularly in the hardest hit areas of east Tennessee, western North Carolina and the Gulfport area of Florida, to assist those most impacted by the storm. 100% of net proceeds from You Got Gold, including ticket and merch sales along with all donations, will benefit disaster relief. The foundation will continue actively directing funds toward these efforts through the end of the year, and donations can be made by visiting thehellointherefoundation.org.

Women’s Music Business Association Opens Applications For Class Of 2025

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The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) is now accepting applications for its Class of 2025. The organization provides members with education, networking, industry involvement and community service opportunities designed to empower women and help them thrive in the dynamic music landscape.

Applications, as well as at least one letter of recommendation, are due by 11:59 p.m. CDT on Nov. 15. The WMBA Board of Officers will review all submissions during their November meeting, with applicants being notified of their membership status by the middle of the month.

To be eligible, applicants must have full-time employment in the music industry for at least one year prior to the deadline and they must earn the majority of their income from a music-related job. Singer-songwriter applicants are required to be affiliated with a PRO.

Membership is valid for one calendar year, spanning from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.

Access the application here.

WME Signs Zach Meadows

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Pictured (L–R): WME’s Alex Sera, Alex Collignon, Hayley Riddle, Zach Meadows, Torrez Music Group’s Alex Torrez and Emily Vincent. Photo: Courtesy of WME

WME has signed Zach Meadows for exclusive representation.

The singer-songwriter released his debut album, Road To Nowhere, in August and just wrapped a run on the road with Amble. He also plans to join Braxton Keith on tour next month. A Florida native who now resides in Nashville, Meadows spent years honing his craft in Asheville, North Carolina, and recently participated in the Blue Ridge Recovery Benefit to raise money for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

“I’m so incredibly thankful to have partnered with WME. Since moving to Nashville, I’ve dreamed of the opportunity to reach a larger audience with my music,” he shares. “Performing live will always be what drives me in this industry, and I couldn’t imagine doing it with a team better than this.”

“Zach is an incredible storyteller and musician with a captivating voice that melds classic folk with rock & roll,” says Hayley Riddle, WME Agent. “I could not be more excited to welcome him to the WME Roster.”

Musician Gabe Lee was the one who introduced managers Alex Torrez and Emily Vincent of Torrez Music Group to Meadows’ music, and they recall instantly feeling as though he was bound for a wider stage.

“It’s always such an honor to be recognized by a major force in the agency world like WME, much less get invited to join the team,” expresses Torrez. “Thank you, Hayley Riddle, for believing in the incredible talent that is Zach Meadows.”

Crowe Boys Sign With UMG Nashville

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Pictured (L–R): C3 Management’s Drew Carey, Ocie Crowe, UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe, C3 Management’s Morgan Young and Wes Crowe. Photo: Courtesy of UMG Nashville

Country-folk duo Crowe Boys have signed with UMG Nashville.

Comprised of brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe, the New Orleans natives grew up playing country music across the nation with their family. Now, they are developing their own sound that is reminiscent of adventure and honest about life and hardships. Their tunes explore themes of loss, falling in love and the joys of becoming a parent. The brothers intend to spread hope and positivity through their music.

“When I first heard Crowe Boys, I knew I had to work with them,” shares Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville Chair & CEO. “The emotional connection between brothers Ocie and Wes and the life they have lived pours from their souls, their harmonies and their lyrics to create something so powerful that you know they are here to heal people. Their story and sound were built on the road for their entire lives, and you can feel how much their family and their story and their struggle has brought them to forefront right now. I’m incredibly moved and honored to have them join our UMG Nashville family.”

The duo will release their first tune on the label, “Let Me Feel Alone,” written solely by Ocie, on Nov. 8. Additionally, they plan to finish out the year supporting David Shaw, before joining Morgan Wade on select dates in early 2025. The pair also has headlining dates scheduled in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Covington, Louisiana next month.

Ryan Larkins Wraps Big Year With New EP ‘Bones’

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Ryan Larkins has released his latest EP, Bones, available everywhere now.

The four-track collection includes previously-released tracks, “Bones” and “Home State,” in addition to two new favorites, “Here For a Reason” and “Buzzin.” Producers on the project include Paul Sikes, Seth Mosely, Brad Hill and Connie Harrington.

“I can’t believe what a life-changing year this has been,” says Larkins. “To close it out with my project, Bones, means the world to me. I hope folks enjoy listening to these songs as much as I enjoyed bringing them to life!”

Larkins’ breakout year has included debut ACM and CMA nominations for Song of the Year, receiving MusicRow‘s 2024 Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year award, winning NSAI’s 2024 Song of the Year award and stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage for the very first time, all within the last six months.

Preceding the release of Bones, Ryan delivered a surprise track—the classic hymn “Blessed Assurance”—to aid those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene. All proceeds from his acoustic take on the song will be donated to the Mountain Ways organization, whose mission is to provide ongoing disaster relief across East Tennessee and the greater Appalachian region.

Tucker Wetmore Visits Montana Tech As Part Of Spotify’s RADAR Program

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Tucker Wetmore visiting Montana Tech as a part of Spotify’s RADAR program. Photo: Courtesy of Spotify

Tucker Wetmore visited his alma mater, Montana Tech, last week for a special Q&A and meet-and-greet with select fans on campus as a part of Spotify’s RADAR program for emerging talent.

During his visit, the newest RADAR artist spent time with current players of the university’s football team and Coach Doug Schleeman, took pictures in the locker room and enjoyed quality time with mentors. Later, he gave a live acoustic performance to a crowd off campus at Slainte Butte America Pub. The event served as the latest extension of the program, which seeks to engage students on university and college campuses.

“I’m so grateful to Spotify’s RADAR program for making this whole day possible,” shared Wetmore. “I told them I wanted to go back to Butte and Montana Tech, and Spotify said ‘Well let’s go!’ It feels like an eternity since being here, especially with how my music has taken off recently, but being back on campus makes me think about my younger self. I’d tell him that if football doesn’t work out, you’ll still be alright. I’m so happy I found my path making music and doing what I love.”

Additionally, he recently released a rendition of single “Silverado Blue” for Spotify’s RADAR Sessions.

YouTube video

Justin Moore Nabs 13th Chart-Topper With ‘This Is My Dirt’

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Justin Moore. Photo: Cody Villalobos

Justin Moore has made his 13th trip to the top of the charts with his single, “This Is My Dirt,” the title track of his latest album.

The song reached the top spot on the Country Mediabase chart, and also topped the Country Aircheck Chart and is at No. 4 on Billboard Country Airplay. Moore co-wrote “This Is My Dirt” with frequent collaborators Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana and Jeremy Stover. The song marks the second No. 1 co-written by Moore alongside DiGiovanni, Montana and Stover—the group’s first was the 2021 No. 1 “With A Woman You Love.”

Moore recently did a show at the Walmart AMP in his home state of Arkansas, where he donated all of the proceeds from the night to the NIL program for the University of Arkansas. He also invited former Razorback and retired NFL running back Darren McFadden on stage to “call the hogs” during the fun.