Industry Ink: Troubadour Kickoff, Carter Faith, Belles & Dolly, More

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Rhett Akins Performs At CMHOFM Annual Kickoff Party For Troubadour Members

Pictured (L-R): Ben Hall, Vice President, Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Zach Farnum, Troubadour Advisory Council Chair; Rhett Akins; and Marie Bradshaw, Director of Institutional Giving at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Rhett Akins performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s annual kickoff party for the museum’s Troubadour members this week, sharing a selection of his songs including “That Ain’t My Truck” and “Dirt on My Boots.” The singer-songwriter has topped the Billboard charts as both an artist and songwriter, penning songs for Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton and more. He was named ACM’s Songwriter of the Decade, and has also received the Country Music Association Triple Play Award eight times. The Troubadour membership program engages young professionals in supporting its mission and the museum hosts quarterly networking events for Troubadour members, ranging from concerts to exhibit previews.

 

Carter Faith Makes Late Night Debut On ‘Jimmy Fallon’

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Carter Faith recently made her late-night TV debut, performing her new single, “If I Had Never Lost My Mind,” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The performance continues a breakout year for Carter, who was recently unveiled as a member of Opry NextStage’s Class of 2026, and continues her first-ever headline tour, “The Cherry Valley Tour.” Following her headline dates, Carter will join Post Malone on his upcoming U.S. “Big Ass Stadium Tour” and will perform select dates with George Strait and Chris Stapleton.

 

Belles & Dolly Team For New ‘Son Of Jolene’ Collab

Belles and Dolly Parton. Photo: ashtronot

Belles and Dolly Parton have collaborated on a new song “Son of Jolene,” due out April 17. Belles penned “Son of Jolene” as a clever, character-driven continuation of the classic story, imagining a chance encounter years later with Jolene’s son. PEOPLE debuted an exclusive feature on the song offering an inside look at the story and inspiration behind the new track, and Belles is kicking off promotion for “Son of Jolene” at Country Radio Seminar, hosting exclusive meet-and-greets alongside East Music Row Records for radio and industry executives.

 

Nashville Creatives Gather For Branding Panel At Ampersand Studios

Photo: Courtesy of PERK PR + Creative Agency

Industry leaders and creatives recently gathered at Ampersand Studios on Music Row for From Idea To Identity, a thought-provoking panel centered on transforming ideas into clear, compelling brands. The panel featured Trevor Perkins, Founder of PERK PR + Creative Agency; CJ Roberts and Hayley Stonehouse, Founders of Cowboy Cannolis; and Matthew Simmons, Photographer & Videographer. The event welcomed founders, entrepreneurs, marketers, and artists for an in-depth conversation about the art and strategy behind building authentic, lasting identities in today’s crowded marketplace.

 

Lily Hooten, Wade Wenrick Sign With Anotherland

Lily Hooten, Wade Wenrick

Lily Hooten has signed an exclusive recording and publishing deal with Anotherland. A Knoxville native, Hooten writes worshipful music with an Americana twist. Writer-producer Wade Wenrick has also signed an exclusive publishing deal with Anotherland. Finding success writing in the CCM and Christian alternative space, Wenrick most recently found success in the creative development and partnership of artist Allison Eide.

CRS 2026 Unveils Warner Records Nashville Luncheon Lineup

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This year’s Warner Records Nashville luncheon, set for March 18 at CRS, will feature performances from Ashley McBryde, Blake Whiten, Gabby Barrett, The Band Loula and The Creekers with additional artists to be announced.

The event will take place in the Omni Nashville Hotel’s Broadway Ballroom.

“Once again, we are honored to feature Warner Records Nashville’s esteemed and award-winning artists alongside the newest standout talents in the country genre,” says Kristen Williams, SVP, Radio & Commercial Partnerships, Warner Records Nashville. “This year is no exception as these artists and their music set the tone for the week!”

Online registration has ended, but it is available exclusively on-site in Nashville at the current rate of $799 through the start of the event.

Tin Pan South Unveils 2026 Lineup & Schedule

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Photo: Brittni Talley for NSAI/Tin Pan South

Tin Pan South has unveiled the lineup for its 34th annual event, set for March 24-28 across 10 Nashville venues.

Participating venues include 3rd and Lindsley Nashville, 1865 Club, Anzie Blue, Analog at Hutton Hotel, The Bluebird Cafe, The Commodore Grille, The Cowan at Topgolf, Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Love and Exile, and Station Inn.

The opening day (March 24) will feature performances from Ashley Cooke, Blake Pendergrass, Luke Laird, Kelly Archer, Tiera Kennedy, Allison Veltz-Cruz, Callie Prince and Matt Stell, among others.

Wednesday (March 25) and Thursday (March 26) will feature Caylee Hammack, Mark Irwin, Ricky Manning, Jackson Nance, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, Nell Maynard, Olivia DaPonte, Josh Kerr, Lori McKenna, Abbie Callahan, Sarah Buxton, Moriah, Abby Anderson and more.

Friday (March 27) includes performances from Mae Estes, Alex Hall, Angie K, Andrea Vasquez, Benjy Davis, Meg McRee, Delaney Ramsdell, Morgan Johnston, Mattie Pruitt, Doug Johnson, Kaylee Rose and more.

Saturday (March 28) will close out the event with performances from Lydia Vaughan, Parker Welling, McCall Chapin, Kyle Clark, Billy Dawson, Faith Hopkins, Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman, Kyle Sturrock, Regan Rousseau, Emma Klein, Fran Litterski, HunterGirl, Matraca Berg and Gloria Anderson, among many others.

The full schedule of shows can be found here. Ticket details for each show can be found here.

Hannah Dasher, Shinedown, More Added To Backstage Access Presents: Napa Valley Lineup

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Backstage Access Presents has announced an additional wave of artists to the lineup for its inaugural Napa Valley gathering April 14–16.

Shinedown, Liam St. John, Hannah Dasher, Jake Hoot, Kalsey Kulyk, Lace & Lee, Alannah McCready, Vi and XOLEX have been added to the lineup, which also includes Parker McCollum, Ty Myers, The 502s, Grace Potter, George Birge, Thelma & James, Maggie Rose, Julia Cole, Dalton Davis, Ian Flanigan, Kylie Frey, Brett Kissel, Alex Lambert, Morgan Myles, Emily Ann Roberts, Matt Stell, and more, with additional artists to be announced.

Backstage Access Presents has also partnered with PickleJar to power the official app for the event, providing attendees with a centralized digital hub for schedules, artist lineups, venue details and more. Additional programming and details will be announced in the coming months.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Amy Grant Shares A ‘Beautifully Done’ Ballad

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Amy Grant. Photo: Ed Rode

Joe Nichols, LeAnn Rimes, Preston Cooper, Brei Carter and Ernest are all singing of gentle things. Rising above them all is Amy Grant, who wins the Disc of the Day with her heartwarming “The Me That Remains.”

Also on the gentle side is Alyssa Micaela, who wins this week’s DISCovery Award.

Among our rockers today, Webb Wilder is the ruler.

PRESTON COOPER / “One More Place I’ve Never Been”
Writers: Preston Cooper/Brad Warren/Brett Warren; Producer: Brett Warren ; Label: Valory
– Bluesy and moody. The power ballad laments a lost love by citing unseen destinations. He wails convincingly and a screaming rock guitar punctuates the proceedings. Cooper plays the Nashville Palace next Wednesday (March 4) to showcase his debut album Toledo Talkin.

ERNEST / “Boat Named After You”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Big Loud
– A heartache wafting on ocean breezes. He’s floating alone on the boat he named for her wondering where she is and what she’s doing. His voice is as smooth as a milkshake, and the airy production is a simply brilliant, sparkling thing. I’m madly in love with this single.

49 WINCHESTER / “Pardon Me”
Writer: Isaac Gibson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lucille Records/MCA
– Simmering in Southern Rock, this roaring slab of sound wouldn’t sound out of place on a classic Allman Brothers album.

LUKE BRYAN / “Word on the Street”
Writers: Payton Smith/Josh Thompson/Justin Ebach; Producer: Jeff Stevens; Label: MCA
– He’s trying to tune out the gossip and rumors about their breakup. Out in nature, he doesn’t hear a thing. A nicely done thumper with cool guitar licks and an insistent rhythm track.

LANGHORNE SLIM / “We the People”
Writer: Langhorne Slim; Producers: Langhorne Slim, Sam F. Kiszka; Label: Dualtone
– To the accompaniment of scampering bluegrass fiddle and lickety-split strumming, Slim sings a protest song of brotherhood and of unity in the face of political repression. Last month, the East Nashvillian showcased it on The Daily Show. Programmers note: the lyric drops a few “f” bombs. This folkie Americana favorite performs his new album The Dreamin’ Kind at The Basement East this Saturday (Feb. 28).

ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Arkansas Mud”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Jessie Jo Dillon/Chris Tompkins; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– McBryde rocks out, spitting the lyric with fiery conviction. She refuses to apologize for cigarettes and alcohol because substance abuse sticks to her soul like mud. Underneath her phony, shiny, goody image is her hell-raiser authentic self. The production kicks butt as forcefully as her vocal.

LeANN RIMES / “Wild Things Run”
Writers: LeAnn Rimes/Darrell Brown; Producers: LeAnn Rimes, Darrell Brown; Label: EverLe Records
– Rimes is currently startling viewers with her portrayal of “Dixie,” an embittered, psycho ex from hell, on ABC-TV’s 911: Nashville. She crafted this single inspired by her character. It’s a goose-bump ballad with awesome chords and an epic, muscular production that pounds while her soprano soars. A wronged woman who soars on eagle’s wings. 911: Nashville airs every Thursday evening. Watch for fleeting scenes of Music City locations as well as for her portrayal.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Like God Intended”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
– He doesn’t believe that the Good Lord intended us to work ourselves to death. Instead, he has faith that relaxing, drinking beer, making love, fishing and enjoying a sunset out in nature are what he was born to do. The track has a funky, loopy attraction and the lyric references Travis Tritt’s “A Great Day to Be Alive.” Very cool.

BREI CARTER / “Country Lives In Me”
Writers: Brei Carter/Kim McLean; Producer: none listed; Label: BC
– A rippling acoustic guitar riff draws you into this gentle ode to pastoral peace. Carter’s silky, resonant voice has a conversational intimacy that’s soothing on the ear. This title tune of her new album is lovely and highly listenable. I remain a fan.

AMY GRANT / “The Me That Remains”
Writers: Amy Grant/Mac McAnally; Producer: Mac McAnally; Label: Thirty Tigers
– This six-time Grammy winner and 2022 Kennedy Center honoree is poised to release her first new album of original songs in 13 years. Collaborators on the collection will include Ruby Amanfu, Vince Gill, Michael W. Smith, the late Sarah Cannon, and producer/co-writer Mac McAnally. The album’s title tune references her traumatic brain injury from a 2022 bicycle accident, but is ultimately an ode to resilience and gratitude. Her warm soprano is framed by gentle piano notes and soft organ sighs on the touching, inspirational ballad. Beautifully done.

JOE NICHOLS / “Fighting the Good Fight”
Writers: Joe Nichols/Jason Sellers/Paul Jenkins; Producers: Joe Nichols, Jason Sellers & Paul Jenkins; Label: Quartz Hill
– This is an autobiographical strummer that explores his “tough love” upbringing, honky-tonkin’ wild days and his strength as a father to his daughters. His voice caresses the lyric while instruments sway along.

ALYSSA MICAELA / “Unfinished Quilt”
Writers: Alyssa Micaela/Olivia Rudeen/Autumn McEntire; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch
– Her sweet, youthful voice reminisces about her grandmother who, “left a lot of love and some shoes I’ll never fill.” The bopping ditty is the sound of innocence and affection.

WEBB WILDER / “Hillbilly Speedball”
Writer: David Grissom; Producers: Webb Wilder & George Bradfute; Label: Landslide
– Tasty! The title tune of Wilder’s current album is a snappy country rocker. The native Mississippian drawls the dark lyric with a snarling, outlaw, spoken-sung vibe. He’s headed down the wrong highway, but roars forward nonetheless. As with everything this artist has released, it’s heartily endorsed.

Trisha Yearwood Previews ‘The Mirror Tour’ At Special Ford Theater Show

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Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood offered up a preview of her upcoming “The Mirror Tour: An Intimate Acoustic Evening of Stories & Songs” on Feb. 23 with a special performance at The Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.

Joined by fellow singer-songwriters Leslie Satcher and Bridgette Tatum, the tour offers fans a rare, up-close experience as Yearwood celebrates her newly expanded album, The Mirror (Deluxe) and performs some of the deeply personal songs from the project alongside the iconic hits that have defined her career. The 15-city tour kicks off March 4.

Pictured (L-R): Virgin Music Group’s John Mayer and Jordon Isbell; Trisha Yearwood; Virgin Music Group’s Jacqueline Saturn, Jen Bontusa and Alex Levy; Team TY’s Mandy McCormack

JUST IN: Tape Room Music Taps Alicia Pruitt As CCO/President, A&R

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Alicia Pruitt.

Tape Room Music has tapped Alicia Pruitt as Chief Creative Officer and President, A&R, reporting directly to CEO and Founder, Ashley Gorley.

Pruitt is a longtime Warner Chappell Music senior A&R executive. She joins COO and President, Business Affairs’ Blain Rhodes.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be joining Tape Room Music,” she shares. “This opportunity, with a family environment already in place, feels God-sent. After working in this business for years, I think we all realize how important it is to align with people that make you laugh, challenge you, and simply make you feel a part of something bigger. My career has been built on continuing to challenge myself, and with this winning team of staff and songwriters, it brings an entirely new excitement about what’s to come.”

“I’ve known Alicia since my first writing deal, and I’ve seen firsthand the passion and integrity she brings to her work with songwriters,” says Gorley. “Tape Room has experienced incredible success and growth thanks to our goal of bringing in the very best writers and surrounding them with the very best team. Alicia strengthens that mission, and she’ll help us continue to raise the bar as we build what’s next.”

“Alicia is a fierce champion for songwriters and one of the best humans I know,” adds Rhodes. “We are thrilled to have her join the team at Tape Room. As we continue to grow, her experience and commitment to songwriters will help us continue to develop a home where writers thrive.”

Pruitt can be reached here.

Artist Action: Bailey Zimmerman, Kelsea Ballerini, Miranda Lambert, FILMORE, More

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Bailey Zimmerman Partners With American Eagle

Bailey Zimmerman.

Bailey Zimmerman has unveiled a partnership with American Eagle. This news comes alongside the announcement that AE will serve as exclusive apparel and denim sponsor of Stagecoach and follows the launch of last week’s campaign with Ella Langley.

On March 25, the brand will debut AE x Stagecoach, a co-branded, limited-edition collection blending official Stagecoach merch available online, in select American Eagle stores, and onsite at the festival.

“Country music and denim are synonymous, and American Eagle is claiming center stage,” says Jennifer Foyle, President – Executive Creative Director, AE & Aerie. “Driven by a new generation of artists and fans, AE’s partnership with Stagecoach, Ella Langley, and Bailey Zimmerman is all about showing up at the intersection of culture and fashion. Through our signature AE jeans, we are bringing the denim on denim trends, relaxed fits, and festival-ready looks that are defining our customers’ unique style.”

 

Kelsea Ballerini’s ‘Patterns (Deluxe)’ Art Book & Zoetrope Vinyl Earn 4 Gold ADDY Awards and Judge’s Choice

Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Kelsea Ballerini’s PATTERNS (DELUXE) Art Book & CD and PATTERNS (DELUXE) Zoetrope at the 2026 Nashville American Advertising Awards, including four Gold ADDYs and the prestigious Judge’s Choice Award.

The projects were each recognized in the categories of Elements of Advertising – Visual: Art Direction (Single) and Sales & Marketing – Sales Promotion, Packaging (Single Unit, Music & Entertainment Packaging). In addition to the project honors, Ashley Kohorst Sieling of Favorite Records, who served as art director on both projects, was named AAF Nashville’s Art Director of the Year.

 

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation Announces Three-Year Partnership With Doris Day Animal Foundation For Spay & Neuter

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Laura Spinelli

Miranda Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation has announced a three-year partnership for its spay & neuter program, “It Takes Balls,” with the Doris Day Animal Foundation. The 2026 “It Takes Balls” campaign will focus specifically on Southern California. The initiative, which kicked off in 2023, raises awareness for the importance of spay & neuter and has provided over 125 grants thus far to qualifying low-cost programs throughout Tennessee and Texas.

“We’re so excited and honored to be partnering with the Doris Day Animal Foundation and are grateful for their amazing commitment to spay & neuter,” says Lambert. “Everyone knows that Doris Day holds an unparalleled place in film and music – but do they also know she started Spay Day USA in 1995 (now World Spay Day)? When I found out, I knew this was a perfect partnership and I want everyone to know about her enduring passion for animals.”

“We couldn’t be more pleased to partner with Miranda Lambert and MuttNation Foundation on such an important initiative,” adds Doris Day Animal Foundation CEO Bob Bashara. “Establishing Spay Day USA over 30 years ago and seeing it evolve into today’s World Spay Day was one of Doris Day’s proudest achievements in her pioneering animal welfare advocacy. As DDAF carries on Doris’ legacy, we are grateful that Miranda and MuttNation share our passion and dedication to make this a better world for the animals, and together we can make a meaningful difference in reducing the homeless pet population and euthanasia rates.”

Grant applications for low cost spay & neuter programs in Southern California can be submitted here.

 

FILMORE Debuts On ‘The Kelly Clarkson Show’

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Country singer-songwriter FILMORE made his debut appearance yesterday (Feb. 24) on NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show, performing “Yeehaw.”

Marking FILMORE’s first official studio collaboration with Pitbull, the track was featured on his fourth studio album, Atypical.

 

The Infamous Stringdusters Perform At ‘BMI Presents: The 20/20 Station Inn Experience’

The Infamous Stringdusters.

The Infamous Stringdusters recently celebrated the release of 20/20 at Station Inn with a special event presented by BMI.

“Celebrating 20 years of The Infamous Stringdusters and their 20/ 20 album release at the legendary Station Inn was a night for the ages! Having championed this band since day one, BMI was thrilled to be part of the night — and we loved raising a glass with our friends at Green River Whiskey to celebrate such an incredible milestone for an incredible group of musicians,” shares Mason Hunter, AVP Creative, BMI Nashville.

CRS 2026 Announces New ‘Scareoke’ Competition

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Country Radio Seminar will debut “Scareoke” this year, a lively karaoke competition set to take place on March 18 from 5-6 p.m. at the Omni Nashville Hotel during CRS 2026.

“Scareoke” will be hosted by CMA and ACM award-winning personality Patrick Thomas, and will give attendees the chance to compete for a complimentary CRS 2027 registration. Interested participants must sign up in advance here, and the event promises an hour of industry camaraderie and performances from country radio and music professionals alike. The first 50 drinks during the fun-filled competition will be provided courtesy of Shelley Lynch.

Online registration for CRS 2026 has closed, but on-site registration will be available at the current rate of $799 through the start of the event. A limited number of New Faces of Country Music tickets remain available for $110 and are sold separately. Special rates will also continue to be offered, including a $199 student rate for currently enrolled students and $349 day passes (limit two per person), which provide full access to all programming, sessions, panels, speakers, networking events, and luncheons for a single day.

Russell Dickerson Slates New Sun-Soaked EP ‘Worth Your Wild’ For March

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Russell Dickerson is getting into the Spring Break spirit on his new project, Worth Your Wild, due out March 6 via Triple Tigers.

The new EP produced by Josh Kerr features tracks like “2 Limes, 2 Coronas,” and “B.O.A.T.” alongside Dickerson’s latest single, “Worth Your Wild,” out now. The project pairs breezy hooks and feel-good rhythms and offers up a playful, passionate soundtrack for those carefree spring break nights. Writers contributing to the EP include Parker Welling, Chase McGill, Matt Dragstrem and more.

Dickerson will no doubt bring that Spring Break fever to the stage at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest, where he was just announced as one of this year’s performers, and on his “Russellmania Tour 2026” at amphitheaters and venues around the country.

Worth Your Wild EP Track List:
1. “Worth Your Wild” (Russell Dickerson, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
2. “B.O.A.T.” (Russell Dickerson, Steph Jones, Matt Dragstrem, Chase McGill)
3. “2 Limes, 2 Coronas” (Russell Dickerson, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Osborne)
3. “Spring Break” (Seth Ennis, Devin Dawson, Jordan Minton, Jordan Reynolds)