CRS 2026 Day Two: Team MCA At The Ryman, The Conversation, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, More

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Country Radio Seminar continued yesterday (March 19) at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Below are some of the highlights from yesterday’s programming.

The Disruptors: What If You Took A Risk

Courtesy of CRS

Panelists Chuck Aly, Travis Daily, Jon Loba, Gregg Swedberg and Brian Michel discussed the current state of radio relevance and its power moving forward.

 

Team MCA At The Ryman

Photo: Peyton Hoge/Courtesy of MCA

49 Winchester, Kassi Ashton, Brothers Osborne, Dalton Davis, Carter Faith, Wyatt Flores, Vince Gill, Jacob Hackworth, Tyler Hubbard, Vincent Mason, Parker McCollum, Madden Metcalf, NEEDTOBREATHE, Jon Pardi, Keith Urban and Kenny Whitmire took the stage for the “Team MCA at the Ryman” luncheon.

 

The Conversation: Featuring Ella Langley & Jo Dee Messina

Courtesy of CRS

Ella Langley and Jo Dee Messina joined together for a keynote session dubbed “The Conversation,” sharing their respective journeys to success.

 

Cycle Of A Song: Chase Matthew’s “Darlin'”

Courtesy of CRS

The daily “Cycle Of A Song” series focused on Chase Matthew‘s “Darlin’” on Thursday afternoon. Those on in the panel included Matthew, Tim Foisset, Rod Phillips, Michael Chase, Loyd Potts III and Ken Madson.

 

Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

Courtesy of CRS

Attendees were treated to drinks and tunes during the annual “Bob Kingsley‘s Acoustic Alley,” hosted by Country Top 40’s Fitz. Performers included Rhett Akins, The Warren Brothers, Jim Beavers, Clint Black, Steve Wariner and Paul Overstreet. Radio Ink also unveiled its annual Top 30 Country PDs list.

 

BBR Music Group Closes Out The Night

Courtesy of CRS

BBR Music Group closed out day two of CRS with a celebration of Jason Aldean‘s 31 chart-toppers featuring performances from Florida Georgia Line, Alabama and Travis Tritt. 

Chandra LaPlume Exits Sandbox Entertainment

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Chandra LaPlume

Chandra LaPlume has departed Sandbox Entertainment after five years with the company.

During her tenure with Sandbox LaPlume worked across television and film development as well as artist management, and executive produced films and television specials, most notably the Grammy-nominated JUNE: The June Carter Cash Story. Prior to joining Sandbox, LaPlume was partner at Taillight TV from 2003-2020.

“After an incredible chapter at Sandbox Entertainment, I’m looking forward to what’s ahead as I explore new opportunities in creative development and artist relations,” says LaPlume.

She can be reached at claplume27@gmail.com.

On The Row: Madden Metcalf Shares Signature Saltwater Southern Sound

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Madden Metcalf. Photo: Brandon Espeleta

Madden Metcalf recently stopped by the MusicRow office to share a preview of his debut project, Saltwater Southern, out today via Wexler Records/MCA.

First discovered by his manager Olivia Zaro, the Panacea, Florida native connected to veteran songwriter and producer Freddy Wexler in 2024 while pursuing a construction management degree. He signed to MCA earlier this year.

Metcalf was inspired to learn guitar after a Riley Green concert and began performing for tips at his uncle’s restaurant where he worked. A fourth generation commercial fisherman and inspired by the sounds of Johnny Cash, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, Metcalf describes his sound now as “Saltwater Southern.”

MusicRow’s Lauryn Sink, Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell; Madden Metcalf; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.

He shared a taste of his new project with the team, previewing “Young Loretta” and “Kinda Paradise.”

The project explores love, heartbreak and more across the five tracks, which Metcalf wrote alongside Wexler and Elliah Heifetz. Saltwater Southern was produced by Wexler and Paul Sikes.

“I’m really excited for the EP,” Metcalf shared with the team. “Its truly every aspect of the lifestyle that I live, that I was born and raised to live. This record really encapsulates everything that we’d listen to [as I grew up]. I’m truly excited for it to be out there.”

Saltwater Southern Track List:
1. “Kinda Paradise” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
2. “Young Loretta” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
3. “I Don’t Wanna Cry Anymore” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
4. “Long John Silver” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)
5. “Like My Hometown” (Madden Metcalf, Freddy Wexler, Elliah Heifetz)

 

@musicrowmag @maddenmetcalf went Off The Record with MusicRow to celebrate his new EP Saltwater Southern! #country #countrymusic #offtherecord ♬ Kinda Paradise – Madden Metcalf

 

 

Julianna Rankin Signs With Big Loud Texas Publishing & Sony Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Allie Sisoian (Manager, Red Light Management), Lizzy Rector (Publishing Director, Big Loud Texas Publishing), Jon Randall, Miranda Lambert, Julianna Rankin, Anna Weisband (SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Brendon Anthony (VP, Big Loud Texas). Photo: Natalie Rhea

Big Loud Texas artist Julianna Rankin has signed with Big Loud Texas Publishing and Sony Music Publishing.

Alongside the announcement, Rankin is releasing her second song via Big Loud Texas, “Little Miss Behavin,’” produced by Big Loud Texas co-founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall. “Little Miss Behavin’” follows Rankin’s label debut “Bad Habits and Good Horses,” which was featured in the season finale of Landman via Paramount+.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Julianna Rankin into the Sony Music Publishing family alongside Big Loud Texas,” says Anna Weisband, SVP, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “She’s the definition of heart and soul. Her songwriting is full of true storytelling, personality, and grit. We can’t wait to help share that with the world!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Julianna to the Big Loud Texas Publishing family,” shares Lizzy Rector, Publishing Director, Big Loud Publishing. “She has a voice and storytelling perspective that is rooted and real and we couldn’t be more excited to be a part of what’s ahead.”

Beginning in April, Rankin will support label-mate Jake Worthington on his “Intent To Tonk Tour” with stops in Chicago, Nashville, Boston and New York.

Tyler Nance Celebrates ‘Midwest Memoir’ At Nashville Palace

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Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Tyler Nance celebrated his debut album Midwest Memoir with a release show at the Nashville Palace last night (March 19), delivering a confident, crowd-pleasing set that showcased both his songwriting depth and growing stage presence.

He opened with “Ain’t Getting Paid” and quickly settled into a groove, moving into “Hell If I Know,” where he balanced guitar work with harmonica. “Don’t Care At All” drew strong audience engagement, with the crowd clapping along and feeding off the band’s energy. From there, Nance leaned into the emotional core of the record with “Shovel,” “Under the Weather,” and “Bad News,” before delivering standout performances of “I’m Not Him” and “Whiskey Me or the Pain.”

Nance kept the momentum high with “Too Good to Be True,” before bringing out Karley Scott Collins for “Leave Me Alone.”

Karley Scott Collins & Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Midway through the performance, the band temporarily exited, leaving Nance in a stripped-down setting with just a guitar player. This quieter segment, featuring “Beer Tabs,” “Liza Ann,” and “Sorrows,” highlighted his songwriting and vocal delivery, offering a more intimate connection with the audience.

When the full band returned, so did the energy. “Nothing’s What It Seems” with another guest appearance from Jackson Dean. Nance then introduced “Whitney Wants a Song,” performing it live for the first time.

Closing out the night, “Same Song and Dance” and “Here’s to Tomorrow” set the stage for the album’s title track, “Midwest Memoir,” before the final run of “Ways Away” and “Keeps Me Sane.” The latter, already a viral hit, brought the evening to a peak as the crowd sang along loudly, turning the performance into a shared moment of celebration.

Midwest Memoir dropped today (March 20) via Santa Anna Nashville. Nance will support Ian Munsick and Gavin Adcock on select dates this year, as well as make festival appearances at Cattle Country, Windy City Smokeout, Country Thunder Wisconsin, and more.

Jackson Dean & Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Tyler Nance. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Industry Ink: Kane Brown, Gabby Barrett, Manhead Merch, ‘La Cara De La Música’

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Kane Brown Appears On Bobby Bones’ ‘The Bobbycast’

Bobby Bones and Kane Brown

Kane Brown was a guest on Bobby Bones Presents: The Bobbycast yesterday, which is now airing on Netflix. During his visit he and Bones talked about not knowing he was bi-racial until he got called a racial slur in school, how he lost $10 million in a bad music deal, his new bar in Nashville and its Miami feel, his Top 5 songs to perform live for fans, and more.

 

Gabby Barrett Celebrates Platinum Milestones At CRS

Gabby Barrett and Cris Lacy, Chair & President, Warner Records Nashville. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Gabby Barrett took the stage at the annual Warner Records Nashville luncheon, where she delivered a powerful performance of “The Easy Part,” and  also debuted a brand-new, unreleased song, setting the tone for what’s to come. Following the performance, Barrett’s team surprised her with news that two of her hits have reached Platinum status, as three-week No. 1 “The Good Ones” reached 5X Platinum and her record-breaking debut “I Hope” achieved 9X Platinum.

 

Jennifer Pirch Joins Manhead Merch

Jennifer Pirch

Jennifer Pirch has been named Vice President of Retail & Licensing at Manhead Merch. In her role, Pirch will lead global retail expansion and licensing strategy, with a focus on scaling distribution, entering new categories, and developing partnerships that extend artist IP into new consumer touchpoints. Pirch brings over 15 years of experience across music, entertainment, and consumer products, and previously held leadership roles at Apex Global Brands and Bravado, Universal Music Group’s merchandise and brand management division. Having started her career as a designer, she brings an end-to-end perspective across product development and dealmaking, with experience spanning toys, apparel, and multi-category licensing partnerships.

 

Univision Series ‘La Cara De La Música’ Hosts Private Nashville Media Screening

Rick Rodriguez, Founder of Cara Productions. Photo: Jake Blount

Media members and industry guests gathered recently at InDo Nashville for a private screening of the upcoming TV series La Cara De La Música, hosted by La Cara Productions. The bilingual series focused on Latin music, culture, and entertainment will premiere soon on Univision Nashville. Hosted by producer and creator Rick Rodriguez, La Cara De La Música (translated as “The Face of Music”) shines a spotlight on the artists, executives, and cultural leaders representing Nashville’s Latino community within the music industry. The show aims to celebrate the growing influence of Latin music and culture while highlighting the important role the Latino community plays in the broader entertainment landscape.

Keith Urban Honored With St. Jude Angels Among Us Award

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Randy Owen, patient Faith and Keith Urban. Photo: Kayla Schoen / CRS

Keith Urban received The Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award yesterday (March 19) at CRS in Nashville for his outstanding commitment and service to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

During the St. Jude program at CRS, iHeartCountry Brand Coordinator/SVPP Gator Harrison interviewed Urban about the importance of his support for St. Jude throughout his career. After the discussion, Owen surprised Urban with the award, having made the first call to his fellow artists in 1989 to rally around St. Jude from the stages of CRS. St. Jude patient Faith was in attendance to help Owen present the award to Urban.

“Being recognized with the Angels Among Us Award is not something I take lightly,” says Urban. “I’ve witnessed the courage shown by the children and families at St. Jude for more than 20 years, and it never ceases to amaze me. By standing together, we’ve been able to help St. Jude continue advancing research and treatment for children around the world with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is an absolute honor to stand behind a mission this meaningful.”

Urban has supported St. Jude for more than 20 years and began visiting the hospital in 1998. In 2015, St. Jude named him the founding Artist Ambassador of the Connected Caring program, connecting Urban and patients to share personal stories and a love for music. Over the years, Urban has participated in countless benefit concerts, radiothons, livestreams, St. Jude marketing campaigns, a special album release and meet-and-greets with St. Jude patients.

“Country music has a long and meaningful history of supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Keith Urban stands among our most enduring champions,” says Ike Anand, President and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude. “We are grateful to Keith and the country music community for their continued commitment to the St. Jude mission. Thanks to the generosity of artists like Keith and Randy Owen, St. Jude is able to advance lifesaving research and treatment while also bringing moments of joy and comfort to patients and families through the power of music.”

Music Gives to St. Jude Kids helps to raise more than $70 million annually to accelerate research and treatment by St. Jude to help children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. The program unites more than 350 radio and music partners in the shared mission.

Jordan Davis Secures The No. 1 Position On The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Jordan Davis secures the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his latest hit, “Turn This Truck Around.”

The track, off of his 2025 album Learn The Hard Way, was written by Davis, Devin Dawson, Jake Mitchell and Josh Thompson.

Davis is currently on the road in Australia through the end of the month, with a stop in Perth, WA, on March 28 before he heads back to the States

“Turn This Truck Around” currently sits at No. 20 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

The Core Entertainment Adds Sarah Pfeiffer & Gabriella Pulley

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Sarah Pfeiffer & Gabriella Pulley

The Core Entertainment has added Sarah Pfeiffer and Gabriella Pulley. Both will report to The Core Entertainment’s CEOs and Co-Founders, Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, and will be based in The Core’s Nashville offices.

Pfeiffer joins the company as Head of Marketing. She arrives from Columbia Records, where she spent eight years working across campaigns for artists including Harry Styles, Ella Langley, ROSALÍA, Tyler, The Creator, blink-182, The Chainsmokers, Koe Wetzel, Max McNown and Alana Springsteen. In her new role, she will oversee marketing for The Core Entertainment’s roster of artists, with a focus on The Core Records which includes Baylee Lynn, Brandon Wisham and more.

“Throughout my career, I’ve discovered a deep passion for developing artists,” says Pfeiffer. “I feel truly at home here at The Core and am excited to step into this role—continuing to grow our team and craft innovative, intentional, and competitive marketing campaigns that help our artists elevate their music and expand their fan bases.”

Pulley joins The Core Entertainment as Chief of Staff. Pulley most recently served as day-to-day manager at 7s Management, where she worked with Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, including through the band’s Madison Square Garden sellout. Earlier in her career, she oversaw day-to-day management throughout Zach Bryan’s rise from theaters to arenas and stadiums. In her new role, Pulley will work across management, records, partnerships and company operations, helping support the next phase of The Core’s expansion.

“I’m thrilled to join a company that prioritizes investing not only in its artists but also in the people behind them,” shares Pulley. “The leadership team is one of the most experienced and forward-thinking groups I’ve had the opportunity to work with. The Core has an exciting road ahead, and I’m honored to be part of a team building what we believe will be a lasting impact on the industry.”

“We’re really excited to welcome Sarah and Gabriella to The Core,” adds Tikhman and Zaruk, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “Sarah is an incredibly sharp and thoughtful marketing executive who really understands how to build campaigns around artists in a meaningful way, and Gabriella brings a level of organization, leadership and calm that is so valuable as a company grows. Just as importantly, they’re both great people, and culture matters a lot to us. We’ve been very intentional about building this team, and these are the kind of hires that make us better.”

Jacob Hackworth Signs With MCA

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Pictured (L-R): Rob Femia (MCA), Sam Shelton, Jacob Hackworth, Stephanie Wright (MCA), Katie McCartney (MCA), Mike Harris (MCA) and Kos Weaver (Goat Island).

Jacob Hackworth has signed to MCA in collaboration with Goat Island Sound.

The West Plains, Missouri native has amassed more than one billion streams in 2025 alone. He signed a publishing deal in 2022 and has since attained roughly 60 major label cuts and notched two No. 1s. He launched his artist career in 2025 with three songs including “When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t” and “Bad As I Do.” In celebration of the announcement, Hackworth released his new single “What Took You So Long” today.

“Getting to know the MCA team while on the Tucker (Wetmore) tour, it quickly became clear they were the right fit—not just as a label, but as people I genuinely connect with. I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead and grateful to have them on my team as we build this next chapter together,” shares Hackworth. “When I moved to Nashville, my goal was to earn a record deal—without fully understanding how difficult that would be. I dove deep into songwriting along the way but this moment was always what I was working toward, now that it’s happening I’m honestly a little speechless. I don’t know how to explain the excitement, gratitude, motivation and all of the other feelings I have right now. It also isn’t lost on me that, of the hundreds of songs I’ve written, my first radio single was inspired by the breakup that drove me to Nashville. Life has a funny way of working out.”

“Jacob is the kind of artist that reminds you why Nashville works the way it does,” says Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA. “He came here chasing a dream, put in the work as a songwriter, and built a reputation the old-fashioned way—one great song at a time. When you combine that level of craft with a voice and presence like his, you know there’s something special happening. We’re thrilled to welcome Jacob to the MCA family as we help bring his next chapter to life.”

“Jacob is a power house creative force. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with the passionate and formidable people that are MCA,” adds Kos Weaver, Founder, Goat Island Sound.

Hackworth is currently on his first-ever radio tour and will pick up his third leg on tour with Tucker Wetmore this summer.

He is signed to Goat Island for management and The Neal Agency for booking.