Cody Jinks To ‘Change The Game’ With Forthcoming Album

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Cody Jinks is set to release his new album, Change The Game, on March 22 via his own label, Late August Records, in partnership with The Orchard. Ahead of the release, he has unveiled new track “Sober Thing.”

“I wrote ‘Sober Thing’ right after we finished the Mercy album,” says Jinks. “I was giving up a twenty-plus year affair with whiskey and every word of that song is true. I don’t remember writing some of my biggest songs but I damn sure remember writing that one.”

Produced by Ryan Hewitt and Jinks’ longtime bassist Joshua Thompson, Change The Game marks a new chapter for Jinks both personally and professionally, as he is now self-managed with a completely independent team. Across the twelve tracks, Jinks puts forth his signature outlaw country spirit with a new level of artistic maturity, diving into topics like his journey with sobriety, life on the road and the need for redemption and accountability.

In addition to “Sober Thing,” the album features a new version of Faith No More’s “Take This Bottle,” featuring special guest Pearl Aday, as well as lead single “Outlaws & Mustangs,” which debuted earlier this fall.

Throughout his career, Jinks has sold over two million tickets, released 10 studio albums, sold more than two million equivalent units and garnered over 3.5 billion streams across platforms with more than a billion streams on Spotify and 1.7 billion streams on Pandora, earning him a Pandora Radio Billions Award. He was also named Music Row’s 2023 Independent Artist of the Year—his second time receiving the honor—and earned RIAA certifications for his songs “Loud and Heavy” (double Platinum), “Hippies & Cowboys” (Platinum), “Must Be The Whiskey” (Platinum), “Mamma Song” (Gold), “I’m Not The Devil” (Gold) and “Cast No Stones” (Gold) as well as for his album Adobe Sessions (Gold).

Jinks will continue to tour through 2024, headlining shows at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater, Dallas’ Dos Equis Pavilion, Minneapolis’ The Armory and San Diego’s Rady Shell at Jacobs Park as well as select co-headlining dates with Turnpike Troubadours. He will also join Luke Combs as part of his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour,” starting next spring.

Change The Game Track Listing:
1. “Sober Thing”
2. “Outlaws and Mustangs”
3. “I Can’t Complain”
4. “Take This Bottle (feat. Pearl Aday)”
5. “Deceiver’s Blues”
6. “A Few More Ghosts”
7. “Change The Game”
8. “I Would”
9. “The Working Man”
10. “Wasted”
11. “Always Running”
12. “What You Love”

MusicRow Reveals Next Big Thing Artists Class Of 2024

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MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists who are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT) in 2024. The 10th annual NBT list features 11 artists, who are each profiled in MusicRow‘s latest 2024 Touring & Next Big Thing print issue, which releases today (Dec. 5).

Boasting a stand-out group of rising stars in the country music industry, MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2024 includes a wide range of talent, diverse in sound, style and level of success. What each artist has in common, though, is extraordinary talent and a passion for today’s ever-evolving country music format. These future superstars will expand the boundaries of country music, carrying the torch of the format both to its loyal fans and into the mainstream.

Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring & Next Big Thing print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

MusicRow Magazine’s 2024 Next Big Thing Artists:

AVERY ANNA
Warner Music Nashville | 33 Creative | WME | self-published | BMI

Singer-songwriter Avery Anna grew up in picturesque Arizona. She started singing at 10 years old, quickly picking up the guitar and piano, but it was via TikTok that Anna began to realize her full potential. Hopping in a bathtub for acoustics, Anna’s videos of her singing blew up overnight. Now with 1.6 million followers and more than 36 million likes, Anna is sharing her own music with the world. She recently released her debut EP Mood Swings, and her Gold-certified “Narcissist” has made a major statement, reaching No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown and garnering more than 166 million global streams. Anna has also made an impact with releases such as “Self Love,” “Worst In Me” and “I Will (When You Do)” alongside Dylan Marlowe. The rising star, who has been featured on multiple artists-to-watch lists, is wrapping up her headlining “Treat Yourself Nice Tour,” and has supported Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell and Breland out on the road. Her ear-worm pop-country sound and mastery of vulnerability and connection will undoubtedly bring Avery Anna’s music to more and more fans as time goes on.

 

ASHLEY COOKE
Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music | Big Loud Management/Back Blocks Music | WME | Big Loud/Back Blocks Music Publishing | BMI

Ashley Cooke has built her fanbase by being unapologetically herself. The Parkland, Florida native wrote her first song at age 11 and moved to Nashville at 18 to attend Belmont University. Unlike many others, however, she did not study music, but after entering the school’s revered Country Showcase on a whim and winning, Cooke decided to give music a real shot for a year. When the pandemic had other plans, Cooke took her pop country sound to TikTok, where her music and bubbly personality began to find a big audience. She has since garnered over 200 million global streams with chart climbing hits like “Never Til Now” with Brett Young and “It’s Been A Year.” Cooke released her debut album Shot In The Dark in July, containing 24 tracks inspired by true tales of love, heartbreak and all the moments in between, such as “Mean Girl” featuring Colbie Caillat and her new radio single “Your Place.” Cooke, who was also voted MusicRow’s 2023 Discovery Artist of the Year at the MusicRow Awards this summer, took on her first-ever headlining tour this fall and will join Jordan Davis on the road in early 2024. Her authentic songwriting chops and hooky country sound will allow Cooke to continue on her rise in the coming year.

 

JACKSON DEAN
Big Machine Label Group (Big Machine Records) | TKO Artist Management | WME | Little Louder | BMI

Country singer-songwriter Jackson Dean is rising quickly with his lyric-driven, outlaw style of country music. The Maryland native burst on the scene with his atmospheric debut album Greenbroke. Dean’s breakthrough single “Don’t Come Lookin’” was the fastest debut to reach No. 1 in 2022 and cemented him as the youngest solo male country artist to reach the top of the charts with a debut. The rugged music video for the track also earned a nomination at the 2023 CMT Music Awards for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year. Dean’s follow-up single, “Fearless (The Echo),” is currently climbing the top 25 at country radio after being most added upon impact. Dean released his Live At The Ryman album in April, including the fan-favorite track “Heavens to Betsy.” He recently spent time on the road with Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Parker McCollum and Jon Pardi and was nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the 2023 ACM Awards. Dean will hit the road on his first headlining tour in January on the “Head Full of Noise Tour,” and will also join Lainey Wilson’s “Country Is Cool Again Tour.” Dean’s focus on building fans with his unique artistry will serve him well as he continues blazing his own trail.

 

COREY KENT
Sony Music Nashville (RCA Nashville) | Triple 8 Management | WME | Combustion Music | BMI

You can find rising singer-songwriter Corey Kent’s music at the intersection of rock infused country, heartland values and red dirt grit. The road warrior has been developing his show for 15 years, but broke out in a big way with the single “Wild As Her.” With nearly 400 million global streams, the exciting track became a Platinum-certified No. 1 hit and garnered Kent a nomination for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year at the 2023 CMT Awards as well as a People’s Country Choice Award nomination for New Artist of 2023. He released his major label debut album, Blacktop, in June. The 10-track album features “Wild As Her,” fan-favorites “Gone as You” and “How You Know You Made It” and current single “Something’s Gonna Kill Me.” Throughout 2023, Kent supported Parker McCollum, Jason Aldean and Ashley McBryde’s tours, as well as played some headlining shows of his own. He will join McCollum again in February. With over 600 million on-demand career streams, Kent has been named to multiple artist-to-watch lists. The hunger from Kent’s growing fanbase will only propel him further into country music stardom.

 

KAMERON MARLOWE
Sony Music Nashville (Columbia Nashville) | Red Light Management | WME | Sony Music Publishing | BMI

With a sound built around edgy electric twang, smoldering gritty rock and bluesy tenderness, Kameron Marlowe is quickly becoming one of country music’s most exciting new acts. The North Carolina native launched onto the scene with his now Platinum-certified debut “Giving You Up,” which has garnered more than 680 million streams to date. In 2022, Marlowe released his debut album We Were Cowboys, produced by Dann Huff. With “Giving You Up” and his Gold-certified hit “Burn ‘Em All” on the tracklist, the project was one of 2022’s top streaming country albums on Spotify. The country crooner’s talent and rabid fanbase have landed him on multiple artist-to-watch lists. Now Marlowe is beginning his sophomore chapter of music with recent release “Tennessee Don’t Mind,” an ode to his life on the road. He is currently out on his headlining “I Can Lie Tour,” following recent tours with Luke Bryan and Jordan Davis earlier this year. Next year, Marlowe will join Lainey Wilson for the Australian leg of her “Country’s Cool Again Tour.” With his authentically cool niche and powerful voice, Marlowe is undoubtedly one of country music’s next big things.

 

BRYAN MARTIN
Average Joes Entertainment | Arcade Management | WME | Average ZJS Music Publishing | BMI

Bryan Martin’s story thus far is that of a blue-collared man whose raw talent was finally uncovered. Hailing from the oil fields of Louisiana, Martin lives the stories he writes, and his authenticity is paying off. Released in late 2022, Martin first captured the music industry’s attention with “We Ride,” an outlaw country tune that resonated so well with fans that it now boast over 80 million streams. He’s followed that up with other succesful releases like “Goin For Broke,” “Memory To Drown” and more. Building on albums If It Was Easy and Self Inflicted Scars, Martin dropped his newest album Poets & Old Souls in March, containing the everyman anthem “We Ride.” He made his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2023, and after opening for artists such as Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert and Warren Zeiders, Martin will join Morgan Wallen for 10 dates on his “One Night At A Time Tour” in 2024. With over 426 million cumulative streams and 750K social media followers, Martin’s true-to-life lyrics and his raw, expressive delivery will continue to earn him more and more fans as he heads into a new year.

 

CHASE MATTHEW
Warner Music Nashville | Ignition Management | UTA | Ignition/Warner Chappell | BMI

Chase Matthew is on the fast track to becoming one of Nashville’s hottest newcomers. A rare native of Music City, Matthew independently built his career with his infectious personality, rowdy live performances and relatable music. After reaching more than 360 million global career streams with tunes such as the Gold-certified “County Line” and “She Loves Jesus,” Matthew released his 25-track, major-label debut album, Come Get Your Memory, in June. As the follow-up to his breakout project Born For This, Come Get Your Memory includes multiple fan-favorites such as “Make a Memory,” “Moonlight,” “Where There’s Smoke” and “Outlaw Gospel,” as well as Matthew’s steamy single “Love You Again,” which is climbing at country radio and was the most-added debut single release upon impact. On the live front, Matthew recently wrapped his headlining “Come Get Your Memory Tour” following his “Love You Again Tour,” and he made his Grand Ole Opry debut in March. Now with more than 600 million global career streams and more than two million followers across social media, Matthew continues to make waves as one of country music’s buzziest new acts.

 

MEGAN MORONEY
Sony Music Nashville/Columbia NY (Columbia Nashville) | Punch Bowl Entertainment | UTA | Sony Music Publishing | SESAC

Megan Moroney has become a force to be reckoned with as she has begun to make her mark on country music. The Georgia native’s career took on warp speed with her breakout single “Tennessee Orange.” The song became Moroney’s first No. 1 hit at country radio and was certified Platinum by the RIAA. In 2023, Moroney–who refers to herself as an “emo cowgirl”–released her debut album Lucky, including wry, clever tunes like “Traitor Joe” and “Sleep On My Side” alongside truth-tellers like “Girl In The Mirror.” The project quickly drew major acclaim by the industry and fans alike, and spurred Moroney’s currently-rising single “I’m Not Pretty.” In September, she released a deluxe edition of the album, delivering three new songs to her engaged and hungry fanbase. Moroney was nominated for New Female Artist Of The Year at the 2023 ACM Awards as well as New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year at the CMA Awards. Currently on her sold-out “The Lucky Tour,” Moroney will join Kenny Chesney’s “Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour” next spring. Her sharp penmanship, close attention to aesthetics and undeniable talent have fueled Moroney’s meteoric rise, and her star will only continue to ascend.

 

JOSH ROSS
Universal Canada/UMG Nashville/The Core Records | The Core Entertainment | The Neal Agency | Warner Chappell | BMI

Canadian-born and Nashville-based singer-songwriter Josh Ross focuses his music on the primary themes of country infused with a fresh, modern sound. Debuting with his independently released ballad “First Taste of Gone,” Ross has built a reputation for writing from personal experiences, causing him to tally more than 240 million streams across his collection of songs. Some fan-favorites of Ross’ include “On A Different Night” and “First Taste of Gone,” as well as his country-rock anthem “Ain’t Doin’ Jack” and the emotional track “Red Flags.” In 2023, Ross garnered his second Top 5 Canadian radio hit with “On A Different Night.” After hitting No. 1 in Canada, Ross is currently climbing the U.S. country radio charts with “Trouble.” On the live front, Ross spent a lot of 2023 on the road with Nickelback and Brantley Gilbert for the “Get Rollin’ Tour,” and he will support Bailey Zimmerman on “Religiously. The Tour.” in 2024. He also made his Grand Ole Opry debut, won Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Country Music Association Awards and landed on multiple artist-to-watch lists. Ross’ unique sound will undoubtedly continue to pull fans in across genres as he heads into the next year.

 

DYLAN SCHNEIDER
BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records | Neon Coast | WME | Verse 2 Music/Sony Music Publishing | BMI

Dylan Schneider started performing and writing songs at the age of 14. He began to build an audience for his talent when he began posting videos to his Facebook page. When Schneider began to make his own music, he developed his own unique blend of country that merges modern pop sensibilities with a down-home feel. Schneider’s fans and over 1.2 million social media followers have enjoyed popular releases such as “How Does It Sound” and “Right Girl” as well as multiple EPs, banking an upwards of 303 million on-demand streams. After a snippet of Schneider’s newest tune “Ain’t Missin’ You” went viral on social media, the sound racked up more than 119 million TikTok views, 118K user-generated TikTok videos and 30 million on-demand streams, before climbing to No. 3 on TikTok’s Country playlist. Giving into fan demand, the rising country star’s “Ain’t Missin’ You” is currently climbing the country radio charts. To name a few other career highlights, Schneider has toured with Florida Georgia Line, Kane Brown, Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay, Granger Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny and more, co-wrote Dustin Lynch’s Top 5 hit song “Momma’s House” and scored two RIAA-certified Gold records. With a fanbase with a voracious appetite, Schneider’s star will only continue to rise in 2024.

 

THE WAR AND TREATY
UMG Nashville (Mercury Nashville) | Strong World Management | UTA | Concord | BMI

The War And Treaty was formed in 2014 by the enormously talented husband and wife Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter. While the electrifying duo has long been respected by their peers in country and Americana music alike, country music fans at large took notice of them with the release of their major label debut album Lover’s Game. Garnering both fan and critical acclaim, Lover’s Game featured The War And Treaty showing off their penmanship, soulful harmonies and unmatched vocal ability on tunes such as “That’s How Love Is Made,” “Blank Page” and the title track. The singers have become in-demand collaborators, including featuring on “Hey Driver” with Zach Bryan. The War And Treaty has been recognized by the Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry and Americana Music Association, and recently earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. They have dominated stages across the globe including North America, Europe and Australia, headlining their own shows and opening for a diverse group of living legends. As time goes on, more and more music fans will undoubtedly discover the unmatched talent of The War And Treaty as they continue to impact the country genre.

Josh Del Joins Good Company Entertainment As Creative Director

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Josh Del

Good Company Entertainment, the management company co-founded by Keith Gale and Jake Owen, has added Josh Del to the team as Creative Director.

Effective immediately, Del will work with all artists on the Good Company Entertainment roster including flagship artists Owen and Daves Highway in a variety of capacities including visual creation, imaging, video production and overall creative strategy. He will also contribute to artist and program development as well as internal recording production.

Del, a California native, moved to Nashville in 2021. He has previously consulted for Good Company Entertainment.

“Josh and I hit it off right away creatively,” says Owen. “We are excited that he is choosing to join us in this new capacity, and look forward to his continued contributions to Good Company.”

Chris Fabiani To Exit Warner Music Nashville

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Chris Fabiani

Chris Fabiani will exit his position as National Director, Radio at Warner Music Nashville at the beginning of January.

Fabiani joined Warner Music Nashville in 2020 in a regional manager role, and was promoted in 2022 to National Director of Radio. Previously, he served as Director of Promotion and Artist Engagement at Universal Music Group (UMG). Fabiani spent more than a decade with UMG, including six years as Director of Midwest Promotion at EMI.

His next step has not yet been announced.

Fabiano’s exit will leave an opening for a National Director, Radio (Team WMN). Any qualified candidates interested in the role can reach out to Tom Martens at tom.martens@wmg.com.

Miranda Lambert Announces Final Dates For ‘Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas Residency’

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Miranda Lambert has announced the final nine dates for her “Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas Residency,” taking place at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, in March and April.

“As someone who’s lived on a bus and toured from city-to-city for more than half my life, having a Vegas residency has been such a fun change of pace creatively,” shares Lambert. “The band and I are excited to keep this party going!”

“Velvet Rodeo: The Las Vegas Residency” is designed exclusively for Bakkt Theater. The dates for the final nine performances are March 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, and April 3, 5 and 6. Tickets for the final shows go on sale to the public this Friday (Dec. 8), and fan club members will have access to a presale starting tomorrow (Dec. 5). Citi cardmembers also will have access to presale tickets starting tomorrow until Thursday, (Dec. 7) through the Citi Entertainment program. Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program members as well as Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access to a presale from this Wednesday (Dec. 6) until Thursday. A limited number of tickets are available for the following previously announced performances on Dec. 7, 9, 10, 14 and 16. For more information, click here.

Lambert, Live Nation Las Vegas and Caesars Entertainment are donating a dollar of every ticket purchased to Lambert’s MuttNation Foundation, the nonprofit that has raised over six million dollars to promote the adoption of rescue pets, support animal shelters across the country, advance spaying and neutering and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster.

ACM Announces Voting Timeline & Category Changes For 2024 Awards

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The Academy of Country Music has announced the submissions and professional membership voting timeline for the 59th ACM Awards, taking place in May, as well as changes and additions within multiple categories.

Submissions will open at 11 a.m. CT/9 a.m. PT on Monday, Jan. 8. The Academy will accept entries through Friday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT. The ACM Board of Directors approved changes to the New Female Artist of the Year, New Male Artist of the Year and New Duo or Group of the Year, extending charting for those categories to open eligibility to more artists. The Board of Directors also adopted criteria to require a minimum of three eligible submissions to award a category.

The eligibility period for submissions for this year’s awards started on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 and ends on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023.

New Female Artist of the Year, New Male Artist of the Yea, and New Duo or Group of the Year are presented to an individual artist, group or duo who gains initial fame or significantly greater recognition during the promotion of a debut or sophomore album within the eligibility period. The artist must have released a single that reached the top 50 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or the Mediabase Country charts. Any albums self-released through an independent label the artist owns and operates may not be counted as a debut or sophomore album, unless it produces a top 50 single reported by Billboard’s Hot Country Songs or Mediabase Country charts. The nominees shall be determined by a nomination ballot(s) and are subject to the approval of the Board. The winner shall be determined by a vote of the ACM professional membership.

Any artist who served or is currently serving as a lead member of a duo or group is not eligible for individual category recognition. Additionally, any artist who has gained initial fame as a solo artist or as part of a duo or group in another genre is not eligible in these categories. An artist may be a nominee two times in a three-year period. Once an artist releases the lead single from a third studio album, they will no longer be eligible in this category. If an artist is a winner in the New Female Artist, New Male Artist, New Duo or Group (or any respective previously named category) their first year on a ballot, they will not be eligible in any New Artist categories again. Any artist who has previously won the award for Entertainer, Female Artist, Male Artist, Duo or Group of the Year (or any respective previously named category) is ineligible for a New Artist nomination.

For more information, click here.

Key Dates For ACM Professional Members:
Submissions Period: Jan. 8, 2024-Jan. 26, 2024
First Round Voting, Main Awards: Feb. 26, 2024–March 4, 2024
Second Round Voting, Main Awards: March 18, 2024–March 25, 2024
Final Round Voting, Main Awards: April 15, 2024–April 22, 2024
First Round Voting, Radio Awards: Feb. 26, 2024–March 11, 2024
Final Round Voting, Radio Awards: March 18, 2024–April 1, 2024

“The 59th ACM Awards cycle brings changes to awards categories that will allow more artists, groups and duos the chance to qualify and be recognized with an ACM Award, which will benefit emerging artists and help put a spotlight on the future of the genre,” says Daniel Miller, Chair of the ACM Awards Voting & Membership Committee. “I’d like to thank the Awards Committee members, Board members and Board Officers for their thoughtful contributions in expanding eligibility to reflect our evolving industry and the realities for new artists on their path to success.”

“ACM New Duo or Group of the Year is an illustrious category that has seen the likes of Brooks & Dunn and The Chicks win early in their careers as well as both reigning ACM Duo of the Year Brothers Osborne and reigning ACM Group of the Year Old Dominion. The category hasn’t been awarded in recent years, and we’re hopeful these changes in category rules and minimum qualifying entrant levels will allow us to bring back this award, a fan favorite, as well as celebrate additional deserving emerging artists in the critical early years of their career,” explains Tommy Moore, ACM VP of Artist & Industry Relations, Governance & Board Administration.

“I am proud that the ACM Awards, Country Music’s Party of the Year, continues to be one of the favorite and most-watched awards shows today. With history-making hosts, a ever-present platform in Prime Video, a groundbreaking format, a perfectly suited location in Frisco, Texas, plus country’s most exciting and diverse nominees, winners and performers, there has never been a better time to be a part of the Academy and the ACM Awards,” says Damon Whiteside, ACM CEO. “We look forward to receiving our industry’s submissions for the 59th ACM Awards, and especially to celebrating the best of 2023 next May!”

“The 59th Academy of Country Music Awards,” produced by Dick Clark Productions, will stream live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas exclusively on Prime Video for a global audience for a third straight year, as part of the Academy’s renewed partnership with Amazon.

SMACK Elevates Molly Bouchon To Director Of Marketing & Artist Development

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Molly Bouchon. Photo: Lance Wilson

SMACK has elevated Molly Bouchon to Director of Marketing & Artist Development.

Bouchon joined the company in 2019 as Director of Digital, working closely with the management team on all digital and streaming activations for their roster, which includes Shane McAnally, Walker Hayes, Kylie Morgan, Gina Kirschenheiter and Jenna Davis, and handling any digital needs for over 20 full-time SMACK songwriters.

In her new role, Bouchon’s digital work will expand across SMACK and SMACKRecords. She will also oversee label marketing and social strategy, press/partner pitching and distribution for SMACKRecords artists such as Davis.

“Molly has made herself an integral piece of everything we do at SMACK. She has a unique role that interfaces with all the divisions here and works with them all at a high level. This promotion reflects her high quality of work within those roles and expands it with the addition of SMACKRecords,” say Robert Carlton, President of SMACK.

“It has been amazing to watch SMACK continue to grow our management and publishing rosters, along with adding an internal influencer marketing division and now relaunching the independent label, SMACKRecords,” says Bouchon. “I’m thrilled to be a part of this growth, and to work alongside rising artists to help further their careers and dreams. Big thanks to Robert Carlton for trusting me with this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what our team can do together!”

Musicians On Call Announces New Music Industry Advisory Board

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Musicians On Call (MOC), the nonprofit that brings music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments, has announced the inaugural members of its new national Music Industry Advisory Board.

The group will serve as ambassadors for MOC’s mission while gaining a deeper understanding of philanthropy and how nonprofit boards operate. Together, they will work to deliver the healing power of music to more communities across the country.

Music Industry Advisory Board Members:

  • Jessica Abel, G7 Entertainment Marketing
  • Adrienne Assip, Epic Records
  • Erin Burr, Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
  • Alex Ciasnocha, Warner Music Nashville
  • Hayden Coplen, Wasserman Music Los Angeles
  • Stephanie DeMarco, Spotify
  • Laura Fuller, FlyteVu
  • Kristen Reed, Universal Music Group (UMG)
  • Rachel Inglesino, Jonas Group Entertainment
  • Sydni Joseph, Big Plan Holdings
  • Derek Roberge, Sony Music Entertainment
  • Torianne Valdez, Musicians On Call (MOC)
  • Liliana Villarreal, iHeartRadio

“The music community has always shown great support for our mission, and we are so grateful to have these leaders officially join the MOC family as part of our Music Industry Advisory Board. These talented professionals work at the top organizations in the music business and were identified as the future leaders of this industry, so we are excited to work with them to change the landscape of how music is used to bring healing and joy,” says Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President & CEO. “This advisory board will also give them the opportunity to learn the in’s and out’s of being an impactful leader on a nonprofit board and network with others in the industry. We are honored to be a part of their growth as leaders in this way.”

For over 20 years, the nonprofit has used music to promote and complement the healing process through bedside, virtual and digital streaming programs that are available across all 50 states. As the nation’s leading provider of live music in hospitals, MOC volunteers have performed for more than one million individuals in healthcare facilities nationwide.

CMA Presents Jim Free, Mike Dungan With Honors

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Mike Dungan, Charlie Morgan and Jim Free at a reception held during CMA’s Board of Directors meeting. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA

During a reception at its Board of Directors meeting last week, the Country Music Association presented some industry veterans with awards.

The CMA honored Jim Free with the 2023 J. William Denny Award, which is presented in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors.

Free has served the CMA Board of Directors since the late 1980s. Throughout his time on the board, Free has made lasting and impactful contributions to country music, including introducing Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan to the CMA Board, where they laid out their plans for their documentary film series Country Music.

“It is extremely unusual in any of our businesses to find a place where everybody who competes against each other comes together and works for a product,” said Free. “And it’s country music. This place is it. I’ve been honored to be a part of this.”

Also during the reception, former Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville and long-serving CMA Board member Mike Dungan was presented with the CMA Chairman’s Award by CMA Board Chairman and Global Head of Programming at Apple Music, Charlie Morgan.

Dungan’s honor is not an annual award, but is given when the incumbent Chairman feels an individual or individuals, through outstanding service to CMA, merits the recognition.

Additionally, in recognition of their service to the CMA Board of Directors, CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern presented mementos to outgoing CMA Chairman Morgan and current President, incoming 2024 CMA Chairman and Farris, Self & Moore LLC Partner, Kella Farris.

Cole Swindell To Kick Off ‘Win The Night Tour’ In May

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Cole Swindell will kick off his 2024 “Win The Night Tour” on Thursday, May 16 in London, Ontario. Special guests Dylan Scott, Jon Langston, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Meghan Patrick and Restless Road will join him on various dates throughout the trek.

“My band and crew on the road have been a big reason for the successes in my career and I never take that for granted,” says Swindell. “It is our goal every single night to give the fans the best show we can, so the last three words we say before stepping on stage is ‘Win The Night.’ This one is for my band, my crew, my team and for the ones that continue to show up-the fans! We can’t wait to get out there in 2024 with Dylan [Scott], Jon Langston, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Meghan Patrick and Restless Road.”

The “Win The Night Tour” will also visit Oshawa and Ottawa, Ontario before coming stateside to Brandon, Mississippi, Orange Beach, Alabama and more.

His Down Home Crew will have the opportunity to purchase tickets during their special presale, beginning tomorrow (Dec. 5) at 10 a.m. local time. Tickets for most dates will go on sale to the public this Friday (Dec. 8) at 10 a.m. local time, and tickets to the Cincinnati, Ohio show going on sale next Friday, Dec 15. For more information, click here.

Additionally, the four-time ACM Award winner released a new song, “3 Feet Tall,” on Friday (Dec. 1). “3 Feet Tall” is the first track to be released from Swindell’s fifth studio album coming in the new year. Written by Trannie Anderson, Trey Lewis and Jordan Walker, the song discusses the difficult situations of divorce from the perspective of children.

“Win The Night Tour” Dates:
*Tickets on sale Dec. 15
May 16 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens (Dylan Scott, Meghan Patrick)
May 17 – Oshawa, ON -Tribute Communities Center (Dylan Scott, Meghan Patrick)
May 18 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre (Dylan Scott, Meghan Patrick)
May 24 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Jon Langston)
May 25 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Jon Langston)
May 30 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
May 31 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
June 1 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
June 7 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
*June 8 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Mackenzie Carpenter)
June 27 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre (Dylan Scott, Lily Rose)
June 28 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre (Dylan Scott, Lily Rose)
June 29 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion (Dylan Scott, Lily Rose)
July 11 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 12 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 13 – Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 19 – Idaho Falls, ID – Hero Arena Inside Mountain America Center (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)
July 20 – Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater (Dylan Scott, Restless Road)