Tyler Halverson. Photo: Ben Christensen
Tyler Halverson will release In Defense of Drinking on Feb. 13 via CMDSHFT. Accompanying the announcement he released his new single, “More Hearts Than Horses.”
Halverson wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on the project alongside Colton Venner, Johnny Clawson, Jon Decious and Ben Chapman, among others. Recorded at Amber Sound in Hermitage, Tennessee, the project was produced by Halverson, Ryan Youmans and Gary Stanton.
The record explores self-induced heartbreak, self-medication and search for redemption.
“You can lose yourself in the troubadour lifestyle, where every night is a damn party and you’re far from your family, your home, and your faith,” Halverson says. “So, this album may be a little bit of a personal battle: Who are you on the road vs. who are you at home. These songs are often about me admitting that I can be reckless and impulsive, but that I’m trying my best. Conflict isn’t always bad if you can make some good out of it.”
Halverson will join Parker McCollum for select dates next year between other appearances.
In Defense Of Drinking Track List:
1. “More Hearts Than Horses” (Tyler Halverson, Colton Venner, Johnny Clawson)
2. “Beer Garden ft. Parker McCollum” (Tyler Halverson, Ryan Carroll Nelson, Nate Fredrick)
3. “8 Second High” (Tyler Halverson, Colton Venner, Johnny Clawson)
4. “Ft. Worth Losing” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious)
5. “Smoke You Out” (Tyler Halverson, JR Atkins)
6. “In Defense of Drinking” (Jon Decious)
7. “Like The Rodeo” (Tyler Halverson, Matt Daniel)
8. “Cowboy Babies” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious, Jaida Dreyer)
9. “Old Men Younger Women” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious, Colin Nash)
10. “The Dreamer” (Tyler Halverson, Ben Chapman, Nate Frederick, Matt Daniel)
11. “Son Brother Believer” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious)
Abbie Callahan Inks With WME
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): WME’s Carrie Creasey, Twelve6 Entertainment’s Willow Belenski, Abbie Callahan and Twelve6 Entertainment’s Travis Myatt. Photo: Courtesy of WME
Singer-songwriter Abbie Callahan has signed with WME for global representation in all areas.
Throughout this year, Callahan has made her debuts at CMA Fest, Bonnaroo and AMERICANAFEST. The Iowa City native released her debut EP Grossly Aware in July, which blends bluegrass, folk, and pop. The EP has garnered 2 million streams so far.
“I am beyond grateful to join the incredible team at WME,” says Callahan. “This year has been full of firsts. It is my first major festival season, my first record, and my first time really feeling like I am stepping into who I am as an artist. Having a team that believes in my vision means the world.”
“Abbie’s talent is undeniable, and her vocals are both effortless and magnetic,” adds WME agent Carrie Creasey. “She has an individuality that shines through in everything she does, from her voice to her sense of style, and that combination truly puts her in her own lane. WME is thrilled to be part of what will be an extraordinary career.”
Callahan will perform at The Basement East on Nov. 4, followed by the release her new single “Simon Says” on Nov. 7.
She is managed by Travis Myatt and Willow Belenski at Twelve6 Entertainment.
Post Malone, Jelly Roll To Headline Boots In The Park Albuquerque In May
/by Lorie HollabaughBoots In The Park is returning to Albuquerque at the Balloon Fiesta Park May 15-16 with a lineup led by headliners Post Malone and Jelly Roll.
The star-studded lineup also features Jessie Murph, Koe Wetzel, Max McNown, Tyler Hubbard and many more. Boots In The Park has added a new Texas Country Stage this year, celebrating the rich sound and storytelling roots of Albuquerque’s neighbor to the east. Fans can catch Texas favorites Cody Jinks, Randy Rogers Band, Clay Walker, Josh Abbott Band, Bri Bagwell and more for a true Lone Star experience. Fans will enjoy over 20 artists across multiple stages along with line dancing, whiskey & tequila tastings, craft food from local vendors and immersive art installations.
“We’re proud to return to Albuquerque for year three of Boots In The Park” says Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “New Mexico embraced this festival from the start, and it’s quickly becoming a destination event. With a powerhouse lineup featuring Post Malone and Jelly Roll, and the addition of Texas Country favorites, this year will be our biggest yet.”
The two-day country music celebration goes on sale to the general public Nov. 7. Pre-sale registration is now open, and fans can complete this form to gain access to lowest priced tickets on Nov. 6.
North Chapel Music Announces Staff Addition, Promotion To Creative Team
/by Lorie HollabaughJoe Dan Cornett and Wendy Buckner
North Chapel Music has added Joe Dan Cornett as Creative Director and appointed Wendy Buckner to the role of Senior Creative Director for the Benny Brown-founded company.
Reporting to company Executive Vice President Paul Compton, Cornett brings more than a decade of publishing experience to his new role. A Nashville native with deep roots in the heart of Music City and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Cornett has helped shape more than 600 songs, including in gospel, CCM/worship, country, bluegrass, Americana and film and TV.
Buckner has more than 20 years of experience in publishing, music and TV production, and artist management, and previously served as North Chapel’s Creative Director. In her newly-appointed role as Senior Creative Director, she will continue to report to Compton.
“Joe Dan knows how to find great opportunities for a great song. As well as his work in the country genre, he’s placed multiple No. 1 hits in bluegrass and Southern gospel and is a trusted voice in music publishing,” says Brown. “Meanwhile, Wendy has been a key member of our team since the launch of North Chapel and we look forward to the new projects she’ll tackle in her expanded role.”
“I’m excited to join Benny, Paul and the team at North Chapel Music,” says Cornett. “My true passion lies in championing songwriters and creatives—helping them find their voice and share their stories with the world—and there’s no one I’d rather fight for than North Chapel’s amazing group of writers.”
Cornett is already on the job and can be reached at joedan@northchapelmusic.com. Buckner, whose email address remains unchanged, can be reached at wendy@northchapelmusic.com.
Sacha Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkSacha. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Sacha made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday (Oct. 22).
“I had family coming in tonight, and I didn’t know if it was my Opry debut or my wedding…” Sacha said from stage. “If you would have told that 17-year-old girl who found herself without a home that she would be able to have the opportunity of a lifetime, I don’t think she would have believed it. It has been a long time coming…I just want to give anybody hope out there who feels like you’re going to disqualify yourself from your dreams because of your circumstances, I hope that my story and this song will give you some hope.”
Sacha started her set with “Hey Mom I Made It” before bringing out Restless Road for her current single, “Shooting Star.” She performed as part of the OPRY100 celebrations, sharing the evening’s bill with Opry members Dustin Lynch and Rhonda Vincent.
Sacha’s debut album, Woman In The Mirror, is available now. She recently released a version of Faith Hill’s “Where Are You Christmas.” She will join Restless Road on tour this November and before joining Old Dominion in the new year for their Canadian run.
Sacha & Restless Road. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Pictured (L-R): Clay Hunnicutt (Honey Music), Patrice Whiffen (Honey Music), Sacha, Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry). Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Sacha. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Gabby Barrett Reveals ‘Carols And Candlelight (Deluxe)’
/by Lorie HollabaughGabby Barrett. Photo: Robby Klein
Gabby Barrett is releasing an extended version of her first-ever Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe), via Warner Music Nashville on Nov. 7.
Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe) will feature two all-new songs from Barrett, including her soothing rendition of “Where Are You Christmas,” out now. Arriving just in time for the song’s 25th anniversary, Barrett’s cover breathes new life into the bittersweet ballad penned by film composer James Horner, superstar Mariah Carey, and award-winning lyricist Will Jennings for Ron Howard’s 2000 blockbuster Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The update of the heart-stirring track (recorded by Faith Hill) was produced by her frequent collaborator Ross Copperman.
In addition to “Where Are You Christmas,” the 13-track Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe) includes Barrett’s warmhearted cover of another song from a beloved movie soundtrack: the Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri-penned “When Christmas Comes to Town,” originally performed by Matthew Hall and Meagan Moore in The Polar Express.
Initially released in November 2024, Carols and Candlelight features a track list ranging from cherished Christmas carols and time-honored Advent hymns to joyous songs of celebration like “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (for KING & COUNTRY feat. Gabby Barrett), as well as collaborations with Barrett’s husband Cade Foehner (“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”) and The Piano Guys (“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”), and her versions of treasured classics like “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “The First Noel” and “O Holy Night.”
Available in three separate formats, Barrett delivers the digital edition of Carols and Candlelight (Deluxe) on Nov. 7, with the CD and vinyl editions following on Nov. 21.
Last Tuesday (Oct. 21), Barrett appeared at the Grand Ole Opry for the first Opry Country Heat Takeover featuring a night of performances curated by Amazon Music’s Country Heat. Fresh off her “Life I’m Living Tour 2025” (the 30-date headline run that wrapped earlier this month), Barrett delivered a set as part of an A-list lineup with Lainey Wilson, Lauren Alaina, Dan + Shay, Russell Dickerson and more.
Randy Rogers & Elic Goicoechea Launch Dreamer Management
/by Lauryn SinkElic Goicoechea and Randy Rogers.
Randy Rogers and Elic Goicoechea have launched Dreamer Management. The Austin, Texas based company’s current roster includes Ashton Naylor, Cameron Allbright, Hank Weaver, Parker Ryan, Slade Coulter and Travis Roberts.
“The launch of Dreamer Management is very exciting, and it increases the possibility for more Texas artists to break on the national scene,” shares Brendon Anthony of Big Loud Texas. “Randy Rogers has long been a wonderful identifier of Texas talent, and I have every confidence that his partnership with Elic will continue to attract and develop the next generation of great Texas singer-songwriters.”
“Randy Rogers has long been a cornerstone of Texas music not just through his own success on stage, but through his dedication to mentoring and uplifting the next generation of artists,” Mitch Ballard, Executive Director, Creative, BMI Austin. “With the launch of his new artist management company, Dreamer Management, along with industry veteran Elic Goicoechea, Randy continues to invest his deep industry knowledge and experience back into the community, further strengthening the music business infrastructure here in Texas. We couldn’t be prouder to have him as part of our BMI family.”
Rogers has led the Randy Rogers Band in the Texas music scene for over 20 years. The band’s latest EP, The Going., is available now.
Goicoechea recently graduated from Texas State University. At his first company, Ascend Music Group, he began managing, booking, and creating visual content for local artists.
Dreamer Management can be reached here.
Melissa Goldberg Joins Teton Ridge
/by LB CantrellMelissa Goldberg
Industry veteran Melissa Goldberg has joined Teton Ridge, the premiere Western sports and entertainment company. As Vice President, Digital + Social Content, she will oversee social strategy and storytelling across the company’s lineup of brands, including Cowboy Channel, Cowboy Channel+ and The American Rodeo series.
Goldberg joins Teton Ridge from CMT, where she rose to VP, Digital & Social.
“Western sports are entering a new era of growth, and Teton Ridge is right at the center of it,” Goldberg shares. “Having spent years helping shape how country music connects with fans through content and storytelling, I see incredible parallels in the passion, authenticity, and community that define the Western world. Social is where that energy starts, and I’m excited to help expand the reach and impact of Cowboy Channel content across every platform.”
Reach Goldberg at melissa.goldberg@tetonridge.com.
Hudson Westbrook Enters Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenHudson Westbrook. Photo: Ian Noh
Hudson Westbrook has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. His own tracks “House Again,” “Painted You Pretty” and “Sober” put the singer-songwriter at No. 13.
Riley Green maintains the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Blake Pendergrass remains at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami” and “Wish You Well.”
Chase McGill (No. 3), Charlie Handsome (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
BREAKING: H. Read Davis Exits Big Loud
/by Madison HahnenH. Read Davis. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
H. Read Davis has exited his position of VP, Digital at Big Loud.
Davis joined the company in 2022 as Senior Director of Digital, working his way through the ranks to his current position. Before that, Davis held previous roles as Social Media Manager at Spotify and Director of Creative Operations at Crowd Surf. Other career stops include internships at Chrysalis Music Group, Propel Music Group and Big Yellow Dog Music.
During his three years at Big Loud, Davis worked alongside artists, managers and label staff to create and grow artists’ digital identity.
Tyler Halverson Slates New Album For February
/by Lauryn SinkTyler Halverson. Photo: Ben Christensen
Tyler Halverson will release In Defense of Drinking on Feb. 13 via CMDSHFT. Accompanying the announcement he released his new single, “More Hearts Than Horses.”
Halverson wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on the project alongside Colton Venner, Johnny Clawson, Jon Decious and Ben Chapman, among others. Recorded at Amber Sound in Hermitage, Tennessee, the project was produced by Halverson, Ryan Youmans and Gary Stanton.
The record explores self-induced heartbreak, self-medication and search for redemption.
“You can lose yourself in the troubadour lifestyle, where every night is a damn party and you’re far from your family, your home, and your faith,” Halverson says. “So, this album may be a little bit of a personal battle: Who are you on the road vs. who are you at home. These songs are often about me admitting that I can be reckless and impulsive, but that I’m trying my best. Conflict isn’t always bad if you can make some good out of it.”
Halverson will join Parker McCollum for select dates next year between other appearances.
In Defense Of Drinking Track List:
1. “More Hearts Than Horses” (Tyler Halverson, Colton Venner, Johnny Clawson)
2. “Beer Garden ft. Parker McCollum” (Tyler Halverson, Ryan Carroll Nelson, Nate Fredrick)
3. “8 Second High” (Tyler Halverson, Colton Venner, Johnny Clawson)
4. “Ft. Worth Losing” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious)
5. “Smoke You Out” (Tyler Halverson, JR Atkins)
6. “In Defense of Drinking” (Jon Decious)
7. “Like The Rodeo” (Tyler Halverson, Matt Daniel)
8. “Cowboy Babies” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious, Jaida Dreyer)
9. “Old Men Younger Women” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious, Colin Nash)
10. “The Dreamer” (Tyler Halverson, Ben Chapman, Nate Frederick, Matt Daniel)
11. “Son Brother Believer” (Tyler Halverson, Jon Decious)