Brendan Walter is gearing up for the release of his debut album, Disappearing Days, on Nov. 7 via RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville. The rising young artist has also shared the title track from the upcoming new project.
Inspired by real events in Walter’s life, the anthemic, high-energy track captures the feeling of navigating life in one’s early twenties, and is the main thread that ties Walter’s debut project together.
“Grady [Smith], Gary [Stanton], and I sat down to make the title track for the album intentionally and wanted to encompass the feeling of entering adulthood feeling like you are behind,” says Walter. “That feeling has been my reality for the past few years, so it was only natural to make a reflective punk country song to let everyone that feels like they are lost in life know they aren’t alone.”
Combining aspects of Texas country, folk, and turn-of-the-millennium alt-rock, the new album focuses on the roller coaster of early adulthood. and explores themes of heartbreak, nostalgia, growing up, following dreams and everything in between. Raised in Dallas on Mumford & Sons, Van Halen and Tyler Childers, Walter learned the value of discipline, achievement and toughness through a life-long hockey career, and began posting cover videos in college.
Ditching a junior-year finance internship for Austin, Walter learned the live-performance ropes and auditioned for American Idol before moving to Nashville and releasing the aptly titled 2024 EP, I Don’t Know What I’m Doing Yet. Following the hit collab “If a Song Could Change Your Mind” with Low Gap (over one million streams and counting), he is prepping Disappearing Days for release.
“My path in life has been a little different than most and being 21 as a freshman then graduating at 25 to ultimately decide I wanted to pursue music has been the most exciting and terrifying grind I have ever jumped into,” Walter shares. “I wanted to try and include every major part of my life in this album, so it touches on growing up, moving out, falling in love, heartbreak, and all of the ups and downs that life brings. We made this album last year when I made the move to Nashville. We poured everything into making this first real project and we are so excited we can finally share it with you.”
Disappearing Days Track List:
1. “Pipe Dream” – Brendan Walter, Grady Smith
2. “No One’s Gonna Do It For You” – Brendan Walter, Zachary Ray Williams
3. “Back On Deseret” – Brendan Walter, Colton Venner
4. “Normal Day” – Brendan Walter, Grady Smith, Jack Rauton
5. “The Other Side” – Brendan Walter, Robert Williford, Grady Smith
6. “Disappearing Days” – Brendan Walter, Grady Smith, Gary Stanton
7. “Fightin’ Today” – Brendan Walter, Ben Wagner
8. “Asking For A Friend” – Brendan Walter, David DeVaul
9. “Sweet Gone Sour” – Brendan Walter, Michael Thompson Ferrari, William Blackburn Guild, Evan Honer
10. “Come Back Home” – Brendan Walter, Jack Hummel, Jack Rauton
‘Friends Of The Atwoods’ Benefit To Take Place In November
/by Madison Hahnen“Friends Of The Atwoods: A Night Of Giving Benefitting Tim & Roxane Atwood” will take place on Nov. 18 at 3rd & Lindsley. The event will benefit medical expenses for Tim and Roxane Atwood, who are facing ongoing health challenges including spinal surgery complications and a recent stroke.
Sponsored by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, with additional contributions from Mezek Films and in partnership with Music Amplifies, the event will have a live auction, as well as performances from Darin & Brook Aldridge, Jimmy Fortune, John Berry, Linda Davis, Makenzie Phipps, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, The Isaacs, The Kody Norris Show, The Whites and Ty Herndon.
Before their health challenges hit, Tim spent 38 years playing the piano at the Grand Ole Opry, backing Roy Acuff, Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, and Taylor Swift, among others. Roxane produced Grand Ole Opry Live and Opry Backstage, working with Dierks Bentley, Blake Shelton and more.
Tickets are on sale now. There is also a GoFundMe available here.
Chris Tomlin Notches Highest Streaming Week Of His Career With 18th Album [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellChris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein
Grammy-award winning artist Chris Tomlin saw the largest global streaming week of his 25+ year career with the release of his 18th album The King Is Still The King on Sept. 26. The album is Billboard’s No. 1 Top Christian/Gospel Album this week.
“All I’ve ever wanted to do was help people connect with God, encounter with God and worship God through these songs. To know that people are still wanting to connect with God through these songs is just an amazing to me,” Tomlin tells MusicRow.
“I love that the title of this record is The King is Still the King, and the statement that that makes. This is more than just a title of a record, this is a real declaration of faith. I feel like in these times that we’re in, it’s quite a thing to say,” he says. “It reminds us of the bigger reality and the greater story that we’re in. Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall on this earth. Governments rise and governments fall. Our hope is not in people. Our hope is in an everlasting kingdom and an everlasting king—and the king is still the king.”
A 30-time GMA Dove Award winner, Tomlin continues to grow his fanbase by releasing songs with global impact, notching No. 1 singles and selling out tours and venues like Bridgestone Arena, Dickies Arena, Honda Center, Red Rocks and more. He is currently on his fall headlining tour, “An Evening of Worship with Chris Tomlin.”
When asked about longevity, Tomlin attributes a lot of his enduring success to the team he’s had for most of his career. He recently renewed his deal with Capitol Christian Music Group, his label home of 25 years. “Anybody who’s done anything successfully has had a great team around them. You don’t do it by yourself. There’s no lone rangers in this. There’s so many people behind the scenes, and I’ve had such an amazing team.”
Brad O’Donnell, President, Capitol Christian Music Group, shares, “We’ve had a long and fruitful partnership with Chris and we’re so proud to see him hit this milestone. It’s an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the impact his songs have on people around the world. And now with the release of The King Is Still the King, it’s clear that there is still much more ahead and we look forward to an even brighter future together.”
On top of his record-breaking The King Is Still The King album, Tomlin has continued to break new ground this year. In July, he launched the “Worship Under the Stars” concert series at New York City’s Central Park, served as Executive Producer for the movie The Last Supper, wrote music for Amazon Prime’s top-rated show House of David and was featured in The First Hymn documentary. Additionally, he sold out Bridgestone Arena for his “Good Friday Nashville” concert, which was aired across the country on the K-LOVE network. His current single “How Good It Is” is his largest single debut since 2020, and his upcoming Christmas tour sold over 50% at the on-sale.
Earlier this year he participated in the first-ever Easter Spotify Single alongside Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll. His 21st No. 1 single “Holy Forever” was recently certified Platinum, becoming a massive global hit that is sung in churches all over the world.
Brendan Walter Shares His Journey On ‘Disappearing Days’, Due In November
/by Lorie HollabaughBrendan Walter is gearing up for the release of his debut album, Disappearing Days, on Nov. 7 via RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville. The rising young artist has also shared the title track from the upcoming new project.
Inspired by real events in Walter’s life, the anthemic, high-energy track captures the feeling of navigating life in one’s early twenties, and is the main thread that ties Walter’s debut project together.
“Grady [Smith], Gary [Stanton], and I sat down to make the title track for the album intentionally and wanted to encompass the feeling of entering adulthood feeling like you are behind,” says Walter. “That feeling has been my reality for the past few years, so it was only natural to make a reflective punk country song to let everyone that feels like they are lost in life know they aren’t alone.”
Combining aspects of Texas country, folk, and turn-of-the-millennium alt-rock, the new album focuses on the roller coaster of early adulthood. and explores themes of heartbreak, nostalgia, growing up, following dreams and everything in between. Raised in Dallas on Mumford & Sons, Van Halen and Tyler Childers, Walter learned the value of discipline, achievement and toughness through a life-long hockey career, and began posting cover videos in college.
Ditching a junior-year finance internship for Austin, Walter learned the live-performance ropes and auditioned for American Idol before moving to Nashville and releasing the aptly titled 2024 EP, I Don’t Know What I’m Doing Yet. Following the hit collab “If a Song Could Change Your Mind” with Low Gap (over one million streams and counting), he is prepping Disappearing Days for release.
“My path in life has been a little different than most and being 21 as a freshman then graduating at 25 to ultimately decide I wanted to pursue music has been the most exciting and terrifying grind I have ever jumped into,” Walter shares. “I wanted to try and include every major part of my life in this album, so it touches on growing up, moving out, falling in love, heartbreak, and all of the ups and downs that life brings. We made this album last year when I made the move to Nashville. We poured everything into making this first real project and we are so excited we can finally share it with you.”
Disappearing Days Track List:
1. “Pipe Dream” – Brendan Walter, Grady Smith
2. “No One’s Gonna Do It For You” – Brendan Walter, Zachary Ray Williams
3. “Back On Deseret” – Brendan Walter, Colton Venner
4. “Normal Day” – Brendan Walter, Grady Smith, Jack Rauton
5. “The Other Side” – Brendan Walter, Robert Williford, Grady Smith
6. “Disappearing Days” – Brendan Walter, Grady Smith, Gary Stanton
7. “Fightin’ Today” – Brendan Walter, Ben Wagner
8. “Asking For A Friend” – Brendan Walter, David DeVaul
9. “Sweet Gone Sour” – Brendan Walter, Michael Thompson Ferrari, William Blackburn Guild, Evan Honer
10. “Come Back Home” – Brendan Walter, Jack Hummel, Jack Rauton
BMG And Spotify Sign New U.S. Direct Licensing Agreement
/by Lauryn SinkSpotify and BMG have entered into a direct, multiyear US publishing licensing agreement.
The deal marks the latest development since BMG’s late-2023 announcement to assume direct control of its digital operations, allowing the company to oversee its own relationships with streaming platforms with a goal of improving efficiency across its music catalog.
“At Spotify, we believe the future of music depends on stronger collaboration across the industry,” shares Alex Norström, Co-President & Chief Business Officer, Spotify. “Our partnership with BMG advances that vision with renewed support for songwriters through a licensing model that will enhance how music is enjoyed on our platform.”
“Working directly with Spotify helps us reinforce our mission to ensure songwriters are fairly represented and rewarded for their work,” adds Thomas Coesfeld, CEO of BMG. “We’re pleased to agree on a progressive licensing model that reflects the real-world use of music across digital platforms and are excited to take our partnership to the next level as we continue to redefine what a modern music company can be. We applaud their momentum and support their position on developing new AI protections. While we support the use of AI to enhance human creativity, these policies align with BMG’s philosophy and will help ensure that fair remuneration and protection of artists’ works remain non-negotiable.”
Reba McEntire Announces Special 30th Anniversary Release Of ‘Starting Over’
/by Lorie HollabaughReba McEntire is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her album Starting Over with a special anniversary edition, due out Jan. 23.
The new anniversary edition features three bonus tracks including the never-before-released “Heat Wave,” out now, and will be available for the first time ever on vinyl. Starting Over debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart upon its release on Oct. 3, 1995, and its lead single “On My Own,” was a collaboration that united four powerhouse voices: Reba, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride and Linda Davis. The album was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Reba’s Top 10 success spans five straight decades, landing her in the singular group with only George Jones, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton. Her latest single “Trailblazer” featuring Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert, garnered 2.6 million on-demand streams in its first week, marking a new personal best for Reba in the streaming era.
Starting Over Track List:
1. “Talking In Your Sleep”
2. “Please Come To Boston”
3. “On My Own”
4. “I Won’t Mention It Again”
5. “You’re No Good”
6. “Ring On Her Finger, Time On Her Hands”
7. “Five Hundred Miles Away From Home”
8. “Starting Over Again”
9. “You Keep Me Hangin’ On”
10. “By The Time I Get To Phoenix”
11. “Heat Wave”
12. “Misty Blue”
13. “Tulsa Time”
Brent Maher Releases New Song/Video From Musical Novel ‘Night Of the Orphan Train’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrent Maher
Award-winning producer and songwriter Brent Maher has written his first work of fiction, a musical novel, Night of the Orphan Train.
Distributed by ONE Audiobooks, the audiobook is set for release Oct. 17. A new video from the project, “Haves and Have Nots,” featuring the talents of The French Family Band, has been released by Moraine Music Group. Co-written by Maher with Joe Robinson and Seth Hopkins, the track appears on the original 21-song soundtrack, arriving Nov. 7.
“I met The French Family band when I was finishing up a record with Joe Robinson who’s an incredible guitarist and singer/songwriter who happens to be from Australia.,” recalls Maher. “I mentioned to Joe that I needed some young people to sing the parts for the main characters in act one. Joe said some friends of his, also from Australia, just moved to Nashville and he thought would be perfect. The French Family Band. Was he ever right! I can’t imagine these songs without the French Family band bringing them to life.”
Between 1854-1929, more than 250,000 orphaned, abandoned and homeless children were relocated from cities like New York to rural towns across America. The Orphan Train Movement remains a significant yet often overlooked chapter in U.S history, and Maher was inspired to create the project after discovering The National Orphan Train Complex in Concordia, Kansas. Moved by its history, he set out to tell the story through a blend of original music and narrative, following three fictional children from age 11 into their 20s. The result is Night of the Orphan Train – A Musical Novel, a unique fusion of historical storytelling and Americana, Bluegrass, and Classic compositions.
A percentage of proceeds from the project will benefit Youth Villages of Middle TN, which is part of a nationally recognized non-profit organization focused on providing services for children in foster care, group homes and teens aging out of foster care. November is National Orphan Awareness Month, a month where various organizations and individuals highlight the plight of these children and advocate for their well-being. A key event during this month is Orphan Sunday, which falls on the second Sunday in November and is dedicated to raising awareness and support for orphans and foster children.
Big Machine Rock Re-Launches Under Gebbia Media, Expands Team
/by Lauryn SinkBig Machine Rock has re-launched under Gebbia Media, a subsidiary of Siebert Financial Corp., which acquired the company earlier this year.
The company is helmed by General Manager Heather Luke, who joined Big Machine in 2018. Luke oversees the company’s all-female team, comprised of Allison Smith (SVP, Promotion), Brooke Nixon (VP, Digital Strategy), Tara Curran (Project Manager), Megan O’Reilly (Label Coordinator), Kyla Schweitzer (Digital Coordinator), Shea Berkhouse (Label Operations Coordinator) and Rachel Spackman (Stylist and Event Coordinator).
“We’re building a label that embraces creativity in all its forms,” shares Luke. “Raw, real and innovative. With an artist-first approach, we’re focused on empowering voices and fostering authentic connections. I’m excited to grow alongside this incredible team and grateful to Gebbia Media for this opportunity and partnership to bring this vision to life.”
The label’s current roster includes Sammy Hagar, Daughtry, Olive Vox, Ryan Perdz and Wes Parker.
Big Machine Rock is also launching “Off The Record with Big Machine Rock,” an event series designed to showcase artists in intimate and immersive settings. The series debuts Oct. 15 in Chicago.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the next chapter of Big Machine Rock,” says Greg Murphy, Executive Vice President at Gebbia Media. “The label has an incredible lineup of artists, from legends like Sammy Hagar to rising stars like Ryan Perdz and Olive Vox. With Heather Luke and her exceptional all-female team at the helm, we see a tremendous opportunity to expand our investment in the music industry and support the future of rock music.”
“At Siebert Financial, we believe in the power of creativity and the importance of supporting emerging talent,” adds Richie Gebbia, Co-CEO of Muriel Siebert & Co., LLC. “Sponsoring the ‘Off The Record with Big Machine Rock’ series is a natural fit for us. It allows us to connect with the next generation of investors by fostering creative expression and providing a platform for artists to share their music in unique and intimate settings.”
IEBA Reveals The 2025 Industry Award Recipients
/by Lauryn SinkAdam Weiser (AEG Presents). Photo: Ed Rode
IEBA marked the close of its sold-out annual conference with an Honors & Awards Ceremony Tuesday evening (Oct. 7).
Voted on by members of IEBA and announced during the ceremony, the awards were hosted by comedian Dusty Slay.
Bridgestone Arena takes home Arena of the year. Photo: Ed Rode
“These awards are truly special because they are selected by those who know the work best—their peers,” said IEBA’s Executive Director Brian Wagner. “They celebrate the visionary minds and tireless leaders working out of the spotlight who, with every show, propel our industry forward.”
Brooklyn Bowl Nashville took home this year’s Club of the Year. Bridgestone Arena was named Arena of the Year. Andrew Fortin of Neste Live! Took Fair/Expo Buyer of the Year and AEG Presents’ Adam Weiser claimed Promoter of the Year. Neste Live! was named Special Events/Corporate Buyer of the Year.
The event also honored the induction of two new members, Alex Hodges and Chuck Morris, into the IEBA Hall of Fame.
Additionally, the IEBA announced its updated branding during the conference, including a new logo and updated tagline, “Live Deals Done Here.”
IEBA 2026 is slated to return to the Grand Hyatt & The Pinnacle Nashville on October 4 – 6.
2025 IEBA Award Winners:
Club of the Year: Brooklyn Bowl Nashville
Casino of the Year: Mohegan Sun
Theater of the Year: Fox Theater Atlanta
Arena of the Year: Bridgestone Arena
Amphitheater of the Year: The Greek Theatre
Fair/Expo of the Year: Wisconsin State Fair
Festival of the Year: Austin City Limits Festival
Club Buyer of the Year: Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
Casino Buyer of the Year: Deana Baker, Choctaw Casino Resort – Durant
Special Events/Corporate Buyer of the Year: Neste Live!
International Buyer of the Year: Susan Heymann, Frontier Touring
Fair/Expo Buyer of the Year: Andrew Fortin, Neste Live!
Festival Buyer of the Year: Amy Corbin, C3 Presents
Venue Executive of the Year: Laurie Jacoby, BSE/Barclays Center
Young Professional of the Year: Marcus Greenstein, Day After Day Productions
Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year: Mike Garcia, USC
Boutique Agency Agent of the Year: Seth Shomes, Day After Day Productions
Major Agency Agent of the Year: Kevin Kastrup, Wasserman Music
Promoter of the Year: Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
Brooklyn Bowl takes home Club of the Year. Photo: Ed Rode
Andrew Fortin and Neste Live! Photo: Ed Rode
Alan Jackson Reveals Details For His Final Concert [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellAlan Jackson. Photo: David McClister
Plans have been announced for Alan Jackson‘s last full-length concert of his touring career. In a show called “Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale,” the Country Music Hall of Fame member will perform for over 50,000 people on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.
An all-star lineup of artists are set to join Jackson to celebrate his career and legacy. Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Lee Ann Womack will all perform at the event, with more to be announced.
“We just felt like we had to end it all where it all started for me, and that’s in Nashville—Music City—where country music lives,” Jackson says, echoing the sentiment he offered when announcing an end to his road career this past spring.
At a May concert in Milwaukee, Jackson announced the end of his touring career, surprising many when he told the sellout crowd, “This is my last road show.”
“It’s been a long, sweet ride. It started 40 years ago,” he went on to explain. “I’ve really lived the American dream for sure—I’m so blessed.”
Registration for pre-sales begins today (Oct. 8) at 10:00 a.m. CT at AlanJacksonLastCall.com and continues through Monday (Oct. 13). Pre-sales begin Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 10:00am CT. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, Oct. 17 (Jackson’s birthday) at 10:00 a.m. CT, should any remain. VIP experiences are also available.
Throughout his touring career, Jackson took his music from coast-to-coast countless times. He crossed Canada from sea-to-sea, and even made its way to such places as Australia, Brazil and Europe. His “Last Call: One More for the Road Tour,” which began in 2022 and continued through this past spring, found the country legend playing to enthusiastic audiences at sellout and capacity concerts.
“Last Call: One More for the Road – The Finale” is presented by Silverbelly Whiskey and promoted by Doussan Music Group and Peachtree Entertainment. $1.00 per ticket will be donated to the CMT Research Foundation, a 501(c)(3) federal tax-exempt organization that funds research to find a cure for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and matched by $2.00 per ticket from a generous donor.
Aimee Graham Launches DGBG Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughAimee Graham
Industry professional Aimee Graham is launching DGBG Entertainment, an artist and industry services company focusing on project management with music coordination and talent booking also available.
Named to MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory in 2025, Graham was formerly a librarian before coming to Nashville in 2014 and working as a freelance writer for outlets Got Country, AXS’ The Rowdy, Wide Open Country and founding the blog The Country Note. In 2016, she began working at the Grand Ole Opry as the Content & Creative Assistant before being promoted to Talent Coordinator. At the Opry, she advanced and documented over 220 live shows a year and assisted in artist relations strategies, including as Project Coordinator on the Opry vinyl Unbroken: Empty Room, Full Circle.
In 2022, she became a Public Programs Manager at the Country Music Hall of Fame, where she revived and restructured the “Musician Spotlight” series, booked the weekly “Songwriter Session,” and contributed to the museum’s “Poets and Prophets” and “Nashville Cats” series, and “From Where I Stand: The Concert Celebration.”
“Coordinating and managing the number of live performances I have over my career, project management has become one of my strongest skills,” says Graham. “As time went on, I was being approached by companies, artists, and industry alike asking for my help on a variety of projects—from historical documentation to single/EP releases, to assisting in large scale, multi-artist performances. It felt the right time to bring these services to the larger music community.”
Graham can be reached at contact@dgbgent.com.