This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly reflects a dynamic period of growth, strategic partnerships, and notable talent moves across the industry, underscoring the continued momentum shaping Nashville and beyond. Click here to see the full edition.
A major headline comes from The Band Perry, who have officially signed with Borchetta Entertainment Group’s management division. In tandem with the signing, Shelby Marvel has joined the Borchetta Entertainment Group team.
On the publishing and creative side, David Ryan Harris has taken on a role at Spirit Music Group as Vice President of A&R. In addition to his executive duties, Harris will continue his creative work as a songwriter and enter into a joint venture partnership with his company, Peace Pourage, Inc.. Meanwhile, Sam Tinnesz has secured a new publishing deal with Reservoir Media.
Community leaders Hal Cato and Jerry Williams have been named to the Board of Officers and Trustees for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Label expansion continues to be a key theme this week, particularly at Big Machine Records and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, which are actively rebuilding and growing their teams following reacquisition efforts. Several familiar faces are returning, including Jay Cruze as National Director of Promotion & Marketing and Carly Leach as Coordinator in the same department. They are joined by Christina Hunt, who steps in as Manager of Digital Marketing, and newcomer Claudia Deters, who will serve as Label Coordinator and Executive Assistant to President and CEO Jimmy Harnen.
Elsewhere, collaboration is taking center stage with the launch of a new joint venture label between Graffiti Sound and Casual Records. The venture will be led by Graffiti Sound founders Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk, alongside Casual Records founder Heather Vassar.
Artist signings also remain a strong focus across the board. Nicholas Jamerson has aligned with Why And How Management and CAA. Rising act Sons of Habit has signed with Lucille Records in partnership with MCA.
On the songwriting front, Austin Bianco has entered a co-publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing, while Jessie Brackin has signed a publishing deal with RED Creative Group.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Luke Combs takes the No. 1 spot with “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
MusiCares Opens Annual Wellness In Music Survey
/by Madison HahnenMusiCares has opened the 2026 Wellness In Music Survey.
Since its inception in 2020, the annual survey has served as a year-over-year check in regarding the health, financial stability and overall well-being of music professionals across the country. Last year, over 3,200 music professionals participated in the survey, more than any other year.
Using the results of the survey, MusiCares has provided over $135 million in assistance to music professionals. In 2025, the organization donated $17 million in support, through year-round services and disaster relief efforts. Support has gone to mental health care, addiction recovery services, emergency financial assistance, resources for touring professionals and more. It also provided critical relief for music professionals impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires and broader economic instability, helping cover immediate needs, rebuild stability and access essential care during times of crisis.
The survey is open now through April 17, and is open to music professionals across all roles and genres, available in English and Spanish, and is submitted completely anonymous.
To access the survey in English, click here.
To access the survey in Spanish, click here.
Justin Moore Notches 14th Career Chart-Topper
/by Lauryn SinkJustin Moore. Photo: Courtesy of Blue Highway Records
Justin Moore has notched his 14th career No. 1 with “Time’s Ticking,” marking the first No. 1 for Blue Highway Records. The track has topped the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart and Billboard Country Airplay chart.
From his latest album, This Is My Dirt, “Time’s Ticking” was written by Moore alongside celebrated songwriters Will Bundy, Randy Montana and Jeremy Stover, and marks Moore’s second No. 1 song off the 2024 record.
“It’s beyond exciting, and humbling, to celebrate our 14th No. 1 with ‘Time’s Ticking,'” shares Moore. “I was proud of the song when we wrote it. I’m thrilled to see it resonate with so many people out there to this extent. Thank you to my entire team, fans, and country radio for continuing the support of our music. We are excited for what’s next with new music and being out doing a tour with my buddy Riley Green. Cheers, and here’s to number 15!”
Last month, Moore released a collection of his chart-topping hits and fan favorites with his Greatest Hits… Moore To Come album. He will hit the road later this month on the “Cowboy As It Gets Tour” with Riley Green.
Darius Rucker’s ‘Riverfront Revival’ Charleston Music Festival Unveils 2026 Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughDarius Rucker‘s Riverfront Revival is returning to North Charleston’s Riverfront Park on Oct. 9-10 with a lineup that includes Old Dominion, Nelly, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and many more.
This year’s lineup will also feature Gavin Adcock, BigXthaPlug, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Austin Williams, Atlus, Dani Rucker, Gullah Collective, Karley Scott Collins, Saluda Shoals, Mel Washington, Whiskey Run and AC Scar, highlighting a mix of established names and rising talent.
“Riverfront Revival has always been about bringing great music and great people together in a place that means everything to me,” reflects Rucker. “Getting to build this in Charleston year after year has been incredible, and this lineup shows how much it’s grown while still staying true to what the festival is all about.”
Pre-sales are now open, and festival-goers can sign up here to receive a pre-sale passcode. General on sale begins April 8 via RiverfrontRevival.
Riverfront Revival continues to support the Charleston community through philanthropic efforts, and a portion of proceeds from each ticket sold benefits the Carolyn G. Rucker Nursing Scholarship at the Medical University of South Carolina and Rock ‘N Roll Rescue, which delivers equitable access to music education locally.
Fort Campbell To Host America250 Celebration Featuring The Legend Of Charlie Daniels Tribute
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie Daniels
Fort Campbell will host an Independence Day celebration on the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Parade Field in honor of the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. featuring The Legend of Charlie Daniels Tribute Concert, including a state-of-the art Charlie Daniels hologram.
The free event will also include performances by Aaron Tippin, Eric Lee Beddingfield and the 101st Airborne Division Band, and will bring together service members, families, veterans and civilians to honor 250 years of American freedom. Fort Campbell has been selected as an official America250 Block Party Partner Site, placing it at the center of what is expected to be the largest synchronized Fourth of July celebration in United States history.
As part of this unprecedented nationwide moment, more than 350 million Americans will be united through live celebrations and a shared national broadcast experience, with audiences also able to tune in via the iHeartRadio app from neighborhood gatherings across the country. This designation positions Fort Campbell as a premier destination in a historic, coast-to-coast celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday.
July 4, 2026 marks 250 years since the founding of the United States, a milestone few generations will witness. Headlining the evening, The Legend of Charlie Daniels tribute concert will bring Daniels’ legacy and legendary stage performances back to the stage with a live band for the first time since his passing in 2020.
Festivities begin July 1 with a carnival and brand activations continuing throughout the week, leading into the July 4 celebration.
Maverick Nashville Elevates Three
/by Lauryn SinkTori MacDonald-Nash, Ashley Negrillo & Grace Foster. Photo: Courtesy of Maverick Nashville
Maverick Nashville has elevated three staff members including Tori MacDonald-Nash, Ashley Negrillo and Grace Foster.
After 13 years at Maverick, MacDonald-Nash rises to Director of Artist Projects. In her new role, she continues to lead logistics on projects for Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, and Hootie & the Blowfish. A Belmont University graduate, she spearheaded the planning and execution of major concert events and philanthropic initiatives, including Rucker’s annual St. Jude benefit concerts and the recent CRS surprise party honoring Aldean’s 31 No. 1 hits.
Negrillo rises to Senior Creative Director. Since joining the company in 2021 as TourDesign Creative, the Pepperdine University graduate has worked with various clients at the company. Most recently, Negrillo played a key role in the visuals behind Aldean’s upcoming Songs About Us album including album packaging and the fireside acoustic performance videos.
Foster now steps into the newly-created role of Manager, Marketing Strategy and Fan Engagement. Since joining Maverick in 2022 after graduating from Belmont University, the Chicago native leads the company’s e-commerce and fan engagement initiatives.
Led by industry veterans Clarence Spalding and Chris Parr, Maverick Nashville represents Brooks & Dunn, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Terri Clark, Hootie & the Blowfish, Lauren Alaina, Shane Profitt, Jenna LaMaster and Howl Owl Howl.
‘Music Night’ Episode 1, Featuring Brett James, Now Streaming Worldwide
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): the late Brett James, Bobby Bones, Kelly Archer and Matt Jenkins
Following its debut as a live broadcast in movie theaters, the songwriter show Music Night is now expanding into streaming, with Episode 1 now available across major platforms including Apple, Amazon and YouTube.
Additional platforms including Tubi, Xumo and others will roll out soon, bringing the one-of-a-kind music experience to audiences across the country and around the world. Originally making history as the first-ever songwriter round broadcast live to more than 400 movie theaters nationwide, Music Night captures the raw, unfiltered magic of Nashville’s most treasured musical tradition and now makes it accessible to a global audience. Episode 1 now holds added significance as the final recorded performance from Brett James, capturing the songwriter doing what he loved most, sharing songs and stories in their purest form, before his untimely passing.
Hosted by award-winning radio and TV personality Bobby Bones, Episode 1 also features Kelly Archer and Matt Jenkins. Collectively, Archer, James and Jenkins have penned more than 40 No. 1s recorded by Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill and more. The episode offers an intimate, stripped-down experience, blending live performances with the personal stories behind some of country’s most iconic songs, including “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Setting the World on Fire,” “Cop Car” and “Sleep Without You.”
Created and produced by Executive Producer Dean Sell, Music Night marks the first release from Nashville Music Network, a new platform designed to connect the people and places of Music City with music lovers around the world. Episode 2 is slated to go live this fall.
“This was always meant to be bigger than one night,” says Sell. “Bringing Music Night to streaming allows us to continue giving songwriters the platform they deserve to share their stories and songs with an even wider audience, while building something designed to be an ongoing series.”
Max McNown To Hit The Road On ‘The Summer Vacation Tour’
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Daylin Jarvis.
Max McNown will hit the road on “The Summer Vacation Tour,” kicking off in July.
The 24-date run will make stops in Washington, Wyoming, Illinois and many more through August. He will be joined by Briscoe, The Jack Wharff Band, Sam Burchfield, The Band Perry, Waylon Wyatt and Lily Meola on select dates. Tickets go on sale on Friday (April 10).
The announcement comes on the heels of McNown’s two sold-out nights at the Ryman Auditorium last week. He released his stripped-back EP, Both Sides of the Blade in November 2025, and is slated to release new music throughout the year. Between headlining dates, McNown is slated to make appearances at several festivals, including Stagecoach, Boots in the Park, Boots and Hearts Music Festival and many more.
“The Summer Vacation Tour” Dates:
Jul 8 – McMenamins Grand Lodge – Forest Grove, OR ~
Jul 9 – Dune Peninsula – Tacoma, WA ~
Jul 11 – Cowboys Music Festival – Calgary, AB *
Jul 12 – Country Thunder Saskatchewan – Craven, SK *
Jul 14 – The Old Saloon – Emigrant, MT – SOLD OUT #
Jul 15 – King Concert Series at Snow King Summit Stage – Jackson, WY #
Jul 16 – Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden – Boise, ID #
Jul 20 – The Pub Station Ballroom – Billings, MT with &
Jul 28 – Bottle & Cork – Dewey Beach, DE ^
Jul 29 – Lake Morey Summer Concert Series – Fairlee, VT ^
Jul 31 – Osheaga Festival – Montreal, QC *
Aug 1 – Roadrunner – Boston, MA ^
Aug 2 – The Fillmore – Silver Spring, MD ^
Aug 5 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL ^
Aug 6 – The Sylvee – Madison, WI ^
Aug 7 – WE Fest – Detroit Lakes, MN *
Aug 9 – Boots & Hearts Fest – Oro Medonte, ON *
Aug 11 – Hard Rock Casino Ottawa – Ottawa, ON ^
Aug 12 – Casino New Brunswick – Moncton, NB % ^
Aug 13 – Scotiabank Centre – Halifax, NS
Aug 15 – Lasso Country Music Fest – Montreal, QC
Aug 16 – Erie County Fair – Hamburg, NY +
Aug 17 – The Fillmore – Philadelphia, PA #
Aug 19 – The Rooftop at Pier 17 – New York, NY #
Aug 28 – Edmonton, AB – Boots & Hearts Fest *
Sep 3 – Alaska State Fair – Palmer, AK *
Sep 27 – Bourbon & Beyond – Louisville, KY *
With Special Guest
~ Briscoe
# The Jack Wharff Band
^ Sam Burchfield
% The Band Perry
+ Waylon Wyatt
& Lily Meola
* Festival Date
Ashley Anne Announces Upcoming EP ‘Generational Heartbreak,’ Due In May
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Anne is gearing up for the release of her new EP, Generational Heartbreak, on May 1.
Along with the announcement she’s released a new single from the project, the infectious “Paloma.” Inspired by a girls’ night out celebrating a birthday, Anne uses the cocktail as a metaphor for womanhood, confidence, and stepping into a more self-assured version of yourself.
“’Paloma’ was written after a girls’ night out celebrating one of my best friend’s birthdays,” says Anne. “I had freshly turned 21 and had yet to figure out my more mature taste for certain cocktails. Out of fun, my girl Laci Kaye Booth let me take a sip of her paloma. I remember it tasting so bitter and thinking to myself, ‘it takes a mature woman to enjoy this drink, and that’s hot.’ I wrote the title down in my phone and rambled about how I aspired to be the girl who could handle the sour taste of a paloma, because that’s hot.”
The song has already caught the attention of Booth and earned early support from Carly Pearce and Avery Anna. Anne recently performed at the Song Suffragettes’ 12th Anniversary show honoring Carly Pearce at The Listening Room, further cementing her growing presence among country music’s rising female voices. She recently wrapped a 12-city run opening for Maddox Batson, and is currently on the road supporting Avery Anna and Max McNown on select dates.
Generational Heartbreak EP Track List:
1. “love looks like” (Ryan Kohn, Ashley Anne, Eli Winders)
2. “found you broken” (Ashley Anne, Kevin Monahan, Averie Bielski)
3. “happy birthday” (Averie Bielski, Ashley Anne, Kevin Monahan)
4. “paloma” (Ashley Anne, Jason Earley, Kevin Monahan)
5. “phone a friend” (Ashley Anne, Kevin Monahan, Anna Vaus)
6. “nevermind” (Ashley Anne, Connor Hicks, Ryan Kohn)
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenA major headline comes from The Band Perry, who have officially signed with Borchetta Entertainment Group’s management division. In tandem with the signing, Shelby Marvel has joined the Borchetta Entertainment Group team.
On the publishing and creative side, David Ryan Harris has taken on a role at Spirit Music Group as Vice President of A&R. In addition to his executive duties, Harris will continue his creative work as a songwriter and enter into a joint venture partnership with his company, Peace Pourage, Inc.. Meanwhile, Sam Tinnesz has secured a new publishing deal with Reservoir Media.
Community leaders Hal Cato and Jerry Williams have been named to the Board of Officers and Trustees for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Label expansion continues to be a key theme this week, particularly at Big Machine Records and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, which are actively rebuilding and growing their teams following reacquisition efforts. Several familiar faces are returning, including Jay Cruze as National Director of Promotion & Marketing and Carly Leach as Coordinator in the same department. They are joined by Christina Hunt, who steps in as Manager of Digital Marketing, and newcomer Claudia Deters, who will serve as Label Coordinator and Executive Assistant to President and CEO Jimmy Harnen.
Elsewhere, collaboration is taking center stage with the launch of a new joint venture label between Graffiti Sound and Casual Records. The venture will be led by Graffiti Sound founders Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk, alongside Casual Records founder Heather Vassar.
Artist signings also remain a strong focus across the board. Nicholas Jamerson has aligned with Why And How Management and CAA. Rising act Sons of Habit has signed with Lucille Records in partnership with MCA.
On the songwriting front, Austin Bianco has entered a co-publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing, while Jessie Brackin has signed a publishing deal with RED Creative Group.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Luke Combs takes the No. 1 spot with “Sleepless In A Hotel Room.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Johnny Blue Skies & The Dark Clouds Slate ‘Mutiny For The Masses Tour’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughJohnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds. Photo: Edwin Keeble
Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds have announced their new 2026 “Mutiny For The Masses Tour” tour, which will kick off Sept. 4 at Austin’s Moody Center.
The new tour will include 29 dates across North America and will feature stops in Santa Barbara, San Diego, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Charleston and more, with a Nashville stop at Bridgestone Arena set for Oct. 2. The tour will wrap at Lexington, Kentucky’s Rupp Arena on Halloween weekend, October 30. General on-sale for the tour begins on April 10, with pre-sales starting on April 8.
The band’s latest album, Mutiny After Midnight is out now on vinyl, CD and cassette via High Top Mountain/Atlantic Outpost and is also available as a digital download exclusively on iTunes in a “full album for purchase only” format – with an expanded track list featuring Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds’ take on Eddie Murphy’s “Party All The Time.” The band’s renditions of Procol Harum’s “A Whiter Shade of Pale” and William Bell’s “You Don’t Miss Your Water” will be released as a 7” picture disc on April 18, exclusively for Record Store Day 2026.
“Mutiny For The Masses Tour” Dates:
Sep 4 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
Sep 6 – Rio Rancho, NM – Rio Rancho Events Center
Sep 8 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
Sep 9 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
Sep 11 – Inglewood, CA – Kia Forum
Sep 13 – San Diego, CA – Viejas Arena
Sep 15 – Berkeley, CA – The Greek Theatre
Sep 18 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Sep 19 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum
Sep 21 – Eugene, OR – Matthew Knight Arena
Sep 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Sep 26 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
Sep 27 – St. Paul, MN – Grand Casino Arena
Sep 29 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Oct 2 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Oct 3 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Oct 6 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
Oct 7 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Oct 9 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center
Oct 10 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
Oct 13 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
Oct 15 – Philadelphia, PA – Xfinity Mobile Arena
Oct 16 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Oct 18 – Washington DC – Capital One Arena
Oct 21 – Raleigh, NC – Lenovo Center
Oct 23 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
Oct 25 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
Oct 27 – New Orleans, LA – Lakefront Arena
Oct 30 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena