Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 37th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Male Artist of the Year category.
This category honors the achievements of a Nashville male artist during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 15 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Kane Brown started 2025 off with the release of his fourth album, The High Road. Among the album’s track list is the global hit “Miles On It” with Marshmello, and his recently crowned 13th No. 1 radio single “Backseat Driver.” Accompanying the album was his headline arena tour, where he brought his famous live shows to fans across the country. Known for his performance skills, Brown has been a 2x ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee. At the end of 2024, Brown was recognized with People’s Choice Country Awards’ Country Champion Award. Brown has also continued his work with The Boys & Girls Club, and through that has been honored with the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Humanitarian Award and the Champion of Youth Award from The Boys & Girls Club.
Two-time CMA Entertainer of Year Luke Combs started off 2025 with an induction into the Music City Walk of Fame, and became the first country artist to have two songs reach a billion streams on Spotify. He also was honored as the first country artist to have three RIAA Diamond certified singles. Combs recently notched another No. 1 at country radio with his hit Twisters soundtrack song “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma.” His 2024 Fathers & Sons album was released with critical acclaim, and takes a look into the emotional bond of fatherhood. Combs had his own exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. He joined forces with Opry Entertainment Group to open his own music venue and bar on Broadway, Category 10, and his touring schedule this year included headline performances at Stagecoach, New Orleans’ JazzFest, Lollapalooza and Boston Calling, as well as Bonnaroo, where he was the first ever country act to headline the festival. Combs also created and headlined “Concert for Carolina” at Bank of America Stadium, raising over $24.5 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Since breaking out with “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” Riley Green has continued to embody the rowdy and emotional sides of country music. His third studio album Don’t Mind If I Do was released in October, and set Green on a non stop upward trajectory. The 18-track project includes fan favorites such as “Jesus Saves” and the 2x Platinum “Worst Way,” both of which are solo-penned by Green. The title track, also solo-written, finds Green back with Ella Langley after their monster year off successes with“You Look Like You Love Me,” which gained Green three ACM Awards this past April. He is currently on his own headline “Damn Country Music Tour,” with stops in New York, Nashville, Chicago, Boston and more. Green also recently opened his own bar, Riley Green’s Duck Blind in Nashville’s Midtown, connected to Loser’s Bar & Grill.
Cody Johnson has built up his reputation by gathering a loyal fan base with sold-out shows and consistent streaming numbers. Johnson has cultivated his meaningful discography through releases of Leather Deluxe Edition, Leather, Human The Double Album, A Cody Johnson Christmas, Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live and Ain’t Nothin’ To It. His hit single “Dirt Cheap” was awarded Storyteller of The Year at the People’s Choice Country Awards and Song of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards. Another hit track “The Painter” was awarded as the NSAI 2024 Song of The Year. Throughout his career, Johnson has been named CMT Artist of The Year and won three CMT Music Awards wins, four CMA Awards including Album of The Year (2024) for Leather, and Best New Country Artist at the iHeart Music Awards. Johnson has performed on the Today Show, the Kelly Clarkson Show and the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as live TV performances at the iHeart Music Awards, the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, CMT Music Awards, CMT Giants honoring Vince Gill, the CMT Artist of the Year Special and more.
Grammy nominated Nashville native Jelly Roll ended 2024 with the release of his Beautifully Broken album, which topped the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart, the first time in his career. The critically-acclaimed project was accompanied by his sold-out arena tour across the country. The 2024 iHeart Radio awards gave him eight genre-spanning nominations and wins for Best New Country and Pop artist. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Jelly Roll was nominated for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance with “I Am Not Okay.” Jelly Roll has amassed seven consecutive No. 1s to date at country radio. His hit song “Save Me” spent 28 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Emerging Artists chart, and is RIAA Platinum certified. Outside of music, Jelly Roll also donated a recording studio at the juvenile detention center he served in as a teen, and released his Save Me documentary.
Tallying a career 18 No. 1 singles at country radio, 19 Billboard Music Awards, more than 190 weeks spent atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, Morgan Wallen continues to push the genre to its limits. Wallen won his first Entertainer of the Year award at the 2024 CMA Awards. His fourth studio album I’m The Problem was released in May. Upon its release, it debuted at No. 1 globally across seven countries. The project has also already had three No. 1s on country radio, including the eight week No. 1 title track. He also broke his own record for the most simultaneous entries in Billboard Hot 100 History, with all 37 songs charting upon release week. His 20 stadium show “I’m The Problem Tour” is currently taking place, and was preceded by his own Sand In My Boots Festival on the shores of Alabama. He also celebrated the release of the project with a show at The Roundhouse in London. Wallen also puts a portion of every ticket sold towards his Morgan Wallen Foundation, which donates funds to youth music and athletic programs.
Gavin Adcock Hosts Album Listening Party On Old Hickory Lake
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Jacob Lipperman
Gavin Adcock held a listening party ahead of his album release this week. Hundreds of friends and fans gathered at Two Foot Cove on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville over the weekend to celebrate the upcoming release of his sophomore record Own Worst Enemy via his own Thrivin’ Here Records LLC under exclusive license to Warner Music Nashville. Ahead of the album’s Friday (Aug. 15) release, Adcock surprised fans today (Aug. 13) with the release of a new song, “Light A Fire.”
“Over the last 4 years I’ve spent my life writing, traveling and trying to find time to breathe,” Adcock says of the release. “It doesn’t always add up on paper like it would seem, but through the happiness, hard times and self-destruction, I’ve found that the best part of my job is letting out music for my fans. I can’t thank y’all enough for sticking with me for this long. I’m the furthest thing from perfect and I don’t ever plan to be.”
Adcock is nominated for this year’s Discovery Artist of the Year at the MusicRow Awards. He is currently amidst his headlining “Need To Tour” and will join Morgan Wallen for select dates this year.
Own Worst Enemy Track List:
1. “Morning Bail” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton, Ben Foster, Colton Venner)
2. “Outside Dog” (Josh Thompson, Chase Mcgill, Matt Dragstrem)
3. “Light A Fire” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton, Brad Clawson)
4. “Hard Headed Heart” (Tucker Beathard, Josh Miller, Jacob Hackworth)
5. “Never Call Again” (Gavin Adcock, Joy Beth Taylor, Colton Venner, Jack Rauton)
6. “Graveyard” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton, Mitchell Ferguson)
7. “Need To” (Casey Beathard, Tucker Beathard, Joybeth Taylor, Austin Goodloe)
8. “Last One To Know” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton, Erik Dylan, Luke Laird)
9. “On One” (Gavin Adcock, Dan Isbell, Rhett Akins)
10. “Sick And Tired” (Gavin Adcock, Jay Rodgers)
11. “Own Worst Enemy” (Gavin Adcock)
12. “Sunset” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip)
13. “Next To Nothin” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton)
14. “Ain’t Workin Anymore” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton, Jesse Frasure)
15. “Black Sheep” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton, Erik Dylan)
16. “Turn Down The Lights” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton)
17. “If I Can’t Have You” (Gavin Adcock, Rhett Akins, Jim Beavers)
18. “Loose Strings”(Brent Cobb, Erik Dylan, Phillip White)
19. “Almost Gone (Feat Vincent Mason)” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Hummel, Vincent Mason, Jack Rauton, Chase Mcdaniel)”
20. “Unlucky Strikes” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton, Erik Dylan, Will Bundy)
21. “Losing Hope” (Gavin Adcock, Tucker Beathard)
22. “Regret” (Gavin Adcock, Jack Rauton)
23. “Runner” (Jack Rauton, Dan Pellerin)
24. “Tall Tales” (Gavin Adcock, Liam Rian)
John Prine Family Reveals Schedule For Fourth Annual ‘You Got Gold’ Event
/by Lorie HollabaughThe John Prine family has revealed the schedule for the fourth and final “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine” event, set to return to Nashville from Oct. 9-12.
This event will feature performances at some of the city’s most legendary venues, including the Ryman Auditorium (Oct. 10, John Prine’s birthday), The Basement East (Oct. 9), The Bluebird Cafe (Oct. 9), and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater (Oct. 11). The four-day gathering will also include several special events such as official pop-ups, a film screening, song circles, and more.
Proceeds from the event benefit The Hello In There Foundation and a range of community grantees the foundation supports throughout the year. The CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Bluebird Cafe, and Basement East shows have sold out. Each show will feature performances by an array of surprise artists, celebrating Prine’s career and the beloved community he built over the past 50 years.
“For the past four years, we’ve been grateful to share a journey of love, music, and memory with you at You Got Gold – celebrating the incomparable life and songs of our beloved John Prine. With lots of gratitude in our hearts, we’re announcing that this October’s gathering in Nashville will mark our final year of this very special event,” says Fiona Prine. “Witnessing John’s community of fans return year after year has been nothing short of magical. But perhaps what has moved us most deeply is watching the beautiful connections you’ve strengthened with each other. We promise to share more opportunities to do that in 2026 and beyond!”
Since its inception in 2021, The Hello in There Foundation has made a significant impact, having donated over one million dollars by the end of 2024. Last year’s You Got Gold event raised over $300,000 to support the foundation’s mission.
October 9:
1 PM: Belcourt: Film To Be Announced (ticket required, on sale soon)
6 PM: Bluebird Cafe You Got Gold Concert (SOLD OUT)
7:30 PM: Basement East Concert (SOLD OUT)
October 10:
10 AM – Trolley Tours (ticket required)
11 AM – 5 PM – Oh Boy Roadshow (location to be announced)
3 PM – 7 PM – Paint for Prine at PNC Plaza, Ryman Auditorium (free to attend)
5 PM – 7 PM – Birthday Bash at Friends In Low Places Bar. (free to attend; drinks and food available for purchase)
7:30 PM – Ryman Auditorium You Got Gold Concert (ticket required)
*After the Ryman show, head to Acme Feed & Seed for a special after-party featuring Oh Boy’s own Collin Fidler and band performing Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings in its entirety. (free to attend; drinks and food available for purchase)
October 11:
10 AM – Thistle Farms Volunteer Activity and Lunch (free; registration required)
2:30 PM – Book Talk: Author Tom Piazza with Fiona Prine, Ford Theater, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (ticket required)
7:30 PM – CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum You Got Gold Concert (SOLD OUT)
October 12:
10 AM – Guitar Pull and Brunch at Brown’s Diner (free to attend; drinks and food available for purchase)
1 – 5 PM – 4th Annual John Prine Birthday Bash at John Prine Memorial Park (free to attend)
7 PM – imogene + willie’s You Got Gold 2025 Wrap Party (free; registration required)
BigXThaPlug Reveals Track List For Country Collaboration Album ‘I Hope You’re Happy’
/by Lauryn SinkBigXThaPlug has unveiled the track list for his upcoming country collaboration album, I Hope You’re Happy, due Aug. 22.
BigXThaPlug joined Apple Music in their Los Angeles studio to reveal that Darius Rucker, Jelly Roll, Bailey Zimmerman, Ella Langley, Luke Combs, Shaboozey, Ink, Thomas Rhett and Tucker Wetmore will join him on this record.
Nashville songwriters are also represented on the record, with writing credits from Ben Johnson, Rocky Block, Emily Weisband, Laura Veltz, Dave Cohen and more.
I Hope You’re Happy Track List:
1. “I Hope You’re Happy (feat. Darius Rucker)” (Xavier Landum, Krishon Gaines, Tony Coles Anderson, Charles Nelson Forsberg, Chris Stapleton, Anderson East)
2. “Gone (interlude)”
3. “Box Me Up (feat. Jelly Roll)” (Jordan K. Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Gregory “Aldae” Hein, James Gutch, Stavros Tsarouhas, Xavier Landum, Jason DeFord)
4. “All The Way (feat. Bailey Zimmerman)” (Xavier Landum, Charles Nelson Forsberg, Krishon Gaines, Ben Johnson, KK Johnson, Jenna Johnson)
5. “Hell At Night (feat. Ella Langley)” (Xavier Landum, Ryan Vojtesak, Krishon Gaines, Yuval Haim Chain, Rocky Block, Joybeth Taylor, Ella Langley, Ro’Darrion Harrison)
6. “Gift & a Curse (interlude)”
7. “Pray Hard (feat. Luke Combs)” (Xavier Landum, Luke Combs, Nick Monson, Jon Robert Hall, Mark Nilan Jr., Dave Cohen, Krishon Gaines)
8. “Home (feat. Shaboozey)” (Xavier Landum, Collins Obinna Chibueze, Bryant Taylorr, Scoot Teasley, Krishon Gaines, Tony Esterly, Sean Cook, Dave Cohen, Charles Nelson Forsberg)
9. “24/7 (feat. Ink)” (Xavier Landum, JT Daly, Nick Gale, Krishon Gaines, Hank Compton, Emily Weisband, Ro’Darrion Harrison, Atia Boggs)
10. “About You (feat. Tucker Wetmore)” (Written by: Xavier Landum, Jon Hume, Krishon Gaines, Dave Cohen, Laura Veltz, Jackson Nance, David Ray Stevens)
11. “Long Nights (feat. Thomas Rhett)” (Xavier Landum, Krishon Gaines, Ryan Vojtesak, Bryant Taylorr, Mike Ewing, Jenna Andrews, Stephen Kirk)
Matt Mathews Signs With WME
/by Lauryn SinkMatt Mathews. Photo: Liesa Cole
Comedian and singer/songwriter Matt Mathews has signed with WME for global representation.
“I’m beyond excited to be joining the team at WME,” shares Matthews. “I’ve built so much from the ground up with a small but mighty crew, and now it’s time to level up with a whole new team of people who believe in the vision just as much as I do. It’s equal parts surreal and overdue— we’re just getting started.”
The Alabama native is currently on his Live Nation promoted “Boujee On A Budget Tour,” which launched earlier last year. The tour has now expanded to 89 shows and counting with over 150,000 tickets already sold. Additionally, he is readying his debut album due next year. Mathews kicks off the second leg of his tour on Sept. 12 in Knoxville, Tennessee and will trek across the US through the end of the year. The second leg of the tour will include multiple shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and a homecoming show in Birmingham, Alabama on Dec. 29.
In addition to WME, Mathews is represented by Oscar Peterson for management, Jeff Jones of FBMM, for business management and Ebie McFarland and Joseph Conner of Essential Broadcast Media for public relations.
2025 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Male Artist Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 37th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Male Artist of the Year category.
This category honors the achievements of a Nashville male artist during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 15 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Kane Brown started 2025 off with the release of his fourth album, The High Road. Among the album’s track list is the global hit “Miles On It” with Marshmello, and his recently crowned 13th No. 1 radio single “Backseat Driver.” Accompanying the album was his headline arena tour, where he brought his famous live shows to fans across the country. Known for his performance skills, Brown has been a 2x ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee. At the end of 2024, Brown was recognized with People’s Choice Country Awards’ Country Champion Award. Brown has also continued his work with The Boys & Girls Club, and through that has been honored with the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) Humanitarian Award and the Champion of Youth Award from The Boys & Girls Club.
Two-time CMA Entertainer of Year Luke Combs started off 2025 with an induction into the Music City Walk of Fame, and became the first country artist to have two songs reach a billion streams on Spotify. He also was honored as the first country artist to have three RIAA Diamond certified singles. Combs recently notched another No. 1 at country radio with his hit Twisters soundtrack song “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma.” His 2024 Fathers & Sons album was released with critical acclaim, and takes a look into the emotional bond of fatherhood. Combs had his own exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. He joined forces with Opry Entertainment Group to open his own music venue and bar on Broadway, Category 10, and his touring schedule this year included headline performances at Stagecoach, New Orleans’ JazzFest, Lollapalooza and Boston Calling, as well as Bonnaroo, where he was the first ever country act to headline the festival. Combs also created and headlined “Concert for Carolina” at Bank of America Stadium, raising over $24.5 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Since breaking out with “There Was This Girl” and “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” Riley Green has continued to embody the rowdy and emotional sides of country music. His third studio album Don’t Mind If I Do was released in October, and set Green on a non stop upward trajectory. The 18-track project includes fan favorites such as “Jesus Saves” and the 2x Platinum “Worst Way,” both of which are solo-penned by Green. The title track, also solo-written, finds Green back with Ella Langley after their monster year off successes with“You Look Like You Love Me,” which gained Green three ACM Awards this past April. He is currently on his own headline “Damn Country Music Tour,” with stops in New York, Nashville, Chicago, Boston and more. Green also recently opened his own bar, Riley Green’s Duck Blind in Nashville’s Midtown, connected to Loser’s Bar & Grill.
Cody Johnson has built up his reputation by gathering a loyal fan base with sold-out shows and consistent streaming numbers. Johnson has cultivated his meaningful discography through releases of Leather Deluxe Edition, Leather, Human The Double Album, A Cody Johnson Christmas, Cody Johnson & The Rockin’ CJB Live and Ain’t Nothin’ To It. His hit single “Dirt Cheap” was awarded Storyteller of The Year at the People’s Choice Country Awards and Song of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards. Another hit track “The Painter” was awarded as the NSAI 2024 Song of The Year. Throughout his career, Johnson has been named CMT Artist of The Year and won three CMT Music Awards wins, four CMA Awards including Album of The Year (2024) for Leather, and Best New Country Artist at the iHeart Music Awards. Johnson has performed on the Today Show, the Kelly Clarkson Show and the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, as well as live TV performances at the iHeart Music Awards, the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, CMT Music Awards, CMT Giants honoring Vince Gill, the CMT Artist of the Year Special and more.
Grammy nominated Nashville native Jelly Roll ended 2024 with the release of his Beautifully Broken album, which topped the Billboard 200 All Genre Chart, the first time in his career. The critically-acclaimed project was accompanied by his sold-out arena tour across the country. The 2024 iHeart Radio awards gave him eight genre-spanning nominations and wins for Best New Country and Pop artist. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Jelly Roll was nominated for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance with “I Am Not Okay.” Jelly Roll has amassed seven consecutive No. 1s to date at country radio. His hit song “Save Me” spent 28 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Emerging Artists chart, and is RIAA Platinum certified. Outside of music, Jelly Roll also donated a recording studio at the juvenile detention center he served in as a teen, and released his Save Me documentary.
Tallying a career 18 No. 1 singles at country radio, 19 Billboard Music Awards, more than 190 weeks spent atop Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, Morgan Wallen continues to push the genre to its limits. Wallen won his first Entertainer of the Year award at the 2024 CMA Awards. His fourth studio album I’m The Problem was released in May. Upon its release, it debuted at No. 1 globally across seven countries. The project has also already had three No. 1s on country radio, including the eight week No. 1 title track. He also broke his own record for the most simultaneous entries in Billboard Hot 100 History, with all 37 songs charting upon release week. His 20 stadium show “I’m The Problem Tour” is currently taking place, and was preceded by his own Sand In My Boots Festival on the shores of Alabama. He also celebrated the release of the project with a show at The Roundhouse in London. Wallen also puts a portion of every ticket sold towards his Morgan Wallen Foundation, which donates funds to youth music and athletic programs.
Riley Green To Release ‘Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)’ This Month
/by Madison HahnenRiley Green will release the deluxe edition of his 2024 RIAA Gold-certified Don’t Mind If I Do on Aug. 29 via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.
The new release will feature six new tracks, including “Make It Rain” which has been serving as a preview to fans during his “Damn Country Music Tour.” Additional new tracks include “Cowboy As It Gets” featuring Randy Houser, “I Just Need You,” a duet with Hannah McFarland, “What Am I Supposed To Do Now,” “Bet They’re Biting” and “One To Willie.”
Green co-penned five out of the six new tracks, collaborating with songwriters Blake Pendergrass, Nick Walsh, Tucker Beathard, Randy Montana, Jessi Alexander, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin, Brock Berryhill and Bobby Pinson. “One To Willie” was penned by Monty Criswell, Derek George and Montana. Green tapped Dann Huff once again for production on the new tracks.
Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe) Track List:
1. “That’s A Mistake” (Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Travis Denning)
2. “Change My Mind” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana)
3. “Reel Problems (featuring Luke Bryan)” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin)
4. “Turnin’ Dirt” (Benjy Davis, Wyatt McCubbin, Ben Williams)
5. “Jesus Saves” (Riley Green)
6. “Too Early To Drink” (Matt Roy)
7. “Pick A Place” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan)
8. “Way Out Here” (Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy, Josh Thompson)
9. “Waitin’ All Day” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin, Lydia Vaughan)
10. “Chip Off The Ol’ Block” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Jonathan Singleton)
11. “Alchohall Of Fame” (Riley Green, Kelli Johnson, Drake White)
12. “Rather Be” (Dan Isbell, Randy Montana)
13. “Good Morning From Mexico” (Riley Green)
14. “Torn” (Randy Montana, Drake Milligan, John Pierce)
15. “Damn Good Day To Leave” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Jonathan Singleton, Nick Walsh)
16. “Looking Back On This” (Randy Montana, Jameson Rodgers, Justin Wilson)
17. “Don’t Mind If I Do (featuring Ella Langley)” (Riley Green)
18. “Worst Way” (Riley Green)
19. “Make It Rain” (Riley Green, Blake Pendergrass, Nick Walsh)
20. “Cowboy As It Gets (featuring Randy Houser)” (Riley Green, Tucker Beathard, Randy Montana)
21. “I Just Need You (featuring Hannah McFarland)” (Riley Green, Jessi Alexander, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin)
22. “What Am I Supposed To Do Now” (Riley Green, Brock Berryhill, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana, Bobby Pinson)
23. “Bet They’re Biting” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin)
24. “One To Willie” (Monty Criswell, Derek George, Randy Montana)
BREAKING: Austen Adams Appointed President Of Warner Chappell Music Nashville
/by LB CantrellAusten Adams. Photo: Amy Allmand
Industry leader Austen Adams has been appointed President of Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville. He will begin the role on Sept. 15, reporting to WCM Co-Chairs, CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall.
Adams joins WCM from Big Loud, where he served as Chief Operating Officer of its Publishing and Records divisions for six years, working with a wide array of talent, including Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Ernest and Stephen Wilson Jr., among many others. His two decades of experience also includes time in artist management and entertainment law.
Adam’s appointment at WCM fills the role left behind by Ben Vaughn, who passed away in January.
“Austen is a class act, with trusted relationships across the industry, and a holistic understanding of both the creative and the commercial,” share Moot and Marshall. “Given our longstanding, successful partnership with Austen, Seth, and the Big Loud team, this is a very natural move for both him and us. We’re excited about what he’ll contribute to Warner Chappell and the songwriting community, nurturing the culture in Nashville, while finding fresh ways to bring its talent global opportunities. With Austen and our amazing team on Music Row, we know the commitment, integrity and humanity of Ben Vaughn’s legacy will be carried into the future.”
Adams says, “I’ve always believed that songs and songwriters are the soul of our business. Which is why I’ve been a longtime admirer of what Ben Vaughn and the Warner Chappell team have built. I’m deeply honored to be entrusted with leading the next chapter. Together, we’ll champion storytelling, protect creativity, and help songwriters share their visions in bold and impactful ways. Thank you to Guy and Carianne for their trust in me, and to everyone at Big Loud – especially Seth, Craig and Joey – for their faith and support these last six years.”
Adams has been honored on Billboard’s Country and Indie Power Players lists and named to Leadership Music (Class of 2019).
HARDY, Tucker Wetmore & Cody Johnson To Headline Cavendish Beach Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughHARDY, Tucker Wetmore and Cody Johnson are set to headline the 17th Annual Bell Presents Cavendish Beach Music Festival on July 9-11 in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.
HARDY will headline Thursday night, while Wetmore will make his CBMF debut on Friday night, and Johnson will close out the talent packed festival, finally making his long-awaited Cavendish debut after being originally slated to perform in 2020.
“We’re raising the bar again for 2026,” says Ben Murphy, CEO of Whitecap Entertainment. “The fans have been asking and we can’t wait to have Hardy, Tucker Wetmore and Cody Johnson take the Bell Main Stage. I have no doubt it will be one of the most exciting and high-impact weekends we’ve ever hosted.”
Cavendish Beach Music Festival has quickly grown to become Atlantic Canada’s largest multi-day outdoor music festival. Located in the picturesque coastal resort community of Cavendish, P.E.I, Cavendish is turned into the hottest, most star-studded spot in the region every July, attracting over 60,000 country fans each year. Past performers have included Tyler Childers, Zac Brown Band, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Brett Eldredge, Lady Antebellum, Shawn Mendes, and more.
MusiCares To Offer Family Planning & Reproductive Health Support To Music Professionals
/by LB CantrellMusiCares has partnered with Maven Clinic, the world’s largest virtual clinic for women’s and family health, to provide eligible music professionals with free access to Maven’s inclusive virtual care and support. The platform offers personalized care across every stage of life, including family planning, fertility, maternity, parenting, mental health and menopause.
MusiCares clients can now access 24/7 support through Maven’s virtual platform, connecting with hundreds of providers across 30 specialties—including OB-GYNs, doulas, pediatricians, career coaches, mental health professionals, nutritionists and more, with care available in 35 languages. Appointments are typically available within an hour, and members are paired with a dedicated Care Advocate who guides them throughout their journey and connects them to in-person resources when needed.
Additionally, members can engage with expert-backed educational content and peer communities tailored to their stage of life and needs.
All virtual care within the Maven app is free to eligible MusiCares clients and available with no limit to the number of sessions. In-app copays and associated costs are fully covered by MusiCares. If a client is referred to an external provider through Maven, discounted rates may be available depending on the region.
“Maven and MusiCares both exist as safety nets for people at crucial points in their lives,” says Theresa Wolters, Interim Executive Director and Vice President of Health & Human Services at MusiCares. “Just as we consider the many overlapping challenges a music professional may face, whether that’s financial hardship, mental health struggles, recovery, or caregiving responsibilities, Maven understands that reproductive health and family building are deeply interconnected with all aspects of a person’s life. This partnership offers care that sees the whole person.
“Too often, family planning resources focus on a single milestone, but real life is far more complex,” she adds. “Our clients are touring parents, caregiving partners, new moms navigating postpartum depression, and seasoned professionals managing perimenopause while working. With Maven, we can now offer continuous, compassionate care that supports them through each chapter of their lives.”
“Reproductive and family health doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s deeply connected to how we live, work, and care for others,” shares Isha Vij, Maven’s SVP of employer growth. “Together with MusiCares, we’re helping people access care that supports not just their health, but their ability to keep creating, performing and showing up in the world.”
Eligible MusiCares clients, including those with at least five years of industry experience or six commercially released recordings or videos, can now access Maven’s network of OB-GYNs, mental health providers, lactation consultants, fertility experts, pediatricians and more through the app.
To apply for Maven services through MusiCares, click here.
More Performers Unveiled For 18th ACM Honors
/by Madison HahnenAdditional performers have been revealed for the 18th annual ACM Honors, taking place August 20 at The Pinnacle.
Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Miko Marks and Victoria Shaw have joined the previously announced lineup of Luke Bryan, Russell Dickerson, Karen Fairchild, Carter Faith, Ashley Gorley, Amy Grant, Ashley McBryde, K. Michelle, Carly Pearce and Tucker Wetmore. All performers will celebrate the night’s honorees, which include Lori Badgett, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally, Rissi Palmer, Randy Travis, Twisters, Ben Vaughn and Lainey Wilson.
It was also revealed that Wetmore will present the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards during the show. This will include the honorees for Audio Engineer of the Year, Bass Player of the Year, Casino of the Year, Drummer of the Year, Electric Guitar Player of the Year, Fair/Rodeo of the Year, Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year, Producer of the Year, Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year and Theater of the Year.
“It means a lot to be part of a night that celebrates the unsung heroes of Country Music,” shares Wetmore. “The players, the engineers, the venues, the people behind the scenes — they’re the heartbeat of this industry, and I’m honored to tip my hat to them.”
Carly Pearce and Russell Dickerson will host the 18th annual ACM Honors. Tickets and more information can be found here.