BMLG Partners With Joel Klaiman To Launch Ascend Music

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Pictured (L-R): Scott Borchetta (Founder, Chairman & CEO, Big Machine Label Group); Joel Klaiman (Founder & CEO, ASCEND4M). Photo: Nick Rau for Ascend Music

Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has partnered with Joel Klaiman to launch its newest imprint, Ascend Music. The new label will specialize in breaking and amplifying cross-genre talent, with its first signing slated to be announced later this week.

Scott Borchetta, Founder, Chairman and CEO of BMLG, and Klaiman initially teamed up in 2008 to promote Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” As then-EVP/Promotion & Artist Development at Republic Records, Klaiman collaborated with Borchetta on Swift’s breakthrough albums, Fearless, Speak Now and Red.

“Joel’s energy, vision and passion are contagious, and he never leaves any stone unturned when he’s working with an artist,” shares Borchetta. “He’s bringing great artists to the partnership, and we will be wasting no time in getting out some game-changing music.”

“After witnessing first-hand Scott’s entrepreneurial vision and his deep commitment to fostering an artist-first, development-driven culture, it’s a dream come true to collaborate with him and the BMLG team again,” adds Klaiman. “This new venture will fuel the growth of our artists and expand Ascend Music’s global repertoire – aligned with both our companies’ shared vision and a strategy that unlocks exciting opportunities for all involved.”

Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Holds The Lead On Streaming Charts

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen continues to hold the lead on both the albums and singles charts this week, according to Luminate data. His recently-released I’m The Problem album remains at No. 1 with 173K in total consumption (7.5K in album only and 208 million in song streams). His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” tops the songs chart with 20 million streams this week, adding to its 157 million total.

On the albums chart, Wallen also holds the No. 2 and No. 3 spots with One Thing At A Time garnering 40K in total consumption and Dangerous: The Double Album earning 30K in total consumption. Shaboozey holds the No. 4 spot with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going reaching 28K in total consumption. Rounding out this week’s chart is Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion with 21K in total consumption.

Over on the songs chart, Wallen holds the top three spots. “Just In Case” comes in at No. 2 with 15 million streams this week. “I’m The Problem” follows with 14 million streams. Taking No. 4 is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with 11 million streams this week. Making its way back onto the chart is BigXthaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman with 11 million streams on “All The Way.”

George Wozniak Named CEO Of Nashville-Based Ryan Aviation Group

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George Wozniak

George Wozniak has been named CEO of the Nashville-based Ryan Aviation Group.

Wozniak joined the team of the private luxury aviation travel company in 2020, and oversees key aspects of private charter operations and business growth, most recently serving as Vice President.

“Promoting George to CEO is such a fulfilling moment in my career and the growth of this company,” says Dan Ryan, owner of Ryan Aviation Group. “Back in 2020, I bet on a guy with zero aviation experience, who packed up his life and came to Nashville to chase something bigger with us. Since then, we’ve grown exponentially — not just because he’s an incredible operator, but because he’s an even better human. George leads with kindness, remembers every name and every story — from pilots to their families — and outworks everyone in the room.

“It was always kind of the plan to have him take the helm, just not this fast,” he continues.”He earned it two years ahead of schedule. This isn’t just a promotion — it’s a continuation of the vision we built together. I couldn’t be more confident in where he’ll take us next.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities Ryan Aviation Group has given me and my family over the past five years,” says Wozniak. “That journey continues as I step into this new role, leading our exceptional team in delivering world-class service to our valued clients in close collaboration with our trusted partners, all of whom I’m proud to call friends. I’m deeply appreciative of this moment and energized by a future full of possibility that remains limitless.”

Founded in 2017, Ryan Aviation Group provides specialist private travel services as a global jet company serving its broad roster of clients across multiple industries.

Voting Season Begins: CMA Spotlights Member Input In Awards Process [Interview]

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Sarah Trahern, Tiffany Kerns

Voting for the 59th annual CMA Awards officially opens today (July 7) with the start of the Nomination Ballot. The first of three rounds, this ballot allows CMA Professional Voting Members to write in any artist or project they believe deserves recognition.

CMA leadership is encouraging members to participate early, especially in this critical first phase.

“This is a democratic process that reflects the industry itself—and with that comes responsibility,” says CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. “Being honored by your peers is at the heart of what makes the CMA Awards special.”

All eligible write-in votes count, as long as they fit the criteria for their category. The Nomination Ballot remains open through Wednesday, July 16. After that, the top 20 vote-getters in each category (and the top 15 for Entertainer of the Year) will appear on the Second Ballot, which opens Aug. 5. The Final Ballot—sent Oct. 1—will determine the winners.

This year, CMA is also introducing a change to the Song of the Year category. For the Nomination and Second Ballots, only members in the Composer, Artist, Musician, Producer/Engineer/Studio, and Publisher/PRO categories are eligible to vote. All voting members will still be eligible to vote in the Final Ballot.

Trahern says the goal is to bring more clarity to the difference between Song and Single of the Year. “We wanted to clarify that distinction for voters,” she explains. “By limiting early-round voting to those closest to the song creation process, we’re giving those with specific expertise the opportunity to weigh in on the artistic value of a song.”

She adds that Single of the Year focuses more on commercial success and consumption, noting that CMA’s addition of a dropdown menu in that category has helped remind voters of eligible releases during the July-to-June eligibility window.

The CMA has placed a strong focus this year on education and outreach to ensure members understand the process and feel empowered to participate. Tiffany Kerns, CMA’s Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy, and her team conducted member outreach at CMA Fest and other key industry events leading up to the voting cutoff in early June.

“Voting is one of the greatest benefits our members have,” says Kerns. “It’s not our awards—it’s yours. Every change you see is because we’re listening to our members.”

One common barrier to participation, she says, is the assumption that certain industry professionals aren’t eligible or that their vote doesn’t matter. “We don’t want to assume people know they’re welcome—we want to clearly say it: we want you to be involved.”

According to Trahern, some CMA Awards have been decided by fewer than 20 or 30 votes. “One vote can make history,” she says. “We want to remind every member: your vote counts.”

As the industry evolves, so does CMA’s approach to membership. Trahern notes that CMA’s internal teams and board-led committees are actively reviewing how to ensure current and future members—regardless of geography or job function—have a path to participation.

“It shouldn’t be the case that someone actively working in the industry doesn’t have a way to vote,” she says. “I’ve been really proud of the work the team has done over the past few years to broaden the tent.”

Kerns adds that CMA continues to engage new sectors and expand participation. “Yes, it’s on TV and matters to fans, but we want the industry to be proud of it and feel like they were part of honoring someone through this process.”

The 59th annual CMA Awards will take place Nov. 19 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and will air live on ABC at 7 p.m. CT.

Industry Ink: Combustion Masters, Craig Morgan, MTSU

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Combustion Masters Celebrates Back-To-Back Chart Toppers

Pictured (L-R): Blake Duncan (Sr. Creative Director, Combustion Music), Kelly Lyons (Director of Operations, Combustion Music), Chris Farren (Founder / President, Combustion Music), Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom (VP, Combustion Music) and Keithan Melton (GM, Combustion Music). Photo: Courtesy of Combustion Music

Combustion Masters, the artist development and label arm of Combustion Music, recently celebrated two billion catalog streams with a surprise plaque presentation at their office on Music Row before the July 4th holiday weekend. Combustion Masters artist Corey Kent topped both the Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay charts last week with “This Heart,” also marking a win for Combustion Music.

The chart-topping single was produced by Combustion Founder / President Chris Farren and written by Combustion songwriters Blake Bollinger and Thomas Archer alongside Jacob Hackworth and Michael Tyler. The company also recently celebrated yet another No. 1 on the Mediabase country chart with Kane Brown‘s “Backseat Driver,” bringing Combustion’s overall total to 109 No. 1s in the company’s storied 24-year history.

 

Craig Morgan Performs On Live With Kelly & Mark

Kelly Ripa, Craig Morgan and Mark Consuelos

Country hitmaker and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan joined Live with Kelly & Mark on July 4th to perform “American Soundtrack,” the title track to his new EP on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

In 2023 Morgan re-enlisted in the Army Reserve continuing his military career as a Warrant Officer, and remains an avid supporter of America’s military, making more than 16  overseas trips to perform for our troops. He is a member of the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame and recipient of the USO Merit Award, and in 2018 was awarded the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, one of the highest awards the Department of the Army can bestow upon a civilian in recognition of his significant dedication to our military men and women around the world.

 

‘Blue Bloods In The Round’ Returns July 31

The “Blue Bloods in the Round” event is returning this year and will be held July 31 at Third and Lindsley in Nashville. The event will feature performances from Tom Douglas and Lori McKenna in a family-friendly show with their children Claire Douglas and Chris McKenna. MTSU, Coach Derek Mason and ALC are bringing the show to the public, fans, donors and athletes of MTSU to raise funds for the NIL.

The event will be hosted by film and TV star (Last Man Standing) turned country artist Jet Jurgensmeyer. who recently released the single “Red” which has already garnered 250,000 streams. Also performing in the first round will be rising artist/writers Regan Rousseau, signed to Empire Music, and Matt McClure, who has over 3.8 million streams of his independent hit, “The Shore.” Tickets are available here.

‘CMT Music Awards: Ultimate Party Edition’ To Premiere July 17

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CMT is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its annual awards with CMT Music Awards: Ultimate Party Edition, premiering July 17 on CMT at 9/8 CST.

Hosted by CMT’s Cody Alan, the 90-minute special features brand new sit-downs with Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Cody Johnson, Cole Swindell, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town and Luke Bryan, looking back on their most memorable show appearances and sharing never-before-told stories.

Fans will have an opportunity to vote on the Ultimate Fan Favorite Performance award through CMT’s Facebook and Instagram from July 11-14. The winner will be announced during the special’s premiere.

“From the wildly comedic digital short cold opens to spectacular indoor and outdoor sets spanning Austin to Nashville, it’s been amazing to go back deep into our archives and re-live some of the show’s most iconic moments – and do it alongside the superstar artists that made them happen,” shared Margaret Comeaux, Executive Producer & SVP, Production for CMT. “It was also essential for us to nod to the show’s history as country’s first fan-voted award show by putting the power back in the hands of our fans to help us choose the ultimate fan-favorite moment. We can’t wait for audiences to relive the biggest and best moments from the past two decades of CMT Music Awards – and hear some never-been-told stories along the way.”

TEDxNashvilleWomen: Artist Edition Coming Aug. 24

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TEDxNashvilleWomen: Artist Edition, a TEDx experience featuring seven artists sharing the truth behind the music through story, song, and soul, is set to take place Aug. 24 at Category 10 in downtown Nashville.

Caylee Hammack, Ingrid Andress, Maggie Rose, Avery Anna, Debbie Gibson, Girl Named Tom and MŌRIAH are set to perform two songs each woven into their talks, which will include some big ideas, real stories and vulnerable truths. The show is a rare invitation into the minds of artists, who through their stories and songs will offer perspective, wisdom, and insight, revealing how they see the world and what they believe is possible.

The TEDxNashvilleWomen: Artist Edition is sponsored by Live Nation Women, and tickets are available here.

Neon Coast Adds Two To Team

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Pictured (L-R): Tyler Corrado, Dawson Simmons

Neon Coast, an artist development company and management home to Kane Brown founded by Martha Earls, has added two members to its team.

Tyler Corrado joins as Artist Manager to work alongside Restless Road and Dylan Schneider. Corrado and Earls have also teamed up to add emerging artist and songwriter Alyssa Flaherty to the company’s management roster. Additionally, Dawson Simmons joins as Management Coordinator to support Restless Road, as well as indie alt-pop band Nightly.

Corrado joins the company from Make Wake Artists, where he worked with Jordan Harvey and Niko Moon. Previously, he led BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s social media marketing and fan engagement efforts for Lainey Wilson and Jason Aldean, among others.

Simmons joins Neon Coast from Results Global Agency (formerly 615 Leverage + Strategy), the agency of record for Dolly Parton. There, he helped with marketing initiatives for Parton’s landmark rock album, Rockstar, which debuted at No. 1 on six Billboard charts, among other talent projects and brand licensing strategies. His brand collaborations include work with Busch Light, HEYDUDE, Sonos and Stetson, among others.

“As our unique artist roster continues to expand internationally while growing diverse fanbases, I am excited to announce the addition of our new dynamic team members with wide experience across artist management, brand partnerships, marketing and digital,” says Earls. “Tyler and Dawson both come from companies that I deeply respect. Neon Coast is incredibly lucky to have them join our team, and I am excited for them to work with our artists as they continue to grow their careers.”

Jason & Rhonda Halbert Bring ‘Caretaker’ To Life With Star-Studded Audiobook

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Rhonda and Jason Halbert

Nashville-based creative duo Jason and Rhonda Halbert, known together as R.J. Halbert, have released the immersive audiobook version of their best-selling supernatural novel Caretaker. Featuring an all-star cast including Kelly Clarkson, Amy Grant, Charles Esten, Erick Avari and more, the project blends the Halberts’ decades of industry experience with their passion for storytelling and spiritual reflection.

The novel follows the Keane family as they seek a fresh start in a mysterious New Hampshire home, only to find themselves entangled in something far more sinister than they imagined. The audiobook, narrated by Lost’s Henry Ian Cusick and scored by Joseph Trapanese (Tron: Legacy, The Greatest Showman), brings a cinematic quality to the story, rooted in themes of generational healing, the unseen spiritual world and redemption.

Jason Halbert, a Grammy and Emmy-winning producer, has spent more than two decades as Music Director for Clarkson. His fingerprints can be found across some of Clarkson’s biggest musical moments, including television specials, sold-out tours and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Rhonda Halbert, a music and television manager, has overseen artist careers and creative projects while also working as a published photographer and music supervisor. Together, the two have built a life immersed in both the music industry and the spiritual practices that now shape their fiction.

“We never intended on writing a book,” they share. “We created this story thinking we were writing for a TV series, but a friend recommended that we write it as a book first… We found that writing became therapeutic and healing for us in an extended time of trauma. This project has reignited our creativity in an invigorating way.”

The Caretaker story is personal on many levels. The Halberts were raising their children while touring, navigating life transitions, and eventually rebuilding after their home flooded and had to be torn down. “On a personal level, we had just experienced the flooding of our home… We started to ask some deep questions. Could the spiritual affect our physical lives in a tangible way? And could the physical actions of our decisions affect the spiritual realm?”

That thread of duality—physical and spiritual, seen and unseen—runs throughout Caretaker, which the Halberts say was shaped even further by the audiobook process. “We thought we knew our story and the intensity of the story well. However, once these incredibly talented characters began to bring our tale to life, they brought an entirely new dimension to the experience… Some of the actors’ performances have influenced some of the choices in books 2 and 3.”

With standout narration and a richly layered score, Caretaker offers listeners a suspenseful and emotional experience grounded in imagination and rooted in real-life questions of healing and purpose.

The audiobook is available now at rjhalbert.com, with a wider release on major platforms this summer.

MusicRow Weekly (Artist Roster, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures the energy and evolution of Nashville’s music industry, with new signings, board appointments, legacy tributes and more. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow has unveiled its 2025 Artist Roster issue with Old Dominion gracing the cover. The print edition includes exclusive features on Kenny Chesney’s Las Vegas residency at The Sphere, a discussion with Sara Knabe about Big Loud’s expanding roster, day-to-day management insights from Sophia Sansone and Emily Crews and a backstage look at the Grand Ole Opry. It also spotlights how independent and signed artists are leveraging modern distribution, with input from executives at ONErpm, CMDshft, The Orchard and Stem.

The MusicRow Weekly also contains the nominees for the 2025 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala, which is set for Oct. 6 at the Music City Center.

Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, has joined the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Board of Officers and Trustees, alongside reelections of industry veterans including Vince Gill, Jody Williams and Al Giombetti.

Rising singer-songwriter Trey Pendley has signed with Leo33 and Make Wake Artists. Known for his Southern storytelling and lived-in lyrical approach, Pendley launched his debut track “Drunk as Any Rich Man.”

DJ/songwriter duo AD/HD—Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure—has partnered with The Neal Agency for booking. Born during their time touring with Thomas Rhett, the pair have more than 100 No. 1 hits between them, along with many Grammy nods and major awards.

Canadian breakout Noeline Hofmann has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing. Nashville-based writer and producer Foster Ferrell has inked a deal with 507 Publishing.

Business management firm Wiles + Taylor has elevated five team members, including Lizzy Stone and Amy Gellick to Account Manager, Karla Stafford to Director of Financial Reporting & Compliance and David Zeigler and David Murray to Business Manager.

The Grand Ole Opry will return to the Ryman Auditorium for a one-night-only show on July 17, honoring its final 1974 broadcast at the historic venue. The lineup includes Bill Anderson, Lorrie Morgan and Mandy Barnett, among others, with throwback performances meant to replicate the original night.

Kinfolk Nashville hosted its first-ever Writers Camp, amplifying Black voices in country and beyond. The event featured various creatives with sessions on sync licensing, publishing and Nashville’s changing music scene.

The BMI Cookout made its debut as a Southern Soul takeover in celebration of Black Music Month. Held on the BMI Nashville rooftop, the event featured performances by 803Fresh, Shae Nycole, TA Thomas and Young Guy, hosted by Shannon Sanders and DJ Trucker.

Red Dirt rockers Southall made their Grand Ole Opry debut, performing “Scared Money” and their Platinum-certified hit “Why.” With nearly 700 million career streams, the band continues to build momentum.

The 16th Annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp brought together 27 participants with Williams syndrome for a week of songwriting, artist mentorship and a live performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Their original song, “Our Best Year Yet,” paid homage to the Opry 100 celebration.

This week also features an insightful conversation with Combustion Music’s Chris Farren.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs sit in the No. 1 spot with “Backup Plan” 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.