
Photo: Courtesy of Apple Music
Apple Music has honored the legacy of Toby Keith with its newest release, titled “Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered Collection,” featuring live-recorded covers of the icon’s catalog performed by Ashley McBryde, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, Riley Green and Tucker Wetmore.
“Toby Keith loved music and especially singer-songwriters. He would be so proud of this group of monster talent that covered his songs,” said TK Kimbrell, Toby Keith’s longtime manager and friend. “Thanks, Ashley, Ella, Megan, Parker, Riley and Tucker! Y’all are truly the hottest of the hot, and Toby’s music lives on!”
All covers are available exclusively on Apple Music and include “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action” by McBryde, “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” by Langley, “Who’s Your Daddy?” by Moroney, “Who’s That Man” by McCollum, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” by Green and “As Good As I Once Was” by Wetmore.
“‘A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action’ comes from Toby’s first record in 1993. I’m 10, and I’m at an age now where I can pick songs that I listen to,” says McBryde. “When I think of the word ‘honky-tonk’ and what that would sound like, this is one of my references, like Brooks & Dunn would be a reference. Mark Chesnutt would be a reference. Toby Keith is definitely a reference, especially this song. And then, in my adult life, this song has stayed on my playlist, my bonfire playlist, my go-hang-out-on-a-boat-with-my-friends playlist, or pools or whatever the event is. This is one of my mainstays.”
“When I hear the word ‘legacy,’ I think of legends, and Toby Keith is definitely one of those legends in my book,” says Wetmore. “Like the old saying goes, legends never die, and neither will his music. Toby Keith’s music, in three words, is legendary, nostalgic, and just something that’ll never grow old.”
“It’s one of my favorite Toby songs and one of my favorite country songs of all time,” adds McCollum. “I feel like as a songwriter, I’m always trying to write songs from that perspective of the sad, heartbreak love songs about everything going terribly wrong, which this song encapsulates pretty well. You never had to wonder whose song it was when you heard a Toby song, and this one’s at the top of my list in his catalog. It’s an honor to get to do it.”
AD/HD Inks With The Neal Agency
/by Lauryn SinkAD/HD’s Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley. Photo: Delaney Royer
AD/HD, the duo composed of Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure, has inked with The Neal Agency for booking representation.
The duo was born while on the road with Thomas Rhett in 2018 when the pair would spend their days writing and their evenings deejaying before Rhett took the stage. With more than 100 No. 1 hits collectively between them, Gorley and Frasure each have multiple Grammy nominations, ACM and CMA Awards wins, and Songwriter of the Year wins at ASCAP and BMI. Most recently, Gorley was inducted into the National Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame. Through Gorley’s Tape Room Music and Frasure’s Rhythm House publishing companies, each of them also foster Nashville’s burgeoning songwriting community.
“I literally would not have a career in songwriting if not for my background as a DJ,” reflects Frasure. “Ashley and I have had some amazing moments warming up crowds for some of our favorite artists on the road, so we’re honored to be able to join The Neal Agency roster. The idea of being able to remix radio hits we’ve written and spin them in a DJ set for country music-loving fans sounds like one hell of a good time. Neal Agency is the perfect partner and we’re very excited for the future.”
Adding to Frasure, Gorley says, “We both grew up DJing before we met in Nashville and became close friends and hit co-writers. It’ll be fun to get back in front of country fans together and play new versions of songs that I’m thankful they’ve loved over the years. I work with several of The Neal Agency’s artists and respect the roster and brand they’ve built, so it was a no-brainer to jump in with the team.”
“I had the privilege of working with Ashley and Jesse for nearly a decade during my time at Warner Chappell, so when Jesse called to tell me what they’ve been working on for AD/HD, it was an honor to jump on board,” shares Ryan Beuschel, general manager of TNA. “To have two of the most prolific songwriters in Nashville, and to be able to bring the DJ side of their creativity to the masses, is such a unique opportunity. I know I speak for everyone at The Neal Agency when I say we’re looking forward to bringing their show on the road in the very near future.”
Apple Music Honors Toby Keith With Exclusive Apple Music Nashville Sessions
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Apple Music
Apple Music has honored the legacy of Toby Keith with its newest release, titled “Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Toby Keith Covered Collection,” featuring live-recorded covers of the icon’s catalog performed by Ashley McBryde, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, Riley Green and Tucker Wetmore.
“Toby Keith loved music and especially singer-songwriters. He would be so proud of this group of monster talent that covered his songs,” said TK Kimbrell, Toby Keith’s longtime manager and friend. “Thanks, Ashley, Ella, Megan, Parker, Riley and Tucker! Y’all are truly the hottest of the hot, and Toby’s music lives on!”
All covers are available exclusively on Apple Music and include “A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action” by McBryde, “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” by Langley, “Who’s Your Daddy?” by Moroney, “Who’s That Man” by McCollum, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” by Green and “As Good As I Once Was” by Wetmore.
“‘A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action’ comes from Toby’s first record in 1993. I’m 10, and I’m at an age now where I can pick songs that I listen to,” says McBryde. “When I think of the word ‘honky-tonk’ and what that would sound like, this is one of my references, like Brooks & Dunn would be a reference. Mark Chesnutt would be a reference. Toby Keith is definitely a reference, especially this song. And then, in my adult life, this song has stayed on my playlist, my bonfire playlist, my go-hang-out-on-a-boat-with-my-friends playlist, or pools or whatever the event is. This is one of my mainstays.”
“When I hear the word ‘legacy,’ I think of legends, and Toby Keith is definitely one of those legends in my book,” says Wetmore. “Like the old saying goes, legends never die, and neither will his music. Toby Keith’s music, in three words, is legendary, nostalgic, and just something that’ll never grow old.”
“It’s one of my favorite Toby songs and one of my favorite country songs of all time,” adds McCollum. “I feel like as a songwriter, I’m always trying to write songs from that perspective of the sad, heartbreak love songs about everything going terribly wrong, which this song encapsulates pretty well. You never had to wonder whose song it was when you heard a Toby song, and this one’s at the top of my list in his catalog. It’s an honor to get to do it.”
Noeline Hofmann Inks With Sony Music Publishing
/by Lauryn SinkNoeline Hofmann.
Noeline Hofmann has inked a global publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing.
Hailing from Canada, Hofmann has quickly garnered attention with the release of her debut EP, Purple Gas. The EP received recognition from Zach Bryan, who featured the title track “Purple Gas” as a duet on his latest album, The Great American Bar Scene. The track broke into the Billboard Hot 100, marking her first-ever debut on the chart.
“I am a songwriter first, above all else. It’s all about the song and always will be. I’m in the business of writing songs I hope will outlive my pen, and I’m excited to partner with Sony Music Publishing to continue bringing them into the world,” Hofmann says.
“Noeline is an exceptional songwriter, and she is already connecting with audiences in a profound way,” adds Scout Easley, Vice President, Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing. “Helen Lazenby and I are so excited to welcome her to the SMP family and to support her as she continues to make her mark.”
Hofmann is set to continue touring this summer alongside Zach Bryan, Colter Wall, Charley Crockett, Turnpike Troubadours and 49 Winchester.
Eric Church To Livestream Trilogy Of Red Rocks Shows Exclusively On Nugs
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church. Photo: Anthony D’Angio
Eric Church’s three-night run of shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre over July 14-16 are now available to fans around the globe as a pay-per-view event via nugs, the live concert streaming platform.
In the exclusive, pay-per-view event fans can tune in as Church curates a unique, immersive experience for each of the special shows. On July 14 Eric Church vs. The Machine will feature a full-scale production featuring his band joined by a dynamic ensemble of strings, horns and choir. On July 15 Eric Church vs. The ECB will include a raw, high-energy set with his original band, including longtime collaborator Joanna Cotten. The July 16 show Eric Church vs. The Guitar will feature a stripped-down, intimate evening with Church delivering an acoustic performance.
Available in both HD and 4K, the pay-per-view events can be purchased now via the nugs mobile app on iOS and Android or online via nugs.net. While mobile and desktop are the points of purchase, the shows can also be streamed on the big screen via the nugs app on Roku or AppleTV. Church has a long, storied history at Red Rocks, making his debut on the legendary stage in August 2007. His August 2016 performance at the venue was captured for a PBS special, highlighted by his striking cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
With the recent release of his new album Evangeline vs. The Machine, Church will also bring this next chapter of his live show to fans in arenas coast to coast with his 22-date “Free the Machine Tour,” which kicks off on Sept. 12.
Rusty Gaston Joins CMHOFM Board Of Officers & Trustees
/by Lauryn SinkRusty Gaston. Photo: Meagan Little
Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston has joined the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Board of Officers and Trustees.
Jody Williams was reelected as board chair. Williams, who is founder of Jody Williams Songs, was named chair last year and has served on the museum’s board for 18 years.
Executive officers reelected include Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill as president, Al Giombetti as executive vice president, David Ross as secretary and Ernie Williams as treasurer. Ross, Ernie Williams and Jody Williams were also reelected as trustees. Other returning trustees include Mark Bloom, David Conrad, J. William Denny, Rod Essig, Giombetti, Ken Levitan and Mary Ann McCready.
All other current board officers were reelected as well including Earl Bentz, Sara Finley, Becky Gardenhire, Lon Helton, Clint Higham, Cindy Mabe, Jim Seabury, Bill Simmons, Clarence Spalding, Chris Stewart, Troy Tomlinson, Jay Turner, Marcus Whitney and Tim Wipperman.
Executive officers and officers are elected to one-year terms, and trustees serve three-year terms.
No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup
/by Lauryn SinkThe No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival returns to South Maui Nov. 6–9, bringing songwriters to the island for a long weekend of music, storytelling and philanthropy.
Now in its second year, the event is has performances and programming taking place in the Wailea and Kihei communities. In addition to hosting exclusive shows, the festival raises funds for Lele Aloha Foundation, which provides direct aid including housing solutions, essential supplies and support for families affected by the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, and the Maui Family YMCA Music Program, which has delivered more than 600 free music lessons in piano and ukulele.
This year’s guests include Jeffrey Steele, Jessi Alexander, Randy Houser, Tucker Wetmore, Marti Frederiksen, Mackenzie Carpenter, Lydia Vaughan, Jacob Hackworth, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Elisha Hoffman, Derick Sebastian, Micah Carpenter, Ryan Beaver and many special guests to be announced.
“Music is powerful but pairing it with purpose is where the real magic happens,” says festival co-founder Danny Goodfellow. “This is more than a festival—it’s a cultural bridge between Nashville and Maui, and a way to give back to a community that inspires us.”
A full schedule and ticket information is available here.
Otto Padrón Named Co-President & COO Of Get After It Media
/by Lorie HollabaughOtto Padrón
Otto Padrón has been appointed as Co-Owner, Co-President, and Chief Operating Officer of Get After It Media.
In his new role, Padrón will oversee day-to-day operations, implement strategy, and manage the operational side of the company to ensure efficiency while executing corporate vision set by GAIM’s Founder and President Joel Wertman. Founded in Chattanooga with a presence in Nashville, the company will now operate under a newly-defined leadership structure.
Prior to joining GAIM, Padrón led content and programming at Telemundo and Univision. He also served as President and CEO of Meruelo Media, where he transformed the company into a television and radio super-cluster in Los Angeles. An award-winning content creator, Padrón is also an inductee into the prestigious Emmy Silver Circle Honor Society of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
In addition to his extensive media career, Padrón is a highly decorated U.S. Army senior leader with multiple combat tours. He began his military career in the elite Airborne Ranger Regiment under the Special Operations Command and completed 38 years of distinguished service, ultimately serving as the Deputy Division Commander of the 91st Wild West Division. Today, Padrón is an Army Reserve Ambassador, an assignment that carries the protocol and stature of a two-star General.
“Otto is the right man at the right time for our company—I’ve known him for years, and I’ve seen how he transformed a company into a powerhouse,” states Wertman. “His exceptional background. His achievements across the media landscape. His ability to lead with vision, integrity, and purpose makes him uniquely qualified for this moment,” continued Wertman. “With Otto in place as our Co-President and COO, I am absolutely certain that GAIM will continue to flourish.”
“I’m excited to join Get After It Media at such a pivotal time,” says Padrón. “GAIM has a proud legacy and a powerful portfolio of brands that engage and uplift. Together, we’ll build a next-generation media company that is rooted in content that connects, platforms that inspire, and partnerships that thrive. The future is bright and we are just getting started.”
GAIM’s five networks currently reach more than 88 million homes via 353 affiliates across more than 100 U.S. markets.
Mark Your Calendar—July 2025
/by Madison HahnenSingle/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:
July 2
Carolyn Miller/American Heartbeat/Metropolitan Groove Merchants
July 7
Jet Jurgensmeyer/Red/Simba Entertainment
Cerrito/Hot Pepper Doll/MC1 Nashville
July 11
Riley Roth/Can You Hear Me From Heaven
Peech./Wild One/TAMLA Records
Creed Fisher/Wood Smoke
2 Lane Summer/One More Minute/Quartz Hill Records
Faith Schueler/Wreck My World
Cody Cozz/Cab Of My Truck
Coiler/Hatchets/Riser House Records
KIANA/When You’re Looking At Me
July 14
Kameron Marlowe/Seventeen/Columbia Nashville
Coffey Anderson/Blue Jean Queen
Dillon Carmichael/She Gone/Riser House
Mike Thomas/A Different Story/Diamond Hill Music
July 18
Levi Foster/We Made Fire
July 21
Kesley Hart/Fireworks
Casey Donahew/When She Kissed Me/Almost Country Records
Shane Profitt/Long Live Country/Triple Tigers
Michael Raven/Lock Me Up (and Throw Away the Whiskey)/Deadly Melody
Flat River Band (feat. The Oak Ridge Boys)/Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight
July 25
Stephen Day/Old News/Riser House
Ashley Anne & Eli Winders/Fence
Ben Gallaher/Bullet (Wedding Version)/Stone Country Records
Spencer Hatcher/When She Calls Me Cowboy/Stone Country Records
Lakelin Lemmings/American Dreamin’/Stone Country Records
Savannah Rae/Haters Dream/Dreamwerks Muzik Records
Justin Wright/Even the Devil was an Angel/Ablaze Entertainment
Ryan O’neill/Little Things/Ablaze Entertainment
July 28
Addis Luv/Hit By A Good Time/Angel Eyes Music LLP
Album/EP Releases:
July 11
Noah Cyrus/I Want My Loved Ones To Go With Me/RECORDS/Columbia Records
Yelawolf & J. Michael Phillips/Whiskey & Roses/Slumerican
Brent Cobb & The Fixin’s/Ain’t Rocked In A While/Ol’ Buddy Records/Thirty Tigers
Tanner Usrey/These Days/Atlantic Records
Tami Neilson/Neon Cowgirl/Outside Music
Stars Go Dim/Roses/Curb Records
Madeline Edwards/Fruit
Sam Williams/Act II: Countrystar/Mercury Nashville
The Wildmans/Longtime Friend/New West Records
Bryan Ruby/Growing Season
Karissa Ella/Growing Wings
Ketch Secor/Story The Crow Told Me/Equal Housing Records/Firebird Music
July 15
The McCrary Sisters/Love Is The Only Key
July 18
Trisha Yearwood/The Mirror/Virgin Music Group/Gwendolyn Records
Cam/All Things Light/RCA Records
Max McNown/Night Driving (The Cost Of Growing Up)/Fugitive Recordings/The Orchard/Columbia Records
Scotty McCreery/Scooter And Friends/Fugitive Recordings/The Orchard/Columbia Records
Dylan Gossett/Westward/Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records
Niko Moon/American Palm/EMPIRE
Paul McDonald/So Long To The Dark Side
Taylor-Rae/Heaven Right Now
Phil Madeira/Falcon
July 25
Tyler Childers/Snipe Hunter/Hickman Holler Records/RCA Records
Hudson Westbrook/Texas Forever/Warner Music Nashville/River House Artists
Cody Jinks/In My Blood/Late August Records
Jay Webb/Where To Find Me
Callum Kerr/Roots Under Me/ONErpm
Abbie Callahan/Grossly Aware/Twelve6 Entertainment
Jason Aldean Extends ‘Full Throttle Tour’ Into Australia & NZ In 2026
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean. Photo: Brian Higbee
Jason Aldean has announced an international leg of his “Full Throttle Tour,” adding dates in New Zealand and Australia in 2026.
The “Full Throttle World Tour” marks Aldean’s first time headlining New Zealand and his first return to Australia since headlining in 2016, where he became the first headliner to ever sell out CMC Rocks QLD Country Music. The international run kicks off Feb. 19 at Spark Arena in Auckland, before heading to Australia for six shows including Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Aldean will also headline the inaugural country music experience, Sunburnt Country, with shows scheduled in Toowoomba, Hunter Valley and Canberra.
Corey Kent and Brad Cox join as 2026 “Full Throttle Tour” openers with Kent playing all shows and Cox joining the Sunburnt Country dates. Tickets for the New Zealand and Australia dates are available starting with presale on July 2 and general on sale beginning July 7.
Aldean’s stateside “Full Throttle Tour” is set to resume July 17 in Tulsa after launching in May. Previously announced dates across the U.S. include Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Denver’s Ball Arena, Charleston’s Credit One Stadium, West Palm Beach’s iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre and more.
“Full Throttle World Tour” New Zealand and Australia Dates:
Feb 19 — Auckland, NZ— Spark Arena
Feb 21—Toowoomba, AU — Sunburnt Country
Feb 22 — Brisbane, AU— Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Feb 25— Melbourne, AU — Rod Laver Arena
Feb 26— Sydney, AU — Qudos Bank Arena
Feb 28— Hunter Valley, AU — Sunburnt Country
Mar 1— Canberra, AU — Sunburnt Country
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Stays On Top
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen continues to stay on top of the charts this week, according to Luminate data. His recently-released I’m The Problem album has garnered 177K in total consumption (7.4K in album only and 214 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 136 million total.
On the album chart, Wallen also holds the No. 2 and No. 3 spots with One Thing At A Time garnering 37K in total consumption and Dangerous: The Double Album getting 30K in total consumption. Shaboozey holds the No. 4 spot with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going reaching 27K in total consumption. Rounding out this week’s charts is Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion with 21K in total consumption.
Elsewhere on the songs chart, Wallen holds the top four spots. “Just In Case” comes in at No. 2 with 15 million streams this week. “I’m The Problem” follows with 14 million streams and “I Got Better” falls in at No. 4 with 13 million streams. Taking No. 5 is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with 11 million streams this week.