Pictured (L-R, back row): Abby Holcomb, Brandon Gill, Luke Laird, Abigail Bruner and Jayne Hamblin; (L-R, front row): Alex Albanese, Beth Laird, Lori McKenna, Emily Furman and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns
Grammy winner Lori McKenna has extended her publishing, management and record deals with independent music company, Creative Nation. The extension builds on the 10 years the two have worked together.
As a songwriter, McKenna’s impressive resume includes back-to-back Grammy and CMA Awards, as well as the coveted title of ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2017. She has notched three Grammy wins as a songwriter for Best Country Song with Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (2015), Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” (2016) and The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table” (2020), and has had hits by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill, Hunter Hayes and many more.
In addition to her work in country music, McKenna also co-wrote “Always Remember Us This Way,” which was featured in the Academy Award-winning film, A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
As an artist, McKenna’s artist projects have received high praise over the years, having released critically-acclaimed albums such as 2020’s The Balladeer and 2018’s The Tree, which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2019 Americana Music Awards. McKenna’s 2016 album, The Bird & The Rifle, was nominated for three Grammy Awards as well as three Americana Awards.
“We have worked with Lori in publishing, management and records for 10 years and I couldn’t be more excited to extend our agreement and continue our partnership building her iconic career. She truly is one of the best singer-songwriters of our generation, and it is an honor for our team to work alongside her. Barry Dean says it best: ‘if you don’t know where your soul is, listening to Lori McKenna will help you locate it,’” Creative Nation Founder and CEO, Beth Laird says.
“It just feels so right for me to continue with my Creative Nation team and family. I think we’ve grown together and it feels like there’s still so much more to come. I say this all the time, but I really am so grateful to be part of the Nashville community of songwriters, artists and creatives. I still get excited landing at BNA. I still feel like the luckiest songwriter in the world. I’m so happy to have this team in my corner,” McKenna says.
Roman Alexander Feels The Pull Of The Midwest On New EP Due In August
/by Lorie HollabaughRoman Alexander will release his new EP Midwest Calling August 22. He is giving fans another taste of the new project with his second single,“Life Like,” available everywhere now.
“Midwest Calling is a project that feels like home- not always in a comforting way but in the most honest way since I grew up in the Midwest. These songs come from late nights and conversations you don’t forget. Some are about breakups that didn’t end how you planned, others are about just trying to make sense of life when it’s not all mapped out. The Midwest has a way of pulling you back, even when you think you’ve moved on. That’s what this EP is about; Stories that keep calling you back.”
Alexander first made waves with his debut single “Cocktail Conversations,” which has since racked up over 87 million streams to date. He’s continued to drop fan-favorites like the viral “Trying Not To” with Alana Springsteen, and “Between You and Me” with Ashley Cooke. Named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch, he’s spent more time on the Hot Country playlist than almost any other independent artist and even landed on the Spotify US Viral 50.
In support of his new music, Roman will hit the Hard Rock Stage at CMA Fest this week on June 7.
Maoli Signs With WME
/by Lorie HollabaughMaoli. Photo: Reggie Villa
Hawaiian singer-songwriter Maoli has signed with WME for global representation.
With a voice fusing island reggae, country soul and Polynesian pride, Maoli is redefining genre lines with a sound all his own. He has amassed over half a billion global streams across nine independent albums, carving out a nearly 15-year career as a beloved performer across the global stage, from the U.S. to the Pacific Islands and Australia.
Inspired by Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and George Strait along with traditional Hawaiian music, Maoli’s sonic journey began with roots-reggae and island pop. A transformative moment in Texas in 2018 sparked a deeper connection to country music, and since then, he has captivated audiences with his rangy, sand-and-soul vocals and emotionally charged covers like Brett Young’s “Mercy” and “In Case You Didn’t Know,” which have amassed more than 28 million Spotify streams combined.
“Maoli is a singular talent whose music effortlessly blends the heartbeat of the islands with the soul of country,” says WME’s Chris Hrovat. “His authenticity, passion and cross-genre appeal are undeniable. We’re thrilled to welcome him to WME and can’t wait to help take his music to new audiences worldwide.”
“Signing with WME is a massive step forward, not just for me, but for everything I represent,” says Maoli. “It’s always been my kuleana – my responsibility – to share the spirit and sound of Hawaii with the world. I’m beyond grateful to take that mission even further with a team that truly understands the vision.”
A veteran of the road, Maoli recently headlined a sold-out show at Navigation Homes Stadium in New Zealand (12,000 capacity), just before returning to the U.S. for a string of sold-out dates on his “Last Sip of Summer Tour.” His Last Sip of Summer album, produced in Nashville by Dann Huff and David Huff, is set to release June 27.
Brian Kelley Readies New Album Due This Month
/by Lauryn SinkBrian Kelley will release his forthcoming album, Sunshine State of Mind Season Two, Chapter One, on June 20. Alongside the announcement, Kelley released “Saltwater Ranch,” the first track to come from the album.
Steeped with Kelley’s signature coastal country sound, the 14-track project was co-written by Kelley and produced by Katlin Owen, with Corey Crowder and Jake Rose stepping in on “Saltwater Ranch.”
Kelley will continue with his “Surf Post Sessions” residency in Florida before embarking on his headlining “Sunshine State Of Mind Tour” in July.
Sunshine State of Mind Season Two Tracklist:
1. “Palm Tree Country” (Brian Kelley, Jake Rose, Blake Redferrin, Canaan Smith)
2. “Blue Sky Inn” (Brian Kelley, Canaan Smith, Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose)
3. “Saltwater Ranch” (Brian Kelley, Jake Rose, Corey Crowder)
4. “Tennessee Tan” (Brian Kelley, Johnny McGuire, Grant Vogel)
5. “People Make The Place” (Brian Kelley, Bobby Pinson, Jon Nite)
6. “Colorado For Hurricane Season” (Brian Kelley, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
7. “Salty Dog” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Blake Redferrin)
8. “Tropical Storm” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Hunter Phelps)
9. “Teal” (Brian Kelley, Canaan Smith, Katlin Owen)
10. “Spend Some Time There” (Brian Kelley, Jake Rose, Corey Crowder)
11. “Always Summertime” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jake Rose)
12. “Blue Sky And A Bottle Of Rum” (Brian Kelley, Matt Dragstrem, Jordan Minton)
13. “Safe Harbor” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Blake Redferrin)
14. “Sundays In Grayton” (Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jake Rose)
Micah Wilshire Inks With UMPG
/by Lauryn SinkPictured: Micah Wilshire and Missy Roberts (UMPG Nashville). Photo: UMPG Nashville
Micah Wilshire has inked an exclusive, global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group.
A MusicRow Top Songwriter of 2024, Wilshire co-wrote Jason Aldean’s “Let Your Boys Be Country” and Redferrin’s Platinum single “Just Like Johnny.” He wrote and produced Rock artist Tim Montana’s LP Savage, which reached top 10 on the Active Rock Chart. Wilshire has also been a part of dozens of sync placements in television shows, film/video game trailers, network promos and ads including commercials for Nissan, Ford, the Olympics and the Oscars.
“Micah is one of the most diverse talents I have come across in my career. He seamlessly transitions from writing and producing a Country radio hit, to a top 10 Rock record, to leading a symphony, to getting his songs placed in film/tv. As the Nashville music community continues to expand, the sky is the limit for a talent like Micah. We are thrilled to represent him,” says Missy Roberts, VP, A&R, UMPG Nashville.
“I’m incredibly excited about stepping into this opportunity to be with Universal Music Publishing and to work with such a stellar team,” adds Wilshire.
Jayson Entertainment Group Taps Matt Malcolm To Lead New Agency Division
/by Lauryn SinkMatt Malcolm
Matt Malcolm will lead the newly added agency division at Jayson Entertainment Group. He is already at work booking flagship artist Darryl Worley, along with non-exclusive clients Andy Griggs, Wade Hayes and Tracy Byrd, is actively scouting talent to grow this division.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt Malcom to Jayson Entertainment Group as the head of our new booking division,” says Aaron Green, Managing Member, Jayson Entertainment Group. “Matt is a seasoned veteran with years of experience, a tireless work ethic and a reputation for integrity. Many moons ago, Jimmy Jay and Jerry booked numerous legends through this very office — icons like Conway Twitty — and we can’t wait to recreate some of that magic. With Matt leading the way, we’re confident this new pillar of our business will be built on both legacy and innovation.”
“I’m honored to be a part of the legacy that Jimmy Jay and his family built at Jayson Entertainment Group. Aaron has an incredible vision and plan for the future for Jayson Entertainment; I’m humbled and excited to build on such a solid legacy,” adds Malcolm.
Malcolm joins JEG from Wasserman Music Group where he was Director/Agent of Fairs & Festivals. Prior to his successful run at Waserman, Malcolm was an agent at WME Nashville for more than 10 years.
Malcolm began his new role in early May and can be reached at matt@jaysonentertainmentgroup.com or 423-341-5682.
Brandon Lake Leads Wins At The 12th Annual K-Love Fan Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughBrandon Lake. Photo: Jeremy Poland
Brandon Lake was the big winner at Friday night’s (May 30) K-LOVE Fan Awards with wins for Male Artist of the Year, Artist of the Year, Worship Song of the Year (“That’s Who I Praise”) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” (feat. Jelly Roll).
CeCe Winans took home the award for Female Artist of the Year during the evening, and for King & Country was named Group of the Year. The Amazon hit series House of David was honored with the trophy for TV/Streaming Impact, while The Sports Impact Award went to OSU Women’s Softball Coach Patty Gasso.
The winners list was rounded out with Leanna Crawford‘s “Still Waters” being named Breakout Single of the Year, The Chosen Season Five awarded for Film Impact, Matthew West‘s, My Story Your Glory winning for Book Impact, and Max Lucado‘s Max Lucado – Encouraging Word Podcast named Podcast of the Year.
The evening also featured performances from some of the biggest names in Christian entertainment including Jeremy Camp, Leanna Crawford, Crowder, Colton Dixon, Elevation Rhythm, for King & Country with Michael W. Smith, Jamie MacDonald, MercyMe, Mac Powell, TobyMac with Jon Reddick and Reddick performing with We The Kingdom, Matthew West, Zach Williams, Anne Wilson, CeCe Winans and Megan Woods.
Hosted by Jeremy Camp, Bart Millard, Mac Powell and Matthew West, the 12th Annual show was taped live at the Opry House on May 25. The show will run a repeat broadcast on June 6 at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET and on the TBN+ app.
Mark Your Calendar—June 2025
/by Madison HahnenSingle/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:
June 2
Cole Swindell/We Can Always Move On/Warner Music Nashville
Caroline Jones/No Tellin’/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Rusty Gear/They Forgave Me/Chickahominy Marsh Records
Randy Cobb/Country Boy/South of Sixty Five Entertainment Group
Cerrito/Hot Pepper Doll/MC1 Nashville
Kirbi/Waiting On Rain/Ablaze Entertainment
June 6
Laci Kaye Booth/George F***** Strait/Geffen Records
Kat Velasco/Kitchen Sink
Jenna DeVries/Strut (Rainbow Remix)/Heart Songs Music Group
Emily Roth/White Boots
Lori Rayne/The One That Ran Away/Heart Songs Music Group
June 9
Dylan Marlowe/Picture Perfect/Columbia Nashville/Play It Again Music Group
Braden Hull/Coulda Been Love
Andrew Salgado/Summer Love/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment
June 13
Dawn Rix/304 To 615
June 16
Gavin Adcock/Never Call Again/Warner Music Nashville
John Morgan/Kid Myself/Broken Bow Records
Thompson Square/You Were There/T2 Records
June 23
Reece/Roots/Reece Music
June 27
Annie Bosko/Country Girls! (Who Runs the World)/Stone Country Records
June 30
JYKÄ/Headed For A Good Time/OTM Productions
Album/EP Releases:
June 6
Rascal Flatts/Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets/Big Machine Records
Caamp/Copper Changes Color/Mom + Pop Music
Waylon Wyatt/Out Of The Blue/Music Soup/Darkroom Records
Hailey Whitters/Corn Queen/Pigasus Records/Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters
Mary Chapin Carpenter/Personal History
Mark Wills/Greatest Hits/MCA Nashville/UMe
Crowe Boys/Made To Wander/EMI Records Nashville
Louie TheSinger/One For The Hometown/MCA
Jesse Daniel/Son of the San Lorenzo/Lightning Rod Records
The Kentucky Gentlemen/Rhinestone Revolution/River House Artists
Rob Wheeler/Leave Tomorrow
Toby May/It’s About Time/Seven Springs Records
Bill Nash/Oh Hank/Cloverdale Music
June 13
Dierks Bentley/Broken Branches/Capitol Records Nashville
Dillon Carmichael/Keepin’ Country Alive/Riser House Records
Tyler Dial/Bordertown
Dee White/Heart Talkin’
June 20
Brett Young/2.0/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Scotty McCreery/Seasons Change: Platinum Edition/Triple Tigers Records
Chris Lane/Shade Tree/Red Street Records
Lukas Nelson/American Romance/Sony Music Nashville
Brian Kelley/Sunshine State Of Mind Season Two, Chapter One
Dan Bremnes/The Hero/Curb Records
Aaron Goodvin/Drinkin’ Hand
James McMurtry/The Black Dog And The Wandering Boy/New West Records
William Beckmann/Whiskey Lies & Alibis/Warner Music Nashville
Kelsey Waldon/Every Ghost/Oh Boy Records
June 25
Charles Kelley/Songs For A New Moon
June 27
Bruce Springsteen/Tracks II: The Lost Albums/Sony Music
Cole Swindell/Spanish Moss/Warner Music Nashville
Parker McCollum/Parker McCollum/MCA Nashville
Maoli/Last Sip Of Summer/ONErpm/Huff Co.
Logan Mize/Open Road/Big Yellow Dog Music
Jenna Davis/Where Did That Girl Go?
Grant Gilbert/West Of Fort Worth/River House Artists
Landon Smith/Reckon/Lucille/MCA/Republic
Sister Sadie/All Will Be Well/Mountain Home Music Company
Jimmy Fortune/Songs Of An American Dreamer/Gaither Music
Rob Williford/Johnny & Jenny
Industry Events:
June 5-8
CMA Fest 2025
June 17
2025 BMI Christian Awards
June 29- July 1
NAMM NeXT
Lee Brice, Matt Stell, Craig Morgan, More Among Lineup For ‘Losers Live’ 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughWME is kicking off CMA Fest Week again this year with “Losers Live,” a free, three-night outdoor concert series at Losers Bar & Grill in Midtown June 2-4.
The 2025 series kicks off June 2, with Rodney Atkins taking the stage to get the week started. The show also includes Travis Denning, Matt Stell, Dillon Carmichael, Payton Smith, Mae Estes, Frank Ray, CeCe, Will Jones and Payton Howie.
The lineup for the June 3 show includes Lee Brice, Craig Morgan, Mark Wills, Timmy McKeever, Kaitlin Butts, Meghan Patrick, Logan Crosby, Myles Morgan, Bottomland and Colbie Caillat.
The final night of this year’s star-packed series on June 4 will feature an eclectic and high-energy mix including Easton Corbin, Priscilla Block, Bryan Martin, Cole Goodwin, Skeez, Ian Harrison, and Timothy Wayne, with more artists to be announced in the coming days. The doors open at 5 p.m. each night with the show starting at 6:30.
BREAKING: Lauren ‘LT’ Thomas Joins Big Loud Records As SVP, Radio Promotion
/by Madison HahnenLauren “LT” Thomas. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Radio veteran Lauren “LT” Thomas has joined Big Loud Records as SVP, Radio Promotion. She will work alongside newly promoted SVP, Radio Promotion Tyler Waugh and report to EVP, Radio Promotion Stacy Blythe.
“LT’s stellar reputation speaks for itself. The moment she began exploring her next opportunity, leadership at Big Loud unanimously agreed—she was a natural fit for our team,” shares Blythe. “We’re thrilled to welcome her aboard and look forward to the expertise and passion she brings with her.”
“I’ve long admired the vibrant culture cultivated by Seth, Stacy and the Big Loud team,” adds Thomas. “I’m thrilled to be working alongside such a talented group with a powerful track record of success and innovation.”
Thomas most recently served as SVP of Promotion at Sony Music Nashville, where she helped the roster achieve nearly 100 No. 1 radio hits. She also led efforts for Columbia and RCA Nashville. Prior to that, she spent five years at KMLE-FM Phoenix.
She has been recognized for her efforts across the industry, being named to Billboard‘s Executive of the Week list in 2024, Variety‘s Hitmakers in 2023, CRS/Country Aircheck Awards SVP/VP of the Year and National of the Year, Country Aircheck Power 31 and Billboard‘s 40 Under 40. She also serves as co-chair of the St. Jude Country Cares Label Advisory Board.
Creative Nation Extends Deal With Lori McKenna
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Abby Holcomb, Brandon Gill, Luke Laird, Abigail Bruner and Jayne Hamblin; (L-R, front row): Alex Albanese, Beth Laird, Lori McKenna, Emily Furman and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns
Grammy winner Lori McKenna has extended her publishing, management and record deals with independent music company, Creative Nation. The extension builds on the 10 years the two have worked together.
As a songwriter, McKenna’s impressive resume includes back-to-back Grammy and CMA Awards, as well as the coveted title of ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2017. She has notched three Grammy wins as a songwriter for Best Country Song with Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (2015), Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” (2016) and The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table” (2020), and has had hits by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill, Hunter Hayes and many more.
In addition to her work in country music, McKenna also co-wrote “Always Remember Us This Way,” which was featured in the Academy Award-winning film, A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
As an artist, McKenna’s artist projects have received high praise over the years, having released critically-acclaimed albums such as 2020’s The Balladeer and 2018’s The Tree, which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2019 Americana Music Awards. McKenna’s 2016 album, The Bird & The Rifle, was nominated for three Grammy Awards as well as three Americana Awards.
“We have worked with Lori in publishing, management and records for 10 years and I couldn’t be more excited to extend our agreement and continue our partnership building her iconic career. She truly is one of the best singer-songwriters of our generation, and it is an honor for our team to work alongside her. Barry Dean says it best: ‘if you don’t know where your soul is, listening to Lori McKenna will help you locate it,’” Creative Nation Founder and CEO, Beth Laird says.
“It just feels so right for me to continue with my Creative Nation team and family. I think we’ve grown together and it feels like there’s still so much more to come. I say this all the time, but I really am so grateful to be part of the Nashville community of songwriters, artists and creatives. I still get excited landing at BNA. I still feel like the luckiest songwriter in the world. I’m so happy to have this team in my corner,” McKenna says.