Morgan Wallen Launches Wilder Music; Signs Flagship Songwriter Jared Mullins

/by

Pictured (L-R): Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (WCM), Jared Mullins, Morgan Wallen and Phil May (WCM). Photo: David Lehr

Morgan Wallen has established his own publishing company, Wilder Music. The first songwriter on the company’s roster is hitmaker Jared Mullins, in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

“I’ve been lucky enough to know Morgan for over a decade,” shares Mullins. “As an artist, he’s obviously one of the greatest of all time, but he’s also one of the best writers in the world. I’m extremely grateful and incredibly humbled that he believes in me enough to make me the first signing of Wilder Music.

“Warner Chappell is known for championing great songs and for signing and re-signing some of the best writers ever to put words and melodies together,” he continues. “Working with Jessi [Vaughn Stevenson] and getting to know the rest of the WCM crew has been amazing. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for us.”

Splitting his childhood between Maryland and West Virginia, Mullins moved to Nashville in 2013 to write country music. By forging connections and honing his craft, Mullins has established himself as a hitmaker on Music Row, penning multiple No. 1 hits including Kane and Katelyn Brown’s “Thank God,” Jake Owen’s “Homemade” and more. He has also had cuts by Wallen, Little Big Town, Mitchell Tenpenny, Cole Swindell, Justin Moore, Granger Smith, Runaway June, Parmalee and Locash, among others.

“I’ve seen first hand the amount of talent Jared has as a writer. He brings passion, authenticity and fresh ideas in every write he’s in. It’s undeniable,” says Wallen. “I’m humbled to be launching this new venture with Warner Chappell, and even more excited that Jared is the first signing at Wilder Music.”

“It is incredibly exciting to be working with Jared,” adds Vaughn Stevenson, VP, A&R and Digital at Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “His talent is vast and varied, and to be partnering with Morgan is the cherry on top.”

Industry Ink: Brad Paisley, Eric Church, Grand Ole Opry, More

/by

Brad Paisley Closes Out 2025 NFL Draft With Headline Performance

Brad Paisley. Photo: Courtesy of NFL

Brad Paisley headlined the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light on April 26, closing out three days at the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay. As the grand finale to Draft weekend, Paisley took the stage at the Draft Theater near Lambeau Field for a free concert following the conclusion of Round 7 of the Draft. Paisley dazzled the enthusiastic crowd with hits from his career and a blistering guitar-solo tribute to Prince.

He’ll launch his “Truck Still Works Tour” on May 21.

 

Eric Church & Willie Geist Talk ‘Evangeline vs. the Machine’ on ‘Sunday TODAY’

Eric Church joined Willie Geist on NBC’s Sunday TODAY. Photo: Courtesy of NBC

Eric Church sat down with Willie Geist on NBC’s Sunday TODAY over the weekend to discuss his nearly two-decade journey defined by consistent risk-taking and rule-breaking as he enters a bold new chapter with his most sonically ambitious project yet, his new album Evangeline vs. the Machine, due out May 2. Church also talked the album’s themes during a separate appearance on The Steam Room podcast with basketball icons Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson, noting, “Everything I look at today involves kids on iPads and kids doing whatever they do on ‘machines,’ and it’s a little bit of a crux between creativity versus the ‘machine’ that tries to manipulate that creativity.”

 

Grand Ole Opry Centennial Honored By Tennessee State Legislature

Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry SVP and Executive Producer Dan Rogers, Rep. Jeremy Faison; Opry Entertainment Group CEO Patrick Moore, Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton, Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman Colin Reed, Opry Members Jamie Dailey, Darrin Vincent and guests

The Grand Ole Opry was recognized April 14 by the Tennessee House of Representatives in a special session held at the Tennessee State Capitol in honor of the Opry’s 100th anniversary. Introduced by Representative Jeremy Faison, the resolution recognized the Opry’s century-long impact on American music and Tennessee culture, calling it “the heartbeat of Nashville.” Following the resolution, Opry members Dailey & Vincent performed the fan-favorite tribute to their home state, “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee,” live on the chamber floor. “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee,” was written by Karen Staley and was named an official Tennessee State Song in 2022.

 

James Bay & Sheryl Crow Perform New Single At Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

James Bay and Sheryl Crow

Multi-Platinum singer, songwriter and guitarist James Bay brought out Sheryl Crow at his Brooklyn Bowl Nashville show last weekend to perform their new single “You and Me Time.” “You and Me Time” is off Bay’s Changes All The Time (Deluxe) album, available now via Mercury Records.

 

Micah Christopher Signs With Integrity Music

Micah Christopher with the Integrity Music Team + BrickHouse Entertainment

Micah Christopher has signed to Integrity Music. “Our team first met Micah a few years ago as a staff worship leader at The Bridge Church locally just south of Nashville,” explains Blaine Barcus, President of Integrity Music. “His genuine love for people and Jesus is obvious the minute you meet him. It’s that authenticity and big heart that made him a perfect fit to join our artist family. I have no doubt that Micah is going to sing songs that will impact the nations for the Kingdom!”

“I’m eager to start working with my friends at Integrity Music,” says Christopher. “For years, I have led worship songs by Integrity Music artists, and it’s just the absolute kindness of the Lord to let me now be a part of Integrity. From President Blaine Barcus to everyone at Integrity, I’ve already experienced such incredible support, belief, and encouragement. I fully trust that the Lord will be honored by our efforts to make Jesus known through the songs we write and sing.”

Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & Concert Set For June 3

/by

Craig Campbell’s 11th annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge will take place during CMA Fest week on June 3 at 6th & Peabody in downtown Nashville.

Fans can bid to partner with one of 16 teams to compete for a trophy and bragging rights. Campbell will perform a free concert immediately follow the trophy presentation, and proceeds benefit the Kenny Campbell Foundation. Jerrod Niemann, who has competed in all 10 tournaments, returns to defend his 2024 victory, and Rascal Flatts frontman Gary LeVox makes his debut appearance to challenge him this year.

Fans can place bids here beginning May 3 to compete on one of the teams alongside: Bigg Vinny, Bryan Martin, Craig Wayne Boyd, Dillon Carmichael, Dylan Marlowe, Hannah Dasher, Kinni Campbell, Mindy Campbell, Noah Peters, Preslee Campbell, Sammy Arriaga, The Swon Brothers, and Taylor Holder. 

A very limited number of 25 VIP tickets packages are available for $250 each for the event here. Each VIP ticket includes an exclusive viewing area, a meet and greet group photo with the celebrities, two drink tickets, and a Sponsor Swag Bag.

Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Reclaims Top Spot On Country Streaming Charts

/by

Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen reclaims his spot atop the country streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His new track “I Ain’t Coming Back” featuring Post Malone holds the No. 1 position with 18 million streams. Wallen maintains No. 1 on the country albums chart as well with his 2023 album One Thing At A Time garnering 48K in total consumption.

The next four spots on the albums chart are Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album at the No. 2 spot earning 35K in total consumption, Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion at No. 3 with 24K in total consumption, Jelly Roll‘s Beautifully Broken with 20K and Zach Bryan’s American Heartbreak at No. 5 with 19K.

On the songs chart, BigXThaPlug and Bailey Zimmerman‘s “All The Way” drops to No. 2 this week earning 17 million streams, Wallen’s “Just In Case” comes in at No. 3 with 14 million streams, his track “I’m The Problem” at No. 4 with 14 million streams, and Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” at No. 5 with 13 million streams.

Mark Wills’ ‘Greatest Hits’ Album Gets Vinyl Treatment For First Time June 6

/by

Mark Wills’ Greatest Hits will soon be available on red vinyl, bringing 11 of his ’90s classics together on vinyl for the first time on June 6 via MCA Nashville/UMe.

Reviving the warmth of Wills’ vocal and classic-contemporary sound, the set features his debut single “Jacob’s Ladder,” chart-toppers like 1999’s “Wish You Were Here,” “I’m Not Gonna Do Anything Without You” (featuring Jamie O’Neal) and more.

The Platinum singer and ACM award-winning Georgia native and 218th member of the Grand Ole Opry released his Greatest Hits album in 2002 in the CD age, resulting in his second No. 1 country hit, “19 Something’,” recorded specially for the collection. Greatest Hits was previously released only on CD (and later via streaming platforms), although all tracks except “When You Think Of Me” were eventually released as 7” singles, and this marks the first time his hits have been collected and shared as a vinyl compilation.

Greatest Hits Track List:
Side 1
1. “Jacob’s Ladder”
2. “Places I’ve Never Been”
3. “I Do (Cherish You)”
4. “Don’t Laugh At Me”
5. “Wish You Were Here”
6. “She’s In Love”

Side 2
1. “Back At One”
2. “Almost Doesn’t Count”
3. “I’m Not Gonna Do Anything Without You” (Duet with Jamie O’Neal)
4. “19 Somethin’”
5. “When You Think Of Me”

Songwriters Hall Of Fame Reveals 2025 Scholarship Recipients

/by

(L-R, top row): Ella Boh, Daphne Browdy, Elizabeth McKenna Campbell, Elby Faser and Mint Herrmann. (L-R, second row): Caleb Hinojosa, Yeji Kim, Dawoyne Lawson, Michele Lu, Justin Miller and Emmy Moyen. (L-R, third row): Luke Naphat, Allie Nixon, Sam Opoku, Mōriah Peters, Sydney Rose and Oscar Santander. (L-R, bottom row): Greg Sekeres, Carmen Thomassiny, Mia Vrablic, Sam Westhoff and Waylon Wyatt.

The Songwriters Hall of Fame has unveiled the recipients of its eight 2025 scholarship programs.

The Abe Olman Scholarship for Excellence in Songwriting, established in 1990 by the family of Olman, who was a noted songwriter, music publisher and hall of fame founder, honors emerging talents selected by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. This year’s recipients are Ella Boh (BMI), Daphne Browdy (SESAC), Elby Faser (SESAC), Dawoyne Lawson (SESAC), Allie Nixon (ASCAP), Sam Opoku (ASCAP), Mōriah Peters (ASCAP), Sydney Rose (BMI), Oscar Santander (BMI), Greg Sekeres (BMI) and Sam Westhoff (ASCAP).

The Belmont University Songwriting Scholarship honors songwriting majors who show outstanding potential and uplift their peers and the songwriting community. The 2025 recipients are Emmy Moyen and Mia Vrablic.

The NYU Steinhardt Songwriting Scholar Award, awarded to Elizabeth McKenna Campbell and Caleb Hinojosa, recognizes composition students whose work shows strong potential and captures the art and individuality of great songwriting.

The USC Thornton School of Music Scholarship is awarded to student songwriters who show exceptional promise in their craft and character, selected by faculty. The 2025 recipients are Yeji Kim and Michele Lu.

The Curtis Mayfield Scholarship, established by his family, honors a rising singer-songwriter whose work embodies Mayfield’s spirit, soul and legacy. This year’s honoree is Justin Miller.

The Bill Withers Scholarship, awarded to Carmen Thomassiny, honors a songwriter whose work reflects the eloquence, spirit and soul of Bill Withers’ music.

The Songwriters of Tomorrow Scholarship supports NYC public high school seniors with songwriting talent and ambition, selected for their original work. This year’s awardees are Mint Hermann and Luke Naphat.

New this year, The Songwriters Hall of Fame/John Titta Scholarship honors a student songwriter with outstanding talent and character, reflecting the legacy of Titta. The inaugural recipient is Waylon Wyatt, an innovative singer-songwriter on the rise.

Cole Swindell Notches 13th No. 1 With ‘Forever To Me’

/by

Cole Swindell. Photo: Robby Klein

Cole Swindell has earned his 13th No. 1 on country radio with “Forever To Me.” Penned by Swindell, Greylan James and Rocky Block, the personal tune about finding your forever person is included on Swindell’s upcoming album Spanish Moss, releasing June 27.

“Anytime you get to celebrate a No. 1 song it’s always special for so many reasons,” says Swindell. “Over the years I’ve found the main reason for me is getting to share it with all the folks that make it possible. A huge thank you to country radio for supporting me through the years and especially for the love on a song that means so much to me and my wife.

“I’m thankful to have written this one with my buddies Greylan James & Rocky Block on a last minute trip to Texas for the National Championship in early 2024,” he continues. “We didn’t really set out to write our wedding song, but I remember them asking me about Courtney and me simply saying “she’s forever to me.” As soon as I said that, we knew that was what we had to write and the rest is history!”

Swindell’s previous No. 1 hits as an artist include “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” “Break Up In The End,” “Flatliner” and more. He has also rang in 14 No. 1 hits as a songwriter, including Thomas Rhett’s “Get Me Some of That”, Luke Bryan’s “Roller Coaster”and Florida Georgia Line’s “This Is How We Roll.”

Brian Kelley To Celebrate Summer On ‘Sunshine State Of Mind Tour’

/by

Brian Kelley. Photo: Ben Christensen

Brian Kelley will embark on his new “Sunshine State of Mind Tour” beginning July 24 in Savannah.

The 19-date run will visit Myrtle Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, St. Petersburg, Chattanooga, Norfolk and more through the summer before wrapping up on Sept. 7 in Raleigh.

Teasing the tour news first with fans on the Brian Kelley Fan Club app, Kelley created a unique place for exclusive content, concert presales and VIP discounts. With different membership tiers available, the app is the best way to connect directly with Kelley, hear unreleased music, join in on livestreams and more. Full details about the Brian Kelley Fan Club app are available here.

The “Sunshine State of Mind Tour” is a nod to Kelley’s Sunshine State Of Mind, Season One album. Season Two, Chapter One of that project is already on the way, with the first release “Palm Tree Country.” Mixing twang and tan lines for a getaway anthem, the ballad penned by Kelley with Jake Rose, Blake Redferrin and Canaan Smith is packed with tropical imagery and Kelley’s signature turn of phrase first made famous on the Diamond-selling “Cruise,” and is all about checking out of the everyday grind, and getting into an all-inclusive headspace.

Tickets for the tour are first available via an exclusive fan presale on Kelley’s mobile app beginning today (Apr. 28) with a general public on-sale beginning Friday (May 2).

“Sunshine State Of Mind Tour” Dates:
July 24 – Savannah, GA – Victory North
July 25 – Columbia, SC – The Senate
July 26 – Myrtle Beach, SC – The Boathouse
July 27 – Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer
August 1 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – The Parker
August 2 – Melbourne, FL – King Center for the Performing Arts
August 3 – Fort Myers, FL – The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon
August 7 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
August 8 – Ponte Vedra, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
August 9 – Orlando, FL – The Plaza Live
August 21 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
August 22 – Macon, GA – Capitol Theatre Macon
August 23 – Gainesville, GA – Boot Barn Hall
August 28 – Tallahassee, FL – The Moon
September 2 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork
September 4 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
September 5 – Cornelius, NC – The Boatyard
September 6 – Bristol, VA – Hard Rock Bristol
September 7 – Raleigh, NC – Bowstrings Brewyard

Listening & Lifting: David Conrad To Be Honored At CMA Triple Play Awards [Interview]

/by

David Conrad. Photo: John Chiasson

At the 15th annual CMA Triple Play Awards tonight (April 29), legendary music publisher David Conrad will receive the Songwriter Advocate Award. Alongside this honor, CMA will recognize 16 songwriters who have penned three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period.

The Songwriter Advocate Award aims to honor individuals who have significantly supported and furthered the art of songwriting and the careers of songwriters, leaving a lasting impact on country music and the songwriting community as a whole. Conrad will be the fourth person to receive this award behind Bob DiPiero in 2020, Jody Williams in 2022 and Troy Tomlinson in 2024.

“This award is really uplifting. It is very kind of them to think of me—especially since I’ve been out of circulation for a while now,” shares Conrad with a laugh. “To be held in the same regard as people like Bob, Jody and Troy, it is three times the honor for me. Those are some of my favorite folks and, more than that, they are great songwriter champions.”

Conrad’s journey in Nashville began nearly 60 years ago, in 1967, after growing up in a musical family in North Carolina. A chance meeting with his own advocate, Chet Atkins, helped open doors, and after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill and serving a four-year stint in the Army—where he played guitar for the Third Army Soldier Show—he returned to Music City. Over time, he shifted from performing to the publishing side of the industry. “I always like to say that dreams do come true, just not always in the way you dream them.”

In 1974, he joined Pi-Gem Music, where he learned the publishing business from some of the best songwriters in town, who, he says, “taught [him] far more than [he] taught them.” Over the next few decades, he built a reputation for his sharp ear and support of writers, working with iconic acts such as Emmylou Harris, Bruce Springsteen, Waylon Jennings, Don Schlitz, Gillian Welch and Jimmy Buffett.

“After all these years, I still try to be an advocate,” says Conrad. “You always want good people to end up in a good spot, because you admire the people setting up in Nashville and you admire the man or woman you advocate for. A rising tide lifts all boats.”

Throughout his career, Conrad has found that the “lifting” part of being an advocate typically follows the most important thing—listening.

“’Lifting’ is a word we use all the time, but we are in the business of listening. In terms of songwriters, guitarists or singers, you advocate by listening—really hearing them—not just waiting for them to finish. Then, you lift them up, you make good on what they are doing and look for a way to help them move forward.”

Conrad continues to advocate for the next generation of songwriters, even if it is cheering from the sidelines. “I still get excited that young people continue to dream of coming to Nashville to write songs. The thought of someone out there sharing what I felt the first time Gillian Welch played me ‘Orphan Girl’ or Kent Robbins sang ‘Love Is Alive’ is really amazing.

“Though the players have changed in the game, Nashville, I am proud to say, is still a community—a culture—of advocates,” Conrad sums. “It seems to me that it is built into the DNA of country music.”

Gretchen Wilson Joins CBS Competition ‘The Road’

/by

Keith Urban, Gretchen Wilson and Blake Shelton.

Gretchen Wilson has joined CBS’ new music competition series The Road in the special role of “Tour Manager.”

Wilson will provide support and guidance to the emerging musicians while they make their way across America, while sharing her own expertise and experiences on the road as a touring artist. Wilson will also deliver a performance of her own as part of the new show.

“Stepping into the role of ‘tour manager’ for The Road has allowed me to take everything I’ve learned over all of my years of touring and pour it right back into these emerging musicians. Helping them sharpen their talents to capture the attention of these crowds across America, and guiding them through the real and raw grind of life on the road, has been a highlight of my career,” says Wilson. “Working with Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Taylor Sheridan and the rest of the team and our incredible crew was absolutely amazing. It was an honor to be a part of this team and I can’t wait for the world to watch!”

The Road highlights Urban, (who also serves as the headlining superstar for the series,) and Shelton’s journey to discover the next big musician, with emerging talents opening for Urban across America. The series offers viewers a backstage pass into the gritty life of a touring musician. With exclusive access to the behind-the-scenes workings of the music industry, viewers will see what happens when up-and-coming performers pile into a tour bus and tackle a grueling schedule in pursuit of their dreams.

The Road is set to premiere in fall 2025 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.