Megan Moroney performs at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Megan Moroney brought her “Am I Okay? Tour” to Nashville this week, playing two back-to-back sold-out shows at the city’s newest venue, The Pinnacle, on Wednesday (April 9) and Thursday (April 10).
Fans packed the venue dressed in Moroney-inspired looks—blue fits, white cowgirl boots and tour merch in tow—ready to sing along to every lyric. The audience was filled with young women and girls, though plenty of guys were spotted joining in the fun.
Megan Moroney performs at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Opening both nights was Nashville native Chase Matthew, who delivered a high-energy set featuring Platinum-certified hit “County Line,” Gold-certified “Darlin’” and his top 5 debut single “Love You Again,” along with a few well-received covers. He was clearly at home, telling the crowd how excited he was to play in his hometown.
After the crowd warmed up by singing along to Hannah Montana’s “Best of Both Worlds,” Moroney made her entrance with the fiery “Man on the Moon,” followed by fan-favorite “Indifferent.” She then leaned into her self-described “emo cowgirl” persona with the vulnerable “I Know You,” a moment that set the emotional tone for the rest of the evening.
“This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing shows,” she told the crowd. “It’s so cool to play Nashville because I wrote a lot of these songs right down the road.”
Megan Moroney performs at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Moroney’s set pulled heavily from her sophomore LP Am I Okay?, including “Noah,” “Third Time’s the Charm” and her viral ballad “No Caller ID.” She wove in emotional fan-favorites like “Hair Salon” and “Girl in the Mirror,” the latter made even more poignant as the audience lit up the venue with phone flashlights covered in slips of blue paper handed out at the door.
She balanced that emotional intensity with her signature cheeky charm on “Sleep on My Side” and “Lucky.” From breakup anthems to love songs, the crowd stayed in lockstep, belting out every line.
For a slower, moody section, Moroney took a seat on a glowing heart-shaped riser for “28th of June,” a sultry Brooks & Dunn cover of “Ain’t Nothing ’Bout You” and the tender “Hope You’re Happy.” She closed the segment with “Mama I Lied,” sending love to her mom, who was in the crowd.
Megan Moroney, Chase Matthew and team gather before the show at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
The set’s most heartwarming moment came during “Miss Universe,” when Moroney invited a young girl on stage and presented her with flowers. Wearing a pageant sash that read “Miss ‘Am I Okay?’ Tour Nashville,” she continued a new tradition she’s bringing to each stop on the tour.
Moroney powered through the final stretch with “Break It Right Back,” “Bless Your Heart” and “The Girls,” and treated fans to a surprise performance of early track “Wonder,” chosen by audience vote.
Naturally, the crowd erupted during her three-times Platinum breakthrough “Tennessee Orange.” After “I’ll Be Fine,” she briefly left the stage before returning for an encore of the title track “Am I Okay?”—this time bringing Matthew back out to close the night.
Moroney continues her 50-date headlining tour tonight and tomorrow in Knoxville, Tennessee, with upcoming stops including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre and more iconic venues through October.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly dives deep into the heart of Nashville’s music industry, spotlighting major milestones, new leadership moves and exciting partnerships that continue to shape Music City’s ever-evolving landscape. Click here to see the full edition.
A highlight of the week was the 2025 AIMP Nashville Country Awards, held Tuesday night (April 8) at Marathon Music Works. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the event honored the independent voices behind many of country music’s biggest moments. Among this year’s standout honorees were Jon Decious, named Rising Songwriter of the Year, and breakout artist Zach Top, who received Rising Artist-Writer of the Year. Courtney Allen of Concord was recognized as Song Champion of the Year, while the Publisher Pick of the Year went to “Hell Is A Dance Floor,” penned by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel.
The prestigious Songwriter of the Year honor was awarded to Jessie Jo Dillon, while Jordan Davis was named Artist-Writer of the Year. Big Machine Music took home the title of Independent Publishing Company of the Year, and “The Painter,” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins, earned Song of the Year.
The community bid farewell to a longtime industry leader, Amy Smartt, Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at CMA. She announced her retirement after nearly 20 years of service. Her last day was Wednesday (April 9).
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is preparing to unveil a landmark exhibition: Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker. Opening May 20, this immersive celebration of the icon’s life and legacy will run through September 2026.
Belmont University also recognized one of the industry’s top marketers, presenting the 2025 Robert E. Mulloy Award of Excellence to Results Global’s Chief Marketing Officer John Zarling. The honor was bestowed during the university’s annual Best of the Best Showcase, hosted by the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
On the business front, Big Machine Music announced the addition of Preston Berger as Senior Manager of Publishing. Meanwhile, Ernest made headlines with the launch of his own label, DeVille Records, in collaboration with Big Loud Records. The label’s first signings include Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford and Cody Lohden. Anotherland Agency has named Megan Wise as Vice President of New Business.
The Neal Agency brought on Michelle Bower as President of Strategic Partnerships. Electric Feel Entertainment also expanded its leadership, appointing Chandler Nicole Sherrill as Senior Director of Creative.
Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Warrior Poet Music formed a new alliance to sign rising singer-songwriter Chandler Brown to a global publishing deal. In agency news, Lanco has signed with UTA for representation in all areas.
The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) revealed its 2025 Board of Directors this week. Newly elected members include Deric Ruttan, Lydia Vaughan and Dan Wilson, with Jimmy Yeary returning to the board. Re-elected for two-year terms are Kelly Archer, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Hodges, Lee Thomas Miller, Tim Nichols, Josh Osborne, Troy Verges and Parker Welling.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. John Morgan makes his debut in the No. 1 spot this week with “Friends Like That,” featuring Jason Aldean. Explore more chart data here.
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.
Megan Moroney Brings Emo Cowgirl Energy To Two Sold-Out Nashville Shows
/by LB CantrellMegan Moroney performs at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Megan Moroney brought her “Am I Okay? Tour” to Nashville this week, playing two back-to-back sold-out shows at the city’s newest venue, The Pinnacle, on Wednesday (April 9) and Thursday (April 10).
Fans packed the venue dressed in Moroney-inspired looks—blue fits, white cowgirl boots and tour merch in tow—ready to sing along to every lyric. The audience was filled with young women and girls, though plenty of guys were spotted joining in the fun.
Megan Moroney performs at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Opening both nights was Nashville native Chase Matthew, who delivered a high-energy set featuring Platinum-certified hit “County Line,” Gold-certified “Darlin’” and his top 5 debut single “Love You Again,” along with a few well-received covers. He was clearly at home, telling the crowd how excited he was to play in his hometown.
After the crowd warmed up by singing along to Hannah Montana’s “Best of Both Worlds,” Moroney made her entrance with the fiery “Man on the Moon,” followed by fan-favorite “Indifferent.” She then leaned into her self-described “emo cowgirl” persona with the vulnerable “I Know You,” a moment that set the emotional tone for the rest of the evening.
“This is the most fun I’ve ever had playing shows,” she told the crowd. “It’s so cool to play Nashville because I wrote a lot of these songs right down the road.”
Megan Moroney performs at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
Moroney’s set pulled heavily from her sophomore LP Am I Okay?, including “Noah,” “Third Time’s the Charm” and her viral ballad “No Caller ID.” She wove in emotional fan-favorites like “Hair Salon” and “Girl in the Mirror,” the latter made even more poignant as the audience lit up the venue with phone flashlights covered in slips of blue paper handed out at the door.
She balanced that emotional intensity with her signature cheeky charm on “Sleep on My Side” and “Lucky.” From breakup anthems to love songs, the crowd stayed in lockstep, belting out every line.
For a slower, moody section, Moroney took a seat on a glowing heart-shaped riser for “28th of June,” a sultry Brooks & Dunn cover of “Ain’t Nothing ’Bout You” and the tender “Hope You’re Happy.” She closed the segment with “Mama I Lied,” sending love to her mom, who was in the crowd.
Megan Moroney, Chase Matthew and team gather before the show at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images
The set’s most heartwarming moment came during “Miss Universe,” when Moroney invited a young girl on stage and presented her with flowers. Wearing a pageant sash that read “Miss ‘Am I Okay?’ Tour Nashville,” she continued a new tradition she’s bringing to each stop on the tour.
Moroney powered through the final stretch with “Break It Right Back,” “Bless Your Heart” and “The Girls,” and treated fans to a surprise performance of early track “Wonder,” chosen by audience vote.
Naturally, the crowd erupted during her three-times Platinum breakthrough “Tennessee Orange.” After “I’ll Be Fine,” she briefly left the stage before returning for an encore of the title track “Am I Okay?”—this time bringing Matthew back out to close the night.
Moroney continues her 50-date headlining tour tonight and tomorrow in Knoxville, Tennessee, with upcoming stops including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the Greek Theatre and more iconic venues through October.
IBMA Names New Board Of Directors
/by Lauryn SinkThe International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has elected new members to its Board of Directors. The following members were elected by their respective membership constituencies and will begin a three-year term in June 2025:
Kristin Scott Benson – At Large
Helen Ludé – Agents, Managers, and Publicists
Missy Raines – Artists, Composers, and Music Publishers
Ariel Rosemberg – Event Production (re-elected for a second term)
Timothy Trudeau – Recording, Distribution, & Marketing
The remaining three board-appointed seats will be filled and the election of board officers will take place during the June meeting.
Avery Anna To Share The Fan-Inspired ‘Let Go Letters’ In May
/by Lorie HollabaughAvery Anna is connecting with her fans in an intimate way on her upcoming new sophomore album, Let Go Letters, out May 16 via Warner Music Nashville. To accompany the album announcement, Anna has released a new song from the project, “Danny Don’t.”
Written solely by Anna, “Danny Don’t” is the singer’s response to a fan-written letter she received at a show from a man struggling with the weight of life and contemplating giving it up entirely. The stripped-down track serves as her answer to him, where she pleads that he keep going. The song delves into the typically unsung topic of men’s mental health. Anna expands on the experience, the “let go letters” concept, and provides a trigger warning in a video she posted here.
Each song on the project is inspired by real-life situations that Anna’s fans shared with her in a letter series, which has long been a safe place for her listeners to “let go” of experiences that may be troubling them by writing them down and sending them off. Anna read the letters and took the general themes, anything from body dysmorphia, depression, alcoholism in the family, self-esteem, etc., and turned them into songs, making her fans’ experiences the center of the new project to let them know they’re heard, seen, and not alone.
“I’ve learned that everyone wants to escape the hard things that are going on in their lives. I see it every time I play a show—people carrying so many burdens,” Anna says. “It was really hard for me to know that the people at my shows are going through similar things that I’m going through because they are singing the songs with me, and they relate to them. But I have a way to deal with that by singing about my experiences on stage, and they may not have that outlet. So, I encouraged everyone to write these things called Let Go Letters, and many people did it. They trusted me with these letters and the things they’re going through, and because of that, my entire life and perspective on people has changed.
“Reading these letters was super heavy,” she continues. “There were so many topics that I don’t know if they could say them out loud, but they could write them down. It inspired me so much that I started writing songs about their experiences myself, and then this album came to life. My biggest hope is that people will hear it and they’ll feel understood. I think the highest form of love is to be understood. People are going through a lot, and they think they’re going through it alone, but they’re not.”
The new project includes her recently released “Wish You Well,” and “Mr. Predictable,” a fan favorite. She is also currently climbing the charts with her viral duet with Sam Barber , “Indigo.” With more than 530 million global streams to date, Avery has quickly become an in-demand touring artist, and will take the stage at Nashville’s The Pinnacle on April 17, where she’ll open for Ian Munsick, followed by an appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on April 18.
Let Go Letters Track List:
1. “Love, Avery” (Avery Anna)
2. “Mr. Predictable” (Avery Anna, David Fanning, Ben Williams)
3. “Grave” (Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams)
4. “What Are Friends For?” (Avery Anna)
5. “Self Esteem 4 Sale” (Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams)
6. “My Mother Lies (Voice Memo)” (Avery Anna)
7. skinny (Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams)
8. “Depresion” (Avery Anna, David Fanning, Travis Heidelman)
9. “Giddy Up!” (feat. Maggie Antone) (Avery Anna, Margaret Antone Scott)
10. “Cheerios” (Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams)
11. “Danny Don’t” (Avery Anna)
12. “There’s No You (Voice Memo)” (Avery Anna)
13. “Butterfly Project” (Avery Anna)
14. “Wish You Well” (Avery Anna, David Fanning, Jon Hume)
Shaboozey To Headline FanDuel’s Kentucky Derby Party
/by Lorie HollabaughShaboozey. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk
Shaboozey will be the headliner for this year’s FanDuel Kentucky Derby Party on May 2 at Paristown Arts and Entertainment District in Louisville.
Following last year’s inaugural event featuring performances by Luke Bryan and Ne-Yo, FanDuel is once again bringing star power to Derby weekend’s social calendar with the invite-only event.
“I’m hyped to be part of the Derby this year,” says Shaboozey. “It’s one of those bucket list events you dream about playing and we’ll be bringing serious vibes to Louisville with FanDuel.”
As part of the celebration, FanDuel will make a $100,000 donation in support of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, a nonprofit that accredits and provides grants for approved non profit organizations that provide care, retraining, and rehoming for retired racehorses. With horse racing at the core of FanDuel’s history, the company and FanDuel TV have been committed to giving back to the community that makes the sport possible and raising the profile of Thoroughbred aftercare.
“The Kentucky Derby is a celebration of tradition, energy, and unforgettable moments,” shares Andrew Moore, General Manager of Racing at FanDuel. “Horse racing is where FanDuel’s journey began, and it remains a central part of who we are as a company. Between the iconic FanDuel party and our donation to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, we’re looking forward to making FanDuel’s presence in Louisville known.”
Evan Bartels Set To Release New Album In May
/by Lauryn SinkEvan Bartels is set to release his upcoming record, To Make You Cry, on May 23 via UMG Nashville’s Lost Highway Records imprint.
Produced by Bartels, Rico, Csabai and Dave “Squirrel” Covell, the six-song project explores the sacrifices and spirituality of a working musician.
“I wanted these stories and songs to be very intimate, where it feels like you’re hearing something through a wall, or you’re seeing something through a window, and you perhaps shouldn’t be,” explains Bartels. “Also, I wanted it to feel expansive. I wanted it to sound like the West, which is often stark and intensely beautiful in a way that takes your breath away.”
The title track, written by Bartels, Bobby Tomberlin and Curt Gibbs, is available now.
Following his recent C2C appearance, Bartels will return to the UK and Ireland this May, with more U.S. dates to be announced
To Make You Cry Track List:
1. “Death Of A Good Man” (Evan Bartels)
2. “Lula” (Evan Bartels)
3. “Montana” (Evan Bartels)
4. “The Highway” (Evan Bartels)
5. “To Make You Cry” (Evan Bartels, Bobby Tomberlin, Curt Gibbs)
6. “Waves” (Evan Bartels, David Ray Stevens)
Shaboozey To Release Extended Version Of ‘Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going’
/by Lorie HollabaughShaboozey is releasing an extended version of his Platinum breakthrough album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going: The Complete Edition on April 25 via Empire. In celebration of the new project, Shaboozey has released a brand new single, “Blink Twice,” featuring UK artist Myles Smith.
The 18-track project features new music and special guests Jelly Roll, Smith and Sierra Ferrell, and on it Shaboozey charts a cinematic road trip through the American west, bringing a new depth to his storytelling while pushing further into the country/folk-inspired sound he’s explored in recent years.
The extended album includes Shaboozey’s breakthrough country anthem “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which was awarded eight-times Platinum certification in under a year and broke the record for most weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart. The track also reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay Charts and Mediabase/Country Aircheck. Shaboozey made history as the first artist to ever have a single break the top 10 across all four charts: Country Airplay, Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay, and the second ever single by a Black artist to top both the Billboard Hot 100 and Country Songs Charts. The song has also amassed over a billion streams.
Later this month, Shaboozey will take the stage of both Coachella as well as Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California.
Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going Complete Edition Track List:
1. “Horses & Hellcats”
2. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
3. “Last Of My Kind” (feat. Paul Cauthen)
4. “Anabelle”
5. “East Of The Massanutten”
6. “Highway”
7. “Let It Burn”
8. “My Fault” (feat. Noah Cyrus)
9. “Vegas”
10. “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” (feat. BigXthaPlug)
11. “Steal Her From Me”
12. “Finally Over”
13. “Amen” (feat. Jelly Roll)
14. “Hail Mary” (feat. Sierra Ferrell)
15. “Fire And Gasoline”
16. “Blink Twice” (feat. Myles Smith)
17. “Good News”
18. “Chrome”
Stars Shine At Bobby Bare’s 90th Birthday Celebration At Basement East
/by Lorie HollabaughBobby Bare Jr, Shawn Camp and Steve Earle. Photo: Jeff Fasano
Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Bare’s 90th birthday celebration at Basement East on Monday (April 7) was filled with heartfelt tributes and special performances.
Hosted by Bobby Bare Jr., the sold-out event, “An American Salute to Bobby Bare,” featured a lineup including Shawn Camp, Elizabeth Cook, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris & Buddy Miller, Jamey Johnson, Kendell Marvel, Chuck Mead, Jacob Tolliver, The Cowpokes, Rodney Crowell, Jim Lauderdale, Mary Gauthier, Aaron Lee Tasjan and Lucinda Williams.
The Americana Music Association presented the show, with proceeds benefitting MusiCares. Bare was not in attendance, but his presence was deeply felt throughout the packed room. Listeners were singing along all night, right up until the final song, when the entire room joined in to sing “Happy Birthday” to the legend himself.
In addition to the performances, the audience was reminded of the special proclamation from Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who declared April 7 as ‘Bobby Bare Day’ in honor of Bare. The official recognition celebrated Bare’s contributions to country music and solidified his lasting impact on the city’s rich musical heritage.
Bare’s legacy will also be honored at a writers round at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum tomorrow (April 12) featuring Buddy Cannon, Todd Snider and Bobby Bare Jr.
Bill Anderson Receives TSAI Lifetime Achievement Award
/by Lorie HollabaughBill Anderson Accepts TSAI Lifetime Achievement Award
Bill Anderson received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Songwriters Association International this week during a ceremony at Harken Hall.
Songwriter Bobby Tomberlin gave a rousing performance of a few of the hits Anderson has penned over the past 70 years, and songwriter Danny Wells presented the honor during the special event.
“I have been trying to write songs for most of my adult life, so to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award, especially from other songwriters, is a very special and humbling honor. My sincere appreciation to the members of TSAI for recognizing me with such a meaningful award,” says Anderson.
Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry titan Anderson is the rare songwriter whose first major label cut went to No. 1 on the charts, was named Song of The Year and sparked a writing career that is currently in its seventh decade. With songs like “City Lights,” “Tips Of My Fingers,” the Grammy-nominated “Once A Day,” “Saginaw, Michigan,” “That’s What It’s Like To Be Lonesome,” “I Missed Me,” “Cold Hard Facts Of Life,” (which earned him another Grammy nomination,) “Mama Sang A Song,” “Still” and more, he was voted country Songwriter of the Year six times during his first decade in Music City and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
John Morgan & Jason Aldean Top The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeJohn Morgan rises to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart alongside Jason Aldean with their track “Friends Like That.”
The song is the lead single for Morgan’s upcoming album Carolina Blue and was written by Morgan, Brent Anderson, Will Bundy and Lydia Vaughan.
Morgan is set release his debut album later this month on April 25, via Broken Bow Records. The project will feature 12 tracks, all co-written and co-produced by Morgan alongside Anderson.
“Friends Like That” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.