This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly shines a spotlight on some exciting developments and achievements in the music industry, celebrating both established icons and rising stars. From the presentation of prestigious awards to new business ventures and signings, there’s plenty to unpack. Click here to see the full edition.
Scott Borchetta, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, was honored with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award at the Grand Ole Opry House on March 10. This recognition comes as no surprise, given Borchetta’s incredible contributions to the music industry over the past two decades. Under his leadership, Big Machine has become a powerhouse, selling over 226 million albums and propelling more than 260 singles to No. 1 across country, pop and rock charts.
Meanwhile, hit songwriter, producer and music industry executive David Fanning is making waves with the launch of Off Road Records, a new venture in partnership with Reservoir Media, Inc. As President of the label, Fanning is focused on empowering the creators behind the music, nurturing the development of artists, and guiding them toward sustainable careers. Industry veteran Jamie Graves will serve as SVP of Marketing and Promotion, joining Fanning as a partner in the new endeavor.
In other industry news, Sacks & Co. has expanded its Nashville team. Catherine Snead has been promoted to Senior Director, while Jessica Vandergriff joins as Associate. CMT has unveiled its Next Women of Country (NWOC) Class of 2025, a carefully curated group of seven rising stars. The 2025 class includes Alexandra Kay, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Lanie Gardner, Meghan Patrick and MŌRIAH.
This week, The Ryan Seacrest Foundation introduced a new cohort for its Industry Advisory Committee, which includes a diverse group of professionals from music, television, film and sports. The latest members of the committee include Fount Lynch (SVP, Publicity, Warner Music Nashville), Jacki Artis (Manager, Social Impact, UTA), Jennifer Vessio (Publicist/Owner, 1220 Entertainment) and Jess Anderson (Publicist, The Lede Company), among others.
Sammy Arriaga’s Dead Rose Records announced a partnership with Chris Ruediger’s Walk Off Entertainment. Zachary Knowles, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter with a unique blend of alternative, pop and country influences, has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.
This week’s My Music Row Story features insightful conversations with two influential women in the industry: Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall and BBR Music Group/BMG’s Katie Kerkhover. Their interviews dive into their journeys, career highlights and perspectives on the evolving music landscape.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Blake Shelton notches the No. 1 spot this week with “Texas.” 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.
2026 Dates Announced For C2C Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe C2C Festival will return on March 13-15, 2026 to The O2 in London, the OVO Hydro in Glasgow and The SSE Arena in Belfast.
The full lineup will be announced later in the year along with more news from the festival. Country to Country has become a staple in the UK festival calendar and has brought country music to the UK and Ireland masses, with tens of thousands of fans attending each year. The festival will feature three days of the best in country music that fans have come to love and expect from the weekend, with performances from the world’s best country stars as well as emerging talent from Nashville, the UK and Europe. This year’s festival included performances from Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley Cody Johnson and more.
Early bird tickets for the 2026 festival are available from March 21 and can be purchased from gigsandtours.com, AXS.com and ticketmaster.co.uk. For Belfast tickets will be available via ticketmaster.ie. Glasgow tickets will be available at gigsinscotland.com.
Stem Expands Nashville Presence With Strategic Hire & Growing Roster [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellCourtney Daly
Stem, the distribution platform dedicated to empowering independent artists, is expanding its Nashville presence with the addition of Courtney Daly as Director of Artist & Label Strategy.
Daly joins Stem after nearly a decade at Big Machine Label Group, where she played a key role in digital strategy, e-commerce, experiential marketing and DSP relations. Most recently, as Director, Streaming and Digital Partnerships, she led YouTube growth, content strategy and editorial placement for artists including Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Riley Green, Tim McGraw, The Struts and Thomas Rhett.
Now at Stem, Daly will lead marketing strategies for the company’s growing roster of independent artists, bringing her deep industry expertise to artist development.
“Courtney’s wealth of expertise and deep understanding of the Nashville market make her an invaluable asset to our artists and team,” says Seth Faber, Stem’s General Manager. “Her joining underscores Stem’s commitment to deepening our relationships in Music City and delivering exceptional opportunities to our partners.”
Stem’s expansion in Nashville has been driven by Alison Junker (Head of Artist & Label Strategy, Nashville) and Chris Allen (Head of Artist & Label Relations, Rock & Alternative), who have played a key role in supporting artists like Drew Baldridge, Ashe, Jesse Welles, Travis Bolt, Tucker Wetmore, Spencer Crandall and Stephen Day, along with label partners including Big Yellow Dog, 800 Pound Gorilla and OurVinyl.
Stem’s approach has helped Wetmore amass over 150 million streams in under 90 days, fueled by a viral TikTok campaign. The company also played a major role in Baldridge’s “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” becoming the highest-charting independent release on country radio, and has supported the success of Maddox Batson, William Beckmann, Carter Faith, Shaylen, Hueston, Bethel Music, Hudson Westbrook, Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners and Logan Mize.
40 Days Of Christian Music Festival Returns This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 40 Days of Christian Music Festival is returning for its fifth year at the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in Northern Kentucky from July 29 to Sept. 6.
This year’s festival, which is free with admission, is bigger than ever, featuring performances from Crowder, Matthew West, Big Daddy Weave, Jordan Feliz, Katy Nichole, The Isaacs, Jason Crabb, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and many more.
“We are extremely honored and thankful to have the opportunity to partner with the Ark Encounter in Williamstown and Creation Museum in Petersburg in presenting this mega Christian Music festival at the top family destinations in America,” says Ray Flynn, President & CEO of Abraham Productions, Inc. “We are also very grateful for our great supporters, many of whom are globally recognized.”
Last year, festival attendance records were shattered, and this year’s festival promises to be even bigger than previous years. The Ark Encounter has been voted the No. 1 Best Religious Museum by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. All concerts held at the venue during the 40 Days of Christian Music Festival are free with admission to the attraction.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly shines a spotlight on some exciting developments and achievements in the music industry, celebrating both established icons and rising stars. From the presentation of prestigious awards to new business ventures and signings, there’s plenty to unpack. Click here to see the full edition.
Scott Borchetta, the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Big Machine Label Group, was honored with the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award at the Grand Ole Opry House on March 10. This recognition comes as no surprise, given Borchetta’s incredible contributions to the music industry over the past two decades. Under his leadership, Big Machine has become a powerhouse, selling over 226 million albums and propelling more than 260 singles to No. 1 across country, pop and rock charts.
Meanwhile, hit songwriter, producer and music industry executive David Fanning is making waves with the launch of Off Road Records, a new venture in partnership with Reservoir Media, Inc. As President of the label, Fanning is focused on empowering the creators behind the music, nurturing the development of artists, and guiding them toward sustainable careers. Industry veteran Jamie Graves will serve as SVP of Marketing and Promotion, joining Fanning as a partner in the new endeavor.
In other industry news, Sacks & Co. has expanded its Nashville team. Catherine Snead has been promoted to Senior Director, while Jessica Vandergriff joins as Associate. CMT has unveiled its Next Women of Country (NWOC) Class of 2025, a carefully curated group of seven rising stars. The 2025 class includes Alexandra Kay, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Lanie Gardner, Meghan Patrick and MŌRIAH.
This week, The Ryan Seacrest Foundation introduced a new cohort for its Industry Advisory Committee, which includes a diverse group of professionals from music, television, film and sports. The latest members of the committee include Fount Lynch (SVP, Publicity, Warner Music Nashville), Jacki Artis (Manager, Social Impact, UTA), Jennifer Vessio (Publicist/Owner, 1220 Entertainment) and Jess Anderson (Publicist, The Lede Company), among others.
Sammy Arriaga’s Dead Rose Records announced a partnership with Chris Ruediger’s Walk Off Entertainment. Zachary Knowles, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter with a unique blend of alternative, pop and country influences, has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.
This week’s My Music Row Story features insightful conversations with two influential women in the industry: Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall and BBR Music Group/BMG’s Katie Kerkhover. Their interviews dive into their journeys, career highlights and perspectives on the evolving music landscape.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Blake Shelton notches the No. 1 spot this week with “Texas.” 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.
Kolby Cooper’s Latest Album ‘Love You, Goodnight’ Set For April
/by Lorie HollabaughKolby Cooper. Photo: Roger Ho
Kolby Cooper is gearing up for the release of his latest album, Love You, Goodnight, due out April 11 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville with Combustion Music. He’s kicking off the new album with the release of “Under My Skin,” out now.
Cooper’s album, packed with raw emotion, rebel spirit, and unfiltered storytelling, blends gritty authenticity with soaring melodies and features tracks penned by Cooper along with writers including Andrew Baylis, Michael Whitworth, David Garcia, Josh Dorr and more. The project features 14 incendiary anthems, each showcasing a different facet of life on the road, and includes a powerhouse duet with fellow Texan Danielle Bradbery. Cooper has already given fans a sneak peek of the new album with previously released heart-pounding tracks like “Running Away,” “Hate You Too,” “Kill Me,” “Mama” and the poignant “Hello From The Road.”
“It just feels like the most ‘me’ album we’ve ever made. I wasn’t even trying to force this sound out,” Cooper shares. “I was just sitting down like, ‘Let’s write something badass.’ I hope the lyrics carry the weight of how cool the production is, how hard we worked on it, and the countless hours I’ve spent making sure it told a story.”
The new album arrives as Cooper has amassed over 440 million on-demand streams, made his Grand Ole Opry debut, and filled stages across the country, including dates opening for acts like Jelly Roll and Koe Wetzel.
Love You, Goodnight Track List:
1. “Apt. 208” (Kolby Cooper, Ben Burgess, Andrew Baylis)
2. “Fighting With God” (Kolby Cooper, Andrew Baylis, Josh Dorr, Michael Whitworth)
3. “Running Away” (Kolby Cooper, Andrew Baylis, Michael Whitworth)
4. “Lost Gets Found” (Kolby Cooper, Michael Whitworth, Andrew Baylis)
5. “Hate You Too” (Kolby Cooper, Andrew Baylis, Riley Thomas, Michael Whitworth)
6. “Empty Handed” (Kolby Cooper)
7. “One Big Happy Sad Family” (Kolby Cooper, Sam Bergeson, Dan Pellarin, Riley Thomas)
8. “Under My Skin” (Kolby Cooper, Andrew Baylis, Josh Dorr, Michael Whitworth, Riley Thomas)
9. “One Last” (with Danielle Bradbery) (Kolby Cooper, Michael Whitworth, Cody Quistad)
10. “Kill Me” (Kolby Cooper, Andrew Baylis, Michael Whitworth)
11. “Getaway” (Kolby Cooper, Jaxson Free, Joybeth Taylor, Jacob Durrett)
12. “Mama” (Kolby Cooper, Andrew Baylis, Michael Whitworth, Geoff Warburton)
13. “Hello From The Road” (Kolby Cooper, David Garcia, Brett Tyler)
14. “Love You, Goodnight” (Kolby Cooper, Andrew Baylis)
The Wilder Blue Releases ‘Still In The Runnin’
/by Lorie HollabaughTexas band The Wilder Blue has released their self-written, self-produced and entirely fan-funded album, Still In The Runnin’, today (March 14).
The five-piece band is fronted by songwriter/lead vocalist Zane Williams alongside Paul Eason (lead guitar), Lyndon Hughes (drums), Sean Rodriguez (bass) and Andy Rogers (multi-instrumentalist), and their steadfast dedication to authenticity, determination and the limitless energy of the open road is evident on their new nine-track project, which stands as a statement of creative strength.
“The reason we picked Still in the Runnin’ as the title, I think it’s a good descriptor for where we’re at in our career, which is to say we’ve still got a long way to go and we’re still challenging ourselves,” Williams says. “When I think about this album, it’s fan-funded and self-produced. We recorded it in three different studios all over the country, California, Texas, and North Carolina while we were crisscrossing the country on tour in 30 different states. And there’s not really a theme to the songs per se. In that respect, it’s a lot of our past CDs where there’s just a lot of diversity of styles and it’s almost like listening to a mixtape.”
As they continue with an extensive 2025 headline tour, in celebration of the new album the band has also released exclusive live footage of their full Red Rocks Amphitheater performance from October opening for Flatland Cavalry.
Still In The Runnin’ Track List:
1. “Los Diablos Tejanos” (Zane Williams)
2. “Modern Man (Mountain Heart)” (Zane Williams)
3. “Just What I Needed” (Zane Williams)
4. “When the Last Light Fades” (Zane Williams)
5. “The Secret of Love” (Zane Williams)
6. “Learnin’ My Lesson” (Zane Williams)
7. “Still In The Runnin’” (Zane Williams)
8. “Pass it on Down” (Zane Williams)
9. “The Queen of Austin” (Zane Williams)
BREAKING: Chelsea Blythe Exits UMG Nashville
/by LB CantrellChelsea Blythe. Photo: Cécile Boko
Executive Vice President of A&R at UMG Nashville, Chelsea Blythe, has exited her role, with her last day being today (March 14). The executive shared the news on social media.
Blythe joined the country label group in 2023 after building her career in hip-hop.
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I was given an opportunity of a lifetime to come to Nashville and live out my wildest dreams! Country music is so special to me and I will forever be grateful as I have so many incredible memories here that I’ll never forget,” she wrote in her post.
“Thank you to Cindy Mabe for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity and to Renee Bell for being my partner in crime,” Blythe adds. “Words can’t express how amazing these past couple years have been, but it’s time to go back to California.”
After an A&R internship with Interscope Records, Blythe became the department coordinator where she worked on award-winning artists including Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Rae Sremmurd and Mike WiLL Made-It.
Moving to Columbia Records in 2016, Blythe climbed to Vice President of A&R, signed Symba as her first artist, played a role in signing Baby Keem to the label, and developed multi-Platinum-selling artists Polo G and The Kid LAROI. In 2021, Blythe reunited with celebrated A&R executive Tunji Balogun, who found her for that pivotal first internship, at Def Jam Records. As Sr. Vice President of A&R at Def Jam, Blythe led A&R efforts on Armani White, 26AR and Anella Herim, among others.
Plans for the position have not yet been announced.
Ruston Kelly Goes ‘Dirt Emo’ Again
/by Madison HahnenRuston Kelly has released his newest project Dirt Emo, Vol. 2 via Rounder Records today (March 14). The EP features five Kelly covers of well known hits, including American Hi-Fi’s “Flavor of the Weak.”
“‘Flavor of the Weak’ may be the quintessence of my belief that pop punk/emo songs are just new age/angsty folk tunes,” shares Kelly. “So ping pongy in its catchiness, and so simple melodically and thematically. Like something that could easily be passed on by campfire, or like walking in Kenwood Mall with your friends after school. I used to listen to this song when I had a crush on a girl in high school, and she was dating like the shittiest dudes ever.”
The project also includes the previously released cover of Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” and Kelly’s take on Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated,” featuring Annie DiRusso. Also included on Dirt Emo, Vol. 2 are the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Slide” and Yellowcard’s “Only One.”
Kelly hosted two sold-out “Dirt Emo Nights” at Nashville’s The Basement East on March 10 and 11 to celebrate the release, featuring special guests Alex Gaskarth (All Time Low), Judah Akers (Judah & the Lion), Tommy Prine, Katie Pruitt and DiRusso.
Dirt Emo, Vol.2 Track List:
1. “Flavor Of The Week” (Stacy Jones)
2. “Sand In My Boots” (Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Michael Hardy)
3. “Complicated” (feat. Annie DiRusso) (Avril Lavigne, Graham Edwards, Lauren Christy, Scott Spock)
4. “Only One” (Benjamin Eric Harper, Longineu Warren Parsons III, Peter Michael Mosely, Sean Michael Wellman-Mackin, William Ryan Key)
5. “Slide” (John Rzeznik)
Blake Shelton’s New Album ‘For Recreational Use Only’ Due In May
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton is back with a new studio album after nearly four years with For Recreational Use Only, his debut for BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, due out May 9.
The new project has already produced the top 10 hit single “Texas,” and also includes the brand new track “Let Him In Anyway,” out today (March 14), an emotionally gripping ballad written by Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark and Carson Wallace about a man hoping for divine forgiveness for a lost friend who was just shy of redemption.
“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” says Shelton. “Hardy is a co-writer and a friend, and I’ve never heard a song like this before. When I first listened to it, I knew it was something special. It’s an honor to bring it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of the record we made.”
For Recreational Use Only‘s 12 tracks capture life’s highs and lows with authentic storytelling and raw emotion, and the collection features guest appearances from Gwen Stefani, John Anderson and Shelton’s longtime friend/tourmate Craig Morgan. Songwriters contributing to the new album include Hardy, Charles Kelley, Zach Crowell, David Lee Murphy, the Swon Brothers, Josh Osborne and more.
“It’s been a long time since we had a new album out, and I want to thank the songwriters and musicians who helped bring this record to life,” says Shelton. “Scott [Hendricks] and I have been working on this music for years, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with the fans.”
For Recreational Use Only Track List:
1. “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” – (Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, Beau Bailey)
2. “Texas” – (Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman)
3. “Hangin’ On” (feat. Gwen Stefani) – (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Greylan James)
4. “Strangers” – (Michael Hardy, Zach Crowell, Jameson Rodgers)
5. “Let Him In Anyway” – (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark, Carson Wallace)
6. “Heaven Sweet Home” (feat. Craig Morgan) – (Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton, Jake Rose)
7. “Life’s Been Comin’ Too Fast” – (Craig Wiseman, David Lee Murphy, Lindsay Rimes)
8. “Don’t Mississippi” – (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne)
9. “All of My Love” – (Colton Swon, Zach Swon)
10. “Cold Can” – (Bobby Pinson, Josh Osborne, Andrew DeRoberts)
11. “The Keys” – (Jay Brunswick, Brock Berryhill, Bobby Pinson)
12. “Years” (feat. John Anderson) – (Pat McLaughlin, John Anderson, David Ferguson, Daniel Auerbach)
The Gatlin Brothers Kick Off 70th Anniversary Celebration Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Gatlin Brothers. Photo: Brandon Wood
The Gatlin Brothers officially kicked off their “70th Anniversary Tour” on March 8 with a concert in their hometown of Abilene, Texas.
The March 8 show was on the exact date their musical journey first began in 1955 when Larry was only six, Steve was four and Rudy was just two years old. The “70th Anniversary Tour” is set to travel to Myrtle Beach, Beaumont, Santa Fe, Branson and many more.
“For the last 70 years, I have been greatly blessed and highly favored to make music with my two best friends, Steve and Rudy,” says Larry Gatlin. “It’s been a great run and it ain’t over, boys. Let’s keep doing this until just before we start stinkin’ up the joint and not one minute longer. See y’all at sound check. Love, Larry Wayne.”
Last week, the country singers were featured on Fox & Friends in honor of this milestone.
Tickets and tour dates are available here.