Country Radio Seminar (CRS) will bring back its beloved “Cycle of A Song” series during the CRS 2025 Digital Music Summit, taking place Feb. 19-21.

The “Cycle of A Song” series, which first debuted last year during CRS 2024, offers a rare, behind the scenes look at the journey of a song from creation to hit status, highlighting the crucial roles that social media, streaming platforms, radio and touring play in growing an artist’s fanbase. This year, the Digital Music Summit will dive into how these elements collaborate within the industry to produce a chart-topping hit, providing attendees with valuable insights into the full lifecycle of a song.

On Wednesday (Feb. 19), Ella Langley will discuss “You Look Like You Love Me” from 11-11:50 a.m., Tucker Wetmore will take a look at “Wind Up Missin’ You” on Thursday (Feb. 2o) from 2:30-3:20 p.m. and, to close out the series, Dasha will give insight into “Austin” on Friday (Feb. 21) from 2-2:50 p.m.

This year’s panel expands on the success of the inaugural “Cycle of A Song” segment from CRS 2024, which showcased Bailey Zimmerman’s “Fall in Love,” Megan Moroney’s “Tennessee Orange” and Jelly Roll’s “Son of a Sinner.” The “Cycle of A Song” concept was originally inspired by the Digital Music Summit’s popular panel, “How They Built It: ‘Fancy Like’ and Its Path to #1,” which explored the breakout success of Walker Hayes.

Crystal Dishmon & Laura Spinelli. Photos: Robert Chavers

ShopKeeper Management, the artist management firm founded by Marion Kraft in 2009, has promoted two longtime team members.

Crystal Dishmon has been named Co-Manager of Miranda Lambert alongside Kraft. Dishmon will continue her management of two-time Academy of Country Music and 17-time Canadian Country Music Association winner, Tenille Townes, while further contributing to Lambert’s career. Dishmon has been a part of the ShopKeeper team since 2010, following prior experience at Senior Management, AEG/The Messina Group and Dale Morris & Associates.

“In my 14 years at ShopKeeper, what I’ve admired most about Marion and Miranda is how they have built an incredible career rooted in artistry and authenticity,” says Dishmon. “I’m honored to step into the role of co-manager to help build on their success and continue creating Miranda’s tremendous legacy in country music history.”

“I’ve admired Crystal’s drive, determination and knack for working with artists ever since our paths first crossed nearly 25 years ago,” shares Kraft. “After establishing ShopKeeper Management in 2009, Crystal was the person I knew could help build this company; she joined in 2010 and has been invaluable. She has rightly earned this promotion through her tireless dedication, hard work and genuine passion for music, underscoring her unwavering commitment to both the artist and the craft. I can’t wait to see the significant impact she will continue to make in the ever-evolving landscape of artist management and the music industry.”

Additionally, Laura Spinelli has been promoted to Day-to-Day Manager for Lambert. She will also continue to serve the company’s roster in her role as Digital Marketing Manager. Honored on MusicRow’s 2025 Next Big Thing list, Spinelli has spent nearly a decade at ShopKeeper, creating and launching marketing campaigns as well as executing multiple brand partnerships.

“Digital can no longer operate in a silo—it must be seamlessly integrated into every aspect of our work,” adds Kraft. “Elevating Laura to Day-to-Day Manager, with her extensive digital expertise, ensures that a digital-first mindset remains at the core of everything we do.”

In addition to Lambert and Townes, ShopKeeper Management is home to Pistol Annies. The company’s management team also includes Graphic Designer Dara Foutch and Office Manager Chelsey Kucera.

Performers ring in the new year on New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/CBS

Nashville’s Big Bash at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on New Year’s Eve continued to fuel significant economic activity for the city, generating a record-breaking $41 million in direct visitor spending.

The 2024 event had an all-time high attendance of 220,000, and for the fourth year, was featured during a five-hour New Year’s Eve special on CBS. Hotels were the top choice for accommodations for 68% of surveyed visitors, followed by short-term rentals including Airbnb at 16%, and staying with family/friends at 11%. Downtown hotel demand on New Year’s Eve 2024 was up a healthy 7.2% YOY. Downtown hotels had 88% occupancy. 83% of visitors said New Year’s Eve and this event was the top reason that brought them to Nashville, with vacationing coming in as the second reason at 10%. 90% said it was their first time attending this annual event. 9% of visitors surveyed were international, including from Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Denmark, Australia, Brazil and South Africa.

“With record attendance and $41 million in direct visitor spending, Nashville’s Big Bash continues to generate enormous economic activity for the city during a traditionally slow time for our industry,” says Deana Ivey, President and CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. “Along with some new accolades from major travel outlets, this success underscores Music City’s enduring appeal as a destination for world-class events and entertainment in 2025.”

Big Bash was headlined and co-hosted by Keith Urban, along with headliners Kane Brown and Jelly Roll. Shaboozey and Brittney Spencer also performed during the free concert.

Pictured (L-R): Anna Gallenberger, Assoc. Director, Commercial Partnerships, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music; Sophia Martinez, Executive Assistant, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music; John Loessy, Director, Marketing, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music; Jamie Rodgers, VP, Essential Music Publishing; Ron Hill, fmr. SVP A&R, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music; Madison Watkins; Mat Anderson, VP, Marketing, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music; Josh Schiffman, Director, A&R, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music; Charles Van Dyke, VP, National Promotion, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music; Andie Rankins, Sr. Director, Publishing Administration, Essential Music Publishing; Holly Zabka, President, Provident Entertainment/Sony Music.

Madison Watkins has inked a record deal with Provident Entertainment/Sony Music.

“We are honored, and so excited to have Madison as part of our Provident family,” says Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “The new music she has created is fresh and unique, and Madison’s work ethic is second to none. We can’t wait to see how her artistry and these songs impact people around the globe.”

Watkins has captivated audiences with her vocals, songwriting and infectious energy, and the Arkansas native has continued to wow fans with her original music. Her song “Curls” went viral, amassing over 1.5 billion plays on TikTok, and she followed it up with a series of singles like “Someday,” “Lose To Love,” and “Kiss U,” creating a collection of songs that celebrate confidence, faith and love. Watkins has shared the stage with artists like Jason Derulo and Tori Kelly, and her music has been featured in television shows and major brand campaigns, including those for Aussie Hair, Steve Madden, LG and PUMA, among others.

Ahead of her EP release set for the summer of 2025, Watkins dropped her first single in two years, “Spin,” last Friday (Jan. 24). While the track offers just a glimpse of what’s to come from her upcoming project, she opens up right away. The song’s lyrics invite listeners to find beauty in slowing down and reconnecting with the world around them.

“Writing and recording the song ‘Spin’ has helped me walk through anxiety, let go of my fears, and learn to live like a kid again,” shares Watkins. “There is a lot going on in the world right now, and my hope is that this song will provide the perfect way to remind others to get out of their heads and reconnect with where they are in the here and now.”

Pictured (L-R): Tenasie Courtright (JWS Creative Manager), Jody Williams (JWS Founder), Ed Williams, Spencer Nohe (Warner Chappell Music VP, A&R) and Nina Jenkins Fisher (JWS Senior Director, Creative). Photo: Aubrey Wise

Songwriter, producer and musician Ed Williams has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs (JWS) and Warner Chappell Music.

With the signing Williams joins his father Jody Williams, founder of JWS, and his brother Driver Williams, who also writes for the company. He previously worked for Sony/ATV Music Publishing in the creative department developing writers and producing artists, and also spent time in the creative departments at Bug Music and Crossfire 3.

Most recently, Williams collaborated with fellow JWS writer Harper O’Neill to co-produce sides and co-write her next single, “My Love, My Love,” alongside O’Neill and JWS writer Jason Nix. The single is set for release Jan. 31.

“Ed Williams writes timeless country songs. His music is inventive and deeply imaginative—you never really know what kind of story he’s about to tell, but you can always count on it being expertly crafted,” says Nina Fisher, JWS Senior Director, Creative. “Like all the Williams men, Ed has a deep respect for and knowledge of our genre. We’ve been looking forward to him being ready to dive in, and I’m thrilled that the time is finally here!”

“I’m so fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love alongside people I love,” says Ed. “The environment that Nina and Tenasie [Courtright] create for the JWS songwriters is aspirational. I’m so proud to have them, Warner Chappell and the rest of this publishing ‘family,’ if you will, in my corner.”

Jody Williams Songs (JWS) represents Jeremy Spillman, Harper O’Neill, Peytan Porter, Vince Gill, Driver Williams, Jason Nix, Ashley McBryde, Natalie Hemby, Andy Austin, Emily Ann Roberts and Ed Williams, and is a joint venture with Warner Chappell Music.