Abbey Watson. Photo: Courtesy of SESAC

SESAC has elevated Abbey Watson to Manager, Creative Services.

A graduate of Belmont University, Watson joined SESAC in 2021. In addition to her client-facing responsibilities, Watson plays a vital role in fostering collaboration across the organization, serving as a key liaison between internal departments and external business partners.

“Abbey is someone our affiliates and teammates know they can always count on. Her professionalism, thoughtful approach, and passion for helping music creators succeed have made a lasting impact on both SESAC and the creative community,” says Lydia Cahill, Sr. Director, Creative Services.

The RIAA has released its Mid-Year 2026 US Recorded Music Revenue Report, noting US recorded music revenue reached six billion dollars in the first half of 2026, up 6.9% and outpacing US inflation.

According to the report, every major revenue category grew. Streaming generated $4.9B, up 4.7%, and remained the largest source of recorded music revenue. Paid subscriptions reached $3.4B, up 6.4%, and free streaming reached $900M, up 3.7%.

“The power of music, amplified from earbuds to basement listening parties to World Cup playlists across the US, is reflected not only in its cultural significance but also in the $6 billion revenue documented in RIAA’s Mid-Year Recorded Music Revenue Report. These results point to a healthy, diversified marketplace supporting continued investment in artists and new ways for audiences to experience music,” says RIAA VP of Research Matt Bass.

“As US music revenues continue to grow across formats, labels are strengthening connections between artists, fans and the platforms delivering creative work,” shares RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. “That partnership is driving engagement in new and expanding ways to create opportunities that will lift up the entire music community for years to come.”

See the full report here.

Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson and Charlie 1 Horse western and fashion hat brand have collaborated on a new collection for Fall 2026.

Inspired by Wilson’s Southern roots, music and unmistakable stage presence, the collection blends bold Western design with timeless profiles made for every kind of adventure. From vibrant wool-felt statements and fashion-forward profiles to sun-ready straws and classic cowgirl silhouettes, each hat is designed to help channel that inner cowgirl.

Styles include the Arrowhead, crafted in rich chocolate Cordova wool and finished with a striking teal hatband and coordinating feathers; the vibrant and unapologetic Bayou Belle, which turns up the volume in brilliant teal and is designed for concert lights and standout moments; the timelessly elegant Sahara-toned Delta Dawn and ivory Spotlight; the Baskin’ Blue, a deep blue short-brim straw that captures the first hint of summer on the horizon, and many more.

The collection is available now.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Kayla Adkins and Lauren Lieu; (L-R, front row): Lyndsay Kash, Dan Alley, and Zebb Luster

River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, has renewed its global publishing deal with Dan Alley.

Alley has quickly become one of Nashville’s rising songwriters, with songs recorded by some of country music’s biggest artists, including including Lainey Wilson, Jon Pardi, Braxton Keith, Joe Nichols, Austin Snell, Tyce Delk and more. He recently celebrated his first No. 1 country airplay hits with Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” and Hudson Westbrook’s “House Again,” which has become a viral hit with more than 428 million U.S. streams to date.

Alley is continuing that momentum with Luke Combs’ “Be By You,” which recently reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and has climbed into the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Along with writing songs for other artists, Alley will release his own songwriter project, Keepin’ On, this Friday (Sept. 4). The 11-track project includes five songs written solely by Alley, as well as “He Went To Work,” which Jon Pardi previously recorded for his 2025 album Honkytonk Hollywood.

Alley will celebrate the release with a songwriter round at The Listening Room Cafe tonight (Sept. 1) alongside Lukas Scott, Sam Banks and Mae Estes.

“Signing with River House/Sony in 2022 was the best decision I’ve ever made in my songwriting career,” says Alley. “Zebb [Luster] and Lynn [Oliver-Cline] were champions of mine even before I joined the family, and ever since then they’ve done everything possible to help me succeed. Shoutout to Kayla [Adkins] and Lauren [Lieu] for working day in and day out to open doors for me and create opportunities for me to write the best songs I can. The past four-and-a-half years have been incredible, and I’m so thankful to continue this journey.”

“We couldn’t be prouder to continue our journey with Dan,” shares Luster, River House Artists EVP. “He is one of the most talented songwriters in Nashville, but what makes him truly special is the person he is and the passion he brings to his craft every single day. It feels like we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s ahead for him, and we have no doubt his best work is still to come. We’re incredibly grateful that he continues to trust our team with his career, and we’re excited for everything we’ll accomplish together.”

“Dan is an exceptional songwriter, and it has been amazing to see his hard work translate into such incredible success,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “We’re thrilled to continue working with River House to champion Dan’s talent and look forward to all that’s ahead.”

Brittani Johnson & Chris Schuler

MusicRow has confirmed that Brittani Johnson has joined MCA as VP, Streaming. Additionally, Chris Schuler, VP, Audience Development has exited the company. Country Aircheck first reported both staff changes.

Johnson most recently served as a Day-To-Day manager at The Core Entertainment. She moved to Nashville in 2017, where she started as an intern at Rebel Engine (now Big Sky Music Group). Afterwards, she joined Stephanie Quayle’s team, where she sharpened her skills and passion for artist management. In 2019, Johnson joined Big Loud as Promotion Coordinator, before advancing to Director, Southwest Promotion. As Director, she played a key role in advocating for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Ashley Cooke, Hardy and Charles Wesley Godwin.

Schuler rejoined the company in 2023 as VP of Promotion for Capitol Records Nashville, gaining his current title in 2025 during the company’s restructuring. A Middle Tennessee State University graduate, Schuler began his career in the Radio and TV/Film department of BMI. He then joined Mercury Nashville as a promotion coordinator and worked his way up to becoming VP of Promotion & Radio Marketing in 2019, where he contributed to the success of artists across all four imprints of UMG Nashville. He also spent time at as VP of Promotion at Arista Nashville.