Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Riley Green & Carly Pearce
DISClaimer has a bonanza of fine new country sounds this week.
More than half of the tracks in this listening session could be a Disc of the Day. With such an abundance of riches, we’re compelled to dole the prizes out by category. So this week, we have three Disc of the Day awards.
In the Female Vocalist category, Kacey Musgraves’s clever catalog of horniness wins a Disc of the Day. Among the Male Vocalist contenders, ebullient Kane Brown has another Disc of the Day. In a day notable for vocal collaborations, the Carly Pearce/Riley Green duet is our “group” Disc of the Day honoree.
Madden Metcalf looks and sounds young at heart, and the first-timer earns a DISCovery Award for his debut.
ANNE WILSON & COLE SWINDELL / “Still Do”
Writers: Anne Wilson/Jeff Pardo/Matthew West/Trannie Anderson; Producers: Jeff Pardo, Ross Copperman; Label: Sparrow
– Prodigal children find their way back to God, but neither of them sings a harmony vocal.
HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Painted You Pretty”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Hudson Westbrook/Lukas Scott; Producer: Lukas Scott; Label: River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville
– The Lone Star State up-and-comer is gentle and romantic on this lilting outing. He sings that she’s “picture perfect,” and “I bet you’ve got a heart of gold.” Awww.
LOLA KIRKE / “Trailblazer”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Lola Kirke; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: One Riot Records
– The Academy Awards ceremony is Sunday (March 15). Best Picture nominee Sinners is the most nominated film in Oscar history. In it, Nashville’s Lola Kirke portrays a roving vampire in a folk-singing trio. The title tune of her current album urges you to pave your own way and stand up for yourself when you feel like you don’t fit in. A densely muffled production backs her wistful soprano vocal. While on the film’s set, she also wrote a wonderfully wry and witty memoir titled Wild West Village. Both the album and the book are well worth your time.
KANE BROWN / “Woman”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– His buddies want him to go out and chase girls with them. He turns them down, because instead of girls, he has a real woman. A churning, bopping production and Brown’s charisma make this an undeniable, instant favorite.
DAVID NAIL / “The Crown”
Writers: Anderson East/David Nail; Producer: Anderson East; Label: One Five Sound
– Nail offers a short-story in a wafting ballad about a teenager who loses her way, but can always find peace back in her home town. This performer remains a gripping, gifted singer-songwriter.
CARLY PEARCE & RILEY GREEN / “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Blue Highway Records
– These two have stunning vocal chemistry. Green’s twin-like harmony singing is a revelation, and they both bring simmering heat to this portrait of passion. Essential listening.
TENILLE TOWNES & LORI McKENNA / “the acrobat”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Tenille Townes; Producer: Tenille Townes; Label: TT
– I’m a big fan of Canadian star Townes. On this aching ballad, she’s accompanied solely by an acoustic guitar and the alto harmonies of McKenna. The result is starkly compelling artistry where you hang on every line.
CHRIS JANSON & DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Fun”
Writers: Chris Janson/David Lee Murphy/Jesse Murphy/Michael Wayne Wilkes/Mitchell Oglesby; Producers: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60/Warner Records Nashville
– This is pretty much what the title says it is. Rollicking and rambunctious. A big grin.
BELLAH MAE / “Love Me Less”
Writers: Bellah Mae/Brett Truitt/Brigetta Truitt; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her breathy vocal is surrounded by twinkling guitar notes and a simple percussive thump in this soft pop production. Very pretty, if not exactly “country.”
KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Dry Spell”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Kacey Musgraves/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird; Label: Lost Highway
– Delightful. She’s wry and witty on this bopping lament of being horny. The sexy double entendres are super cute, and some twanging guitars skip along merrily.
LUKE GRIMES / “Haunted”
Writers: Dave Cobb/Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Grimes; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA
– Already widely known for his role on Yellowstone, Grimes is in a new CBS drama series titled Marshals. On its soundtrack, this slow, brooding track depicts resilience and letting go of the past. His baritone voice conveys a certain world-weary wisdom. Love the drawn-out, echoey, instrumental fade.
MADDEN METCALF / “I Don’t Wanna Cry Anymore”
Writers: Elliah Heifetz/Freddy Wexler/Madden Metcalf; Producers: Freddy Wexler, Paul Sikes; Label: Wexler Records/MCA Nashville
– Heartbreak with a little skip in its step. Metcalf’s rapid-fire delivery and jaunty attitude contrast nicely with his boyish, lost-love ditty. Extremely promising.
PYNK BEARD / “Ice on the Road”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jayme Silverstein/Warren Okay Felder; Producers: Jayme Silverstein, Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Anzie Blue Records
– A moody meditation punctuated by tenor shouts that pleads for brotherhood and understanding. Love your neighbor, exhorts Pynk Beard.
MusicRow Reveals 2026 CountryBreakout Award Winners
/by MusicRow StaffFor 24 years, MusicRow has celebrated country music’s success at radio in secondary markets with its annual MusicRow CountryBreakout Awards.
Based on spins on the secondary market stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart panel each week, winners in eight categories are awarded. These artists and industry professionals wrote, recorded and promoted the music that played across the nation throughout 2025.
Morgan Wallen, Megan Moroney, Rascal Flatts, Hudson Westbrook, LOCASH and MCA prevail at this year’s CountryBreakout Awards for garnering the most spins in their own respective categories. Hit songwriters Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome and Taylor Phillips, as well as MusicRow Radio Chart reporter Justin Brown are also victors for their esteemed skills.
Morgan Wallen is the winner for Male Artist of the Year for the fourth year in a row, while Megan Moroney takes home her first win for Female Artist of the Year. Rascal Flatts notch their first win in the Group/Duo of the Year category.
The Breakout Artist of the Year honor is given to a new artist whose first single or album was released in 2025, and earned the most spins on stations that report to the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Hudson Westbrook takes this year’s Breakout Artist of the Year distinction.
The Independent Artist of the Year award honors a top independent act, based on the number of spins earned on stations that report to the chart, as well as factors including label size, distribution model and promotion staff. LOCASH takes home the honor this year for the first time for their success with singles “Hometown Home” and “Wrong Hearts,” which were worked by their own independent Galaxy Label Group.
MCA earns the Label Group of the Year honor, with its artists earning the most spins of any label imprint on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in 2025.
Songwriting juggernaut Ashley Gorley takes home his eighth Songwriter of the Year honor for penning the most No. 1 songs on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart in 2025. This year, Gorley tied with Charlie Handsome and Taylor Phillips for the honor, making Handsome’s second time and Phillips’ first time taking home the win.
This year’s Reporter of the Year goes to Justin Brown at WJVL. This honor is an editorial decision that recognizes a MusicRow station panelist that best epitomizes the spirit of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
The winners of MusicRow‘s 24th annual CountryBreakout Awards are highlighted in this week’s MusicRow Weekly newsletter. Click here to view.
Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton Top The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMiranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton land at the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with their song, “A Song To Sing.”
The track was written by Stapleton and Lambert along with Jenee Fleenor and Jesse Frasure.
Both artists are currently on the road, with Lambert headlining her “Postcards from Texas Tour” through August and Stapleton continuing his “All-American Road Show” through October.
“A Song To Sing” currently sits at No. 19 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Ashley Cooke Unveils ‘the ace sessions’
/by Lauryn SinkAshley Cooke has released the ace sessions, a six-track acoustic project via all digital streaming platforms.
the ace sessions was initially released through a series of performance videos on YouTube last week. The project features four tracks from Cooke’s 2025 ace, along with the unreleased “olive juice” and a rendition of “can’t fight the moonlight.”
Cooke made a cameo appearance on last Sunday’s episode of CBS’ Marshals, performing “next to you,” a cut from her 2023 debut album. Her fan-favorite track “baby blues” reached the No. 1 spot last week on SiriusXM The Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown. This weekend, she will return to C2C: Country to Country 2026, performing in Belfast, Glasgow and London.
the ace sessions Track List:
1. “baby blues – the ace sessions” (Ashley Cooke, Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Seth Ennis, Joe Fox)
2. “talk about – the ace sessions” (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Chase McGill, Chris LaCorte)
3. “the hell you are – the ace sessions” (Ashley Cooke, Emily Weisband, Chase McGill, Seth Ennis, Joe Fox)
4. “excuses – the ace sessions” (Ashley Cooke, Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock)
5. “olive juice – the ace sessions”
6. “can’t fight the moon light – the ace sessions”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce & Riley Green Share Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannKacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Riley Green & Carly Pearce
DISClaimer has a bonanza of fine new country sounds this week.
More than half of the tracks in this listening session could be a Disc of the Day. With such an abundance of riches, we’re compelled to dole the prizes out by category. So this week, we have three Disc of the Day awards.
In the Female Vocalist category, Kacey Musgraves’s clever catalog of horniness wins a Disc of the Day. Among the Male Vocalist contenders, ebullient Kane Brown has another Disc of the Day. In a day notable for vocal collaborations, the Carly Pearce/Riley Green duet is our “group” Disc of the Day honoree.
Madden Metcalf looks and sounds young at heart, and the first-timer earns a DISCovery Award for his debut.
ANNE WILSON & COLE SWINDELL / “Still Do”
Writers: Anne Wilson/Jeff Pardo/Matthew West/Trannie Anderson; Producers: Jeff Pardo, Ross Copperman; Label: Sparrow
– Prodigal children find their way back to God, but neither of them sings a harmony vocal.
HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Painted You Pretty”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Hudson Westbrook/Lukas Scott; Producer: Lukas Scott; Label: River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville
– The Lone Star State up-and-comer is gentle and romantic on this lilting outing. He sings that she’s “picture perfect,” and “I bet you’ve got a heart of gold.” Awww.
LOLA KIRKE / “Trailblazer”
Writers: Daniel Tashian/Lola Kirke; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: One Riot Records
– The Academy Awards ceremony is Sunday (March 15). Best Picture nominee Sinners is the most nominated film in Oscar history. In it, Nashville’s Lola Kirke portrays a roving vampire in a folk-singing trio. The title tune of her current album urges you to pave your own way and stand up for yourself when you feel like you don’t fit in. A densely muffled production backs her wistful soprano vocal. While on the film’s set, she also wrote a wonderfully wry and witty memoir titled Wild West Village. Both the album and the book are well worth your time.
KANE BROWN / “Woman”
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– His buddies want him to go out and chase girls with them. He turns them down, because instead of girls, he has a real woman. A churning, bopping production and Brown’s charisma make this an undeniable, instant favorite.
DAVID NAIL / “The Crown”
Writers: Anderson East/David Nail; Producer: Anderson East; Label: One Five Sound
– Nail offers a short-story in a wafting ballad about a teenager who loses her way, but can always find peace back in her home town. This performer remains a gripping, gifted singer-songwriter.
CARLY PEARCE & RILEY GREEN / “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay”
Writers: none listed; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: Blue Highway Records
– These two have stunning vocal chemistry. Green’s twin-like harmony singing is a revelation, and they both bring simmering heat to this portrait of passion. Essential listening.
TENILLE TOWNES & LORI McKENNA / “the acrobat”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Tenille Townes; Producer: Tenille Townes; Label: TT
– I’m a big fan of Canadian star Townes. On this aching ballad, she’s accompanied solely by an acoustic guitar and the alto harmonies of McKenna. The result is starkly compelling artistry where you hang on every line.
CHRIS JANSON & DAVID LEE MURPHY / “Fun”
Writers: Chris Janson/David Lee Murphy/Jesse Murphy/Michael Wayne Wilkes/Mitchell Oglesby; Producers: Chris Janson, Michael Wayne Wilkes; Label: Harpeth 60/Warner Records Nashville
– This is pretty much what the title says it is. Rollicking and rambunctious. A big grin.
BELLAH MAE / “Love Me Less”
Writers: Bellah Mae/Brett Truitt/Brigetta Truitt; Producer: Brett Truitt; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her breathy vocal is surrounded by twinkling guitar notes and a simple percussive thump in this soft pop production. Very pretty, if not exactly “country.”
KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Dry Spell”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Kacey Musgraves/Luke Laird/Shane McAnally; Producers: Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird; Label: Lost Highway
– Delightful. She’s wry and witty on this bopping lament of being horny. The sexy double entendres are super cute, and some twanging guitars skip along merrily.
LUKE GRIMES / “Haunted”
Writers: Dave Cobb/Jessie Jo Dillon/Luke Grimes; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: MCA
– Already widely known for his role on Yellowstone, Grimes is in a new CBS drama series titled Marshals. On its soundtrack, this slow, brooding track depicts resilience and letting go of the past. His baritone voice conveys a certain world-weary wisdom. Love the drawn-out, echoey, instrumental fade.
MADDEN METCALF / “I Don’t Wanna Cry Anymore”
Writers: Elliah Heifetz/Freddy Wexler/Madden Metcalf; Producers: Freddy Wexler, Paul Sikes; Label: Wexler Records/MCA Nashville
– Heartbreak with a little skip in its step. Metcalf’s rapid-fire delivery and jaunty attitude contrast nicely with his boyish, lost-love ditty. Extremely promising.
PYNK BEARD / “Ice on the Road”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jayme Silverstein/Warren Okay Felder; Producers: Jayme Silverstein, Oak for The Orphanage; Label: Anzie Blue Records
– A moody meditation punctuated by tenor shouts that pleads for brotherhood and understanding. Love your neighbor, exhorts Pynk Beard.
Danny Wimmer Presents Opens New Music City Office
/by Lorie HollabaughLive entertainment production company Danny Wimmer Presents has opened a new office in downtown Nashville.
The company has produced festivals across Kentucky, Ohio, Florida, California and beyond for almost 20 years, including Louisville festivals Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life, just three hours north of Nashville.
The Nashville office will serve as a central hub for marketing, creative and administration, led by Boone Vires (SVP, Marketing), Jake Miller (Head of Content & Creative) and Haley Baca (Director of Administration).
“Nashville offers an incredible quality of life that makes it a natural home for our growing team. As DWP has experienced significant growth over the past five years, expanding into a new office in Music City is a strategic step that supports our long-term vision and continued momentum,” says Wimmer, Founder of DWP. “From affordability and accessibility to the depth of entertainment and culture, it’s a place where people can build meaningful careers and fulfilling lives. We’re already seeing strong interest from top talent, strengthening our ability to recruit, retain, and scale for the future.”
DWP sold more than one million tickets across its festivals last season. The company’s portfolio of multi-day experiences includes Aftershock, Inkcarceration Music & Tattoo Festival, Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival and Welcome To Rockville.
‘Culture At Large’ To Launch First Live Performance Event
/by Lauryn SinkMarcus K. Dowling‘s Culture At Large will launch its first live performance event, “R.O.O.T.S.: An All-Female Roots Music Jam Session,” on April 7, at Nashville’s Anzie Blue.
The event will feature performances from Bluegrass Music Association-winning fiddle player Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Folk Alliance International Spirit of Folk award-winning pianist and vocalist Lilli Lewis, and Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist and International Bluegrass Music Association Vocalist of the Year Jaelee Roberts. Tickets to the event are available now.
Dowling launched the Culture At Large podcast in October. The weekly music industry podcast is recorded live from Nashville’s Anzie Blue.
“Two-thirds of the version of The Carter Family, which introduced country music as a commercial genre in 1927, were women,” shares Dowling. “One hundred years later, Billboard‘s top-selling pop albums and singles artists are two different women known for their work in country music. Building lasting connections between music, people, and culture requires changing expectations to boost creative innovation. Therefore, events like R.O.O.T.S. emphasize that it’s time for country’s mainstream pop cultural comeback to expand beyond a single genre and into a broader American and global scene that deepens and expands country music and Western culture’s influence.”
Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Unveils Lineup For CRS Luncheon
/by Madison HahnenBig Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has revealed its lineup for its 2026 CRS luncheon, taking place March 20 at 12 p.m.
This year’s showcase will feature performances from The Band Perry, The Jack Wharff Band, Mackenzie Carpenter, Cole Goodwin, Caroline Jones, Shaylen, Greylan James and Naomi Carman.
“CRS remains one of the most important opportunities to showcase our amazing artists where they feel most at home — ON STAGE,” says Scott Borchetta, Founder & Chair. “As we enter our ‘NEXT 20,’ we will be giving you a robust look into our future — and yours. Start your engines…”
Online registration for CRS 2026 has closed. On-site registration will be available in Nashville at the current rate of $799 through the start of the event.
Scout Speer Inks With Sony Music Publishing & Dan Isbell
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Chelsea Kent (SMP), Rusty Gaston (SMP), Tom Luteran (SMP), Cam Caldwell (SMP), Scout Speer, Dan Isbell, Scott Safford (Safford Motley PLC) and Jeff Peterson (Interstate Music).
Rising artist and songwriter Scout Speer has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with country music hitmaker Dan Isbell.
Speer combines a modern country edge vivid storytelling, her Tennessee upbringing in her sound. Recent singles “Strangers,” “Against Me” and “That’d Be Crazy” have already gained viral attraction, alongside her self-titled EP Scout Speer. Speer has already amassed five million streams, and has performed two sold-out shows in Nashville, alongside making a festival appearance She is currently working on new music, with a full-length album slated for release later in 2026.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be partnering with Sony Music Publishing and Dan Isbell as I take this next step in my career. It’s an honor to work with people who believe so deeply in my music and my future as a writer,” says Speer. “I also want to thank my manager Jeff Peterson and the team at Interstate Music for supporting me from the very beginning and helping me get to this moment. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”
“I’m thrilled to work with Scout,” shares Isbell. “She’s a killer vocalist with a sound that balances heartfelt melancholy and an upbeat spirit that really comes alive on stage. I can’t wait for Nashville and the rest of the world to hear her voice and experience all she has to say.”
“When Dan introduced me to Scout, I immediately saw in her what he did: an unmistakable voice and a natural storytelling ability that captures audiences,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville VP, Creative A&R, Tom Luteran. “Shaped by her collegiate soccer background, Scout has discipline, a team-first mindset and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed, and we’re proud to partner with Dan to support her career.”
Industry Ink: Lady A, Belmont, Warren Zeiders, IBMA, Kendra Scott
/by Lauryn SinkLady A Takes The Stage At CMHOFM Annual Members-Only Concert
Pictured (L-R): Charles Kelley, Ben Hall, Hillary Scott, Sally Gairhan and Dave Haywood. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Lady A took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last night (March 11) for its annual members-only concert, The Big Gig.
The band performed hits including “Need You Now” and “Downtown” in the museum’s CMA Theater.
Belmont University’s Fisher Center Wins PACnet Event Of The Year For ‘DOLLY: A True Original Musical’
Photo: Courtesy of Belmont University
Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts received the PACnet 2026 Spotlight Event of the Year Award for hosting the 49-show world premiere run of DOLLY: A True Original Musical, which sold more than 77,000 tickets and drew audiences from all 50 states.
“This recognition affirms what we believe the Fisher Center can be: a place where ambitious new productions can premiere and connect with audiences from across the country,” shares Gage Baxter, managing director of the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. “The response to DOLLY: A True Original Musical showed how powerful it is to launch a project like this in Nashville.”
Warren Zeiders Performs At Health & Hope Gala
Warren Zeiders recently performed at the Health & Hope Gala in Austin, Texas, benefiting the Tim Tebow Foundation.
Zeiders performed at the Gala on Thursday evening (March 5) and participated in Friday’s Golf Tournament.
IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Opens ‘For Your Consideration’ List Submissions
Photo: Kristopher Fister
IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards has opened “For Your Consideration” list submissions. Recommendations can be made here through March 31.
Submissions are welcome in six categories, including Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Gospel Recording of the Year, Instrumental Recording of the Year, Collaborative Recording of the Year and Music Video of the Year.
The submission form, as well as additional guidelines, can be found here.
Kendra Scott Hosts VIP Nashville Opening
Marcus King, Briley King, Kendra Scott & Zac Brown. Photo: BFA, Jason Lowrie
Kendra Scott hosted a VIP grand opening for its Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott’s Nashville flagship store last night (March 11).
The new location marks the brand’s first home outside of Texas. Guests included Kendra Scott, Zac Brown, Marcus and Briley King, Lanie Gardner, Laci Kay Booth, The Castellows, Kat Luna and more.
Hope On The Inside To Host Writers’ Round Benefit With Kix Brooks, Vince Gill, More
/by Lorie HollabaughHope On The Inside is hosting a fundraiser at the Listening Room in Nashville on April 2 with proceeds going towards their prison re-entry and rehabilitation initiatives.
The evening will spotlight Nashville Metro Jail’s Behavioral Correctional Center, sharing real-life testimonies that reinforce Hope On The Inside’s mission of rehabilitation. The event also features performances by Chancie Neal and Three Times A Lady, followed by a writers’ round with founders Briana Calhoun and Kix Brooks alongside Bob DiPiero, Vince Gill, and Tim Nichols. Throughout the night, guests can also participate in both silent and live auctions.
“I can’t wait to share what is going to be a really special night with some of Nashville’s most prolific songwriters, great artists and inspiring stories,” says Briana Calhoun, Founder and Executive Director of HOTI. “Hope on the Inside’s mission and success in rehabilitation support programs is offering true second chances to those who might otherwise never get one. So, we’re excited to recognize and support organizations like the Behavioral Correctional Center right here in Nashville. The incredible efforts of Sheriff Daron Hall and his staff have created a humane and practical approach to rehabilitation unlike anything I’ve witnessed in a metro correctional facility.”
Launched in 2023 by Louisiana natives Calhoun and Brooks, Hope On The Inside brings music and conversation into correctional facilities. By paring songs rooted in real-world struggle with Calhoun’s own powerful story, the nonprofit strives to connect hearts, inspire change and uplift the voices of those who have walked the hardest roads.
Tickets for general admission and VIP seating are now available for purchase here.