Josh Ross has gained traction in the country music world with his warm sound and engaging presence. The rising UMG Nashville/Universal Music Canada artist unveiled his latest EP, Complicated, in March, and just dropped new song “Want This Beer (feat. Julia Michaels).”

While releasing new music, Ross has resided on the road supporting Bailey Zimmerman‘s “Religiously. The Tour.” and Luke Bryan‘s “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour” while making appearances at multiple festivals. He shows no signs of slowing down this summer, as he plans to launch his own headlining run at the end of next month before the annual Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards in September, where he’s notched five nominations.

During his brief break from touring last week, the singer-songwriter stopped by MusicRow to reflect on his musical journey thus far and play a few tunes with accompanying guitarist Jake Gantt.

Growing up, the Ontario native’s primary passions centered around sports. After playing hockey for many years, he became a professional motocross racer and later attended Western University on a football scholarship. While in college, Ross underwent two reconstructive surgeries on his right ankle and found himself picking up a guitar as he recovered.

“I was always that friend who would sing karaoke at the bar as a joke,” he shared. “I loved it, but hadn’t really realized it [at that point].”

Once Ross started writing, music became his main way of burning off steam and expressing himself. He then entered some emerging artist showcases in Canada and met people with Nashville connections. Within eight months of commencing his career, Ross knew he wanted to pursue music internationally and made the move to Music City.

He recalls nights spent at The Red Door Saloon introducing himself to industry members as well as meeting Gantt at a poker night and forming his band. But it was back in his homeland during the 2019 CCMA Awards that he met Morgan Wallen, who connected him with Chief Zaruk of The Core Entertainment—his current management team.

After scoring back-to-back top five singles at Canadian country radio, Ross signed his record deal in early 2023 and released Complicated track “Trouble.” He disclosed that tune, which he co-wrote with Mason Thornley, was inspired by a voicemail he left an ex during a night out before performing it for the MusicRow team.

With influences ranging from Steve Earle to Akon, Ross melts multi-genre elements into traditional country tempos to create his own sound. Although he serves as a co-writer on quite a few of his cuts, the songsmith has also recorded outside songs such as “Tell Me A Lie,” which is also featured on the new EP. Ross poured himself into the piece, penned by Cameron Bedell, Lauren McLamb and Johnny Clawson, during his MusicRow visit. He also played fellow Complicated tune and current country radio climber, “Single Again,” which was also sparked by a real encounter Ross experienced.

After taking the Watershed Festival stage, he’ll kick off his “Single Again Tour” in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey on Aug. 28.

The Store is launching The School Store, a new project to provide school supplies for middle Tennessee families in need.

The initiative will collect new backpacks, stainless steel water bottles and one-inch 3-ring binders throughout July at collection sites including Let It Shine Gymnastics, The Getalong, Belmont Bookstore and The Store. Additionally, Kroger Green Hills and Brentwood stores along with other pop-up locations throughout 12 South will collect donations from July 27-28. The Nashville community is invited to The Store to drop off supplies and enjoy games, live music, inflatables and snacks during the fundraiser’s family-friendly event on Saturday, July 27, from 1-3 p.m. CT.

With food insecurity at a decade high, The Store recently launched its “Doubling Our Difference” campaign, aiming to double the number of middle Tennessee families served each year to 700 and expand support services. Individuals wishing to sponsor a families’ groceries, donate school supplies or learn more about future events and volunteering at The Store can visit thestore.org.

“We are grateful to the Nashville community for helping us provide for our customers another much-needed resource for their children as they gear up for a great school year ahead,” share The Store co-founders Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.

The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. There is no charge to those referred or to the people and agencies that send them. They may shop for food to supplement their income during times of crisis and as they work toward self-sufficiency. The Store works with referral agencies in Nashville to help families in securing food assistance while they access other support services, for a more comprehensive and holistic approach for families in need.

BMG Nashville has formed a joint venture with Triple Play Music, the publishing company owned by Jason Aldean with longtime bandmates Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy.

Triple Play’s roster includes John Edwards and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville/Night Train Records’ John Morgan, as well as new signee Neil Thrasher. The veteran songwriter has had hundreds of songs recorded over the last 25 years by artists such as Aldean, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Randy Houser, Ronnie Dunn, Tyler Farr, Reba McEntire and more. Thrasher’s songs have sold more than 50 million records and have spent 25 weeks at No. 1 including Aldean hits “Tattoos On This Town,” “Fly Over States,” “Night Train” and “Rearview Town.”

“Jason, Kurt, and Tully are BBR Music Group/BMG family. We are thrilled to partner with Triple Play and welcome Neil Thrasher. It is amazing to watch the creative energy between these long-time friends. The talent is unmatched, and we are proud to be on this journey with them,” says Creative Director, BMG, Amy Hendon Scott.

Country act Eli Young Band was greeted with custom plaques celebrating their Platinum album Life At Best as well as five-time Platinum single “Crazy Girl” and triple-Platinum chart-topper “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” when they visited the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) headquarters this week ahead of their sold-out “10 Years: 10,000 Towns Tour” stop in Washington, D.C.

The group—made up of Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson—also recently released deluxe and vinyl versions of their 10,000 Towns collection, and have hinted that new music is on the horizon.

“We are so honored to once again celebrate with Mike, James, Jon and Chris! Holding tight to their Texas roots while finding fans in all corners of the country, it’s incredible to recognize the reach of Eli Young Band’s music,” said Mitch Glazier, RIAA Chairman & CEO. “Congratulations on your new RIAA certifications!”

“Keep on dreaming… is a perfect lyric for Eli Young Band,” expressed Eli. “Since college, that is exactly what the four of us have done, and we are continuously grateful for these moments. We see the impact of our incredibly loyal fans, and these RIAA certifications are as much for them as they are for us. Thank you to our team, our road family and everyone who has supported our dreams! Now let’s find a spot in the bus to hang this new hardware…see you all on the road!”

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has unveiled a partnership with BMG to manage Cirque du Soleil’s music catalog and explore various music-oriented initiatives. BMG will now act as the record label for Cirque du Soleil’s original scores, soundtracks and new album releases, as well as handle music publishing and the creation of new songs and releases.

The first release under this strategic partnership is the soundtrack for Songblazers, in collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville, that accompanies Cirque du Soleil’s most recent theatrical production celebrating country music. The album, recorded at Sound Emporium in Nashville and produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Daniel Tashian, features a mix of the show’s cast and country music stars. Upcoming projects include new soundtracks and releases with artists and songwriters celebrating cultural moments across the world.

The partnership will be led by the company’s new music division, Cirque du Soleil Studio, which was created to serve existing fans while also attracting new audiences to the brand. Their existing music catalog currently boasts more than 250 million career streams and 500,000 album equivalents sold in the U.S. alone.

“The power of music has long been a force uniting cultures and peoples in Cirque du Soleil productions around the world,” explains Chief Customer Experience Officer at Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group Anne Belliveau. “As music plays an integral part in our productions, we’re proud to finally dive into the music industry and explore this new avenue. Over the last few years, BMG has brought a fresh vision to the music business, and we look forward to partnering with BMG on a variety of music-related opportunities.”

Marian Wolf, SVP Music Publishing North America, says, “Cirque du Soleil is one of the most innovative and creative entertainment companies in the world. We are thrilled to be the new publishing and recorded music home for Cirque du Soleil and to collaborate on upcoming new releases. This will provide unparalleled opportunities for BMG’s diverse roster of artists, songwriters, and catalogs. Together we aim to celebrate and elevate global culture by showcasing diverse music releases and transforming the way global audiences discover new music.”

Cirque du Soleil – Songblazers Tracklisting
1. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”
2. “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”
3. “Blue Moon of Kentucky (feat. Sam Bush and Dan Tyminski)”
4. “Where Shall I Be
5. “Cattle Call”
6. “Copperhead Road”
7. “Cattle Call (Reprise)”
8. “Workin’ Man Blues”
9. “Traveller”
10. “Cowboy Take Me Away”
11. “New Muleskinner Blues”
12. “Achy Breaky Heart (feat. Rob Ickes)”
13. “Orange Blossom Special / The Devil Went Down to Georgia (feat. Tommy Emmanuel)”
14. “Down to the River to Pray”
15. “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry (Reprise)”
16. “Carnival Heart”
17. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken (Reprise)”