LoCash. Photo: Josh Beech

LoCash announced the launch of their new record label, Galaxy Label Group, last night (Feb. 28) during Country Radio Seminar (CRS). The country duo—made up of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas—will be the first act signed to the label.

Distributed by BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Galaxy Label Group is named after the pair’s vision of infinite possibilities. With this endeavor, LoCash aims to enter a new creative era of mentoring other artists, as they continue to build on their own momentum following Platinum-certified smash “I Love This Life” and Gold-certified singles “One Big Country Song” and “I Know Somebody.”

“Launching our own record label has been a part of our plan since day one,” shares Brust. “And with the ever-changing landscape of modern music, now is the perfect time. As seasoned artists, it’s really important for us to do what we know how to do and do it well. Confidently moving forward with creative control is the natural next step for us.”

Lucas adds, “I haven’t been this excited since moving to Nashville years ago! With the relationships we’ve built in the industry along the way, it’s time we add a new chapter to the LoCash book. We are in control of ourselves as artists and are ready to help aspiring artists as well as the songwriters succeed in today’s music world.”

Galaxy Label Group was formed in partnership with industry veterans Skip Bishop and Butch Waugh’s Studio2Bee Entertainment, and has executive staff in place with plans to enlarge its roster.

“We’re extremely grateful to Jon Loba and his executive team for helping us create such a modern, forward-thinking and artist/writer-friendly distribution arrangement,” says Bishop. “It’s this kind of imaginative insight that will elevate the level of shared success.”

In celebration of the new label, LoCash is working on their next project and will release the first single, “Hometown Home,” this spring.

Pictured (L-R, back row): BBR/BMG’s Jon Loba, Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Stoney Creek’s Adrian Michaels and BBR/BMG’s JoJamie Hahr; (L-R, front row): Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll and David Ray Stevens. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Music industry members gathered at Tin Roof on Demonbreun last week to celebrate three chart-toppers from two country music stars.

Jelly Roll and co-writers Austin Nivarel and Joe and Rob Ragosta were there to commemorate Jelly’s “Need A Favor” topping the charts. Lainey Wilson and co-writers Josh Kear and Jordan Schmidt were celebrated for her fifth consecutive No. 1 “Watermelon Moonshine.” Finally, both stars toasted to their collaborative hit “Save Me” with Jelly’s co-writer David Ray Stevens.

BMI’s Clay Bradley welcomed everyone to the midtown hotspot to get the party started before turning it over to Shannon Sanders, a longtime friend of Jelly’s, to emcee the special celebration. ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston was on hand to honor the PRO’s affiliates.

Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Reservoir’s John Ozier, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston and Stoney Creek’s Adrian Michaels; (L-R, front row): Rob Ragosta, Joe Ragosta, Jelly Roll and Austin Nivarel. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Taking turns to give each song its moment, the celebrations started with “Need A Favor.” Publishers, including BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Reservoir’s John Ozier and Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, took turns speaking about each of their writers.

All of the co-writers except Jelly were celebrating their first No. 1. Two of the writers, Joe and Rob, are brothers, making it even more special. All were full of gratitude, calling out their publishers, supporters, Jelly and their families.

“I got to do this with my brother,” Rob said. “We’ve been doing this for 20 years at a serious level, chasing this dream. We always did it with our best friends and we always did it with our family.”

Joe shared, “Jelly, you’re an icon. It’s so far beyond artistry at this point. You’re part of the culture.”

“Before I worked with Jelly Roll, I worked with a lot of his collaborators. I began to hear the phrase, ‘Jelly Roll changed my life,’ so often that I started to think, ‘He’s got to be paying these people. How much money does this guy have?'” Austin said. “Then I got the opportunity to meet him and work with him… A year and a half later, I can certainly say that Jelly Roll changed my life.”

Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Lainey Wilson, Josh Kear, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston and BBR’s Shelley Hargis. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Next up, it was time to celebrate “Save Me,” the anthem Jelly wrote with David Ray. Lainey joined Jelly on a collaborative version of the song that topped the charts at the end of 2023.

Industry members including BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill and BBR Music Group’s Adrian Michaels were on hand to speak about the record-breaking song.

“I’m the luckiest man in the world. If I’m in a dream, please don’t wake me up,” David Ray said when it was his turn to speak. He thanked all his supporters and team members before inviting two jewelers from Ice Box to present Jelly with a piece of jewelry to commemorate the occasion, a gesture Jelly did for him to mark their “Son Of A Sinner” chart-topper.

Then the crowd got to hear from Jelly. He thanked all of his team members, making sure to mention what each of them bring to the table, as well as country radio.

“I’ve had four No. 1s in my career. Three of those four songs were written with people who had never had a No. 1 before. I take great pride in that,” Jelly said.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Madison Hahnen, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, David Ray Stevens and MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Next it was time to celebrate Lainey Wilson’s “Watermelon Moonshine.” Lainey and co-writer Josh Kear appeared onstage to celebrate. Their co-writer Jordan Schmidt wasn’t able to make it.

Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and BBR Music Group’s Shelley Hargis spoke about Lainey and her co-writers. Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart made a presentation letting the crowd know that the bank had made a charitable donation in honor of the songs.

The mic was then turned over to Josh and Lainey.

“I started writing on Music Row when I was 19, which means I’ve been coming to these things for over 30 years. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that short speeches are the best speeches,” he said, adding in his thanks to his village. “Thank you to everyone who had anything to do with this song.”

Lainey was the last to speak. “I could not be more appreciative to anybody who has put their hands on my songs or any songs that I’ve been able to be a part of. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for making my dreams come true.”

Pictured (L-R, back row): Kelsey Waldon, S.G. Goodman, Nat Myers, Sam Bush and C.J. Lewandowski; (L-R, middle row): Tanya Trotter of The War And Treaty, Martina McBride, Molly Tuttle, Chauntee Ross and Monique Ross of SistaStrings and Megan Moroney; (L-R, front row): Michael Trotter Jr. of The War And Treaty, Hailey Whitters, Billy Strings, Jessie Jo Dillon, Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the unveiling of its “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit last night (Feb. 27).

Jessie Jo Dillon, Dean Dillon and Susie Dillon at the “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit opening. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The annual exhibit takes a broad look at country music over the past year to explore musical developments, artist achievements and notable events, as determined by the museum’s curators and editorial staff.

Open now until February 2025 in the museum’s ACM Gallery, this year’s installment features a selection of artists, musicians, songwriters and initiatives that significantly influenced the genre in 2023. Those selected include Oliver Anthony, Kelsea Ballerini, Sam Bush, Tyler Childers, Luke Combs, S.G. Goodman, Nat Myers, Nickel Creek, Joy Oladokun, Jelly Roll, Allison Russell, the Broadway musical Shucked, SistaStrings, Billy Strings, Taylor Swift, Molly Tuttle, Morgan Wallen, Kelsey Waldon, The War And Treaty, Lucinda Williams and Lainey Wilson.

The “Unbroken Circle” portion of the exhibit spotlights the musical connections of creators, such as their influences or those who share their musical perspectives. Featured pairings consist of Jessie Jo Dillon and Cindy Walker, C.J. Lewandowski and Bobby Osborne, Megan Moroney and Kacey Musgraves as well as Hailey Whitters and Martina McBride.

Additionally, “American Currents: State of the Music” includes a video compilation of important country music moments from the past year, and recaps the chart-topping country albums, singles and highest-grossing tours of 2023.

In support of the opening, the museum is hosting a Songwriter Session with Waldon this Saturday (March 2) and a Musician Spotlight with Lewandowski this Sunday (March 3).

For more information, click here.

Sam Bush and Vince Gill at the “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit opening. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally at the “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit opening. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Nat Myers, S.G. Goodman and Kelsey Waldon at the “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit opening. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Monique Ross and Chauntee Ross of SistaStrings at the “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit opening. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Martina McBride and Hailey Whitters at the “American Currents: State of the Music” exhibit opening. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Amanda Roach, Jess Loper and Sally Allgeier

Red Street Records has added two new staffers, Jess Loper and Amanda Roach, and promoted Sally Allgeier.

Loper will assume the role of Vice President of A&R and Publishing for Red Street Christian. She was formerly VP of Brand Management for TobyMac’s Gotee Records and Publishing (Emack Music). After the tragic loss of former department head Don Koch, Loper joins the staff to fill the shoes of a Christian music legend.

Roach, a Long Island native and University of Central Florida grad, joins Red Street Records as Manager of Country A&R and Publishing. Roach formerly served as a Catalog Manager and A&R Coordinator at Warner Chappell Music, and now will report to Red Street’s Kelly King, Sr. Director of A&R and Publishing.

As Red Street Country’s Director of Field Promotion since 2022, Holy Cross College graduate Allgeier rises to National Director of Country Promotion. Reporting to the department’s SVP of Country Promotion Andy Elliot, Allgeier will lead the national radio strategy for the country roster.

“I couldn’t be more excited for the growth here at Red Street Records! Jess and Amanda will be fantastic additions to an already stellar team, and I’m eager to watch our very own Sally Allgeier excel in her new role. This is only the beginning for Red Street,” says Red Street Records CEO Jay DeMarcus.

“I couldn’t be more proud to elevate such a hard working, resilient team member like Sally,” says Red Street Records Owner and Chairman Dan Crockett. “She has grown tremendously in the two short years she’s been with Red Street and alongside industry powerhouse Jess Loper and rising star Amanda Roach, will be such an integral part of our continued success.”

Pictured (L-R): Kelly Sutton (Opry Announcer), Jamey Johnson, Isaac Gibson/49 Winchester, Josh Ross, Madeline Edwards, Lainey Wilson, Ella Langley, Anne Wilson and Chase Matthew. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry has revealed their next class of artists for their Opry NextStage program, presented by Tecovas. The class of 2024 includes 49 Winchester, Anne Wilson, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Ella Langley, Flatland Cavalry, Josh Ross, Madeline Edwards and Wyatt Flores.

Opry NexStage alumni Lainey Wilson and Grand Ole Opry member Jamey Johnson announced the class of 2024 at a press conference from the Grand Ole Opry house.

“I’m so honored to be announcing the Opry NextStage program class of 2024,” says Wilson “As someone who was a part of the NextStage class in 2021, this is a full circle moment for me. I am such a huge fan of all of these artists, and I can’t wait to see where their musical journeys take them this year!”

Johnson offered some advice to the artists to stay true to themselves and stay on their own path. He said, “Listen to the spirit that led you to this point tonight and don’t ever stray from it.”

Throughout the year, the nine acts will receive dedicated support from Opry Entertainment Group and Tecovas. This will include featured original content, performances and promotion across platforms.

“At Tecovas, we believe music is an essential way to tap into the true spirit of the West,” said Gillian Kennedy, CMO at Tecovas. “We are honored to help connect rising talent with new fans and be the first boot sponsor and official presenter of Opry NextStage. There is no better venue for this mission than the legendary Grand Ole Opry and we can’t wait to watch these artists showcase their craft to the world.”

After launching in 2019, the Opry NextStage program has introduced rising talent to the country music fan base. Previous members include Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes, Wilson, Priscilla Block, Breland, Callista Clark, Travis Denning, Tegan Marie, Niko Moon, Restless Road, Jameson Rodgers, Elvie Shane, Nate Smith, Morgan Wade, Hailey Whitters and Yola.