Deadline Extended For MusicRow’s 2026 InCharge Directory Applications

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MusicRow has extended the deadline for applications for its 2026 InCharge print directory through this Friday, Feb. 6.

Now in its 39th year, InCharge is an annual guide highlighting some of the most influential industry executives in the Nashville music business. This year’s issue is slated for an April release.

Applications are now closed.

All submissions will be reviewed by a selection committee to determine the candidates chosen for this year’s issue.

Note: Executives listed last year will be receiving an email from MusicRow to invite them to apply for this year’s consideration.

For advertising opportunities, please contact Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com.

For questions regarding the directory, please contact the editorial team at directory@musicrow.com.

Jelly Roll & Post Malone To Team For ‘Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2’ In Spring

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Jelly Roll, Post Malone

Post Malone and Jelly Roll are following up their record-breaking stadium run with the “Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2,” which kicks off in April.

The tour will hit festivals and college football stadiums across the U.S., including the University of Arkansas, LSU, Iowa State, Ole Miss and many more, with Carter Faith joining as special guest on all headlining dates. The new run bringing Post and Jelly back together features a career-spanning set of chart-topping hits, fan favorites, and the signature production that has become a must-see live event.

Tickets in the Post Malone artist pre-sale will begin on Feb. 6 at 10 a.m. local time, and fans must sign up at livemu.sc/postmalone by Feb. 4. Artist pre-sales for this tour are hosted by multiple ticketing sites, but anyone who signs up can join the sale. For artist pre-sales on Ticketmaster, no code is needed—access is tied directly to your account. Artist pre-sales hosted on other sites may require a code for access. Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale, which begins Feb. 10 at LiveNation.com.

“The Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2” continues Post’s highest-attended and best-selling tour to date, which drew over one million fans across North America and grossed more than $170 million.

“Post Malone Presents: The Big Ass Stadium Tour Part 2” Dates:
Fri Apr 10 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Tortuga Music Festival*
Sun Apr 26 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach Music Festival*
Wed May 13 – El Paso, TX – Sun Bowl Stadium
Sat May 16 – Albuquerque, NM – Boots In The Park Festival*
Tue May 19 – Waco, TX – McLane Stadium
Sat May 23 – Baton Rouge, LA – Tiger Stadium
Tue May 26 – Birmingham, AL – Protective Stadium
Fri May 29 – Tampa, FL – Raymond James Stadium
Sun May 31 – Panama City Beach, FL – Gulf Coast Jam*
Fri Jun 05 – Oxford, MS – Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
Sun Jun 07 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Fest*
Tue Jun 09 – Charlotte, NC – Bank of America Stadium
Fri Jun 12 – Indianapolis, IN – Lucas Oil Stadium
Tue Jun 16 – Toronto, ON – Rogers Stadium
Sat Jun 20 – Wildwood, NJ – Barefoot Country Music Festival*
Mon Jun 22 – East Hartford, CT – Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field
Thu Jun 25 – Cleveland, OH – Huntington Bank Field
Sat Jun 27 – Milwaukee, WI – Summerfest*
Tue Jun 30 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium^
Sat Jul 11 – Fayetteville, AR – Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
Wed Jul 15 – Kansas City, MO – Kauffman Stadium
Fri Jul 17 – Ames, IA – Jack Trice Stadium
Tue Jul 21 – Missoula, MT – Washington-Grizzly Stadium
Fri Jul 24 – Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium
Tue Jul 28 – Salt Lake City, UT – Rice-Eccles Stadium

*Festival appearance
^ Without Jelly Roll

BREAKING: 2026 Grammy Award Winners [Full List]

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The 68th annual Grammy Awards took place Sunday [Feb. 1], starting with the Premiere Ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The televised ceremony then broadcasted live from Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

During the televised ceremony, Jelly Roll won Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken. He thanked Jesus, his family, his team, country radio and more. “There was a time in my life where I was broken, that’s why I wrote this album,” Jelly said, before sharing a words about his faith.

At the Premiere Ceremony, Chris Stapleton won Best Country Solo Performance “Bad As I Used To Be” from F1® The Movie, and Tyler Childers took home Best Country Song as the sole writer on “Bitin’ List.” Neither were able to be there to accept in person.

Zach Top won the first-ever Best Traditional Country Album for Ain’t In It For My Health. He thanked God, his family, his collaborators, team and more. “I watched the Grammys as a little kid,” he said. “[Everybody] looked like superheroes up on TV. To be here and be a little part of the whole thing is insane.”

Shaboozey and Jelly Roll won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Amen.” Shaboozey was emotional talking about and thanking his village, including his mother who was recently able to retire after 30 years as a nurse. “She worked three to four jobs just to provide for me and my four siblings as an immigrant in this country,” he said. “Immigrants built this country, literally, so this is for them.”

Below are major field and some Nashville-related categories. Follow along as winners are announced, marked in red.

Record Of The Year
“DtMF” – Bad Bunny
“Manchild” – Sabrina Carpenter
“Anxiety” – Doechii
“WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish
“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
“luther” – Kendrick Lamar With SZA – WINNER
“The Subway” – Chappell Roan
“APT.” – ROSÉ, Bruno Mars

Album Of The Year
DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS – Bad Bunny – WINNER
SWAG – Justin Bieber
Man’s Best Friend – Sabrina Carpenter
Let God Sort Em Out – Clipse, Pusha T & Malice
MAYHEM – Lady Gaga
GNX – Kendrick Lamar
MUTT – Leon Thomas
CHROMAKOPIA – Tyler, The Creator

Song Of The Year
“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga, Henry Walter & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga)
“Anxiety” – Jaylah Hickmon, songwriter (Doechii)
“APT.” – Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown, Rogét Chahayed, Omer Fedi, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Chae Young Park, Theron Thomas & Henry Walter, songwriters (ROSÉ, Bruno Mars)
“DtMF” – Marco Daniel Borrero, Scott Dittrich, Benjamin Falik, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Hugo René Sención Sanabria, Tyler Thomas Spry & Roberto José Rosado Torres, songwriters (Bad Bunny)
“Golden [From KPop Demon Hunters]” – EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)
“luther” – Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha, Matthew Bernard, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, Solána Rowe, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar With SZA)
“Manchild” – Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)
“WILDFLOWER” – Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish) – WINNER

Best New Artist
Olivia Dean – WINNER
KATSEYE
The Marias
Addison Rae
sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Dan Auerbach
Cirkut – WINNER
Dijon
Blake Mills
Sounwave

Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical
Amy Allen – WINNER
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Tobias Jesso Jr.
Laura Veltz

Best Country Solo Performance
“Nose On The Grindstone” – Tyler Childers
“Good News” – Shaboozey
“Bad As I Used To Be [From F1® The Movie]” – Chris Stapleton – WINNER
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert And Chris Stapleton
“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
“Love Me Like You Used To Do” – Margo Price & Tyler Childers
“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll – WINNER
“Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” – George Strait, Chris Stapleton

Best Country Song
“Bitin’ List” – Tyler Childers, songwriter (Tyler Childers) – WINNER
“Good News” – Michael Ross Pollack, Sam Elliot Roman & Jacob Torrey, songwriters (Shaboozey)
“I Never Lie” – Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols & Zach Top, songwriters (Zach Top)
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Andy Albert, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson & Lainey Wilson, songwriters (Lainey Wilson)
“A Song To Sing” – Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton)

Best Traditional Country Album
Dollar A Day – Charley Crockett
American Romance – Lukas Nelson
Oh What A Beautiful World – Willie Nelson
Hard Headed Woman – Margo Price
Ain’t In It For My Health – Zach Top – WINNER

Best Contemporary Country Album
Patterns – Kelsea Ballerini
Snipe Hunter – Tyler Childers
Evangeline Vs. The Machine – Eric Church
Beautifully Broken – Jelly Roll – WINNER
Postcards From Texas – Miranda Lambert

Best American Roots Performance
“LONELY AVENUE” – Jon Batiste Featuring Randy Newman
“Ancient Light” – I’m With Her
“Crimson And Clay” – Jason Isbell
“Richmond On The James” – Alison Krauss & Union Station
“Beautiful Strangers” – Mavis Staples – WINNER

Best Americana Performance
“Boom” – Sierra Hull
“Poison In My Well” – Maggie Rose & Grace Potter
“Godspeed” – Mavis Staples – WINNER
“That’s Gonna Leave A Mark” – Molly Tuttle
“Horses” – Jesse Welles

Best American Roots Song
“Ancient Light” – Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins, songwriters (I’m With Her) – WINNER
“BIG MONEY” – Jon Batiste, Mike Elizondo & Steve McEwan, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
“Foxes In The Snow” – Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell)
“Middle” – Jesse Welles, songwriter (Jesse Welles)
“Spitfire” – Sierra Hull, songwriter (Sierra Hull)

Best Americana Album
BIG MONEY – Jon Batiste – WINNER
Bloom – Larkin Poe
Last Leaf On The Tree – Willie Nelson
So Long Little Miss Sunshine – Molly Tuttle
Middle – Jesse Welles

Best Bluegrass Album
Carter & Cleveland – Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter
A Tip Toe High Wire – Sierra Hull
Arcadia – Alison Krauss & Union Station
Outrun – The Steeldrivers
Highway Prayers – Billy Strings – WINNER

Best Traditional Blues Album
Ain’t Done With The Blues – Buddy Guy – WINNER
Room On The Porch – Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’
One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey – Maria Muldaur
Look Out Highway – Charlie Musselwhite
Young Fashioned Ways – Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush

Best Contemporary Blues Album
Breakthrough – Joe Bonamassa
Paper Doll – Samantha Fish
A Tribute To LJK – Eric Gales
Preacher Kids – Robert Randolph – WINNER
Family – Southern Avenue

Best Folk Album
What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow – Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson
Crown Of Roses – Patty Griffin
Wild And Clear And Blue – I’m With Her – WINNER
Foxes In The Snow – Jason Isbell
Under The Powerlines (April 24 – September 24) – Jesse Welles

Best Gospel Performance/Song
“Do It Again” – Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter
“Church” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters
“Still (Live)” – Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing III, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters
“Amen” – Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters
“Come Jesus Come” – Cece Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar – WINNER

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
“I Know A Name” – Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters
“YOUR WAY’S BETTER” – Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & PERA, songwriters
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” – Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings, Jason Bradley Deford & Brandon Lake, songwriters – WINNER
“Headphones” – Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Tyshane Thompson, Bongo ByTheWay, Michael Render, Lecrae Moore, William Roderick Miller & Clifford Harris, songwriters
“Amazing” – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls, songwriters

Best Gospel Album
Sunny Days – Yolanda Adams
Tasha – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Live Breathe Fight – Tamela Mann
Only On The Road (Live) – Tye Tribbett
Heart Of Mine – Darrel Walls, PJ Morton – WINNER

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
CHILD OF GOD II – Forrest Frank
Coritos Vol. 1 – Israel & New Breed – WINNER
King Of Hearts – Brandon Lake
Reconstruction – Lecrae
Let The Church Sing – Tauren Wells

Best Roots Gospel Album
I Will Not Be Moved (Live) – The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir – WINNER
Then Came The Morning – Gaither Vocal Band
Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah – The Isaacs
Good Answers – Karen Peck & New River
Back To My Roots – Candi Staton

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
All Things Light – Jesse Brock, Jon Castelli, Matt Chamberlain, Tyler Johnson, Nick Lobel, Simon Maartensson, Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, Rob Moose, Anders Mouridsen, Ryan Nasci, Ernesto Olvera-LaPier, Ethan Schneiderman, Rahm Silverglade & Owen Stoutt, engineers; Dale Becker, mastering engineer (Cam)
Arcadia – Neal Cappellino & Gary Paczosa, engineers; Brad Blackwood, mastering engineer (Alison Krauss & Union Station)
For Melancholy Brunettes & sad women – Joseph Lorge, Blake Mills & Sebastian Reunert, engineers; Patricia Sullivan, mastering engineer (Japanese Breakfast)
That Wasn’t A Dream – Joseph Lorge & Blake Mills, engineers; Patricia Sullivan, mastering engineer (Pino Palladino, Blake Mills) – WINNER

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly underscores how active the Nashville music ecosystem continues to be, with major catalog moves, strategic partnerships, and a wave of executive and creative signings shaping the industry landscape. Click here to see the full edition.

Leading the headlines is a significant catalog acquisition. Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Domain Capital Group have partnered to acquire Miranda Lambert’s complete back catalog. That partnership now stretches back more than two decades, having originally begun in 2003, and the new agreement also includes a go-forward publishing deal covering Lambert’s future works.

Elsewhere, Big Loud Records has expanded its leadership team with the addition of Jamie Younger as Vice President of Marketing, while jump.global promoted JJ Farrell to Managing Director. The National Music Publishers’ Association announced key leadership elevations, with Danielle Aguirre has been named both Chief Legal Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and Charlotte Sellmyer has been promoted to Executive Vice President of External Affairs.

Several publishing companies also made notable internal moves this week. Curb | Word Music Publishing elevated Sarah Schumacher to Head of Creative, Country Publishing, promoted Calista Miller to Creative Director, Country Publishing, and welcomed Zachary Anderson as Creative Coordinator. Savage Music marked a new chapter with the launch of its publishing arm, debuting a roster that includes Nell Maynard, Beachmont, Mason Caviness, India Ramey, and Stephen Sylvester. Additionally, Max King signed an exclusive publishing deal with Lady Luck Songs, while Seth Michael entered into a joint venture with Prescription Songs and 7Hills Music.

On the label and artist-development side, Ian Munsick announced a partnership with Triple Tigers Records under his own imprint, WEST TO THE REST RECORDS. Management news was equally active, with Willow Avalon signing with Electric Feel Management, which will co-manage her alongside Mark Shami, and Jenna Paulette joining The Erv Woolsey Company for management.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen takes No. 1 spot with “20 Cigarettes.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

ACM Lifting Lives Offers Emergency Financial Support For Industry Members Impacted By Winter Storms

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ACM Lifting Lives, the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music, is providing support to members of the country music community impacted by the recent winter storm across Tennessee including artists, songwriters, touring professionals and industry workers.

“We at ACM Lifting Lives are heartbroken by the devastation the recent winter storm has had across Tennessee and on those who call it home,” shares the organization in a statement. “During this difficult time, we want to support members of the country music industry who have been displaced or are without power, food, or other essential resources. If you have been affected by the storm and are in need of financial assistance, please complete the application below to the best of your ability. Our team is here to help and support you as you navigate this challenging moment.”

Access the application here.

MCA To Release ‘The Gray House [Original Soundtrack From The Amazon Series]’

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“Heart of America,” a new song by Willie Nelson from The Gray House [Original Soundtrack From The Amazon Series] is out today, ahead of the arrival of the new soundtrack album Feb. 26.

The Gray House [Original Soundtrack From The Amazon Series] album release will coincide with the premiere of the limited Prime Video series The Gray House, and “Heart of America” captures the emotional core of the series, reflecting the themes of sacrifice, resilience, and the enduring struggle for freedom at the very heart of it. Nelson’s contribution serves as a thematic anchor for the project, lending his unmistakable voice and legacy to a soundtrack rooted in the American experience.

“What a lucky day for us that Willie would take on performing a song for The Gray House,” says executive producer Kevin Costner. “I’m not sure what Willie’s process is, but it’s clear that Willie was ready and willing to go deep when thinking about that terrible moment in American history where our country was divided and at war with itself, a moment in time that I believe we still have not fully recovered from. Willie’s talent, while always on display, found a new depth at least for me. God Bless our country and bless this man!”

“Some songs don’t belong to one project… they belong to a people. ‘The Heart of America’ that Willie sings for The Gray House, feels like a new kind of anthem, one meant for every American,” adds executive producers Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary.

Arriving as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, The Gray House soundtrack also features artists including The War And Treaty, Lainey Wilson, Yolanda Adams, Shania Twain and more, and offers a timely reflection on the ideals, contradictions, and resilience that have shaped the nation since its founding. Through music rooted in history yet resonant today, the project underscores how stories of courage, resistance, and unity continue to define the American experience.

The Gray House series reveals the extraordinary true story of the unsung women who helped turn the tide of the American Civil War in favor of the Union. At its center are a Virginia socialite, her indomitable mother, a formerly enslaved ally, and Richmond’s most infamous courtesan – four women operating at the heart of Confederate power. Together, they evolve their Underground Railroad operation into a daring and highly effective espionage network, risking their lives and freedom to help preserve the nation’s future and safeguard American Democracy.

The eight-episode limited series will debut on Prime Video on Feb. 26 and features an ensemble cast led by Emmy winner Mary-Louise Parker, Daisy Head, Amethyst Davis, and Emmy nominee Ben Vereen, with original music from Lainey Wilson, Willie Nelson, Shania Twain, Killer Mike, Yolanda Adams, Jon Bon Jovi, and more. It is written by Leslie Greif, Darrell Fetty, and John Sayles, with all eight episodes helmed by director Roland Joffé.

The Gray House [Original Soundtrack From the Amazon Series] Track List:
1. The War And Treaty – “Blood In the River” (Erin Enderlin, Jim “Moose” Brown, Jeff Fahey)
2. Adrienne Warren – “Unholy Water” (Jon Bon Jovi, Butch Walker, Desmond Child)
3. Yolanda Adams – “Love Will Rescue Me” (Anthony Evans, Nick Pothoven)
4. The War And Treaty – “If This Day” (Diane Warren)
5. Scott Stapp – “Red, White, & Blue” (Scott Stapp, Marti Frederiksen, Desmond Child)
6. Lainey Wilson – “Dead End Red Dirt Road” (Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Paul Thomas Sikes)
7. Larkin Poe – “The Devil’s Boat” (Erin Enderlin, Jim “Moose” Brown, Jeff Fahey, Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter)
8. Killer Mike Featuring Lena Byrd Miles – “Smiling Eyes (Smiling Faces)” (Barrett Strong, Norman Whitfield, Vidal Garcia, Cosmo Hickox, Robert Mandell, Max Perry, Michael Render)
9. Shainia Twain and Drake Milligan – “I’ll Be Here With You” (Erin Enderlin, Jim “Moose” Brown, Jeff Fahey, Drake Milligan)
10. Willie Nelson – “Heart Of America” (Erin Enderlin, Jim “Moose” Brown, Jeff Fahey)

Blake Shelton Adds Eight New Dates At The Colosseum At Caesars Palace In May

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Blake Shelton. Photo: Jamie Wendt

Blake Shelton has added eight new dates to his “Live in Las Vegas” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace from May 6-24.

Shelton revealed the news in true Blake fashion yesterday (Jan. 29), riding a Kubota tractor down the Las Vegas Strip and pulling up in front of Caesars Palace before tossing the keys to the valet for check-in for 2026.

Tickets for the newly-announced dates go on sale to the public Feb. 6, and Blake Shelton fans will have access to a pre-sale beginning Feb. 2.  Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Feb. 2-5. A Seated pre-sale will begin Feb. 2 and Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, as well as Ole Red, Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers, will have access to a pre-sale beginning Feb. 4. Tickets to the shows May 6, 8, 9, 13, 15, 16, 21, and 24 can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com/BlakeSheltonVegas, with all shows scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

Chase Rice & Dustin Lynch To Co-Headline Red Rocks Benefit Show

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Chase Rice & Dustin Lynch.

Chase Rice and Dustin Lynch will co-headline Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater on April 22. Presented by Coors Banquet, a percentage of the ticket proceeds will benefit the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF).

Tickets are on sale now.

“Red Rocks is such a legendary venue, I couldn’t be more pumped to be back – especially with my buddy Chase Rice joining me this time around,” shares Lynch. “I’m excited to partner with my friends over at Coors Banquet and help in their mission to support the Wildland Firefighter Foundation. This one’s going to be special, see y’all out there!”

With 10 No. 1 singles at country radio, Lynch’s latest track “Easy To Love,” is currently climbing the charts. Recently, the Grand Ole Opry star wrapped 2025 with an appearance on CBS’ The Road.

Rice’s most recent album, the independent release ELDORA, arrived in late 2025. Aside from a few previously scheduled appearances, Rice is currently taking a break from the road.

BMI To Kick Off Plug & Play Showcase In February

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BMI will kick off its Plug & Play showcase series at The Basement in Nashville on Feb. 4. The first showcase will feature Future Crib, Preston James, Joelton Mayfield and Revelry.

Sponsored by Lone Star Beer and OLÉ, the series echoes the same sentiment behind the BMI Buzz at The Basement industry series, which ran from 2008 to 2018. The original series featured early-career performances from artists like Russell Dickerson, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris and Caitlyn Smith.

“BMI has had a long-standing partnership with The Basement, as both continue to be deeply invested in the future of our creators and new music discovery,” says BMI’s Executive Director of Partnerships & Events, Nina Carter. “We look forward to reviving an intentionally curated lineup and atmosphere that brings our community together.”

“We are psyched to launch a new BMI monthly series that builds on our shared history,” adds The Basement Co-Owner Mike Grimes. “It feels like just like old times and we know BMI will identify exceptional talent this year.”

BMI Plug & Play at The Basement Dates:
2/04 – BMI Plug & Play feat. Future Crib, Preston James, Joelton Mayfield and Revelry
3/04 – BMI Plug & Play
4/01 – BMI Plug & Play
5/06 – BMI Plug & Play
6/03 – BMI Plug & Play
7/01 – BMI Plug & Play
8/05 – BMI Plug & Play
9/02 – BMI Plug & Play
10/07 – BMI Plug & Play
11/04 – BMI Plug & Play
12/02 – BMI Plug & Play

CRS 2026 Announces Expanded, Multi-Day Research Presentations

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Country Radio Seminar has announced three research presentations scheduled for CRS 2026, which will be held March 18–20 in Nashville. Registration is available now.

Each of the three presentations are uniquely designed to address a different dimension of the country audience, including current music testing, listener perceptions and the next generation of fans.

“This year, CRS is working with three outstanding partners to bring a true trifecta of research to our constituents. CRS has never assembled or shared a research rollout this comprehensive,” says Clay Hunnicutt, CRB Research Committee Co-Chair. “Whether you’re looking for music research to identify potential hits, perceptual data to guide strategic decisions, or insight into what the next generation of country fans is saying to help grow our business, CRS has you covered every day.”

On March 18, NuVoodoo will present results from a 400-song Auditorium Music Test (OMT), presented by Curb Records, screening country fans ages 18–54 who engage with both radio and streaming platforms. The study will provide detailed breakouts by demographic segments, geographic regions across the U.S., and listening preferences. This marks the third consecutive year CRS has delivered a full national music test conducted by NuVoodoo, with complete results made available to all CRS attendees.

On March 19, CRS will present its annual Perceptual Study, conducted this year by Strategic Solutions Research. This broad-format study explores how country fans feel about the genre today, when and how they listen, and how listening behaviors are evolving. Key areas of focus include music perceptions such as era balance and familiarity artists listeners want to hear more or less of, and the ongoing impact of on-air personalities, local connection and community engagement on the listening experience.

On March 20, The Country Music Association will present findings from its recently completed teen-focused research study, a custom project designed to better understand the next generation of country listeners. Following the data presentation, a panel of radio and streaming programmers, as well as an artist (to be announced), will discuss the future audience pipeline for the genre, how teens engage with music today, and how country fits into their lives.

“Knowledge is power, and the research coming out of CRS this year reflects that,” says Justin Chase, CRB Research Committee Co-Chair. “By delivering three distinct research initiatives, CRS is providing the industry with a deeper, more complete understanding of listener behavior, music preferences, and where the future of country music is headed.”