Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Discovery Artist of the Year category.
This category honors a Nashville developing artist who has demonstrated the most promise of future success during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Hailing from Livingston, Texas, Laci Kaye Booth, who recently signed to Lost Highway Records, grew up inspired by the sounds of Merle Haggard and Patsy Cline. After moving to Music City, she released her self-titled debut record in 2021, followed by 2024’s The Loneliest Girl In The World, which appeared on the Los Angeles Times’ list of the best albums of the year. Named as a MusicRow 2026 Next Big Thing, Spotify Artists to Watch for 2026 and CMT’s Next Women of Country, Booth will release her third album, Love Ain’t For The Faint Of Heart, on Sept. 18. Booth has previewed the Ben West-produced project with recent singles “Ethereal Redneck Shit” and “Pathetic.” She has spent time on the road with Ella Langley, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Marcus King Band and more. Last year, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and recently she made an appearance during CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium’s Platform Stage. Later this year, she will join Langley and Brad Paisley for select dates.
Alabama-born artist-writer Kashus Culpepper grew up a student and reverent purveyor of Southern music, singing in church as young as five years old. In 2020, he picked up a guitar and began learning cover songs to play at barrack bonfires in Rota, Spain during his deployment with the Navy. Culpepper began making a name in dive bars up and down the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Since signing with Big Loud Records, he has joined Leon Bridges, Sierra Ferrell, Darius Rucker, Niall Horan, Eric Church, Shaboozey, Jelly Roll, Thomas Rhett and Wyatt Flores on tour along with his own headline dates. Kulpepper has been named to the GRAMMY.com’s 25 Artists to Watch in 2025, 2025 Variety Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, Opry NextStage Class of 2025, 2025 Amazon Music Bonfire Artist to Watch, Apple Music’s February 2025 Country Riser of the Month, 2025 Pandora Country Artist to Watch, Martin Artist Showcase Class of 2025, MusicRow’s 2026 Next Big Thing list and more. He released his debut album, Act 1, on Jan. 23 and the addendum, Act I: Summer Nights, earlier this summer.
With more than 8.7 million social media followers, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville recording artist Alexandra Kay first gained national attention as a cast member on Netflix’s Westside. Since then, she has earned recognition from People, American Songwriter and Billboard, among others. Her 2023 debut project, All I’ve Ever Known, reached No. 1 on the iTunes All Genre and Country charts globally and landed in the top 10 on Billboard’s Current Country Album, Emerging Artist and HeatSeeker charts. Last year, Kay released her sophomore album, Second Wind, which reached No. 1 on the iTunes Country Album chart, and embarked on three headlining tours with multiple sold-out dates. She has shared the stage with artists including Jelly Roll, Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw. Named a 2026 MusicRow Next Big Thing, her debut single, “Straight For The Heart,” ranked among country radio’s most-added songs upon impact, placing her alongside Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood in the top 5 for most first-week stations by a debut solo female artist. Last year, Kay opened her flagship coffee shop, The Coffee Girl, in her hometown of Waterloo, Illinois.
Texas native Braxton Keith started his musical journey early, learning to play piano in kindergarten. He decided to pursue music in college and launched his career touring his home state in support of artists including Randall King and Triston Marez while making trips to Music City. Earlier this year, Keith released his debut album, Real Damn Deal, via Warner Records Nashville, co-writing 10 of the project’s 15 tracks. The collection includes “Little Bit by Little Bit,” “I Ain’t Tryin’” and “I Own This Bar.” Named one of 2026’s Artists to Watch by Amazon Music, Rolling Stone, MusicRow and more, Keith is continuing a year of touring and new music releases. In 2025, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut and earned his first RIAA Gold certification for “Cozy.” He is set to perform more than 130 shows this year, including appearances at fairs and festivals across the country, before launching his headlining “Real Damn Deal Tour.” Keith will also join Tucker Wetmore and Gavin Adcock for select dates this fall.
Texas-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Ty Myers began writing and performing at a young age, developing a sound rooted in country, Southern rock, soul and blues. The 18-year-old released his debut album, The Select, in 2025, featuring the Platinum-certified singles “Ends of the Earth,” “Thought It Was Love” and “Drinkin’ Alone,” with “Ends of the Earth” reaching the top 10 at country radio. Myers followed the release with his 73-date “The Select Tour” before returning in 2026 with his sophomore album, Heavy On The Soul. Recorded at the historic FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the project marked his first album at the renowned studio. Along the way, Myers has been featured by Variety, People, the Los Angeles Times and Rolling Stone, appeared on Billboard’s “21 Under 21” list, Spotify’s RADAR program, and was named a MusicRow 2026 Next Big Thing. He has amassed more than 1.4 billion global streams, made his Austin City Limits debut, supported Luke Combs on tour and recently launched his headlining “The Legal Tour.”
Knoxville, Tennessee, native Emily Ann Roberts began performing on local stages before gaining national attention as the runner-up on Blake Shelton’s team during The Voice in 2015. Since then, she has released her debut album, Can’t Hide Country, followed by the EP Memory Lane. Spotlighted by Billboard, MusicRow and People, Can’t Hide Country showcases Roberts’ blend of traditional country and bluegrass influences. She has since amassed more than 146 million global streams and has made numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Roberts has also toured with Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Jamey Johnson and more, and is on the road with Thomas Rhett throughout 2026. Along the way, she has been named an ACM New Female Artist of the Year nominee, the AIMP Nashville Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, a member of the Opry NextStage and MusicRow Next Big Thing Class of 2026, a CMT Next Woman of Country and a Nashville Briefing Artist to Watch. Roberts is also featured in Walt Disney World’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
AMERICANAFEST Slates Keynote Conversation & Dualtone Records Showcase
/by Lorie HollabaughBrandi Carlile & Houndmouth
Legendary songwriter Bernie Taupin and Grammy-winning artist Brandi Carlile have been announced for the 2026 AMERICANAFEST Keynote Conversation on Sept. 16 during the AMERICANAFEST Business Conference in Nashville.
Without a moderator, Taupin and Carlile will explore the creative process, songwriting, artistic longevity, collaboration and the enduring power of authentic storytelling . The pairing reflects a unique artistic connection, as Carlile and Taupin have collaborated through their work with Elton John, most recently co-writing the Grammy-nominated song “Never Too Late.” Together they represent two generations of master songwriters whose shared respect for craft, vulnerability and musical exploration will make for an extraordinary conversation.
“Bernie Taupin’s contribution to songwriting is immeasurable,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “His words have become part of our collective musical vocabulary, inspiring generations of artists. Pairing Bernie with Brandi Carlile – one of today’s most fearless and celebrated songwriters – creates an extraordinary opportunity to witness two remarkable creative minds discussing the art of songwriting, the responsibility of storytelling, and the evolution of American music.”
Dualtone Records will also kick off its 25th anniversary celebration during AMERICANAFEST with two special events: the panel discussion Dualtone at 25: Keep Pressing On on Sept. 16 and Dualtone’s official 25th Anniversary Bash showcase on Sept. 17.
On September 16, AMERICANAFEST will host the panel discussion Dualtone at 25: Keep Pressing On, a forward-looking conversation about the evolution of independent music through artist development. Moderated by World Cafe host Raina Douris, the panel will reflect on the label’s journey over the past quarter century while exploring how independent labels continue to build meaningful, sustainable careers in an ever-changing music landscape. Joining Douris will be Dualtone Records Co-Founder Scott Robinson, Dualtone General Manager and SVP of Artist Development Whitaker Elledge, SVP of Promotion and Strategy Julie Muncy, The Team’s Keith Levy and Dualtone recording artist Aubory Bugg discussing the label’s artist-first philosophy, the importance of long-term creative partnerships, and what the future holds for independent music.
On Sept. 17, Dualtone’s 25th Anniversary Bash will take over The Basement East beginning at 7 p.m. as the label’s official AmericanaFest showcase. The evening will feature performances by Houndmouth, Shakey Graves, The Brook & The Bluff, Langhorne Slim, Futurebirds, Abraham Alexander, Aubory Bugg and special guests.
Revered Musician & Producer Tommy Detamore Passes At 70
/by Lorie HollabaughRenowned pedal steel player, engineer and producer Tommy Detamore passed away on Aug. 5. He was 70.
The Charlottesville, Virginia native played guitar in local bands through high school and college and in 1981 moved to Texas to play steel guitar with Darrell McCall. A year later he joined Moe Bandy‘s band, playing steel guitar and touring across the U.S and internationally for nearly a decade, and making numerous radio and TV appearances including The Grand Ole Opry, Hee Haw, Nashville Now and New Country, among others.
As a producer, Detamore had a number of hits on the Americana and Texas Music charts, including the No. 1 singles “Lucky Arms” and “Your Heart Turned Left (& I Was on the Right)” for Jason Allen. He produced, mixed and mastered over 150 albums, and played on over 300 projects. Throughout his over 30-year career, he worked with dozens of artists including Ray Price, Micky Dolenz, Ronnie Milsap, Johnny Bush, Jim Lauderdale, Doug Sahm, The Texas Tornados, Gary P. Nunn, Augie Meyers, Robert Earl Keen, Sunny Sweeney, Rick Trevino, Raul Malo, Kevin Fowler, The Derailers, Gary Nicholson, and many more.
He was also a featured performer in the classic country show San Antonio Rose Live which ran from 2009-2012 at the Aztec Theatre on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Detamore owned and operated Cherry Ridge Studio in Floresville, Texas since 1991. He was a member of the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame, and was honored at the Cowtown Society of Western Music ceremony in Wichita Falls, Texas on July 25 with the Hero of Western Swing award.
He is survived by his wife Sandra and son Thomas.
BREAKING: Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame Announces 2026 Inductees
/by Lauryn SinkThe Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) revealed its Class of 2026 inductees this morning (Aug. 11) at a press conference on Music Row. It was announced that Taylor Swift, Lyle Lovett, Bruce Channel, Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller will become members of the esteemed Hall.
The five electees will join the 254 previously inducted members of the organization when they are formally inducted during the invitation-only 56th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala later this year.
The news was shared today by Mark Ford, the organization’s executive director at Belmont University’s R. Milton and Denice Johnson Center.
“This is always one of the most anticipated days on our calendar – the annual reveal of our incoming class,” says Ford. “We’re excited to once again add new names to a legendary list that began more than a half century ago.”
Ford introduced each member of the new class during a press conference. Camp and Miller were elected in the contemporary songwriter category; Swift in the contemporary songwriter/artist category; Channel as the veteran songwriter, and Lovett as the veteran songwriter/artist.
Below is bio information for each inductee, provided by the NaSHOF:
SHAWN CAMP [electee – contemporary songwriter category]
Arkansas native Shawn Camp grew up on a farm outside of Perryville. He picked up a guitar at age five and by age 20 had moved to Nashville, where he found work in the late ’80s as a fiddle player for The Osborne Brothers, Jerry Reed, Shelby Lynne, Alan Jackson, and Trisha Yearwood. After charting with a pair of self-penned singles in 1993 as a Warner Bros. artist, Shawn earned his first #1 hits as a songwriter in 1998 with “Two Piña Coladas” by Garth Brooks and “How Long Gone” by Brooks & Dunn. Other Country hits soon followed, including “Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner, “Nobody But Me” by Blake Shelton, and “River Of Love” by George Strait. In addition to writing “A Beautiful Time,” the title track of Willie Nelson’s 2023 Grammy-winning album, Shawn has penned numerous Bluegrass hits, including “Travelin’ Teardrop Blues” and “My Love Will Not Change” by The Del McCoury Band, “Don’t Be Calling Me (At 4AM)” by Billy Strings, and “Sis Draper,” which was a #1 hit for Ricky Skaggs in 2005 and #1 again in 2026 for Shawn himself. He is a 2025 inductee into the Arkansas Country Music Hall of Fame.
LEE THOMAS MILLER [electee – contemporary songwriter category]
Kentucky native Lee Thomas Miller was raised on a tobacco farm in Nicholasville. Though his parents didn’t play music, his uncle did, and by age 11, Lee had absorbed that love of music – learning to play guitar, piano, and violin. Graduating from Eastern Kentucky University in 1990 with a degree in Music Theory and Composition, Lee moved to Nashville in June 1991. Five years later, he signed with Hamstein Music, and after early cuts from Ken Mellons and Mindy McCready, it was Joe Nichols who provided Lee with his first chart-topping success – 2002’s Grammy-nominated “The Impossible.” Following the singles “I Just Wanna Be Mad” by Terri Clark and “The World” by Brad Paisley (one of more than 20 Paisley cuts), Lee enjoyed a banner year in 2009 as “You’re Gonna Miss This” by Trace Adkins earned the ACM Single of the Year and “In Color” by Jamey Johnson earned the ACM Song of the Year. Though both were Grammy nominated, “You’re Gonna Miss This” was also 2009 ASCAP Country Song of the Year and 2008 NSAI Song of the Year while “In Color” was the 2009 CMA Song of the Year. Other hits from Lee’s resume include “Nothin’ To Die For” and “Southern Girl” by Tim McGraw, “Whiskey And You” by Chris Stapleton, “It Ain’t My Fault” by Brothers Osborne, and “It Matters To Her” by Scotty McCreery.
BRUCE CHANNEL [electee – veteran songwriter category]
Texas native Bruce Channel was born in Jacksonville but spent much of his youth in nearby Grapevine. As a teenager in the late 1950s, he began singing for local dances. In 1959 he co-wrote his future smash “Hey! Baby!,” which he re-recorded for a Fort Worth indie label. When the label sold the master to Mercury Records, its reissue on the label’s Smash Records imprint made the song a million-selling hit (#1 Pop / #2 R&B) in 1962. Also recorded by José Feliciano, Ringo Starr, and Conway Twitty, the song later became a Country hit for Anne Murray, a U.K. hit for DJ Ötzi, and was featured prominently in the 1987 film Dirty Dancing. Since moving to Nashville in 1978, Bruce’s credits as a songwriter include “Stand Up” by Mel McDaniel (also a Gospel hit for The Kingsmen), as well as the #1 songs “Party Time” by T.G. Sheppard, “Don’t Worry ’Bout Me Baby” by Janie Fricke and “As Long As I’m Rockin’ With You” by John Conlee. His collaborations with Kieran Kane yielded Kane’s artist singles “You’re The Best,” “It’s You,” and “Gonna Have A Party” (notably covered by Alabama). Additionally, “Rockin’ Little Christmas” has been cut by co-writer Deborah Allen and also Brooks & Dunn. In 2011, Bruce was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame.
TAYLOR SWIFT [electee – contemporary songwriter/artist category]
Born in Pennsylvania, Taylor Swift began writing songs and playing guitar as a pre-teen. Relocating with her family to Hendersonville, TN, in 2004, she signed with Sony/ATV Tree Music Publishing, making her – at age 14 – the youngest writer in that company’s history. She soon signed with Big Machine Records, which in 2006 released her self-titled debut album that included “Teardrops On My Guitar” (2008 BMI Country Song of the Year). Her follow-up project, Fearless, became the most-awarded Country album of all time and featured the singles “White Horse” (2010 Grammy for Best Country Song), “Love Story” (2009 BMI Country Song of the Year; 2010 BMI Pop Song of the Year), and “You Belong With Me” (2010 BMI Country Song of the Year). More hits followed on Taylor’s path to superstardom, including “Mean” (2012 Grammy for Best Country Song), “Blank Space,” “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (The Short Film)” (2023 Grammy for Best Music Video), “Anti-Hero,” and “Cruel Summer.” In 2017, her solo-written “Better Man” by Little Big Town, was Grammy-nominated and earned the CMA Song of the Year. Writing or co-writing every song across her 12 studio projects, Taylor is the only artist in Grammy Award history to win Album of the Year four times (2010, 2016, 2021, 2024). Other honors include BMI Country Songwriter of the Year (2010), BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year (2015, 2016, 2019, 2024, 2025, 2026), NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year (2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015), and NSAI Songwriter/Artist Of The Decade 2010-2020. In 2026, she became the youngest female inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (NY), and now becomes NaSHOF’s youngest inductee ever.
LYLE LOVETT [electee – veteran songwriter/artist category]
Houston-born Lyle Lovett was raised in nearby Klein, TX, a small town named for his great-grandfather. Lyle earned degrees in journalism and German from Texas A&M University, then spent the next few years playing clubs and establishing himself in the area’s Folk scene. Traveling abroad in Luxembourg, he met the players who would become the nucleus of his Large Band. In 1984, he and the band recorded a demo, and by 1986, he was signed to MCA Records. Lyle’s witty lyrics and eclectic musical style soon earned critical acclaim, as well as the Top 20 singles “Cowboy Man,” “Give Back My Heart,” “Why I Don’t Know,” “God Will,” and the Grammy-nominated “She’s No Lady.” Other songs from his pen include the Rock hit “You’ve Been So Good Up To Now,” the Bluegrass hit “L.A. County” (by New Vintage), and the Alternative hits “Private Conversation,” “You Can’t Resist It” and “My Baby Don’t Tolerate.” He was honored as the inaugural recipient of the AMA’s Trailblazer Award in 2007. In 2011, he was named Texas State Musician. In 2012, he was inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2019, he was inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.
2026 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Discovery Artist Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 38th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Discovery Artist of the Year category.
This category honors a Nashville developing artist who has demonstrated the most promise of future success during the eligibility period.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 14 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Hailing from Livingston, Texas, Laci Kaye Booth, who recently signed to Lost Highway Records, grew up inspired by the sounds of Merle Haggard and Patsy Cline. After moving to Music City, she released her self-titled debut record in 2021, followed by 2024’s The Loneliest Girl In The World, which appeared on the Los Angeles Times’ list of the best albums of the year. Named as a MusicRow 2026 Next Big Thing, Spotify Artists to Watch for 2026 and CMT’s Next Women of Country, Booth will release her third album, Love Ain’t For The Faint Of Heart, on Sept. 18. Booth has previewed the Ben West-produced project with recent singles “Ethereal Redneck Shit” and “Pathetic.” She has spent time on the road with Ella Langley, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Marcus King Band and more. Last year, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and recently she made an appearance during CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium’s Platform Stage. Later this year, she will join Langley and Brad Paisley for select dates.
Alabama-born artist-writer Kashus Culpepper grew up a student and reverent purveyor of Southern music, singing in church as young as five years old. In 2020, he picked up a guitar and began learning cover songs to play at barrack bonfires in Rota, Spain during his deployment with the Navy. Culpepper began making a name in dive bars up and down the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Since signing with Big Loud Records, he has joined Leon Bridges, Sierra Ferrell, Darius Rucker, Niall Horan, Eric Church, Shaboozey, Jelly Roll, Thomas Rhett and Wyatt Flores on tour along with his own headline dates. Kulpepper has been named to the GRAMMY.com’s 25 Artists to Watch in 2025, 2025 Variety Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, Opry NextStage Class of 2025, 2025 Amazon Music Bonfire Artist to Watch, Apple Music’s February 2025 Country Riser of the Month, 2025 Pandora Country Artist to Watch, Martin Artist Showcase Class of 2025, MusicRow’s 2026 Next Big Thing list and more. He released his debut album, Act 1, on Jan. 23 and the addendum, Act I: Summer Nights, earlier this summer.
With more than 8.7 million social media followers, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville recording artist Alexandra Kay first gained national attention as a cast member on Netflix’s Westside. Since then, she has earned recognition from People, American Songwriter and Billboard, among others. Her 2023 debut project, All I’ve Ever Known, reached No. 1 on the iTunes All Genre and Country charts globally and landed in the top 10 on Billboard’s Current Country Album, Emerging Artist and HeatSeeker charts. Last year, Kay released her sophomore album, Second Wind, which reached No. 1 on the iTunes Country Album chart, and embarked on three headlining tours with multiple sold-out dates. She has shared the stage with artists including Jelly Roll, Brad Paisley and Tim McGraw. Named a 2026 MusicRow Next Big Thing, her debut single, “Straight For The Heart,” ranked among country radio’s most-added songs upon impact, placing her alongside Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood in the top 5 for most first-week stations by a debut solo female artist. Last year, Kay opened her flagship coffee shop, The Coffee Girl, in her hometown of Waterloo, Illinois.
Texas native Braxton Keith started his musical journey early, learning to play piano in kindergarten. He decided to pursue music in college and launched his career touring his home state in support of artists including Randall King and Triston Marez while making trips to Music City. Earlier this year, Keith released his debut album, Real Damn Deal, via Warner Records Nashville, co-writing 10 of the project’s 15 tracks. The collection includes “Little Bit by Little Bit,” “I Ain’t Tryin’” and “I Own This Bar.” Named one of 2026’s Artists to Watch by Amazon Music, Rolling Stone, MusicRow and more, Keith is continuing a year of touring and new music releases. In 2025, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut and earned his first RIAA Gold certification for “Cozy.” He is set to perform more than 130 shows this year, including appearances at fairs and festivals across the country, before launching his headlining “Real Damn Deal Tour.” Keith will also join Tucker Wetmore and Gavin Adcock for select dates this fall.
Texas-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Ty Myers began writing and performing at a young age, developing a sound rooted in country, Southern rock, soul and blues. The 18-year-old released his debut album, The Select, in 2025, featuring the Platinum-certified singles “Ends of the Earth,” “Thought It Was Love” and “Drinkin’ Alone,” with “Ends of the Earth” reaching the top 10 at country radio. Myers followed the release with his 73-date “The Select Tour” before returning in 2026 with his sophomore album, Heavy On The Soul. Recorded at the historic FAME Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the project marked his first album at the renowned studio. Along the way, Myers has been featured by Variety, People, the Los Angeles Times and Rolling Stone, appeared on Billboard’s “21 Under 21” list, Spotify’s RADAR program, and was named a MusicRow 2026 Next Big Thing. He has amassed more than 1.4 billion global streams, made his Austin City Limits debut, supported Luke Combs on tour and recently launched his headlining “The Legal Tour.”
Knoxville, Tennessee, native Emily Ann Roberts began performing on local stages before gaining national attention as the runner-up on Blake Shelton’s team during The Voice in 2015. Since then, she has released her debut album, Can’t Hide Country, followed by the EP Memory Lane. Spotlighted by Billboard, MusicRow and People, Can’t Hide Country showcases Roberts’ blend of traditional country and bluegrass influences. She has since amassed more than 146 million global streams and has made numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Roberts has also toured with Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Jamey Johnson and more, and is on the road with Thomas Rhett throughout 2026. Along the way, she has been named an ACM New Female Artist of the Year nominee, the AIMP Nashville Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, a member of the Opry NextStage and MusicRow Next Big Thing Class of 2026, a CMT Next Woman of Country and a Nashville Briefing Artist to Watch. Roberts is also featured in Walt Disney World’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree.
Spotify To Add Label For AI-Generated Artist Identities
/by Lauryn SinkSpotify will begin to label AI-generated artists with an “AI Persona” badge in mid-September.
Starting today, artists can indicate via Spotify for Artists if their profile represents an AI persona. The company will also independently review profiles and identify those that present themselves through their name and visual imagery as photorealistic, AI-generated individuals, starting with profiles that have reached specific reach thresholds.
Listeners will see the AI persona badge on artist profiles, in search results and alongside tracks in playlists. By tapping the badge, listeners can see whether artists have self-disclosed their AI persona status or if it was labeled by Spotify. By default, music from AI personas is not included in Spotify’s editorial or personalized recommendations. It only appears if users actively follow an AI persona.
Spotify has already introduced additional features to help users determine if AI was used in the creative process including “AI Song Info,” “SongDNA” and more.
Ben Farber Joins VERSION III Full-Time
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Josh Telles
Co-founder Ben Farber has joined indie label and management company VERSION III full-time alongside Co-Founder Josh Epple.
After nearly two decades working across artist development, streaming, digital strategy, and audience growth, and most recently serving as Vice President of Streaming Strategy & Revenue at Warner Records, Farber has departed the major label to dedicate his full attention to VERSION III and its growing roster. Founded in 2021 by Farber, Epple, and Andrew Cramb, VERSION III takes a non-traditional approach to development, working closely with artists to build sustainable careers while maintaining creative integrity and authentic connections with their audiences.
“We started VERSION III because we wanted to build the kind of company we would have wanted to work with if we were artists,” says Farber. “The goal has always been to create a transparent partnership where we’re willing to take risks, think differently, and develop artists for the long term. After building this company while working full-time at Warner Records, I’m incredibly excited to give VERSION III my full attention. We’ve accomplished a lot so far between the two of us, and we’re just getting started. I’m so grateful for my experience being at Warner Records. The leaders, colleagues, and artists all contributed to preparing me for this chapter.”
“We’ve always wanted to be the company that gets in early, believes in the vision, and is willing to put in the work alongside an artist as that vision grows,” Epple adds. “The fact that we’ve been able to help build these careers while remaining independent is something we’re incredibly proud of. Bringing Ben on full-time gives us the opportunity to take everything we’ve learned over the past five years and scale it in a really intentional way.”
The company’s most notable success to date came with Dasha, who VERSION III signed in 2023. The label independently released her breakout single “Austin,” which has gone on to surpass nearly 2 billion global streams and earn 50× Platinum certifications worldwide before being upstreamed to Warner. VERSION III has also continued to develop artists across a diverse range of genres. Solya’s debut album, Queen of Texas, released in March 2026, debuted at No. 27 on the Billboard Top Albums Chart and No. 17 on the New Artist Chart, while selling more than 2,500 vinyl copies in its first week.
Artists developed by the company have also gone on to larger label partnerships, including country artist Dalton Davis, who was upstreamed to MCA/Universal; Americana-pop artist Ian Harrison, who was upstreamed to Sony Nashville; pop-metal duo Sace6, who signed with Sumerian Records; and hard rock artist Holy Wars, who signed with Rise Records. The label has also announced its newest signings – singer-songwriter Laila Mach, Industrial Metal Band Heartline, Pop artist LEXXE, and country artist Antwane Tyler.
Koe Wetzel Brings Texas Grit & High-Energy Country To Bridgestone Arena [Recap]
/by Madison HahnenKoe Wetzel. Photo: Keith Matchett
Koe Wetzel brought his distinctive blend of country, rock and Texas grit to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Saturday night (Aug. 8) for his Bridgestone headline-debut, as part of his “The Night Champion World Tour.”
Wetzel opened with “Fuss & Fight,” setting the tone for a show built around his rough-edged vocals and energetic stage presence. He followed with “Good Times” and “Circus” before moving into “Forever” and “Surrounded,” keeping the momentum high as the crowd sang along.
The set continued with “9 Lives (Black Cat),” “When I’m Gone,” “Good Die Young” and “Time Goes On.” Wetzel then turned up the intensity with “Drunk Driving” and “The Man,” before launching into “Ragweed.” During the song, he shouted out Cross Canadian Ragweed and some of his favorite Texas country bands, giving the moment a nod to the artists and scene that helped shape his sound.
Wetzel slowed things down with “February 28, 2016” and “Sweet Dreams,” creating a more emotional stretch before returning to the heavier side of his catalog with “Sinner,” “Feel Better” and “Damn Near Normal.”
The latter part of the set moved between raw emotion and crowd-ready anthems, with “Creeps,” “Hurts Like You” and “Something to Talk About” keeping fans engaged before Wetzel closed the night with “High Road.”
Wetzel will continue his “The Night Champion World Tour” this Wednesday (Aug 12) in New York, with more stops in Austin, Tulsa, Salt Lake City and more through October.
Koe Wetzel. Photo: Keith Matchett
Pictured (L-R): Columbia’s Ben Maddahi, Floating Leaf Entertainment’s Jeb Hurt, Koe Wetzel, Abide by the Vibe’s Gabe Simon, FLE’s Cody Maldonado, Abide’s Carrie K and RECORDS’ Josh Easler. Photo: Keith Matchett
Lamont Landers Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkLamont Landers. Photo: Grand Ole Opry/Chris Hollo
Lamont Landers made his Grand Ole Opry debut last Tuesday (Aug. 4).
Stepping into the Opry circle for the first time, Landers performed his new Chris Stapleton and Jesse Frasure-penned single “Lonely Girl,” released last week via Lucille Records, and the unreleased track “Money Tree.” He joined Grand Ole Opry member Vince Gill during the show’s finale for “I’m On To You.” Landers contributed backing vocals to the song’s recording, which Gill released in June on his Nobody Held Her Like Me EP.
Hailing from Decatur, Alabama, Landers’ viral cover of Ray Charles’ “Hit The Road Jack” earned over half a million views overnight, leading to standout performances on America’s Got Talent and Showtime at the Apollo. His TikTok presence, including a repost by Questlove of his rendition of “Rubber Band Man,” caught the attention of producer Dave Cobb, and ultimately led to a deal with Cobb’s MCA imprint, Lucille. He will continue touring throughout the fall, with upcoming dates in Tuscaloosa, AL, Lexington, KY, Columbus, OH and more.
John Byron Enters Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJohn Byron. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
John Byron has moved into the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Morgan Wallen’s “Been By Now” and “Don’t We” along with Kane Brown’s “Woman” pushes the songwriter to No. 5 this week.
Ella Langley remains at No. 1 for the 16th consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “Loving Life Again.” Joybeth Taylor stays at No. 2 with “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words” and “I Can’t Love You Anymore.”
Chase McGill (No. 3) and Austin Goodloe (No. 4) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
The Chicks Celebrate 20 Years Of ‘Taking The Long Way’ With New Expanded Edition
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Chicks are celebrating 20 years since the release of their five-time Grammy-winning album Taking the Long Way with an expanded edition, Taking the Long Way (20th Anniversary Edition), on Oct. 2 via Legacy Recordings.
The anniversary edition will feature unreleased bonus tracks and fan favorites, including unreleased track “Flowers (Demo Version). Taking the Long Way (20th Anniversary Edition) will be available as a 3LP and available to stream, and the 3LP Edition features five bonus tracks (three unreleased demos + two rarities), exclusive etching and refreshed cover art and packaging. “Thin Line” and “Live Wire” will be available to stream for the first time.
Originally released on May 23, 2006, via Columbia Records, Taking the Long Way features the hit song, “Not Ready To Make Nice,” and earned The Chicks five Grammys, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Taking the Long Way. These songs take us right back to one of the most defining times in our lives, and it’s incredible how much they still resonate today,” says Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Strayer of The Chicks. “We’re so excited to finally share some unreleased tracks and to perform the entire album on this tour. It feels like the perfect way to celebrate this journey with the fans who have been with us every step of the way.”
The Chicks will celebrate the album milestone on their “Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour” this fall which kicks off in Detroit on Sept. 30. The trio will perform the album in its entirety for the first time, before closing each night with fan-favorite hits from their catalog. They have announced additional dates on the tour, including stops in Philadelphia at The Met on Oct. 7, Boston at MGM Music Hall at Fenway on Oct. 9, and a third show in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre on Nov. 3.
Taking the Long Way (20th Anniversary Edition) Tracklist:
Disc 1 Side A
1. The Long Way Around
2. Easy Silence
3. Not Ready to Make Nice
4. Everybody Knows
Disc 1 Side B
1. Bitter End
2. Lullaby
3. Lubbock or Leave It
Disc 2 Side A
1. Silent House
2. Favorite Year
3. Voice Inside My Head
Disc 2 Side B
1. I Like It
2. Baby Hold On
3. So Hard
4. I Hope
Disc 3 Side A
1. Not Ready to Make Nice (Demo Version)
2. Thin Line
3. So Hard (Demo Version)
4. Live Wire
5. Flowers (Demo Version)