MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists who are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT) in 2026. The 12th annual NBT list features 14 artists, who are each profiled in MusicRow‘s latest 2026 Touring & Next Big Thing print issue, which releases today (Dec. 9).
Boasting a stand-out group of rising stars in the country music industry, MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2026 includes a wide range of talent, diverse in sound, style and level of success. What each artist has in common, though, is extraordinary talent and a passion for today’s ever-evolving country music format. These future superstars will expand the boundaries of country music, carrying the torch of the format both to its loyal fans and into the mainstream.
Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring & Next Big Thing print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
MusicRow Magazine’s 2025 Next Big Thing Artists:
GRAHAM BARHAM
Sony Music Nashville/Disruptor Records | The PRNT Co. | UTA | Warner Chappell Music Nashville/Cornman Music | BMI
Graham Barham was raised in Oak Ridge, Louisiana [population: 124], just down the road from Lainey Wilson and Dylan Scott. The son of a sixth-generation farmer and a schoolteacher, he grew up playing baseball at Tim McGraw Park and moved to Nashville to chase his dream. Blending authentic country storytelling with pop hooks and trap energy, Barham makes the kind of music he wants to hear—high-octane, heartfelt and undeniably fresh. He calls it “Club Country,” a sound that pushes the genre forward without letting go of its roots. After going viral with “WHISKEY WHISKEY,” Barham followed up with “OIL MONEY” and “WTH JUST HAPPENED?,” delivering a string of singles that flipped traditional country on its head while building a bold, visual identity. Alongside his artist rise, Barham has written songs for artists such as Blake Shelton, Wyatt Flores, Tyler Braden and Dierks Bentley. With “WHISKEY RAIN” featuring Tyler Hubbard and an eight-song EP out now, Barham is emerging as one of the most exciting artist-writers shaping the next chapter of country music.
KAITLIN BUTTS
Republic Records | Triple 8 Management | WME | Me Gusta Music | BMI
Kaitlin Butts’ fearless approach to country music is helping her reach new heights. In 2024, Butts released her acclaimed album Roadrunner!. She leaned into her lifelong love of musical theater and dreamed up a modern-day reimagining of the soundtrack to her all-time favorite musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, which ended up on numerous best-of year-end lists. In 2024, Butts made her Lollapalooza debut and opened for Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne and Flatland Cavalry. She also trekked across the U.S. on her first-ever coast-to-coast headlining tour. 2025 has been another banner year for the Tulsa-born, Nashville-based artist. In addition to her viral anthem, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me),” amassing over 157 million TikTok views and 67 million global streams, she joined Lainey Wilson on her “Whirlwind Tour” and was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents exhibition. Butts also joined the 2025 Opry Next Stage Class as well as the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2025. Showing no signs of slowing down, she is launching her next chapter with the Yeehaw Sessions EP.
LACI KAYE BOOTH
Geffen Records | Red Light Management | WME | UMPG/Big Machine Music | BMI
Raised in a barn in Livingston, Texas and now based in Nashville, singer-songwriter Laci Kaye Booth started writing her own songs at age nine. Named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and SiriusXM The Highway’s Highway Find, she has spent much of the past year on the road including shows with Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley and more. After she released her debut album, The Loneliest Girl In The World, last spring, Billboard hailed Booth as “one of the genre’s brightest newcomers” and The Los Angeles Times observed, “The most impressive LP from a new(-ish) country act so far this year, The Loneliest Girl in the World teems with vivid songwriting.” With characteristic honesty, Booth captures the bewildering moments when everything seems to be crumbling on her poignant new single, “Luck Of The Draw.” She wrote the song with Ryman Wooten, who joined in on background vocals, and Ben West (Stephen Wilson Jr., Patrick Droney), who also produced and previously helmed Booth’s debut album.
THE CASTELLOWS
Warner Records Nashville | Make Wake Artists | WME | Warner Chappell Music Nashville | BMI
Neo-traditional country trio The Castellows bring new meaning to “family tradition.” Sisters Ellie (lead guitar), Powell (banjo) and Lily (vocals) grew up in Georgetown, Georgia, and now live in Nashville. Their sound is traditional yet modern, defined by three-part harmonies that blend into one striking voice. Their songwriting shines across their debut EP A Little Goes A Long Way and their three-song EP Alabama Stone. Their next project, the seven-song Homecoming EP, arrived May 30, followed by a headline “Homecoming Tour” that launched in fall 2025. Since first drawing industry attention in January 2023, the trio has appeared on 2024 watch lists including CMT Next Women of Country, CMT Listen Up and Nashville Lifestyles, earned a CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year nomination, toured with Little Big Town and Sugarland on the “Take Me Home Tour,” been named a SiriusXM Highway Find, performed on NBC’s TODAY and joined Thomas Rhett’s 2025 “Better In Boots Tour” with a Fenway Park stop.
KASHUS CULPEPPER
Big Loud Records | Jay Harren Management | CAA | Big Loud Publishing/Warner Chappell Music Nashville | BMI
Alabama-born country crooner Kashus Culpepper encompasses the sound of the south. A student and reverent purveyor of southern music–country, soul, blues, folk and rock– Culpepper found his voice in church at five years old, but it wasn’t until the 2020 global pandemic that he moved from listener to performer, picking up a guitar and learning cover songs to play at barrack bonfires in Rota, Spain during his Navy deployment. Covers soon became originals, and once back on U.S. soil, he played dive bars along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, building a name with a fresh yet reminiscent sound. Culpepper sold out headline club shows throughout the south before formally releasing a single song. With Nashville taking notice, he signed a record deal and will release his debut album Act I on Jan. 23. He has joined Leon Bridges, Sierra Ferrell and Darius Rucker on tour this year. Named to GRAMMY.com’s 25 Artists to Watch in 2025 and several other rising artist lists, The Guardian writes that “it’s obvious why his career has been fast tracked.”
LANIE GARDNER
BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records | TRACK mgmt | WME | Big Machine Music | BMI
Lanie Gardner’s extraordinary journey reflects her unmatched talent and determination, from her roots in the Appalachian Mountains to international stages. A gifted storyteller and songwriter from an early age, she developed a blend of classic rock, R&B and country that set her apart. Her career took off after her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” went viral, earning over 100 million views. On Sept. 5, she released her sophomore album Faded Polaroids, an 18-track scrapbook of self-discovery, family roots, romantic twists and personal healing, following her debut self-penned album A Songwriter’s Diary in late 2024. Her rise includes being named a 2025 Artist to Watch by the Recording Academy and Amazon Music, joining CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025 and being selected as a SiriusXM Highway Find. In the past year, she has made her Grand Ole Opry debut, performed on the TODAY show, appeared at Stagecoach, toured with Corey Kent and Gavin Adcock, joined Thomas Rhett for select dates with upcoming shows supporting Jason Aldean, earned SiriusXM No. 1 hits with Thomas Rhett and Warren Zeiders and contributed to movie soundtracks.
ALEXANDRA KAY
BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records | Beth Keith | Sound Talent Group | BMI
With over 8.7 million social media followers, Alexandra Kay, who starred on Netflix’s Westside, has a rare ability to genuinely connect with audiences through heartfelt melodies, her “refreshing brand of storytelling…custom-made for the country music genre” (People) and her “angelic, yet soaring vocals” (American Songwriter). A bright rising star that Billboard praised as “an adept, propitious singer-songwriter,” she released her debut album All I’ve Ever Known in 2023, reaching No. 1 on the iTunes All Genre and Country charts globally and earning Top 10 spots on Billboard’s Current Country Album, Emerging Artist and HeatSeeker charts independently. Named to Pandora’s 2025 Artist to Watch: Country list and CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025, Alexandra wrapped a milestone 2024 headlining her own tour, joining Jelly Roll’s “Beautifully Broken Arena Tour” and appearing on the GRAMMY-nominated Twisters soundtrack. In 2025 she has toured worldwide, wrapped dates with Brad Paisley, opened her Waterloo, Illinois coffee shop The Coffee Girl, released her sophomore album Second Wind, featuring her debut radio single “Straight For The Heart,” and launched her third headlining tour.
BRAXTON KEITH
Warner Records Nashville | Torrez Music Group | Evergreen Artist Group | Liz Rose Music | BMI
Braxton Keith has been hailed as “a devotedly country artist with the talent to join the ranks of today’s surge of neo-traditionalist hitmakers” (Billboard). His latest release, a “sublime” (MusicRow) version of George Strait’s “The Chair,” is now climbing Spotify’s Top 50 Viral Chart. Last year, Keith released his debut EP Blue, a collection Rolling Stone praised as “hardcore, traditional country music,” while Billboard called it “a slab of stone-cold country…forged from the depths of the Texas honky-tonk circuit” that highlights his unmistakable conversational singing style. The five-track set features his breakout hit “Cozy,” which has surpassed 100 million global streams and continues to rise. A proud Texas native who now splits time between San Antonio and Nashville, Keith is part of a new generation of country singer-songwriters reviving the genre’s core creative tenets. He has become a regular face in venues across Texas and the country while touring with Cody Johnson, Gavin Adcock and Luke Bryan, and is headlining his “This Ain’t My First Tour,” which continues through year-end.
ZACH JOHN KING
Sony Music Nashville | Hyphen Media Group | The Neal Agency | Boom Music Group | BMI
Pairing the reflective insight of a roots poet with the edgy intensity of raw alt-rock, Zach John King is pushing country in a new yet familiar direction, straight toward the truth. Raised in Fayetteville, Georgia and a lyricist first with multiple generations of poets in his family, he grew up old school but dreaming of escape. A fan of George Jones, Otis Redding, The Police, Third Eye Blind and Switchfoot, King fronted an indie-rock band through college before moving to Nashville in 2021 to explore his country roots as the genre expands. His minimalistic country-meets-rock style led to his first solo track in 2023, the vivid and audacious “Just Missed You,” followed by independent singles and his 2024 breakout “Wannabe Cowboy,” a conflicted confessional ballad boasting six million global streams. After joining Morgan Wallen’s “I’m The Problem Tour,” he went on to tour with Dylan Scott, Gavin Adcock, Nate Smith, ERNEST and Vincent Mason. His new EP Slow Down arrived this spring, and in 2026 he will rejoin Wallen for the “Still The Problem Tour,” perform at Stagecoach and tour with Riley Green.
CHASE McDANIEL
Big Machine Records (Big Machine Label Group) | Vector Management | WME | Sony Music Publishing Nashville | BMI
With the release of his debut album Lost Ones, singer-songwriter Chase McDaniel channels uncompromising honesty, co-writing every track and refusing to sugarcoat his battle with depression and suicidal ideation or his hard-won path toward hope and healing. Intentionally released during National Suicide Prevention Month, Lost Ones reflects his mission to help others find strength in their darkest moments. Raised by his grandparents in Greensburg, Kentucky, the University of Louisville graduate moved to Nashville after surviving his father’s death from addiction, a life-changing weightlifting accident and being rescued during a suicide attempt. With a raw baritone and fiery country-rock, he hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales and iTunes Country charts with “Project,” reached No. 3 all-genre with “Your Daughter,” signed a record deal, released his debut EP Blame It All On Country Music in 2024, made his Grand Ole Opry debut and now tours with Jason Aldean and Alexandra Kay as his first single “Burned Down Heaven” ignites country radio.
TY MYERS
RECORDS Nashville/Columbia | Starstruck Entertainment | CAA | UMPG Nashville | BMI
Breakout singer-songwriter-guitarist Ty Myers is commanding attention after releasing his debut album The Select (plus Deluxe and Acoustic editions) and earning his first Platinum hit with current single “Ends of the Earth.” In the studio for his sophomore album, he’s previewed the new era with “Leaving Carolina,” “Through a Screen,” “Come On Over, Baby” and “Two Trains” featuring Marcus King. Nearing a billion global streams to date and more than 20 million per week, Myers has already tallied 200 million+ streams for “Ends of the Earth.” Following his first sold-out headline run, he completed a sold-out “The Select Tour” and added new dates extending into 2026. Set for his Stagecoach debut and to support Luke Combs’ stadium tour next spring, he has also opened for Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Old Dominion, Tim McGraw and Willie Nelson. Named Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month and featured in their 21 Under 21 list. Myers first broke through with debut single “Tie That Binds,” followed by Gold “Drinkin’ Alone.” Born just outside Austin, the 18-year-old grew up on his family’s six-generation cattle ranch.
EMILY ANN ROBERTS
RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville | Starstruck Entertainment | UTA | Jody Williams Songs/Warner Chappell Music | SESAC
They say the path to the grandest stage is paved with relentless practice, and Emily Ann Roberts embodies that truth. From small Knoxville stages to numerous performances at the Grand Ole Opry, she has diligently earned her place in the spotlight. Her journey began as a standout and runner-up on Blake Shelton’s team on The Voice, an achievement reached before she graduated high school. Since then, Roberts has built extensive experience in performing, songwriting and recording, translating into more than 88 million global streams. Her debut album Can’t Hide Country blends traditional country and bluegrass roots and was spotlighted by Billboard, MusicRow, People and more, followed by her EP Memory Lane released Oct. 3. A seasoned performer, she has toured with Blake Shelton, Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson, Jamey Johnson and Clint Black. She was also named to the CMT Next Women of Country class of 2024, recognized as a Nashville Briefing Artist to Watch and featured in Walt Disney World’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree attraction performing “Try Everything” from Zootopia as Trixie St. Claire.
HUDSON WESTBROOK
River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville | River House Artists | Evergreen Artist Group | River House Artists/Sony Music Publishing Nashville | BMI
A son of Stephenville, Texas, Hudson Westbrook “is on the cusp of bona fide country music stardom” (Rolling Stone). After a 2024 splash debut with viral debut “Take It Slow,” he strung together a series of grassroots hits while still enrolled at Texas Tech University, including Texas radio chart-topper, “Two Way Drive,” and current Top 10 country radio hit, “House Again.” Revitalizing the organic country he was raised on while refusing to be held down by his roots, Westbrook’s “traditional country sounds and timeless songwriting” (Billboard) have become his calling card, fully realized on his Top 10, 17-track debut album, Texas Forever. Westbrook is headlining sold-out tours nationwide, following opening gigs with Parker McCollum, Midland, Eli Young Band, Cole Swindell and Ian Munsick. Amassing over 900 million global streams in 18 months, Westbrook was named a Billboard Country Rookie of the Month, a 2025 Artist to Watch by Spotify, Country Now, Holler, The Country Wire, and a SiriusXM all-genre Five for 2025.
STEPHEN WILSON JR.
Big Loud Records | ALJ Management/Range Media Partners | UTA | BMG | SESAC
Stephen Wilson Jr.’s journey from the hollers of southern Indiana to Nashville has taken many detours: he’s been an Indiana State Golden Gloves boxing championship finalist, a scientist and a lead guitarist and songwriter in an indie rock band. In 2016, he left his laboratory job and signed a publishing deal, leading to cuts from Caitlyn Smith, Old Dominion, Tim McGraw, Sixpence None the Richer, Leigh Nash and more. His breakthrough arrived in 2023 when he signed a record deal and released his debut double album søn of dad, a 22-song, genre-spanning tribute to his late father, shared on the five-year anniversary of his passing. Named the No. 1 album of 2023 by Holler and praised by Whiskey Riff, Wide Open Country and Rolling Stone, the project propelled him to major visibility. In 2025, he released a deluxe edition featuring a widely streamed “Stand By Me,” performed the national anthem at the 2025 NFL Draft, collaborated with Shaboozey on “Took A Walk,” earned his first CMA nomination for New Artist of the Year and continues a wildly successful U.S. run of his søn of dad tour following support dates with HARDY.
John Lomax III Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkJohn Lomax III & Riders In The Sky. Photo: James Tristan Redding
John Lomax III recently made his Grand Ole Opry debut, becoming the oldest performer to debut on the stage.
He joined Riders In The Sky to sing “The Streets Of Laredo,” a track originally published by his grandfather in 1910.
“It’s a thrill and honor to represent the Lomax family in paying tribute to the Opry on their 100th year,” shares Lomax. “And it’s beyond my wildest dreams to have Ranger Doug’s Riders backing me. It is a tremendous honor for the Grand Ole Opry to recognize the Lomax family for our 149 years of finding, recording, preserving and presenting the music of America.”
Hangout Festival Cancels 2026 Event
/by Madison HahnenAlabama’s Gulf Shores will not be hosting Hangout Festival in 2026, Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft revealed during last night’s (Dec. 8) city council meeting.
“The Hangout Music Festival will not occur in 2026,” he said. “We will not have an event in 2026. We are already approving the event in 2027. We delayed too long, or they did, in their application to be able to get the kind of acts that we required them to have to be successful in 2026. We will refuse to let them go back to the acts that we’ve had before. So they couldn’t do it and so they canceled the 2026 event.
“They’ve got time now to pursue the type of talent we want on our beaches, to invite the right audience that we want on our beaches, that we proved last time, the last event, that could happen,” he continued. “We’re determined if it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen that way again.”
In a new statement released today (Dec. 9) by Craft, he states:
“The city’s initial 10-year franchise agreement for the Hangout Music Festival was scheduled to conclude following the 2025 event. The city elected to defer consideration of the requested extension until the festival’s outcomes could be evaluated, with input from our residents.
This year’s festival received overwhelming community support, and in late July, the City Council approved a two‐year extension. However, the compressed timeline created by this decision did not provide organizers sufficient runway to produce a successful festival in 2026. As a result, the producers have elected not to proceed with a 2026 event.
We’re thankful that festival leadership has taken our community’s comments about the event seriously and is committed to delivering a world-class festival. We appreciate that they are being thoughtful in creating a lineup that will be impactful to our local economy. All parties are focused on planning a strong and well‐executed music festival, and we look forward to welcoming them back in 2027.”
“The decision to not move forward with a festival for 2026 was tied to Hangout Festival and the permitting approval timeline for the site,” shared AEG. “We will share news about future events at the site at the appropriate time.”
CMA Presents Several Industry Honors
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Sarah Trahern (CMA CEO), Tony Conway and Jennie Smythe (CMA Board Chairman). Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
The Country Music Association presented a few special honors last week during its Board of Directors meeting and during a special moment of remembrance at the Grand Ole Opry.
Dr. Chayim Newman. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA
At the CMA Board dinner on Thursday, Dec. 4, Tony Conway, President, Conway Entertainment Group, Ontourage Management, received the 2025 J. William Denny Award, presented by CMA Board Chairman Jennie Smythe, Founder and CEO, Girlilla Marketing. The award is presented in recognition and appreciation of a lifetime of dedication, distinguished service, and meritorious contributions to the CMA Board of Directors. Conway served on the CMA Board from 1984-2021, including as Chairman in 1996. He has received the CMA’s President’s Award and the CMA Touring Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Chayim Newman, Co-Founder, Amber Health, was presented with the CMA Chairman’s Award by Smythe. Awarded only at the discretion of the sitting Chairman, this recognition is reserved for individuals whose exceptional service to CMA merits recognition. Dr. Newman is a clinical psychologist who co-founded Amber Health and the Tour Health Research Initiative (THRIV). Beyond his clinical work, he actively mentors and advocates for the well-being of music professionals, showing up in meaningful ways across the country music community.
Pictured (L-R): Charlie Chase, Lorianne Crook and Sarah Trahern. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
The following evening, Dec. 5, at the Grand Ole Opry, Jim Owens was honored posthumously with the Joe Talbot Award. Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer presented the award to his widow, Lorianne Crook, during the Opry celebration. This award is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of country music’s values and tradition. The award may be presented to a person in recognition of an initiative or long-term contribution deemed by the CMA Board of Directors to qualify for this award. Known as “Gentleman Jim,” he built a historic library of thousands of hours of programs and photographs that continues to preserve, showcase and connect generations of country music artists and fans worldwide. His work has supported countless artists, songwriters, and production teams while contributing to major productions, museums, and documentaries that celebrate the genre’s legacy.
“This past week, we celebrated individuals whose leadership and dedication have shaped the heart of Country Music,” says Trahern. “Tony, Chayim, and Jim have each preserved our legacy, supported countless artists, and inspired future generations in ways that will continue to echo for years to come. Honoring their contributions is not only a recognition of their work, but a celebration of the spirit that continues to drive our genre forward.”
Weekly Register: Treaty Oak Revival Joins Top 5
/by Lauryn SinkTreaty Oak Revival. Photo: Paige Williams
Ella Langley has held on to the top spot on the singles chart this week with “Choosin’ Texas” earning 11 million streams, according to Luminate data. On the albums chart, Morgan Wallen has held onto the top spot with I’m The Problem gaining 71K in total consumption.
On the songs chart, Wallen holds the next three positions. “I Got Better” comes in at No. 2 with 9.4 million streams. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” takes the No. 3 spot with 8.5 million streams this week. At No. 4 is “I’m The Problem,” which garnered 7.7 million streams this week. At No. 5 is Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” with 6 million streams.
On the albums chart, Wallen also holds the No. 2 spot with One Thing At A Time gaining 27K in total consumption. Treaty Oak Revival’s West Texas Degenerates has taken the No. 3 spot with 27K in total consumption. At No. 4 is Brenda Lee with Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree garnering 24K in total consumption. Rounding out this week’s chart is Gene Autry’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with 22K in total consumption.
Max McNown Inks With Sony Music Publishing In Partnership With Tooth & Nail
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (Front Row, L-R): Tom Luteran (SMP), Max McNown, Tooth and Nail’s Brandon Ebel (Tooth & Nail), Rusty Gaston (SMP). (Back Row, L-R): Leslie Roberts (BMI), Caty Bier (Tooth & Nail), Greg Johnson (Columbia Records).
Max McNown has inked a global publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville in partnership with Tooth & Nail Publishing.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be joining the team at Sony Music Publishing,” shares McNown. “You can feel how much they truly care about their artists and how hard they work every day to support honest, authentic artistry. Every dream starts with a song, and Sony creates the space for those songs to grow.”
McNown has garnered over 500 Million worldwide streams to date since his 2023 breakout with “A Lot More Free,” which has been certified Platinum. His track “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” charted earlier this year and earned a Gold certification.
“After meeting with several publishers, Max and I immediately felt at home with Sony Music Publishing,” says Brandon Ebel, Founder and President Tooth & Nail Publishing. “Their passion for Max’s music and their alignment with his long-term artistic vision made the decision clear.”
“Max is an artist whose music resonates across multiple genres and generations,” adds Tom Luteran, Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative A&R. “He is the type of artist whose songs will continue to make a major impact on the charts throughout his career. I couldn’t be happier to be working with this amazing, energetic, emerging superstar.”
Mavericks Frontman Raul Malo Dies Following Battle With Cancer
/by Lorie HollabaughRaul Malo. Photo: Michael Weintrob
Raul Malo, the unmistakable voice and charismatic frontman of the Grammy-winning band The Mavericks, has passed away after a battle with cancer. He was 60.
The son of Cuban parents who came to the U.S. in search of a better life, Malo was born in Miami in 1965. He founded The Mavericks with drummer Paul Deakin and bassist Robert Reynolds in 1989, and the band’s genre-defying gumbo of rock and country swirled with Latin horns and beats soon caught the ears of Nashville. After releasing an indie album, they signed with MCA Nashville in 1991, and subsequently released their 1992 debut “From Hell To Paradise.” 1994’s What a Crying Shame yielded the singles “There Goes My Heart” and “O What a Thrill,” which built on their growing popularity.
A talented songwriter and musician, Malo and the band’s 1995 album Music for All Occasions yielded their biggest country hit, “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” which was penned by Malo and Al Anderson and featured colorful accordionist and singer Flaco Jiménez. The song hit No. 13 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and became the Mavericks’ signature song during their legendary live performances. The album also helped fuel the band’s consecutive CMA wins for Vocal Group of the Year in 1995 and 1996, and its first Grammy win for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal, for “Here Comes the Rain.”
Malo dominated any stage he stepped on with his inimitable soaring vocals and swaggering style, and the group weathered many changes through the decades and recorded and toured together for over 30 years. Malo’s hits include “Here Comes the Rain,” “What A Crying Shame,” “Dance The Night Away” and “Back In Your Arms Again,” and he also helped write and produce country artist Rick Trevino’s song “In My Dreams” in 2003. The Mavericks disbanded in 2000 for a time, and Malo then pursued a solo career and released nine albums of his own. He also played with the Los Super Seven, a Grammy-winning Latin American collective.
The Mavericks reunited in 2011 and signed with Big Machine Label Group, releasing two albums for the Nashville label, 2013’s In Time and 2015’s Mono. The group has been actively touring and recording since, and in 2018, they won a Grammy for their self-released album Brand New Day in the Americana category. The group lineup of Malo, Deakin, keyboardist Jerry Dale McFadden and guitarist Eddie Perez released their latest album, Moon & Stars, in 2024.
Following that release, Malo shared with fans that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer, and after undergoing liver tumor surgery and chemotherapy, in September revealed that the cancer had progressed to leptomeningeal disease, a complication of advanced cancer where fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
Last week just days before Malo’s death, the band carried on with the planned “Dance The Night Away” tribute shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The band issued a statement following his passing, saying: “It’s with the deepest grief we share the passing of our friend, bandmate and brother Raul Malo. Anyone with the pleasure of being in Raul’s orbit knew that he was a force of human nature, with an infectious energy. Over a career of more than three decades entertaining millions around the globe, his towering creative contributions and unrivaled, generational talent created the kind of multicultural American music reaching far beyond America itself.”
Malo’s wife Betty also posted a statement on socials: “My love… our boys’ father… a devoted son and brother… and a friend to so many, gained his angel wings. He was called to do another gig — this time in the sky — and he’s flying high like an eagle. No one embodied life and love, joy and passion, family, friends, music, and adventure the way our beloved Raul did, Now he will look down on us with all that heaven will allow, lighting the way and reminding us to savor every moment. Dino, Victor, Max and I — along with our entire family — thank all of you for your love and support through all of this. We felt every bit of it.”
Treaty Oak Revival Slates ‘West Texas Degenerate Tour’ For Next Spring
/by Lauryn SinkTreaty Oak Revival. Photo: Paige Williams
Treaty Oak Revival is set to hit the road next spring on their “West Texas Degenerate Tour.” Kicking off February 5th at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, the 25-city trek will hit arenas and amphitheaters across the country, including Baltimore, Seattle, Portland and Nashville.
Ticket presales begin Thursday (Dec. 11) with general on-sale following on Friday (Dec. 12). The tour features support from Wade Forster, William Clark Green, Laredo, Huser Brothers, Gannon Fremin & CCREV, and Parker Ryan, varying by date.
“Our fans have shown up for us in ways we never expected, and this tour feels like the best way to pay that back,” shares the band. “We’re still the same degenerates, just a whole lot louder, and we’re ready to raise hell with everyone who walks through those doors.”
The band released their recent album, West Texas Degenerate, on Nov. 28. To date, the group has garnered over 1.4 billion global streams, 6.8 million monthly Spotify listeners, two self-released, RIAA gold-certified albums and five platinum singles.
“West Texas Degenerate Tour” Dates:
Feb. 5, 2026 – Worcester, MA – DCU Center
Feb. 6, 2026 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Feb. 7, 2026 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
Feb. 12, 2026 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena
Feb. 13, 2026 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
Feb. 14, 2026 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena
Feb. 19, 2026 – Columbus, OH – Schottenstein Center
Feb. 20, 2026 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
Feb. 21, 2026 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
Mar. 12, 2026 – Springfield, MO – Great Southern Bank Arena
Mar. 13, 2026 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
Mar. 14, 2026 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena
Mar. 26, 2026 – Greensboro, NC – First Horizon Coliseum
Mar. 27, 2026 – Knoxville, TN – Food City Center
Apr. 26, 2026 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Apr. 30, 2026 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater
May 1, 2026 – Spokane, WA – Numerica Veterans Arena
May 2, 2026 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum
May 14, 2026 – Southaven, MS – BankPlus Amphitheater
May 15, 2026 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater
May 16, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
May 29, 2026 – Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater
July 1, 2026 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
July 11, 2026 – Lincoln, NE – Pinnacle Bank Arena
July 18, 2026 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre
Old Dominion Wraps Vegas Residency
/by Madison HahnenOld Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
Old Dominion took the stage at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas over the weekend for “BARBARA. HITS. VEGAS.”
Throughout the two nights, the band played their latest album Barbara, as well as some of their biggest hits. The theater had full-scale Vegas residency production, surprise theatrical moments, Vegas showgirls appearing for “Late Great Heartbreak” and “I Was On A Boat That Day,” and more.
Old Dominion will close out the year with two rescheduled California shows in Ontario and Bakersfield, before kicking off 2026 in Australia and New Zealand.
Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen
MusicRow Reveals Next Big Thing Artists Class Of 2026
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists who are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT) in 2026. The 12th annual NBT list features 14 artists, who are each profiled in MusicRow‘s latest 2026 Touring & Next Big Thing print issue, which releases today (Dec. 9).
Boasting a stand-out group of rising stars in the country music industry, MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2026 includes a wide range of talent, diverse in sound, style and level of success. What each artist has in common, though, is extraordinary talent and a passion for today’s ever-evolving country music format. These future superstars will expand the boundaries of country music, carrying the torch of the format both to its loyal fans and into the mainstream.
Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring & Next Big Thing print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
MusicRow Magazine’s 2025 Next Big Thing Artists:
GRAHAM BARHAM
Sony Music Nashville/Disruptor Records | The PRNT Co. | UTA | Warner Chappell Music Nashville/Cornman Music | BMI
Graham Barham was raised in Oak Ridge, Louisiana [population: 124], just down the road from Lainey Wilson and Dylan Scott. The son of a sixth-generation farmer and a schoolteacher, he grew up playing baseball at Tim McGraw Park and moved to Nashville to chase his dream. Blending authentic country storytelling with pop hooks and trap energy, Barham makes the kind of music he wants to hear—high-octane, heartfelt and undeniably fresh. He calls it “Club Country,” a sound that pushes the genre forward without letting go of its roots. After going viral with “WHISKEY WHISKEY,” Barham followed up with “OIL MONEY” and “WTH JUST HAPPENED?,” delivering a string of singles that flipped traditional country on its head while building a bold, visual identity. Alongside his artist rise, Barham has written songs for artists such as Blake Shelton, Wyatt Flores, Tyler Braden and Dierks Bentley. With “WHISKEY RAIN” featuring Tyler Hubbard and an eight-song EP out now, Barham is emerging as one of the most exciting artist-writers shaping the next chapter of country music.
KAITLIN BUTTS
Republic Records | Triple 8 Management | WME | Me Gusta Music | BMI
Kaitlin Butts’ fearless approach to country music is helping her reach new heights. In 2024, Butts released her acclaimed album Roadrunner!. She leaned into her lifelong love of musical theater and dreamed up a modern-day reimagining of the soundtrack to her all-time favorite musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, which ended up on numerous best-of year-end lists. In 2024, Butts made her Lollapalooza debut and opened for Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne and Flatland Cavalry. She also trekked across the U.S. on her first-ever coast-to-coast headlining tour. 2025 has been another banner year for the Tulsa-born, Nashville-based artist. In addition to her viral anthem, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me),” amassing over 157 million TikTok views and 67 million global streams, she joined Lainey Wilson on her “Whirlwind Tour” and was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s American Currents exhibition. Butts also joined the 2025 Opry Next Stage Class as well as the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2025. Showing no signs of slowing down, she is launching her next chapter with the Yeehaw Sessions EP.
LACI KAYE BOOTH
Geffen Records | Red Light Management | WME | UMPG/Big Machine Music | BMI
Raised in a barn in Livingston, Texas and now based in Nashville, singer-songwriter Laci Kaye Booth started writing her own songs at age nine. Named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and SiriusXM The Highway’s Highway Find, she has spent much of the past year on the road including shows with Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Ella Langley and more. After she released her debut album, The Loneliest Girl In The World, last spring, Billboard hailed Booth as “one of the genre’s brightest newcomers” and The Los Angeles Times observed, “The most impressive LP from a new(-ish) country act so far this year, The Loneliest Girl in the World teems with vivid songwriting.” With characteristic honesty, Booth captures the bewildering moments when everything seems to be crumbling on her poignant new single, “Luck Of The Draw.” She wrote the song with Ryman Wooten, who joined in on background vocals, and Ben West (Stephen Wilson Jr., Patrick Droney), who also produced and previously helmed Booth’s debut album.
THE CASTELLOWS
Warner Records Nashville | Make Wake Artists | WME | Warner Chappell Music Nashville | BMI
Neo-traditional country trio The Castellows bring new meaning to “family tradition.” Sisters Ellie (lead guitar), Powell (banjo) and Lily (vocals) grew up in Georgetown, Georgia, and now live in Nashville. Their sound is traditional yet modern, defined by three-part harmonies that blend into one striking voice. Their songwriting shines across their debut EP A Little Goes A Long Way and their three-song EP Alabama Stone. Their next project, the seven-song Homecoming EP, arrived May 30, followed by a headline “Homecoming Tour” that launched in fall 2025. Since first drawing industry attention in January 2023, the trio has appeared on 2024 watch lists including CMT Next Women of Country, CMT Listen Up and Nashville Lifestyles, earned a CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year nomination, toured with Little Big Town and Sugarland on the “Take Me Home Tour,” been named a SiriusXM Highway Find, performed on NBC’s TODAY and joined Thomas Rhett’s 2025 “Better In Boots Tour” with a Fenway Park stop.
KASHUS CULPEPPER
Big Loud Records | Jay Harren Management | CAA | Big Loud Publishing/Warner Chappell Music Nashville | BMI
Alabama-born country crooner Kashus Culpepper encompasses the sound of the south. A student and reverent purveyor of southern music–country, soul, blues, folk and rock– Culpepper found his voice in church at five years old, but it wasn’t until the 2020 global pandemic that he moved from listener to performer, picking up a guitar and learning cover songs to play at barrack bonfires in Rota, Spain during his Navy deployment. Covers soon became originals, and once back on U.S. soil, he played dive bars along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, building a name with a fresh yet reminiscent sound. Culpepper sold out headline club shows throughout the south before formally releasing a single song. With Nashville taking notice, he signed a record deal and will release his debut album Act I on Jan. 23. He has joined Leon Bridges, Sierra Ferrell and Darius Rucker on tour this year. Named to GRAMMY.com’s 25 Artists to Watch in 2025 and several other rising artist lists, The Guardian writes that “it’s obvious why his career has been fast tracked.”
LANIE GARDNER
BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records | TRACK mgmt | WME | Big Machine Music | BMI
Lanie Gardner’s extraordinary journey reflects her unmatched talent and determination, from her roots in the Appalachian Mountains to international stages. A gifted storyteller and songwriter from an early age, she developed a blend of classic rock, R&B and country that set her apart. Her career took off after her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” went viral, earning over 100 million views. On Sept. 5, she released her sophomore album Faded Polaroids, an 18-track scrapbook of self-discovery, family roots, romantic twists and personal healing, following her debut self-penned album A Songwriter’s Diary in late 2024. Her rise includes being named a 2025 Artist to Watch by the Recording Academy and Amazon Music, joining CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025 and being selected as a SiriusXM Highway Find. In the past year, she has made her Grand Ole Opry debut, performed on the TODAY show, appeared at Stagecoach, toured with Corey Kent and Gavin Adcock, joined Thomas Rhett for select dates with upcoming shows supporting Jason Aldean, earned SiriusXM No. 1 hits with Thomas Rhett and Warren Zeiders and contributed to movie soundtracks.
ALEXANDRA KAY
BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records | Beth Keith | Sound Talent Group | BMI
With over 8.7 million social media followers, Alexandra Kay, who starred on Netflix’s Westside, has a rare ability to genuinely connect with audiences through heartfelt melodies, her “refreshing brand of storytelling…custom-made for the country music genre” (People) and her “angelic, yet soaring vocals” (American Songwriter). A bright rising star that Billboard praised as “an adept, propitious singer-songwriter,” she released her debut album All I’ve Ever Known in 2023, reaching No. 1 on the iTunes All Genre and Country charts globally and earning Top 10 spots on Billboard’s Current Country Album, Emerging Artist and HeatSeeker charts independently. Named to Pandora’s 2025 Artist to Watch: Country list and CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025, Alexandra wrapped a milestone 2024 headlining her own tour, joining Jelly Roll’s “Beautifully Broken Arena Tour” and appearing on the GRAMMY-nominated Twisters soundtrack. In 2025 she has toured worldwide, wrapped dates with Brad Paisley, opened her Waterloo, Illinois coffee shop The Coffee Girl, released her sophomore album Second Wind, featuring her debut radio single “Straight For The Heart,” and launched her third headlining tour.
BRAXTON KEITH
Warner Records Nashville | Torrez Music Group | Evergreen Artist Group | Liz Rose Music | BMI
Braxton Keith has been hailed as “a devotedly country artist with the talent to join the ranks of today’s surge of neo-traditionalist hitmakers” (Billboard). His latest release, a “sublime” (MusicRow) version of George Strait’s “The Chair,” is now climbing Spotify’s Top 50 Viral Chart. Last year, Keith released his debut EP Blue, a collection Rolling Stone praised as “hardcore, traditional country music,” while Billboard called it “a slab of stone-cold country…forged from the depths of the Texas honky-tonk circuit” that highlights his unmistakable conversational singing style. The five-track set features his breakout hit “Cozy,” which has surpassed 100 million global streams and continues to rise. A proud Texas native who now splits time between San Antonio and Nashville, Keith is part of a new generation of country singer-songwriters reviving the genre’s core creative tenets. He has become a regular face in venues across Texas and the country while touring with Cody Johnson, Gavin Adcock and Luke Bryan, and is headlining his “This Ain’t My First Tour,” which continues through year-end.
ZACH JOHN KING
Sony Music Nashville | Hyphen Media Group | The Neal Agency | Boom Music Group | BMI
Pairing the reflective insight of a roots poet with the edgy intensity of raw alt-rock, Zach John King is pushing country in a new yet familiar direction, straight toward the truth. Raised in Fayetteville, Georgia and a lyricist first with multiple generations of poets in his family, he grew up old school but dreaming of escape. A fan of George Jones, Otis Redding, The Police, Third Eye Blind and Switchfoot, King fronted an indie-rock band through college before moving to Nashville in 2021 to explore his country roots as the genre expands. His minimalistic country-meets-rock style led to his first solo track in 2023, the vivid and audacious “Just Missed You,” followed by independent singles and his 2024 breakout “Wannabe Cowboy,” a conflicted confessional ballad boasting six million global streams. After joining Morgan Wallen’s “I’m The Problem Tour,” he went on to tour with Dylan Scott, Gavin Adcock, Nate Smith, ERNEST and Vincent Mason. His new EP Slow Down arrived this spring, and in 2026 he will rejoin Wallen for the “Still The Problem Tour,” perform at Stagecoach and tour with Riley Green.
CHASE McDANIEL
Big Machine Records (Big Machine Label Group) | Vector Management | WME | Sony Music Publishing Nashville | BMI
With the release of his debut album Lost Ones, singer-songwriter Chase McDaniel channels uncompromising honesty, co-writing every track and refusing to sugarcoat his battle with depression and suicidal ideation or his hard-won path toward hope and healing. Intentionally released during National Suicide Prevention Month, Lost Ones reflects his mission to help others find strength in their darkest moments. Raised by his grandparents in Greensburg, Kentucky, the University of Louisville graduate moved to Nashville after surviving his father’s death from addiction, a life-changing weightlifting accident and being rescued during a suicide attempt. With a raw baritone and fiery country-rock, he hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales and iTunes Country charts with “Project,” reached No. 3 all-genre with “Your Daughter,” signed a record deal, released his debut EP Blame It All On Country Music in 2024, made his Grand Ole Opry debut and now tours with Jason Aldean and Alexandra Kay as his first single “Burned Down Heaven” ignites country radio.
TY MYERS
RECORDS Nashville/Columbia | Starstruck Entertainment | CAA | UMPG Nashville | BMI
Breakout singer-songwriter-guitarist Ty Myers is commanding attention after releasing his debut album The Select (plus Deluxe and Acoustic editions) and earning his first Platinum hit with current single “Ends of the Earth.” In the studio for his sophomore album, he’s previewed the new era with “Leaving Carolina,” “Through a Screen,” “Come On Over, Baby” and “Two Trains” featuring Marcus King. Nearing a billion global streams to date and more than 20 million per week, Myers has already tallied 200 million+ streams for “Ends of the Earth.” Following his first sold-out headline run, he completed a sold-out “The Select Tour” and added new dates extending into 2026. Set for his Stagecoach debut and to support Luke Combs’ stadium tour next spring, he has also opened for Randy Rogers Band, Wade Bowen, Old Dominion, Tim McGraw and Willie Nelson. Named Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month and featured in their 21 Under 21 list. Myers first broke through with debut single “Tie That Binds,” followed by Gold “Drinkin’ Alone.” Born just outside Austin, the 18-year-old grew up on his family’s six-generation cattle ranch.
EMILY ANN ROBERTS
RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville | Starstruck Entertainment | UTA | Jody Williams Songs/Warner Chappell Music | SESAC
They say the path to the grandest stage is paved with relentless practice, and Emily Ann Roberts embodies that truth. From small Knoxville stages to numerous performances at the Grand Ole Opry, she has diligently earned her place in the spotlight. Her journey began as a standout and runner-up on Blake Shelton’s team on The Voice, an achievement reached before she graduated high school. Since then, Roberts has built extensive experience in performing, songwriting and recording, translating into more than 88 million global streams. Her debut album Can’t Hide Country blends traditional country and bluegrass roots and was spotlighted by Billboard, MusicRow, People and more, followed by her EP Memory Lane released Oct. 3. A seasoned performer, she has toured with Blake Shelton, Megan Moroney, Cody Johnson, Jamey Johnson and Clint Black. She was also named to the CMT Next Women of Country class of 2024, recognized as a Nashville Briefing Artist to Watch and featured in Walt Disney World’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree attraction performing “Try Everything” from Zootopia as Trixie St. Claire.
HUDSON WESTBROOK
River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville | River House Artists | Evergreen Artist Group | River House Artists/Sony Music Publishing Nashville | BMI
A son of Stephenville, Texas, Hudson Westbrook “is on the cusp of bona fide country music stardom” (Rolling Stone). After a 2024 splash debut with viral debut “Take It Slow,” he strung together a series of grassroots hits while still enrolled at Texas Tech University, including Texas radio chart-topper, “Two Way Drive,” and current Top 10 country radio hit, “House Again.” Revitalizing the organic country he was raised on while refusing to be held down by his roots, Westbrook’s “traditional country sounds and timeless songwriting” (Billboard) have become his calling card, fully realized on his Top 10, 17-track debut album, Texas Forever. Westbrook is headlining sold-out tours nationwide, following opening gigs with Parker McCollum, Midland, Eli Young Band, Cole Swindell and Ian Munsick. Amassing over 900 million global streams in 18 months, Westbrook was named a Billboard Country Rookie of the Month, a 2025 Artist to Watch by Spotify, Country Now, Holler, The Country Wire, and a SiriusXM all-genre Five for 2025.
STEPHEN WILSON JR.
Big Loud Records | ALJ Management/Range Media Partners | UTA | BMG | SESAC
Stephen Wilson Jr.’s journey from the hollers of southern Indiana to Nashville has taken many detours: he’s been an Indiana State Golden Gloves boxing championship finalist, a scientist and a lead guitarist and songwriter in an indie rock band. In 2016, he left his laboratory job and signed a publishing deal, leading to cuts from Caitlyn Smith, Old Dominion, Tim McGraw, Sixpence None the Richer, Leigh Nash and more. His breakthrough arrived in 2023 when he signed a record deal and released his debut double album søn of dad, a 22-song, genre-spanning tribute to his late father, shared on the five-year anniversary of his passing. Named the No. 1 album of 2023 by Holler and praised by Whiskey Riff, Wide Open Country and Rolling Stone, the project propelled him to major visibility. In 2025, he released a deluxe edition featuring a widely streamed “Stand By Me,” performed the national anthem at the 2025 NFL Draft, collaborated with Shaboozey on “Took A Walk,” earned his first CMA nomination for New Artist of the Year and continues a wildly successful U.S. run of his søn of dad tour following support dates with HARDY.
MusicRow’s 2026 N.B.T. Industry Directory Showcases The Next Wave Of Emerging Leaders
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow has revealed its 2026 N.B.T. Industry Directory list, highlighting a rising class of music industry leaders.
Now in its seventh year, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies. This class of professionals are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.
All members of the 2026 N.B.T. Industry Directory are featured in MusicRow’s current Touring & Next Big Thing Issue, which releases today (Dec. 9).
Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring & Next Big Thing print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
The members of MusicRow Magazine’s 2026 N.B.T. Industry Directory are:
Alex Albanese, Creative Mgr., Publishing – Creative Nation Music
Sally Allgeier, National Dir. of Country Promotion – Red Street Records
Taylor Antle, Dir., A&R – Round Hill Music
Amy Beard, VP, Marketing – Big Loud Records
Sarah Bennett, Sr. Publicist – The GreenRoom PR
Ben Binner, Dir. of Content & Strategy – Sun Label Group
Avery Bon, Sr. Dir. Marketing – WHY&HOW
Michelle Bower, Pres., Strategic Partnerships – The Neal Agency
John Bradley, A&R – Electric Feel Entertainment
Kristi Bradshaw, Publicist – OH Creative
Corey Brewer, VP/Head of Media & PR – Big Loud
Matt Brum-Taylor, Dir. of Digital Marketing – Academy of Country Music
Victoria Cappelli Greiner, Sr. Dir., Digital Marketing – AEG Presents Global Touring
Jeff Cherry, Founder/Artist Mgr. – Hudson Hill Mgmt.
Casey Childers, VP of Digital – ONErpm
Camryn Clark, Manager – Left Right Management
Jen Coen, Sr. Director, Brands & Ventures – HYBE America / Big Machine Label Group
Elizabeth Cook, Creative Dir., Publishing/A&R – Back Blocks Music
Sam Cope, Dir. of Digital Accounts Strategy, Americas – FUGA – a Downtown company
Tyler Corrado, Artist Mgr. – Neon Coast
Saxon Curry, Manager – Sticks Management
Courtney Daly, Dir., Artist & Label Strategy – Stem
Aubrey Daniels, Head of Publishing – Major Bob Music
Sally D’avanzo, Assoc. Business Mgr. – Farris, Self & Moore, LLC
Jennifer Davis, Dir., Live Events & Production – Academy of Country Music
Blake Duncan, Sr. Creative Dir., A&R – Combustion Music
Andrew Farwell, President – Outback Presents
Rhiannon Ferronetti, Asst. Mgr. – WHY&HOW
Brittany Finley, Dir. of Publicity – Elicity Public Relations
Justin Ford, VP Creative, Design & Branding – Big Machine Label Group
Houston Gaither, Dir., Radio Marketing – MCA
Allan Geiger, Sr. Dir., Creative & Content – BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Carter Green, Agent – WME
Dillon Goldberg, CEO of The PRNT Company – FNGRPRNT
Ethan Goldish, Music Agent – CAA
Anna Kathryn Groom, Mgr., Music Brand Partnerships – Wasserman Music
Bret Guest, Business Mgr. – Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group
Rummy Le Guevel, Business Mgr. – Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group
Weston Hebert, VP, Touring – AEG Presents
Alex Heimerman, VP of Streaming & Strategic Partnerships – Riser House Entertainment
Eunice Hernandez, Relationship Mgr. – Studio Bank
Duane Hobson, Assoc. Dir., Creative Membership – ASCAP
Ben Huddleston, Assoc. Business Mgr. – FBMM
Connor Hunt, Sr. Dir., Media – MCA
Jordon Isbell, Dir., Marketing – Virgin Music Group
Emilia James, Mgr., Creative Membership – ASCAP
Willie Jones, Associate – Loeb & Loeb LLP
Samantha Kane, Mgr., Artist & Industry Relations – Opry Entertainment Group
Colleen Kelley, Associate – Loeb & Loeb LLP
Brad Krause, Sr. Dir., Digital Strategy – MCA
Taylor Krebs, Coord., Music – United Talent Agency
Courtney Kruckeberg, Creative Dir. – Endurance Music Group
Abby Lamb, Assoc. Business Mgr. – FBMM
Lexi Leatherwood, Publicist – OH Creative
Autumn Ledgin, Manager, Tucker Wetmore – Ledgin Management
Nicole Lewis, Artist Mgr. – One Spark Entertainment
Lauren Lieu, Creative Dir./Publishing – River House Artists
Brooke Mansfield, VP of Digital Strategy – Riser House Entertainment
Liz Mayo, Sr. Dir., Public Relations – Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)
Lyndsie McClure, Dir. of Development – NSAI
Moira McCravey, Agent – WME
Jaclyn McDonald, Mgr., Sync – Concord Music Publishing
Lili McGrady, President – Humanable
Dylan McGraw, Manager – Fusion Music/Red Light Management
Melissa McGreevy, Dir., Audience & Web Marketing Strategy – Warner Records Nashville
Julia McLeod, VP Artist Marketing – ONErpm
Micah McNair, Creative Dir. – Black River Entertainment
Jenny Methling, Sr. Dir., Strategic Partnerships – Country Music Association
Bryan Mooney, Global VP of A&R – Downtown Artist & Label Services
Matt Musacchio, Manager, Vincent Mason, Jessie James Decker – Red Light Management
Kate Myers, Dir., Strategic Partnerships – Warner Records Nashville
Sam Nasr, Manager, A&R – Universal Music Publishing Group
Walker Newberry, Artist Mgr. – Make Wake Artists
Marita Niemiec, Dir., Digital Marketing – Warner Records Nashville
Yitzi Peetluk, Agent – Wasserman Music
Megan Pekar, Associate – Loeb & Loeb LLP
Trevor Perkins, CEO & Founder – PERK PR + Creative Co
Victoria Powell, Attorney – Gutt Law, PLLC
Alex Quattlebaum, Dir. of Touring – Futureshirts, Inc.
Tahsin Rakib Himi, Dir., A&R Research – BMG
Alyssa Ramsey, Manager – Play It Again Music
Amanda Remo, Senior Client Mgr – Harris, Huelsman, Barnes & Company
Tim Reynolds, VP, Digital – Big Machine Label Group
HB Riordan, Artist Mgr. – Make Wake Artists
Rio Van Risseghem, Label Relations Mgr., Country – Amazon Music
Sam Sarno, Sr. Creative Dir. – SMACK
Camryn Scharnhorst, Owner – The Cam Collective Publicity
Karen Schillinger, Music Agent – CAA
Phil Shay, Sr. Dir. of Development – Belmont University, Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
Chandler Nicole Sherrill, Sr. Dir. of Creative – Electric Feel Entertainment
Allie Snyder, Creative Dir., Video – Sony Music Nashville
Alyson Stokes, Sr. Brand Communications Mgr. – Ryman Hospitality Properties/Opry Entertainment Group
Lizzy Stone, Account Mgr. – Wiles+Taylor & Co
Lexi Stringer, Dir., A&R – Sony Music Nashville
Caitlin Stubner, Vice President – Songtrust – a Downtown company
Mak Symmonds, Dir. of Marketing / Management Team Member – SMACK
Anna Thiel, Creative Mgr. – Eclipse Music Group
Jessica Turri, Head of Artist and Industry Relations, Nashville – ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Julianna Vaughn, Dir., Promotion, SE/MW – Triple Tigers
Layne Weber, Head of Digital and Experiential Marketing – Q Prime South
Anna Widmer, Dir., Radio Marketing & Promotion – Sony Music Nashville
Carlile Willett, Agent, Brand Partnerships – WME