Zach Top Earns First Two Canadian Certifications
Pictured: Brayden Mack (MD), Savannah Jackson, Russell James (PD), Dana Thompson (On Air), Docc Andrews (On Air), Zach Top, Katie Dean (Leo33), Tyler Ewing, Lexi Giesbrecht, Brielle Gauer, Celine Trimarchi (On Air).
Zach Top has earned a double Platinum certification for “I Never Lie” and a Platinum certification for “Sounds Like The Radio.” This marks Top’s first two Canadian streaming certifications.
JR Country celebrated the occasion with Top, presenting him with plaques during a recent visit.
Chris Janson Performs On ‘Fox & Friends’
Chris Janson.
Chris Janson recently stopped by Fox & Friends to kick off their All-American Christmas Concert Series. Janson performed his rendition of “Run Run Rudolph.”
ASCAP Hosts Songwriter Round At Bluebird Cafe
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Kendall Fowler, Zoe Jean Fowler, Austin Jenckes, ASCAP’s Emila James, Makayla Lynn and Mark Irwin.
ASCAP hosted a songwriters’ round on last Wednesday (Dec. 3) at Nashville’s The Bluebird Cafe. The show featured ASCAP members Austin Jenckes, Makayla Lynn, Mark Irwin and Zoe Jean Fowler.
Wags & Walks Raises $200,000 On Giving Tuesday
Miranda Lambert with Wags & Walks Nashville Staff. Photo: Courtesy of Brayln Kelly Smith.
Wags & Walks raised over $200,000 during its Giving Tuesday campaign, surpassing its goal of $100,000 per location at both its Los Angeles and Nashville adoption centers.
The funds were raised in part by matched donations from Amanda Seyfried, Trisha Yearwood, Dan & Abby Smyers, The Newgarden Family Foundation, Jason Tartick, Ariadne Getty Foundation, Jason & Gara Post, Rosalie and Harold Brown Charitable Trust and more. Additionally, Miranda Lambert stopped by the Nashville location to help spread awareness.
“This support allows us to act quickly for urgent medical cases and give deserving dogs a second chance,” shares Kathryn Hurley. “Having champions like Miranda Lambert help shine a light on this work made the day even more meaningful. As we move into our Home for the Holidays campaign, we’re energized and incredibly grateful because this momentum truly translates into lives saved.”
Future History Management Adds Jameson Roper, Signs Wage War
Jameson Roper & Ryan Richards.
Future History has appointed Nashville-based executive Jameson Roper as Partner and President of U.S. Operations. In addition to bringing his longtime client Bilmuri, Roper has signed Wage War to Future History for worldwide management.
“Getting to firsthand witness Ryan’s excitement and willingness to dive in on every minute detail with artists has always impressed me. We danced around the idea of combining forces for a bit and once the actual proposition came around from Ryan and Andy, I couldn’t have jumped at it faster,” says Roper. “FH’s goal is to represent best-in-class artists, and I’m thrilled to join a company where the people are also best-in-class.”
“I first crossed paths with Jameson ahead of bringing Bilmuri out on Sleep Token’s European tour last year. We connected quickly through a deep love of music and a real passion for the artists we represent, and it was clear from the outset that we shared the same drive and commitment to the people we work with,” shares Future History founder Ryan Richards. “With him now flying the flag for us stateside — and with the addition of two hugely exciting US acts in Bilmuri and Wage War — we’re genuinely thrilled to offer our roster a truly global setup. We’re looking forward to everything we can build together from here.”
Roper can be reached here.
Zac Brown Band Wraps Sold Out First Weekend Of Sphere Residency
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Alive Coverage
The Zac Brown Band launched their limited engagement at Las Vegas’ Sphere this weekend with two sold out shows on Friday (Dec. 5) and Saturday (Dec. 6). The residency celebrates the band’s new record, Love & Fear, which was released on Friday.
The show opens with a monologue from Brown, closing it with “From darkness to light. From pain to joy. I realized I could create something that connected my journey to others…I stand up here and look into your faces. I see myself in your eyes. We’re all sharing in this human experience. Life is hard, but we’re gonna be okay.”
With a set that spans the band’s over two-decade career, the show explores themes from fear, pain and struggle to clarity, unity, gratitude and love. Throughout the night, Brown took time to honor the late Jimmy Buffet during “Knee Deep” and continued a long-standing tradition of honoring the military community during “Chicken Fried.”
Zac Brown Band’s Love & Fear at Sphere continues with additional dates on December 12 & 13, 2025 and January 9, 10, 16 & 17, 2026. Tickets and information are available here.
Photo: Courtesy of Alive Coverage
Photo: Courtesy of Alive Coverage
Photo: Courtesy of Alive Coverage
Photo: Courtesy of Alive Coverage
MusicRow’s 2026 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue Features Gavin Adcock On Cover
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2026 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue, with Thrivin’ Here Records/Warner Records Nashville’s Gavin Adcock on the cover.
Adcock’s album, Actin’ Up Again, was crowned the largest major-label country debut from a solo male artist released in 2024 and was the year’s top streaming major-label debut across the genre. Within less than a year, Adcock more than doubled his previous streaming record with over 25 million first week US streams on new album Own Worst Enemy, released Aug. 15, 2025. Own Worst Enemy debuted as the top new country album on the Billboard 200 Country Chart (No. 4) and top streaming new album on the Billboard 200 All-Genre Chart (No. 14) week of release. The MusicRow Awards Discovery Artist of the Year nominee has won over the hearts of both country musicians and music industry alike, leading to his New Artist of the Year nomination at the 60th ACM Awards.
Inside MusicRow‘s Touring & Next Big Thing Issue is the 12th annual Next Big Thing class of artists, consisting of Graham Barham (Sony Music Nashville/Disruptor Records), Kaitlin Butts (Republic Records), Laci Kaye Booth (Geffen Records), The Castellows (Warner Records Nashville), Kashus Culpepper (Big Loud Records), Lanie Gardner (BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records), Alexandra Kay (BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records), Braxton Keith (Warner Records Nashville), Zach John King (Sony Music Nashville), Chase McDaniel (Big Machine Records (Big Machine Label Group)), Ty Myers (RECORDS Nashville/Columbia), Emily Ann Roberts (RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville), Hudson Westbrook (River House Artists/Warner Records Nashville) and Stephen Wilson Jr. (Big Loud Records).
This issue also features the N.B.T. Industry Directory Class of 2026, which highlights rising Nashville music business professionals who are having a major impact on the industry. MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind. These industry members occupy important roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.
“Being named a ‘Next Big Thing’ remains more than an honor,” shares MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “It’s an acknowledgment of exceptional potential and purpose. It recognizes those rare individuals and teams who elevate their craft, inspire others, and redefine what success looks like in today’s music industry.”
The 2026 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue features a roundtable conversation with top agents including WME’s Barrett Sellers, Wasserman’s Lenore Kinder, The Neal Agency’s Brian Carothers, UTA’s Brian Hill, CAA’s Lindsey Myers and Kinkead Entertainment’s Greg Scott about the current issues and opportunities facing the live music business.
MusicRow highlights mental health visibility within the industry with a look at Hollywood & Mind’s first On Location event in Nashville. Industry executives Gina Miller and Jeanette Porcello discuss genre and equity in Music City.
Chrissy Hall, Director of Concerts for the Ryman Auditorium, the Grand Ole Opry House and Ascend Amphitheater, shares insights into the role of venue bookers, and Chelsae Partosan and Matt Morgan talk about life on the road as tour managers.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2026 Touring & Next Big Thing Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Keith Urban To Headline 2026 Boots In The Park Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughKeith Urban.
Boots In The Park is returning to Gilbert, Arizona in 2026, with Keith Urban headlining at Gilbert Regional Park on March 21.
The packed lineup will also include Dustin Lynch, Mitchell Tenpenny, Mackenzie Carpenter, Bryan Martin, and more, and fans can enjoy all-day country parties with performances from multiple artists, line dancing, craft food from local vendors, a diverse selection of beverages, whiskey and tequila tastings and art installations.
“Bringing Boots In The Park to Gilbert with Keith Urban headlining is incredibly special,” says Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “Fans have asked for Keith for years, and being able to finally bring him, alongside Dustin Lynch, Mitchell Tenpenny, and an overall powerhouse lineup, is something we’re extremely proud of. Gilbert has always shown up big for us, and this is shaping up to be our biggest year yet.”
The presale for Boots In The Park begins on Friday, (Dec. 12) at 8 a.m. MST and public on-sale will directly follow on Dec. 12 at noon MST at bootsinthepark.com.
Capitol CMG Publishing Elevates Five
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Kent Draughon, Katie Barolak, David Gutekunst, Terryl Padilla & Jessica Marion.
Capitol CMG Publishing, a division of Capitol Christian Music Group, has promoted five team members.
David Gutekunst has been elevated to Executive Vice President, where he will helm the publishing division and oversee all business operations and strategy across its creative, marketing and administration teams.
“I’ve been fortunate to work alongside David for two decades now and see firsthand the impact he’s had on our publishing business,” says Brad O’Donnell, President of Capitol Christian Music Group states. “He loves songs, he loves writers, he loves our staff and he loves our genre. He’s a great executive and I know he’s going to do big things in this new leadership role.”
Kent Draughon has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Administration & Operations, where he will lead key administrative functions. Katie Barolak and Terryl Padilla have been upped to Senior Director, Creative. They will co-head creative and writer development strategies, focusing on developing writer brands, making the next generation of songwriting talent and manage CCMG’s roster of writers. Jessica Marion has been elevated to VP, Marketing & Song Promotion. In her new role, she will bring her marketing expierence through her work building the Worship Together brand, to the entire publishing business, leading song promotion and audience exposure.
“I am energized for this new season at Capitol CMG Publishing and honored to lead the way,” adds Gutekunst. “Katie, Kent, Jessica, and Terryl are incredible leaders and advocates for our writers, artists, and partners. Their promotions not only position Capitol CMG Publishing for the future but also recognize a commitment to building on and empowering our internal talent.”
Industry Ink: Zach Top, Chris Janson, ASCAP, Wags & Walks, Future History Management
/by Lauryn SinkZach Top Earns First Two Canadian Certifications
Pictured: Brayden Mack (MD), Savannah Jackson, Russell James (PD), Dana Thompson (On Air), Docc Andrews (On Air), Zach Top, Katie Dean (Leo33), Tyler Ewing, Lexi Giesbrecht, Brielle Gauer, Celine Trimarchi (On Air).
Zach Top has earned a double Platinum certification for “I Never Lie” and a Platinum certification for “Sounds Like The Radio.” This marks Top’s first two Canadian streaming certifications.
JR Country celebrated the occasion with Top, presenting him with plaques during a recent visit.
Chris Janson Performs On ‘Fox & Friends’
Chris Janson.
Chris Janson recently stopped by Fox & Friends to kick off their All-American Christmas Concert Series. Janson performed his rendition of “Run Run Rudolph.”
ASCAP Hosts Songwriter Round At Bluebird Cafe
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Kendall Fowler, Zoe Jean Fowler, Austin Jenckes, ASCAP’s Emila James, Makayla Lynn and Mark Irwin.
ASCAP hosted a songwriters’ round on last Wednesday (Dec. 3) at Nashville’s The Bluebird Cafe. The show featured ASCAP members Austin Jenckes, Makayla Lynn, Mark Irwin and Zoe Jean Fowler.
Wags & Walks Raises $200,000 On Giving Tuesday
Miranda Lambert with Wags & Walks Nashville Staff. Photo: Courtesy of Brayln Kelly Smith.
Wags & Walks raised over $200,000 during its Giving Tuesday campaign, surpassing its goal of $100,000 per location at both its Los Angeles and Nashville adoption centers.
The funds were raised in part by matched donations from Amanda Seyfried, Trisha Yearwood, Dan & Abby Smyers, The Newgarden Family Foundation, Jason Tartick, Ariadne Getty Foundation, Jason & Gara Post, Rosalie and Harold Brown Charitable Trust and more. Additionally, Miranda Lambert stopped by the Nashville location to help spread awareness.
“This support allows us to act quickly for urgent medical cases and give deserving dogs a second chance,” shares Kathryn Hurley. “Having champions like Miranda Lambert help shine a light on this work made the day even more meaningful. As we move into our Home for the Holidays campaign, we’re energized and incredibly grateful because this momentum truly translates into lives saved.”
Future History Management Adds Jameson Roper, Signs Wage War
Jameson Roper & Ryan Richards.
Future History has appointed Nashville-based executive Jameson Roper as Partner and President of U.S. Operations. In addition to bringing his longtime client Bilmuri, Roper has signed Wage War to Future History for worldwide management.
“Getting to firsthand witness Ryan’s excitement and willingness to dive in on every minute detail with artists has always impressed me. We danced around the idea of combining forces for a bit and once the actual proposition came around from Ryan and Andy, I couldn’t have jumped at it faster,” says Roper. “FH’s goal is to represent best-in-class artists, and I’m thrilled to join a company where the people are also best-in-class.”
“I first crossed paths with Jameson ahead of bringing Bilmuri out on Sleep Token’s European tour last year. We connected quickly through a deep love of music and a real passion for the artists we represent, and it was clear from the outset that we shared the same drive and commitment to the people we work with,” shares Future History founder Ryan Richards. “With him now flying the flag for us stateside — and with the addition of two hugely exciting US acts in Bilmuri and Wage War — we’re genuinely thrilled to offer our roster a truly global setup. We’re looking forward to everything we can build together from here.”
Roper can be reached here.
Joybeth Taylor Jumps Into Top 15 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJoybeth Taylor
Joybeth Taylor has moved into the top 15 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” and “girl you’re taking home,” BigXthaPlug & Langley’s “Hell At Night,” and Gavin Adcock’s “Need To” and “Never Call Again” all push the songwriter to No. 14 this week.
Riley Green remains at No. 1 for the ninth consecutive week with “Change My Mind” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.” Chase McGill moves to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long” and “the hell you are.”
Charlie Handsome (No. 3), Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and Ty Myers (No. 5) 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.
On The Row: Braxton Keith Gives A Preview Of New Music
/by Lauryn SinkBraxton Keith.
Braxton Keith recently stopped by the MusicRow office to give a preview of some unreleased music.
Keith started his musical journey early, learning to play piano in kindergarten. At 12, he traded in piano for guitar. “[I decided to] mainly because my little brother told me I couldn’t do it,” he said with a laugh. Although music was always a passion, he originally chose not to pursue it after being told it it would be too difficult.
MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen, Lauryn Sink and LB Cantrell; Braxton Keith; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and John Nix Arledge.
“I got to college and realized that actually every field is a difficult field to get into,” he said. “My parents were both doctors and I realized I wasn’t going to be able to do that, so I decided you have to start somewhere.”
After a conversation with a roommate, he decided to record a song for his own enjoyment and fell in love with the process. He began traveling to Music City to record, and from there, decided to pursue it full time. He kicked off his career touring his home state of Texas supporting acts like Randall King and Triston Marez.
Keith made his Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this year, where he was surprised with his first Gold certification for “Cozy.” He released his debut EP Blue last year.
The Warner Music Nashville artist will hit the road next year on his headlining “This Ain’t My First Tour Tour Continued.”
PickleJar Up All Night Expands To Over 80 Local Radio Network Stations
/by Lorie HollabaughPickleJar Entertainment Group has expanded its flagship country radio program PickleJar Up All Night across more than 80 local radio network affiliates.
Hosted from Nashville by Katie Cook and Scott Gaines, the show is available weeknights from 7 p.m.–midnight or from midnight-6 a.m. ET, and blends emerging artist discovery, fan-driven interaction, exclusive interviews, and authentic Nashville storytelling into a nightly destination for country music culture. The affiliate distribution agreement accelerates PickleJar’s media footprint while aligning affiliate broadcasters with scalable, recurring revenue streams that tie venue technology and content syndication together for the first time in broadcast radio.
This rollout positions the show to reach millions of new listeners while creating tangible revenue opportunities for partner stations – powered by increased VMS adoption inside local music venues and the ability for affiliates to monetize expanded advertising inventory through PickCaster digital signage in the venues. PickleJar is also currently in active discussions with multiple national brands regarding studio naming rights, further extending commercial alignment across broadcast distribution, VMS infrastructure, and PickCaster advertising surfaces.
“This partnership is more than expanded airtime — it’s expanded access,” says Kristian Barowsky, President and Co-Founder of PickleJar Entertainment Group. “PickleJar Up All Night was built to champion new voices in Country music. Reaching millions of new listeners gives us the opportunity to showcase talent on a national stage while strengthening VMS distribution in small and mid-sized markets. We are proud to grow this show, this platform, and the communities of artists who deserve to be heard.”
Chris Reeves, VP of Programming at Local Radio Networks, adds, “PickleJar Up All Night is the kind of modern, fan-forward content we love to bring to our LRN affiliates. We are excited to add the show to our 24/7 programming portfolio and look forward to building future content together — this is only the beginning of where PickleJar and LRN are going.”
22nd Annual Ringside: A Fight For Kids Reveals Rumble On The Row Bouts
/by Madison HahnenTaking their place in the ring this year will be Joan Vance (Wiles + Taylor, Account Manager) vs. Ali Nageotte (Wiatr & Associates, Business Manager), Peyton Heben (River House Artists, Manager, A&R) vs. Chase Miller (Rich MGMT, Manager), Sarah Headley (Big Loud Records, Director of Southeast Promotion) vs. Halle Bartlett (One Riot, Creative Director), and Blake McDaniel (Conway Entertainment Group, Vice President) vs Wesley Belden (Raise Financial, CEO).
The event also features gourmet dining, music, and a silent auction. Funds raised will be distributed by The Charley Foundation to provide assistance to disabled and underprivileged children served by medical, recreational and care groups.
Limited tables and standing-room-only tickets are available here.
Tucker Wetmore Notches Second No. 1
/by Madison HahnenTucker Wetmore. Photo: Chase Foster
Tucker Wetmore has scored his second No. 1 at country radio with “3,2,1.” This makes him the 14th artist in chart history to land his first two singles at No. 1 within the same calendar year, alongside Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood and Tracy Lawrence.
The tune was penned by Josh Miller, Summer Overstreet and Jordan Reynolds, and produced by Chris LaCorte. The track is featured on Wetmore’s debut album What Not To, alongside his first No. 1 “Wind Up Missin’ You.” Wetmore currently has 1.6 billion streams across his catalog.
Wetmore released his new song “Proving Me Right” last Friday (Dec. 5), and is set to perform on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2026 to end the year.