Marc Zelanko Joins ASCAP As Chief Of Staff

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Marc Zelanko. Photo: Juan Patino

Marc Zelanko has joined ASCAP as Chief of Staff. He will report directly to CEO Elizabeth Matthews. Zelanko brings extensive experience in operations management, partnerships, transformation and chief-of-staff functions to the organization.

Zelanko comes to ASCAP from Paramount Global, where he spent the last 20 years. At Paramount, he spearheaded strategic initiatives that spurred growth, strengthened operations and created efficiencies across global teams, including creating CEO-level senior leadership forums, leading the COVID Task Force, reducing liabilities, and coordinating the Viacom Marketing Council.

Additionally, he helped scale Scratch, a creative SWAT team and consultancy born out of MTV. Before Paramount, he spent time at Booz Allen Hamilton as an associate. Zelanko is graduate of Harvard University and earned his MBA at Harvard Business School.

“Marc is the perfect fit to help ASCAP deliver on our mission to grow revenues and drive efficiencies for the benefit of our more than 1.1 million songwriters, composers and music publishers,” says Matthews. “He brings a wealth of experience working cross-functionally to lead complex global initiatives, and we are excited to add him to our senior leadership team.”

“ASCAP has a mindset of innovation and evolution to meet the changing needs of its members and licensees,” adds Zelanko. “I look forward to bringing my expertise to ASCAP’s mission in support of improving the future for its songwriters, composers and music publishers.”

Jon Pardi To Take ‘Honkytonk Hollywood Tour’ Overseas In 2026

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Jon Pardi. Photo: Evan De Stefano

Jon Pardi is taking his “Honkytonk Hollywood Tour” overseas to the UK in May 2026.

The tour will visit London, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast through May 23, and Randall King will join him on select dates overseas. Fans can purchase tickets to the just-added UK dates beginning Friday, Nov. 28 at JonPardi.com. Prior to the UK tour, he’ll play shows in March in Louisiana, South Carolina, and Kentucky backed by Ashley Cooke and Zach John King.

In the coming weeks Pardi will perform at The National Christmas Tree Lighting, presented by the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service, which airs on Great American Family Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. CT and on Great American Pure Flix through Jan. 31. He is also set to perform on one of college football’s biggest stages during the Big 12 Championship Game halftime show on Dec. 6 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with kickoff at 11 a.m. CT on ABC. And Pardi wraps up his year with a festive run of “The Christmas Show Tour” dates throughout Florida.

“Honkytonk Hollywood Tour” 2026 Dates:
3/20/26 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena
3/21/26 – Lafayette, LA – Cajundome
3/26/25 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
3/27/25 – Pikeville, KY – Appalachian Wireless Arena
5/15/26 – London, UK – Highways at Royal Albert Hall
5/16/26 – Manchester, UK – O2 Apollo
5/19/26 – Newcastle, UK – City Hall
5/20/26 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy
5/23/26 – Belfast, N.I. – Waterfront Hall

Dreamcatcher Artists & ONErpm Partner For Tenille Arts’ Next Album

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Pictured (L-R): Craig Campbell, Campbell Entertainment; Debbye Scroggins, Dreamcatcher Entertainment; Tenille Arts; Ryan Cunningham, ONErpm; and Lindsey Terry, ONErpm. Photo: Chelsea Giberson

Dreamcatcher Artists have teamed up with ONErpm for Tenille Arts‘ upcoming album. The first single from the project, “Don’t Ruin Flowers,” will be released Dec. 5. The album is expected to be announced in summer 2026.

Arts co-penned the new tune alongside Ryan Kohn and Lydia Sutherland, with Kohn on production. The track will be accompanied by an official music video which will be released in early December.

Arts has spent the past year on her own headline tour across the UK, as well as support slots for Luke Bryan and Walker Hayes. Her 202o hit “Somebody Like That” made history as the first No. 1 written, produced and performed by all females. Across her catalog, she has earned a 2x Platinum album, two Gold certifications, and has garnered a billion streams.

“Emmanuel Zunz and his Team at ONErpm have been passionate about Tenille for several years,” says Dreamcatcher Entertainment Group CEO Powell Hedley. “They stepped up in a profound manner—clearly showing that they understand what it takes to make a meaningful impact for Tenille on a global scale. We are committed to ensuring we have the tools and team necessary so that our artists’ dreams are met. We are grateful to our investors, our team and ONErpm for making this exciting moment possible. Onward and Upward!”

Spotify Holds Industry Brunch In Nashville

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Spotify team. Photo: Courtesy of Spotify

Spotify celebrated the 2025 CMA Awards with an intimate networking brunch last week that brought together Nashville’s country music labels, managers and songwriter community.

The event was held at Harriet’s at 1 Hotel. Guests enjoyed an avocado toast bar with Bloody Mary’s and other cocktails.

Photo: Courtesy of Spotify

Photo: Courtesy of Spotify

Photo: Courtesy of Spotify

Photo: Courtesy of Spotify

Photo: Courtesy of Spotify

Riley Green Holds No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

Riley Green continues to hold the top position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do” gives him the No. 1 spot for the seventh consecutive week.

Blake Pendergrass remains at N0. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case” and “Wish You Well.” Charlie Handsome stays at No. 3 with “Hell At Night,” “Holy Water,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case” and “What I Want.”

Chase McGill (No. 4) and Bruce Robison (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.

Zach Bryan Slates ‘With Heaven On Tour’

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Clay Gibson

Zach Bryan is gearing up for his biggest international tour yet with the announcement of his “With Heaven On Tour” launching Mar. 7, 2026 at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis. The trek features more than 40 shows across North America and Europe, including stops in London, Berlin, Oslo, Cork, San Diego and Arlington before wrapping on Oct. 10 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL.

Joining Bryan on select dates are Kings of Leon, Dijon, Alabama Shakes, Ben Howard, Caamp, MJ Lenderman, Gregory Alan Isakov, J.R. Carroll, Gabriella Rose, Keenan O’Meara and Fey Fili.

Bryan also recently confirmed that his next album, With Heaven on Top, is set for release Jan. 9, 2026.

“With Heaven On Tour” Dates:
March 7 – St. Louis, Mo. – The Dome at America’s Center w/ Caamp, J.R. Carroll
March 14 – Tampa, Fla. – Raymond James Stadium w/ Caamp, J.R. Carroll
March 21 – San Antonio, Texas – The Alamodome w/ Caamp, J.R. Carroll
March 28 – Baton Rouge, La. – Tiger Stadium w/ Caamp, J.R. Carroll
April 11 – Louisville, Ky. – L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium w/ Kings of Leon, J.R. Carroll
April 18 – Charlotte, N.C. – Bank of America Stadium w/ Caamp, J.R. Carroll
April 25 – Lincoln, Neb. – Memorial Stadium w/ Kings of Leon, J.R. Carroll
May 2 – Starkville, Miss. – Davis Wade Stadium w/ Dijon, J.R. Carroll
May 9 – Cleveland, Ohio – Huntington Bank Field w/ Dijon, J.R. Carroll
May 27 – San Sebastián, Spain – Donostia Arena w/ Ben Howard, Keenan O’Meara
May 31 – Berlin, Germany – Waldbühne w/ Ben Howard, Keenan O’Meara
June 3 – Oslo, Norway – Unity Arena w/ Ben Howard, Keenan O’Meara
June 6 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Parken w/ Ben Howard, Keenan O’Meara
June 9 – Eindhoven, Netherlands – Philips Stadion w/ Ben Howard, Keenan O’Meara
June 12 – Liverpool, U.K. – Anfield Stadium w/ Dijon, Fey Fili
June 14 – Edinburgh, U.K. – Scottish Gas Murrayfield w/ Dijon, Fey Fili
June 16 – London, U.K. – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium w/ Dijon, Fey Fili
June 17 – London, U.K. – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium w/ Dijon, Fey Fili
June 20 – Cork, Ireland – Páirc Uí Chaoimh w/ Dijon, Fey Fili
June 21 – Cork, Ireland – Páirc Uí Chaoimh w/ Dijon, Fey Fili
June 23 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – Boucher Playing Fields w/ Dijon, Fey Fili
June 24 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – Boucher Playing Fields w/ Dijon, Fey Fili
July 31 – San Diego, Calif. – Snapdragon Stadium w/ MJ Lenderman, Fey Fili
August 1 – San Diego, Calif. – Snapdragon Stadium w/ MJ Lenderman, Fey Fili
August 7 – Salt Lake City, Utah – Rice-Eccles Stadium w/ MJ Lenderman, Fey Fili
August 13 – Denver, Colo. – Empower Field at Mile High w/ MJ Lenderman, Fey Fili
August 14 – Denver, Colo. – Empower Field at Mile High w/ MJ Lenderman, Fey Fili
August 22 – Arlington, Texas – AT&T Stadium w/ MJ Lenderman, Fey Fili
September 5 – Glendale, Ariz. – State Farm Stadium w/ MJ Lenderman, Fey Fili
September 18 – Dover, Del. – The Woodlands w/ Kings of Leon, Gabriella Rose, Fey Fili
September 19 – Dover, Del. – The Woodlands w/ Alabama Shakes, Gabriella Rose, Fey Fili
October 2 – Foxborough, Mass. – Gillette Stadium w/ Gregory Alan Isakov, Gabriella Rose
October 3 – Foxborough, Mass. – Gillette Stadium w/ Gregory Alan Isakov, Gabriella Rose
October 10 – Auburn, Ala. – Jordan-Hare Stadium w/ Gregory Alan Isakov, Gabriella Rose

Lainey Wilson’s ‘Peace, Love, & Cowboys (Holiday Edition)’ EP Now Available on CD, Vinyl

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Lainey Wilson‘s festive new holiday EP, Peace, Love, & Cowboys (Holiday Edition), is available now on 12-inch vinyl, 7-inch vinyl and CD.

The project includes the title track along with “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” with Bing Crosby, as well as instrumental versions of both songs. The new release is just the latest in a series of milestones for Wilson, who hosted the 59th CMA Awards last week (the first solo female host since Reba McEntire in 1991), and also took home three trophies for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year (for Whirlwind) and performed during the broadcast.

Wilson is set to perform during this week’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and is also the cover story of US Weekly’s Humankind Issue, highlighting her Heart Like A Truck Fund. She is heading into a big 2026 as well, with three nominations at the upcoming 68th Grammy Awards for Best Country Song (“Somewhere Over Laredo”), Best Country Solo Performance (“Somewhere Over Laredo”) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Trailblazer” with Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert). She’ll also make her feature film acting debut in next year’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him. 

Opry Country Christmas Returns For Fifth Year

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The Grand Ole Opry will kick off its fifth annual Opry Country Christmas series on Nov. 30, with performances going through Dec. 23 for 11 total shows. Each show will combine performers’ original songs as well as renditions of Christmas classics.

Opry Country Christmas will be hosted by Larry Gatlin and feature performances from Dailey & Vincent, Lorrie Morgan, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chris Janson, Lainey Wilson, Kathy Mattea, Scotty McCreery, Jon Pardi, The War And Treaty, Jamey Johnson, Brandon Heath, Maddox Batson, Rhett Akins, The McCrary Sisters, Drake Milligan, Maggie Rose, The Ornaments, John Foster, Asleep At The Wheel, Jason Crabb, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Maddie & Tae, The Isaacs, Mickey Guyton, Ricky Skaggs, Mark Wills, John Berry, Raelynn, Darin & Brooke Aldridge and Marcus King. More performers will be unveiled in the coming weeks. 

All Opry Country Christmas shows will air on WSM Radio as well as WSM and Opry digital platforms.

Additionally, A Grand Ole Opry Christmas will premiere this Saturday (Nov. 29) on Hallmark. Brad Paisley wrote the original music for the movie, and will also will perform. Portions of the movie were filmed at the Grand Ole Opry House. 

Tickets for all Opry Country Christmas shows are on sale now.

Switchfoot Inks With By Design, In Partnership With BMG

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Switchfoot

GRAMMY-winning band Switchfoot has signed a record deal with By Design, in partnership with BMG.

The alt-rock band is comprised of Jon Foreman (vocals, guitar), Tim Foreman (bass), Jerome Fontamillas (keys, guitar) and Chad Butler (drums). Since their formation, they have sold over 1o million copies across 13 studio albums. They have sold-out tours globally, with 5 million concert tickets sold in over 40 countries. Their breakthrough album The Beautiful Letdown is 3x RIAA certified Platinum, and their Hello Hurricane record won a 2009 GRAMMY award.

“It’s been an incredible journey for this band of brothers, and yet it feels like we’re just getting started,” shares Jon Foreman “When we met the team at By Design, we found a common ground on purpose, creativity and the belief that music can change the world. This new partnership gives us fresh wind in our sails, and we can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

“We’ve been fans of Switchfoot not just for their music, but for who they are – their integrity, their generosity and their heart for people,” adds By Design Co-Founder, Jeremy Holley. “Jon is a poet for our generation, giving voice to both the ache and the hope of the human condition. From our first conversations, it was clear that our missions align. We’re excited to walk with them into this next season of creativity and impact.”

Lineup Announced For Tracy Lawrence’s 20th Annual Mission:Possible Benefit Concert

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Tracy Lawrence has unveiled the lineup for his 20th annual Mission:Possible Benefit Concert on Nov. 25 at Luke Combs’ Category 10 in Nashville.

Gretchen Wilson, Eric Paslay, Chris Cagle and special guests Halfway to Hazard will perform along with Lawrence at the annual event, which continues to grow and do more good each year for the local community. Tickets for the benefit, which raised $250,000 last year, are on sale now.

New this year, fans can bring canned food items to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank to help support families and individuals facing food insecurity. For every five cans donated, participants will be entered into a raffle for a signed guitar featuring signatures from artists at Lawrence’s annual golf tournament, including Vince Gill, Zach Top, Warren Zeiders, Charles Esten and more. The raffle will take place onsite at the end of the evening.

The milestone anniversary event will be bigger than ever before, aiming to feed over 36,000 people in Middle Tennessee through the Nashville Rescue Mission, eight surrounding county school systems and boots on the ground community organizations who provide for those in need. The day will kick off early morning on Nov. 25 at the Nashville Fairgrounds., and with the help of Cargill, The Poultry Federation and Operation BBQ, the event has expanded to feed more people in the community with 2,050 cooked turkeys and 1,550 frozen turkeys distributed.

“I cannot believe we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the turkey fry,” says Lawrence. “This event started with a few of my buddies in a church parking lot and only cooking 200 birds. Now our footprint has grown, and we’re cooking 2,000+ turkeys and feeding so many throughout Middle Tennessee. Big things!”

Since its inception, Lawrence’s Mission:Possible has fried over 10,000 turkeys, provided more than 86,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee, donated over a million dollars to the Nashville Rescue Mission, and raised over $2.5 million which helps further its goals, advocate for those in need, and expand the ability to support aligned causes.