Cris Lacy
Warner Music Nashville is rebranding to Warner Records Nashville, and Cris Lacy has been named Chair & President of the renamed label. She reports to Warner Records Group CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson.
Former Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President Gregg Nadel will be taking on a new leadership role within Warner Music Group, with details to be revealed shortly.
Lacy’s appointment comes as the company continues to build a unified global structure that crosses genres and geographies. With the establishment of Warner Records Nashville, the label’s activities will be more closely aligned with the Warner Records Group team to support and ignite country music’s cultural resonance and global potential. Widely admired across the industry, Lacy is a 20-year veteran of Warner Music Nashville’s operations, having climbed the A&R ranks before being named co-head of the division three years ago.
Bay-Schuck and Corson share, “This rebrand marks an exciting new era for our flagship Nashville label—one that builds on everything that already makes it so special, guided by Cris’ extraordinary leadership. Her passion, vision, and unwavering respect for artistry define the label’s spirit and have earned the trust of the Nashville community. Together, we’re collaborating closer, and expanding the reach and opportunities for artists in a genre where the future feels limitless. This is an exciting next step as we continue to forge a global ecosystem that amplifies our competitive edge and impact for our artists.”
Lacy notes, “Nashville has always been synonymous with exceptional storytelling, expertly crafted lyrics, and incomparable musicianship. Its growing influence is permeating other genres, and is increasingly found front and center on the world’s stage. This move formalizes the cross-pollination that we’ve been developing over the years with our Los Angeles colleagues across areas such as A&R, marketing strategy, data/research, business affairs, and radio promotion. Warner Records is a powerful brand, and we know that we’re stronger when we work together to propel our artists and their life’s work to new heights.”
The Warner Records Group encompasses Warner Records US, Warner Records UK and Warner Records Nashville. The company’s Nashville roster includes artists inked jointly by Warner Records and Warner Nashville, such as Gavin Adcock, Adrien Nunez, Slater Nalley, The Bends, The Castellows and The Creekers. The combined roster now includes notable artists such as Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Bailey Zimmerman, Dasha, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett, Hudson Westbrook, Ingrid Andress, Randy Travis, Warren Zeiders and many others.
Turnpike Troubadours Extend ‘Wild America Tour’ Through Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughTurnpike Troubadours. Photo: David McClister
The Turnpike Troubadours are extending their “Wild America Tour” through next summer.
Newly confirmed shows include New York’s The Rooftop at Pier 17, two nights at Fort Worth’s Billy Bob’s, Philadelphia’s The Met Philadelphia, Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway, Boise’s Extra Mile Arena, and more. Tickets for the new dates will be available for pre-sale starting this Wednesday (Nov. 12), with general on-sale following Nov. 14 at turnpiketroubadours.
In addition to the “Wild America Tour” dates, the band will once again join forces with Cross Canadian Ragweed for two more “The Boys From Oklahoma” co-headline shows next year at Stillwater, Oklahoma’s Boone Pickens Stadium on April 11 and Lincoln, Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium on Aug. 22.
The Troubadours released their surprise new album, The Price of Admission, this past spring via Bossier City Records/Thirty Tigers which was produced by Shooter Jennings and debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes all-genre and country charts, and No. 1 on the Billboard Digital Albums and Current Digital Albums Sales charts. The band has racked up more than 2.2 billion streams globally and over 1.7 million equivalent units sold to date, and was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Turnpike Troubadours New Tour Dates:
January 30—Fort Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s
January 31—Fort Worth, TX—Billy Bob’s
February 5—Philadelphia, PA—The Met Philadelphia~
February 6—Uncasville, CT—Mohegan Sun Arena~
February 7—Boston, MA—MGM Music Hall at Fenway~
March 27—West Valley City, UT—Maverik Center^
March 28—Boise, ID—Extra Mile Arena^
June 5—New York, NY—The Rooftop at Pier 17†
June 6—Asbury Park, NJ—The Stone Pony Summer Stage†
~with special guest Robert Earl Keen
^with special guests Charles Wesley Godwin and Buffalo Traffic Jam
†with special guest Lucero
Warren Zeiders Slates First-Ever World Tour
/by Madison HahnenWarren Zeiders
Warren Zeiders has unveiled his first-ever world tour, which will kick off on March 26 at The Dome in Virginia Beach. Kolby Cooper and Lakeview will join as support.
The route will take Zeiders to Birmingham, Lexington, Phoenix and more through April. Zeiders will then travel to Australia for shows in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisband and Rockhampton. In October, Zeiders will close out his world tour across Europe and the U.K for shows in Glasgow, Zurich, Munich and more, before wrapping with a final show in Oslo on Nov. 2.
General on-sale will begin this Friday (Nov. 14) at 9 a.m. CST here.
“Warren Zeiders World Tour 2026” Dates:
March 26 – The Dome – Virginia Beach, VA *
March 27 – Parx Casino – Parx Xcite Center – Bensalem, PA *
March 28 – Turning Stone Resort & Casino – Verona, NY *
April 2 – Avondale Brewing Company – Birmingham, AL #
April 3 – Brandon Amphitheater – Brandon, MS #
April 4 – Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant – Durant, OK #
April 9 – Manchester Music Hall Outdoors – Lexington, KY *
April 10 – Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort – Cherokee, NC *
April 11 – Wendell’s Dippin Branch – Anderson, NC *
April 15 – Maverik Center – Salt Lake City, UT +
April 16 – Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO #
April 17 – Rio Rancho Events Center – Albuquerque, NM #
April 18 – Arizona Financial Theatre – Phoenix, AZ #
April 22 – The Fruit Yard – Modesto, CA #
April 24 – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino – Reno, NV #
May 13 – Metro City – Perth, AU
May 16 – Festival Hall – Melbourne, AU
May 17 – Hordern Pavilion – Sydney, AU
May 19 – The Fortitude Music Hall – Brisbane, AU
May 22 – Great Western Hotel – Rockhampton, AU
October 11 – 02 Academy Glasgow – Glasgow, UK
October 14 – Manchester Academy – Manchester, UK
October 15 – Bristol Academy – Bristol, UK
October 16 – 02 Academy Birmingham – Birmingham, UK
October 18 – Roundhouse – London, UK
October 21 – TivoliVredenburg – Utrecht, NL
October 23 – X-TRA – Zurich, CH
October 24 – Tonhalle – Munich, DE
October 25 – E-Werk – Cologne, DE
October 27 – Batschkapp – Frankfurt, DE
October 28 – Huxleys Neue Welt – Berlin, DE
October 29 – Georg Elser Halle – Hamburg, DE
October 31 – Fållan – Stockholm, SE
November 2 – Sentrum Scene – Oslo, NO
* denotes show with Kolby Cooper as support
# denotes show with Lakeview as support
JUST IN: MCA Elevates Tatiana Angulo & Taylor Viegut
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Viegut & Tatiana Angulo.
MCA has promoted Tatiana Angulo and Taylor Viegut, both taking on Vice President roles within the label.
Angulo will serve as the Vice President, Streaming. Since joining MCA, she has overseen campaigns for artists such as Chris Stapleton, Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis, Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood, George Strait, Dierks Bentley and Keith Urban by using data-driven strategy to grow engagement and audiences. She has also developed partnerships for artists across the label, including Peloton’s first live in-studio performance featuring Keith Urban and the MCA x Peloton CMA Fest Activation. She is a Belmont University graduate and a Texas native. Angulo has also worked as an adjunct professor at Belmont.
Viegut will serve as the first-ever Vice President, E-commerce & Business Development. In her new role, she will spearhead the label’s e-commerce initiatives. Viegut first joined MCA five years ago, and has since created successful commercial partnership initiatives across streaming. Prior to MCA, Viegut worked at CMA where she led DSP relationships and expanded mobile growth to amplify country music’s digital impact.
Additionally, Vipin Reddy, also serving as Vice President, Streaming, will handle the MCA roster, which includes Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Carter Faith, Vince Gill, Sam Hunt, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and others.
“I am excited to see both Tatiana and Taylor take on these new, expanded roles,” shares Mike Harris, MCA CEO. “Tatiana’s ability to drive successful streaming strategies and Taylor’s keen focus on the growing importance of e-commerce demonstrate their forward-thinking approach. Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and support our artists in the evolving music landscape.”
Angulo can be reached at: Tatiana.Angulo@umusic.com and Viegut can be reached at: Taylor.Viegut@umusic.com.
BREAKING: Cris Lacy Named Chair & President Of Newly-Rebranded Warner Records Nashville
/by LB CantrellCris Lacy
Warner Music Nashville is rebranding to Warner Records Nashville, and Cris Lacy has been named Chair & President of the renamed label. She reports to Warner Records Group CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson.
Former Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President Gregg Nadel will be taking on a new leadership role within Warner Music Group, with details to be revealed shortly.
Lacy’s appointment comes as the company continues to build a unified global structure that crosses genres and geographies. With the establishment of Warner Records Nashville, the label’s activities will be more closely aligned with the Warner Records Group team to support and ignite country music’s cultural resonance and global potential. Widely admired across the industry, Lacy is a 20-year veteran of Warner Music Nashville’s operations, having climbed the A&R ranks before being named co-head of the division three years ago.
Bay-Schuck and Corson share, “This rebrand marks an exciting new era for our flagship Nashville label—one that builds on everything that already makes it so special, guided by Cris’ extraordinary leadership. Her passion, vision, and unwavering respect for artistry define the label’s spirit and have earned the trust of the Nashville community. Together, we’re collaborating closer, and expanding the reach and opportunities for artists in a genre where the future feels limitless. This is an exciting next step as we continue to forge a global ecosystem that amplifies our competitive edge and impact for our artists.”
Lacy notes, “Nashville has always been synonymous with exceptional storytelling, expertly crafted lyrics, and incomparable musicianship. Its growing influence is permeating other genres, and is increasingly found front and center on the world’s stage. This move formalizes the cross-pollination that we’ve been developing over the years with our Los Angeles colleagues across areas such as A&R, marketing strategy, data/research, business affairs, and radio promotion. Warner Records is a powerful brand, and we know that we’re stronger when we work together to propel our artists and their life’s work to new heights.”
The Warner Records Group encompasses Warner Records US, Warner Records UK and Warner Records Nashville. The company’s Nashville roster includes artists inked jointly by Warner Records and Warner Nashville, such as Gavin Adcock, Adrien Nunez, Slater Nalley, The Bends, The Castellows and The Creekers. The combined roster now includes notable artists such as Zach Bryan, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Kenny Chesney, Dan + Shay, Bailey Zimmerman, Dasha, Cole Swindell, Gabby Barrett, Hudson Westbrook, Ingrid Andress, Randy Travis, Warren Zeiders and many others.
Niko Moon Announces ‘Good Time Fest’ In Charleston
/by Lorie HollabaughNiko Moon. Photo: Mika Matinazad
Niko Moon is bringing his “Good Time Charleston” event back to The Refinery in Charleston on May 23-24 and expanding it into a festival, renaming it “Good Times Fest.”
The weekend will feature special guests Uncle Kracker, The Wailers, The 502s, Artikal Sound System and more. The expanded event will take place during Mental Health Awareness Month, designed to celebrate music, community, and well being, reinforcing the importance of mental health through connection, positivity, and giving back. “Good Time Fest” will feature a headlining performance from Moon each night, along with a variety of family-friendly activities, food trucks and more, creating a space where families and fans can come together to celebrate music, community and well-being.
“CHARLESTON we’re doing it again y’all… TWO back to back nights of nothing but positive music and good vibes,” says Moon. “Catch me and some of my favorite artists at The Refinery on May 23 & 24 to kick off Memorial Day Weekend!”
Pre-sale for tickets begins tomorrow (Nov. 12) with general on-sale beginning Nov. 14 at goodtimefest.us.
Moon also recently announced his expanded 2026 “American Palm Tour” dates. The 17-date headline run kicks off Jan. 29 in Oklahoma City and visits major markets including Dallas, Nashville, Boston, Minneapolis and more.
Max McNown, Vincent Mason & Laci Kaye Booth To Perform At Spotify ‘Homegrown’ Showcase
/by Lauryn SinkSpotify is celebrating its “homegrown” playlist with a showcase in Athens, Georgia tomorrow (Nov. 12). Max McNown, Vincent Mason and Laci Kaye Booth will take the stage.
The event will be open to 800 top Spotify fans in the Athens, Georgia area. Free tickets will be dispersed via email through Spotify’s Top Listeners program. Fans can RSVP here.
The event celebrates “homegrown,” a playlist that celebrates the roots of country music with featured artists including Zach Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Sam Barber, Charles Wesley Godwin and more. Listen to “homegrown” here.
Jackson Dean Lands Second Chart-Topper With ‘Heavens To Betsy’
/by Lorie HollabaughJackson Dean. Photo: Sean Hagwell
Jackson Dean has earned his second No. 1 this week as his fan-favorite track “Heavens To Betsy” reaches the top of the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart.
A single from his sophomore album On The Back Of My Dreams, “Heavens To Betsy” was first introduced to fans as a live track on Dean’s 2023 Live At The Ryman album. Penned by Dean with Benjy Davis and Driver Williams, the song became an instant standout in Dean’s live shows for the way the gut-wrenching story connected with listeners night after night. The track already boasts more than 50 million streams to date.
The idea for “Heavens To Betsy” came when Dean heard the phrase for the very first time in a writing session. He took the meaning very literally, and the result was a darkly beautiful and nuanced story about a man sitting on the edge of heaven communicating with his daughter about his shortcomings from the beyond. “Heavens To Betsy” marks Dean’s second career No. 1 at country radio, following his chart-topping debut single “Don’t Come Lookin’” from his debut album Greenbroke.
“It’s hard to put into words what it feels like to see ‘Heavens To Betsy’ at the top of the charts,” shares Dean.“This song has taken on a life of its own, and hearing the words echoed back to me as I stand on stages all over the world is something that I will never take for granted. Thank you, country radio, for the belief, love and support, and thank you to the fans for continuing to share their stories about what the song has meant to them with me.”
Dean is currently opening select dates of Brad Paisley’s “Truck Still Works World Tour” as it makes its way through Canada. Earlier this year, he released the sultry track “Be Your Man,” and is expected to release new music early next year.
EMPIRE Adds Two To Team [Exclusive]
/by Lauryn SinkBri Small and Zak Waters.
EMPIRE has added Bri Small and Zak Waters to its team.
Small joins as Vice President Digital, where she is responsible for the online presence and engagement for label artists across the Nashville roster. She began her career at NBC Entertainment in Los Angeles before joining Warner Music Nashville, building a career in digital marketing. Small helped launch Warner Music Group’s first-ever HBCU Immersion Program.
“I’ve been a fan of Bri’s work for a long time, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to EMPIRE Nashville,” says Jen Way, Executive Vice President, Nashville. “She brings such a special energy and creativity to everything she does, and I know that will elevate both our team and our artists. Her vision and leadership in digital marketing, along with her proven ability to build meaningful connections, make her the perfect person to guide our digital strategy as we continue to expand our impact in Nashville.
Waters joins as Director of A&R. He is a songwriter, producer, and artist with nearly two decades of experience across pop, country, K-pop, EDM, and R&B music with millions of streams on his work to date. He has collaborated with GRAMMY-winning creators, co-written and produced multiple Gold and Platinum releases, and toured internationally as both a front-man and musical director.
“Zak is a dynamic creative who can move effortlessly between genres and speak a dozen musical languages,” adds Way. “Artists trust him because he speaks their language, no matter the genre. His versatility and instinct for storytelling represent exactly where EMPIRE Nashville is headed—artist-first, genre-fluid, and creatively fearless. I’m thrilled to welcome him to the team and know he will elevate both our roster and our creative output in Nashville.”
Small and Waters will both be based in Nashville.
ASCAP Unveils 2025 Christian Music Awards Winners
/by Madison HahnenASCAP has revealed the winners of its 2025 Christian Music Awards.
Brandon Lake was named Christian Music Songwriter of the Year, while the Christian Music Song of the Year went to “Praise.” Essential Music Publishing took home Christian Music Publisher of the Year.
This is Lake’s second trophy for Songwriter of the Year, who penned hits throughout the year including “Praise,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “That’s Who I Praise.” Lake recently notched three GRAMMY nominations last Friday (Nov. 7), including Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” Best CCM Performance/Song for “I Know a Name,” and Best CCM Album for King of Hearts. Lake is also nominated at next week’s CMA Awards for CMA Musical Event of the Year.
“Praise” was co-penned by Lake and Pat Barrett, published by Essential Music Publishing and Capitol CMG Publishing, and was recorded by Elevation Worship feat. Lake, Chris Brown and Chandler Moore. The tune hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs, Christian Airplay and Christian AC charts and has been certified 2x Platinum.
Throughout the year, Essential Music Publishing’s most-played songs of the past year include “Goodbye Yesterday,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” “Loves Got a Way,” “Praise,” “That’s Who I Praise,” “The Cross,” “The Prodigal,” “The Truth” and “Worship Through It.”
A full list of winners for the ASCAP Christian Music Awards can be found here. All winners will be celebrated at the ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration on Nov. 17.
Megan Moroney On ‘Cloud 9’ With New Album In February
/by Madison HahnenMegan Moroney will release her new album, Cloud 9, on Feb. 20 via Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records.
“I am so excited for my fans and I to dive into this new world of Cloud 9 together,” shares Moroney. “Similar to the first two albums, it’s all written about honest, personal experiences, but these songs were written by the strongest, most confident version of myself I’ve ever been. My feet feel firmly planted in my artistry and it was fun to play around sonically, while still sticking to my roots of what my fans and I love. Cloud 9 is a state of mind, and I have no doubt this will be the best chapter yet.”
The first taste of the new era was shared Sunday night (Nov. 9) with a teaser video for the album.
The new project will deliver 15 tracks, and will include already released tunes “6 Months Later” and “Beautiful Things,” as well as the title track.
Moroney is up for six awards at next week’s CMA Awards, tied for the most nominations on the night. Her nominations include Single of the Year for “Am I Okay?,” Song of the Year for “Am I Okay?,” Album of the Year for Am I Okay?, Female Vocalist of the Year, Musical Event of the Year for her collaboration with Kenny Chesney on “You Had To Be There,” and Music Video of the Year for “Am I Okay?”