Ryan Waters Band Inks With Kinkead Entertainment Agency

Ryan Waters Band and Kinkhead Entertainment Agency team

The Ryan Waters Band has signed with the Kinkead Entertainment Agency for booking representation.

Waters initially achieved success on TikTok after writing the streaming hit “Chevrolet You Down” which racked up over one million views and over nine million streams on Spotify alone. The momentum put Waters in Nashville, where he immersed himself in his craft and followed “Chevrolet You Down” with a string of singles, including 2021’s “Tomorrow’s Not Tonight” (which has over 10 million Spotify streams) and his cover of “Chasing Cars” in 2023 which has over seven million streams.

“Teaming up with one of Nashville’s best, Bob Kinkead, and his incredible crew marks a huge step forward in my career,” says Waters. “From our first conversation, it was clear that Bob and everyone at Kinkead understood my vision, drive, and where I’m headed. Their track record for helping artists grow the right way speaks volumes, and it’s an honor to have them in my corner on the booking front moving forward. I’m beyond grateful for their belief in what I’m doing and genuinely excited to see what we’ll build together.”

Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate 100th Anniversary Of Inaugural Broadcast

The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate 100 years since its inaugural broadcast with two shows on Nov. 28.

November 28, 2025 marks exactly 100 years since the evening a single fiddle tune performed by Uncle Jimmy Thompson marked the first Grand Ole Opry broadcast.

Slated to appear during the shows is Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Steven Curtis Chapman, Henry Cho, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Kathy Mattea, Charlie McCoy, Scotty McCreery, Gary Mule Deer, Riders In The Sky, Ricky Skaggs, Don Schlitz, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Pam Tillis, The Whites, Mark Wills, Suzy Bogguss and more to be announced soon.

The Grand Ole Opry has been celebrating Opry 100 throughout 2025 with special shows, more than 60 Opry debuts so far this year, and the Opry’s first-ever live international broadcast from London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. The celebrations will continue into 2026. A full schedule of Opry 100 events can be found here.

Drake Milligan Readies New Album Due In November

Drake Milligan will release his new album, Tumbleweed, on Nov. 7. In celebration of the announcement, he released a new track, “Old Flames, Old Whiskey.”

Milligan co-wrote eleven of the fourteen tracks alongside Brandon Hood, Terry McBride, Monty Criswell and Aaron Eshuis, among others.

Written by Brett and Jim Beavers, “Old Flames, Old Whiskey” leans themes of memory and regret.

After opening for Lainey Wilson, Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan throughout 2025, Milligan will kick off “The Tumbleweed World Tour” at his headlining show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Nov. 11, which will also serve as his official album release party. The tour will include all forthcoming shows including dates in Paris and Brussels in March 2026 and C2C Festival in Rotterdam, Berlin, London, Glasgow, and Belfast. Milligan will also host a pop-up performance at Ole Red in Orlando, Florida on Nov. 8.

Tumbleweed Tracklist:
1. “Cryin’ Shoulder” (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, Terry McBride)
2. “Hearts Together” (Drake Milligan, Jim Beavers)
3. “Tumbleweed” (Bobby Pinson, Cam Newby, Ian Christian)
4. “Turn It Off” (Brian Fuller, Jeb Gipson, Matt Warren)
5. “Like The Moon” (Drake Milligan, Chris Dubois, Thomas Karlas)
6. “Good As Gone” (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, Monty Criswell)
7. “Slow Dancing To A Fast Song” (Drake Milligan, Tim Nichols, Marv Green)
8. “Old Flames, Old Whiskey” (Brett Beavers, Jim Beavers)
9. “Girl Like you” (Drake Milligan, Phil O’Donnell)
10. “Hard Headed Cowboy” (Drake Milligan, Aaron Eshuis, Neil Medley)
11. “Lonely:30” (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, Phil O’Donnell)
12. “Goodbye Ain’t All That Bad” (Drake Milligan, Brice Long)
13. “Talk Texas” (Drake Milligan, Jim Beavers)
14. “How Much Beer (feat. Randall King)” (Drake Milligan, Luke Laird, Brice Long)

 

Eric Church To Release Live Album

Eric Church will release a 19-track live album, Evangeline vs. The Machine: Comes Alive (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on Feb. 13, 2026 via MCA. The project will coincide with his IMAX exclusive release of Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive. The first track from the album, “Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)” is available now.

“This live album is special.” says Church. “It has been a while since the band and I had played a large club like the Pinnacle. Those two nights were electric. And listening back, the magic of those nights has definitely been captured. “

Both the album and concert film include Church’s 2025 album Evangeline vs. The Machine, as well as chart-toppers “Desperate Man,” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Sinners Like Me,” “Mistress Named Music,” “Springsteen” and more. During the performance across two nights at Nashville’s The Pinnacle, Church was backed by a 6-piece band, 4-piece horns, 4-piece strings, 8-piece choir and vocalist Joanna Cotten.

Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive Track List:
1. “Hands Of Time (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
2. “Bleed On Paper (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
3. “Johnny (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
4. “Storm In Their Blood (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
5. “Darkest Hour (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
6. “Evangeline (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
7. “Rocket’s White Lincoln (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
8. “Clap Hands (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
9. “Desperate Man (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
10. “Give Me Back My Hometown (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
11. “Homeboy (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
12. “Sinners Like Me (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
13. “Creepin’ (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
14. “Knives Of New Orleans (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
15. “Smoke A Little Smoke (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
16. “The Outsiders (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
17. “Hell Of A View (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
18. “Mistress Named Music (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”
19. “Springsteen (Live At The Pinnacle, Nashville, TN / May 24, 2025)”

MusicRow Weekly (Publisher Issue, News, Charts, More…)

This week’s MusicRow Weekly headlines reflect a dynamic and evolving Nashville, where creative excellence, industry leadership, and historic moments continue to shape the city’s musical legacy. Click here to see the full edition.

This week, MusicRow celebrates one of its most anticipated releases of the year. The 2025 Publisher Issue is officially out, with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Megan Moroney gracing its cover. As Nashville’s premier resource for the songwriting and publishing community, this annual edition includes the updated Publisher Directory, featuring the city’s top publishing companies and songwriter organizations, along with exclusive features that spotlight the heart of Nashville’s music-making engine. Single copies are available for $50 and are included with yearly subscriptions.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has promoted Christina Wiltshire to Vice President, A&R. Meanwhile, Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group announced a groundbreaking leadership change as CEO and Founder Lou Taylor appointed an all-female C-suite. Peggy Stephens (Chief Operating Officer), Heather Kinder (Chief of Staff) and Deedra Carroll (Chief Deputy Director) now make up one of the only all-female executive teams in the financial and entertainment business management sectors.

BMI has revealed it will honor Clint Black with the BMI Icon Award during the 73rd annual BMI Country Awards, set for Nov. 18 at BMI’s Nashville office. The invitation-only celebration will be hosted by Mike O’Neill, Mike Steinberg, and Clay Bradley.

It was also a night to remember at the Grand Ole Opry earlier this week, where Kathy Mattea was officially inducted by fellow member Terri Clark on Oct. 11. In a heartfelt moment later in the evening, Mattea extended the honor forward, inviting her friend Suzy Bogguss to become the next Opry member. The occasion marked the first time in the institution’s history that both an induction and an invitation occurred in the same night.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville announced a global publishing administration partnership with Sea Gayle Music and Domain Capital Group, providing worldwide administration services to Sea Gayle’s roster and catalog.

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment also expanded its team with three key hires: Bridget Herrmann as Senior Director of Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as Head of Digital Marketing and Christina Hunt as Label Coordinator.

The 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards lit up Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 7, honoring the year’s most impactful artists and songs in Christian and Gospel music. Brandon Lake emerged as the night’s top winner with five awards, including Songwriter of the Year (Artist) and Song of the Year for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” alongside co-writers Jelly Roll, Steven Furtick, Chris Brown and Benjamin William Hastings. Forrest Frank took home Artist of the Year, while Leanna Crawford earned New Artist of the Year honors. Gospel legend CeCe Winans also made a strong showing, winning two awards, including Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year for “Come Jesus Come” with Shirley Caesar. A full list of winners is available here.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Luke Combs takes the No. 1 spot with “Back In The Saddle.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Ghost Hounds Make Grand Ole Opry Debut

Photo: Chris Hollo

Country/rock band Ghost Hounds made their debut on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry this week.

The band was introduced by Charles Mattos before stepping into the circle. They performed “She Runs Hot” and “Last Train To Nowhere” fronted by vocalist SAVNT.

Photo: Chris Hollo

“Stepping into that circle, honestly, as I was walking backstage, I just feel grateful, like completely grateful, because it feels like this is the era of my life, I’m living answered prayers,” SAVNT shared with WSM radio ahead of the performance.

“We were all thrilled when we received the offer for Ghost Hounds to be part of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100-year celebration,” says Matt Graham, Founding Partner, Range Media Partners. “It’s always a tremendous honor, and the band’s expansive range of influences and immense talent embody exactly what the Grand Ole Opry is known for showcasing and supporting. We’re so proud of the band’s continued evolution and the way they’re breaking ground across multiple music communities — including country, roots, blues, rock, and beyond. We believe this is just one of many big moments ahead for them.”

The Ghost Hounds will perform on Nov. 1 at The Bay in Sarasota, Florida, alongside Brian Kelley.

Adam Doleac Releases New Album ‘Dream House’

Adam Doleac is releasing his third studio album Dream House today (Oct. 17) via Stem.

The 12-track collection is rooted in faith, family and the idea that dreams are built with the people you love. The project includes “That Ol’ Jeep,” which pays homage to the companion that’s carried him through countless miles and milestones, “I Wanna Go” that channels that same adventurous spirit, while “All Moms Go To Heaven”and “Lookin’ Forward to Lookin’ Back” reflect the grateful heart of a son, husband and new father seeing life through fresh eyes.

Out today, “Big Day In Our Little World” anchors the album as a celebration of life’s milestones, and fans have already connected with previously-released songs including title track “Dream House,”  “Didn’t We,” “Playin’ Catch,” “Bar Named Jesus (ft. Thomas Rhett),” “Day One (ft. Madeline Merlo)” and “Bye Heart.”

“This album is called Dream House because for the first time in my life, I’m living in mine,” shares Doleac. “I wrote all of these songs from under the roof of it. I grew up thinking a dream house was just a house, but these songs are me realizing I was wrong. The dream isn’t about how big the house is, it’s about how big the love is inside the house. It’s about Family, and that’s exactly what this album is about.”

Doleac is currently on the road on his “Dream House Tour,” where he is playing intimate venues across the country through December.

Dream House Track List:
1. “That Ol’ Jeep” (Written by Adam Doleac, Trannie Anderson)
Produced by Andy Skib and Adam Doleac
2. “I Wanna Go” (Written by Adam Doleac, Heather Morgan, James McNair, Ben Foster)
Produced by Brandon Hood
3. “Big Day In Our Little World” (Written by Adam Doleac, Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, Jared Keim)
Produced by Andy Skib and Adam Doleac
4. “Dream House” (Written by Adam Doleac, Brandon Hood, Josh Jenkins)
Produced by Brandon Hood
5. “Bar Named Jesus (ft. Thomas Rhett)” (Written by Adam Doleac, Josh Jenkins, Chris LaCorte)
Produced by Chris LaCorte and Adam Doleac
6. “Didn’t We” (Written by Adam Doleac, Ryan Beaver, Jared Keim)
Produced by Jared Keim and Adam Doleac
7. “Whatever Helps You Sleep At Night” (Written by Adam Doleac, Jordan Rentals, Wendell Mobley)
Produced by Brandon Hood
8. “Lookin’ Forward To Lookin’ Back” (Written by Adam Doleac, Ryan Kinder, Frank Legeay, Lance Herring)
Produced by Brandon Hood
9. “All Moms Go To Heaven” (Written by Adam Doleac, Josh Jenkins, Seth Mosley)
Produced by Andy Skib and Adam Doleac
10. “Playin’ Catch” (Written by Adam Doleac, Andy Skib, Derrick Southerland)
Produced by Andy Skib
11. “Day One (ft. Madeline Merlo)” (Written by Adam Doleac, Troy Cartwright, Michael August, Frank Legeay)
Produced by Frank Legeay and Adam Doleac
12. “Bye Heart” (Written by Adam Doleac, Jacob Davis, Lalo Guzman)
Produced by Lalo Guzman and Adam Doleac

Flatland Cavalry Signs With Lost Highway, Drops New Single ‘Gone’

Flatland Cavalry. Photo: Louie Nice

Flatland Cavalry has signed with the newly-relaunched Lost Highway Records, and is releasing their debut single for the label, “Gone” today (Oct. 17).

“Gone” ushers in a bold new era for Flatland Cavalry members Cleto Cordero, Jason Albers, Jonathan Saenz, Reid Dillon, Wesley Hall and Adam Gallegos. The mid-tempo tune unfolds as Cordero spins a gritty but quietly triumphant portrait of a life lived on the road and the emotional toll of endless vagabonding. Arriving just ahead of their headline show at Red Rocks next Monday (Oct. 20), “Gone” finds the band looking back on their decade-plus journey of nonstop touring.

“Since our last show of the tour is at Red Rocks, it felt right to utilize the moment by tipping our hats to where all we’ve been, and to tee up what’s to come next — I could just imagine singing that line ‘Chased them clouds in Colorado’ and all the folks cheering along,” says Cordero. “We recorded a batch of songs earlier this year, and ‘Gone’ was the first because it was closest to my heart as we transitioned from being gone for a month to being straight into the studio. I feel like a piece of you gets woven into the mix, and when I listen to the recording of that song, I feel the soul of a man that’s been away for the last 10 years.”

Last week marked the premiere of Flatland Forever: A Texas Tech Story, a first-of-its-kind documentary chronicling the band’s early days and their roots at Texas Tech University, where Cordero, Dillon, Gallegos and Albers all studied. Along with the documentary premiere, the band was inducted into the West Texas Walk of Fame.

Flatland Cavalry will be joining Lainey Wilson’s “Whirlwind World Tour” as a special guest in Australia and New Zealand in February.

Slater Nalley Inks With Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records

Slater Nalley.

Slater Nalley has signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records in partnership with 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. In celebration of the announcement, Nalley has released his debut single, “Foolish Pride.”

“I’m incredibly excited to release this special song. I’ve performed it for years, and after its debut on American Idol, I knew I had to share it with the world,” Nalley shares. “This song delves into self-reflection and the realization that sometimes change is necessary. I’m so grateful to everyone who helped bring this song to life. In addition, I am overjoyed to announce that I have officially signed a record deal with Warner Music. Their team and staff genuinely care about the power of music and truly believe in me. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us! Thank you to all who made this possible.”

Nalley finished in the top five contestants of American Idol earlier this year, performing alongside Carrie Underwood and Cody Johnson for a version of their chart-topping duet “I’m Gonna Love You.”

Drawing from artists like Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson, and Chris Stapleton, the Georgia native began playing guitar and piano at the age of 14. When his high school English teacher experienced the loss of her son, Nalley wrote “Traces of You,” the song that initially caught the attention of the American Idol.

Al Brock To Retire From Spin Doctors Music Group

Al Brock.

Spin Doctors Music Group President and CEO Al Brock will retire at the end of this year.

A 56 year radio veteran, Brock has worked across multiple markets and formats, including Nashville, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Providence, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Virginia Beach, Orlando, Harrisburg and more. He has won several awards for PD of the year and station of the year, and has been nominated twice for a Marconi Award.

Over the past 15 years, Brock has led Nashville-based Spin Doctors Music Group alongside his daughter Kristin Gonzales. Spin Doctors is an artist service company, providing country radio promotion and working with new and emerging artists.

Brock plans to continue his part-time on-air work at 955 WSM FM, and on The Westwood One “Nash Icon” format, as well as his internet Classic Hits station, rockinhitsradio.com. He will hold a celebration on March 21, 2026, in Nashville. Event information and additional details will be revealed at a later date.

Brock can be reached here.