Randy Montana Tops MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Randy Montana

Randy Montana has claimed the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Pushing the songwriter to No. 1 this week is Riley Green’s “Change My Mind,” Jackson Dean’s “Make A Liar,” Luke Combs’ “Sleepless In A Hotel Room,” and Justin Moore and Dierks Bentley’s “Time’s Ticking.” This also marks Montana’s first time at No. 1 in chart history.

Blake Pendergrass moves up to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Brunette,” “Don’t We,” “I Got Better,” and “Wish You Well.” Chase McGill climbs to No. 3 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “I Got Better,” “McArthur,” “the hell you are,” and “Water At A Wedding.”

Ty Myers (No. 4) and Megan Moroney (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.

The Truth Unveils Grand Opening Lineup

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The Truth rendering

Nashville’s newest venue The Truth has revealed its first slate of artists for the grand opening this fall. Sitting in Wedgewood Houston, the venue will hold a capacity of 4,400.

Among the venue’s 22 opening acts are HARDY, Jo Dee Messina, Wyatt Flores, Scotty McCreery, Stephen Wilson Jr. and more.

“This first chapter reflects exactly what we set out to build with The Truth, a room where global icons, breakout artists and hometown voices can all share the same stage,” says Grant Lyman, President, Live Nation US Regions East. “This is just the beginning. We look forward to announcing many more shows as we shape a grand opening season that reflects the depth and diversity of Nashville’s music community.”

“Nashville is one of the most important music cities in the world,” adds Sally Williams, President of Nashville Music & Business Strategy, Live Nation. “With The Truth, we’re creating a venue that reflects Nashville’s legacy of performance and songwriting. It will be a space built for artists, built for sound, and built for the kind of live experience Nashville fans deserve.”

Live Nation has also partnered with Isle of Printing to create a collectible letterpress poster with the inaugural lineup. Upon venue opening, The Truth will debut its Set List Studio, where fans can purchase hand-crafted, letterpress set list posters unique to each show.

The opening headliner and additional shows will be announced soon. On sale date information for individual shows can be found here.

The Truth Grand Opening Lineup:
October 5- Freya Skye
October 6- Amyl and the Sniffers
October 8- Bleachers
October 11 & 12- Limp Bizkit
October 19- Sting
October 21- Rawayana
October 24- Kevin Gates
October 29 & 30- HARDY
October 31- Beck
November 1- The Living Tombstone
November 4- GloRilla
November 5- Daniel Sloss
November 6- Jo Dee Messina
November 12- Jimmy Eat World
November 13- Subtronics
November 14- The Neighbourhood
November 21- Wyatt Flores
November 25- Blue October
December 3- Scotty McCreery
December 5- Two Friends
December 9- Sabaton
December 11- Stephen Wilson Jr.

Ethan Garner Inks With RECORDS Nashville In Partnership With RCA Records

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Barry Weiss (RECORDS), Ethan Garner, Matt Musacchio (Champ Management/Red Light Management; (L-R, back row): Andrew Saltman (RECORDS), Josh Easler (RECORDS), Josh Brackin (Brackin Law), Joe Fisher (RECORDS). Photo: Courtesy of RECORDS Nashville

Ethan Garner has signed a label deal with RECORDS Nashville in partnership with RCA Records. His debut single, “Red Wine Stains,” is set for release on March 20.

Just two years after making the move to Nashville, the Georgia-born artist has landed a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog Music and built early buzz with fans drawn to his blend of classic influences and modern songwriting. Raised on icons like Elvis Presley and The Eagles, Garner attended Belmont University and quickly found his footing in the songwriting community, developing a sound rooted in country storytelling and driven by big hooks and wide-open melodies.

“We are thrilled to welcome the gifted country singer/songwriter Ethan Garner to the RECORDS Nashville family,” says Joe Fisher, Executive Vice President of A&R, RECORDS Nashville. “Ethan brings a fresh new take on modern country pop storytelling, and with his debut single “Red Wine Stains,” we are excited to introduce fans to an exciting new voice in country.”

“I’m very thankful to RECORDS Nashville/RCA for believing in me and helping me chase my dreams of making memorable music that leaves a legacy,” shares Garner.

As previously announced, Garner has also inked with Champ Management, led by Matt Musacchio under the Red Light Management umbrella, along with securing booking representation at WME.

US Recorded Music 2025 Annual Revenue Achieves New High

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According to the RIAA 2025 Year-End Recorded Music Revenue Report, the US wholesale annual revenue achieved a record high of $11.5 billion last year.

Last year, streaming revenues grew to $9.5 billion and for the fifth straight year, streaming represented 82% of total US revenue. The US remains the world’s largest paid subscription market with 106.5 million accounts generating $6.4 billion in revenue. Premium paid subscription revenues grew by 6.8% to $5.88 billion. Additionally, US vinyl sales grew for a 19th consecutive year, representing nearly 50% of the format’s global value.

“Fans are consuming music from the artists they love in more ways than ever, and that passion is reflected in today’s report. 2025 reveals a strong and stable music economy resulting from committed label investment and identification of new spaces to expand artists’ creativity. From the ease of streaming to new vinyl to licensing responsible AI tools and services, labels are diversifying fan engagement,” says Matt Bass, RIAA VP Research and Gold & Platinum Operations. “US recorded music has demonstrated sustained growth globally, reaching $6.4 billion alone in paid subscriptions and tallying 50% of global vinyl revenue, leading the way for fans to listen and connect with their favorite music whenever, wherever and however they want.”

“The last 20 years have been marked by unprecedented transformation for recorded music – from the steady rise to dominance of anytime, anywhere streaming options as listeners enjoy tunes from their favorite artists to a resurgence of vinyl as both a listening experience and collectable art. And now, our industry is advancing free-market licensing, building responsible AI partnerships that enhance discovery, deepen fan engagement and unlock new creative possibilities for how music is made and experienced,” adds RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. “Through it all, music remains a cornerstone of culture and a growing economic powerhouse for the US, contributing $212 billion to our GDP and supporting more than 2.5 million American jobs.”

Read the full report here.

Todd Thomas & Allyson Gelnett (Massey) To Co-Lead Curb Records Country Radio Promotion Department

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Todd Thomas & Allyson Gelnett (Massey)

Curb Records has promoted Todd Thomas to National Director, Promotion, where he will co-lead the department alongside National Director, Promotion & Strategic Initiatives Allyson Gelnett (Massey).

In his new role, Thomas will direct the regional promotion staff, which includes Samantha DePrez, Bailey White, Rusty Sherrill, and Brian Day, as well as maintain the Western region. Gelnett (Massey) will continue to handle strategic initiatives as well as the Northeast region. Lori Hartigan continues her role as National Director, Media, overseeing promotion at Music Row and Activator radio panels from the West Coast.

Curb Records’ SVP of Promotion RJ Meacham will depart the label at the end of March following 10 years with the company. He will transition to a consulting role beginning in April while working on the launch of a new music business endeavor which will be announced this spring.

“I’m proud of the team and what we’ve accomplished over the past ten years,” shares Meacham. “This past year was a perfect exclamation point: Dylan Scott ended 2025 as the No. 3 airplay artist, Kelsey Hart was named the No. 5 airplay new artist of the year and earned a slot at CRS’ New Faces of Country Music this week, and Lee Brice launched ‘Killed The Man,’ from his upcoming album, arriving June 5.”

Cole Swindell Teams With Walk-On’s For Nashville Location

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Cole Swindell. Photo: Robby Klein

Cole Swindell has partnered with Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux for a new Nashville location set to open in 2027.

Walk-On’s has also added Marriott properties franchisee Jamie Daniel of Daniel Hospitality as a franchise partner to lead the new Nashville location, which is slated to open on Broadway at 215 Broadway in Nashville. While the concept is still being finalized, Walk-On’s plans to blend its game-day atmosphere with Nashville’s signature honky style and personal touches from Swindell, who joins other celebrity brand partners such as Drew Brees and Dak Prescott in opening a Walk-On’s location.

“Anyone who knows me knows that outside of music, sports are my biggest passion. Partnering with Walk-On’s is a full-circle moment for me,” says Swindell. “To finally bring a location to Nashville and create a community for sports fans in a city that has given me everything is really exciting.” 

“In being in the hospitality business for many years, it’s incredible to team up with brands like Walk-On’s that prioritize franchisee success and support,” says Daniel, Walk-On’s Nashville Franchisee. “Adding to the excitement of partnering with Walk-On’s is sharing this journey with a guy like Cole, who believes in the brand’s business model and shares the Walk-On’s mentality, which highlights the hustle and heart of the underdog.”

“Expanding our franchise community while growing our footprint in new territory is a big win for the brand,” says Brandon Landry, Founder and CEO of Walk-On’s. “We are honored to add the Daniels to the brand and look forward to the success we will see in Nashville and beyond. Having the opportunity to bring Walk-On’s to a city that celebrates the same grit and heart that led to coming up with Walk-On’s on the back of a napkin is something we’ll be celebrating for a while.”

BREAKING: Scott Borchetta Launches Management Division, Signs Carly Pearce

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Scott Borchetta, Carly Pearce & Mike Blong.

Scott Borchetta has launched a management division of Borchetta Entertainment Group. He has signed Carly Pearce as the initial client, and added Mike Blong as Manager.

The news comes after the announcement that Borchetta would exit HYBE AMERICA last month. Borchetta Entertainment Group will operate as a full-service management division, working closely alongside Big Machine Records

“I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off this new era of Big Machine then by announcing the formation of the Borchetta Entertainment Group and a new management vertical, starting with the Grammy/CMA/ACM award-winning Carly Pearce and her longtime management partner, Mike Blong,” says Borchetta. “This new season for Carly, starting with the amazing new Riley Green duet, ‘If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay,’ promises to be her best yet. I am so proud to welcome both as the foundational artist and management partner for this exciting new endeavor.”

Blong joins Borchetta Entertainment Group following his tenure at Starstruck Entertainment, where he served as Pearce’s day-to-day manager beginning in 2022.

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Carly through multiple stages of her career, and it has been incredibly rewarding to witness her continual growth as an artist and storyteller,” adds Blong. “Joining forces with Scott and Borchetta Entertainment Group is an exciting next chapter for all of us as we continue to build on the momentum Carly has created around the world.”

BREAKING: MCA Ups Miranda McDonald & Jimmy Rector To SVP, Promotion & Regional Marketing

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Miranda McDonald & Jimmy Rector.

MCA has elevated Miranda McDonald and Jimmy Rector to Senior Vice President, Promotion & Regional Marketing. Both will report directly to Damon Moberly, Senior Vice President of Promotion & Touring.

In their new roles, the duo will lead the national country radio strategy while also overseeing regional marketing initiatives across markets.

McDonald will helm promotion for the MCA Nashville roster, which includes George Strait, Reba, Parker McCollum, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood and more. Throughout her time at MCA, she has played a pivotal part in obtaining multiple No. 1 singles.

Rector will oversee promotion for the Mercury Nashville roster, which includes Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Tyler Hubbard, Tucker Wetmore and others. Throughout his time at MCA, he as helped launch and develop breakthrough campaigns across both emerging and established acts.

“Miranda and Jimmy are two of the most trusted and respected leaders in country radio,” says Moberly. “They both bring a rare combination of relationships, instincts, and tireless work ethic that consistently translates into real results for our artists. These promotions recognize the impact they’ve already made and the leadership they bring to the entire team.”

Jo Dee Messina To Release First New LP In A Decade This Summer

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Jo Dee Messina will release her first new album in over 10 years, Bridges, later this summer. The first single from the new album “Some Bridges,” is out today (March 12).

The new track highlights that life is all about change—and sometimes that change is necessary. “We are often told not to burn bridges—and it’s good advice,” says Messina. “I’ve lived long enough to know that’s true. But there are also exceptions, and sometimes it’s OK to let that baby burn. In life, sometimes we just need to look forward and keep going.”

“Some Bridges” was written alongside Kat Higgins and James T. Slater and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, Grammy-winning producer, engineer, and frequent collaborator who mixed many of Messina’s biggest songs, including the 1996 hit “Heads Carolina, Tails California.”

YouTube video

Most albums reflect a season, but Messina’s new album, Bridges, is 10 years worth of seasons rolled up into one: the love, the life, the pain, the fight, the learning, and the living through it all. Over the past decade, Messina has encountered road bumps both minor and heartbreaking: loss, struggle, and sicknesses that might have wrecked someone without glimmers of light to hold onto like her music, her children, and her faith. All of it is woven throughout Bridges.

Messina will also hit the road throughout the summer playing dates across the U.S. beginning on March 15 in Chandler, Arizona.

Lee Thomas Miller, Eric Paslay, More Among ‘Sac Song & Wine Series’ Lineup

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Lee Thomas Miller & Eric Paslay

“Sac Song & Wine Series” will return for its fourth year in Elk Grove, California at the Lamoure Vineyards. The series is set to begin May 15 and will take place once a month through October 9.

Throughout the series, guests will include Chris DeStefano, Lee Thomas Miller, Kelly Archer, Marv Green, Sarah Buxton, Eric Paslay, James Otto and Ben Williams, with more artists to be announced later.

Each evening will also feature a curated Hometown Segment, showcasing local artists. Guests can also enjoy food trucks, lawn games and more. Tickets are available here.

Sac Song & Wine Series Schedule:
May 15: Chris DeStefano & TBA
June 19: TBA
July 18: Lee Thomas Miller & Kelly Archer
August 21: Marv Green & Sarah Buxton
September 18: Eric Paslay & TBA
October 9: James Otto & Ben Williams