This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly highlights the powerful moments and major moves shaping Nashville’s music scene, from heartfelt award show tributes to industry updates and fresh artist signings. Click here to see the full edition.
On Tuesday night (Sept. 23), the eighth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards lit up the Ryman Auditorium with a celebration of songwriting excellence. Hosted by NSAI, in partnership with City National Bank, the evening honored 42 individuals whose contributions to the craft continue to elevate the genre. ALABAMA received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their enduring influence on country music. Brenda Lee was honored with the 2025 President’s Keystone Award, while the Legendary Song Award was presented to Dolly Parton’s timeless hit “I Will Always Love You.”
Hitmaker Ashley Gorley made history once again, taking home Songwriter of the Year for a record-breaking ninth time. Meanwhile, Matthew West was named 2025 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, earning the title for a second time. The ceremony also included the presentation of the coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” awards, spotlighting the most admired compositions of the year.
Donna Duncan, Vice President of CMT Music & Talent, has exited her role amid company restructuring. Today (Sept. 26) marks her last day.
Shane McAnally has signed with UTA for global representation in all areas.
In the label world, several artists are charting new paths. Ian Munsick has parted ways with Warner Music Nashville after a five-year run. Meanwhile, Coleman Jennings has inked a deal with Big Loud Texas and Mercury Records, and bluegrass-country band The Creekers have signed with Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records.
Management and publishing deals also made headlines this week. Mackenzie Carpenter has joined the roster at Rich MGMT, while Kasey Tyndall secured a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville and 2Mix Music. Alex Maxwell has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville, and Lane Smith has joined the publishing family at BMG.
Additionally, Brayden Stewart has landed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, which also announced the promotion of Kayce Russell to Manager, Creative Services and A&R Operations.
This week’s edition also features a conversation with Riser House Entertainment’s Jennifer Johnson.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen maintains the No. 1 spot with “I Got Better.” 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.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly highlights the powerful moments and major moves shaping Nashville’s music scene, from heartfelt award show tributes to industry updates and fresh artist signings. Click here to see the full edition.
On Tuesday night (Sept. 23), the eighth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards lit up the Ryman Auditorium with a celebration of songwriting excellence. Hosted by NSAI, in partnership with City National Bank, the evening honored 42 individuals whose contributions to the craft continue to elevate the genre. ALABAMA received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their enduring influence on country music. Brenda Lee was honored with the 2025 President’s Keystone Award, while the Legendary Song Award was presented to Dolly Parton’s timeless hit “I Will Always Love You.”
Hitmaker Ashley Gorley made history once again, taking home Songwriter of the Year for a record-breaking ninth time. Meanwhile, Matthew West was named 2025 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, earning the title for a second time. The ceremony also included the presentation of the coveted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” awards, spotlighting the most admired compositions of the year.
Donna Duncan, Vice President of CMT Music & Talent, has exited her role amid company restructuring. Today (Sept. 26) marks her last day.
Shane McAnally has signed with UTA for global representation in all areas.
In the label world, several artists are charting new paths. Ian Munsick has parted ways with Warner Music Nashville after a five-year run. Meanwhile, Coleman Jennings has inked a deal with Big Loud Texas and Mercury Records, and bluegrass-country band The Creekers have signed with Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records.
Management and publishing deals also made headlines this week. Mackenzie Carpenter has joined the roster at Rich MGMT, while Kasey Tyndall secured a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville and 2Mix Music. Alex Maxwell has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville, and Lane Smith has joined the publishing family at BMG.
Additionally, Brayden Stewart has landed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, which also announced the promotion of Kayce Russell to Manager, Creative Services and A&R Operations.
This week’s edition also features a conversation with Riser House Entertainment’s Jennifer Johnson.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen maintains the No. 1 spot with “I Got Better.” 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.
Lamont Landers Shares His Story On New EP
/by Lorie HollabaughLamont Landers has dropped his debut EP Introducing… Lamont Landers today (Sept. 26) via Lucille Records.
Produced by Dave Cobb, the seven tracks capture life in America and the joys of love. Lori McKenna co-penned a track with Landers, “Devil Is Alive And Well,” on the new collection, which also features cuts by Oscar Charles, Madeline Edwards, Philip Towns and more.
“I’m beyond excited to finally share this EP with everyone,” shares Landers. “Each song is a piece of my story, and I poured everything I’ve felt and lived into this music. I hope fans connect with it, feel the emotion behind each track, and enjoy the journey as much as I did creating it.”
Hailing from Decatur, Alabama, Landers’ journey began when a viral cover of Ray Charles’ “Hit The Road Jack” earned over half a million views overnight, leading to performances on America’s Got Talent and Showtime at the Apollo. His social media presence, including a repost by Questlove of his rendition of “Rubber Band Man”, caught the attention of Cobb and ultimately led to a deal with Cobb’s MCA imprint, Lucille.
Landers recently took the stage alongside Yola and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the King of Soul Music Festival which benefits the Otis Redding Center for the Arts in Macon, Georgia. He is currently touring across the U.S. as a headliner as well as direct support for St. Paul & The Broken Bones.
Introducing… Lamont Landers Track List:
1. “America” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb)
2. “Oh Shit! (I’m In Love)” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb, Aaron Raitiere)
3. “Golden Skies” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb, Philip Towns)
4. “Lotta Love” (Madeline Edwards, Klare Essad, Oscar Charles)
5. “Devil Is Alive And Well” (Lamont Landers, Lori McKenna)
6. “Love’s Got The Best Of Us” (Madeline Edwards, Dan Fernandez, Emily Falvey)
7. “How Long (Until The Rain Is Gone)” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb, Philip Towns)
MCA Releases ‘Landman’ Soundtrack
/by Madison HahnenMCA has released Landman – Songs From and Inspired by the Paramount+ Original Series (Volume I), today (Sept. 26).
The soundtrack for Landman has tracks encompassing a mix of country, rock, and Americana artists, including George Strait, Parker McCollum, Ella Langley and more. Landman is a Paramount+ original series created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace that showcases life on the Texas oilfields.
Landman – Songs From and Inspired by the Paramount+ Original Series (Volume I) Track List:
1. Belle Frantz – “Do Ya” (Bart Butler, Belle Frantz, Brandon Hood)
2. Billy Gibbons – “Livin’ It Up Down In Texas” (Billy Bob Thornton, Billy F Gibbons, Mark Collier)
3. Brent Cobb – “Snakebite” (Brent Cobb, Channing Wilson, Jeremy Spillman)
4. Whiskey Myers – “Bad Medicine” (Cody Cannon)
5. Clint Black – “Devil’s Den” (Clint Black, Deric Duttan, Rivers Rutherford)
6. Drayton Farley – “Blue Collar” (Drayton Farley)
7. Dwight Yoakam – “That’s What Lonely People Do”
8. Ella Langley – “i blame the bar” (Chris LaCorte, Ella Langley, Joybeth Taylor, Meg McRee)
9. Flatland Calvary – “Midland After Midnight” (Billy Bob Thornton, Mark Collie)
10. George Strait (feat. Chris Stapleton) – “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” (Chris Stapleton, Jameson Clark, Timothy James)
11. Parker McCollum – “She’ll Dance For Whiskey” (Billy Bob Thornton, Mark Collie, Parker McCollum)
12. Reverend Horton Heat – “I Found Blue” (Jim Heath)
13. Ronnie Dunn – “Blood For Black Gold” (Billy Bob Thornton, Mark Collie, Ronnie Dunn)
14. The Red Clay Strays – “Wondering Why” (Brandon Coleman, Dan Couch, Drew Nix)
15. Turnpike Troubadours – “Mean Old Sun” (Evan Felker)
Logan Crosby & Ben Williams Launch ‘Nobody Asked For This’ Podcast
/by Lauryn SinkLogan Crosby and Ben Williams have launched their new venture, the Nobody Asked For This podcast. The first episode, “Hear Ye, Hear Ye!,” is available now.
The first season consists of seven episodes featuring guests that range from artists and comedians to athletes and family of the hosts.
Crosby is a Georgia-born singer and songwriter. His debut EP 23 Days In L.A. and follow-up album 2019 has landed him on tours with Megan Moroney, Kameron Marlowe, Alexandra Kay and the Jonas Brothers, and he will join Cole Swindell on tour this fall. Crosby was also featured on ABC’s Claim to Fame, where his appearances introduced him to a national audience.
Williams is a multi-Platinum, CMA and ACM Nominated Song of The Year songwriter, People’s Choice Country Awards Song of The Year, MusicRow’s Breakout Songwriter of The Year, AIMP’s “Rising Songwriter of the Year”, and Two Time NSAI’s “Ten Songs I’ve Wish I’ve Written” winner. He has penned 22 songs for Megan Moroney including the RIAA Certified Gold Single “Indifferent,” RIAA Certified Platinum single “I’m Not Pretty,” and the RIAA Certified 4x Platinum chart-topper “Tennessee Orange”. Williams’ songs have been recorded by Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green and many more.
“Since I met Ben Williams, we’ve talked about starting a podcast together,” shares Crosby. “So to finally see almost three years of ideas, stories, songs and life experiences come together like this is awesome. I’m looking forward to our guest, our discussions and lots of laughs on the podcast!”
“Logan and I like to talk to everybody, don’t give me wrong, we like to talk to each other the most! But the fact that we get to talk to some of the most interesting people in the world and ask them the questions that nobody has asked is such a blessing, and we’re so excited to get this thing started,” adds Williams.
Steve Stout Signs Admin Deal With Angry Mob Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughSteve Stout
Nashville-based songwriter/Lifehouse guitarist Steve Stout has signed a worldwide admin deal with Angry Mob Music Group. The deal with includes his ØZWALD project and solo work, and does not include the Lifehouse catalogue.
Stout has built a career at the intersection of arena rock, indie experimentation, and modern folk storytelling. Beyond the stadium stage, he co-founded ØZWALD with Lifehouse frontman Jason Wade, releasing seven albums on their own label Allswell Records. As a solo artist, Stout has released the albums Dairy Made and Sunday Stars.
“Steve brings a unique blend of rock, folk, and indie experimentation that’s instantly recognizable,” says Marc Caruso, CEO, Angry Mob Music.
Shane Profitt’s Debut EP ‘Population Me’ Set For Oct. 10
/by Lorie HollabaughShane Profitt will release his new EP, Population Me, on Oct. 10 via Triple Tigers Records.
The collection includes “Penny to my Name,” his current single and fan favorite, “Long Live Country,”and three new tracks, including “Whistlin’ Dixie” featuring one of Profitt’s country heroes, Randy Houser. Writers contributing to the project include Dan Tyminski, Lindsay Rimes, McCoy Moore, Phil O’Donnell, and more.
“This EP is a snapshot of who I am and what I stand for – along with a celebration of the fine folks who’ve shaped my life. It celebrates some of my highest highs, along with some good old fashioned country heartache,” says Profitt. “But the biggest compliment I can get is when someone finds my songs are about their life, too.”
Profitt has been out on the road throughout the summer playing festivals and appearing on select tour dates with Scotty McCreery, Darius Rucker and Jason Aldean.
Population Me Track List:
1. “Population Me” (Shane Profitt, Matt McKinney, Dan Tyminski)
2. “Long Live Country” (Shane Profitt, Matt Rogers, Lindsay Rimes)
3. “Penny to My Name” (Shane Profitt, McCoy Moore, Phil O’Donnell)
4. “This Old House” (Shane Profitt, Joey Hyde, Ben Hayslip, James McNair)
5. “Whistlin’ Dixie” (feat. Randy Houser) (Randy Houser, Kim Tribble)
Kaylee Bell Unveils New Album ‘Cowboy Up’
/by Lauryn SinkKaylee Bell has unveiled her newest project Cowboy Up, today (Sept. 26).
“This record is the most ‘me’ I’ve ever sounded,” shares Bell. “Cowboy Up is a reflection of where I’ve been, who I am now, and where I’m going. It’s about strength, identity, and finding your voice in all the messy, beautiful parts of life.”
The eight-track project explores themes of heartbreak, new beginnings and the joy of stepping into motherhood. Bell penned seven of the tracks alongside Ava Suppelsa, Phil Barton, Lindsay Rimes and more.
The album features the already-released “Red Dirt Romeo,” “Ring On It” and the title track, which earned over a million views on social media. “Song for Shania” is a nod to Bell’s biggest musical influence, Shania Twain.
This November, Bell will bring the album to life on her New Zealand headline tour.
Cowboy Up Track List:
1. “Cowboy Up” (Brooke Singer, Jol Mullholland, Kaylee Bell)
2. “Ring On It” (Zack Zadek, Michel Heyeca, Kaylee Bell)
3. “Red Dirt Romeo” (Riley Bria, Trey Gust, Kaylee Bell)
4. “The Thing About Us” (Melanie Dyer, MSquared, Kaylee Bell)
5. “Torn” (Natalie Imbruglia)
6. “Song For Shania” (Ava Suppelsa, Brandon Hood, Kaylee Bell)
7. “Walk In Tennessee Tonight” (Phil Barton, Lindsay Rimes, Kaylee Bell)
8. “Heartbeat” (Ben Horsley, Tyler Bank, Kaylee Bell)
Morgan Wallen’s ‘I Got Better’ Spends Fourth Week Atop MusicRow Radio Chart
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen on tour. Photo: Matt Paskert
Morgan Wallen‘s “I Got Better” remains at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week for the fourth week.
Wallen co-wrote the track with Michael Hardy, Chase McGill, Blake Pendergrass, Ernest Smith, Charlie Handsome and Joe Reeves. It appears on his fourth studio album, I’m The Problem.
The country superstar recently wrapped his 2025 “I’m The Problem Tour,” which spanned 20 stadium-shows across 10 cities. During his tour run, Wallen donated a portion of every ticket sold to his Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) — which supports youth music and athletic programs and gives communities access to essentials in times of crisis.
“I Got Better” currently sits at No. 5 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Train Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Chris Hollo
Multi-Grammy Award-winning, diamond-selling band Train made their Grand Ole Opry debut last Friday (Sept. 19).
This year, the band is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their career-defining album Drops of Jupiter. Since its formation in 1994, Train has sold more than 10 million albums and 30 million tracks worldwide, amassing over six billion global streams. The band is known for its RIAA diamond-certified, now 11x platinum, No. 1 single “Hey, Soul Sister,” 8x platinum-certified, double-Grammy-winning “Drops of Jupiter” and 5x platinum-certified anthem “Drive By.” Train has had 14 songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart and 13 albums on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, six of which reached the Top 10, including Drops of Jupiter, My Private Nation, California 37, Bulletproof Picasso, For Me, It’s You and a girl a bottle a boat.
Last year, the band released its most recent project, Live at Royal Albert Hall, and is currently working on new music in Nashville.
Photo: Chris Hollo
Photo: Chris Hollo
Zach Top Celebrates First No. 1 Hit
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, BMI’s Mitch Ballard, Major Bob’s Mike Doyle and Leo33’s Katie Dean; (L-R, front row): Carson Chamberlain, Zach Top and Tim Nichols. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
BMI hosted a No. 1 party on Wednesday celebrating first-time chart-topper Zach Top and his hit-making co-writers Carson Chamberlain and Tim Nichols for their double-Platinum certified smash “I Never Lie.” The song, from the Leo33 artist’s debut album Cold Beer & Country Music produced by Chamberlain, is currently nominated for Single and Song of the Year at the 2025 CMA Music Awards.
The event, hosted by BMI’s Mitch Ballard, featured remarks from Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Major Bob’s Mike Doyle, Leo33’s Katie Dean and Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly, who each spoke to the power of a great song and its ability to launch a career like Top’s.
Zach Top #1 party for I Never Lie Wednesday Sept. 24, 2025, in Nashville, TN.
Each songwriter was presented with a custom BMI Taylor 210e DLX guitar, and Top also got to celebrate his 28th birthday early with a Coors Banquet–themed cake.
Nichols reflected on his long history with Chamberlain and his first impression of Top.
“It takes a matter of minutes in a room with [him], hearing him play and sing, to realize, ‘holy crap, this guy is gifted and special,'” Nichols said.
Chamberlain, who first began working with Top in 2018, shared his pride in the young artist and their close relationship.
“He made me feel like [I was experiencing] a young Keith Whitley,” Chamberlain said of their first meeting. “We’ve been together ever since, and it’s been special. I think of him as another son.”
Top expressed gratitude to his team and co-writers.
“Tim, a lot of the songs you’ve written are reasons why I fell in love with country music as a young kid. It’s pretty surreal to get to write with you now,” Top said. “Carson has been an extra father figure to me—his wife Rita is my Nashville mama… You were the first one that made me feel like my little pipe dream may mean something.”