The Chicks, Sam Smith Join Lineup Of Brandi Carlile’s 2026 Girls Just Wanna Weekend

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Brandi Carlile‘s seventh annual Girls Just Wanna Weekend returns Jan. 15-19 at Mexico’s Barceló Maya Resort with The Chicks and Sam Smith joining Carlile as the 2026 headliners.

Additional performers set for the tropical weekend include CMAT, Joy Oladokun, Jensen McRae, Lucius, Jasmine.4.t, Allison Ponthier, SistaStrings, Autumn Nichols, Arroba Nat, The Carlile Family Band, The Marshgrass Mamas, a Titans of Americana set with special guests to be announced, and comedian Kristin Key.

The all-inclusive weekend will include plenty of live music along with water sport activities, scuba diving lessons, a shopping center, bowling alley, 24-hour sports bar, three theaters, and a nightclub. All-inclusive Event Packages for Girls Just Wanna Weekend 7 are now available via girlsjustwannaweekend.com. Each package includes premium resort accommodations, access to all concerts, round-trip airport transportation, unlimited top-shelf drinks, diverse all-inclusive dining options, daily pool parties, artist-curated activities, and access to add adventurous off-site excursions.

Gutt Law, PLLC Adds Lauren Davis

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Lauren Davis.

Gutt Law, PLLC has added a new attorney, Lauren Davis, to its team.

Davis joins Gutt Law from Big Machine Label Group where she served as an in-house attorney, working across both their recorded music and publishing divisions. Prior to Big Machine, she was part of Concord Music Publishing’s legal team, where she focused on songwriter agreements and managed aspects of the company’s publishing assets. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Davis began her career at MV2 Entertainment, a boutique publishing and artist development company.

“I have known Lauren for a number of years and am thrilled that she has joined our team at Gutt Law,” says Rachel Guttmann, Founder of Gutt Law, PLLC. “Her diverse experiences in the music industry, coupled with her desire to care for creative clients, is a perfect addition that allows us to continue to provide high-level personalized legal services.”

“I am so excited to work with the incredible women of Gutt Law,” adds Davis. “I met Rachel not long after I moved to Nashville, and I’ve always admired her passion for and dedication to her clients. I’m thankful for the opportunity to join Rachel, Victoria [Powell], and Morgan [Brasfield] in being the best possible advocates for our clients and helping creators navigate the ever-evolving landscape of music law!”

Founded by entertainment attorney Rachel Guttmann, Gutt Law also includes attorney Victoria Powell, along with Head of Operations Morgan Brasfield.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville Elevates Kayce Russell

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Kayce Russell

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has elevated Kayce Russell to Manager, Creative Services and A&R Operations. In her new role, she will spearhead all digital initiatives for artist development across the company’s roster. She will report to company President Austen Adams.

“I’ve had the most rewarding and transformative six and a half years at Warner Chappell, and I am so excited to step into this new chapter of my career,” shares Russell. “I’m deeply grateful to Ben Vaughn for all of the opportunities that have led me to this point along with Jessi Vaughn, Phil May, and the entire team. I’m also thankful for Austen’s support and look forward to collaborating closely with him. Ben taught me that songwriters are the heart and soul of this community, and I am so proud to continue uplifting and supporting our roster in new and meaningful ways.”

“It doesn’t take long to see how highly regarded Kayce is by the entire team and the songwriting community.” adds Adams. “She’s already made a tremendous impact through her creativity and dedication, and this new role will give her even more opportunity to shape how we support our writers. I’m excited to watch her continue to grow.”

Russell joined Warner Chappell in 2018 as Ben Vaughn’s administrative assistant. She was promoted to Executive Assistant in 2021 where she led events and managed current and historical databases. Throughout her time at Warner Chappell, she has also handled A&R operations and served as a liaison between the Nashville office and broader business units. Prior to joining the organization, she graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in strategic marketing and held internship roles at Sandbox Management and the Country Music Association.

Colby Acuff Readies New Album, Due In October

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Colby Acuff will release his next record, Enjoy The Ride, on Oct. 3. The project is a concept album, inspired by conversations with more than 40 strangers he met on the road over the past year.

“I’m so happy to announce my new record Enjoy the Ride, an 11-song project that was made by you,” Acuff shares. “After interviewing 40 random strangers off the street from three different cities, I wrote an 11-song concept record that hopefully lets you know that you’re not alone. This album taught me that everyone wants the same outcome, even if we don’t agree on the path. Life isn’t always perfect, but you only have one so enjoy the ride.”

Acuff wrote on every track of the album, and wrote five of the tracks solo. Collaborators for this project included Mark Chandler, Anderson East, Noah Gundersen and more. The album was produced by Eddie Spear.

Beyond music, Acuff continues to expand his storytelling with “FIN AND FEATHER,” a new outdoor YouTube series exploring his roots in fishing, hunting, conservation, and more.

YouTube video

Acuff his currently on the road for Jon Pardi’s “Honkytonk Hollywood Tour” while also playing headline dates of his own.

Enjoy The Ride Track List:
1. “Trail Less Traveled” (Colby Acuff, Mark Chandler, Ben Roberts)
2. “Enjoy The Ride” (Colby Acuff, Ben Wagner)
3. “Her Song (Numb To Everything) “(Colby Acuff)
4. “Love Was Just A Feeling” (Colby Acuff)
5. “As Good As It Gets” (Colby Acuff, Jason Nix)
6. “Average American” (Colby Acuff, Chandler Brown, Noah Gundersen, Holden James Potter)
7. “Most Lonesome Sound” (Colby Acuff, Anderson East)
8. “His Song (What’s A Man Supposed To Be)” (Colby Acuff)
9. “Cost Of Life” (Colby Acuff, Matt Koziol)
10. “Simple Little Life” (Colby Acuff)
11. “Learned Along the Way” (Colby Acuff)

Dierks Bentley Shares Some Reimagined Gems On ‘The Sessions’

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Dierks Bentley is releasing a new four-song live collection, The Sessions, offering a snapshot of his live show and ability to blend top notch musicianship with fresh collaborations and classic country storytelling.

On the new mini-project, Bentley is joined by Jordan Davis for the reckless chart-topper “What Was I Thinkin,’” which is followed by a pedal-steel heavy cover of Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger to the Rain,” adding a raw, lived-in dimension to the country classic. “Heartbreak Drinking Tour” vividly demonstrates Bentley’s capacity for telling stories, while “Get Down On Your Knees and Pray” (Live) featuring rising country duo The Band Loula in a stirring, harmony-laden take on the Bill Monroe classic recorded live on his “Broken Branches Tour” this summer.

Released by MCA in June, Bentley’s 11th studio album Broken Branches is rooted in honesty, embracing the outliers and underdogs with songs about resilience, change and connection. The 11-track collection features a cross-generational lineup of collaborators including John Anderson, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert and Stephen Wilson Jr.

Bentley also launched the Broken Branches Fund this summer, a multi-year initiative in partnership with Music Health Alliance to provide mental health support for the music industry’s creative and touring professionals.

Onsite To Hold Music Row Support Meeting This Week

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In a year that has brought heartbreak and loss to Nashville’s music community, Onsite is inviting industry members to come together for a morning of support and connection. The free gathering will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 9:00–10:30 a.m. at the Onsite Wellness House at Silo Studios in Nashville.

Open to everyone in the music community, the event will offer a space to process grief, disappointment and the complex emotions that can arise in difficult times. Trusted allies, friends and advisors will be present to provide guidance, education and resources as attendees come together to share, learn and heal.

Organizers hope the gathering will give those in the industry a chance to pause, find encouragement and lean on one another during what has been a challenging season for many.

More information and RSVP details can be found here. 

ERNEST Plots ‘Live From The South Tour’ For 2026

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ERNEST. Photo: Braden Walker

ERNEST will kick off his “Live From The South Tour” beginning Jan. 21 in Denver. Country newcomers Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford will provide support for the new tour.

The tour is set to hit Boston, Sacramento, Jacksonville, Charleston, New York, Detroit, Ft. Worth, Houston and more before wrapping in April. Public on-sale begins Sept. 26.

“I’m so excited for this chapter. The ‘Live From The South Tour’ is gonna be a night full of sounds from the South,” shares ERNEST. “Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee and a lover of the southland… even further south where I find so much inspiration in the Virgin Islands. This tour is gonna be so much fun playing some new music mixed with some of my favorites and getting to share the stage with my artists on DeVille Records. So proud of them and ready to see the fellas rocking.”

Walters, Lohden and Rutherford join the tour after releasing a mixtape-style record, Cadillac Sessions, with Ernest earlier this year to launch DeVille Records. The album features original songs from the group, plus additional guests Snoop Dogg, Miranda Lambert and Jake Worthington. Walters has been on the road with Post Malone on “The BIG ASS Stadium Tour,” and Lohden and Rutherford are each in the studio working on debut projects.

ERNEST, a three-time CMA Triple Play award winner and three-time Variety hitmaker, continues to tour throughout the fall with Lainey Wilson on her “Whirlwind Tour,” and is set to headline hometown venue the Ryman for two nights this year on Nov. 4-5.

“Live From The South 2026” Dates:
1/21 – Denver, Colo. – Mission Ballroom*
1/23 – Salt Lake City, Utah – The Complex*
1/24 – Reno, Nev. – Grand Sierra Resort & Casino*
1/29 – Solana Beach, Calif. – Belly Up*
1/30 – Anaheim, Calif. – House of Blues*
1/31 – Sacramento, Calif. – Ace of Spades*
2/7 – Indio, Calif. – Fantasy Springs Casino
2/19 – Athens, Ga. – Georgia Theatre >
2/26 – Jacksonville, Fla. – FIVE >
2/27 – Charleston, S.C. – Charleston Music Hall >
2/28 – Norfolk, Va. – NorVa >
3/5 – Indianapolis, Ind. – The Egyptian >
3/6 – Rosemont, Ill. – Joe’s Live >
3/7 – Columbus, Ohio – The Bluestone >
3/11 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Intersection #
3/13 – Detroit, Mich. – Filmore #
3/14 – McKees Rocks, Pa. – Roxian Theatre #
3/19 – Durant, Okla. – Choctaw Casino
3/26 – Boston, Mass. – House of Blues*
3/27 – New York, N.Y.– Irving Plaza*
3/28 – Bensalem, Pa. – Parx Casino*
4/2 – Houston, Texas – White Oak Music Hall*
4/3 – New Braunfels, Texas – Gruene Hall*
4/4 – Ft. Worth, Texas – Billy Bob’s*
4/16 – St. Louis, Mo. – Hawthorn #
4/18 – Minneapolis, Minn. – First Avenue #

* Support By Chandler Walters
> Support By Cody Lohden
# Support By Rhys Rutherford

Alex Maxwell Signs With UMPG

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Pictured: TC Courtney (UMPG Nashville) and Alex Maxwell. Photo: Trey Bonner

Alex Maxwell has signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

A Pittsburgh native, Maxwell moved to Nashville in 2013 and has amassed 700 million streams and radio activity with artists including Chase Matthew, Warren Zeiders, Kameron Marlowe, Priscilla Block, Morgan Evans, Hannah McFarland, Dalton Dover, Trey Lewis, Kidd G and more. Among his list of credits is the current top 10 Chase Matthew single, “Darlin’”, Maxwell’s first hit at country radio.

“As both a songwriter and producer, Alex Maxwell is the definition of precision,” shares TC Courtney, Manager, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “He makes every lyric and melody count, approaches production with exceptional intuition, and brings an atmosphere of creative trust into every writing room. These qualities make Alex exactly the kind of writer we at UMPG gravitate toward.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to officially join the Universal Music Publishing family,” adds Maxwell. “With the momentum I’ve been fortunate enough to build thus far, this feels like the perfect next chapter. TC’s belief in me and my music has meant the world, and I’m confident that we’re just getting started on something really special.”

Riley Green Takes Top Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs

Riley Green has taken the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with his solo-penned Ella Langley duet “Don’t Mind If I Do.”

Chase McGill moves up to No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long,” “Miami,” “Straight Line” and “TN.” Charlie Handsome sits at No. 3 with “Hell At Night,” “Holy Water,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN” and “What I Want.”

Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (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.

NOW OPEN: Applications For MusicRow’s 2026 N.B.T. Music Industry Directory

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Applications are now open for MusicRow’s 2026 N.B.T. (Next Big Thing) Music Industry Directory.

MusicRow‘s N.B.T. Music Industry Directory showcases Nashville music business professionals who are rising through the ranks. This class of industry members occupy mid-level roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to become future leaders in the Nashville music industry. Applicants should ideally have a minimum of five or more years experience in the music industry.

The final list will be featured in MusicRow‘s Touring/Next Big Thing print issue, which releases on Dec. 9. The print edition also includes the annual Next Big Thing artist list, with editorial features focused on the touring segment of our industry as well as professional development.

To apply for inclusion in this year’s edition of the N.B.T. Music Industry Directory, please click here to access the application form.

Please note that not all submissions are guaranteed to be listed in the directory. If you are submitting multiple candidates, you will need to click on SUBMIT at the bottom of the form before entering another candidate. Head shots can be sent to directory@musicrow.com.

New submissions for the directory close on Friday, Oct. 3. For questions, email directory@musicrow.com.

To reserve ad space in the 2025/2026 Touring/Next Big Thing issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.