BREAKING: Capitol Christian Music Group Unveils Executive Promotions & Leadership Roles

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Pictured: (clockwise, from top left): David Sylvester, Kenny Rodgers, Garrett Davis, Patrick Ogilvy, Becca Redl and Cole Linebarger.

Capitol Christian Music Group has elevated David Sylvester to General Manager, CCMG Label Group, and Kenny Rodgers to Senior Vice President, CCMG Label Group. Both Sylvester and Rodgers will take on more leadership and responsibilities across the label, with Rodgers leading the organizations radio teams in addition to spearheading audience development and digital. Additionally, Garrett Davis has been upped to Vice President, A&R.

The label has also named Cole Linebarger and Becca Redl both as Vice President, Marketing, with Patrick Ogilvy appointed as Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs.

“I’m incredibly proud of these individuals and excited to announce their promotions,” says CCMG Co-President Brad O’Donnell. “I’m lucky to work alongside each of them. They bring an expertise, passion and a shared sense of mission to everything they do and I know will continue to serve our artists and songwriters at the highest level. These moves set CCMG up for its next season of even greater innovation and growth.”

Phil Wickham Slates ‘Song Of The Saints Tour’ For Spring

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Phil Wickham will launch a new nationwide tour, the “Song of the Saints Tour,” this spring featuring Tauren Wells with special guest Jamie MacDonald.

The 24-city tour will travel across the U.S. with stops in Birmingham, Knoxville, Savannah, Baltimore, Jacksonville, Charlotte, St.Louis and more through May 24. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Oct. 2, while an exclusive pre-sale begins Sept. 29.

The announcement comes on the heels of Wickham’s brand-new album, Song of the Saints, out now. The project featuring already-released hit singles “Homesick for Heaven” and “What An Awesome God,” along with some new worship anthems sure to become fan-favorites.

“With the release of my new album, Song Of The Saints, I couldn’t wait to get dates on the calendar to sing these songs with the church,” says Wickham. “I feel a stronger stirring than I ever have before that we need to gather and raise the banner of Jesus high. There is a darkness-shaking, soul-waking, heaven-moving power in our collective song of faith. These nights are not about a show or a concert, but about the people of God shouting the praises of God in the presence of God. I am convinced we will witness eternal life-change on these nights—freedom, healing, salvation, joy, and hope—as we call on the Name above all names. Bring anyone and everyone you know who needs to know and experience the love of God in a fresh way. I can’t wait to be with you all. Much love!”

“Song Of The Saints Tour” Dates:
Mar. 18- Legacy Arena- Birmingham, AL
Mar. 19- Knoxville Civic Coliseum- Knoxville, TN
Mar. 20- Landers Center- Southaven, MS
Mar. 21- Truist Arena- Highland Heights, KY
Mar. 26- Santander Arena- Reading, PA
Mar. 27- Chartway Arena- Norfolk, VA
Mar. 28- Bon Secours Wellness Arena- Greenville, SC
Mar. 29- Enmarket Arena- Savannah, GA
Apr. 15- Ford Center- Evansville, IN
Apr. 16- George Gervin GameAbove Center- Ypsilanti, MI
Apr. 17- Schottenstein Center- Columbus, OH
Apr. 18- Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena- Baltimore, MD
Apr. 23- Hertz Arena- Estero, FL
Apr. 24- VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena- Jacksonville, FL
Apr. 25- Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum- Winston-Salem, NC
Apr. 26- Bojangles Coliseum- Charlotte, NC
May 13- Target Center- Minneapolis, MN
May 14- UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena- Milwaukee, WI
May 15- Van Andel Arena- Grand Rapids, MI
May 16- Rupp Arena- Lexington, KY
May 21- The Broadmoor World Arena- Colorado Springs, CO
May 22- Park City Arena- Wichita, KS
May 23- Chaifetz Arena- St. Louis, MO
May 24- Allen County War Memorial Coliseum- Fort Wayne, IN

SOCAN & Concord Music Publishing Host First-Ever Kenekt Nashville Song Camp

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Kenekt Nashville Song Camp. Photo: Marie Michele Bouchard

SOCAN recently held its very first writers’ camp in the Nashville market in partnership with Concord Music Publishing, called the Kenekt Nashville Song Camp at East Iris Studios.

The camp is designed to strengthen creative connections and open new pathways for success by creating opportunities for Canadian and SOCAN writers to collaborate with top U.S. talent.

Photo: Marie Michele Bouchard

The camp brought together a lineup of major label artists, chart-topping songwriters and producers, half from the Concord roster and half represented by SOCAN, with a few other affiliations. Participants included Tyler Braden, Tommy Acker, Restless Road, Thomas Edwards, Tayler Holder, Cody Lohden, Karley Scott Collins, Carv, Kendell Marvel, Aaron Eshuis, Colton Venner, Andy Albert, Jon Nite, Brad Rempel, Gavin Slate, Dylan Guthro, Kat Higgins, Karen Kosowski, Abram Dean, Kelly Archer, Emma-Lee, Tebey, Robyn Dell’Unto, Tawgs Salter and more.

Photo: Marie Michele Bouchard

Photo: Marie Michele Bouchard

Photo: Marie Michele Bouchard

Photo: Marie Michele Bouchard

Laura Veltz Begins Season Four Of ‘Songwriter Soup’ Podcast

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Laura Veltz has launched the fourth season of her Songwriter Soup podcast, with the new season now streaming on YouTube. On the podcast, Veltz offers an in-depth look at the realities of the songwriting world. The podcast is produced in collaboration with Tracy Hackney and host/producer Kevin Sokolnicki.

Season four kicks off with award winning songwriter and producer Jordan Reynolds. On the episode, Reynolds discusses a songwriter’s search for a hero, the rise of A.I., the importance of studio aesthetics, and even the quiet care in making a slow cup of coffee for co-writers.

YouTube video

“I am floored by how quickly word-of-mouth recommendations pushed Songwriter Soup out into the songwriting community, but after 50+ episodes, evolution was inevitable.” says Veltz. “The music industry can feel overwhelming to music people at all stages. With Tracy and Kevin’s guidance and excellent questioning, it’s incredible how much insight and wisdom falls out of casual conversations we have with my cowriters. I’m excited to find out what other types of entrepreneurs could yield wisdom from our little podcast.”

Songwriter Soup can be listened to on all podcast streaming services, as well as YouTube. New episodes will drop every Monday throughout this fall.

Billy Strings Extends Headline Tour Through Winter

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Billy Strings. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

Billy Strings has announced he’ll extend his headline tour through February.

Among the newly-confirmed stops are two nights at Athens’ Akins Ford Arena, four nights at Asheville’s ExploreAshville.com Arena, and two nights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena followed by an exclusive performance at the Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 22.

Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting today (Sept. 17) with general on-sale following on Sept. 19. Tickets for the Ryman Auditorium show will be available via lottery. To be eligible for the Fair AXS ticketing request, fans are required to purchase a ticket for at least one of the two Bridgestone Arena shows. Full details can be found at billystrings.com/tour.

Ahead of his winter run, Strings is currently on the road with Bryan Sutton for a series of special, intimate sold-out shows and will continue to perform headline dates this fall.

February 6 – Athens, GA—Akins Ford Arena
February 7 – Athens, GA—Akins Ford Arena
February 10 – Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena
February 11 – Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena
February 13 – Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena
February 14 – Asheville, NC—ExploreAsheville.com Arena
February 20 – Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena
February 21 – Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena
February 22 – Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

Spencer Jordan Signs With River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Kayla Adkins, Spencer Jordan, Jessica Strassman and Lauren Lieu. Photo: Catherine Powell

Multi-genre songwriter Spencer Jordan has inked a worldwide publishing deal with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Based in Nashville, Jordan has co-penned Shaboozey’s “Fire and Gasoline,” LØLØ’s “The Devil Wears Converse,” Alex Coles & Mary Jo’s “Sick of Me,” and Blake Proehl’s “Miss Carolina.” He also co-wrote several song’s on Knox’s Going, Going, Gone album and has had additional cuts with Austin Snell, gavn!, Zach Seabaugh, Sara Kays, Livingston, Taylor Acorn and Arrows In Action, showcasing his dynamic cross-genre talent. Last year, Jordan saw his first Top 40 radio cut with Knox’s “Not The 1975.” The tune also went on to crack the Top 10 on Mediabase’s Hot AC chart.

“River House has been family to me well before I ever signed there, now it’s just official,” says Jordan. “I’ve seen firsthand that no one works harder than this crew, and I couldn’t feel more blessed and excited to be on this team.”

“Spencer’s songwriting consistently raises the bar, with an unmatched ability to craft stories full of emotion and heart that set him apart in every room he enters,” adds EVP of River House Artists Zebb Luster. “Beyond his remarkable writing talent, Spencer’s energy and infectious personality make him a true creative force. We’re thrilled to officially welcome him to the River House family, and with the solid foundation we’ve already built together, we’re ready to hit the ground running.”

Jessie Murph Delivers Acoustic Set, Conversation At ASCAP Nashville Event At Analog

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Pictured (L-R): Columbia Records EVP, A&R Ben Maddahi, ASCAP Nashville VP Mike Sistad, Jessie Murph manager Adam Alpert, Jessie Murph, ASCAP VP Pop/Rock Jason Silberman and Jessie Murph manager Julie Leff. Photo: Catherine Powell

Singer-songwriter Jessie Murph performed and took part in a conversation at an ASCAP-hosted event on Monday (Sept. 15) at Analog at Hutton Hotel in Nashville.

Jessie Murph performs with keyboardist Haven Cody. Photo: Catherine Powell

Nashville creatives from the songwriting, music publishing and media camps enjoyed a brief acoustic set from Murph featuring her hits “Heroin,” “Touch Me Like A Gangster” and “The Man That Came Back” from her Sex Hysteria album during the exclusive event.

ASCAP VP Nashville Mike Sistad introduced the conversation between Murph and Columbia Records EVP A&R Ben Maddahi that touched on Murph’s songwriting as a young teen, her garnering large social media numbers on TikTok at 15, and five years later, breaking attendance records on her summer tour while performing hits co-written with top songwriters from a variety of genres.

Murph’s sophomore album Sex Hysteria debuted at No, 8 on the Billboard 200 chart and is part ‘60s pop, part early-2000s trap, yet entirely her own. The record’s early breakout “Blue Strips” featuring Sexyy Red landed on the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 15, while “Gucci Mane” (the song) became an underground fan anthem. The album features real-life Gucci Mane on the bouncy “Donuts,” as well as Lil Baby’s moody turn on “Best Behavior.”

Murph also celebrates nominations for New Female Artist of the Year at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, Favorite Country Song at the 2025 American Music Awards and Song of the Summer for “Blue Strips” at the 2025 MTV VMAs.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP VP Nashville Mike Sistad, ASCAP Nashville AVP Evyn Mustoe, Jessie Murph, ASCAP Nashville Manager Emilia James and ASCAP Assistant Director Duane Hobson. Photo: Erik Philbrook/ASCAP

Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, More To Headline Arizona’s Extra Innings Festival

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Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Dierks Bentley and HARDY are set to headline the 2026 Extra Innings Festival, returning for its third year to Arizona’s Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park on Feb. 27-28.

The lineup will also include Brothers Osborne, Shaboozey, Jessie Murph, Muscadine Bloodline, Bret Michaels, 49 Winchester, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors and more across three stages with no overlapping sets. Fans can also enjoy interactive baseball activities all weekend plus appearances by Major League Baseball legends Darryl Strawberry, Jermaine Dye, Bret Boone, Jonny Gomes, and Kerry Wood, among others, and the return of Off the Mound with Ryan Dempster featuring live interviews and special performances from a mix of surprise guests including artists from the festival lineup.

Fans may sign up now for the festival SMS list at InningsFestival.com/Extra to receive an access code for the presale that will begin tomorrow (Sept. 18). Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public following the presale at visit InningsFestival.com/Extra/Tickets.

Morgan Wallen Wraps 2025 ‘I’m The Problem Tour’

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen wrapped his 2025 “I’m The Problem Tour” in Edmonton, Alberta on Saturday night (Sep. 13).

“It’s hard to believe this is the last show of this tour this year, and from the looks of it, we couldn’t have picked a better place for it,” Wallen shared from the stage. “I just want to say thank you guys for the energy that you have brought me this entire year. I don’t think that there’s a better fanbase on the entire planet than the one that I have.”

Wallen performed a 26-song setlist each night alongside his band, Mark “Taco” Annino (Drums/MD), Luke Rice (Bass/Guitar), Dominic Frost (Guitar/BGV), Tyler Tomlinson (Guitar/BGV), Chris Gladden (Aux/Keys) and Tony Aichele (Aux/Guitar/Pedal Steel). The set included long-time fan favorites such as “The Way I Talk” and “More Than My Hometown” as well as tracks from his most recent album, I’m The Problem. A rotating lineup of guests including Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel joined in direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as second-of-four, and Zach John King added as first-of-four.

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. Through those donations, MWF to donate over $600,000 worth of instruments to schools in need across U.S. touring cities, including Gulf Shores, Alabama, in addition to a $30,000 donation to the Toronto Blue Jays’ Jays Cares RBI program.

In addition to the 20 stadium-plays, Wallen also held his inaugural, self-curated and multi-genre Sand In My Boots Festival, and intimate album release show at The Roundhouse in London, in May.

Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert

Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert

MCA Taps Ailie Birchfield As VP Media Strategy & Communications

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Ailie Birchfield & Connor Hunt

MCA has tapped Ailie Birchfield as Vice President, Media Strategy and Communications. In this newly developed role, Birchfield will lead media strategy and communications for MCA and the label’s artists by driving awareness through creative storytelling, press campaigns, and strategic partnerships across traditional and digital platforms.

Birchfield comes to MCA from leading her own consulting firm, The Birchfield Group, providing strategic counsel to clients including Tribeca Festival, Sony Music, Outback Presents, One Country, Leo33 and RJ Young. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California and completed her MBA at Cornell University. She began her career in Los Angeles working at film and television studios, such as Paramount Pictures, before transitioning to personal publicity at Viewpoint and Slate PR. She later joined UMG Nashville, working with Kacey Musgraves, Reba McEntire, Brothers Osborne and more.

“I’m so excited to join MCA and work alongside such a talented team,” shares Birchfield. “This is an amazing opportunity to help our artists share their stories in creative, authentic ways and to develop media campaigns that connect with fans while supporting MCA’s legacy of shaping the future of country music.”

Additionally, Connor Hunt has also joined MCA as Senior Director, Media. Hunt previously served as Director of Media & Strategic Development at Warner Records, where he led media campaigns for artists across country, pop, rock, and K-pop. He also brings experience from Anheuser-Busch, managing communications and marketing in the Beyond Beer portfolio, and represented various clients at DC-based strategic advisory firm Smith & Company.

“I am thrilled to welcome Ailie to MCA,” adds Katie McCartney, MCA EVP/GM. “Her expertise, creativity, and strategic vision are unmatched, and her impact on our marketing strategies and elevation of our artist’s stories are already being felt broadly. Connor brings incredible experience and talent to the team that will be invaluable as our media efforts continue to evolve.”

Birchfield can be reached at ailie.birchfield@umusic.com and Hunt can be reached at connor.hunt@umusic.com.