New Research Unveils Streaming & Spending Habits Of Americana Fans

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The Digital Media Association (DIMA), the trade association representing the world’s leading streaming services, has revealed new research around the streaming and spending habits in the Americana fan genre.

Through the research, it was found that Americana fans spend more than double on music annually than any other genre, with the average fan spending $837 on recorded music, live and merchandise compared to $400 in other genres. It was also revealed that Americana fans spend 24% more time listening than other genre fans. 71% of Americana fans also pay for an on-demand subscription, beating the 44% national average.

“This research underlines the passion of the Americana community and how streaming is deepening that engagement.” says Graham Davies, President and CEO, DIMA. “Americana has grown from a regional scene into a genre with national and international reach. With streaming now representing 69% of recorded music revenues globally, streaming services are powering this growth by connecting artists directly with audiences everywhere. Innovations from streaming services help ensure that Americana creators and rights holders in genres like Americana reach audiences across the country and around the world, and empower fans to discover new music and build deeper, lasting relationships with their favorite artists.”

DIMA’s research also spotlighted the Americana listener demographic, revealing that 76% of Americana music streamers are under 44, and the strongest concentration of U.S. listeners are in the South Central and South Atlantic regions. Additionally, 90% of Americana fans largely stream at home, with an additional 73% consistently listening in their car.

Zach Top & Carson Chamberlain Climb Up MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Zach Top & Carson Chamberlain.

Zach Top and frequent writing collaborator Carson Chamberlain have both landed in the Top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. The two co-wrote Top’s “Good Times & Tan Lines,” “South Of Sanity” and “When You See Me,” all represented on this week’s chart.

Charlie Handsome sits at No. 1 for the 16th consecutive week 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 remains at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman” and “Wish You Well.”

Chase McGill (No. 3), Morgan Wallen (No. 4) and Riley Green (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.

Russell Dickerson Nabs Sixth No. 1 Hit

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Russell Dickerson has notched his sixth No. 1 single with “Happen To Me.” The track sits in the top spot on both the Country Aircheck/MediaBase and Billboard Country Charts this week.

The tune was co-penned by Dickerson alongside Chase McGill, Chris LaCorte, Jessie Jo Dillon and Robert Hazard. Dickerson also co-produced the track with LaCorte and Josh Kerr.

“Happen To Me” has amassed over 200 million global streams, giving Dickerson his biggest streaming debut to date. The single has received RIAA Platinum certification, and has spent multiple weeks at No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway, Canada and UK Country Radio. It has also continued to jump up the Billboard Hot 100, and has reached the Top 20 on Hot AC and cracked the Top 40 across all genres.

Canadian Country Music Association Reveals CCMA Award Winners

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Josh Ross.

The Canadian Country Music Association hosted its 43rd annual CCMA Awards over the weekend.

Madeline Merlo & Tyler Joe Miller perform at the CCMA Awards

Josh Ross took home Entertainer of the Year and rounded out the night with a win for Single of the Year for “Single Again,” while MacKenzie Porter earned the title of Female Artist of the Year. Jade Eagleson claimed Male Artist of the Year, and the James Barker Band took home Group or Duo of the Year. The Fans’ Choice Award went to Cameron Whitcomb, who also captured Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year. Owen Riegling was recognized with Album of the Year for Bruce County (From The Beginning).

2025 CCMA Award Winners:

ARTIST AWARDS

Entertainer of the Year
Josh Ross

Ford F-150® Album of the Year
Bruce County (From The Beginning) – Owen Riegling

Fans’ Choice presented by Bud Light
Cameron Whitcomb

Female Artist of the Year
Mackenzie Porter

Francophone Artist of the Year presented by Spotify
Salebarbes

Group or Duo of the Year
James Barker Band

Musical Collaboration of the Year
Broken Heart Thing – Madeline Merlo feat. Dustin Lynch

Male Artist of the Year
Jade Eagleson

Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year presented by Birkenstock
Cameron Whitcomb

Alternative Country Album of the Year presented by National Music Centre
One More Dollar To Go – Jake Vaadeland

Single of the Year
Single Again – Josh Ross

Songwriter(s) of the Year presented by SOCAN
Kelly Archer, Travis Denning, Chris Stevens – I’m Gonna Love You (Artist: Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood)

Video of the Year
Single Again – Josh Ross

MUSICIAN AWARDS

Bass Player of the Year
Lisa Dodd
Ben Miller

Drummer of the Year
Rich DaSilva

Fiddle Player of the Year
Tyler Beckett

Guitar Player of the Year presented by PRS Guitars
Chris Bray

Keyboard Player of the Year
Brendan Waters

Specialty Instrument Player of the Year
Tyler Vollrath

Steel Guitar Player of the Year
Matt McKay

RADIO AWARDS

Radio Station of the Year (Large Market)
CFCW (Edmonton, AB)

Radio Station of the Year (Medium or Small Market)
CIGV-FM (Kelowna, BC)

INDUSTRY AWARDS

Booking Agency of the Year
Paquin Entertainment Group

Country Club of the Year
King Eddy (Calgary, AB)

Country Festival, Fair or Exhibition of the Year
Boots and Hearts Music Festival (Oro-Medonte, ON)

Country Music Program, Special, or Digital Feature of the Year
Pure Country Top 50 Countdown (iHeartRadio Canada)

Country Personality(ies) of the Year
Jason McCoy (CICX-FM)

Management Company of the Year
The Core Entertainment

Music Publishing Company of the Year presented by CMRRA
Anthem Entertainment Group

Record Company of the Year
Universal Music Canada

Industry Person of the Year
Lindsay Hyslop (BBR Music Group)

Creative Team or Designer of the Year
Design Team: Stephane Lamontagne, JF Galipeau – Album: All Night Longer (Artist: Matt Lang)

Recording Studio of the Year
Revolution Recording (Toronto, ON)

Record Producer(s) of the Year
Joey Moi – Album: Quit!! (Artist: HARDY)

Retailer or Commercial Platform of the Year
SiriusXM Canada

Ron Sakamoto Talent Buyer or Promoter of the Year
Denise Ross (Live Nation Entertainment)

Video Director of the Year
Ben Knechtel – Outliving (Artist: The Reklaws), Remind Me Again (Artist: Zach McPhee), Youth (Artist: Sully Burrows)

Innovative Campaign of the Year presented by TD
Outliving (For Mom) EP Launch Campaign (The Reklaws, Starseed Entertainment)

Cameron Whitcomb Signs To The Core Entertainment For Management

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Pictured (L-R): Chief Zaruk, Co-Founder of The Core Entertainment; Cameron Whitcomb and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founder of The Core Entertainment. Photo: Dylan Godfrey

The Core Entertainment has signed acclaimed singer-songwriter Cameron Whitcomb to its artist management roster.

With more than 400 million global streams, over six million Spotify listeners and upwards of three million social media followers, Whitcomb is an exciting new voice in country music. His upcoming debut album, The Hard Way, arrives Sept. 26 via Atlantic Records. Whitcomb was recently named to both Spotify and Amazon Music’s Artists To Watch lists, and has been selling out shows across North America.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Cameron into The Core family,” share Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, co-founders of The Core Entertainment. “He’s an extraordinary talent whose music reflects both grit and vulnerability, and he’s already connecting with fans on a massive scale. We couldn’t be more excited to support his journey and help him build a career with real longevity.”

“I’m so grateful to be joining The Core,” says Whitcomb. “From the moment we met, it felt like family. They understand where I’ve come from, where I want to go, and they’re as passionate as I am about making music that lasts. I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”

MORGXN Signs With BMG

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MORGXN. Photo: Gabriel Starner

Nashville-based singer-songwriter MORGXN has signed with BMG Records and will release his new EP Heartland: Part II on Oct. 10.

In conjunction with the news, MORGXN has shared his new single “Evergreens,” co-written with Kyle Ryan, which reminds us that love is all we need in life to face the great unknown.

“Like every great body of work – the project is done and then one song flies out,” says MORGXN. “That’s this one, the last song written for Heartland. It feels like the most joyous love song I’ve ever written and very much a reflection of the life I’m building with my husband on our farm in the literal heartland. The instrumentation felt really important to keep it stripped to organic sounds, and I love the music video we made, too. An all-female band riding in the back of a pick-up truck, because trucks are for queers and women too.”

“Evergreens” follows the gospel-tinged title track “Heartland,” which was released in August. Later this month, MORGXN will partner with the American Pops Orchestra and Symphony of the Americas for performances of Carole King’s iconic album Tapestry, bringing the special symphony concert to Washington, D.C., followed by Fort Lauderdale in October.

Heartland: Part II Track List:
1. “Evergreens” [Morgan Karr, Kyle Ryan]
2. “Willow” (Morgan Karr, PJ Harding)
3. “Every Beginning” (feat. Langhorne Slim) [Morgan Karr, Langhorn Slim]
4. “God Coded” (Morgan Karr, Audra Mae, Summer Overstreet)
5. “Migration” (Morgan Karr, Ariel Lask, Bruce Weigner)

Kenny Chesney Adds Audio To Upcoming Memoir ‘Heart Life Music’

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Courtesy of Heart Life Music

Kenny Chesney recently went back into the studio, not to make new music this time, but to record the audio version of his upcoming new memoir, Heart Life Music, due out in November.

The new audio version of Chesney’s life story, (which was written with longtime friend and collaborator Holly Gleason), is being recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, and Chesney is strolling down memory lane once again as he reads through all of the adventures and experiences of his winding career.

“It’s funny,” marvels Chesney, “when you’re living it, it’s being in the moment. When we were writing it, it was looking back and really striving to get it right. But now, reading it, all of these stories become real again. I can see everybody, from the Turf and the Wheel, to (Capricorn Records founders) Phil Walden with all that charisma and (legendary producer) Barry Beckett telling me to ‘put a smile on it.’

“It takes a lot longer than I thought to record an audio book, or maybe it’s just I would get lost in seeing all the people and places along the way,” he continues. “In a way, it’s what I did with my summer vacation: visit all these adventures I’ve had, because when I started to hear the stories, I felt like I was living them all over again.”

‘DOLLY: A True Original Musical’ Wraps Debut Residency

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Dolly Pink Carpet Opening Night at Belmont University August 8, 2025. Photo: Sam Simpkins

The final performance of DOLLY: A True Original Musical took place on Aug. 31, marking 49 performances in front of 77,900 attendees at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

Dolly the Musical posters outside The Fisher Center at Belmont University. July 11, 2025. Photo: Matt Willoughby

“I am so thankful to President Greg Jones and all the Belmont faculty, staff and students who helped bring my story to life on the Fisher Center stage this summer,” says Parton. “As we continue to workshop our musical for Broadway, I am excited to know that the Belmont University DOLLY U partnership will continue, with students playing a part in the next step of our journey, just as they did for our Nashville premiere.”

“Being the home for the premier of DOLLY: A True Original Musical has been a tremendous honor for the Fisher Center,” adds Fisher Center Executive Director Chaz Corzine. “We were able to welcome over 76,000 guests to our venue for a world-class performance, and we will be forever grateful for the hands-on education so many of our students got to experience because of this unique opportunity.”

The musical took viewers through the timeline of Parton’s life, including her time growing up in the Smoky Mountains, her first days on Music Row, her time touring with the Porter Wagoner Show, her cultural impact and more.

Dolly U Fellows at Fisher Center at Belmont University July 10, 2025. Photo: Sam Simpkins

The cast of the show included Katie Rose Clarke, Carrie St. Louis, Quinn Titcomb, John Zdorjeski, Jacob Fishel, Tabitha Lawing, Beth Malone, Danny Wolohan, Peri Barnhill, Klea Blackhurst, Sarah Bockel, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, Joe Carroll, Donald Corren, Ryan Demoville, Olivia Donalson, Sarah Hunt, Ruchir Khazanchi, James Moye, Cole Ragsdale, Maddie Robert and Alex Ross. Swings and understudies for the Nashville company included Josh Canfield, Tiffany Engen, Todd A. Horman, Norah Nunes and Kathlynn Rodin.

The music team for the production included Kimberly Grigsby (music director), John Clancy (orchestrations), Kent Wells (musical consultant), Richard Dennison (vocal arrangements and music arrangements), and Gregg Perry (music arrangements and vocal arrangements).

The creative team was comprised of Mandy Moore (choreography), Derek McLane (scenic design), Jennifer Moeller (costume design), Donald Holder (lighting design), Justin Ellington and Beth Lake (sound design), Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (video design), Rob Pickens (hair design), Charles Means (production stage manager), and Jim Carnahan and Carrie Gardner (casting directors).

The musical was produced by Parton, Danny Nozell, ATG Productions and Gavin Kalin Productions. 101 Productions, Ltd. are general managers.

The musical featured a score by Parton that included some of her biggest hits as well as new songs she wrote especially for the production, and a book by Parton and Maria S. Schlatter. Bartlett Sher served as Director.

 

Spirit Music Acquires Selection Of HARDY’s Song Catalog, Signs Go-Forward Deal

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Derek Wells (Spirit Music Nashville/2Mix); Michael Hardy; Frank Rogers (Spirit Music Group, Spirit Music Nashville) and Andy Hodges (Spirit Music Nashville); (L-R, back row): Brian Bradford (Spirit Music Nashville); Kennedy Murphy (Spirit Music Nashville); Matthew Beckett (Milom/Crow/Kelley/Beckett/Shehan PLC); Michelle Davey (Lyric Capital Group); David Crow (Milom/Crow/Kelley/Beckett/Shehan PLC); Jesse Matkosky (Relative Music Group); Thomas Hartsock (Lyric Capital Group); AJ Burton (Fluid Music Revolution/Spirit Music Nashville); Will Cooper (Spirit Music Nashville); Mikey Fiorentino (Spirit Music Nashville); Troy “Tracker” Johnson (TRACK mgmt.); Jasmine Pettus (Spirit Music Nashville) and Lexie Rigler (Safford Motley PLC). Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Nashville

Spirit Music has acquired select compositions from the music publishing catalog of country rock superstar HARDY. He has also signed a go-forward exclusive songwriting agreement with Spirit Music Nashville.

“HARDY is a multi-genre force of nature as an artist, a world-class songwriter and a great human being,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “Spirit could not be more excited to welcome HARDY to the family and we are excited about helping him build on his already legendary career.”

“After years of making music together, I couldn’t be more proud to start this new chapter with my pal HARDY here at Spirit,” adds Derek Wells, Vice President, A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville/2Mix. “Great music with great people is the business we want to be in here, and HARDY hits that nail on the head. He is truly a ‘1 of 1’ talent and human that elevates every room he’s in.”

“I’m pumped to be joining the Spirit Music family,” shares HARDY. “They believe in the songs I write and that means a lot to me. I’m excited to see what we can build together.”

HARDY is a five-time ACM award winner and two-time CMA Award winner. He has won three CMA Triple Play awards, was named the 2022 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year and is a three-time AIMP Songwriter of the Year with 16 No. 1 singles under his belt. Some of his chart-topping hits include his own triple-Platinum “One Beer” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson; the Platinum Dierks Bentley and BRELAND collaboration “Beers On Me,” the triple-Platinum duet “Wait In The Truck” feat. Lainey Wilson and his first-ever rock radio No. 1 “JACK.”

HARDY has also collaborated with Morgan Wallen (“Born With A Beer In My Hand” and “Tennessee Fan”); Jelly Roll (“Church”); Carrie Underwood (“Hate My Heart”); with other songs recorded by Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Dylan Scott, Nate Smith, Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, Mitchell Tenpenny, Brantley Gilbert, Vince Gill, Diplo, Zac Brown, Danielle Bradbery, Chase Rice, Ryan Hurd, Michael Ray, BRELAND, Brian Kelley, Nelly, George Birge, Kolby Cooper, Matt Stell, Dillon Carmichael, Lily Rose, The Reklaws, Jon Langston and more.

His new album COUNTRY! COUNTRY! is set for release on Sept. 26 via Big Loud. He is currently on his “JIM BOB World Tour” for a slew of festivals and headline dates, culminating with his first-ever headline show at Madison Square Garden the week of the album’s release.

HARDY was represented in the deal by Scott Safford (Safford Motley PLC). Spirit was represented by Matthew Beckett and David Crow (Milom/Crow/Kelley/Beckett/Shehan PLC).

Atlus Shares Chapters From His Story On Upcoming EP ‘Secondhand Smoke’

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Atlus has announced he’ll drop his debut EP, Secondhand Smoke, on Oct. 10 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville,

The six-song collection marks the next chapter for the viral hitmaker, whose career has grown from underground phenom to a billion-plus on-demand streams, four independent albums, a Platinum single, national touring and millions of fans across socials. On Secondhand Smoke Atlus confronts deeply personal themes, from a turbulent home life and his mother’s resilience, to his sister’s battle with addiction and his own journey with mental health.

“The songs on Secondhand Smoke are more than just individual tracks; they are chapters from my life,” says Atlus. ”Each one tells a story that I’ve lived through and it’s my hope that they push somebody out there to keep fighting, dreaming, and that there is something in one of those chapters that helps them keep showing up.”

A new track from the project, “IOD on YOU” is the second release from the EP. The song transforms a family history of addiction into a striking love story. Over an ethereal, dream-like soundscape, Atlus revisits past vices of loved ones before revealing the twist, his newest and most consuming addiction is love itself. “IOD on YOU” joins the previously released “Devil Ain’t Done” on the EP, which features songs penned by Atlus along with David Garcia, Geoff Warburton, Autumn Buysse and more.

Atlus will mark the release of Secondhand Smoke with a special Nashville preview performance on Oct. 9 at Cannery Hall.

Secondhand Smoke EP – Track List:
1. “Secondhand Smoke” (Sean Haywood, Matt Wallace, Autumn Buysse) – Produced by Andrew Baylis, Matt Wallace
2. “Devil Ain’t Done” (Sean Haywood, David Garcia, Geoff Warburton) – Produced by David Garcia, Andrew Baylis
3. “IOD on YOU” (Sean Haywood, David Ray Stevens, Matt Wallace, Autumn Buysse) – Produced by Andrew Baylis, Matt Wallace
4. “Art of Letting Go” (Sean Haywood, Lydia Vaughan, Lou Ridley, Matt Wallace) – Produced by Andrew Baylis and Matt Wallace
5. “Baby Momma” (Sean Haywood, Autumn Buysse, Matt Wallace, Brit Wilder) – Produced by Andrew Baylis
6. “Break Me First” (Sean Haywood, Matt Wallace, Claire Ernst, Stu Stapleton, Justin Abraham) – Produced by Andrew Baylis, Stu Stapleton, Justin Abraham