Pictured (L-R): Flo Myerscough-Harris, Roxanne Gwillam-Kelly, Alex Hannaby,
Cary Dal-Lago and Iren Coutiel. Photo: Carsten Windhorst
Big Machine Label Group has elevated four of its staff members in its international division, alongside the addition of one to the team. The all-female team will continue to helm the label’s international efforts across key markets, including the UK, Australia and more.
“From the onset of Big Machine Records, a global focus was a must, and our UK-based team has led the way in building the country format, not only in the UK, but all across Europe,” shares BMLG Founder, Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “They consistently find new ways to expand our footprint and drive revenue with incredible passion, execution and creativity!”
Alex Hannaby has been elevated to VP, International Marketing & Operations, in addition to her role as Head of UK. During her time with the label, Hannaby has played a key role in growing BMLG’s international expansion, especially in the UK. She also created and launched the first official country music radio chart in the UK. She has bolstered singles from Riley Green, Thomas Rhett and Jackson Dean to No. 1 on country radio in the UK and Australia. She also helped Dolly Parton’s Rockstar land in the top 5 chart positions in both the UK and Australia, and helped coordinate Carly Pearce’s upcoming performance at the Opry’s international show.
“I’m thrilled to take on this expanded role as Big Machine continues to grow internationally,” says Hannaby. “It’s an exciting next chapter, and I’m looking forward to continuing to champion our incredible artists on a global scale. This next phase of advancement and collaboration allows us to build on the momentum we’ve created and unlock even more opportunities for our roster around the world.”
Newly appointed Senior International Digital & Commercial Manager Iren Coutiel joined the label in 2017 as an intern. In her new role, she will oversee content strategy, influencer marketing, advertising, D2C initiatives and DSPs across all international markets.
Roxanne Gwillam-Kelly has been promoted to International Marketing & Promotions Manager. Over the past four years, she has driven innovative campaigns across the globe. In her new role, she will lead projects in the UK and other countries globally.
Flo Myerscough-Harris has been upped to International Marketing & Promotions Manager. She first joined BMLG in 2021, where she has been overseeing projects in the UK. Her new role will now include more international territories.
BMLG has hired Cary Dal-Lago as International Label Intern. She recently graduated from University of Westminster with a Master’s in Music Business Management. During school, she worked with Your Culture developing concert-focused content, including capturing live performances, and curating social media content. At the label, she will assist on all global projects.
Hannaby, Coutiel, Gwillam-Kelly, Myerscough-Harris and Dal-Lago are on the job and can be reached at BigMachinePRIntl@bmlg.net.
Kane Brown Celebrates No. 1 ‘Backseat Driver’ On BMI Rooftop
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese, Black River’s Rebekah Gordon, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston, On Cor Music’s Mickey Jack Cones, Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen. (L-R, font row): Studio Bank’s Ron Cox, Jacob Davis (ASCAP), Kane Brown (BMI) and Jordan Walker (BMI). Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Kane Brown gathered the Nashville music industry alongside friends and family on the BMI rooftop to celebrate his most recent No. 1 hit “Backseat Driver” on Wednesday afternoon.
The song was penned by Jacob Davis and Jordan Walker and produced by Dann Huff. The single from his album The High Road marks Brown’s eighth consecutive country radio chart-topper.
Hosted by BMI and ASCAP, the event was emceed by BMI’s MaryAnn Keen. Sony Music Nashville’s Dennis Reese, Black River’s Rebekah Gordon, ASCAP’s Evyn Johnston, On Cor Music’s Mickey Jack Cones and Combustion’s Chris Van Belkom all took the microphone to honor each writer, producer and artist.
Many of these industry leaders praised “Backseat Driver” for its heartfelt portrayal of everyday moments and highlighted the seamless collaboration between the song’s two writers in bringing the story to life.
Studio Bank sponsored the event, with Ron Cox presenting a special donation in honor of the writers to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Huff took the microphone next, reiterating how much he loved the song and having the opportunity to work on it.
Walker, who was surprised by his family who traveled from Texas to attend, celebrated his second No. 1 single, thanking his teams at Sony and Combustion, along with Brown for cutting an outside song.
“This is one of the most special songs I’ve ever been a part of because it couldn’t come from a more real place,” Davis shared. “I want to thank Kane Brown because it is guys like him who give us the fire to do what we do.” He shared a few stories of his daughter, now nine, who inspired the song.
Brown thanked Walker and Davis for how well the song was written to tell the story of his current season of life. “I think it’s so cool how Nashville works and everybody is just family. Not everybody will take something away from that song, but the whole song means something to me.”
Craft Recordings Relaunches HighTone Records With Vinyl Of ‘Tulare Dust’
/by Lorie HollabaughCraft Recordings is relaunching HighTone Records and reimagining the genre-spanning label as a curated home for standout releases from the American roots music landscape.
Originally founded in 1983, HighTone’s legacy was built on championing voices across the spectrum of American Roots music through blues, country, rockabilly, gospel and beyond, and the relaunched imprint will offer curated physical and digital releases, playlists, and original editorial content from the original HighTone catalog as well as from labels Rounder, Sugar Hill, Vanguard and more.
The first projects under the new label are the new HighTone Highlights playlist (available to stream now) and the first-ever vinyl pressing of Tulare Dust: A Songwriter’s Tribute to Merle Haggard, arriving Nov. 7. The 1994 album honors Haggard through the lens of Americana’s finest, including Lucinda Williams, Joe Ely, Dwight Yoakam, Dave Alvin and more.
Russell and Alvin not only served as executive producers on the project but were also featured artists on the 15-track set. Russell kicks off the album with a dustbowl medley of “Tulare Dust/They’re Tearin’ the Labor Camps Down.” Alvin, who was a founding member of the Blasters, with stints in X and the Knitters, closes with a moving rendition of the 1985 Top 10 country hit, “Kern River.” In between are 13 inspired performances, including Lucinda Williams on 1964’s “You Don’t Have Very Far to Go,” Dwight Yoakam on a cover of 1974’s “Holding Things Together,” country rocker Steve Young on the plaintive “Shopping for Dresses” (1982), Joe Ely on the trucker anthem, “White Line Fever” (1969), and more.
Tulare Dust also highlights artists outside of the country sphere, including R&B singer Barrence Whitfield, who performs 1972’s “Irma Jackson,” which was controversial at the time of its release and explores themes of interracial romance. Singer-songwriter Marshall Crenshaw gives 1969’s “Silver Wings” a modern twist, while X’s John Doe performs the bluesy 1969 track, “I Can’t Hold Myself in Line.” Rocker Peter Case (The Nerves, The Plimsouls) also delivers a rendition of the 1977 Top 20 country hit “A Working Man Can’t Get Nowhere Today” on the acclaimed project.
‘Dibs Forever Home Fund’ Launches In Celebration Of Kelsea Ballerini’s Birthday
/by Lauryn SinkKelsea Ballerini and Dibs. Photo: Courtesy of Kelsea Central.
Kelsea Central, the Kelsea Ballerini update account run by two of her most ardent fans, has launched the “Dibs Forever Home Fund” at Pet Community Center (PCC) in Nashville, as part of their annual philanthropic initiative to celebrate Ballerini’s birthday. The fund will help provide veterinary care to pets of families facing financial hardship.
Thanks to a generous donor, all contributions up to $10,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Tax-deductible donations to the Dibs Forever Home Fund can be made here.
The fund was established in honor of Ballerini’s beloved dog Dibs who was diagnosed with cancer last year.
“Our love for Dibs is as strong as Kelsea’s, and we know how special the bond is between a dog and their family,” says Jenna Starosta, Co-Founder of Kelsea Central. “We wanted this year’s birthday fundraiser to be a tribute to both Kelsea and Dibs, so establishing this fund at Pet Community Center, a nonprofit organization we’ve used for our own pets, seemed like the perfect opportunity to honor their friendship and spread love to every deserving dog in our community.”
PCC is Nashville’s only nonprofit veterinary clinic that operates out of the Phran Galante Center for Pet Wellness, providing spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and outreach services for families living in underserved communities. Each year, the clinic provides affordable care to more than 15,000 dogs and cats, with all services offered on a sliding scale.
“At PCC, we believe pets are family, and we are honored that Kelsea Central chose to establish this fund for Kelsea and Dibs at our clinic,” shares Brandon Dyce, president and CEO of PCC. “Last year, we provided over $430,000 in free veterinary care to dogs and cats in our community, so the Dibs Forever Home Fund will only make it possible for more dogs–and more families–to have access to lifesaving care, which is remarkable and a testament to the generosity of Kelsea’s fans.”
Kelsea Central will be actively raising funds through Oct. 9, the date of PCC’s annual gala, “Fur Ball.”
Brandi Carlile Slates New Album ‘Returning To Myself’ For October
/by Lorie HollabaughBrandi Carlile is set to release her new album, Returning To Myself, on Oct. 24 on Interscope Records/Lost Highway. The album’s title track is out now along with an accompanying video.
The 11x Grammy-winner is looking inward, reflecting back, and ultimately, returning home on the new 10-song project, which was produced by Carlile, Andrew Watt, Aaron Dessner, and Justin Vernon. The album features her longtime bandmates Phil and Tim Hanseroth and SistaStrings (Monique and Chauntee Ross), as well as Josh Klinghoffer, Chad Smith, Matt Chamberlain, Dave Mackay, Rob Moose, Blake Mills, Mark Isham and Stewart Cole.
“I’m not my favorite person to spend my time with. Returning to myself is not just a lonely, but a painfully boring thing to do,” shares Carlile about the new project. “So much so that I’m actually not at all interested in doing it. I prefer to double, triple, and quadruple down on co-dependency, which I’ve come to learn that outside of 12-Step programs and junior high school relationships, isn’t really that unhealthy at all…
“For me the key to learning to ‘be alone’ is not being alone at all. It’s being alone in a crowded room. It’s hearing an unexpected doorbell ring and wondering who has shown up to watch me read my book and bite my nails all day. That a guest can be a deep lean-in over a cheap bottle of wine or simply an eyebrow raise and a gesture toward the refrigerator while I play Zelda…where I totally choose myself with someone so close to me I can hear them relax. People want to be together in silence more than we allow in our time. It’s falling deeply in love with the car wheels on a gravel road. The possibility of the visitor. The “not being alone-ness” of it all…”
Carlile and her band will perform three sold-out nights at Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre this weekend.
Returning To Myself Track List:
1. “Returning To Myself” (Brandi Carlile)
2. “Human” (Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth, Andrew Watt)
3. “A Woman Oversees” (Brandi Carlile)
4. “A War With Time” (Brandi Carlile, Aaron Dessner)
5. “Anniversary” (Brandi Carlile)
6. “Church & State” (Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth, Andrew Watt)
7. “Joni” (Brandi Carlile)
8. “You Without Me” (Brandi Carlile, Elton John, Andrew Watt, Bernie Taupin)
9. “No One Knows Us” (Brandi Carlile, Aaron Dessner)
10. “A Long Goodbye” (Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth, Andrew Watt)
Russell Dickerson’s ‘RUSSELLMANIA: Spring Slam Tour 2026’ Dates Set
/by Lorie HollabaughRussell Dickerson has revealed Round 1 of his “RUSSELLMANIA Spring Slam Tour 2026,” with special guests Dasha and Niko Moon on select dates, which will kick off April 23 in Raleigh.
The first leg of the 2026 tour will visit St. Augustine, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Grand Rapids through May 20. Presale tickets for RD Fan Club members are on sale now, with general public on-sale beginning tomorrow (Sept. 5) at RussellDickerson.com.
This past week, Dickerson’s single “Happen To Me” was certified Platinum, and the track has become his biggest streaming debut to date with over 187 million global streams. Continuing its climb on the charts, the single is moving through the top 5 on country radio, reached No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway and is a multi-week No. 1 in Canada and on the UK’s country radio airplay charts, and continues to ascend the Billboard Hot 100, while also landing in the Top 25 on Hot AC and earning a position on the Top 40 chart.
Dickerson also recently surprised fans during the Jonas Brothers’ “Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” stop in Detroit on Aug. 28, performing “Happen To Me” for the sold-out crowd.
“Round 1 RUSSELLMANIA TOUR” 2026 Dates:
4/23/2026 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater *
4/24/2026 – St Augustine, FL – The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre *
4/25/2026 – Orlando, FL – Addition Financial Arena *
5/28/2026 – Cincinnati, OH – ICON Outdoors ^
5/29/2026 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion ^
5/30/2026 – Grand Rapids, MI – Venue TBD ^
*Dasha
^Niko Moon
Ryman Auditorium’s Free Sidewalk Sessions Series Returns Sept. 8
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Ryman Auditorium’s Sidewalk Sessions concert series is returning this fall, bringing free live music to downtown Nashville on select dates from Sept. 8-Oct. 30.
Presented on the outdoor PNC Plaza, the series highlights rising artists ahead of select Ryman shows, and guests can grab a drink, browse the Ryman Shop and enjoy performances just steps away from the historic Mother Church of Country Music.
Kiran Gupta will kick off the series on Sept. 8, and the lineup will also include Adam Simons, George Fitch, Kimi Most, Pretty Tied Up, George Croft, Matt Mann & The Shine Runners, and Paul Nestler.
The shows are free and open to the public, weather permitting.
Ryman Auditorium Sidewalk Sessions Fall Lineup:
Jillian Jacqueline’s Second ‘Mother’ Show To Feature Elle King, Lori McKenna, More
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Lera Lynn, Jillian Jacqueline, Lucie Silvas, Maren Morris, Caitlyn Smith, Liz Longley, Maggie Rose and Erin McCarley. Photo: Catherine Powell
Jillian Jacqueline has announced a second “Mother” show in Nashville on Oct. 19 at Riverside Revival.
The show is in support of her new album, MotherDaughterSisterWife, out Oct. 17 via Virgin Music Group, will feature a bill that includes Caitlyn Smith, Lucie Silvas, Martina McBride, Elle King, Lori McKenna, Ashley Ray, Meg McCree, Rachel Beauregard and Annie Clements.
Mother will be hosted by Beth Barcus in partnership with Family Alliance in Music, and pre-sale starts runs through September 4, with the general on-sale beginning on Sept. 5.
The announcement follows Jacqueline’s first sold out “Mother” benefit show in Nashville in June, which she curated alongside Caitlyn Smith and Lucie Silvas. The event brought the themes of MotherDaughterSisterWife to life, featuring Jacqueline performing a rendition of Dolly Parton’s “Little Sparrow” with Smith and Silvas, alongside performances from prominent mothers in music, including Maren Morris, Lera Lynn, Maggie Rose, Liz Longley, Erin McCarley with Kelleigh Bannen as the emcee.
Field Of Dreams Music Festival Wraps Inaugural Event
/by Lauryn SinkTim McGraw. Photo: Steve Thrasher
The inaugural Field Of Dreams Music Festival brought over 35,000 fans to Dyersville, Iowa over the weekend.
The weekend kicked off Saturday (Aug. 30), with a sold-out headline set from Tim McGraw and additional performances from Ty Myers, Hailey Whitters, Timothy Wayne, Cody Lee, Dani Rose and Loess Hills. On Sunday (Aug. 31), Velocity Music Festival rocked the festival grounds with 15,000 fans in attendance. Fans were treated to a headlining set from the Diamond-certified Nickelback, as well as performances from Brantley Gilbert, Buckcherry, Default, Brett Scallions, Lakeview and No Fly List.
“Turning an empty field into a massive, dreamlike experience—that’s what Field of Dreams was all about!” says Nick Abate, Founder and CEO of U.S. Concert Agency (USCA). “These weren’t just shows – they’re the beginning of something way bigger. Thousands of fans, incredible artists, and an unmatched energy came together to bring the dream to life. Huge thanks to everyone who made it happen. We’re just getting started!”
Hailey Whitters. Photo: Steve Thrasher
Ty Myers. Photo: Steve Thrasher
Dani Rose.
Nickelback.
Brantley Gilbert. Photo: Steve Thrasher
Kacey Musgraves Renews Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lauryn SinkKacey Musgraves.
Kacey Musgraves has renewed her publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
“Warner Chappell has been a wonderful longstanding home for my songs and I’m so grateful for the continuation into a future I’m so excited about,” says Musgraves.
Musgraves first joined Warner Chappell Music as a staff writer when she was 21. A Golden, Texas native, she began songwriting at eight years old and shortly after learned how to play the mandolin and guitar. She released three self-produced albums in the early 2000s and released her first major-label debut studio album, Same Trailer Different Park in 2013, earning the singer-songwriter her first Best Country Album at the Grammy Awards. Musgraves followed that success and released Pageant Material (2015) and A Very Kacey Christmas (2016) before releasing her groundbreaking album Golden Hour (2018). The album featured the Grammy-winning singles “Space Cowboy” (Best Country Song) and “Butterflies” (Best Country Solo Performance), and made her the third artist to ever win the coveted Album of the Year award at the Grammys, CMAs, and ACM awards. In 2021, she released star-crossed, followed by the 2023 duet with Zach Bryan on the global sensation “I Remember Everything,” which debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, marking her first No. 1 on the chart. In 2024, Musgraves won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for the song, earning her the distinction of being the only artist in Grammy history to win in every country category. Her newest album, Deeper Well (2024), also became her fifth consecutive No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and features the hit single “The Architect,” which won Best Country Song at the 2025 Grammy Awards.
“Kacey has been a valuable part of our Warner Chappell family here in Nashville for a long time, and we’re proud to continue championing her artistry and songs,” shares Phil May, General Manager, WCM Nashville. “She joined WCM shortly after I did, and I was fortunate to be a part of her first deal with us. It’s been an honor to watch her career growth over the years, and we’re very excited to see what the future holds for her as she continues to raise the bar as both a songwriter and artist.”
“Kacey is an exceptionally gifted songwriter who has been a powerful voice in country music from the start, and we’re looking forward to helping shape this next chapter,” adds Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO, and Carianne Marshall, Co-Chair and COO, WCM.
JUST IN: Big Machine Label Group Expands International Team
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Flo Myerscough-Harris, Roxanne Gwillam-Kelly, Alex Hannaby,
Cary Dal-Lago and Iren Coutiel. Photo: Carsten Windhorst
Big Machine Label Group has elevated four of its staff members in its international division, alongside the addition of one to the team. The all-female team will continue to helm the label’s international efforts across key markets, including the UK, Australia and more.
“From the onset of Big Machine Records, a global focus was a must, and our UK-based team has led the way in building the country format, not only in the UK, but all across Europe,” shares BMLG Founder, Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “They consistently find new ways to expand our footprint and drive revenue with incredible passion, execution and creativity!”
Alex Hannaby has been elevated to VP, International Marketing & Operations, in addition to her role as Head of UK. During her time with the label, Hannaby has played a key role in growing BMLG’s international expansion, especially in the UK. She also created and launched the first official country music radio chart in the UK. She has bolstered singles from Riley Green, Thomas Rhett and Jackson Dean to No. 1 on country radio in the UK and Australia. She also helped Dolly Parton’s Rockstar land in the top 5 chart positions in both the UK and Australia, and helped coordinate Carly Pearce’s upcoming performance at the Opry’s international show.
“I’m thrilled to take on this expanded role as Big Machine continues to grow internationally,” says Hannaby. “It’s an exciting next chapter, and I’m looking forward to continuing to champion our incredible artists on a global scale. This next phase of advancement and collaboration allows us to build on the momentum we’ve created and unlock even more opportunities for our roster around the world.”
Newly appointed Senior International Digital & Commercial Manager Iren Coutiel joined the label in 2017 as an intern. In her new role, she will oversee content strategy, influencer marketing, advertising, D2C initiatives and DSPs across all international markets.
Roxanne Gwillam-Kelly has been promoted to International Marketing & Promotions Manager. Over the past four years, she has driven innovative campaigns across the globe. In her new role, she will lead projects in the UK and other countries globally.
Flo Myerscough-Harris has been upped to International Marketing & Promotions Manager. She first joined BMLG in 2021, where she has been overseeing projects in the UK. Her new role will now include more international territories.
BMLG has hired Cary Dal-Lago as International Label Intern. She recently graduated from University of Westminster with a Master’s in Music Business Management. During school, she worked with Your Culture developing concert-focused content, including capturing live performances, and curating social media content. At the label, she will assist on all global projects.
Hannaby, Coutiel, Gwillam-Kelly, Myerscough-Harris and Dal-Lago are on the job and can be reached at BigMachinePRIntl@bmlg.net.