ACM Lifting Lives Launches 2026 Grant Cycle Prioritizing Music Therapy Initiatives

/by

ACM Lifting Lives is kicking off its 20th anniversary with its 2026 Grant Cycle prioritizing healing through music therapy initiatives.

This grant cycle will support nonprofits seeking to alleviate suffering and promote healing by increasing access to life-changing music therapy programs. The award range will be approximately $5,000-$20,000.

The 2026 grant cycle will support non-profits working in one of three focus areas:
– Clinical Music Therapy: Programs operating in hospices, hospitals, and specialized camps, etc.
– Music-Based Therapeutic Interventions: Examples include programs supporting alternative behavioral approaches in primary and secondary schools, or focused on segments of the community such as military and veterans, etc.
– Mental Health for the Industry: Initiatives providing direct therapeutic services to touring professionals, songwriters, and other industry workers facing mental health struggles.

Beginning today (July 1) eligible organizations can access the grant guidance and application portal. All submissions must include a detailed project budget and clear, measurable outcomes. Funding will not be available for music education, fundraisers, lobbying, building and capital campaigns, endowments, or debt retirement. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Submissions will be open through Aug. 7.

AIMP Showcases Rising Talent At 2026 Unsigned Songwriter Series

/by

Pictured (L-R): Troy Cartwright, Parker Graye, Carly Zimmerman, Timothy Baker, JD Wise, Maddie Lenhart, Gloria Anderson and Jon Decious. Photo: William King

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville held its annual Unsigned Songwriter Series showcase on June 23 at The Listening Room Cafe, welcoming industry professionals, publishers, songwriters and music fans for the special songwriters round.

The evening was hosted by Jon Decious and Troy Cartwright, and featured performances from the members of the 2026 AIMP Unsigned Songwriter Series class: Parker Graye, Carly Zimmerman, Timothy Baker, JD Wise, Maddie Lenhart and Gloria Anderson. Each writer took the stage to perform in an intimate writers round alongside the evening’s hosts, offering attendees a firsthand look at some of Nashville’s most promising emerging talent.

The annual showcase is designed to connect rising songwriters with publishers, managers and other industry professionals while celebrating the craft of songwriting in one of Nashville’s signature listening room settings. Since its inception, the Unsigned Songwriter Series has provided exposure and meaningful networking opportunities for developing writers as they build their careers.

The 2026 AIMP Nashville Unsigned Songwriter Series winners, hosts, and members of the AIMP Nashville Young Professionals Committee. Photo: William King

Troy Cartwright. Photo: William King

Maddie Lenhart. Photo: William King

Timothy Baker. Photo: William King

Gloria Anderson. Photo: William King

JD Wise. Photo: William King

Parker Graye. Photo: William King

Carly Zimmerman. Photo: William King

Jon Decious. Photo: William King

Mark Your Calendar—July 2026

/by

Single/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:

Riley Green & Hannah McFarland

July 3
Riley Green (feat. Hannah McFarland)/Go Again/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Craig Morgan/Blanket of Stars/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Niko Moon/AMERICAN DREAMIN’/EMPIRE
RaeLynn & Rhett Akins/We’re American Made/Red Van Records
Hadlie Jo/Summertime

July 4
Tim McGraw/Song For America

July 6
Shantelle Davidson/Wishin’/For the Records

July 10
ALABAMA & Dan Seals/Still Reelin’ (From Those Rock & Roll Days)
David Nail (feat. Lori McKenna)/Riverbank
Hayden Coffman/Quit Drinkin’
Restless Road/Forever Ago/EMPIRE Nashville
Solon Holt/So Long/Trenches Records/Republic Records
Ben Gallaher/Betcha Money (Taylor Gold)/Quartz Hill Music Group
Ashley Anne/seat of my skirt
Sam Palladio/Burberry Jacket/3686 Records
Hayden Haddock/I’ll Bring The Matches/Good Company Entertainment
Garrett Bradford/Blacktop Bender
Pia Toscano/Redirected/Melody Place
Lucie Tiger/Last Call For Trouble/2120 Music

July 13
Vincent Mason/Damned If I Do (Radio Edit)/Lost Highway/Music Soup/Interscope
Woody Bradshaw/Who’s Proud They’re From the USA/Woody Bradshaw Music
Kennedy Reid/Love Me Lonely

July 17
Joe Nichols/Say La V/Quartz Hill Records
Kylie Morgan/Girls For Dummies
Christian Parker/Almost Mine
Catt McCreary/Tecovas (Nice Guy)

July 20
Joe Nichols/Say La V/Quartz Hill Records
Ty Gregory/Blame it on the Whiskey

July 27
Danielia Cotton/Two Step
Bella Lam/Bootfirst/Bella Lam Music

July 28
Hollye B (feat. Mike Campbell)/Ain’t Got Nothin’

July 31
Keith Burns/Pour Me

 

Album/EP Releases:

July 3
Blake Whiten/Something to Say/Enchntmnt/Warner Records
Charley Crockett/Clovis/Atlantic Outpost
Spencer Hatcher/Hot Weather, Cold Beer/Stone Country Records
Kelsi Mayne/Out of the Blue

July 10
NE-YO/Highway 79/Compound Ent.
Anne Wilson/Stars (Blue Hour Deluxe)/Capitol Christian Music Group
Tate Butts/Something To Believe In
Robert Earl Keen/Gravitational Forces/Lost Highway Records
Zoe Jean Fowler/Written By A Woman
Trever M. Keith/We Drank From A Poisoned Well
Mike Sands/Happy Hour/JIB Machine Records

July 17
Scotty McCreery/15/Triple Tigers Records
Waylon Wyatt/Dustpiles/Music Soup/Darkroom Records
Aaron Lewis/Give My Country Back/Big Machine Label Group
Niko Moon/ROOTS/EMPIRE
Lily Meola/Lucky to Be/Nettwerk Music Group
Gary Stewart/One Track Mind
Waylon Payne/Wayward/Big Loud Texas
Bryan Ruby/Playing With Fire
Shannon Clark/All You Need To Know
Ashby Frank/Run This Town/Mountain Home Music Company
Parker Barrow/Hold the Mash
Neon Moons/Day Late and a Dollar Short
Hudson Valley/A Day Late and a Dollar Short

July 24
Shania Twain/Little Miss Twain/Republic Nashville
Cody Jinks/In My Blood (Deluxe)/Late August Records
Carter Faith/Cherry Valley Forever/Gatsby Records/MCA
Brantley Gilbert/SINS OF THE FATHER/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Charles Wesley Godwin/Christian Name/Big Loud Records
Leanna Crawford/Thank God/Provident Entertainment
Raul Malo/BELLA CIAO: Raul Malo Live In Nashville/Mono Mundo Recordings/Thirty Tigers
Lakelin Lemmings/Lakelin Lemmings/Quartz Hill Records
Ava Claire/Honestly/3686 Records
Chris Jones & the Night Drivers/Chalk Lines and Dust/Mountain Home Music Company
Owen Lake and the Tragic Loves/Bury Deep My Heart/Carrier Records
Lance Cowan/The Air That You Breathe

July 31
Shaboozey/The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales/American Dogwood
Wyatt Flores/Scared of Heights/Island Records/MCA
Buffalo Traffic Jam/Pictures of You
Tim Montana/Entire State Of Tim Montana/BMG
RYMAN/Growing Pains/Mom & Pop

 

Industry Events:

July 21
BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards

July 22
BMI Christian Awards

 

Upcoming Nashville Concerts:

Turnpike Troubadours. Photo: David McClister

July 1
Sarah McLachlan/FirstBank Amphitheater
AJ McQueen/City Winery

July 2
M.C.D/The Basement East
LSD Clownsystem/EXIT/IN

July 3
Evan + Zane/EXIT/IN

July 5
Armor For Sleep/The Basement East
BBMACK & Tyler Hilton/City Winery

July 6
Glenn Jones/City Winery

July 7
Sierra Hull/Ryman Auditorium
Amy Ray Band/The Basement East
Zo! & Tall Black Guy/City Winery

July 8
Bloc Party/Ryman Auditorium
Hatebreed/Brooklyn Bowl
Tamika Patton/City Winery

July 9
Anthony David/City Winery
The Bug Club/The Blue Room

July 10
April + VISTA/The Blue Room

July 11
Air Supply/Ryman Auditorium
Be The People Fest/Marathon Music Works
Secondhand Serenade/City Winery
The Sewing Club/The Blue Room

July 12
Food For All Benefit Concert/The Basement East
Tomorrow’s Problem/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

July 13
Ava Liv Mabry/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

July 14
The Infamous Stringdusters/Ryman Auditorium
Elijah Scott/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

July 15
Paul Simon/FirstBank Amphitheater
Avery Wilson/City Winery

July 16
Hamilton Leithauser/The Basement East
Lee Roy Parnell & Jason D Williams/City Winery

July 17
Vishal & Sheykhar/The Pinnacle
Tori Amos/Ryman Auditorium
The Nashville 100/Brooklyn Bowl
Vincent Antone/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Midnight North/EXIT/IN
Alexia Jayy/City Winery
95MP & Echo Selector/The Blue Room
Mack Keane/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

July 18
Kurt Vile and The Violators/Ryman Auditorium
Tomahawk/Brooklyn Bowl
feeble little horse/The Basement East
Richie Furay/City Winery
Be Your Own Pet/The Blue Room
Sully/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

July 19
Kaleo/The Pinnacle
Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters/Ryman Auditorium
The Strike/The Basement East
Mr. Fantasy/EXIT/IN
Destin Conrad/City Winery

July 21
Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder/Ryman Auditorium
Qveen Herby/Marathon Music Works
Steel Pulse/Brooklyn Bowl
The Ex-Faces/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
of Montreal/Cannery Hall (The Mil)
Touch Girl Apple Blossom/The Blue Room

July 22
Lindsey Stirling/Ascend Amphitheater
Flyleaf/Marathon Music Works
Belmont/The Basement East
Texas Headhunters/City Winery

July 23
Men At Work & Toad The Wet Sprocket/The Pinnacle
Alan Parsons/Ryman Auditorium
Nation of Language/The Basement East
Wombo/The Blue Room
Good Boy Daisy/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

July 24
Turnpike Troubadours/Ascend Amphitheater
Blackberry Smoke/Ryman Auditorium
Stabbing Westward/EXIT/IN
Styrofoam/The Blue Room
Addison Rose/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

July 25
Usher & Chris Brown/Nissan Stadium
Zeds Dead/Ascend Amphitheater
Blackberry Smoke/Ryman Auditorium
3BallMTY/Cannery Hall (Mainstage)
PHRVA/Cannery Hall (The Mil)

July 26
Revival At The Ryman/Ryman Auditorium
Dustin Ross/City Winery

July 27
Pavement/Ryman Auditorium
From Ashes To New/The Basement East
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum/Cannery Hall (The Mil)

July 28
Pavement/Ryman Auditorium
Bossman Dlow/Brooklyn Bowl
Travis Malloy and Urban Worship Collective Live/City Winery

July 29
Hilary Duff/FirstBank Amphitheater
The Dear Hunter/The Basement East
Dwllrs/EXIT/IN
John Grimes/City Winery
Holy Wave/Cannery Hall (Row One Stage)

July 30
Hilary Duff/Ascend Amphitheater
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
RYMAN/The Blue Room

July 31
Train/Ascend Amphitheater
Kettama/The Pinnacle
Vince Gill/Ryman Auditorium
Red Vox/The Basement East
Syleena Johnson/City Winery

Restless Road Inks With EMPIRE Nashville [Exclusive]

/by

Pictured: Zak Waters (EMPIRE Nashville), Martha Earls (Neon Coast), Jen Way (EMPIRE Nashville), Tyler Corrado (Neon Coast), Eric Hurt (EMPIRE Nashville), Restless Road. Photo: Janie Whitefield

Restless Road has inked with EMPIRE Nashville.

The band, composed of Zach Beeken, Garrett Nichols and Colton Pack, have amassed over 375 million career streams, made appearances at C2C: Country to Country Music Festival, Stagecoach, CMA Fest and shared stages with Brett Young, Kane Brown, Russell Dickerson, Tim McGraw and Cole Swindell, among others.

In 2023, the band released their debut album Last Rodeo, an 18-track project led by their SiriusXM The Highway No. 1, “Growing Old With You.”

The band will make their label debut on July 10 with their new single “Forever A Go,” which has amassed over 10 million views and 250 thousand likes on recent promotional content.

‘Bella Ciao: Raul Malo Live In Nashville’ Slated For Release In July

/by

Raul Malo’s family is releasing his final solo performance on Bella Ciao: Raul Malo Live In Nashville on all streaming platforms beginning July 24, with a 2-LP and 2-CD set arriving this fall.

In conjunction with the album announcement, the first single “Forever & Ever,” Malo’s emotional and frequent solo set staple, a rendition of Greek singer-songwriter Demis Roussos’ massive international hit, has been released.

Bella Ciao: Raul Malo Live In Nashville captures Malo’s final solo performance. On Father’s Day eve in 2025, he gave what would become his final solo performance at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville. Backed by his son Dino Malo (Drums & Percussion), Lazaro Manzano (Cuban fiddle) and Max Abrams (saxophone), the recording of this unforgettable evening now stands as a powerful artistic statement and lasting tribute to Malo’s extraordinary life and career.

On Bella Ciao the beloved singer, songwriter, and cultural bridge-builder invites the audience into his musical world, shaped by Havana and Nashville, global folk traditions, boleros, country music, and classic pop standards. Each song reflects a different chapter of Malo’s story, and the album is the culmination of a lifetime devoted to connecting cultures, languages, traditions, and people through melody.

In a message the family shares: “The Malo Family would like to thank all of Raul’s fans for the years of love, support, and devotion you shared with him. There was no place he would rather have been than on stage, singing for you. To our family and friends who stood by us and helped care for Raul during his journey, we are eternally grateful. Your kindness, compassion, and unwavering support meant more than words can express. With all our love, Betty, Dino, Victor and Max.”

Bella Ciao Track List:
1. “Nosotros / Summertime (When I’m With You)”
2. “Forever and Ever”
3. “Ramblin’ Rose”
4. “Here Comes the Rain”
5. “Harvest Moon”
6. “Every Little Thing About You”
7. “La Vie En Rose”
8. “Guitar and a Bottle of Wine”
9. “Angel Flying Too Close to The Ground”
10. “De Ti Me Olvidare”
11. “The Years Will Not Be Kind”
12. “Come Unto Me / Bella Ciao”
13. “Summer Wind”

Kylie Morgan Slates Fall Headline Dates

/by

Kylie Morgan.

Kylie Morgan will hit the road this fall on her headlining Healed Cowgirl Tour, kicking off Sept. 4 in Las Vegas and continuing through November.

The tour will make stops in Nashville, Oklahoma City, Fort Worth, Tampa, Boston, and more. Tickets for all newly announced dates go on sale July 2.

“The last year has been such an incredible ride, and I feel like we’re just getting started. We’ve been having so much fun out on the road that I couldn’t imagine slowing down now. Between the new music, the fall tour dates, and everything we have planned this year, I’m excited to celebrate with fans across the country and keep making memories in every city we visit,” shares Morgan.

Morgan released her The Healed Cowgirl, Pt. 1 album earlier this year. She will release her new single, “Girls For Dummies,” on July 17.

Healed Cowgirl Tour Dates:
September 4, 2026 – Las Vegas, NV – Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
September 6, 2026 – Colville, WA – FarmJam Music Festival
September 10, 2026 – Gainesville, GA – Boot Barn Hall Gainesville
September 11, 2026 – Chattanooga, TN – The Parlor Chattanooga
September 12, 2026 – Nashville, TN – Chief’s on Broadway
September 23, 2026 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall
September 24, 2026 – Fort Worth, TX – Tulips FTW
October 7, 2026 – Great Falls, MT – The Newberry
October 29, 2026 – Fort Myers, FL – The Ranch Concert Hall & Saloon
October 30, 2026 – Tampa, FL – Dallas Bull
November 5, 2026 – Brighton, MA – Brighton Music Hall
November 6, 2026 – Schenectady, NY – Frog Alley Brewing Co.
November 20, 2026 – Leesburg, VA – Tally Ho Theater

Billy Strings Navigates Grief & Loss On Upcoming New Album ‘So Much For Goodbyes’

/by

Billy Strings is set to release his new album, So Much for Goodbyes, August 28 via Reprise Records. Ahead of the release, Strings has shared a new song from the project, “Burn the Other End.”

The new 16-track project produced by Strings and T Bone Burnett finds Strings channeling a deeply personal period of grief and heartbreak, and the record is accompanied by original artwork created by Strings’ late mother, Debra Apostol.

“I made this record to honor my mother,” Strings shares. “To notice and embrace this very significant period of grief in my life and make art from it. To turn my heartbreak into songs while using my guitar as a coping mechanism as I always have. It’s always been there for me to lean on through the hard times, and I figure it always will…until it’s my time to say goodbye.”

So Much For Goodbyes will be available on vinyl in black, wood grain, and sun core variants, and the records were plated and pressed at Denver’s Paramount Pressing & Plating, founded by veteran engineer Gary Salstrom and Grammy winner David Rawlings, and cut for vinyl by Jeff Powell at Take Out Vinyl in Memphis.

Strings will make his return to PBS’ legendary Austin City Limits program on July 2. His first concert since breaking his leg earlier in the year, the performance will be available to livestream via ACL TV’s YouTube and will air later this fall as part of Season 52.

So Much for Goodbyes Track List:
1. “I’m One of Those”
2. “Burn the Other End”
3. “Carry Us Home”
4. “Lay Me Down”
5. “Lucid Daydream”
6. “Mill Town Flood”
7. “Live to Tell”
8. “Bluewater Breakdown”
9. “Light the Wall”
10. “I Like Train Songs”
11. “10,000 Miles From a Friend”
12. “Still I Crash”
13. “I Wish I Wanted To”
14. “Remember to Cry”
15. “Wrestling an Angel”
16. “Debra’s Waltz”

Dave Fenley Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

/by

Dave Fenley. Photo: Nathan Leslie

Singer-songwriter Dave Fenley made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night (June 27).

Fenley opened his set with the sultry “Ever Since You Turned Me On” from his new album Rest Of My Life. He followed that up with a heartfelt performance of “Pretty Face,” a personal ballad dedicated to his wife Amy, which earned him an emotional standing ovation from the packed Opry audience.

Fenley had family, friends and industry members in attendance, and shared from the stage, “I have never dreamed this big y’all! I’m standing in a very important circle and I’ve got a big circle of people supporting me here tonight who have believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Thank you so much for this moment, Opry!”

He released Rest Of My Life this spring, which chronicles his personal journey shaped by faith, family and perseverance and  blends country and gospel influences with soulful vocal performances. The video for “Waiting For” starring social media influencers The Fauver Family is out now.

Dave Fenley steps into the hallowed circle for the first time to make his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Dave Fenley earned a standing ovation for his Grand Ole Opry debut performance. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Pictured (L-R): Walk Off Entertainment’s Gianluca Maffei, Rise Music Group’s Tanner Louis, Dave Fenley and Walk Off Entertainment’s Chris Ruediger. Photo: Nathan Leslie

CMA Elevates Five, Adds Five

/by

Photo: Courtesy of CMA

The Country Music Association unveiled five promotions and five new team members across multiple departments.

Emily Arvanitis has been promoted to Senior Event Producer. Kayleigh Bentley has been elevated to Senior Manager, Member Experience. Amanda Jilek has been upped to Senior Manager, Creative & Content. Maddie Myers will now serve as Senior Manager, Digital Marketing. Nora Webb has been promoted to Business Affairs Manager.

In addition to internal promotions, CMA has expanded its roster with Samantha Alenius joining as Accounting Coordinator, Britney Buckwalter as Media Project Manager, Tarah Duarte as Senior Account Manager, Strategic Partnerships, Alec Staniul as Insights Analyst and Craig Weaver as CRM Manager.

Ashe Signs With Atlantic Records & Doomsday/Universal Music Publishing Group

/by

Ashe. Photo: Carly Hubert

Ashe has inked a record deal with Atlantic Records and publishing deals with Doomsday/Universal Music Publishing Group.

“I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole career for the partnership I’ve found at Atlantic. Joining the label and this team was an effortless decision,” Ashe shares. “From our first meeting, I felt uniquely understood. They’re thoughtful, intentional, and genuinely care. The fact that our first meeting involved tacos, cookies, and painting pottery told me they understood me. I’m immensely grateful to begin this next chapter with people I trust so deeply.”

Last year, Ashe teamed up with her longtime friend and collaborator Finneas to form The Favors. The duo released their debut album, The Dream, to widespread praise.

Ashe’s latest solo album, Willson, marked a return to her Nashville roots and love of songwriting. The album completed a trilogy that began with Ashlyn and Rae.

Over the years, Ashe has collaborated with artists including Finneas and Niall Horan, and has toured with Kelsea Ballerini and Gracie Abrams and has shared the stage with Noah Kahan. Her breakthrough hit, “Moral of the Story,” was featured in Netflix’s To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, earning billions of streams and reaching No. 2 on Spotify’s U.S. and Global Viral 50 charts.

Ashe will hit the road this summer supporting Benson Boone with stops in Denver, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego and more.