Colton Dawson Signs With Warner Records Nashville & TKO Artist Management

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Pictured (L-R, front row): TK Kimbrell (TKO Artist Management), Colton Dawson and Cris Lacy (Chair & President, Warner Records Nashville). (L-R, back row): Cassie Petty (TKO Artist Management), Stephanie Davenport (Vice President, A&R, Warner Records Nashville) and Jordan Bernal (TKO Artist Management). Photo: Ben Humphrey/Warner Records Nashville

Country neo-traditionalist Colton Dawson has inked deals with Warner Records Nashville and TKO Artist Management.

“As soon as I first met the folks over at Warner Records Nashville, I knew it was the team I wanted to work with to make the music I love,” says Dawson. “Getting to work with one of the finest labels in the genre is a privilege that I’m very excited to have. It’s a high honor that they believed in me and my songs enough to help me share them with the world. Since before I learned to walk, I’ve been obsessed with country music, so I look forward to carrying on the sound my heroes established. God Bless Country Music”. 

“Despite our best efforts to join forces early with this undeniable star, Colton asked Warner Records Nashville not to make him an offer until his debut album with Roger Springer and Chuck Ainlay was completed,” shares Cris Lacy, Chair & President of Warner Records Nashville. “This desire for his label partner to love not only the buzz around his talent, but every note of his music, demonstrated a fearlessness and a commitment to a vision that is the hallmark of all great artists. We are proud to be on this rocketship with him,” 

At TKO Artist Management, Dawson will be managed by TK Kimbrell and Jordan Bernal.

“It’s rare that artists come along and totally stun you,” adds Kimbrell, President of TKO Artist Management. “Colton Dawson did that for us at TKO. We believe the future of Country music is strong in the hands of artists like Colton and look forward to the ride.”

Dawson recently made a surprise appearance opening for Clay Walker at his sold-out Ryman Auditorium show, where he received two standing ovations. He has also spent time opening for Hardy, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Braxton Keith, Jake Worthington, and Josh Turner. His music draws inspiration from Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, Randy Travis and Vince Gill.

He will release his first single on the label, “Might Be In It,” this Friday (May 15).

CAA Opens Applications For The Hubb 2026

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Photo: Courtesy of CAA

CAA has opened applications for The Hubb 2026, its flagship music-focused summit aimed at developing the next generation of industry talent.

The program is set for October 10–12 in Nashville.

The Hubb offers participants hands-on access to agents, managers and music executives, alongside recruiters and industry partners. Programming will focus on core business verticals including artist management, touring and live production, A&R, label operations, business management and marketing, with workshops designed to reflect current hiring needs and evolving skill sets across the industry.

Applications can be submitted here through May 22. CAA will cover travel and accommodations for accepted applicants.

CAA launched The Hubb in 2018. Named for Barbara “Mother” Hubbard, the longtime Executive Director of the American Collegiate Talent Showcase (ACTS), the event has become a key part of CAA’s broader talent pipeline strategy.

Zac Brown’s Same Boat Hosting Open Casting Call In Nashville

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Zac Brown and the Margaritaville at Sea Cruise Line have collaborated on a new venue aboard the Beachcomber, Same Boat, reflecting Brown’s signature style.

The name is a nod to a song Jimmy Buffett sang with Zac on the deluxe edition of The Comeback, and Same Boat is designed to deliver the kind of energy and atmosphere you’d find at a Zac Brown Band show at sea. Brown personally worked with the cruise line’s team on every detail of the venue, from the artwork and design to the music programming, and following rounds of auditions, the line is hosting a Nashville open casting call to find artists who will headline that stage throughout 2027.

Artists interested in participating, including singer-songwriters, solo artists, duos, trios and bands, can attend the final-day open casting call on May 16 at Margaritaville Restaurant on Broadway in Nashville at 10 a.m. Space is limited at the open audition, so interested artists are encouraged to arrive early.

The judging panel includes Buzz Brainard of SiriusXM, Matt Mangano of the Zac Brown Band, and Mindy Espy-Reyes of Mailboat Records. Selected Nashville talent will join the entertainment lineup aboard Beachcomber on weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly contracts, offering a unique opportunity to connect with audiences in a one-of-a-kind cruise experience.

CMA Fest Unveils Fan Fair X Lineup

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CMA Fest has revealed its Fan Fair X lineup, with daily programming taking place inside Music City Center June 4-7.

CMA will once again hosts the annual Artist of the Day on the CMA Close Up Stage, with Russell Dickerson on Thursday, Carly Pearce on Friday, Shaboozey on Saturday, and Ashley McBryde on Sunday.

Additional CMA Close Up Stage programming includes:

Thursday, June 4
– The Red Clay Strays on Amazon Music’s “Country Heat Weekly” Live
– Sound & Story: An Artist Exchange featuring Melissa Etheridge & Gretchen Wilson
– Behind the Hits featuring John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass and Parker Welling

Friday, June 5
– Latino Trailblazers in Country with FILMORE, Andrea Vasquez and Alyssia Dominguez
– Country Central Presents: Charles Wesley Godwin, Willow Avalon, Wyatt Flores and Stella Lefty
– Crook & Chase: Legends & Friends with Clint Black
– Country & Rap: The Black Southern Roots of American Music with Waka Flocka and Nappy Roots

Saturday, June 6
– 40 Years of Randy Travis: Exploring the Icon’s Legacy and Impact
– The Songwriters Behind Country’s Biggest Hits with Ashley Gorley and Shane McAnally
– Audacy Presents: Music You Should Know featuring Carter Faith, Warren Zeiders and Katie Neal
– The Last Take: Behind “On My Way to Heaven” Video with Tanya Tucker and Dennis Quaid
– The Listening Room: 20 Years of the Stories Behind the Songs: Drew Baldridge, Taylor Austin Dye and Emmett Stevens Jr.

Sunday, June 7
– Maddox Batson on Amazon Music “Country Heat Weekly” Live
– Up Close With Brandon Lake
– Dreams Across Boarders: Making Nashville Home with Gareth, Owen Riegling and Kaylee Bell
– Unbridled: Women of Texas Country, From the Ground Up: Jenna Paulette, Kylie Frey and RaeLynn

The Tractor Supply Spotlight Stage will feature acoustic performances from Austin Mackay, Blue Ridge Band, The BoykinZ, Bre Kennedy, Carlisle Wright, Dzaki Sukarno, Desiree Dawson, ERLEND, Faith Hopkins, Gabi Sklar, Gary Frost, Gloria Anderson, Hayley Payne, Jake Hoot, James Maslow, Jarrad Wrigley, Kaleb Sanders, Kelsey Lamb, Kelsi Mayne, Kingswood, Leah Blevins, Liam Price, Maddie Lenhart, Mike Parker, Mogan Griffiths, Noah James, Parker Graye, Rachael Fahim, Sacha, Sadie Bass, Sammy Arriaga, Shawnee Kish, Something Out West, Tori Darke, Tyler Rich, Zoe Jean Fowler and 2’Live Bre.

Debuting this year is the CMA Experience, a fan-first immersive experience featuring interactive exhibits and storytelling highlighting CMA’s legacy, celebrating excellence across its awards and honors, and showcasing how the organization supports, educates and unites the country music community year-round.

Tickets for Fan Fair X are on sale now. Programming at the Close Up Stage will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meet-and-greet schedules can also be viewed on the Official CMA Connect App, with additional sessions being added throughout May.

Jordan Davis To Headline Red Bull Jukebox Inaugural Texas Event

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Jordan Davis. Photo: Courtesy of Red Bull

Red Bull Jukebox is set to host its first Texas event in Dallas with headliner Jordan Davis.

The event is set for Aug. 20 at The Bomb Factory in Dallas. Tickets go on sale on May 15.

“I’ve always had a love for Texas – I have some family that still lives there and I spent some time as I was growing up in Texas,” shares Davis. ” “I am looking forward to headline the first Red Bull Jukebox in Dallas. I’m pumped to see how the show shakes out with fan votes and the fans deciding how the night plays out!”

Starting May 15, fans can visit the Red Bull Jukebox Texas website to cast their votes across multiple categories, helping shape the setlist and musical direction of Davis’ performance. Voting for additional categories will open to attendees during the show.

Red Bull Jukebox will also return to Nashville this fall.

Cody Johnson Unveils Tracklist For ‘Banks Of The Trinity’

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Cody Johnson has revealed the track list for his upcoming album Banks Of The Trinity, releasing June 26 via COJO Music/Warner Records Nashville.

The 16-track project will feature collaborations with Luke Combs (“Shoot The Bull”) and Brothers Osborne (“Fool Proof'”), with the later being released this Friday (May 15). Produced by Trent Willmon, writing partners on the record include Kelly Archer, Randy Montana, Rodney Clawson and many more.

Johnson enters this Sunday’s ACM Awards with three nominations including Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Single of the Year for “The Fall.” He is also currently amidst his “Cody Johnson Live ’26” tour, with upcoming dates in Columbus, Jacksonville, Oklahoma City and more. Johnson is also slated to make festival appearances at CMA Fest, Braves Country Fest, Cavendish Beach Music Festival and more throughout the summer.

Banks Of The Trinity Track Listing:
1. “Horseback” (Randy Montana, Wyatt McCubbin, Paul Sikes)
2. “Hello Lonesome” (Jimmy Yeary, Seth Mosley, Matt Rogers)
3. “Fool Proof” (feat. Brothers Osborne) (Jeff Hyde, Jason Scott, Jared Conrad)
4. “Take Me Back (Leave Me There)” (Kelly Archer, Troy Cartwright, Pete Good)
5. “Banks of the Trinity” (Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Josh Kear)
6. “I Want You” (Tom Douglas, Tony Lane, Matt Rogers)
7. “I Have” (Matt Schuster, Devin Dawson, Adam Yaron)
8. “Bible For A Boy (For Jaycee)” (Lydia Vaughn, Beau Bailey, Josh Phillips, Joe Fox, Andrew Stoelzing)
9. “Kissing A Married Woman” (Beau Bailey, Josh Phillips, Brock Berryhill, Cole Miracle)
10. “Every Man” (Travis Meadows, Gordie Sampson, Drew Kennedy)
11. “Motel Miss You” (Ryan Larkins, Seth Mosley, Emma-Lee)
12. “Shoot The Bull (featuring Luke Combs)” (Ray Fulcher, Casey Brown, Josh Phillips, Drew Parker)
13. “Cricket On A Hook” (Josh Phillips, Mark Holman, Jeremy Stover)
14. “Time Bomb” (Cody Johnson, Trent Willmon, Noe Quantanilla, Codrick Murphy)
15. “Thank Somebody Country” (Jordan Schmidt, Chase McGill, Trannie Anderson, Michael Hardy)
16. “Yippy Ty Oh Hey Hey” (Cody Johnson)

Singer-Songwriter Taylor Jones Signs With BMG

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Pictured (L-R): Layne Faltinsky (Manager, A&R, BMG Nashville), Taylor Jones and Chris Oglesby (VP, Head of Creative Publishing, BMG Nashville)

Rising singer-songwriter Taylor Jones has signed a global publishing deal with BMG.

The Nashville-based writer and Belmont University graduate has steadily established herself within Nashville’s songwriter community, and continues to develop her voice through songs that balance personal perspective and broad emotional resonance. She counts artists like Olivia Dean, Norah Jones and Chris Stapleton as influences, and her work reflects a focus on crafting enduring and accessible songs rooted in soulfulness and sincerity.

“Passion and purpose are foundational to building a career,” says Chris Oglesby, BMG’s VP, Head of Creative Publishing/Nashville. “Taylor combines those with an insatiable appetite for growth. She feels every word she sings and writes what she feels.  We’re excited to be a part of Taylor’s journey while she and Layne [Faltinsky] take this to new heights.”

“It’s a true privilege to become part of the BMG family,” says Jones. “To have this incredible team in my corner and to be surrounded by this talented community of writers is a dream come true. I feel more inspired than ever, and I can’t wait for the songs ahead.”

JUST IN: Riser House Entertainment Adds One, Elevates Three

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Pictured (L-R): Shane Allen, Megan Stottlemyer, Alex Heimerman and Jason VanAuken.

Riser House Entertainment has tapped Shane Allen as Executive Vice President of Promotion and Artist Brand Strategy.

Allen joins with more than 25 years of radio promotion experience. In this role, he will lead the label’s promotion department while helping guide long-term artist branding and overall strategic vision for the company’s roster. Allen will also oversee Riser House’s efforts across SiriusXM and other major platform partners.

“I’m extremely grateful to Matt Swanson, Jennifer Johnson and Mitchell Tenpenny for the opportunity to be a part of the Riser House Entertainment family,” shares Allen. “I’ve admired their culture and success for the better part of a decade and am thrilled to be able to contribute to the future growth of this incredibly diverse entertainment company.”

Additionally, the company has elevated three team members. Megan Stottlemyer has been named Vice President of Label Operations. Alex Heimerman has been promoted to Head of Marketing and Label Strategy. Jason VanAuken has risen to Vice President of Business Affairs.

“As Riser House continues to grow as a boutique label built on passion, vision, and artist development, these promotions reflect the leadership, creativity, and commitment that drive our culture forward every day. I’m incredibly proud of this team and excited for what we’re building together,” says Johnson, President of Riser House Entertainment.

BREAKING: Date Announced For 2027 Grammy Awards, Airing On ABC, Disney+ & Hulu

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The 2027 Grammy Awards will air live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 7, and will simulcast across ABC, Disney+ and Hulu. The news was confirmed today (May 12) during the Disney Upfront presentation in New York City. It was also revealed today that the 2026 CMA Awards, as well as other CMA programs, will air live on ABC and Disney+.

This year’s Grammy eligibility period is Aug. 31, 2025 – Aug. 28, 2026. Nominations will be announced ahead of the Telecast on Monday, Nov. 16, 2026.

The upcoming ceremony marks a historic shift for the organization as the 2027 Grammy Awards will be the first ceremony to air on ABC since 1972, ushering in a new era for the most celebrated night in music.

“The Grammys are all about celebrating the music that moves the world, and this moment is built on exactly that,” says Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Grammys. “This is an exciting time for us as an organization—a new home and a bold new chapter for the Grammy Awards. We’re just getting started and the best is yet to come.”

The full list of key dates for the 2027 Grammy Awards season is as follows:

Aug. 31, 2025 – Aug. 28, 2026
Product Eligibility Period

June 25, 2026 – Aug. 14, 2026
Media Company Registration Period

July 7, 2026 – Aug. 21, 2026
Online Entry Period

Oct. 12, 2026 – Oct. 22, 2026
First Round Voting

Nov. 16, 2026
Nominees Announced for the 2027 Grammy Awards

Dec. 10, 2026 – Jan. 7, 2027
Final Round Voting

Feb. 7, 2027
2027 Grammy Awards

Eagles Bring ‘The Long Goodbye’ To Nashville With Hit-Filled Celebration

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Eagles. Photo: Chloe Weir

More than 50 years after the band first formed, the Eagles proved Saturday night (May 9) at Nashville’s FirstBank Stadium that their catalog remains as powerful as ever. As part of “The Long Goodbye, Act III” tour, the legendary group delivered a nearly two-hour masterclass in harmony-driven rock, balancing timeless hits with solo spotlights and fan-favorite deep cuts.

Opening with the unmistakable acoustic intro of “Hotel California,” the band immediately set the tone for an evening rooted in nostalgia elevated by pristine musicianship. From there, they moved seamlessly into “One of These Nights” and “Lyin’ Eyes,” with the crowd loudly singing along to every chorus.

Vince Gill’s soaring vocals shined on “Take It to the Limit,” while “Witchy Woman” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling” showcased the group’s enduring harmonies. “Tequila Sunrise” brought a laid-back California warmth to the stadium before Joe Walsh took center stage for a spirited performance of “In the City.”

Timothy B. Schmit delivered one of the night’s most emotional moments with “I Can’t Tell You Why,” followed by the reflective “New Kid in Town.” The band’s famed vocal blend reached another level during “Seven Bridges Road,” which earned one of the evening’s loudest ovations.

The second half of the set leaned into the individual legacies of the band members. Walsh injected humor and swagger into “Life’s Been Good,” while “Already Gone” brought the energy back up before Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” turned the massive crowd into a singalong. Walsh then unleashed a fiery rendition of “Funk #49,” helping propel the band into the hard-driving “Life in the Fast Lane.”

The encore delivered exactly what longtime fans hoped for. “Take It Easy” transformed the stadium into a communal chorus, while Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way” highlighted the guitarist’s enduring charisma and slide guitar work. The emotional weight of “Desperado” provided a reflective moment before the Eagles closed the evening triumphantly with “Heartache Tonight.”

“The Long Goodbye Act III” will continue tomorrow (May 13) in Hollywood, Florida before wrapping on May 16 in Arlington, Texas. The band will also perform again at The Sphere on Sept. 18 and 19, and Nov. 13, 14, 27, and 28.