Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 37th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year category.
The Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year honors a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote their first top 10 country song via radio or streaming during the eligibility period. Outside nominations from Nashville’s publishing community are considered for this award.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 15 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Grady Block co-wrote the smash hit “I’m The Problem,” recorded by Morgan Wallen, alongside Wallen, Jamie McLaughlin, Ernest and Charlie Handsome. Block has also had other cuts with Wallen, Ernest, Josh Ross, Dylan Scott and more.
Blake Bollinger earned his first hit with the Corey Kent recorded “This Heart” with Michael Tyler, Thomas Archer and Jacob Hackworth. Bollinger has also had songs cut by Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Justin Moore, LOCASH, Parmalee, Jake Owen and others.
Johnny Clawson scored two hits with “Weren’t For The Wind,” recorded by and written with Ella Langley and Joybeth Taylor, and “Texas” recorded by Blake Shelton and written with Josh Dorr, Kyle Sturrock and Lalo Guzman. Clawson has also had cuts with Jon Pardi, Chris Young and McCoy Moore.
Abram Dean co-wrote the Parmalee hit “Gonna Love You” with the band’s Matt Thomas and Andy Sheridan and David Fanning. Dean has also had songs recorded by Lainey Wilson, Josh Ross, Ian Munsick, Dylan Marlowe and more.
Josh Dorr earned his first hit with the Blake Shelton-recorded “Texas,” which he wrote with Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock and Lalo Guzman. Dorr has also had cuts with Jordan Davis, Jon Pardi, Ella Langley, Lana Del Ray and Quavo.
Lalo Guzman scored his first hits with Blake Shelton’s “Texas,” co-written with Josh Dorr, Johnny Clawson and Kyle Sturrock, as well as “Cowboy Songs” co-written and recorded by George Birge with Michael Tyler and Matt McGinn. Guzman has also had other cuts with Jason Aldean, Nate Smith, Madeline Merlo and Dustin Lynch.
Lauren Hungate co-wrote the Bailey Zimmerman hit “Holy Smokes” with Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Michael Tyler and Ben Stennis. Hungate has also had songs recorded by Carly Pearce, Tucker Wetmore, Mackenzie Porter, Lauren Watkins, Carter Faith and others.
Jenna Johnson earned her first hit with “All The Way” by BigXthaPlug featuring Bailey Zimmerman. The song was cowritten by BigXthaPlug, Ben Johnson, KK Johnson, Charles Nelson Forsberg and Krishon Gaines. Johnson has also had cuts with Nate Smith, David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, Ty Dolla $ign and more.
KK Johnson scored her first hit with BigXthaPlug’s “All The Way” featuring Bailey Zimmerman, written with BigXthaPlug, Ben Johnson, Jenna Johnson, Charles Nelson Forsberg and Krishon Gaines. Johnson has also had songs recorded by Avery Anna, Kylie Morgan, David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, Ty Dolla $ign and others.
Blake Pendergrass scored his first hit with “Just In Case,” written with and recorded by Morgan Wallen with ERNEST, John Byron, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Charlie Handsome, Josh Thompson and Alex Bak. Pendergrass has many more cuts on Wallen as well as Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Post Malone, HARDY, ERNEST, Warren Zeiders and more.
Josh Phillips wrote the Cody Johnson-recorded hit “Dirt Cheap” alone. He has also had songs cut by Chase Matthew, Dillon Carmichael, Chris Janson, George Birge and Brantley Gilbert.
Daniel Ross earned his first hit with “Lies Lies Lies,” recorded by Morgan Wallen, with Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller and Chris Tompkins. Ross has also had more cuts with Wallen as well as Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Tim McGraw, Chase Matthew and others.
Andy Sheridan co-wrote the Parmalee hit “Gonna Love You” with the band’s Matt Thomas and Abram Dean and David Fanning. Sheridan has also had songs recorded by Chris Janson, Sam Barber and Avery Anna.
Kyle Sturrock earned his first hit with the Blake Shelton recorded “Texas,” which he wrote with Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr and Lalo Guzman. Sturrock has also had cuts with Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, Matt Stell and more.
Joybeth Taylor scored her first hit with “Weren’t For The Wind,” recorded by and written with Ella Langley and Johnny Clawson. Taylor also has cuts with Gavin Adcock, Kameron Marlowe, Josh Ross, BigXthaPlug, Vincent Mason, Chase Matthew, Wyatt Flores, Corey Kent, Warren Zeiders and others.
Nick Walsh co-wrote the Riley Green hit “Damn Good Day To Leave” with Green, Jonathan Singleton and Erik Dylan. Walsh has also had other songs recorded by Green, Jake Worthington and McCoy Moore.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dierks Bentley, Riley Green & John Anderson Team For Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannDierks Bentley, Riley Green & John Anderson
The hallmarks of this edition of DISClaimer are ballads and collaborations.
Tugging at the heartstrings are the sublime Tim McGraw, Austin Snell, Hudson Westbrook and Bailey Zimmerman. McGraw wins the battle of the ballads.
The collabs are a merrier lot. Colbie Caillat’s matches up with Maddie & Tae; the Zac Brown Band burns one down with Snoop Dogg; Chris Jones & The Night Drivers are pluperfect country with Jim Lauderdale. Dierks Bentley, Riley Green and John Anderson romp off with the Disc of the Day prize.
The DISCovery Award goes to Alexandra Kay.
DIERKS BENTLEY, RILEY GREEN & JOHN ANDERSON / “Broken Branches”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Graham Barham/Zach Abend; Producers: Jon Randall, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A rollicking drinkin’ party with lotsa rhythm and plenty of smiles. The trailer-trash music video is creating a viral sensation.
AUSTIN SNELL / “Family Tree”
Writers: Austin Snell/Conor Matthews/Nicolette Hayford/Riley Thomas; Producer: Andrew Baylis; Label: River House Artists/Warner Music Nashville
– The echoey ballad contemplates generational trauma with a clear understanding and forthright honesty. Both the vocal performance and the production are gorgeous. Play this.
BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Chevy Silverado”
Writers: Bailey Zimmerman/Gavin Lucas/Heath WarrenIlsey Juber/Tucker Beathard; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
– He’s lost her, but he still has his truck. Heartache with soaring electric guitars.
ALEXANDRA KAY / “Straight For The Heart”
Writers: Jimmy Robbins/Karley Scott Collins/Sasha Sloan; Producer: Andrew DeRoberts; Label: BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records
– If you’re gonna break her heart, make her hate you first. The sound is big and oomphy, but she’s a strong enough singer to power through. Highly promising
COLBIE CAILLAT WITH MADDIE & TAE / “Live Without”
Writers: Colbie Caillat/Eric Arjes/Jimmy Robbins/Liz Rose; Producers: Eric Arjes, Jimmy Robbins; Label: Blue Jean Baby Records
– “Goodbye ain’t the bullet that I thought it was,” they sing in wafting harmony. The jaunty bopper is about thriving and soaring after a breakup. The happy rhythm, the sparking production and the intertwined voices are all completely enchanting. A terrific pop-country outing.
CHRIS JONES, THE NIGHT DRIVERS & JIM LAUDERDALE / “How Small of Me”
Writers: Andrew McCutcheon/Chris Jones; Producer: Chris Jones; Label: Mountain Home Music Company
– A dandy disc. Audio elegance. With honky-tonk vocals, an acoustic bluegrass arrangement and a two-step tempo, what’s not to love? Jones is celebrating his 30th anniversary with his band. Lauderdale was announced this week as an upcoming Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee.
MAGGIE ROSE & GRACE POTTER / “Poison in My Well”
Writers: Davis Naish/Margaret Durante/Melissa Fuller; Producers: Ben Tanner, Davis Naish; Label: One Riot Records
– Bluesy and groove soaked, this slow-burn anthem addresses someone who can’t be happy for someone else’s good fortune. Both singers are accomplished pop practitioners.
MON ROVIA / “Heavy Foot”
Writers: Andrew Lowe/Cooper Holzman/Eric Cromartie/Grant Averill; Producer: Cooper Holzman; Label: Nettwerk Music Group
– This artist blends his Liberian heritage with Appalachian folk story telling. His new single has a lilting, strummy-guitar track that bops along happily. But the lyric protests the heavy foot of a government trying to “keep us all down.” Not to worry, the song assures us that love and solidarity will persevere. Mon Rovia staged his Opry debut on July 29.
TIM McGRAW / “King Rodeo”
Writers: Tim McGraw/Tom Douglas; Producer: Byron Gallimore, Denny Hemingson, Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
– This will stop your heart. It’s a ballad of aging and loss, delivered with ache and stunning emotional power. McGraw introduced at his rodeo concert last month, and in this live track, you can feel/hear the massive crowd’s tearful acceptance. A country music master singing unvarnished truth.
ZAC BROWN BAND & SNOOP DOGG / “Let It Run”
Writers: Andy Frasco/Chris Gelbuda/John WidoMakr/Snoop Dogg/Zac Brown; Producer: Zac Brown; Label: Master of None
– A celebration of smoking weed with the band’s usual flawless harmony work. Dogg’s rap drops in mid-song, but this is Zac’s record all the way. Programmers take note: There is a whole lot of cussing in this lyric.
Humanable To Launch World’s First AI-Free Social Media Platform
/by Lauryn SinkHumanable is set to launch the world’s first-to-market AI free social media platform, slated to be released in the fourth quarter of this year.
The platform was created to allow artists to share certified AI-free music and allow fans to interact directly with artists. The platform will be free for fan use. For artists and others wishing to have commercial accounts, the monthly subscription will be waived for all U.S.-based Humanable music members. All artists, influencers and music will be verified by the platform.
“The music industry is now seeing the negative effects of unchecked generative AI that Humanable’s co-founders have been warning about for the past year. From fully AI-generated songs from AI-generated bands reaching millions of unsuspecting listeners, we’re now witnessing the advent of ‘music designers’ who bypass royalty rights and use music generation platforms to create celebrity status to sell clicks and other goods and services,” says Lilian McGrady, President and Co-Founder of Humanable. “This is why Humanable launched to certify human-only music—so that consumers still have choices even in the flood of GenAI outputs. Human fans want real connection with real artists on social media, not with bots and GenAI outputs. Humanable’s social media platform allows artists and fans to opt out of the fake world.”
Brandon Blackstock, Longtime Talent Manager, Passes [Updated]
/by LB CantrellBrandon Blackstock
Longtime talent manager Brandon Blackstock passed away peacefully on Aug. 7 following a three-year battle with cancer. He was 48.
Born in Ft. Worth, Texas, on Dec. 16, 1976, to Narvel and Elisa Blackstock, Brandon spent his early childhood in Burleson, Texas before moving to Big Piney, Wyoming for his high school years.
He moved to Nashville as a young adult to begin a career in the music business. He began working alongside his father Narvel at Starstruck Management Group in 2006. Together, the father-son team managed a roster of top country artists, including longtime client Blake Shelton. Narvel also notably managed and was married to Reba McEntire from 1989 to 2015.
Brandon’s reputation in the music business was that of a champion, who always had his hand out to pull others up the ladder, to open a door or to make a connection.
After more than 20 years in the music business, Brandon returned in recent years to the mountains of Butte, Montana, where he embraced the cowboy lifestyle. With his partner, Brittney Marie Jones, he built businesses and helped establish Headwaters Livestock Auction, along with what will stand as his legacy—the Valley View Rodeo in Bozeman, Montana.
Brandon was preceded in death by his loving grandparents Gloria and Narvel Leroy Blackstock, Mary Helen Davis and Walter Ritter and Jacqueline and Clark McEntire. He is survived by his children Savannah Blackstock Lee, Seth Blackstock, River Rose Blackstock and Remington Blackstock; his son-in-law, Quentin Lee; grandchildren Lake Easton Lee, Julianna Rae Lee and the soon-to-arrive LouCasey Lee; parents Narvel Wayne Blackstock and Elisa Gayle Ritter Gilbert; stepparents Reba Nell McEntire, Laura Putty Blackstock and Daniel Eugene Gilbert; grandparents Karen and Terry Beattie; siblings Shawna Blackstock Meyers and Jason Meyers, Chassidy Blackstock Standefer and Scott Standefer, Shelby McEntire Blackstock and Marissa Blackstock; and his other lifelong brother, Brian Pittman.
All of Brandon’s friends and loved ones are invited to join the family for his celebration of life on Sunday, Aug. 17. Please reach out to a family member for service details.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brandon Blackstock Memorial Fund at the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation.
Jelly Roll, Cece Winans, Dan + Shay, More Unite For Stand Up to Cancer Fundraising Special
/by Lorie HollabaughThe telecast will also feature performances by Noah Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw, Marcus King, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi and Winans joined by the Nashville Community Gospel Choir, all lending their talents to help raise critical funds for cancer research.
The special will also include pre-taped segments featuring Kevin Bacon, Jamie Foxx, Tim McGraw, Zoe Saldaña, Keith Urban and Reese Witherspoon. Sheryl Crow will serve as the evening’s host and also perform, along with remarks by SU2C co-founder Katie Couric. Music icon Dolly Parton previously participated in a tune-in campaign to raise awareness for the Nashville telecast, which will feature stories from survivors whose lives were transformed by research made possible through donor support. Viewers will also hear from SU2C-funded researchers about recent breakthroughs in early detection and cancer treatment, along with the growing potential of AI to accelerate progress in the field.
The one-hour special will air simultaneously on over 30 participating media platforms across the U.S. All four major U.S. networks will carry the show, with broadcasters donating prime time slots to support the cause. The telecast will also be available to watch on-demand across multiple digital and streaming platforms.
As a lead-up to the special, SU2C has launched the #Up2Us to #StandUpToCancer campaign, which runs through Aug. 31. Now in its fifth year, the month-long fundraising initiative brings together creators from across Twitch, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube to support groundbreaking cancer research. The campaign features diverse livestream content, from gaming to other engaging genres, and creators will host fundraising streams to raise awareness and support SU2C’s mission to fund research aimed at detecting, treating, and ultimately curing all cancers.
Notable participating streamers and creators include Tess Bohne, Neebs Gaming, Trisha Hershberger, The Jang, KandidlyKayla, Stormfall33 and Khleo Thomas. SMOSH and Marissa Hill are among the YouTube creators attending the SU2C telecast.
LOCASH Celebrates Multi-Week No. 1 ‘Hometown Home’
/by Lauryn SinkJacob Rice, Zach Abend, LOCASH’s Preston Brust, LOCASH’s Chris Lucas, Andy Albert. Photo: Larry McCormack For BMI
LOCASH brought together friends, family and industry partners on the BMI rooftop on Tuesday (Aug. 5) to celebrate their multi-week radio No. 1 hit, “Hometown Home.”
The song, penned by the band’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas along with Zach Abend and Andy Albert, and produced by Jacob Rice, spent two weeks atop the radio charts earlier this year. It marks the first single and first No. 1 for the duo’s own Galaxy Label Group.
Pictured (L-R, front row) :Jacob Rice, Zach Abend, LOCASH’s Preston Brust, LOCASH’s Chris Lucas, Andy Albert. (L-R, back row): Relative Music Group’s Jesse Matkosky, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, ASCAP’s Kele Currier, Concord’s Matt Turner, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Galaxy Label Group’s Skip Bishop. Photo: Larry McCormack For BMI
The event kicked off with local high school Father Ryan’s drumline calling the packed crowd to attention. Hosted by BMI and ASCAP and emceed by BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, the event honored the team behind the song with speeches from ASCAP’s Kele Currier, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Concord’s Matt Turner, Relative Music Group’s Jesse Matkosky and Galaxy Label Group’s Skip Bishop.
Many echoed the sentiment that the duo’s success comes not just from how hard they work but from who they are: the kind of guys who put family first, lead with intention and embody the qualities of leadership both in and out of the writing room.
Studio Bank sponsored the event, with Kari Barnhart presenting a special donation in honor of the writers to LOCASH’s I Love This Life Fund.
“I just want to give a big thanks to Chris and Preston. You guys took a chance on me and I’m really blessed to have met you and started recording demos back in the day. Thank you for making me a part of everything you do,” Rice said, kicking off the remarks from the team behind the song.
Abend expressed the same feelings, thanking each person on stage for allowing him to be part of the single.
“When we left [the day we wrote this song], we knew it felt like something. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this,” Albert added.
Last to take the microphone was the duo.
“I remember writing on Zoom, and then I remember recording it with you guys…and half of the session was laughing. Just laughing and bringing joy and happiness. It was so amazing to write with these guys,” recalled Lucas.
“I look across this room and I just see so many stories, memories and friends. It would take all evening to pick this party to pieces and say thank you for this and that. Its incredible to watch this community come together to celebrate songwriters, producers, artistry and No. 1s,” said Brust. “This No. 1 right here is for all the new folks moving into town right now. You can do it. Your No. 1 is waiting for you. And this is also for the folks who have been here 25 years…You can still get No. 1s. You can still pull this all together.”
To wrap up the night, Locash, alongside Abend, Albert and Rice, took the stage for a singalong of the celebrated single and the duo’s hit “I Love This Life.”
Ben Goldsmith Extends Publishing Deal With Kobalt Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L to R): Stephanie Cox (Kobalt), Ben Goldsmith, Kevin Lane (Kobalt).
Songwriter Ben Goldsmith has extended his publishing deal with Kobalt Music.
Goldsmith originally signed with Kobalt in 2022, and has had songs recorded by Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Braxton Keith, Kat Luna, Braedon Barnhill, Tigirlily Gold, Dillon James and others.
“No one works harder than Ben,” says Senior Director, Creative Kevin Lane. “He’s put in countless hours to get to this point and I’m so glad we are seeing that hard work begin to pay off.”
“I am very excited and grateful to continue working with Kevin, Stephanie and all of Kobalt. Since my early days in Nashville, Kevin has been a champion of me, and I am lucky to have him as my publisher. Kobalt feels like a family and I’m looking forward to the next chapter with them,” says Goldsmith.
2025 MusicRow Awards Nominees For Breakthrough Songwriter Of The Year
/by MusicRow StaffFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 37th annual MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, we take a closer look at the Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year category.
The Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year honors a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote their first top 10 country song via radio or streaming during the eligibility period. Outside nominations from Nashville’s publishing community are considered for this award.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribers. Voting is now open and closes on Aug. 15 at 5:00 p.m. To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Grady Block co-wrote the smash hit “I’m The Problem,” recorded by Morgan Wallen, alongside Wallen, Jamie McLaughlin, Ernest and Charlie Handsome. Block has also had other cuts with Wallen, Ernest, Josh Ross, Dylan Scott and more.
Blake Bollinger earned his first hit with the Corey Kent recorded “This Heart” with Michael Tyler, Thomas Archer and Jacob Hackworth. Bollinger has also had songs cut by Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Justin Moore, LOCASH, Parmalee, Jake Owen and others.
Johnny Clawson scored two hits with “Weren’t For The Wind,” recorded by and written with Ella Langley and Joybeth Taylor, and “Texas” recorded by Blake Shelton and written with Josh Dorr, Kyle Sturrock and Lalo Guzman. Clawson has also had cuts with Jon Pardi, Chris Young and McCoy Moore.
Abram Dean co-wrote the Parmalee hit “Gonna Love You” with the band’s Matt Thomas and Andy Sheridan and David Fanning. Dean has also had songs recorded by Lainey Wilson, Josh Ross, Ian Munsick, Dylan Marlowe and more.
Josh Dorr earned his first hit with the Blake Shelton-recorded “Texas,” which he wrote with Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock and Lalo Guzman. Dorr has also had cuts with Jordan Davis, Jon Pardi, Ella Langley, Lana Del Ray and Quavo.
Lalo Guzman scored his first hits with Blake Shelton’s “Texas,” co-written with Josh Dorr, Johnny Clawson and Kyle Sturrock, as well as “Cowboy Songs” co-written and recorded by George Birge with Michael Tyler and Matt McGinn. Guzman has also had other cuts with Jason Aldean, Nate Smith, Madeline Merlo and Dustin Lynch.
Lauren Hungate co-wrote the Bailey Zimmerman hit “Holy Smokes” with Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Michael Tyler and Ben Stennis. Hungate has also had songs recorded by Carly Pearce, Tucker Wetmore, Mackenzie Porter, Lauren Watkins, Carter Faith and others.
Jenna Johnson earned her first hit with “All The Way” by BigXthaPlug featuring Bailey Zimmerman. The song was cowritten by BigXthaPlug, Ben Johnson, KK Johnson, Charles Nelson Forsberg and Krishon Gaines. Johnson has also had cuts with Nate Smith, David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, Ty Dolla $ign and more.
KK Johnson scored her first hit with BigXthaPlug’s “All The Way” featuring Bailey Zimmerman, written with BigXthaPlug, Ben Johnson, Jenna Johnson, Charles Nelson Forsberg and Krishon Gaines. Johnson has also had songs recorded by Avery Anna, Kylie Morgan, David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, Ty Dolla $ign and others.
Blake Pendergrass scored his first hit with “Just In Case,” written with and recorded by Morgan Wallen with ERNEST, John Byron, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Charlie Handsome, Josh Thompson and Alex Bak. Pendergrass has many more cuts on Wallen as well as Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Post Malone, HARDY, ERNEST, Warren Zeiders and more.
Josh Phillips wrote the Cody Johnson-recorded hit “Dirt Cheap” alone. He has also had songs cut by Chase Matthew, Dillon Carmichael, Chris Janson, George Birge and Brantley Gilbert.
Daniel Ross earned his first hit with “Lies Lies Lies,” recorded by Morgan Wallen, with Jessie Jo Dillon, Josh Miller and Chris Tompkins. Ross has also had more cuts with Wallen as well as Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Tim McGraw, Chase Matthew and others.
Andy Sheridan co-wrote the Parmalee hit “Gonna Love You” with the band’s Matt Thomas and Abram Dean and David Fanning. Sheridan has also had songs recorded by Chris Janson, Sam Barber and Avery Anna.
Kyle Sturrock earned his first hit with the Blake Shelton recorded “Texas,” which he wrote with Johnny Clawson, Josh Dorr and Lalo Guzman. Sturrock has also had cuts with Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, Matt Stell and more.
Joybeth Taylor scored her first hit with “Weren’t For The Wind,” recorded by and written with Ella Langley and Johnny Clawson. Taylor also has cuts with Gavin Adcock, Kameron Marlowe, Josh Ross, BigXthaPlug, Vincent Mason, Chase Matthew, Wyatt Flores, Corey Kent, Warren Zeiders and others.
Nick Walsh co-wrote the Riley Green hit “Damn Good Day To Leave” with Green, Jonathan Singleton and Erik Dylan. Walsh has also had other songs recorded by Green, Jake Worthington and McCoy Moore.
Musicians Corner Returns To Centennial Park This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughMusicians Corner, Nashville’s free concert series from the Centennial Park Conservancy, returns this fall with a five-week season of live music beginning Aug. 29.
The free concert series kicks off with a three-day Free Fest in partnership with Lightning 100 and presented by Amazon Aug. 29-31. Over Labor Day weekend, Yola, Bre Kennedy, Billy Allen + The Pollies, Lilly Winwood, Kara Frazier, The Record Company, Judy Blank, Benny G , Jacob Perleoni, The Brummies, Jonathan Plevyak, Kashena Sampson and The Magi are all set to perform.
Other artists among the 38 appearing on the Musicians Corner stage this fall are Cedric Burnside, Them Vibes, Lockeland Strings with Amanda Shires, The Band Loula, Esther Rose and Kacy Hill, among others. On Sept. 12, Musicians Corner will partner again with Americanafest for a special concert offering the Nashville community an opportunity to see official Americanafest showcases for free.
“Musicians Corner is the perfect excuse to get outdoors with friends and family, enjoy cooler fall temperatures, and experience free live music in one of the most beautiful spots in the city,” says Justin Branam, Musicians Corner Executive Producer. “We’re excited to return to Centennial Park this fall with five weeks of free live music from both new and established artists across genres. We are especially excited for the return of Free Fest, a three-day music festival happening during Labor Day weekend in partnership with our friends at Lightning 100.”
“Musicians Corner is a live music tradition in Nashville,” adds Dan Buckley, Lightning 100 Program Director. “The opportunity for Lightning 100 to partner again with this beloved concert series is an honor and privilege. At the end of the day it’s events like this that make Nashville one of the best cities on the planet to live in. Free Fest is for everyone and we are proud to put our name on it.”
BREAKING: Sarah D’Hilly & Brad Krause Join MCA
/by Madison HahnenSarah D’Hilly & Brad Krause
Sarah D’Hilly has joined MCA as Senior Vice President of Digital Marketing and Strategy.
D’Hilly joins MCA with 20 years of country music industry experience under her belt. Her most recent role was with Apple Music, where she led music business partnerships, content strategy and artist marketing initiatives. While at Apple, she oversaw the launch of the songwriter-driven Lost & Found series, Apple Music Sessions and bespoke projects like Beyonce Covered Sessions and Toby Keith Covered Sessions.
Before Apple Music, she was the Director of Commerce & Digital Strategy at Monument Records, and the Director of Digital Marketing at Borman Entertainment. Her previous work also includes serving on the Digital Committee of Country Radio Seminar and leading panels at Music Business Conference and SXSW. D’Hilly is a member of the 2026 Leadership Music class and a 2025 Billboard Country Power Players honoree.
“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most passionate people in music, and I’m incredibly excited to take everything I’ve learned into this new chapter with MCA,” says D’Hilly. “This label has a legacy of artist development and storytelling that I deeply respect, and I look forward to helping shape what that looks like in the digital era.”
In addition to D’Hilly, Brad Krause has also joined MCA as Senior Director of Digital Strategy. A University of Southern California graduate, Krause has held previous roles at Warner Records, Interscope and The Trenches. In his roles he has gained expertise in platform dynamics, digital storytelling and audience behavior by helming digital campaigns across a variety of artists and brands.
”I’ve enjoyed working with the MCA team and I’m excited to step into this role during such an exciting time,” adds Krause. “I’m passionate about building authentic, community-driven campaigns and can’t wait to collaborate with Sarah to create meaningful digital moments for our artists and their fans.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Sarah and Brad to the MCA team,” shares Katie McCartney, EVP/GM of MCA. “Their creative vision, passion for artists, and forward-thinking digital expertise make them invaluable as we continue to evolve as a creative hub.”
D’Hilly can be reached at sarah.dhilly@umusic.com and Krause can be reached at brad.krause@umusic.com.
Jake Mitchell Signs With Riser House
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, back row): Allison Pilotti (Riser House), Aaron Steinberg (Counsel, Riser House), Lauren Spahn (Counsel, Riser House), Matt Cottingham (Counsel, Jake Mitchell). (L-R, front row): Brandon Perdue (Riser House), Teddy, Jake Mitchell and Kirby Mathews (Riser House).
Writer-producer Jake Mitchell has signed an exclusive songwriting deal with Riser House.
Mitchell is known for his work on songs “One Beer” (HARDY, Lauren Alaina, Devin Dawson), “Some Girls” (Jameson Rodgers), “Unapologetically Country As Hell” (HARDY) and “Beer Don’t” (Morgan Wallen), along with additional releases from artists like Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Kane Brown and Luke Bryan. Mitchell’s catalog of releases currently tops 2.5 billion on-demand streams. Additionally, he recently partnered with Riser House to sign Aaron Armstrong to a publishing agreement.
“I’ve known Jake for a long time, and have loved his writing for just as long,” says SVP of A&R + Publishing at Riser House, Brandon Perdue. “When I found out he was starting to look for his next publishing home, I immediately threw our name in the ring. To have the chance to work with such an incredible talent, who also happens to be an incredible human, is a publisher’s dream. It’s been so incredible to see that the rest of the community loves Jake just as much as we do. My entire team is ready to win, and win big, with Jake.”
“I couldn’t feel more blessed and thankful to have a team that understands me creatively and is aligned with my goals so quickly,” says Mitchell. “I’m ready to show up in this next season with a passion that inspires everyone I’m working with. I’m so excited to be with Brandon and the rest of the team at Riser House!”