Dylan Gossett. Photo: Tanner Johnson
Dylan Gossett’s debut album, Westward, doesn’t chase a moment. It reflects two years of life in motion.
Gossett debuted in 2023 with his breakthrough single “Coal,” which has now passed half a billion streams. Over the last two years, he has toured the globe while building a fierce fanbase, notably selling upwards of 72,000 headline tickets in 2024 alone. Somewhere between the days spent in greenrooms and nights on buses, Gossett built a record shaped by motion and rooted in the real-life in-between moments.
“The album wraps up exactly what these last two years have been, and what’s important in my life,” Gossett tells MusicRow. 
Across the 17 self-written and produced tracks, he explores themes of love, faith, family and chasing dreams, but each one was built from stories he has lived.
“For my debut record, I wanted it to be [solo-written]. When an artist means the songs they sing and it is their own words, I think that is part of the artistry.”
That connection to his stories is especially clear on “Smell Of Rain,” an acoustic tune inspired by he and his wife’s first anniversary.
“We had our first headline show in Dublin [that week] and we went to a town outside of the city and stayed the whole night. We were up on a hill seeing the ocean and got to go into an old cobblestone tavern. We were singing songs all night with the locals—it’s just a night I’ll never forget.”
One song came easier than the rest for Gossett. “There’s a song called ‘Snake Eyes’ on the record that is one of my favorites writing wise. It’s a big metaphor for a relationship and gambling. I woke up one morning, grabbed my guitar and wrote that song from start to finish in 20 minutes, which does not always happen,” he says with a laugh.
“Back 40,” on the other hand, took multiple tries in the studio before it felt right. “I’ve tried multiple producers and tried producing it by myself—I just couldn’t get it to work. Then we started playing it live and found its sound.”
Among the tracks, “Tired of Running” stands out as one of his favorites. “It’s just different from anything I’ve ever made. It’s like two songs in one and was a big idea that we made come to light.”
The Austin native undeniably leaned into his Texas roots as he wrote the record. “I don’t think you can understand what being a Texan is unless you are one,” he says. “I never want to leave. Texas runs deep in my blood and it’s a deeply connected part of me and my family.”
The production, like the writing, was entirely built by Gossett. Although he has been making tracks on GarageBand since elementary school, the decision to produce his own record wasn’t necessarily intentional. “I tried out other very talented producers, but it never felt like a perfect fit for the album … It was a snap decision for me to produce it. I made ‘Tree Birds’ and it felt great,” he says. “I truly believe that, love it or hate it, it is exactly how I wanted it to sound. That’s a good feeling and I’m very proud.”
With Westward finally in the fans’ hands, Gossett is excited to see how this new chapter lands in a live setting.
“Both the [previously released] singles have felt really good on the road, but ‘Back 40’ is one we always used to play. People have been asking for it for a while, so hopefully we delivered on the studio recording.”
Looking forward, his plans are clear: touring the new album and getting more music out soon. “We’re doing all new production [this fall]—more lights, bigger stages and louder music,” he quips. “I’m working on a lot of cool music for the end of the year, so we’ll have some new stuff rolling out before too long.”
As for what he hopes people take from this chapter, he just wants the album to land the way it was meant to. “I hope it just feels like a breath of fresh air, not like anything they’ve heard before.”
CMHOFM To Host Music & Conversation Event With The Fairfield Four
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum is hosting a Music and Conversation: The Fairfield Four event on Aug. 2 at 2:30 p.m. CT at the Ford Theater.
The Fairfield Four, an a cappella gospel quartet, was founded in Nashville more than 100 years ago, and has been instrumental in preserving and revitalizing one of the oldest styles of traditional gospel singing. They were named National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows in 1989, received the Tennessee Lifetime Achievement Award in 1994, were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999, and have won three Grammys.
During the program, current and recently retired members of the Fairfield Four will discuss the group’s history and legacy with Jerry Zolten, a Penn State educator, author, leading expert on Black gospel music and producer of two Fairfield Four albums. The program will also include a brief performance, and is included with museum admission, but a program ticket is required. It is free to museum members.
RJ Jordan To Exit GrassRoots Promotion
/by Lorie HollabaughRJ Jordan
RJ Jordan, GrassRoots Director of Promotion, is exiting the company to take on the role of caregiver to his mother.
He joined the GrassRoots team in 2015, and was named Director of Promotion in 2023. Prior to that, Jordan spent time at WCJW in Warsaw, New York. Other career stops include time at 903, Country Thunder, Stroudavarious and Golden, and his radio stints include Rochester and Syracuse, New York, Portland, Maine and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
“I’ve enjoyed my time at GrassRoots, and am looking forward to the next chapter: caring for my mother, getting reacquainted with my Kindle and continuing my radio-related side pursuits like voicetracking and VO work, as time allows,” Jordan told Country Aircheck.
The company is currently interviewing for the position, and Rebekah Clements and Teresa Chance will handle Jordan’s duties in the interim.
BREAKING: EMPIRE Nashville Appoints Jennifer Way To Executive Vice President
/by LB CantrellJennifer Way. Photo: Gregg Roth
EMPIRE, the leading independent record label, publisher and distributor founded by Ghazi in 2010, has appointed Jennifer Way to Executive Vice President – Nashville.
In her new role, Way will lead the overall strategy for EMPIRE’s Nashville team and its day-to-day operations, including signing and developing new talent, supporting each artist’s creative vision with impactful music release campaigns, cultivating new business opportunities and driving the continued growth of EMPIRE Nashville’s roster and presence in Music City and around the world.
“I’m thrilled and honored to be joining EMPIRE—a team of disrupters who prioritize originality, innovation and artist-first thinking at every turn,” says Way. “I’m inspired by Ghazi and the culture he has built, and I’m excited to dive in and contribute to the continued success of this incredible team as we redefine together what a modern music company can be.”
“Jennifer is a powerhouse whose vision and track record align perfectly with our mission to redefine what’s possible in music,” shares EMPIRE Founder / CEO, Ghazi. “Her deep roots in Nashville and ability to break global stars make her the perfect leader to continue to drive our momentous country music division forward.”
With more than 19 years of music industry experience, Way joins EMPIRE from Sony Music Nashville, where she served as SVP of Marketing and oversaw the label group’s domestic and international marketing efforts which included digital marketing, artist development, creative, content development and media. Under her leadership, Way and her team created strategic campaigns for a diverse roster, including Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Megan Moroney and more, resulting in countless No. 1 hits across multiple genres, RIAA-Platinum and multi-Platinum records, and a multitude of award wins. Prior to joining Sony Nashville, she worked in Marketing and Artist Development at UMG Nashville, where she was integral in launching the careers of superstars Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves.
The news of Way’s appointment arrives after a record breaking year for EMPIRE, where breakout country acts Shaboozey’s crossover hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” went top 10 on four major charts: Country Airplay, Pop Airplay, Adult Pop Airplay and Rhythmic Airplay—an unprecedented accomplishment. The record currently holds the title for longest running in No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 history at 19 weeks and celebrated over one billion streams globally.
Alyssa Flaherty Inks With Neon Coast Management, Releases Debut EP
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Neon Coast’s Tyler Corrado, Alyssa Flaherty and Neon Coast’s Martha Earls.
Alyssa Flaherty has signed with Neon Coast Management. Alongside the announcement, she has released her debut EP, Heartbreak, Thank You.
“These songs naturally captured my progression through heartbreak,” shares Flaherty. “A story that just told itself. I’m so excited to share this collection of songs and hope that people find a piece of themselves within them.”
Flaherty’s musical career started in her hometown of Annapolis, Maryland before moving to Nashville in 2020. She performed a rendition of “Amazing Grace” for Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga and released her debut single, “Under The Influence,” in 2024. After joining Kendell Marvel, Jo Dee Messina, Jake Owen, LeAnn Rimes and Brad Tursi of Old Dominion for select dates this year, Flaherty will head overseas for her first international shows this fall.
Heartbreak, Thank You tracklist:
1. “Broken By You” (Alyssa Flaherty, Adam Hambrick, Grant Gilbert)
2. “Know You By Heart” (Alyssa Flaherty, Michael August, Nicole Croteau)
3. “Better Memory” (Alyssa Flaherty, Jeff Middleton, Daniel E. Hutson)
4. “Lucky You” (Alyssa Flaherty, Kaylin Roberson)
5. “Heartbreak, Thank You” (Alyssa Flaherty, Sara Brice, Tana Matz, Caleb Oczkowski)
MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row Date, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with exciting announcements, major signings, and landmark deals across Nashville’s music industry landscape. Click here to see the full edition.
MusicRow announced that its 13th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast will take place on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This year, the celebration of female executives shaping the music business will be held at a new location, the JW Marriott in downtown Nashville.
In a return to familiar territory, Grammy Award-winning trio The Band Perry has signed with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, rejoining the Big Machine Label Group family where their rise to stardom began. The band also announced a new management partnership with Make Wake Artists, under the guidance of Shelby Marvel, Sophia Sansone and Chris Kappy.
Songwriter and producer Mark Holman, known for his impactful work across country and rock, has entered a new publishing agreement with Big Loud Publishing in conjunction with Ern’s Cadillac Music.
Meanwhile, in a major catalog acquisition move, Jonas Catalog Holdings 1—managed by Jonas Group Entertainment Holdings, has acquired a substantial portion of The Jonas Brothers‘ music catalog. The deal includes their full Happiness Begins and The Album releases, as well as fan favorites like “Like It’s Christmas” and “Remember This.”
The members of Restless Road are each making individual waves in the publishing world. Zach Beeken has signed a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution. Garrett Nichols joins Curb | Word Music Publishing, and Colton Pack has signed with Edgehill Music Publishing.
Singer-songwriter Thomas Edwards has officially signed with Warner Music Nashville, and Big Machine Music has brought songwriter Cameron Walker into its fold with an exclusive co-publishing agreement.
Additionally, Evie Grace Fowler has joined Black River Publishing as Creative Coordinator.
In the live entertainment space, Mark Dinerstein Consulting and JPB Partners have acquired the Nashville-based full-service venue group Marathon Live from Founder Josh Billue. Dinerstein will now lead as CEO, while Billue transitions into the role of Chief Development Officer. Marathon Live’s portfolio spans six key venues including Marathon Music Works in Nashville, The Truman in Kansas City, The Signal in Chattanooga, The Hall in Little Rock, The Hawthorn in St. Louis, and FIVE in Jacksonville.
Quartz Hill Records has added country artist Matt Cooper to its roster. Meanwhile, Ascend Music has signed Americana/rock duo Marfa, composed of Bryce Menchaca and Kellen Wall, as the first act under the newly announced Big Machine Label Group imprint in partnership with Joel Klaiman.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs reclaim the No. 1 spot with “Backup Plan.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Dylan Gossett Lets The Songs Lead On Self-Made Debut Album ‘Westward’ [Interview]
/by Lauryn SinkDylan Gossett. Photo: Tanner Johnson
Dylan Gossett’s debut album, Westward, doesn’t chase a moment. It reflects two years of life in motion.
Gossett debuted in 2023 with his breakthrough single “Coal,” which has now passed half a billion streams. Over the last two years, he has toured the globe while building a fierce fanbase, notably selling upwards of 72,000 headline tickets in 2024 alone. Somewhere between the days spent in greenrooms and nights on buses, Gossett built a record shaped by motion and rooted in the real-life in-between moments.
“The album wraps up exactly what these last two years have been, and what’s important in my life,” Gossett tells MusicRow.
Across the 17 self-written and produced tracks, he explores themes of love, faith, family and chasing dreams, but each one was built from stories he has lived.
“For my debut record, I wanted it to be [solo-written]. When an artist means the songs they sing and it is their own words, I think that is part of the artistry.”
That connection to his stories is especially clear on “Smell Of Rain,” an acoustic tune inspired by he and his wife’s first anniversary.
“We had our first headline show in Dublin [that week] and we went to a town outside of the city and stayed the whole night. We were up on a hill seeing the ocean and got to go into an old cobblestone tavern. We were singing songs all night with the locals—it’s just a night I’ll never forget.”
One song came easier than the rest for Gossett. “There’s a song called ‘Snake Eyes’ on the record that is one of my favorites writing wise. It’s a big metaphor for a relationship and gambling. I woke up one morning, grabbed my guitar and wrote that song from start to finish in 20 minutes, which does not always happen,” he says with a laugh.
“Back 40,” on the other hand, took multiple tries in the studio before it felt right. “I’ve tried multiple producers and tried producing it by myself—I just couldn’t get it to work. Then we started playing it live and found its sound.”
Among the tracks, “Tired of Running” stands out as one of his favorites. “It’s just different from anything I’ve ever made. It’s like two songs in one and was a big idea that we made come to light.”
The Austin native undeniably leaned into his Texas roots as he wrote the record. “I don’t think you can understand what being a Texan is unless you are one,” he says. “I never want to leave. Texas runs deep in my blood and it’s a deeply connected part of me and my family.”
The production, like the writing, was entirely built by Gossett. Although he has been making tracks on GarageBand since elementary school, the decision to produce his own record wasn’t necessarily intentional. “I tried out other very talented producers, but it never felt like a perfect fit for the album … It was a snap decision for me to produce it. I made ‘Tree Birds’ and it felt great,” he says. “I truly believe that, love it or hate it, it is exactly how I wanted it to sound. That’s a good feeling and I’m very proud.”
With Westward finally in the fans’ hands, Gossett is excited to see how this new chapter lands in a live setting.
“Both the [previously released] singles have felt really good on the road, but ‘Back 40’ is one we always used to play. People have been asking for it for a while, so hopefully we delivered on the studio recording.”
Looking forward, his plans are clear: touring the new album and getting more music out soon. “We’re doing all new production [this fall]—more lights, bigger stages and louder music,” he quips. “I’m working on a lot of cool music for the end of the year, so we’ll have some new stuff rolling out before too long.”
As for what he hopes people take from this chapter, he just wants the album to land the way it was meant to. “I hope it just feels like a breath of fresh air, not like anything they’ve heard before.”
Wildflower Entertainment Group Launches Backstage Access Presents: Heartland
/by Lorie HollabaughBackstage Access Presents: Heartland, a three-night, all-inclusive VIP escape into the heart and soul of farm land and country music, is set to take place Aug. 28-30 in eastern Iowa.
Heartland is the inaugural event from Wildflower Entertainment Group, a new venture founded by industry veteran Bobbii Jacobs, and will feature performances by Drew Baldridge, Annie Bosko, Garrett Bradford, Carter Faith, Erin Grand, Jenna Paulette, Kenya Reese, Cooper Riley, Adam Wainwright and Xo Lex.
Celebrating the state’s proud agricultural legacy, the event honors the region’s role as stewards of the land, with programming that reflects the values, grit and storytelling rooted in America’s heartland and exists to honor the stories, culture and people who form the backbone of rural America.
Wildflower Entertainment Group is supporting mental health initiatives for farmers and ranchers in Iowa, and this collaboration aims to connect those in need with existing mental health programs, recognizing the profound impact of mental health challenges within rural communities. Entertainers involved in Heartland have personal connections to these challenges, some having witnessed firsthand the silent battles fought by farmers and ranchers. Their commitment to this cause drives the event’s mission to raise awareness and support for rural mental health.
Backstage Access Presents is a boutique event series that reimagines how listeners connect with music. Focused on VIP experiences, live event production, and creative consultation, the series curates intimate, genre-spanning performances in unexpected and emotionally resonant settings. Each event invites guests into a deeply personal atmosphere where music, storytelling and setting come together to create unforgettable moments beyond the traditional stage.
Christian Conant Promoted To Sr. Director A&R At Prescription Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughChristian Conant. Photo: Taylor C Jones
Christian Conant has been promoted to Senior Director, A&R at Prescription Songs.
Conant landed at Prescription Songs in September of 2019 where he rose up the ranks to A&R Manager in 2022. The Akron, Ohio native moved to Nashville in 2015 and got his start working in digital marketing before finding his calling on the road tour managing various artists including Mitchell Tenpenny and The Band Camino. Post touring, he found himself working in the publishing/A&R department of Riser House Entertainment prior to landing at Prescription Songs.
“We’re super excited to see Christian step into this new role,” says Chris Martignago, VP of A&R Nashville. “His hard work, great ear for talent, and passion for music have made a sincere impact at Prescription Songs. In a place like Nashville, it’s all about teamwork and creativity, and Christian really brings both to every conversation he’s a part of. Can’t wait for this next step in his career here!”
“I’m so thankful to Luke and the team for their continued belief in what we’re building here in Nashville,” shares Conant. “It’s such an honor to work alongside this incredible roster of creatives.”
Conant, who is based out of the company’s Nashville office, looks after a diverse roster of artists, songwriters and producers including Maggie Rose, Fly By Midnight, Joy Oladokun, Zella Day, Nick Bailey, Brett Truitt, Anderson East and Ryder Johnson.
CMHOFM Opens ‘Lainey Wilson: Tough As Nails’ Exhibit
/by Madison HahnenLainey Willson at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Last night (July 17), the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted the opening of its newest exhibit, “Lainey Wilson: Tough as Nails.”
The new exhibit, which is officially open to the public today (July 18), runs through Wilson’s life starting with her time growing up on her family’s Baskin, Louisiana farm to her rise as an international country star.
In addition to the exhibit, the CMHOFM will host a Songwriter Session tomorrow (July 19) in the Ford Theatre. Wilson’s trusted collaborators, Aaron Raitiere and Jon Decious will explore some of Wilson’s biggest hits.
The exhibit will be open until June 2026 and is included with museum admission. Advance reservations are encouraged and ticket availability can be found here.
Sam Barber Sets New EP ‘Music For The Soul’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Barber. Photo: Outlaw Foundry
Sam Barber has dropped a new track, “Home Tonight,” from his upcoming new EP, Music for the Soul, due out Aug. 1 via Atlantic Records.
Produced by Grammy-winner Ryan Hewitt (The Lumineers, Noah Kahan) and Joe Becker, the EP includes the soul-baring anthem, “Man of the Year,” available everywhere now, alongside a live performance video streaming now on YouTube.
Music for the Soul begins an unforgettable new chapter for Barber following the breakout success of his 2024 debut album, Restless Mind, a 28-song collection highlighted by smash singles like the double-Platinum “Straight and Narrow,” “Better Year” (featured on Paramount Network’s Yellowstone) and “Indigo (feat. Avery Anna),” the latter of which has racked up over 300 million global streams, earning Platinum certification in Australia and double Platinum certification in Canada while spending 14 weeks and counting among the upper reaches of country radio airplay charts and reaching the top 40 on Billboard’s overall Hot 100.
Barber is currently celebrating Music for the Soul on his “North American Tour,” which runs through December.
Music for the Soul Track List:
1. “Music for the Soul”
2. “Dust and Smoke”
3. “Nowhere Fast”
4. “Same Sad Shit”
5. “Home Tonight”
6. “Ain’t Dead Yet”
7. “Man of the Year”