This 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.
Jelly Roll Steps In For Jimmy Kimmel In Guest Host Spot
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll. Photo: Randy Holmes | ABC
Jelly Roll dipped his toe in the talk show world last week, guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! on Wednesday and Thursday nights (July 16-17).
The episodes featured special guests Jeremy Renner and Randy Orton, Kevin James, Joey Logano, and musical guests Joey Bada$$ and The All-American Rejects.
Wednesday night’s show also featured some surprise appearances by Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, including a wild smack down late-night moment that ended with Paul going through the late-night desk. Jelly Roll has been popping up all over recently, also making his appearance on SmackDown and Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta helping Randy Orton win the night.
He was also recently featured on CMT Music Awards: Ultimate Party Edition, where he sat down with CMT’s Cody Alan and talked most memorable show appearances and never-before-told stories. Prior to the event, fans had the opportunity to vote on the Ultimate Fan Favorite Performance, with Jelly announced as the winner.
The Band Perry Returns To Ryman For Opry At The Ryman
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, front row): The Band Perry’s Johnny Costello, Kimberly Perry and Reid Perry; (L-R, back row): Make Wake Artists’ Sophia Sansone, Big Machine Label Group’s Sandi Spika Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Jimmy Harnen, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Ryan Dokke and Make Wake Artists’ Shelby Marvel. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
The Band Perry performed at Opry at the Ryman on July 17, returning to the hallowed stage 15 years after they made their Grand Ole Opry debut at the historic venue.
The trio performed a three-song set that included the double-Platinum “Better Dig Two,” fan favorite Pioneer album cut “Chainsaw” and nine-times Platinum “If I Die Young,” shortly after announcing their re-signing with original label home Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment / Big Machine Label Group earlier in the day.
The Band Perry will headline Whiskey Jam at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row on Lower Broadway in Nashville tonight (July 21) featuring The Jack Wharff Band and additional special guests.
Spencer Hatcher Inks With WME
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Quartz Hill Music Group’s Ash Bowers, WME’s Jay Williams, Spencer Hatcher, WME’s Dan Kuklinski and WME’s Carter Green. Photo: Courtesy of WME
Quartz Hill Music Group/Stone Country Records artist Spencer Hatcher has signed with WME for global representation.
Raised on a farm in Shenandoah Valley, Hatcher picked up a five-string banjo at 11 years old and played in his family’s bluegrass band. With his bluegrass infused country sound, he created his own band in 2020. Stirring up popularity online with his covers of Johnny Cash, Keith Whitley, Elvis Presley and more, he began self-booking over 150 shows per year. Hatcher currently has over 890,000 social media followers and 60 million views.
“Spencer Hatcher is one to watch! He’s a standout in this traditional music renaissance we’re experiencing,” says WME Agent Carter Green. “Spencer’s musicianship, authenticity and work ethic are second to none, and we can’t wait to help take his music to new audiences worldwide.”
“Signing with WME for representation is an incredible opportunity I’m so thankful for,” adds Hatcher. “If you know me, then you know I always wear Elvis’s ‘TCB’ motto on a chain around my neck, and with WME now working alongside my record label, Stone Country Records, taking care of business is exactly what we’ll be doing!”
Hatcher will release his new song, “When She Calls Me Cowboy,” this Friday (July 25).
Josh Ross Earns First U.S. Chart-Topper With ‘Single Again’
/by Lorie HollabaughJosh Ross. Photo: Lance Wilson – RUNCLUB Creative
Josh Ross has landed his first-ever No. 1 at U.S. country radio this week with “Single Again,” which he co-wrote with Joe Fox and Brad Rempel.
Topping the Mediabase Country chart after a 71-week trek, the single makes Ross the first Canadian male to top the chart in nearly 30 years, and he is one of only three Canadian men (along with Paul Brandt and Hank Snow) to ever reign atop the U.S. country charts. Ross has also achieved three No. 1s at Canadian Country radio with “Ain’t Doin’ Jack,” “Single Again” and “Trouble.”
“Possibly the biggest news to date in my career—I woke up having the No. 1 song at U.S. country radio,” Ross shared on his socials. “I started coming to Nashville in 2018 with a dream of writing songs and maybe hearing some of my own on the radio one day. Today it’s the most played song in the country. I can’t thank Brad Rempel and Joe Fox enough for writing this hungover idea with me, Matt Geroux for crushing the production, and all my team members at The Core, MCA / Mercury, UMC, The Neal Agency, Feldman Agency, Damon Moberly and his incredible promotion team, Warner Chappell Music, and many more—it takes a village. We all work so dang hard. To the fans, love y’all. This is just fuel being added to the fire.”
The success of “Single Again” adds to over one billion global career streams for Ross, whose full-length debut album, Later Tonight is due out Sept. 19.
Lainey Wilson Launches Jewelry Collection In Partnership With The Jewelry Group
/by Lauryn SinkLainey Wilson.
Lainey Wilson has partnered with The Jewelry Group, Inc. to launch a collection featuring contemporary western inspired necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and more.
“I’m so excited about partnering with The Jewelry Group, Inc. on this collection of pieces,” says Wilson. “As a lifelong lover of the American West, I worked with the team to design pieces to help bring out your inner cowgirl and the beauty and strength she holds. I hope you love it and I can’t wait to see you all decked out!”
“As The Jewelry Group, Inc. continues to develop key partnerships in the entertainment arena, we are incredibly excited for the opportunity to work alongside Lainey, bring her vision to life and build on the power of her brand.” adds Fran Lukas, CEO of The Jewelry Group, Inc.
The collection launches will launch in the coming weeks and will be available at Belk, Boot Barn, Buckle, Cavenders, Ariat, Lammles Western Wear and Scheels.
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.