This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures Nashville’s ever-evolving music landscape, highlighting new label ventures, publishing signings, executive shakeups and industry honors—all reflecting the momentum of a city that never stands still. Click here to see the full edition.
Ascend Music, a new imprint formed through a partnership between Big Machine Label Group and industry veteran Joel Klaiman, has launched. The label, dedicated to amplifying cross-genre artists, reunites Klaiman with BMLG Chairman Scott Borchetta, a duo whose history includes Taylor Swift’s rise with Fearless and Red.
On the publishing front, Derrick Southerland has signed a global deal with Kobalt, bringing a prolific catalog that includes hits for Ingrid Andress, Mitchell Tenpenny and Kane Brown. Kenny Whitmire has now secured a publishing deal with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Ana Cristina Cash joins BMG under a worldwide agreement encompassing her bilingual catalog, and Seth Alley enters a joint co-publishing partnership with Endurance Music Group and Tyler Hubbard’s HAYLO Music. Rising songwriter and performer Trey Pendley has inked with WME for global booking and Blue Harbor Music for publishing.
Also making waves this week, Nashville agency FlyteVu has been acquired by Driftwood Music Group, marking a significant growth move that includes a 30% staff expansion. Co-founder Laura Hutfless remains CEO while Linda Knight steps in as Chief Creative Officer.
Brown Sellers Brown—home to Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records—has rebranded as Quartz Hill Music Group, with Ash Bowers elevated to EVP. Bowers, whose songwriting and management background spans work with Keith Urban and Dustin Lynch, now leads operations across the company’s labels and management sectors.
In executive partnerships, Dave Kelly and Bekah Digby have teamed up to launch a new digital and streaming consulting co-venture. Elsewhere, Capitol Records Nashville and Lost Highway have bolstered their joint radio team with the addition of Luke Jensen (VP, Promotion) and Megan McCaffrey (Regional Director, Promotion), aiming to strengthen artist development through radio outreach. Neon Coast, the artist management company helmed by Martha Earls, has also expanded its team with the addition of Tyler Corrado and Dawson Simmons.
The Academy of Country Music has revealed winners of its Industry and Studio Recording Awards, which will be celebrated during the 18th annual ACM Honors on Aug. 20. Among the honorees are longtime contributors Ed Warm, Dave Cobb, Brent Mason, and first-time winners such as Drew Bollman and Craig Young.
The CMA Awards nomination process has officially begun. CMA leadership, including CEO Sarah Trahern and SVP Tiffany Kerns, emphasized transparency and participation while rolling out voting updates—most notably, changes to the Song of the Year category, now limited to professionals most involved in song creation during early rounds.
Additional ACM Special Awards recipients were also announced. Eric Church and the late Ben Vaughn will receive the Icon Award, Luke Combs earns the International Award, Jelly Roll receives the Lifting Lives Award, and Randy Travis is honored with the Milestone Award. Others include Rissi Palmer, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally and more.
In chart news, Luke Bryan claims the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Country Song Came On.” 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.
Matt Cooper Inks With Quartz Hill Records
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R, top row): Quartz Hill Music Group’s Ash Bowers, April Rider and Jason Sellers. (L-R, bottom row): Quartz Hill Music Group’s Benny Brown and Matt Cooper.
Matt Cooper has signed with Quartz Hill Records, an imprint of the recently rebranded Quartz Hill Music Group.
“To go farther, to get where I wanna be, I knew that it was going to take a really solid and special team,” says Cooper. “I could see that Benny [Brown] and Ash [Bowers] truly believed in the songs, and the team around them really believed in me as well, and so that fired me up. I’m just excited to be a part of this family, and it does feel like a family here, which is awesome.”
The Florida native began writing songs as a college freshman inspired by the sounds of Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Thomas Rhett. As an independent artist, Cooper has amassed 108 million lifetime streams to-date and nearly 1.5 million social media followers.
“Matt has his own sound that’s fresh and original, but it still has those country music traditions of storytelling and authenticity,” says QHMG Founder Brown. “The streaming world has already fallen in love with Matt’s music and I can’t wait for country radio to fall in love with it too.”
“I’m incredibly excited to welcome Matt Cooper to the Quartz Hill family. He’s already proven himself with remarkable success as an independent artist, building a loyal fanbase through pure talent, hard work, and heart. On top of all that, Matt is an absolutely great guy — I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in this next chapter,” says QHMG Executive Vice President Bowers.
His current single, “Highs & Lows” will impact country radio on Sept. 29 and an acoustic version of the solo-written song will be released this Friday (July 18).
Ella Langley Leaps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenElla Langley
Ella Langley has moved into the top 10 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Her newly released “Never Met Anyone Like You” alongside “Weren’t For The Wind” place the singers-songwriter in the No. 1o spot this week.
Charlie Handsome continues to hold the No. 1 spot for the seventh consecutive week with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Falling Apart,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Love Somebody,” “Missing,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.” Morgan Wallen remains at No. 2 with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Falling Apart,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Love Somebody,” “Missing,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.”
John Byron (No. 3), Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and Chase McGill (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Lucas Hoge Opens The Book On His Life On Latest Project, Out Now
/by Lorie HollabaughLucas Hoge takes a look inward on his latest album, Book About Me, out now on all digital streaming platforms.
The new 10-song collection offers listeners an intimate, reflective look into the chapters that shaped Hoge’s life. Produced by Forest Glen Whitehead, Cameron Bedell and Chris Tanner, Book About Me is packed with feel-good anthems, love ballads, and stories filled with faith, family and small-town roots, and each track turns a page in the story of a man who’s never forgotten his roots.
“Book About Me is a poignant and vibrant musical journey that weaves together the tapestry of my life experiences from the fields of the farm to the sun-soaked shores of the beach, and everything in between,” says Hoge. “Each song serves as a chapter, revealing stories of growth, heartache, joy, and resilience, all told through rich melodies and evocative lyrics. This album is not just a collection of songs; it’s an intimate memoir set to music, showcasing my unique perspective and the moments that have shaped identity.
“With heartfelt storytelling and diverse musical styles, Book About Me invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys and to find solace and connection in shared experiences,” he continues. “Whether it’s a nostalgic ballad about childhood adventures or an upbeat anthem celebrating life’s simple pleasures, this album encapsulates the essence of living fully and authentically.”
Book About Me Track List:
1. “When A Cowboy Prays (feat. Forrie J Smith)” (Lucas Hoge, Justin Lantz)
2. “Gone Fishin” (Lucas Hoge, Corey Lee Barker, Steve O’Brien)
3. “American Made” (Lucas Hoge, Andrew Peebles)
4. “Farmhand” (Lucas Hoge, Justin Lantz)
5. “Fruity Drink” (Lucas Hoge, Justin Lantz)
6. “Livin I Like” (Lucas Hoge, Forest Glen Whitehead)
7. “Same Ole” (Lucas Hoge, Nate Kenyon)
8. “Book About Me” (Lucas Hoge, Justin Lantz)
9. “Life Well Lived” (Lucas Hoge, Camron Bedell)
10. “When A Cowboy Prays” (Lucas Hoge / Justin Lantz)
Lady A Announce First-Ever Christmas Tour, New Holiday Album
/by Lorie HollabaughLady A
Lady A will celebrate the holiday season this year with their first-ever Christmas tour, the “This Winter’s Night Tour,” which kicks off Dec. 5 in Atlanta at The Woodruff Arts Center’s Atlanta Symphony Hall.
The tour will visit Florida, Illinois, Indiana and more, wrapping just before Christmas with three shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Dec. 21-23. Presale tickets for most dates are available beginning July 16 with the code HOLLYJOLLY, and general tickets go on sale July 18 at LadyAMusic.com.
The festive tour will kick off after the release of the trio’s new album On This Winter’s Night Vol. 2 on Sept. 26. Both the upcoming album and tour will be packed with holiday classics as well as new originals as a companion and refresh of their 2020 album On This Winter’s Night.
“We have been in such a season of family and that’s the first thing we think of when we think of Christmas and the Holiday Season,” says Lady A’s Hillary Scott. “We hope this record and our first ever Christmas tour will be an opportunity for families and fans to usher in the Holiday Spirit with fun, joy and gratitude.”
“This Winter’s Night Tour” Official Dates:
12/5/25 – Atlanta, GA @ The Woodruff Arts Center – Atlanta Symphony Hall
12/6/25 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
12/7/25 – Jacksonville, FL @ Florida Theatre
12/10/25 – Grand Prairie, TX @ Texas Trust CU Theatre *
12/12/25 – Rockford, IL @ Coronado Performing Arts Center
12/13/25 – Waukegan, IL @ Genesse Theatre
12/14/25 – Welch, MN @ Treasure Island Resort & Casino – Island Event Center
12/18/25 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
12/19/25 – French Lick, IN @ French Lick Resort
12/21/25 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
12/22/25 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
12/23/25 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
*Onsale TBA
Josh Dorr Extends Publishing Deal With SMACKSongs
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Carly Sater, Lee Krabel, Josh Dorr, Sam Sarno, Jeremy Groves and Robin Palmer. Photo: Makayla Symmonds
Josh Dorr has extended his global publishing deal with SMACKSongs.
“I’m excited and grateful to be continuing my career at SMACKSongs,” shares Dorr. “I’m lucky to have such a great publishing team and creative community around me. Looking forward to this next chapter with my SMACKSongs family.”
Originally signing with SMACKSongs in 2020, Dorr recently notched his first No. 1 single with Blake Shelton’s “Texas.” He has landed cuts with artists including Jordan Davis, Jon Pardi, Ella Langley, Maddox Batson, Walker Hayes and more. Dorr also co-wrote Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s “Tough,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Spotify U.S. Global Chart and landed in the Top 40 on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Global 200 charts.
Samantha Sarno, Creative Director at SMACK, says, “Josh is an incredible songwriter, and it’s been amazing to see his hard work pay off. We’re so proud to be part of his journey and are grateful to keep building together toward even more success.”
Ryman Inks With Mom+Pop Music, Releases Debut Single
/by Lauryn SinkRyman.
Singer-songwriter Ryman has joined the roster at Mom+Pop Music. In celebration of the signing, his debut single, “Green,” is available now.
“I’m feeling so grateful to be a part of this amazing team and roster at Mom + Pop. They’ve given me the opportunity to be surrounded by artistically like-minded people, as well as expanding my palate to new music,” Ryman says, “It’s giving me a new perspective on the industry and furthering my passion and craft in the process.”
“As Mom+Pop’s inaugural Nashville signing, Ryman embodies what makes Music City unique—storytelling through song,” adds President of M+P Nashville, Katie Fagan, who brought him onto the roster. “He grew up immersed in Nashville’s rich musical heritage, from country legends to its diverse genre-blending scene. We’re thrilled to partner with him and excited for the world to hear the stories he has to share.”
A Nashville native, Ryman has been composing melodies since the age of three. With influences from Jackson Browne and The Beatles to Ryan Beatty and Dominic Fike, the 21-year-old artist combines country, pop and alternative sounds into a genre he calls “Y’alternative.”
When speaking of his new single, Ryman says, “I wrote this song about growing up, and being comfortable with things being different. Change can be scary, but it has always pushed me out of routines that no longer serve me and led me into spaces where I learn more about myself and what I’m capable of. I think that’s probably true of all of us.”
He is slated to hit the road this summer and early fall supporting Ben Kweller and Joshua Slone.
Mark Holman Inks With Big Loud Publishing / Ern’s Cadillac Music
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, front row): Mike Giangreco (VP of A&R, Big Loud Publishing), Mark Holman and Ernest (Founder / CEO, Ern’s Cadillac Music / DeVille Records); (L-R, back row): Seth England (Partner / CEO, Big Loud), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Jeff Tanner (SVP of Business Affairs, Big Loud), Katie Flynn (Big Loud Publishing, Creative Director), Dane Schmidt (Senior Director of A&R, Ern’s Cadillac Music / DeVille Records) and Jordan Marcus (Executive Assistant, Ern’s Cadillac Music / DeVille Records). Photo: Jessie Addleman
Hit songwriter and producer Mark Holman has signed a new publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing and Ern’s Cadillac Music.
With hits by Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Blake Shelton and many more, Holman has spent over a decade investing in Music City’s creative community. The Illinois native recently celebrated a No. 1 hit with Jordan Davis’ “I Ain’ Sayin’,” adding to hits such as Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night,” Wallen’s “Don’t Think Jesus,” Ernest’s “Flower Shops,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Simple” and more.
“Big Loud has believed in me from the jump and I’m thankful to keep growing with them,” shares Holman. “Adding Cadillac to the mix just takes it to another level. I have a ton of respect for Ern — as a writer, as an artist and as a visionary — and I’m looking forward to what we can create.”
“I have enjoyed working with Mark throughout the years. We always have a great time in the room, and he is such a joy to work with,” ERN’s Cadillac Music Founder/CEO Ernest adds. “He has been a weapon in town for a few years, and we have obviously already made a little magic together with ‘Flower Shops.’ I look forward to continuing to grow together as songwriters and producers. I’m thankful he wanted to be a part of the Cadillac crew as much as I wanted him to be.”
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Lauryn SinkThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures Nashville’s ever-evolving music landscape, highlighting new label ventures, publishing signings, executive shakeups and industry honors—all reflecting the momentum of a city that never stands still. Click here to see the full edition.
Ascend Music, a new imprint formed through a partnership between Big Machine Label Group and industry veteran Joel Klaiman, has launched. The label, dedicated to amplifying cross-genre artists, reunites Klaiman with BMLG Chairman Scott Borchetta, a duo whose history includes Taylor Swift’s rise with Fearless and Red.
On the publishing front, Derrick Southerland has signed a global deal with Kobalt, bringing a prolific catalog that includes hits for Ingrid Andress, Mitchell Tenpenny and Kane Brown. Kenny Whitmire has now secured a publishing deal with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Ana Cristina Cash joins BMG under a worldwide agreement encompassing her bilingual catalog, and Seth Alley enters a joint co-publishing partnership with Endurance Music Group and Tyler Hubbard’s HAYLO Music. Rising songwriter and performer Trey Pendley has inked with WME for global booking and Blue Harbor Music for publishing.
Also making waves this week, Nashville agency FlyteVu has been acquired by Driftwood Music Group, marking a significant growth move that includes a 30% staff expansion. Co-founder Laura Hutfless remains CEO while Linda Knight steps in as Chief Creative Officer.
Brown Sellers Brown—home to Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records—has rebranded as Quartz Hill Music Group, with Ash Bowers elevated to EVP. Bowers, whose songwriting and management background spans work with Keith Urban and Dustin Lynch, now leads operations across the company’s labels and management sectors.
In executive partnerships, Dave Kelly and Bekah Digby have teamed up to launch a new digital and streaming consulting co-venture. Elsewhere, Capitol Records Nashville and Lost Highway have bolstered their joint radio team with the addition of Luke Jensen (VP, Promotion) and Megan McCaffrey (Regional Director, Promotion), aiming to strengthen artist development through radio outreach. Neon Coast, the artist management company helmed by Martha Earls, has also expanded its team with the addition of Tyler Corrado and Dawson Simmons.
The Academy of Country Music has revealed winners of its Industry and Studio Recording Awards, which will be celebrated during the 18th annual ACM Honors on Aug. 20. Among the honorees are longtime contributors Ed Warm, Dave Cobb, Brent Mason, and first-time winners such as Drew Bollman and Craig Young.
The CMA Awards nomination process has officially begun. CMA leadership, including CEO Sarah Trahern and SVP Tiffany Kerns, emphasized transparency and participation while rolling out voting updates—most notably, changes to the Song of the Year category, now limited to professionals most involved in song creation during early rounds.
Additional ACM Special Awards recipients were also announced. Eric Church and the late Ben Vaughn will receive the Icon Award, Luke Combs earns the International Award, Jelly Roll receives the Lifting Lives Award, and Randy Travis is honored with the Milestone Award. Others include Rissi Palmer, Cody Johnson, Mac McAnally and more.
In chart news, Luke Bryan claims the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Country Song Came On.” 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.
Riley Green Releases Acoustic EP ‘Midtown Sessions’
/by Lauryn SinkRiley Green released his acoustic EP, Midtown Sessions, today (July 11) via Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
The 5-track EP, produced by Erik Dylan, follows on the heels of Green’s full length record, Don’t Mind If I Do, which was released last October. Green also took on the role of producer on solo-written tracks “Worst Way” and “Jesus Saves,” as well as a stripped-down rendition of Tim McGraw’s “The Cowboy in Me.”
Green is slated to continue on his “Damn Country Music Tour” through November.
Midtown Sessions Track List:
1. “Change My Mind” (Riley Green, Erik Dylan, Randy Montana)
2. “Worst Way” (Riley Green)
3. “Jesus Saves” (Riley Green)
4. “Cowboy In Me” (Al Anderson, Jeffrey Steele, Craig Wiseman)
5. “Bartender In Destin” (Sam Banks, Nick Walsh)
George Strait & Vaqueros Del Mar Slate ‘Strait To The Heart’ Benefit For Flood Victims
/by John Nix ArledgeGeorge Strait and longtime Vaqueros del Mar partner, Tom Cusick, are organizing a special benefit dinner and concert in Boerne, Texas in response to the recent Hill Country flooding. “Strait To The Heart” will take place on July 27 at Estancia at Thunder Valley indoor arena.
“The destruction and loss in our community from the recent flood is hard to wrap your head around,” shares Strait. “Our hearts and prayers are with you all. The goal with this event is to raise meaningful, immediate support that can be put directly into the hands of flood victims without delay, while also honoring the first responders that work tirelessly to save lives. Special thanks to our friends and fellow troubadours—William Beckman, Ray Benson, Wade Bowen, Dean Dillon, Riley Green, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Kyle Park, Hudson Westbrook and members of my Ace in the Hole Band—for joining me on stage to lend their talent and their hearts to this mission.”
Cusick adds, “The road ahead will be a long one, however the immediate need is so great that we didn’t want to wait. Together, we can show our neighbors that when hardship strikes, Texas and our Country stand strong, and we stand together.”
The event will be limited to 1,000 guests with tickets and tables available for purchase beginning at $1,000. Donations will be made to 501c3 Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund and distributed to affected families and established Hill Country funds. Complimentary tickets will be provided to local first-responders.
If you’re interested in purchasing a table or tickets, or making a donation to Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund, please email Vaquerosdm@gmail.com.