Zandi Holup will release her debut album, Wildflower, on August 1 via Big Loud Records.
“Wildflower is my debut album; it is the first seed I’ve sown in a garden of sounds,” shares Holup. “Its lyrics are a tangled web of roots, a cracked mirror revealing parts of who I am beneath the surface: dark, complex, with pain and curiosity lurking in the shadows.”
“I believe this record will help others understand me on a deeper level and, in turn, explore and know parts of themselves,” she continues. “It’s a diverse glimpse into my world, but only the surface of my true self. I’m a curious, odd soul with many dark thoughts, and this album is my way of sharing that. I’m genuinely excited to release this project and deeply thankful to everyone who has listened and supported me along the way. Your support means everything, and I can’t wait for you to experience the beginning of my musical journey.”
Teaming up with producer Ryan Hadlock, Holup spent a month recording at Bear Creek Studios in northwest Washington. Throughout the project’s 11 tracks, Holup combines poetry, confession and storytelling into her songwriting, filling each moment with vulnerable emotion. Holup co-wrote all 11 tracks, and collaborated with songwriters such as Ben Johnson, Mary Kutter, Paul Sikes and more.
Among the 11 tracks are recent releases “Go Find Less,” “Mountain Man,” “Dirty Wings” and “Gas Station Flowers,” as well as “Mary Jane,” released today (June 27) alongside the announcement. The track was co-penned with Daniel Leathersitch.
“’Mary Jane’ isn’t really about Mary Jane,” says Holup. “She’s a symbol, a shadow, a metaphor wearing a familiar name. I wrote this song about someone very special to me…a soul who danced in and out of heroin’s grip for fifteen years. When I met him, he was already on the long road back to recovery. His scars were stories, and his eyes told the truth before his voice even had to. The more he shared, the more my heart opened, and the song began to write itself. Let me be clear: This isn’t a sermon. This isn’t everyone’s story. This is his story through my eyes. And through him, a window for you to look through.”
Wildflower Track List:
1. “All That’s Left Is Me” (Zandi Holup, Autumn Buysse, Mary Kutter)
2. “Dirty Wings” (Zandi Holup, Chris Drizen)
3. “Go Find Less” (Zandi Holup, Brock Butler, Autumn Buysse, Ben Johnson)
4. “Wildflower” (Zandi Holup, Mike Mizwinski)
5. “Gas Station Flowers” (Zandi Holup, Stefanie Joyce, Brian Alexander)
6. “Runs In The Family” (Zandi Holup, Mary Kutter, Chris Sligh)
7. “Doing the Time” (Zandi Holup, Nate Kenyon, Paul Sikes)
8. “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” (Zandi Holup, Willie Breeding, Mary Kutter)
9. “Mountain Man” (Zandi Holup, Daniel Leathersich)
10. “Mary Jane” (Zandi Holup, Daniel Leathersich)
11. “Things I’ll Never Forget” (Zandi Holup, Mike Mizwinski)
Carter Faith Slates Debut Record For October Release
/by Lauryn SinkCarter Faith is slated to release her debut record, Cherry Valley, on Oct. 3 via MCA. She has unveiled the latest track from the LP, “Sex, Drugs and Country Music,” today (June 27).
“Cherry Valley means everything to me,” says Faith. “Every time I have slipped into a dark place (which I have a propensity for), this album has brought me out of it. I know that I wrote the songs but they still carry reminders for me every day when I relisten. Some of the songs have even transformed for me and mean something different now. The world of Cherry Valley has been a safe and freeing place for me and everyone who has worked so hard on this record. I have truly created this album with my best friends, which feels surreal. It feels like it belongs to all of us, because it does.”
The songs on Cherry Valley span Faith’s journey from her North Carolina hometown to Nashville, with all the heartbreak, triumph and hazy nights in between. Carter and longtime producer Tofer Brown spent two years crafting tracks for the album before finally entering the studio in 2024. Named for an imagined place, a road sign Carter once saw that came to signify her creative home, the album is a document of Carter’s time in Nashville, working chronologically through her breakout successes and gut-punching breakups, new loves and family dustups.
Fresh from her Stagecoach debut and runs with Ella Langley and Carly Pearce, Faith will head back out with Little Big Town this summer.
Cherry Valley Track List:
1. “Cherry Valley” (Carter Faith, Ashley Monroe, Andrew Petroff)
2. “Sex, Drugs, and Country Music” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
3. “Arrows (Die For That Man)” (Carter Faith, Steph Jones, Tofer Brown)
4. “Bar Star” (Carter Faith, Aaron Raitere, Tyler Halverson, Tofer Brown)
5. “Betty” (Carter Faith, Shane McAnally, Tofer Brown)
6. “Grudge” (Carter Faith, Steph Jones, Tofer Brown)
7. “Six-String” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
8. “If I Had Never Lost My Mind…” (Carter Faith, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Jen Stegall)
9. “Misery Loves Company” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
10. “Drink Up, Baby” (Carter Faith, Amy Allen, Tofer Brown)
11. “Burn My Memory” (Carter Faith, Jessi Alexander, Brock Berryhill, Jessie Jo Dillon)
12. “Sails” (Carter Faith, Lauren Hungate, Tofer Brown)
13. “So I Sing”(Carter Faith)
14. “Changed” (Carter Faith, Ashley Monroe, Connie Harrington)
15. “Still A Lover” (Carter Faith, Tofer Brown, Steph Jones)
BMI Hosts Inaugural BMI Cookout: Southern Soul Takeover
/by Lauryn Sink803Fresh performs “Boots On The Ground” at the BMI Cookout on the rooftop of BMI’s Nashville headquarters. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
BMI welcomed music industry professionals, community members and fans to the rooftop of its Nashville headquarters for the first-ever BMI Cookout, a new annual event aiming to champion artists during Black Music Month for a Southern Soul takeover. The event featured 803Fresh, Shae Nycole, TA Thomas, Young Guy and DJ Trucker.
Hosted by BMI’s Shannon Sanders, DJ Trucker and guest DJ Magic set the tone for the evening as Thomas warmed up the crowd. Nashville local Nycole followed, bringing her contemporary sound to the stage. Young Guy kept spirits high before headliner 803Fresh made his BMI rooftop debut showcasing his gospel and R&B roots.
Shae Nycole performs at the BMI Cookout in Nashville. Photo: Nathan
Zucker for BMI
Young Guy entertains the crowd at the first ever BMI Cookout in Nashville. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
TA Thomas warms up rooftop of BMI’s Nashville office at the BMI Cookout. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
Attendees of the BMI Cookout line dance on the rooftop of BMI’s Nashville headquarters. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
BMI’s Shannon Sanders poses with 803Fresh at the BMI Cookout: Southern Soul Takeover in Nashville. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
Creed Fisher Signs With Average Joes Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughJoe Barrick, Creed Fisher, Andrew Davis and Forrest Latta
Outlaw singer-songwriter Creed Fisher has signed with Average Joes Entertainment.
His first single with the new label, “Keep Those Wheels Rollin,’” is a raw, road-worn anthem that captures the heavy toll and quiet glory of life on the highway and those long nights, diesel-fueled drives, and the deep pull of love and home.
“‘Keep Those Wheels Rollin’ is a tribute not only to the truckers who make our country great, but to anyone who spends a lot of time out on the highway—like myself,” says Fisher. “From the hot shot drivers to the police officers who keep us safe, they all truly help make America the greatest country in the world. Keep those wheels rollin’, my friend.”
Fisher is a relentless storyteller whose music has already racked up nearly 100 million Spotify streams and close to 60 million YouTube views with his authentic sound. Raised in the rough country of West Texas, Fisher’s path to music was unique. He found his way to music after nearly a decade playing professional football, and brought that same tenacity and fire into his songwriting.
“Creed is the definition of real country music,” says Andrew Davis, SVP, Marketing, Average Joes Entertainment. “Gritty, unapologetic, and rooted in truth. His voice speaks to the heart of working-class America, and we’re honored to help amplify that message.”
“Teaming up with Creed was a no brainer,” Forrest Latta, President, Average Joes Entertainment, adds. “His brand aligns perfectly with our vision, and I can’t wait for fans to hear what’s coming.”
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with headlines that showcase the momentum and dynamism of Nashville’s music industry, highlighting key executive appointments, exciting new entertainment ventures, and major milestones for rising stars and established icons alike. Click here to see the full edition.
Lost Highway is expanding its Nashville-based leadership team with two strategic hires. Casey Thomas has been named Vice President of Marketing, while Vincent Masino has stepped into the newly created role of Manager, Audience Development and Content Strategy.
Dolly Parton will headline a limited engagement at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, performing six shows from December 4- 13 during the National Finals Rodeo.
TKO Artist Management has promoted Eric Gundrum to Manager, and Jordan Bernal has stepped into the role of Management Coordinator. The company also welcomes Ella Bare as Executive Assistant to the President.
CBS is venturing into the world of music competition with The Road, a new reality series premiering this fall. Designed as a docu-follow, the show tracks 12 emerging musicians as they compete for a coveted spot opening for Keith Urban on tour. Joining Urban as executive producers are Blake Shelton and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, while Gretchen Wilson will serve as the artists’ “Tour Manager.”
Painted Horse Pictures, a division of Range Media Partners in Nashville, has begun production on its debut feature, Cowboy. The contemporary western rodeo drama is being directed by Midland’s Cameron Duddy, marking his first feature film as a director.
Big Loud artist Lauren Watkins made a dream come true on June 20 with her Grand Ole Opry debut. The Nashville native delivered heartfelt performances of her debut single “Shirley Temple” and her latest release “I’ll Get Through It,” receiving a warm and thunderous welcome from a crowd filled with friends and family.
There was also a wave of new signings this week. Owen Riegling has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville. Sony Music Publishing Nashville added two new writers to its roster: Briana Calhoun, in partnership with Kix Brooks, and Jay Webb.
Brendan Walter has inked a record deal with RECORDS Nashville and Sony Music Nashville, while Adam Sanders joined the Liz Rose Music family. Drew Trosclair also landed a new publishing deal with Electric Feel Entertainment. Curb Records artist Hannah Ellis has officially signed with the Kinkead Entertainment Agency for representation.
This week also features an insightful conversation with Spotify’s Tim Foisset.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Nate Smith sits in the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive week with “Fix What You Didn’t Break.” 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.
WAMCon Nashville Immersive Recording Arts Conference Set For Aug. 2
/by Lorie HollabaughWAMCon Nashville, a recording arts conference hosted by Women’s Audio Mission, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing women and gender-expansive individuals in production and the recording arts, will take place at Gold Pacific Studios on Aug. 2.
Presented with Bonnaroo Works Fund and EqualizeHer, WAMCon Nashville will feature panels, mentorship, networking opportunities, giveaways and interactive workshops led by award-winning producers, engineers and artists. Tickets and more information can be found here.
Featured WAMConspeakers and mentors include:
– Cam – Grammy-winning artist and songwriter
– Joy Oladokun – Singer-songwriter
– Alex Hope – Australian producer and songwriter based in Nashville (Troye Sivan, Selena Gomez)
– Gena Johnson – 2X Grammy-winning producer/engineer (Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Lady Gaga)
– Leslie Richter – Recording engineer/producer (Sheryl Crow, Ben Folds, Wynonna Judd)
– Rachael Moore – Producer, mixer, and engineer (Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan)
– Piper Payne – Mastering Engineer (Dolly Parton, Janis Ian)
Now in its 14th year, WAMCon has hosted sold-out events in Los Angeles, New York, Nashville, Boston and online. Each conference offers exclusive access to top-tier music professionals, providing a rare opportunity for participants to learn, connect, and grow in an industry where women and gender-expansive individuals make up less than 5 percent of the workforce.
Zandi Holup To Release Debut Album ‘Wildflower’ In August
/by Madison HahnenZandi Holup will release her debut album, Wildflower, on August 1 via Big Loud Records.
“Wildflower is my debut album; it is the first seed I’ve sown in a garden of sounds,” shares Holup. “Its lyrics are a tangled web of roots, a cracked mirror revealing parts of who I am beneath the surface: dark, complex, with pain and curiosity lurking in the shadows.”
“I believe this record will help others understand me on a deeper level and, in turn, explore and know parts of themselves,” she continues. “It’s a diverse glimpse into my world, but only the surface of my true self. I’m a curious, odd soul with many dark thoughts, and this album is my way of sharing that. I’m genuinely excited to release this project and deeply thankful to everyone who has listened and supported me along the way. Your support means everything, and I can’t wait for you to experience the beginning of my musical journey.”
Teaming up with producer Ryan Hadlock, Holup spent a month recording at Bear Creek Studios in northwest Washington. Throughout the project’s 11 tracks, Holup combines poetry, confession and storytelling into her songwriting, filling each moment with vulnerable emotion. Holup co-wrote all 11 tracks, and collaborated with songwriters such as Ben Johnson, Mary Kutter, Paul Sikes and more.
Among the 11 tracks are recent releases “Go Find Less,” “Mountain Man,” “Dirty Wings” and “Gas Station Flowers,” as well as “Mary Jane,” released today (June 27) alongside the announcement. The track was co-penned with Daniel Leathersitch.
“’Mary Jane’ isn’t really about Mary Jane,” says Holup. “She’s a symbol, a shadow, a metaphor wearing a familiar name. I wrote this song about someone very special to me…a soul who danced in and out of heroin’s grip for fifteen years. When I met him, he was already on the long road back to recovery. His scars were stories, and his eyes told the truth before his voice even had to. The more he shared, the more my heart opened, and the song began to write itself. Let me be clear: This isn’t a sermon. This isn’t everyone’s story. This is his story through my eyes. And through him, a window for you to look through.”
Wildflower Track List:
1. “All That’s Left Is Me” (Zandi Holup, Autumn Buysse, Mary Kutter)
2. “Dirty Wings” (Zandi Holup, Chris Drizen)
3. “Go Find Less” (Zandi Holup, Brock Butler, Autumn Buysse, Ben Johnson)
4. “Wildflower” (Zandi Holup, Mike Mizwinski)
5. “Gas Station Flowers” (Zandi Holup, Stefanie Joyce, Brian Alexander)
6. “Runs In The Family” (Zandi Holup, Mary Kutter, Chris Sligh)
7. “Doing the Time” (Zandi Holup, Nate Kenyon, Paul Sikes)
8. “Cowgirls Don’t Cry” (Zandi Holup, Willie Breeding, Mary Kutter)
9. “Mountain Man” (Zandi Holup, Daniel Leathersich)
10. “Mary Jane” (Zandi Holup, Daniel Leathersich)
11. “Things I’ll Never Forget” (Zandi Holup, Mike Mizwinski)
Gavin Adcock Slates New Album ‘Own Worst Enemy’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughGavin Adcock will release his brand new album, Own Worst Enemy, on August 15 via Thrivin Here Records/Warner Music Nashville. A new single from the upcoming project, “Last One To Know,” penned by Adcock, Jack Rauton, Erik Dylan and Luke Laird, is out today (June 27).
Among the 24 songs appearing on Own Worst Enemy are “Loose Strings,” “Need To,” “Unlucky Strikes,” “Never Call Again,” “On One,” “Almost Gone” (feat. Vincent Mason), and “Morning Bail,” and the full track list for the project will be revealed at a later date.
The new album lands just over a year after Adcock’s album Actin’ Up Again released worldwide and was subsequently crowned the largest major-label country debut from a solo male artist released in 2024, with more than 15 million on-demand U.S. streams the week of release. Collectively, Adcock’s releases have pushed the rebel-rouser over the Billion global streams mark, and he recently received a surprise on stage during CMA Music Fest with four RIAA certification plaques for “A Cigarette” (Platinum), “Run Your Mouth” (Gold), “Deep End” (Gold), and “Four Leaf Clover” (Gold), marking a major milestone in his breakout career.
Adcock is currently on his “Need To Tour” which kicked off in May, and will join Morgan Wallen for select dates on the “I’m The Problem Tour” this summer.
Nate Smith Notches Second Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeNate Smith claims the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart again this week with his song, “Fix What You Didn’t Break.”
The song appears on Smith’s second studio album California Gold, and was written by Smith, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips and Lindsay Rimes.
With a busy July of festivals and fairs ahead, Smith will keep up the momentum as direct support on Jason Aldean’s 2025 “Full Throttle Tour.”
“Fix What You Didn’t Break” currently sits at No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Trey Pendley Inks With Leo33 & Make Wake Artists
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Meg Goggins (Leo33), Dusty Cantrell (Leo33), Katie Dean (Leo33), Trey Pendley, Natalie Osborne (Leo33), Joseph Manzo (Leo33) and Chris Fabiani (Leo33). Photo: Nicole Murphy
Trey Pendley has joined Leo33’s artist roster and inked a management deal with Make Wake Artists. His first track with the label, “Drunk as Any Rich Man” is out now.
Hailing from Toad Suck, Arkansas, Pendley’s songwriting is shaped by his lived experience, from fatherhood, healing, and the generational stories that echo through rural America. He is currently working on his debut project.
“It’s wild to think that songs I wrote in the quiet corners of my life are now connecting with teams who truly believe in what I’m trying to say,” shares Pendley. “With Leo33 and Make Wake, I’ve found a circle of people who value honesty, depth, and the long game. I feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
“Trey’s voice, both literal and lyrical, is undeniable,” adds Katie Dean, Label Head of Leo33. “The first time we heard him, we knew we were witnessing something rare—an artist who doesn’t just write songs, but offers stories that stick with you. We’re thrilled to welcome Trey to the Leo33 family and can’t wait to support him as he continues to build something meaningful and lasting.”
“From the moment I heard Trey Pendley sing, I knew he had something special. He brings so much heart, honesty, authenticity and grit to everything he does—and he’s just getting started,” shares Shelby Marvel at Make Wake. “I’m so proud to officially welcome him to the Make Wake family and truly honored to be part of his journey.”
Make Wake’s Shelby Marvel and Trey Pendley
Blake Whiten Inks With Enchntmnt/Warner Records
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Enchntmnt’s Alix Negrin, Reid Daroff and Benny “Brisk” Negrin; Blake Whiten; Warner Record’s Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tom Corson and Kelly Bolton.
Blake Whiten has signed with Enchntmnt/Warner Records.
“I’m just a small town boy from Six Mile who picked up a guitar and started writing my own story,” says Whiten. “Now I’m a part of the amazing Warner Records family and one step closer to playing the music I love on the biggest stages. This is just the beginning, let’s make some noise!”
Hailing from a less than 800 population town in South Carolina, Whiten grew up learning how to play guitar from his dad. He first went viral with his cover of Morgan Wallen’s “I Guess,” amassing 9 million views and 40,000 creates. Building off his loyal fan base from posting covers, he released his first two independent singles “Rollin’ Stone” and “Breakin’ My Heart,” currently averaging 800,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. He also co-wrote Bailey Zimmerman’s “Holding On.”
Earlier this year, he released his debut EP Six Mile as well as his single “Carolina.” Whiten played at CMA Fest earlier this month and has also been opening for Waylon Wyatt across the country. Whiten is slated to play Country Jam Colorado, VOA Country Festival, Ridin’ Hearts Festival and more throughout the rest of the year.
“Blake Whiten is a prime example of the type of artist we pride ourselves on signing at Warner Records,” shares Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records. “He possesses raw talent, distinct vocals, real musicianship and an impeccable knack for storytelling. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him to the Warner family and look forward to working closely with Enchntmnt to set Blake up for a long-lasting career.”
“Blake Whiten is the kind of artist who reminds you why you get into this business in the first place,” adds Enchntmnt team Reid Daroff, Benny “Brisk” Negrin and Alix Negrin. “We’re proud to stand beside him and partner with Warner Records, a team that shares our vision and belief in true artist development. This isn’t just about music, it’s about legacy, and we’re just getting started”
Alongside the signing, Whiten released his major label debut, “Made for Goodbyes.”