ASCAP Takes Over 6th & Peabody For CMA Fest Showcase
Jennifer Hart. Photo: Erik Philbrook/ASCAP
ASCAP took over 6th & Peabody on Friday (June 6) to showcase its rising artists during CMA Fest and underscore ASCAP’s ongoing efforts to champion music creators at every stage of their careers. The lineup featured Remy Garrison, Jordan Fletcher, Beck & Call, Jennifer Hart, Maddie Lenhart, Mara Connor, Josh David and Blackwater Draw.
WME Wraps CMA Fest Events
Dasha with WME Agents at the Chevy Riverfront Stage. Photo: Jon Plarr
WME wrapped its CMA Fest events with over 240 performances from 119 WME clients throughout the week.
WME kicked off the week with its annual Losers Live concert series at Losers Bar & Grill in Midtown. Spanning three nights, the event featured a dynamic mix of artists, including Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Easton Corbin, Priscilla Block, Craig Morgan, Matt Stell, Payton Smith, Meghan Patrick and more. On June 4, WME Partners Becky Gardenhire, Aaron Tannenbaum, Jay Williams and Joey Lee were recognized at Billboard’s 2025 Country Power Players event. WME client Ashley McBryde served as co-host of the CMA Fest primetime TV special, taped at Nissan Stadium throughout the week. Across downtown, Lanie Gardner, Ashley Cooke, Mark Wills and so many more lit up official CMA Fest Stages.
Wasserman Music Hosts First Annual CMA Fest Party
Wasserman Music Staff. Photo: Kurt Heinecke
Wassmerman Music hosted its first annual CMA Fest party this year. The organization saw 20 of its artists showcased throughout the weekend, including Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out at Ascend Amphitheater featuring Noah Cyrus, The War and Treaty, and Madeline Edwards, Blake Shelton headlining Saturday at Nissan Stadium, plus additional showcases by Max McNown, Sam Barber, Margo Price, Abbey Cone, Cameron Whitcomb, Waylon Wyatt and more.
Joe Nichols Celebrates Platinum Certifications At Fan Club Party
Pictured (Left Photo): Joe Nichols Day-to-Day Manager Mike Nash; Joe’s daughter Ashelyn Nichols-Stewart; Joe Nichols; RIAA SVP of Media Relations, Gold + Platinum Program Erin Burr; Brown Sellers Brown’s Director of Artist Relations Kendra Whitehead / Pictured (Right Photo): Joe Nichols, Brown Sellers Brown Founder Benny Brown
Joes Nichols recently celebrated his four RIAA-Platinum Certifications for his singles “Sunny and 75,” “Yeah,” “Brokenheartsville” and “Gimmie That Girl.” Additionally, he received a double-Platinum certification for “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.”
Nichols gave away an official Platinum plaque to one member of the audience and one to his long-time label head, Benny Brown.
“I’m grateful to the RIAA for this honor, and to everyone I’ve worked with over the years but, sales and streams are really about my fans and how they’ve reacted to the music,” says Nichols. “That support honestly means the world to me and is what inspires me every day. So, being presented with these plaques at my fan party made it extra special, and I love that we organized an extra plaque for me to give away to one of the fans in a lucky draw. Tonight, I’m feeling pretty darn lucky myself, too.”
Clay Walker’s ‘She Won’t Be Lonely Long’ Receives Double-Platinum Certification
Clay Walker’s 2009 single, “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” has been certified double-Platinum by the RIAA, with over two million sales and streaming equivalents.
Walker recently released “Cowboys In Heaven” and has more new music to be announced soon. The Texas native recently appeared on the Drifting Cowboy Podcast, discussing his career and influences like George Jones and Merle Haggard as well as his upcoming role as Randy Travis in his feature biopic.
CMHOFM Hosts CMT Next Women Of Country Showcase
Pictured (L-R): Lanie Gardner, Kat Luna, Alexandra Kay, Dasha and Mōriah. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a showcase on Friday (June 6) featuring Dasha, Lanie Gardner, Alexandra Kay, Kat Luna and Mōriah. The showcase featured artists involved in CMT’s Next Women of Country franchise, which launched in 2013 and highlights up-and-coming country artists.
Dasha recently released her single “Not at This Party” in early 2025. Last year, Gardner released her self-written debut album, A Songwriter’s Diary, and is featured on Thomas Rhett’s recent single, “What Could Go Right.” Kay released her debut album, All I’ve Ever Known, in 2023, and plans to release a follow-up record in 2025. Luna released her first solo EP, That Girl, earlier this year. Mexican-American musician and actress Mōriah wrote and produced her 2022 EP, Curtain Call, and in 2024 released English and Spanish versions of her single, “Hasta Mañana.”
Turnpike Troubadours Appears On CBS Mornings
Turnpike Troubadours appeared this past weekend on CBS Mornings’ “Saturday Sessions” in support of their widely acclaimed new album, The Price of Admission. The band delivered a powerful three-song performance, featuring album standouts “Heaven Passing Through,” “Nothing You Can Do” and “On The Red River.” In conversation with Anthony Mason, lead singer Evan Felker also spoke about the band’s origins, their creative process and the passion that continues to drive them.
Watch the full interview here.
SOLID Hosts Annual Music Row Madness Fundraiser
SOLID’s Community Outreach Chairs Layne Faltinsky and Leigh Ferro. Photo: Morgan Jergens
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) held its competitive fundraising event, Music Row Madness, at Eastside Bowl on May 17 benefitting its 2025 SOLID Shares partners. This year, teams from FBMM, CAA, Maverick, Curb, Reliant, UTA and Found Sound Media bowled to support nonprofits Thistle Farms, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, Hope On The Row and Equal Access, raising nearly $9,000.
“It’s truly a privilege to raise significant contributions each year for such deserving causes, all while cultivating community and having a blast doing it,” says SOLID President, Zach Green. “Our accomplished, driven board of directors continues to up the ante on our programming, and I applaud all of the participants and our hard working volunteers who made this fundraiser a success.”
After an evening of bowling and fundraising, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) took the top spot on the podium.
Women Of Country Hosts Inaugural CMA Fest Networking Breakfast
Pictured (L-R): Equal Access (EA)’s Tiffany Provenzano, EA artist Valerie Ponzio, The Women Of Country Founder Nicole Marchesi, EA’s Chantrel Reynolds, EA artist Julie Williams. Photo: John Joseph.
The Women of Country hosted its inaugural CMA Fest Women’s Networking Breakfast on June 7. The event was created as an opportunity for their large community of female artists and industry members to connect and refresh during their busy CMA Fest weekend. Presented by Studio Bank and Memoir Residential, the event had approximately 150 attendees.
Partnering with ASCAP, Equal Access and Lucky Money Entertainment, the event included performances from Jillian Dawn, Camille Parker, Jenna Paulette, Valerie Ponzio, Jenna Feeney and Julie Williams.
The Women of Country looks to make the event an annual tradition.
Caroline Owens Inks With Main Attraction Management
Caroline Owens.
Caroline Owens has signed an exclusive booking contract with Main Attraction Management.
The Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Publishing artist is set to release her debut project later this year.
“We are honored to represent such a shining talent,” shares Laura Mainer of Main Attraction Management. “Caroline’s authenticity and presence light up every room she walks into. She brings a rare emotional honesty to her performances that stays with you long after the last note. We can’t wait to help bring her music to audiences across the country during the 2026 touring season.”
Bandit Lites Adds Three To Team
Pictured (L-R): Zach Bell, Lane Gill, Shane Mullet
Bandit Lites has added three people to its teams including Zack Bell as Production Fabrication Coordinator, Lane Gill as Production Fabrication Technician and Shane Mullet as Lighting Technician. Bell and Gill join the Nashville team, while Mullet will join the headquarters in Knoxville.
“Shane brings several years of experience and an industry-specific education to the table,” says Client Representative/Production Manager Giff Swart. “In addition to being a lighting tech through his college education, he has toured and worked events as a freelance technician. He has a positive attitude and friendly demeanor. These are all very important traits for the types of events we produce.”
“Zach and Lane are the definition of work ethic,” adds Jake Tickle, Bandit Lites VP of Business and Innovation. “I consistently challenge them to invent better ways to store, transport and repair and they always rise to the challenge. These gentlemen are a remarkable team and bring energy to everything they touch.”
RockForce Expands With New Nashville Office, Taps Jeremy Young To Lead
/by Lauryn SinkJeremy Young.
RockForce is expanding its operations with a new Nashville office. Executive Vice President of Business Development Jeremy Young will lead the new location. The company supports a wide range of live experiences, including concerts, festivals, major sporting events, award shows, live broadcasts and corporate activations through skilled union and non-union labor sourcing, event and production management, rigging expertise, payroll and integrated technology tools.
“As we continue to grow our national footprint, having a dedicated team in Nashville enhances our ability to serve clients with speed, flexibility, and deep market knowledge,” says Bob McClintock, CEO of RockForce. “Jeremy’s leadership, along with our expanded local presence, positions us to build even stronger partnerships across the live entertainment community.”
Young brings a diverse background spanning artist management, full-scale touring, production oversight, and commercial leadership. He began his career at SFX/Clear Channel Entertainment and later toured with artists including Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw and All-American Rejects. He went on to manage DeGraw’s career through Vector Management/Live Nation, later leading national sales for CAPS/Cast & Crew before recently joining RockForce.
“RockForce is experiencing meaningful and sustainable growth, and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” adds Young. “I’ve seen firsthand how essential great crews and smart planning are to every successful show. The RockForce team shares that same commitment to excellence, and I’m excited to help drive our next chapter.”
Tyler Childers Fan-Favorite ‘Nose On The Grindstone’ Out Today From Upcoming LP ‘Snipe Hunter’
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Childers will release his new album, Snipe Hunter, July 25 via Hickman Holler Records/RCA Records.
The 13-track collection showcases the signature artistry Childers has cultivated throughout his career, while continuing to push his own creative boundaries. Longtime fans will rejoice at the inclusion of fan-favorite, “Nose on the Grindstone,” which is officially out now for the first time after years of being played on the road. The project was produced by Rick Rubin with additional production from Childers and Sylvan Esso’s Nick Sanborn.
Childers and his band The Food Stamps, James Barker (guitar, pedal steel), Craig Burletic (bass), CJ Cain (guitars), Kory Caudill (keyboards), Rodney Elkins (drums), Matt Rowland (keyboards) and Jesse Wells (guitar, fiddle) will tour through the fall on his extensive “Tyler Childers On The Road Tour,” which includes upcoming stops at New York’s Forest Hills Stadium (two nights), Nashville’s GEODIS Park (two nights) and London’s O2 Arena, among many others.
Snipe Hunter follows five acclaimed albums Childers has released to date including his 2017 Platinum debut, Purgatory, 2019’s No. 1 Country Squire and 2023’s Rustin’ In The Rain, which debuted at No. 10 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. The record features seven tracks including the two-time Grammy, VMA and ACM-nominated single, “In Your Love,” which, since its release, has garnered over 13.7 million video views and 215 million on-demand streams.
NMPA Honors Kacey Musgraves & Rhett Akins At Annual Meeting
/by Lauryn SinkKacey Musgraves.
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) held its annual meeting on Wednesday (June 11) in New York City. The event honored Kacey Musgraves with this year’s Songwriter Icon Award and Rhett Akins with the Non-Performing Songwriter Icon Award.
In a tribute to Musgraves, Leon Bridges performed “Lonely Millionaire.” Musgraves performed a stirring rendition of “The Architect.”
Rhett Akins
“Thank you to David [Israelite] and the NMPA for continuing to hold the line and expand the pie for songwriters of this generation and the next. I am proud to be an ally to songwriters and the NMPA in this fight,” Musgraves said.
Akins’ son, Grammy-nominated artist Thomas Rhett, honored his father with a medley of songs including “That Ain’t My Truck” and “What’s Your Country Song.”
“David, I thank you and the NMPA for all that you do to help songwriters,” Akins said.
The event also featured the Billboard Songwriter Awards which crowned Gracie Abrams as Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year and Aaron Dessner the Triple Threat Award winner. After accepting their awards, the duo performed together on one of their many collaborations, “I Love You, I’m Sorry.”
Rhett Akins, David Israelite.
Global Head of Apple Music Oliver Schusser sat down for a keynote with NMPA President & CEO David Israelite and shed light on Apple Music’s posture within the industry saying, “The team on a day-to-day basis makes sure that songwriters are properly represented on the service. For us it’s all about the music and the creator.”
To end the evening, NMPA EVP and General Counsel Danielle Aguirre and Israelite gave the annual State Of The Industry Address.
Aguirre detailed the legal initiatives driving NMPA’s enforcement efforts, including sending six cease and desist letters this week to B2B vendors who NMPA says engaged in copyright infringement. According to the organization, these companies provide general licensing clients such as bars, casinos and restaurants with interactive music services without obtaining proper licenses and the growing problem demands action.
Israelite discussed the latest industry growth numbers including total revenue for 2024: $7,039,926,906, which is a 13.41% increase year over year. The thesis of the presentation was the need for songwriters and artists to stand together when negotiating where possible, critically with social media platforms who consistently underpay songwriters.
Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins.
Thomas Rhett.
Make Wake Artists Adds New Digital Strategy Department
/by Lorie HollabaughJess Keifer and Kyle Jonas. Photos: Mackenzie Ryan
Make Wake Artists has launched an in-house digital strategy department spearheaded by Jess Keifer as Head of Digital Marketing & Social Strategy and Kyle Jonas as Artist Strategy & Management Coordinator.
Keifer brings over a decade of experience to Make Wake and prior to joining the company served as Senior Director of Fan Engagement & Digital Marketing at Sony Music Nashville, overseeing digital partnerships & campaigns. She also previously served as Digital & eCommerce Manager at Big Machine Label Group. At Make Wake, she now oversees digital strategy across the company’s growing roster, leading campaigns that amplify artist storytelling, drive growth and engage fans across platforms.
“I’m so grateful to [Chris] Kappy and Sophia [Sansone] for their belief in me over the years, and now for trusting me with the opportunity to lead and build this new department on the management side,” says Keifer. “What we’re creating at Make Wake Artists is truly something special. I’m beyond excited to take this next step and work alongside their incredible roster & team as we continue to build for the future.”
Jonas brings over three years of experience in strategy and creative direction to his new position at Make Wake. Known for his work in brand development and crafting compelling narratives that resonate with fans, Jonas will help lead artist strategy at Make Wake and serve as a management coordinator supporting the overall vision for the roster.
“We’ve been patient in building this department because we knew we needed the right people,” says Sansone, Managing Partner at Make Wake. “Jess and Kyle understand both our artists and our culture and they were total no-brainers to bring on. This is the team we’ve been waiting for, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”
The new digital team will oversee marketing initiatives, campaign rollouts, short-form content creation, digital/creator partnerships, fan engagement and performance tracking across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and more.
BREAKING: Grammy Awards Add Best Traditional Country Album, Reveals 2026 Key Dates & Changes
/by Madison HahnenLainey Wilson poses with her Grammy. Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The 68th annual Grammy Awards will take place Feb. 1, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, streaming live on CBS and on demand on Paramount+. Nominations for the 2026 ceremony will be revealed on Nov. 7, 2025, with final round voting taking place Dec. 12- Jan. 5.
The Grammy Awards have also added Best Traditional Country Album to its 2026 awards ballot, the only new music category being added for the 68th annual awards (Best Album Cover, which is awarded to Art Directors, was also added). The existing Best Country Album category will now be named Best Contemporary Country Album.
Best Traditional Country Album will join Field 5, which currently has 13 categories. Four of those categories recognize country, while the others celebrate American roots, Americana, bluegrass, blues, folk and regional roots music. The goal for the newly added Best Traditional Country Album is to recognize artists such as Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell, Colter Wall and Noeline Hoffman, who fall outside the realm of mainstream country. Each of these artists have been previously nominated in Americana and American roots categories.
For a new category to be considered for the awards, proposals are sent to the Recording Academy’s Awards & Nominations committee, and then voted on by the Board of Trustees.
“Country music has evolved in a major way over the past decade, with traditional country experiencing a massive resurgence, growing in popularity and volume,” says Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr. “Traditional country has a timeless, distinct sound that’s inspired generations of musicians throughout the years. It’s an important part of the country music story and deserves to be celebrated and recognized with intention. This action by our members now opens the door for us to celebrate more artists and a wider range of music. By adding this new category and renaming the Country Album Category, we’re creating more space for all the diverse artists who are shaping the future of country music.”
Part of the description for the new category was provided to Billboard below:
“This category recognizes excellence in albums of traditional country music, both vocal and instrumental. Traditional country includes country recordings that adhere to the more traditional sound structures of the country genre, including rhythm and singing style, lyrical content, as well as traditional country instrumentation such as acoustic guitar, steel guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, piano, electric guitar, and live drums. It also includes sub-genres such as Western, Western Swing, and Outlaw country.”
In addition to Best Traditional Country Album, the Recording Academy has also made several changes to its process, in effect for the 68th Annual Awards. The full Grammy Rule Book can be found here.
“The Academy’s top priority is to represent the music people that we serve each year,” says Mason Jr. “That entails listening carefully to our members to make sure our rules and guidelines reflect today’s music and allow us to accurately recognize as many deserving creators as possible. As we kick off another exciting Grammy Season, we look forward to celebrating the amazing power of music and its ability to bring so many people together.”
Grammy Award Field & Category Updates:
General Field
Eligibility for Best New Artist has been expanded to include artists who have been previously nominated in Album Of The Year, but whose contributions fell below the current 20 percent playing time threshold. This update allows acts who were credited as featured artists on projects that were Grammy nominated for Album Of The Year in a previous awards cycle to be eligible for Best New Artist consideration.
Country Field
The existing Best Country Album Category has been renamed Best Contemporary Country Album, and a new Category, Best Traditional Country Album, has been added.
Classical Field
In Classical Categories, composers and lyricists/librettists are now eligible for Grammy recognition alongside all other key creative personnel including artists, producers and engineers on winning albums.
Packaging Field
The existing Best Recording Package and Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package Categories have been combined into one single Category: Best Recording Package. A new Category, Best Album Cover, has also been added.
The physical product eligibility requirement for Best Recording Package, Best Album Notes and Best Historical Album has also been expanded to be more representative of today’s marketplace. This change ensures that physical album packages sold directly to fans through an artist’s or label’s website are eligible for Grammy consideration.
Additionally, the Craft Committee serving in this field is transitioning from a regional to a national model.
Key dates for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards season:
Aug. 31, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2025
Product Eligibility Period
July 7, 2025 – Aug. 22, 2025
Media Company Registration Period
July 16, 2025 – Aug. 29, 2025
Online Entry Period
Oct. 3, 2025 – Oct. 15, 2025
First Round Voting
Nov. 7, 2025
Nominees Announced for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards
Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026
Final Round Voting
Feb. 1, 2026
68th Annual Grammy Awards, broadcasting live on the CBS Television Network and streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.
Nashville Podcast Network Adds ‘The TouchUp With Tarryn Feldman & Mari Brown’
/by Lauryn SinkThe Nashville Podcast Network has added The TouchUp with Tarryn Feldman & Mari Brown to its lineup.
The beauty-meets-humor podcast, featuring celebrity makeup and hair artists Feldman and Brown, who are best known for their work with top names in country music, TV, and pop culture, launches today (June 11) with new episodes dropping every Wednesday everywhere podcasts are heard.
The launch episode features Caroline Bryan, wife of Luke Bryan, Brittney Kelley, owner of Tribe Kelley and wife of country artist Brian Kelley, and Danielle Bradbery.
“I’ve always wanted this network to spotlight voices that represent the creative and personal heartbeat of Nashville,” says Bobby Bones, founder of the Nashville Podcast Network. “Tarryn and Mari have great chemistry, industry experience, and a real way of connecting with people—not just in the beauty chair, but now through the mic. This show’s a perfect fit for what we’re building.”
“This podcast coming to life on Bobby’s network feels like the perfect next chapter,” says Feldman. “Mari and I have spent years getting people ready for the spotlight. Now, we’re flipping the script and sharing the behind-the-scenes—the glam, the giggles, the grind, the good stuff.”
The Nashville Podcast Network is also home to The BobbyCast, Feeling Things With Amy & Kat, In The Vet’s Office with Dr. Josie Horchak, Sore Losers, Get Real with Caroline Hobby and Movie Mike’s Movie Podcast with Mike Deestro.
BMI Foundation Presents the Dolly Parton Songwriters Award to Audrey Ketter
/by Lauryn SinkBMI Foundation Trustee and BMI Vice President, Creative, Clay Bradley and 2025 Dolly Parton Songwriters Award Recipient Audrey Ketter. photo: Erika Goldring for BMI
The BMI Foundation presented Flagstaff-based singer-songwriter Audrey Ketter with this year’s Dolly Parton Songwriters Award at the CMA Fest Ryman & BMI Block Party in Nashville on June 5th.
Established in 2015, the Dolly Parton Songwriters Award is an annual, national competition open to aspiring songwriters with a monetary prize of $10,000 for the best original song entry in the genres of Americana, blues, bluegrass, contemporary Christian, country, folk and roots. Ketter’s winning song “Golden Road” was selected from over 400 submissions by a panel of music industry experts.
“I’m so honored to be receiving the 2025 Dolly Parton Songwriters Award for my song ‘Golden Road,’” said Ketter. “I wrote ‘Golden Road’ about relationships that last throughout time, which I was able to watch in my grandparents’ and my parents’ lives, and I really hope that it resonates with you too. I want to say a huge thank you to BMI, the BMI Foundation and of course, Dolly Parton, for this huge opportunity.”
Surprising Ketter with her salutations, Parton said, “Congratulations to Audrey on being celebrated for her songwriting. Her song ‘Golden Road’ is a beautiful song that will touch many people, like it has me. Songwriting has always been my first love, and I have been with BMI since I published my first song as a very young girl. They have always been so supportive of me as well as all the young writers that come to town. I want to thank BMI for their support of the songwriters’ award named in my honor. We all wish you the very best Audrey and we look forward to hearing your songs throughout the years.”
Ketter wrote her first song at age five, and at eighteen is now releasing her debut album Close to Home. After graduating from high school, Ketter plans to pursue a degree in Commercial Music at Grand Canyon University.
Industry Ink: ASCAP, WME, Wasserman Music, Joe Nichols, Clay Walker, CMHOFM, More
/by Lauryn SinkASCAP Takes Over 6th & Peabody For CMA Fest Showcase
Jennifer Hart. Photo: Erik Philbrook/ASCAP
ASCAP took over 6th & Peabody on Friday (June 6) to showcase its rising artists during CMA Fest and underscore ASCAP’s ongoing efforts to champion music creators at every stage of their careers. The lineup featured Remy Garrison, Jordan Fletcher, Beck & Call, Jennifer Hart, Maddie Lenhart, Mara Connor, Josh David and Blackwater Draw.
WME Wraps CMA Fest Events
Dasha with WME Agents at the Chevy Riverfront Stage. Photo: Jon Plarr
WME wrapped its CMA Fest events with over 240 performances from 119 WME clients throughout the week.
WME kicked off the week with its annual Losers Live concert series at Losers Bar & Grill in Midtown. Spanning three nights, the event featured a dynamic mix of artists, including Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Easton Corbin, Priscilla Block, Craig Morgan, Matt Stell, Payton Smith, Meghan Patrick and more. On June 4, WME Partners Becky Gardenhire, Aaron Tannenbaum, Jay Williams and Joey Lee were recognized at Billboard’s 2025 Country Power Players event. WME client Ashley McBryde served as co-host of the CMA Fest primetime TV special, taped at Nissan Stadium throughout the week. Across downtown, Lanie Gardner, Ashley Cooke, Mark Wills and so many more lit up official CMA Fest Stages.
Wasserman Music Hosts First Annual CMA Fest Party
Wasserman Music Staff. Photo: Kurt Heinecke
Wassmerman Music hosted its first annual CMA Fest party this year. The organization saw 20 of its artists showcased throughout the weekend, including Wynonna Judd’s Girls Night Out at Ascend Amphitheater featuring Noah Cyrus, The War and Treaty, and Madeline Edwards, Blake Shelton headlining Saturday at Nissan Stadium, plus additional showcases by Max McNown, Sam Barber, Margo Price, Abbey Cone, Cameron Whitcomb, Waylon Wyatt and more.
Joe Nichols Celebrates Platinum Certifications At Fan Club Party
Pictured (Left Photo): Joe Nichols Day-to-Day Manager Mike Nash; Joe’s daughter Ashelyn Nichols-Stewart; Joe Nichols; RIAA SVP of Media Relations, Gold + Platinum Program Erin Burr; Brown Sellers Brown’s Director of Artist Relations Kendra Whitehead / Pictured (Right Photo): Joe Nichols, Brown Sellers Brown Founder Benny Brown
Joes Nichols recently celebrated his four RIAA-Platinum Certifications for his singles “Sunny and 75,” “Yeah,” “Brokenheartsville” and “Gimmie That Girl.” Additionally, he received a double-Platinum certification for “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off.”
Nichols gave away an official Platinum plaque to one member of the audience and one to his long-time label head, Benny Brown.
“I’m grateful to the RIAA for this honor, and to everyone I’ve worked with over the years but, sales and streams are really about my fans and how they’ve reacted to the music,” says Nichols. “That support honestly means the world to me and is what inspires me every day. So, being presented with these plaques at my fan party made it extra special, and I love that we organized an extra plaque for me to give away to one of the fans in a lucky draw. Tonight, I’m feeling pretty darn lucky myself, too.”
Clay Walker’s ‘She Won’t Be Lonely Long’ Receives Double-Platinum Certification
Clay Walker’s 2009 single, “She Won’t Be Lonely Long,” has been certified double-Platinum by the RIAA, with over two million sales and streaming equivalents.
Walker recently released “Cowboys In Heaven” and has more new music to be announced soon. The Texas native recently appeared on the Drifting Cowboy Podcast, discussing his career and influences like George Jones and Merle Haggard as well as his upcoming role as Randy Travis in his feature biopic.
CMHOFM Hosts CMT Next Women Of Country Showcase
Pictured (L-R): Lanie Gardner, Kat Luna, Alexandra Kay, Dasha and Mōriah. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a showcase on Friday (June 6) featuring Dasha, Lanie Gardner, Alexandra Kay, Kat Luna and Mōriah. The showcase featured artists involved in CMT’s Next Women of Country franchise, which launched in 2013 and highlights up-and-coming country artists.
Dasha recently released her single “Not at This Party” in early 2025. Last year, Gardner released her self-written debut album, A Songwriter’s Diary, and is featured on Thomas Rhett’s recent single, “What Could Go Right.” Kay released her debut album, All I’ve Ever Known, in 2023, and plans to release a follow-up record in 2025. Luna released her first solo EP, That Girl, earlier this year. Mexican-American musician and actress Mōriah wrote and produced her 2022 EP, Curtain Call, and in 2024 released English and Spanish versions of her single, “Hasta Mañana.”
Turnpike Troubadours Appears On CBS Mornings
Turnpike Troubadours appeared this past weekend on CBS Mornings’ “Saturday Sessions” in support of their widely acclaimed new album, The Price of Admission. The band delivered a powerful three-song performance, featuring album standouts “Heaven Passing Through,” “Nothing You Can Do” and “On The Red River.” In conversation with Anthony Mason, lead singer Evan Felker also spoke about the band’s origins, their creative process and the passion that continues to drive them.
Watch the full interview here.
SOLID Hosts Annual Music Row Madness Fundraiser
SOLID’s Community Outreach Chairs Layne Faltinsky and Leigh Ferro. Photo: Morgan Jergens
The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) held its competitive fundraising event, Music Row Madness, at Eastside Bowl on May 17 benefitting its 2025 SOLID Shares partners. This year, teams from FBMM, CAA, Maverick, Curb, Reliant, UTA and Found Sound Media bowled to support nonprofits Thistle Farms, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, Hope On The Row and Equal Access, raising nearly $9,000.
“It’s truly a privilege to raise significant contributions each year for such deserving causes, all while cultivating community and having a blast doing it,” says SOLID President, Zach Green. “Our accomplished, driven board of directors continues to up the ante on our programming, and I applaud all of the participants and our hard working volunteers who made this fundraiser a success.”
After an evening of bowling and fundraising, Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) took the top spot on the podium.
Women Of Country Hosts Inaugural CMA Fest Networking Breakfast
Pictured (L-R): Equal Access (EA)’s Tiffany Provenzano, EA artist Valerie Ponzio, The Women Of Country Founder Nicole Marchesi, EA’s Chantrel Reynolds, EA artist Julie Williams. Photo: John Joseph.
The Women of Country hosted its inaugural CMA Fest Women’s Networking Breakfast on June 7. The event was created as an opportunity for their large community of female artists and industry members to connect and refresh during their busy CMA Fest weekend. Presented by Studio Bank and Memoir Residential, the event had approximately 150 attendees.
Partnering with ASCAP, Equal Access and Lucky Money Entertainment, the event included performances from Jillian Dawn, Camille Parker, Jenna Paulette, Valerie Ponzio, Jenna Feeney and Julie Williams.
The Women of Country looks to make the event an annual tradition.
Caroline Owens Inks With Main Attraction Management
Caroline Owens.
Caroline Owens has signed an exclusive booking contract with Main Attraction Management.
The Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Publishing artist is set to release her debut project later this year.
“We are honored to represent such a shining talent,” shares Laura Mainer of Main Attraction Management. “Caroline’s authenticity and presence light up every room she walks into. She brings a rare emotional honesty to her performances that stays with you long after the last note. We can’t wait to help bring her music to audiences across the country during the 2026 touring season.”
Bandit Lites Adds Three To Team
Pictured (L-R): Zach Bell, Lane Gill, Shane Mullet
Bandit Lites has added three people to its teams including Zack Bell as Production Fabrication Coordinator, Lane Gill as Production Fabrication Technician and Shane Mullet as Lighting Technician. Bell and Gill join the Nashville team, while Mullet will join the headquarters in Knoxville.
“Shane brings several years of experience and an industry-specific education to the table,” says Client Representative/Production Manager Giff Swart. “In addition to being a lighting tech through his college education, he has toured and worked events as a freelance technician. He has a positive attitude and friendly demeanor. These are all very important traits for the types of events we produce.”
“Zach and Lane are the definition of work ethic,” adds Jake Tickle, Bandit Lites VP of Business and Innovation. “I consistently challenge them to invent better ways to store, transport and repair and they always rise to the challenge. These gentlemen are a remarkable team and bring energy to everything they touch.”
Marcus Hummon Signs With Salinger Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughMarcus Hummon
Grammy-winning songwriter and composer Marcus Hummon has signed with Salinger Songs, the activist music publishing fund.
With a diverse body of work that includes No. 1 country hits, musical theater productions, and operatic scores, Hummon brings a rare, multidimensional talent to the Salinger family. The partnership also extends to Salinger Songs’ sister company, Salinger Theatrical, where Hummon’s work as a composer continues to expand. Hummon’s wide-ranging discography features songs recorded by Rascal Flatts, The Chicks, Tim McGraw, Sara Evans, Wynonna Judd and many others in the country and Christian genres. Additionally, he has written several operas, six musicals, and scored several films.
“We are beyond proud to welcome Marcus Hummon to the roster of Salinger Songs! I’ve long been a fan of his masterful songwriting, and, through Salinger Theatrical, we’re excited to support his extraordinary work in theater and opera. Marcus is truly someone who can do it all.” says Chris Keup, CEO of Salinger Songs.
“I’m very excited to be writing for Chris and Salinger Songs,” adds Hummon. “I’ve long admired Chris’s own work in pop, rock, and theater, and love the eclectic approach to songwriting that he and the company embrace. Debby and I go back more than 20 years—she placed my very first hit song. She’s always had some of the best ears in the business.”
Blake Shelton To Headline The Smoke Show BBQ & Country Music Roundup
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton. Photo: Robby Klein
The full artist lineup for The Smoke Show at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque on Aug. 9 has been announced.
Blake Shelton is set to headline the country festival, which will also feature performances by Dylan Scott, Tanya Tucker, Neon Union, Abby Anderson and Frank Ray.
“The energy we felt at Boots In The Park proved how strong the country music community is in Albuquerque,” says Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “We’re excited to bring that same passion back with The Smoke Show and a lineup that reflects the heart and soul of the genre.”
Fans can expect a full-sensory experience at The Smoke Show BBQ & Country Music Roundup, which brings together the best local BBQ vendors, premium whiskies, a Texas-sized selection of craft beers, and classic country fun with line dancing, competitive cornhole tournaments, and interactive art installations. Tickets are available at abqsmokeshow.com.