AIMP Nashville Young Professionals Announces Unsigned Songwriter Series Winners

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The Association of Independent Music Publishers Nashville Young Professionals Committee has announced the winners of its first-ever AIMP U:Unsigned Songwriter Series.

The new initiative was created by the AIMP Young Professionals Committee to spotlight exceptional unsigned talent and provide a platform for discovery and community within the heart of Music Row. After receiving over 150 submissions, the committee has selected six standout songwriters who represent the future of Nashville’s songwriting community.

The inaugural AIMP U: Class of 2025 includes Becca Rae Green, Fran Litterski, Karleigh Schmidt, Nell Maynard, Taylor Goyette and Sarah Killian. The six writers will be featured in a special showcase hosted by MCA recording artist Kassi Ashton and songwriter Rocky Block on June 24 at 6 p.m. at The Listening Room Café. The one-night-only event will introduce the rising stars to an audience of music publishers, industry professionals, and fellow creatives.

“This is the first time we’ve launched a series like this, and we were blown away by the response,” says Jacee Badeaux, AIMP YP Committee Chair. “Over 150 incredibly talented writers applied, and narrowing it down to just six was no easy task. Each of these songwriters brings something unique and powerful to the table, and we’re excited to share their work with the community.”

Dierks Bentley Hosts Intimate Celebration Ahead Of ‘Broken Branches’ Album Release

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Dierks Bentley performs at Crown Winery. Photo: Larry McCormack

Last night, Dierks Bentley gathered his music community at Crown Winery in Leipers Fork, Tennessee to celebrate his new album Broken Branches, out tomorrow. The intimate evening brought together songwriters, musicians, industry partners, friends and family for dinner by the creek, signature drinks and custom Muck Boot waders.

Bentley took the stage over the water to preview a few never-before-performed tracks from the album. Each song was handpicked for the stripped-down set, offering a first listen to a project that reflects on roots, imperfection and the spirit of country life.

Broken Branches launches with purpose as well. Bentley recently announced the creation of the Broken Branches Fund, which will support mental health care for members of the creative and touring communities through Music Health Alliance.

Pictured (L-R): Ross Copperman (Broken Branches Producer), Jon Randall (Broken Branches Producer), Dierks Bentley and Mary Hilliard Harrington (Broken Branches Executive Producer). Photo: Larry McCormack

Pictured (L-R): David Friedman (MCA), Damon Moberly (MCA), Dierks Bentley, Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media), Steve Stewart (Cox/WWKA Orlando) and Justin Cole (Audacy/WUSY Chattanooga). Photo: Larry McCormack

Pictured (L-R): Damon Moberly (MCA), Miranda McDonald (MCA), Mike Harris (MCA), Dierks Bentley, Mary Hilliard Harrington (Red Light Management) and Katie McCartney (MCA). Photo: Larry McCormack

Pictured (L-R): Alison Laughter (RLM), Nina Schollnick (RLM), Mary Hilliard Harrington (RLM), Dierks Bentley, Stephanie Capobianco (RLM), Megan Boardman (RLM) and Devin Detoro (RLM). Photo: Larry McCormack

Dierks Bentley performs at Crown Winery. Photo: Larry McCormack

Pictured (L-R): Tyne Parrish (The GreenRoom PR), Jamie Cheek (FBMM), Jay Williams (WME), Mary Hilliard Harrington (Red Light Management), Dierks Bentley, Shelley Grayson (FBMM), Beth Hamilton (WME) and Stephanie Johnson (Red Light Management). Photo: Larry McCormack

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Zach Top Kicks Off Summer

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Zach Top. Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne

The country stars make the summer season official this week.

In this edition of DISClaimer, you’ll find a number of sounds crafted to accompany fun in the sun. To varying degrees, Kane Brown, Brett Eldredge & Pedro Capo, Ketch Secor, Kameron Marlowe and Disc of the Day winner Zach Top are all conjuring warm weather.

Of the non-summer offerings in this week’s column, the strongest one belongs to the waltz-time duet by the brilliantly talented Kashus Culpepper and Sierra Ferrell, both of whom deserve far more renown than they have been given to date.

This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Mae Estes. She sounds like a singer-songwriter to reckon with.

AVERY ANNA / “Cheerios”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Avery Anna/Ben Williams/David Fanning; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Avery Anna has two new videos. “Cheerios” is a deceptively jaunty song about a struggle with alcohol addiction. “Grave” is a harrowing ballad about domestic violence. I caught her set on the Opry TV show last weekend and was reminded how talented this lady is. If you need proof of her country bona fides, check out her superb heartache two-step “It’s Just Rainin’” from late last year.

ZACH TOP / “Good Times & Tan Lines”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Wyatt McCubbin/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Stuttering twang guitar, happy fiddle, singing steel and a bopping breezy beat — what more could you ask for in a summer single? As always, Top sings his face off. The ACM New Male Vocalist winner strikes again.

MAE ESTES / “Mr. Fix It”
Writers: Alex Kline/Jaida Dreyer/Mae Estes/Marti Dodson; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: Big Machine Records
– Sweetly sexy, in praise of her guy who can fix anything, including her heart. Upbeat and endearing.

LAUREN ALAINA / “Heaven Sent”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Lauren Alaina/Michael Hardy; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Motherhood heals her after the passing of a loved one. She imagines that her father sent her a baby down from heaven in order to get her past her grief. The mid tempo production builds from quiet strength to pounding drama.

KASHUS CULPEPPER & SIERRA FERRELL / “Broken Wing”
Writers: Brian Elmquist/Kashus Culpepper; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud Records
– This acoustic waltz strums along on the simple strengths of gut-string guitar and their two compelling voices. His gravel delivery and her hillbilly soprano work surprisingly well together. This, my friends, is Pure Country.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Jesus Wouldn’t Do”
Writers: Jacob Davis/Jordan Davis/Joshua Cole Jenkins/Matt Jenkins; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA Nashville
– He’s “Giving grace to folks like me, doin’ things that Jesus wouldn’t do.” A sinner reflects on his path and seeks absolution in this lovely, yearning sentiment. I remain a major fan of this troubadour.

KETCH SECOR / “Dickerson Road”
Writers: Jody Stevens/Ketch Secor; Producer: Jody Stevens; Label: KS
– Secor departs from the old-time string band sound of Old Crow Medicine Show to take a solo, hip-hoppy stroll down East Nashville’s most blue-collar street. His half-spoken lyric details the scenes along the way.

BRETT ELDREDGE & PEDRO CAPO / “St. Tropez”
Writers: Brett Eldredge/Mark Trussell/Pedro Capó/Yoel Enriquez; Producer: Mark Trussell; Label: Warm and Cozy Records
– An audio trip to the Riviera, spiced just right with Latino rhythms. Capo’s tenor voice weaves in and out of Eldredge’s solid delivery, alternately echoing lines and providing  lilting, high harmonies. This is a summertime sound if I’ve ever heard one. Essential listening.

DON LOUIS / “For The Broken”
Writers: Don Louis/Jon Kraft/Serg Sanchez; Producer: Serg Sanchez; Label: Money Myers Entertainment/EMPIRE
– I don’t like the way his fine baritone voice is mixed to sound muffled and buried. The production is too rock oriented. However, the song is cool, an uplifting message for folks facing tribulations.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “Seventeen”
Writers: Austin Goodloe/Bruce Springsteen/Joybeth Taylor/Kameron Marlowe/Tucker Beathard; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– This summer country rocker praises the joys of being young and innocent. Electric guitars scream and drums pound while he shouts the news. Echoes of Seger and Springsteen.

VINNY TOVAR / “Call It A Night”
Writers: Christopher Mora/Miguel Angel Aguilar/Vicente Andres Tovar; Producers: Christopher Mora, Humberto Novoa, Julian Escamilla, Vinny Tovar; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Easy going and gently persuasive with steel-guitar licks. His languid vocal sounds resigned and kinda defeated as he suggests they stop fighting and quit for the day. His album is titled From San Antone, With Love. Tovar was previously noted as Aubry Rodriguez’s duet partner on her “Pass Me By” salute to her late father, Johnny.

KANE BROWN / “2 Pair”
Writers: Andrew Haas/Gabe Foust/Ian Franzino/Jacob Hackworth/Jaxson Free/Kane Brown; Producer: Jordan Schmidt; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– He’s crazy in love with his boots. The stomping, chanting, gang-bang, drum-line chorus sounds like a party in progress. Silly fun.

ASHLEY MONROE & BRITTNEY SPENCER / “Bitter Swisher Sweet”
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Emily Landis/Logan Wall; Producers: Ashley Monroe, Gena Johnson; Label: Mountainrose Sparrow
– Stoner country. This has a drowsy vibe and a smoky atmosphere as the two divas relax together in the echoey mix. Fire one up, take a deep hit, close your eyes and nod along.

Centricity Music Elevates Four

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Christian record label Centricity Music has elevated four team members to VP roles.

Matt Ewald is now the VP of A&R, Kris Love takes on VP of Promotions, Joshua Wurzelbacher will move into VP of Creative and Michael Pons rounds out the promotions as the VP of Finance. This comes on the heels of five promotions earlier this year.

“Centricity has grown over the years in terms of artists, writers and employees” says Caren Seidle, CEO. “This growth has led to increased responsibilities and work load of our staff. These promotions recognize the leadership these employees provide to their departments consistent with the high level of service for which Centricity is known.”

Ewald joined the Centricity team in 2016 and was previously the Senior Director of A&R. Love came to Centricity in 2013 and was previously the Senior Director of National Promotions. Wurzelbacher began his time with the label in 2017 and was previously the Creative Director. Pons joined Centricity in 2020 and was formerly the Senior Director of Finance.

Tanner Adell To Launch ‘The Giddy Up, Gorgeous Tour’ This Summer

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Tanner Adell. Photo: Alexa King Stone

Tanner Adell will launch “The Giddy Up, Gorgeous” this summer. The tour kicks off July 31 in Wisconsin and makes stops in Ohio, Texas and Georgia before wrapping Aug. 21 at Nashville’s EXIT/IN. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (June 13).

“I can’t wait to see all the Bunnies on The Giddy Up, Gorgeous Tour this summer!” says Adell. “It’s not just about playing songs — it’s about sharing stories, energy and real moments with the people who’ve been riding with me since day one. Crown Royal has also been with me since the beginning, so they were the perfect fit to continue this journey with. Pack your boots, your glitter and your heartbreak — this tour’s about to be a full-blown emotional rodeo.”

Alongside the tour announcement, Adell will release her next track “Snakeskin” tomorrow (June 13), written by Adell, Akil “worldwidefresh” King, Michael Lotten, Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor, Josh Miller, Will Weatherly and Anthony Germaine White.

“The Giddy Up, Gorgeous” Tour Dates:
July 31 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin- The Rave II
Aug. 6 – Cincinnati, Ohio- Bogarts
Aug. 7 – Cleveland, Ohio- House of Blues
Aug. 15 – Dallas, Texas- House of Blues
Aug. 17 – Houston, Texas- House of Blues
Aug. 20 – Atlanta, Georgia- Terminal West
Aug. 21 – Nashville, Tennessee- EXIT/IN

Dylan Marlowe & Dylan Scott Celebrate ‘Boys Back Home’ Chart-Topper

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Pictured (L-R, back row): ASCAP’s Kele Currier, Liz Rose Music’s Kate Shirley, Sony Music Nashville’s Jason McColl, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Play It Again Music’s Dallas Davidson, SESAC’s Lydia Cahill, Sony Music Nashville’s Nathan Thomas, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox and Pinnacle’s David DeVaul; (L-R, front row): Seth Ennis (BMI), Dylan Scott (ASCAP), Dylan Marlowe (BMI) and Joe Fox (SESAC/Producer). Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

BMI brought the music community together on the rooftop of its Nashville headquarters on Tuesday (June 10) to celebrate the chart-topping success of “Boys Back Home,” recorded by Sony Music Nashville and Play It Again Music’s Dylan Marlowe and Curb Records’ Dylan Scott.

Penned by Marlowe, Seth Ennis and Joe Fox—who also produced the track—the Gold-certified hit marks Marlowe’s first No. 1 as an artist and second as a songwriter.

The event was hosted by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC, and emceed by BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. Industry leaders who took the mic to honor the team included ASCAP’s Kele Currier, Liz Rose Music’s Kate Shirley, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Play It Again Music’s Dallas Davidson, SESAC’s Lydia Cahill, Country Aircheck’s Chuck Aly and Sony Music Nashville’s Jason McColl and Nathan Thomas.

Many remarked on the tight-knit friendship and tireless work ethic of Marlowe, Ennis and Fox—qualities that made the song’s rise to the top all the more meaningful. Dylan Scott was also praised for his willingness to uplift new voices and for his role in bringing “Boys Back Home” to life.

BMI’s Josh Tomlinson poses with Seth Ennis, Dylan Marlowe, Joe Fox, Dylan Scott and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen after gifting Ennis with a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar to celebrate his first No. 1 as a BMI songwriter. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

As part of the celebration, Ennis received a custom Taylor 210e DLX guitar in honor of his milestone, while SESAC gifted Fox a personalized guitar. Studio Bank sponsored the event, with Ron Cox presenting a special donation in honor of the writers to the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation, supporting efforts to preserve the state’s natural, historic and cultural resources.

During his speech, Ennis reflected on his journey in Nashville: “This is 11 years for me in town. Celebrations like this make us feel special, slow down for a second, take a breath and take it in.”

Fox added a dose of humor, saying, “When you come to town, all you want to do is write with songwriters like Dallas Davidson. Then you start writing songs with your friends—and the next thing you know, your first hit is with your friends. These moments are full circle, but I still want a hit with Dallas Davidson.”

Scott expressed his admiration for Marlowe, both as an artist and a person. “Obviously I loved his music, but when I met him, I realized he was just a good ole country boy who loves hunting, fishing and singing. You got a long career ahead of you.”

Marlowe closed the event with heartfelt thanks to his wife and family, his team at Play It Again and Sony Music Nashville, and his co-writers and Scott. “This is something that has been on my heart for a while,” he shared. “I’ve always dreamed of being up here and getting to talk about one of these songs.”

RockForce Expands With New Nashville Office, Taps Jeremy Young To Lead

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Jeremy 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’

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Tyler 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.

YouTube video

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

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Kacey 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

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Jess 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.