Music City Rodeo has wrapped its inaugural weekend after three sold-out nights of performances and rodeo events.
Reba kicked off the weekend on Thursday (May 29), noting her long history with rodeo before starting her performance. She surprised the crowd with Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson for a performance of “Trailblazer.” Nashville native Jelly Roll took the stage on Friday (May 30), for his third ever Bridgestone performance. Tim McGraw closed out the weekend on Saturday by bringing the house to its feet with a set list full of many of his No. 1 hits as well as a new song, “King Rodeo.”
Inaugural Music City Rodeo event champions included Sam Petersen for bareback riding with a score of 88 points, bull riding champion Wacey Schalla with a score of 88, Rowdy Parrott for steer wrestling at 3.76 seconds, Cody Snow and Hunter Koch for team roping with 3.8 seconds, Sage Newman for saddle bronc riding with 87 points and Tuf Cooper won tie-down roping with 7.2 seconds. Music City Rodeo’s barrel racing title went to Makenzie Mayes for a 12.94 second run. Music City Rodeo’s all-around Champion was Stetson Wright.
Jelly Roll.
“What a way to bring rodeo to town,” shared Patrick Humes, Co-Founder of Music City Rodeo. “Nashville showed up and the excitement each night could be felt from the moment the doors opened and the first event started to the last song from the stage. Music City Rodeo is the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi and both the crowd and the cowboys were unparalleled kicking off this year. We had the best rodeo cowboys competing against the best stock, once in a lifetime moments with the number one bull rider in the world, Wacey Schalla, taking home Music City’s first bull riding paddle… and he got to share the victory with his sister Madison who did the rodeo’s trick riding.”
“We see this as an opportunity to create something special for families and the Nashville community while giving back. Country music and rodeo have long been communities built on giving, and Nashville is the perfect home for this,” added Music City Rodeo Co-Founder Brian Kaplan. “Thanks to the incredible support from both communities, we were able to contribute to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt this year, and we’re ready to make it even bigger and better for next year.”
Tim McGraw.
Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductee Cody Custer, Tennessee Titan players Johnny Hekker and Morgan Cox, and Hillary Scott of Lady A all joined during the weekend to lead the Cowboy Prayer. Jenna Paulette, SGT Jeremy Bryant of the 129th Army band and singer/songwriter Kylie Frey all joined for the National Anthem. Friday’s military night also included a special visit from the 101st Division Rappel Team from the Sabalauski Air Assault School out of Fort Campbell, repelling from the top of the arena to kick off the festivities. Prior to each night’s events fans were also treated to Bridgestone Arena’s Rodeo Plaza Pre-Party, which included performances by The Woods, Timothy Wayne, and Cowboy Channel’s RodeoLIVE! Broadcast featuring several interviews with rodeo talent and McGraw.
Photo: Christopher Thompson
Lainey Wilson, Reba, Miranda Lambert.
Photo: Christopher Thompson
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Reba-3-scaled.jpg17102560Lauryn Sinkhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLauryn Sink2025-06-03 12:54:572025-06-03 12:54:57Music City Rodeo Wraps Three Sold-Out Nights At Bridgestone Arena
MusiCares is launching its Wellness In Music 2025 Survey to check in on industry members in their career journeys and help create programs that meet the real-world needs of music professionals today.
Over the past year, hurricanes across the Southeast and wildfires in Los Angeles devastated music communities, and countless industry members are still working to recover financially, mentally, and physically. The MusiCares Wellness annual check-in helps provide the data MusiCares needs to listen more deeply and respond more effectively with tailored programs to provide support.
This year, conversations around wellness in the music industry have taken on new urgency and the spotlight is finally turning toward the realities that music professionals have long navigated, ones that often remain invisible to the public such as unpredictable, gig-based income, high out-of-pocket healthcare costs, long hours on the road, and more that affect touring crews, engineers, stagehands, and every behind-the-scenes worker who keeps the music going.
In 2024, nearly 2,800 music professionals responded to the MusiCares survey providing data including:
78% earned $100,000 or less — lower than national household averages
69% couldn’t comfortably cover expenses through music work alone
53% said their income hadn’t stabilized post-pandemic
47% and 44% cited financial concerns as a direct cause of stress and anxiety, respectively
65% were not confident about the trajectory of the music industry
87% had health insurance, but only 54% had dental
78% skipped hearing screenings, despite working in high-decibel environments
70% of those 45+ missed colonoscopy screenings
62% of women 24+ missed cervical cancer screenings
60% of those under 45 skipped vision screenings
8.3% had serious thoughts of suicide — compared to 5% nationally
Of those, 15.1% made a plan and 3.5% attempted — far above national rates
36% reported using marijuana or marijuana-derived products in the past month
Among those users, 36% reported daily use
Thanks to last year’s participants, MusiCares expanded telehealth support for addiction recovery, introduced financial coaching, covered childcare costs, and increased access to preventive care services, including mammograms and cervical screenings.
Interested participants can access the 2025 survey here.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Musicares.png10801080Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2025-06-03 10:46:352025-06-03 10:46:35MusiCares Launches Wellness In Music 2025 Survey
Cole Goodwin & Big Machine Label Group Founder, Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. Photo: Nick Rau
Singer-songwriter Cole Goodwin has signed with Big Machine Records.
“Cole Goodwin is pure country and we’re so proud to welcome him to our Big Machine family!” says Big Machine Label Group Founder, Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta.
Goodwin released his self-produced EP Soon Enough in 2023, which showcased his textured voice and meaningful writing combined with a classic country sound. Since then, he has been touring honky tonks and clubs, as well as playing festivals across the U.S. He has also opened up for Conner Smith and Zach Top. Last year, Goodwin released “When You Get Home,” co-penned with Will Moseley, and “Catchin’ On,” co-written with Justin Dukes. Hailing from Pooler, Georgia, Goodwin was voted Savannah’s Best Country Artist of 2023 and 2024, as well as 2024’s Best Singer/Songwriter, Best Local Concert, and Best All-Around Musician.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Cole Goodwin to Big Machine Records.” adds Kris Lamb, EVP/General Manager of Big Machine Records. “Cole’s music carves out a lane that’s entirely his own and unlike anything else on our roster. He’s a true original and we’re fired up to champion his vision and amplify his art to the world.”
Goodwin’s first release with the label will release next Friday (June 13), “Girlfriend’s Got A Boyfriend.” He will release additional music throughout the summer, and is slated to open for Luke Bryan on select dates for the “Country Song Came On Tour.”
“Since our first meeting, Big Machine has felt like the perfect place to help bring my music and my vision to a wider audience with a team that understands me as an artist,” shares Goodwin. “I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity and thank my family and friends down in Pooler who have supported me from the jump. I can’t wait to keep bringing Country music to the fans.”
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ColeGoodwin_P_20250521_Signing_NRau_BMLGowns_7772_FNL-scaled.jpg17072560Madison Hahnenhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMadison Hahnen2025-06-03 10:35:342025-06-03 10:35:34Cole Goodwin Inks With Big Machine Records
Kameron Marlowe will kick off his headlining “Seventeen Tour” this fall beginning Aug. 16 in Baton Rouge.
The new tour will include stops in Charleston, Fayetteville, Calgary, Vancouver, Albuquerque, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and more, and will feature support from Lauren Watkins and Dalton Davis.
“I am so excited to be back out west and in Canada this fall. The last time we were in Canada, we were out with Thomas Rhett in below freezing temperatures,” says Marlowe. “Now, we are back with new music and hopefully some better weather. We’ve really been looking forward to these shows and I can’t wait to meet y’all soon!”
Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday, (June 6), with select pre-sales launching throughout the week. Marlowe released the tour’s namesake single, “Seventeen” last week. Prior to his “Seventeen Tour,” Marlowe will support Parker McCollum on a slate of arena dates.
Fall 2025 “Seventeen Tour” Dates:
8/16: Baton Rouge, LA – Texas Club^
8/28: Woodstock, VA – Shenandoah County Fair 2025+
8/30: Meshoppen, PA – Wyoming County Community Fair+
9/12: Franklin, OH – JD Legends^
10/5: Charleston, SC – The Refinery Charleston^
10/19: Billings, MT – Pub Station – Ballroom^
10/21: Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall^
10/22: Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre^
10/24: Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre^
10/26: Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House*
10/28: Sacramento, CA – Channel 24*
10/30: San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts by the Bay*
11/1: Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre*
11/2: Los Angeles, CA – The Novo*
11/5: Albuquerque, NM – Revel*
11/6: Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion*
11/7: Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live*
* support from Lauren Watkins
^ support from Dalton Davis
+ Fair / Festival date
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Kameron-Marlowe.-Photo-Matt-Paskert-scaled.jpeg17072560Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2025-06-03 10:09:402025-06-03 10:09:40Kameron Marlowe Slates ‘Seventeen Tour’ For Fall
Chris Young is set to headline the inaugural OC Smoke Show at The Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, California on Aug. 16. The event will also feature performances by Chris Janson, The Band Perry, Dylan Schneider, Kelsey Hart and Matt Koerner. Presale tickets will be available June 5 at 10 a.m. PT with general on-sale beginning June 6.
The Smoke Show blends high-energy performances with a barbecue food festival. Originally launched by Activated Events in Gilbert, Arizona last year, the event has expanded to Albuquerque, New Mexico and Orange County, California.
“We’re excited to expand our footprint in Orange County with the launch of the OC Smoke Show,” says Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “The Riding Park is the perfect setting to introduce this brand-new experience, and we can’t wait to welcome fans for a full day of live music, great food, and unforgettable moments. Orange County is where we first started producing shows, so bringing something fresh and exciting back home makes this event especially meaningful.”
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/1200X1200_OCSMOKE_SOCIAL-100.jpg12811281Lauryn Sinkhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLauryn Sink2025-06-03 09:33:582025-06-03 09:33:58Chris Young To Headline Inaugural OC Smoke Show In California
Riser House Entertainment has added three new team members across streaming, product management and label relations.
Alex Heimerman joins as Vice President, Streaming & Strategic Partnerships. Over the course of his career, Heimerman has gained skills in digital strategy, artist development and streaming through roles at The Trenches, Universal Music Group Nashville and Red Light Management.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited to join the Riser House team and contribute to their continued success across their talented roster,” says Heimerman. “I look forward to upholding their commitment to artistry, authenticity and innovation.”
Hayley Irvine joins as Product Manager where she will oversee day-to-day project strategy and execution across the label’s roster. She most recently serves as Manager of Recorded Finance and Project Manager at BMG/Broken Bow Records.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Riser House,” shares Irvine. “There’s nothing better than jumping back into meaningful work with a team that’s all-in.”
Eliza Charette joins as Project and Label Relations Coordinator, where she will help with supporting artist campaigns and label operations. Charette recently worked in Big Loud’s radio promotion department, and she also has previous experience in live ticketing and booking at Madison Square Garden.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Riser House team at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” adds Charette. “I look forward to growing alongside this passionate and visionary group, and helping bring even more great work to life.”
“At Riser House, we don’t just chase trends — we build legacies,” says Jennifer Johnson, President of Riser House. “As our roster grows with some of the most authentic artists in music, it’s only fitting that our team grows too. We’re thrilled to welcome a powerhouse trio to the Riser House family. Alex brings sharp strategy and electric energy to the room. Eliza has a spark and spirit that turns ideas into momentum. And Hayley? She’s all heart—steady, passionate, and dialed into making the wheels turn. We’re boutique, but make no mistake—we’re building something bold. The future of music is personal to us at Riser House.”
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-3.png10801080Madison Hahnenhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMadison Hahnen2025-06-03 09:27:452025-06-03 09:27:45Riser House Entertainment Adds Three To Team
Ashley McBryde and Cody Johnson will host CMA Fest Presented By SoFi, set to air June 26 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC and streaming on Hulu the following day.
The special will showcase performances from CMA Fest 2025, including special collaborations. The full lineup will be revealed at a later date.
CMA Fest presented by SoFi is a production of the Country Music Association, executive produced and written by Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter. The 2025 airing marks the 22nd consecutive year CMA has produced a summer concert television special. McBryde returns to host for the second consecutive year while Johnson will make his hosting debut.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/CMF_2025_KA_1080x1350_Exclusive_v1-1-e1748959575193.jpg10531080Lauryn Sinkhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLauryn Sink2025-06-03 09:27:092025-06-03 09:27:09Ashley McBryde & Cody Johnson To Host CMA Fest Television Special
Pictured (L-R, front row): Erik Belz (Chief Creative Officer, LASA/House of Blues Pub), LECADE (Spirit Music Writer), DeAndre Hopkins (CEO, LASA) and Frank Rogers (Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville). (L-R, back row): Elizabeth Brahan Wright (Manager/VP of Publishing, 10th Street Ent.), AJ Burton (VP Fluid Music Revolution), Andy Hodges (Creative Director, Spirit Music), Brian Bradford (GM/VP of Admin, Spirit Music), Kennedy Murphy (Creative Director, Spirit Music), Austin Wells (Attorney, Lewis Brisbois LLP), Mikey Fiorentino (Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music), Matt Cottingham (Attorney, Lewis Brisbois LLP), Lucy Widmann (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music), Will Cooper (Sr. Director of Finance, Spirit Music) and Chris Nilsson (President of 10th Street Ent.).
Spirit Music Group has formed a joint music publishing venture with NFL player DeAndre Hopkins, in conjunction with writer/producer/manager Erik Belz. In the deal, Hopkins has officially established LASA Music, his own music publishing company. Belz will join LASA Music as Chief Creative Officer, collaborating with Spirit Music Group to sign and oversee artists, writers and producers.
As the flagship signing, Lecade has inked a global publishing deal with the venture, including select songs from his catalog as well as future works.
“Spirit Music is thrilled to welcome both DeAndre Hopkins and Lecade to the family,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “DeAndre brings a passion for music, entrepreneurial vision and a hard working attitude that is infectious. We are looking forward to teaming up with DeAndre and Erik Belz to bring the world some great music together! Lecade is perfect artist to kick things off and we are fired up for everyone to hear what he has been working on!”
“So excited to be a part of such a fantastic team,” adds Lecade. “From the moment I met these guys I knew this was where I wanted to be and that we could make some really special things together. I know we’re gonna prove that as we continue to work and grow as a family.”
Signed to Big Machine Records, Lecade is a Nashville based singer-songwriter that combines gritty country with hip-hop. He currently has over 3 million monthly listeners, amassing over 200 million streams to date. His “When I’m Gone” recently received Gold certification, and is currently working on new music.
“The first time I heard Lecade I knew something special was happening,” shares Hopkins. “His music doesn’t just play in the background — it pulls you in, makes you feel every beat, and leaves a lasting impression. Teaming up with Erik Belz, Frank Rogers, and Spirit Music felt like the perfect way to help take my passion for music to the next level. We’re not here to follow trends — we’re here to shake things up and make an impact.”
“I’ve known DeAndre for years and have always admired his taste and instinct — so partnering with him, Frank Rogers, and Spirit Music on this new venture is a no-brainer,” adds Belz, Chief Creative Officer, LASA / House of Blues Publishing. “Lecade is one of the most exciting young artists we’ve come across—wildly talented and refreshingly original—and we’re all in on building something special with him.”
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/LECADE-Signing-Photo-scaled.jpg23932560Madison Hahnenhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngMadison Hahnen2025-06-03 08:52:052025-06-03 08:52:05Spirit Music Group Partners With DeAndre Hopkins & Erik Belz; Signs Flagship Act Lecade
Old Dominion goes a little deeper on their upcoming new 13-song project, Barbara, due out on Aug. 22.
The new album is an exploration of what it means to be positive, to seek the light and own your place in the world without denying reality, and the Shane McAnally/Old Dominion-produced project seeks to understand the way life and love can rise and fall.
“We didn’t want to get all heavy,” says lead singer Matthew Ramsey. “But I think the feeling good means more when you’re looking life straight in the eye. So much is illusion or what we tell ourselves it is, sometimes if you look in your heart though, reality is even richer. And I think that’s as much the point as anything.”
From the opening “Making Good Time,” that recognizes the purity in coming of age and how it shapes who we become, and the euphoria seeing a certain kind of free-spirited woman can induce in “Break Your Mama’s Heart,” to the rhythmic philosophy of what it all means in “Water My Flowers,” and the elegy for a good friend in “Miss You Man,” the collection considers mortality, humanity and the joy of being alive in a more mature way.
That reflective tone that informs “Me Most Nights” “What Doesn’t Kill A Memory” and “Sip in the Right Direction” lead to the feeling better healing of “Crying in the Beach Bar” and “Late Great Heartbreak.” It also paves the way for “Man or the Song,” a song for anyone at a crossroads wondering what their purpose is or just struggling with what matters. And the album closer “Goodnight Music City,” which honors the spirit of a creative community mostly gone, suggests a knowing that inspires even better futures.
“The thing about this crazy career,” says Ramsey, “so many incredible things have happened, but so much life has also happened. We’ve had people pass away, chapters close, people falling in love, obviously health challenges, if you read People. And when we write for others, we just write to write the best song about whatever moment or feeling we’re chasing right then, and yeah that’s fun. But when we write for Old Dominion, especially this time, we’re bringing more of ourselves into the room. These are our songs, so they should be pulled from our lives. You don’t realize as you’re writing necessarily, but when we listened to these 13 songs, we all realized: it’s our most personal record ever.”
Old Dominion’s “How Good Is That 2025 – World Tour” kicks off this weekend.
Barbara Track List:
1. “Making Good Time” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Ross Copperman Ross Ellis)
2. “Water My Flowers” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Jerry Flowers/Jordan Reynolds)
3. “Me Most Nights” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Ross Copperman)
4. “Man or the Song” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally)
5. “Break Your Mama’s Heart” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Josh Osborne)
6. “Miss You Man” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Ross Copperman/Matt Jenkins)
7. “Talk Country” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Matthew Dragstrem)
8. “Late Great Heartbreak” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne)
9. “Crying in a Beach Bar” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Ross Copperman/Matt Jenkins)
10. “One of Us” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne)
11. “What Doesn’t Kill A Memory” (Brad Tursi/Jordan Minton/Mark Trussell)
12. “Sip In the Right Direction” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson)
13. “Goodnight Music City” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Jesse Frasure)
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/OD_Barbara_900-copy.jpg900900Lorie Hollabaughhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLorie Hollabaugh2025-06-02 16:45:372025-06-02 16:45:37Old Dominion Dig A Little Deeper On New Album ‘Barbara,’ Due In August
Morgan Wallen celebrated his newest album release on May 28 with an intimate, sold-out album release show at the Roundhouse in London. With 2,000 tickets claimed in less than one minute, Wallen performed a 19-song, stripped down set.
Kicking off the night with the album’s title track, which is his most recent No. 1 single, Wallen sprinkled multi-platinum hits from his previous two albums throughout the set including Platinum-certified “Cowgirls,” double-Platinum “Sand In My Boots,” four times-Platinum “Cover Me Up,” six-times-Platinum “More Than My Hometown” and nine-times-Platinum “Whiskey Glasses.” Wallen concluded the night with his seven-times-Platinum single “Last Night.” Four songs from the newest record made their live show debut including “20 Cigarettes,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Eyes Are Closed” and “What I Want.”
Performing an early release from the album, “Superman,” Wallen shared the heartfelt story behind the song he penned for his son.
“I’ve been trying pretty much ever since he was born to write a song that was good enough to dedicate to him. I probably wrote 30 songs that weren’t good enough, so we scratched them,” Wallen shared. “Right before we were getting ready to turn in this record, we started writing this song. Usually once we write a song, I’ll get Charlie to send me the demo so I can listen to it on my way home. He sent this to me…The very first time I heard it back after writing it, I just broke down and was crying. And that’s the first time I had done that writing a song for my little boy. I figured if it touched me that way, hopefully it would touch a lot of you guys the same way.”
In celebration of his first U.K. No. 1 debut on the Official Charts, Wallen thanked fans by saying, “We’ve been trying to make a connection with you guys, and this is by no means a measure of all successes, but I think it says a lot; whenever I dropped One Thing At A Time, it debuted at No. 40 over here. I just dropped I’m the Problem, and thanks to you guys, it debuted at No. 1. I really appreciate every single one of y’all. I thank you for making me feel welcome in your country, and for having the same kind of love for country music and just music in general. It means a lot to me to be able to say what I just said.”
Wallen is set to kick off his “I’m The Problem Tour” in June and will make 20 stops with rotating support from Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel as direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as first-of-three across select dates.
https://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MW_London_credit-David-Forehand-scaled.jpg17252560Lauryn Sinkhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngLauryn Sink2025-06-02 16:33:212025-06-02 16:33:21Morgan Wallen Celebrates ‘I’m The Problem’ With London Release Show
Music City Rodeo Wraps Three Sold-Out Nights At Bridgestone Arena
/by Lauryn SinkMusic City Rodeo has wrapped its inaugural weekend after three sold-out nights of performances and rodeo events.
Reba kicked off the weekend on Thursday (May 29), noting her long history with rodeo before starting her performance. She surprised the crowd with Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson for a performance of “Trailblazer.” Nashville native Jelly Roll took the stage on Friday (May 30), for his third ever Bridgestone performance. Tim McGraw closed out the weekend on Saturday by bringing the house to its feet with a set list full of many of his No. 1 hits as well as a new song, “King Rodeo.”
Inaugural Music City Rodeo event champions included Sam Petersen for bareback riding with a score of 88 points, bull riding champion Wacey Schalla with a score of 88, Rowdy Parrott for steer wrestling at 3.76 seconds, Cody Snow and Hunter Koch for team roping with 3.8 seconds, Sage Newman for saddle bronc riding with 87 points and Tuf Cooper won tie-down roping with 7.2 seconds. Music City Rodeo’s barrel racing title went to Makenzie Mayes for a 12.94 second run. Music City Rodeo’s all-around Champion was Stetson Wright.
Jelly Roll.
“What a way to bring rodeo to town,” shared Patrick Humes, Co-Founder of Music City Rodeo. “Nashville showed up and the excitement each night could be felt from the moment the doors opened and the first event started to the last song from the stage. Music City Rodeo is the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi and both the crowd and the cowboys were unparalleled kicking off this year. We had the best rodeo cowboys competing against the best stock, once in a lifetime moments with the number one bull rider in the world, Wacey Schalla, taking home Music City’s first bull riding paddle… and he got to share the victory with his sister Madison who did the rodeo’s trick riding.”
“We see this as an opportunity to create something special for families and the Nashville community while giving back. Country music and rodeo have long been communities built on giving, and Nashville is the perfect home for this,” added Music City Rodeo Co-Founder Brian Kaplan. “Thanks to the incredible support from both communities, we were able to contribute to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt this year, and we’re ready to make it even bigger and better for next year.”
Tim McGraw.
Rodeo Hall of Fame Inductee Cody Custer, Tennessee Titan players Johnny Hekker and Morgan Cox, and Hillary Scott of Lady A all joined during the weekend to lead the Cowboy Prayer. Jenna Paulette, SGT Jeremy Bryant of the 129th Army band and singer/songwriter Kylie Frey all joined for the National Anthem. Friday’s military night also included a special visit from the 101st Division Rappel Team from the Sabalauski Air Assault School out of Fort Campbell, repelling from the top of the arena to kick off the festivities. Prior to each night’s events fans were also treated to Bridgestone Arena’s Rodeo Plaza Pre-Party, which included performances by The Woods, Timothy Wayne, and Cowboy Channel’s RodeoLIVE! Broadcast featuring several interviews with rodeo talent and McGraw.
Photo: Christopher Thompson
Lainey Wilson, Reba, Miranda Lambert.
Photo: Christopher Thompson
MusiCares Launches Wellness In Music 2025 Survey
/by Lorie HollabaughMusiCares is launching its Wellness In Music 2025 Survey to check in on industry members in their career journeys and help create programs that meet the real-world needs of music professionals today.
Over the past year, hurricanes across the Southeast and wildfires in Los Angeles devastated music communities, and countless industry members are still working to recover financially, mentally, and physically. The MusiCares Wellness annual check-in helps provide the data MusiCares needs to listen more deeply and respond more effectively with tailored programs to provide support.
This year, conversations around wellness in the music industry have taken on new urgency and the spotlight is finally turning toward the realities that music professionals have long navigated, ones that often remain invisible to the public such as unpredictable, gig-based income, high out-of-pocket healthcare costs, long hours on the road, and more that affect touring crews, engineers, stagehands, and every behind-the-scenes worker who keeps the music going.
In 2024, nearly 2,800 music professionals responded to the MusiCares survey providing data including:
78% earned $100,000 or less — lower than national household averages
69% couldn’t comfortably cover expenses through music work alone
53% said their income hadn’t stabilized post-pandemic
47% and 44% cited financial concerns as a direct cause of stress and anxiety, respectively
65% were not confident about the trajectory of the music industry
87% had health insurance, but only 54% had dental
78% skipped hearing screenings, despite working in high-decibel environments
70% of those 45+ missed colonoscopy screenings
62% of women 24+ missed cervical cancer screenings
60% of those under 45 skipped vision screenings
8.3% had serious thoughts of suicide — compared to 5% nationally
Of those, 15.1% made a plan and 3.5% attempted — far above national rates
36% reported using marijuana or marijuana-derived products in the past month
Among those users, 36% reported daily use
Thanks to last year’s participants, MusiCares expanded telehealth support for addiction recovery, introduced financial coaching, covered childcare costs, and increased access to preventive care services, including mammograms and cervical screenings.
Interested participants can access the 2025 survey here.
Cole Goodwin Inks With Big Machine Records
/by Madison HahnenCole Goodwin & Big Machine Label Group Founder, Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. Photo: Nick Rau
Singer-songwriter Cole Goodwin has signed with Big Machine Records.
“Cole Goodwin is pure country and we’re so proud to welcome him to our Big Machine family!” says Big Machine Label Group Founder, Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta.
Goodwin released his self-produced EP Soon Enough in 2023, which showcased his textured voice and meaningful writing combined with a classic country sound. Since then, he has been touring honky tonks and clubs, as well as playing festivals across the U.S. He has also opened up for Conner Smith and Zach Top. Last year, Goodwin released “When You Get Home,” co-penned with Will Moseley, and “Catchin’ On,” co-written with Justin Dukes. Hailing from Pooler, Georgia, Goodwin was voted Savannah’s Best Country Artist of 2023 and 2024, as well as 2024’s Best Singer/Songwriter, Best Local Concert, and Best All-Around Musician.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Cole Goodwin to Big Machine Records.” adds Kris Lamb, EVP/General Manager of Big Machine Records. “Cole’s music carves out a lane that’s entirely his own and unlike anything else on our roster. He’s a true original and we’re fired up to champion his vision and amplify his art to the world.”
Goodwin’s first release with the label will release next Friday (June 13), “Girlfriend’s Got A Boyfriend.” He will release additional music throughout the summer, and is slated to open for Luke Bryan on select dates for the “Country Song Came On Tour.”
“Since our first meeting, Big Machine has felt like the perfect place to help bring my music and my vision to a wider audience with a team that understands me as an artist,” shares Goodwin. “I want to thank the Lord for the opportunity and thank my family and friends down in Pooler who have supported me from the jump. I can’t wait to keep bringing Country music to the fans.”
Kameron Marlowe Slates ‘Seventeen Tour’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughKameron Marlowe. Photo: Matt Paskert
Kameron Marlowe will kick off his headlining “Seventeen Tour” this fall beginning Aug. 16 in Baton Rouge.
The new tour will include stops in Charleston, Fayetteville, Calgary, Vancouver, Albuquerque, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and more, and will feature support from Lauren Watkins and Dalton Davis.
“I am so excited to be back out west and in Canada this fall. The last time we were in Canada, we were out with Thomas Rhett in below freezing temperatures,” says Marlowe. “Now, we are back with new music and hopefully some better weather. We’ve really been looking forward to these shows and I can’t wait to meet y’all soon!”
Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday, (June 6), with select pre-sales launching throughout the week. Marlowe released the tour’s namesake single, “Seventeen” last week. Prior to his “Seventeen Tour,” Marlowe will support Parker McCollum on a slate of arena dates.
Fall 2025 “Seventeen Tour” Dates:
8/16: Baton Rouge, LA – Texas Club^
8/28: Woodstock, VA – Shenandoah County Fair 2025+
8/30: Meshoppen, PA – Wyoming County Community Fair+
9/12: Franklin, OH – JD Legends^
10/5: Charleston, SC – The Refinery Charleston^
10/19: Billings, MT – Pub Station – Ballroom^
10/21: Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall^
10/22: Calgary, AB – The Palace Theatre^
10/24: Vancouver, BC – Vogue Theatre^
10/26: Garden City, ID – Revolution Concert House*
10/28: Sacramento, CA – Channel 24*
10/30: San Diego, CA – Humphreys Concerts by the Bay*
11/1: Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre*
11/2: Los Angeles, CA – The Novo*
11/5: Albuquerque, NM – Revel*
11/6: Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion*
11/7: Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live*
* support from Lauren Watkins
^ support from Dalton Davis
+ Fair / Festival date
Chris Young To Headline Inaugural OC Smoke Show In California
/by Lauryn SinkChris Young is set to headline the inaugural OC Smoke Show at The Riding Park in San Juan Capistrano, California on Aug. 16. The event will also feature performances by Chris Janson, The Band Perry, Dylan Schneider, Kelsey Hart and Matt Koerner. Presale tickets will be available June 5 at 10 a.m. PT with general on-sale beginning June 6.
The Smoke Show blends high-energy performances with a barbecue food festival. Originally launched by Activated Events in Gilbert, Arizona last year, the event has expanded to Albuquerque, New Mexico and Orange County, California.
“We’re excited to expand our footprint in Orange County with the launch of the OC Smoke Show,” says Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “The Riding Park is the perfect setting to introduce this brand-new experience, and we can’t wait to welcome fans for a full day of live music, great food, and unforgettable moments. Orange County is where we first started producing shows, so bringing something fresh and exciting back home makes this event especially meaningful.”
Riser House Entertainment Adds Three To Team
/by Madison HahnenAlex Heimerman, Hayley Irvine and Eliza Charette.
Riser House Entertainment has added three new team members across streaming, product management and label relations.
Alex Heimerman joins as Vice President, Streaming & Strategic Partnerships. Over the course of his career, Heimerman has gained skills in digital strategy, artist development and streaming through roles at The Trenches, Universal Music Group Nashville and Red Light Management.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited to join the Riser House team and contribute to their continued success across their talented roster,” says Heimerman. “I look forward to upholding their commitment to artistry, authenticity and innovation.”
Hayley Irvine joins as Product Manager where she will oversee day-to-day project strategy and execution across the label’s roster. She most recently serves as Manager of Recorded Finance and Project Manager at BMG/Broken Bow Records.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join Riser House,” shares Irvine. “There’s nothing better than jumping back into meaningful work with a team that’s all-in.”
Eliza Charette joins as Project and Label Relations Coordinator, where she will help with supporting artist campaigns and label operations. Charette recently worked in Big Loud’s radio promotion department, and she also has previous experience in live ticketing and booking at Madison Square Garden.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the Riser House team at such a pivotal moment in its journey,” adds Charette. “I look forward to growing alongside this passionate and visionary group, and helping bring even more great work to life.”
“At Riser House, we don’t just chase trends — we build legacies,” says Jennifer Johnson, President of Riser House. “As our roster grows with some of the most authentic artists in music, it’s only fitting that our team grows too. We’re thrilled to welcome a powerhouse trio to the Riser House family. Alex brings sharp strategy and electric energy to the room. Eliza has a spark and spirit that turns ideas into momentum. And Hayley? She’s all heart—steady, passionate, and dialed into making the wheels turn. We’re boutique, but make no mistake—we’re building something bold. The future of music is personal to us at Riser House.”
Ashley McBryde & Cody Johnson To Host CMA Fest Television Special
/by Lauryn SinkAshley McBryde and Cody Johnson will host CMA Fest Presented By SoFi, set to air June 26 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC and streaming on Hulu the following day.
The special will showcase performances from CMA Fest 2025, including special collaborations. The full lineup will be revealed at a later date.
CMA Fest presented by SoFi is a production of the Country Music Association, executive produced and written by Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter. The 2025 airing marks the 22nd consecutive year CMA has produced a summer concert television special. McBryde returns to host for the second consecutive year while Johnson will make his hosting debut.
Spirit Music Group Partners With DeAndre Hopkins & Erik Belz; Signs Flagship Act Lecade
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, front row): Erik Belz (Chief Creative Officer, LASA/House of Blues Pub), LECADE (Spirit Music Writer), DeAndre Hopkins (CEO, LASA) and Frank Rogers (Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville). (L-R, back row): Elizabeth Brahan Wright (Manager/VP of Publishing, 10th Street Ent.), AJ Burton (VP Fluid Music Revolution), Andy Hodges (Creative Director, Spirit Music), Brian Bradford (GM/VP of Admin, Spirit Music), Kennedy Murphy (Creative Director, Spirit Music), Austin Wells (Attorney, Lewis Brisbois LLP), Mikey Fiorentino (Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music), Matt Cottingham (Attorney, Lewis Brisbois LLP), Lucy Widmann (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music), Will Cooper (Sr. Director of Finance, Spirit Music) and Chris Nilsson (President of 10th Street Ent.).
Spirit Music Group has formed a joint music publishing venture with NFL player DeAndre Hopkins, in conjunction with writer/producer/manager Erik Belz. In the deal, Hopkins has officially established LASA Music, his own music publishing company. Belz will join LASA Music as Chief Creative Officer, collaborating with Spirit Music Group to sign and oversee artists, writers and producers.
As the flagship signing, Lecade has inked a global publishing deal with the venture, including select songs from his catalog as well as future works.
“Spirit Music is thrilled to welcome both DeAndre Hopkins and Lecade to the family,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “DeAndre brings a passion for music, entrepreneurial vision and a hard working attitude that is infectious. We are looking forward to teaming up with DeAndre and Erik Belz to bring the world some great music together! Lecade is perfect artist to kick things off and we are fired up for everyone to hear what he has been working on!”
“So excited to be a part of such a fantastic team,” adds Lecade. “From the moment I met these guys I knew this was where I wanted to be and that we could make some really special things together. I know we’re gonna prove that as we continue to work and grow as a family.”
Signed to Big Machine Records, Lecade is a Nashville based singer-songwriter that combines gritty country with hip-hop. He currently has over 3 million monthly listeners, amassing over 200 million streams to date. His “When I’m Gone” recently received Gold certification, and is currently working on new music.
“The first time I heard Lecade I knew something special was happening,” shares Hopkins. “His music doesn’t just play in the background — it pulls you in, makes you feel every beat, and leaves a lasting impression. Teaming up with Erik Belz, Frank Rogers, and Spirit Music felt like the perfect way to help take my passion for music to the next level. We’re not here to follow trends — we’re here to shake things up and make an impact.”
“I’ve known DeAndre for years and have always admired his taste and instinct — so partnering with him, Frank Rogers, and Spirit Music on this new venture is a no-brainer,” adds Belz, Chief Creative Officer, LASA / House of Blues Publishing. “Lecade is one of the most exciting young artists we’ve come across—wildly talented and refreshingly original—and we’re all in on building something special with him.”
Old Dominion Dig A Little Deeper On New Album ‘Barbara,’ Due In August
/by Lorie HollabaughOld Dominion goes a little deeper on their upcoming new 13-song project, Barbara, due out on Aug. 22.
The new album is an exploration of what it means to be positive, to seek the light and own your place in the world without denying reality, and the Shane McAnally/Old Dominion-produced project seeks to understand the way life and love can rise and fall.
“We didn’t want to get all heavy,” says lead singer Matthew Ramsey. “But I think the feeling good means more when you’re looking life straight in the eye. So much is illusion or what we tell ourselves it is, sometimes if you look in your heart though, reality is even richer. And I think that’s as much the point as anything.”
From the opening “Making Good Time,” that recognizes the purity in coming of age and how it shapes who we become, and the euphoria seeing a certain kind of free-spirited woman can induce in “Break Your Mama’s Heart,” to the rhythmic philosophy of what it all means in “Water My Flowers,” and the elegy for a good friend in “Miss You Man,” the collection considers mortality, humanity and the joy of being alive in a more mature way.
That reflective tone that informs “Me Most Nights” “What Doesn’t Kill A Memory” and “Sip in the Right Direction” lead to the feeling better healing of “Crying in the Beach Bar” and “Late Great Heartbreak.” It also paves the way for “Man or the Song,” a song for anyone at a crossroads wondering what their purpose is or just struggling with what matters. And the album closer “Goodnight Music City,” which honors the spirit of a creative community mostly gone, suggests a knowing that inspires even better futures.
“The thing about this crazy career,” says Ramsey, “so many incredible things have happened, but so much life has also happened. We’ve had people pass away, chapters close, people falling in love, obviously health challenges, if you read People. And when we write for others, we just write to write the best song about whatever moment or feeling we’re chasing right then, and yeah that’s fun. But when we write for Old Dominion, especially this time, we’re bringing more of ourselves into the room. These are our songs, so they should be pulled from our lives. You don’t realize as you’re writing necessarily, but when we listened to these 13 songs, we all realized: it’s our most personal record ever.”
Old Dominion’s “How Good Is That 2025 – World Tour” kicks off this weekend.
Barbara Track List:
1. “Making Good Time” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Ross Copperman Ross Ellis)
2. “Water My Flowers” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Jerry Flowers/Jordan Reynolds)
3. “Me Most Nights” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Ross Copperman)
4. “Man or the Song” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Ross Copperman/Shane McAnally)
5. “Break Your Mama’s Heart” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Josh Osborne)
6. “Miss You Man” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Ross Copperman/Matt Jenkins)
7. “Talk Country” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Matthew Dragstrem)
8. “Late Great Heartbreak” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne)
9. “Crying in a Beach Bar” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Ross Copperman/Matt Jenkins)
10. “One of Us” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne)
11. “What Doesn’t Kill A Memory” (Brad Tursi/Jordan Minton/Mark Trussell)
12. “Sip In the Right Direction” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson)
13. “Goodnight Music City” (Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Brad Tursi/Jesse Frasure)
Morgan Wallen Celebrates ‘I’m The Problem’ With London Release Show
/by Lauryn SinkMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Forehand
Morgan Wallen celebrated his newest album release on May 28 with an intimate, sold-out album release show at the Roundhouse in London. With 2,000 tickets claimed in less than one minute, Wallen performed a 19-song, stripped down set.
Kicking off the night with the album’s title track, which is his most recent No. 1 single, Wallen sprinkled multi-platinum hits from his previous two albums throughout the set including Platinum-certified “Cowgirls,” double-Platinum “Sand In My Boots,” four times-Platinum “Cover Me Up,” six-times-Platinum “More Than My Hometown” and nine-times-Platinum “Whiskey Glasses.” Wallen concluded the night with his seven-times-Platinum single “Last Night.” Four songs from the newest record made their live show debut including “20 Cigarettes,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Eyes Are Closed” and “What I Want.”
Performing an early release from the album, “Superman,” Wallen shared the heartfelt story behind the song he penned for his son.
“I’ve been trying pretty much ever since he was born to write a song that was good enough to dedicate to him. I probably wrote 30 songs that weren’t good enough, so we scratched them,” Wallen shared. “Right before we were getting ready to turn in this record, we started writing this song. Usually once we write a song, I’ll get Charlie to send me the demo so I can listen to it on my way home. He sent this to me…The very first time I heard it back after writing it, I just broke down and was crying. And that’s the first time I had done that writing a song for my little boy. I figured if it touched me that way, hopefully it would touch a lot of you guys the same way.”
In celebration of his first U.K. No. 1 debut on the Official Charts, Wallen thanked fans by saying, “We’ve been trying to make a connection with you guys, and this is by no means a measure of all successes, but I think it says a lot; whenever I dropped One Thing At A Time, it debuted at No. 40 over here. I just dropped I’m the Problem, and thanks to you guys, it debuted at No. 1. I really appreciate every single one of y’all. I thank you for making me feel welcome in your country, and for having the same kind of love for country music and just music in general. It means a lot to me to be able to say what I just said.”
Wallen is set to kick off his “I’m The Problem Tour” in June and will make 20 stops with rotating support from Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett and Koe Wetzel as direct support with Gavin Adcock, Corey Kent, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson as first-of-three across select dates.