Pictured (L-R, back row): Abby Holcomb, Brandon Gill, Luke Laird, Abigail Bruner and Jayne Hamblin; (L-R, front row): Alex Albanese, Beth Laird, Lori McKenna, Emily Furman and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns
Grammy winner Lori McKenna has extended her publishing, management and record deals with independent music company, Creative Nation. The extension builds on the 10 years the two have worked together.
As a songwriter, McKenna’s impressive resume includes back-to-back Grammy and CMA Awards, as well as the coveted title of ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2017. She has notched three Grammy wins as a songwriter for Best Country Song with Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (2015), Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” (2016) and The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table” (2020), and has had hits by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill, Hunter Hayes and many more.
In addition to her work in country music, McKenna also co-wrote “Always Remember Us This Way,” which was featured in the Academy Award-winning film, A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
As an artist, McKenna’s artist projects have received high praise over the years, having released critically-acclaimed albums such as 2020’s The Balladeer and 2018’s The Tree, which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2019 Americana Music Awards. McKenna’s 2016 album, The Bird & The Rifle, was nominated for three Grammy Awards as well as three Americana Awards.
“We have worked with Lori in publishing, management and records for 10 years and I couldn’t be more excited to extend our agreement and continue our partnership building her iconic career. She truly is one of the best singer-songwriters of our generation, and it is an honor for our team to work alongside her. Barry Dean says it best: ‘if you don’t know where your soul is, listening to Lori McKenna will help you locate it,’” Creative Nation Founder and CEO, Beth Laird says.
“It just feels so right for me to continue with my Creative Nation team and family. I think we’ve grown together and it feels like there’s still so much more to come. I say this all the time, but I really am so grateful to be part of the Nashville community of songwriters, artists and creatives. I still get excited landing at BNA. I still feel like the luckiest songwriter in the world. I’m so happy to have this team in my corner,” McKenna says.
BREAKING: Lauren ‘LT’ Thomas Joins Big Loud Records As SVP, Radio Promotion
/by Madison HahnenLauren “LT” Thomas. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Radio veteran Lauren “LT” Thomas has joined Big Loud Records as SVP, Radio Promotion. She will work alongside newly promoted SVP, Radio Promotion Tyler Waugh and report to EVP, Radio Promotion Stacy Blythe.
“LT’s stellar reputation speaks for itself. The moment she began exploring her next opportunity, leadership at Big Loud unanimously agreed—she was a natural fit for our team,” shares Blythe. “We’re thrilled to welcome her aboard and look forward to the expertise and passion she brings with her.”
“I’ve long admired the vibrant culture cultivated by Seth, Stacy and the Big Loud team,” adds Thomas. “I’m thrilled to be working alongside such a talented group with a powerful track record of success and innovation.”
Thomas most recently served as SVP of Promotion at Sony Music Nashville, where she helped the roster achieve nearly 100 No. 1 radio hits. She also led efforts for Columbia and RCA Nashville. Prior to that, she spent five years at KMLE-FM Phoenix.
She has been recognized for her efforts across the industry, being named to Billboard‘s Executive of the Week list in 2024, Variety‘s Hitmakers in 2023, CRS/Country Aircheck Awards SVP/VP of the Year and National of the Year, Country Aircheck Power 31 and Billboard‘s 40 Under 40. She also serves as co-chair of the St. Jude Country Cares Label Advisory Board.
Creative Nation Extends Deal With Lori McKenna
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Abby Holcomb, Brandon Gill, Luke Laird, Abigail Bruner and Jayne Hamblin; (L-R, front row): Alex Albanese, Beth Laird, Lori McKenna, Emily Furman and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns
Grammy winner Lori McKenna has extended her publishing, management and record deals with independent music company, Creative Nation. The extension builds on the 10 years the two have worked together.
As a songwriter, McKenna’s impressive resume includes back-to-back Grammy and CMA Awards, as well as the coveted title of ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2017. She has notched three Grammy wins as a songwriter for Best Country Song with Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (2015), Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” (2016) and The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table” (2020), and has had hits by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill, Hunter Hayes and many more.
In addition to her work in country music, McKenna also co-wrote “Always Remember Us This Way,” which was featured in the Academy Award-winning film, A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.
As an artist, McKenna’s artist projects have received high praise over the years, having released critically-acclaimed albums such as 2020’s The Balladeer and 2018’s The Tree, which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2019 Americana Music Awards. McKenna’s 2016 album, The Bird & The Rifle, was nominated for three Grammy Awards as well as three Americana Awards.
“We have worked with Lori in publishing, management and records for 10 years and I couldn’t be more excited to extend our agreement and continue our partnership building her iconic career. She truly is one of the best singer-songwriters of our generation, and it is an honor for our team to work alongside her. Barry Dean says it best: ‘if you don’t know where your soul is, listening to Lori McKenna will help you locate it,’” Creative Nation Founder and CEO, Beth Laird says.
“It just feels so right for me to continue with my Creative Nation team and family. I think we’ve grown together and it feels like there’s still so much more to come. I say this all the time, but I really am so grateful to be part of the Nashville community of songwriters, artists and creatives. I still get excited landing at BNA. I still feel like the luckiest songwriter in the world. I’m so happy to have this team in my corner,” McKenna says.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s MusicRow Weekly shines a spotlight on several major developments across Nashville’s music landscape, showcasing both industry evolution and a strong commitment to community care. Click here to see the full edition.
Singer-songwriter Matt Stell has deepened his relationship with Endurance Music Group, entering into a new joint venture label deal that builds on his already successful publishing alliance with the company.
Dierks Bentley has announced the launch of the Broken Branches Fund, a multi-year commitment to bolstering mental health support for the creative and touring communities. Administered in partnership with Music Health Alliance (MHA), the fund will provide mental health grants covering outpatient counseling and structured follow-up care for qualified individuals and their families. Bentley’s move underscores a growing awareness and responsibility within the industry to address mental well-being.
Big Machine Records has promoted Rachel Burleson to Senior Director of Streaming. Spirit Music Nashville has welcomed Nick Autry to its roster through a global publishing agreement.
Marketing agency RESULTS GLOBAL revealed formation of a new Digital & Social Media division. Spearheaded by Katrina Maddox as Head of Digital & Social, the team also includes Lindsey Parrish and Tess Schoonhoven as Social Media Managers, and Conner McEuen as Paid Media Manager.
The music business sees the debut of Gutt Law, PLLC, founded by entertainment attorney Rachel Guttmann. The Nashville-based practice is joined by attorney Victoria Powell and Morgan Brasfield, who will serve as Head of Operations.
Kenny Chesney kicked off his much-anticipated Las Vegas residency at The Sphere with star-studded surprises. The opening night featured Kelsea Ballerini, who joined Chesney for emotional renditions of their chart-topping duet “Half Of My Hometown,” the fan-favorite “You & Tequila,” and an impromptu performance of “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” Grace Potter also took the stage during the weekend, reuniting with Chesney for another powerful delivery of “You & Tequila.”
Eric Church delivered back-to-back performances at The Pinnacle on May 23 and 24, offering a celebration of his latest project, Evangeline Vs. The Machine.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Riley Green maintains his No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive week with “Worst Way.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Kane Brown To Make Feature Film Debut
/by Madison HahnenKane Brown. Photo: Dennis Leupold
Kane Brown will make his feature film debut in the romantic comedy The Token Groomsman, starring Taylor Lautner.
In his role, Brown will play Neil, the ride or die best friend and moral compass to Lautner’s character Scott, providing advice and laughs as Scott goes searches for money or love over a chaotic weekend.
“We knew we needed bold, lovable personalities to match the heart and humor of this story,” said Director Natalie Simpkins. “Kane brings something so unique. He has a rare mix of vulnerability and magnetism that’s incredibly compelling.”
Simpkins will serve as Director of the film. She also co-wrote original screenplay alongside John C. Hall and Sohale Andrus Mortazavi. Simpkins, Hall and Pam Renall are the Producers.
Production will begin later this year, and the film will hit over 2,500 theaters across the U.S. upon release.
“We believe in sharp, commercial comedies that bring audiences together, and The Token Groomsman is exactly that kind of film,” said John Fithian, Founding Partner of The Fithian Group. “Working alongside Pam Renall and John C. Hall—two industry veterans with a wealth of marketing, distribution, and filmmaking experience—will be key in shaping the film’s strong release strategy. We’re excited to marry that experience with Attend’s groundbreaking digital tools to bring this film to theaters and beyond.”
“We are thrilled to partner with director Natalie Simpkins and to be representing The Token Groomsman internationally,” said Mimi Steinbauer, President of Radiant. “Her fresh, modern take on romcoms is exactly what makes this film such a great fit for us. It has the perfect blend of humor, heart, and star power to make an impact with audiences around the world.”
Neste Live! Expands Team With Promotions, New Hires
/by Lorie HollabaughJill Kopecky and Sarah Ramsden
Neste Live!, a Live Nation company, has expanded its corporate events division.
Jill Kopecky has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Corporate Events, expanding her leadership role after over a decade with the company. A former MPI Tennessee Chapter President and award-winner, Kopecky brings extensive experience producing major events like NASCAR’s Speedway GLOBE and the Utah State Fair, with recent work extending to Spain and the Middle East.
Sarah Ramsden has also joined as Corporate Talent Buyer. She brings over 20 years of experience to the company, including leadership positions at Dollar General Corporation, most recently as Director of Corporate Events. There, she managed large-scale events including trade shows, employee recognition programs, foundation golf tournaments, grand openings, and annual conferences, and spearheaded private entertainment bookings. Her career began at Belmont University, where she managed complex event operations for both campus and external clients.
With the addition of Ramsden as Corporate Talent Buyer to the Corporate events team, Kopecky will now oversee the corporate events department as well as continuing her role as Corporate Events Talent Buyer within Neste Live!
Additionally, Neste Live! welcomes Leeanne Lisk as Operations Manager. With 12 years at CMT, Lisk contributed to both Executive Administration and the Music & Talent Team, playing a key role in various projects across the network. Her career has also included pivotal positions at Big Machine Distillery as Director of Operations and Events, John Cooper’s Mayoral Administration, and as HR & Operations Manager for the Opry’s Circle Network.
Noelle Sunderland and Lacey Snyder have also been promoted from Talent Buyer Assistants to Booking Coordinators.
Sunderland was recently promoted from her role as Talent Buyer Assistant to Gil Cunningham. Her prior experience includes stops at CAA and Odessey Entertainment Group. Snyder was recently promoted from her role as Talent Buyer Assistant to President Andrew Fortin. Originally from California’s Central Coast, she launched her career in radio at KMLE Country while studying at Grand Canyon University in Arizona.
Shenandoah To Debut ‘The Cumberland Road Trading Post’ At CMA Fest
/by Lorie HollabaughShenandoah is bringing “The Cumberland Road Trading Post” booth to 2025 CMA Fest, taking place June 5-8 in Nashville, which will highlight both established and rising artists.
Half of the booth will serve as a meet and greet area where guest artists can sign autographs, CDs and take photos with fans, and the other half will be dedicated to Shenandoah merchandise sales.
“We’ve been going to Fan Fair for over 40 years, and one thing that’s always remained important is the connection between artists and their fans,” says frontman Marty Raybon. “That’s the heart of country music. We’re proud to bring ‘The Cumberland Road Trading Post’ to CMA Fest. It’s an opportunity for both longtime favorites and fresh faces to meet the folks who support them. This is what it’s all about.”
Shenandoah will sign in the booth on Thursday, June 5 from 1:30-2 p.m. and Sunday, June 8 from 2-2:30 p.m. The band is set to perform on the Chevy Vibes Stage on June 5 at 11:30 AM. They’ll also take part in a discussion on the CMA Closeup Stage as part of a special event — “Timeless Tracks: The Enduring Legacy of Music’s Power Players featuring Pam Tillis, Shenandoah, Mark Willis and Billy Dean” on Sunday, June 8 at 12:45 p.m.
Lukas Nelson & Kaitlin Butts Light Up The Night At BMI’s Rooftop On The Row
/by Lorie HollabaughLukas Nelson headlines BMI’s Rooftop On The Row series. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row series got an infusion of Lone Star swagger on Wednesday night (May 28) as Lukas Nelson and Kaitlin Butts took the stage and filled the Nashville skies with some heavenly fiddle and steel-soaked country.
Kaitlin Butts performs at BMI’s Rooftop On The Row. Photo: Aubrey
Wise for BMI
The seventh season of the annual summer series kicked off with a set from DJ Smoke before BMI’s Mason Hunter welcomed Butts to the stage. The Oklahoma native’s sass was on full display as she paid homage to her western roots with tracks like “White River,” “Roadrunner,” and “Other Girls (Ain’t Havin’ Any Fun)” and showcased her wit with her viral hit “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead To Me).”
Nelson then saddled up and treated the crowd to a helping of songs from his upcoming Sony Music Nashville solo debut American Romance, due out June 20. Kicking things off with the redemptive “Ain’t Done,” he also shared “Outsmarted” “Pretty Much” and more from the new album, before welcoming Butts to join him on stage to duet on a smoking version of the righteous and reggae-tinged “Find Yourself” from Nelson’s Promise Of The Real days. He also ventured back into Real territory on the funky blues of “Carolina” before later closing out the magical evening with an acoustic version of the new album’s title track.
The seventh season of BMI’s Rooftop On The Row series continues on July 15 with Tucker Wetmore and Tanner Adell.
BMI’s Rooftop On The Row draws full crowd for Lukas Nelson and Kaitlin Butts. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
Photo (L-R): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Claire Dodelin, BMI’s Jackson Kiger, Kaitlin Butts (BMI), Lukas Nelson (BMI), BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI’s Nina Carter, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, BMI’s Kelsey O’Neill, and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI
Turn It Up! Texas Showcase June 4 Announces Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Turn It Up! Texas showcase event has unveiled its lineup set to hit the stage on June 4 at Category 10 in downtown Nashville, with Jenna Paulette, Smithfield and more set to perform.
The show will run from 11 a.m- 3:30 p.m., bringing together a mix of talent that showcases the heart, grit and unmistakable sound of the Lone Star State. Along with the live music, attendees can enjoy line dancing, an array of food and drinks from Category 10, and a chance to connect with fellow country fans as Nashville kicks off one of its biggest weeks of the year.
The schedule includes:
11 – 11:25 a.m. – Smithfield
11:45 – 12:10 p.m. – Jenna Paulette
12:30 – 1:00 p.m. – Garrett Bradford
1:20 – 1:50 p.m. – Wynn Williams
2:10 – 2:40 p.m. – Lane Smith
3 – 3:30 p.m. – Jack Blocker
Rob Williford Slates New Album And Accompanying Short Film For June
/by Lauryn SinkRob Williford. Photo: Dustin Haney
Rob Williford is slated to release his upcoming album, Johnny & Jenny, on June 27. An accompanying short film will release at the same time.
The 14-song record, produced by Andy Park, and the short film, shot by Dustin Haney, weave together themes of themes of addiction, betrayal, and redemption.
“This album is real life. It’s about me. But I want it to be accessible for people going through whatever shades or colors of emotion,” shares Williford. “I personally embrace that a lot more than needing the face and brand recognition of Rob Williford. Who cares who created it. I’m not trying to push streams – I just want it to make you feel something.”
Williford is a Grammy-nominated songwriter with cuts by Luke Combs and Tim McGraw, and this record marks his evolution into a solo artist. Four songs from the record are available now, including the newly released “Jenny,” dropped today (May 30).
Johnny & Jenny Track List:
1. “Johnny” (Rob Williford, David Mescon, Spencer Coats)
2. “Married Music” (Rob Williford, Nick Walsh, McCoy Moore, Spencer Coats)
3. “Find Someone Who Loves You” (Rob Williford, Steve Bogard)
4. “Dead Man Road” (Rob Williford, Jami Grooms)
5. “Shoals Creek” (Rob Williford, Korey Hunt)
6. “Never Do Again” (Rob Williford, McCoy Moore)
7. “Lucky One” (Rob Williford, Noah Gundersen, Misha Gundersen, David Mescon, Spencer Coats)
8. “Beautiful Breakdown” (Rob Williford, Spencer Coats, Noah Shell)
9. “Ain’t No Mountain” (Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson)
10. “Eden” (Rob Williford, David Mescon, Gino Barletta, Elli Moore)
11. “Heart Unbreaking” (Rob Williford, Nick Walsh, McCoy Moore, Spencer Coats)
12. “Helicopters” (Rob Williford)
13. “Fly” (Rob Williford, Spencer Coats, Brad Kuhn)
14. “Jenny” (Rob Williford, Noah Gundersen, James McNair)
Taylor Swift Buys Back Her Masters, Reclaiming First Six Albums
/by Madison HahnenTaylor Swift performs onstage during night one of “The Eras Tour” at Nissan Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/TAS23/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management
Taylor Swift has bought back her master recording catalog from Shamrock Capital, giving her ownership of her six original albums.
“All the times I was this close, reaching out for it, only for it to fall through,” Swift shared in a letter on her website. “I almost stopped thinking it could ever happen after 20 years of having the carrot dangled and then yanked away. But that’s all in the past now. I’ve been bursting into tears of joy at random intervals ever since I found out that this is really happening. I really get to say these words: All of the music I’ve ever made… now belongs to me. All of my music videos. All the concert films. The album art and photography. The unreleased songs. The memories. The magic. The madness. Every single era. My entire life’s work.”
Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings first purchased Swift’s catalog in 2019 from Big Machine Label Group. After the purchase, Swift began to re-record the albums in an effort to regain control over the songs commercially, with Fearless (Taylor’s Version) releasing in April 2021, Red (Taylor’s Version) in November 2021, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) in July 2023 and 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in October 2023.
According to Luminate data, Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Red (Taylor’s Version) out streamed their originals, with Fearless earning three times more album units as the original, and Red with 10 times the original.
Over Swift’s entire catalog, she has racked up 116.77 million album units in the United States, according to Luminate, stretching back to her self-titled debut album in 2006. She has sold 54 million albums in the U.S. and has generated 70.746 billion streams.