The MLC Seeking Board Of Directors & Advisory Committee Candidate Suggestions

The Mechanical Licensing Collective is accepting Publisher candidate suggestions for its Board of Directors and Dispute Resolution, Operations Advisory, and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight committees.

Under the Music Modernization Act, certain governance positions at The MLC are reserved for representatives of musical work copyright owners. The terms of several Publisher seats on the Board and the organization’s advisory committees are slated to end later this year, and elections related to the open Board seats will be held this summer. Board and committee members sit for three-year terms and may be re-elected, and seats are filled according to The MLC’s Bylaws.

There is an opening on the Board of Directors for one Publisher representative. Under The MLC’s Bylaws, a “Publisher” means a music publisher to which songwriters have assigned exclusive rights of reproduction and distribution of musical works with respect to Covered Activities. “Covered Activities” means the making of digital phonorecord deliveries of musical works, including in the form of permanent downloads, limited downloads, or interactive streams, where such activity qualifies for a compulsory license under Section 115 of the U.S. Copyright Act.

The openings on The MLC’s advisory committees are as follows:

  • Two seats for representatives of musical work copyright owners on the Dispute Resolution Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board for the processing of royalties related to works that are subject to disputes over ownership;
  • Two seats for representatives of musical work copyright owners on theOperations Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the Board concerning the operations of The MLC, including the efficient investment in and deployment of information technology and data resources; and
  • One seat for a representative of musical work copyright owners on the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee, which recommends policies and procedures to The MLC’s Board related to the distribution of unclaimed accrued royalties.

The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees meet regularly, and all meetings allow for virtual participation so that travel is not generally required. Members are expected to devote sufficient time to prepare for and participate fully in all meetings. More information on The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees can be found here. Suggestions should be made no later than May 4 here.

Opry’s ‘Salute The Troops’ Show To Honor U.S. Military In May

The Grand Ole Opry will honor the U.S. military and mark the USA’s upcoming 250th birthday with the return of a red-carpet parade and a special “Salute the Troops” Opry performance on May 19.

Among the artists set to perform at the tribute are Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as an Army Reserve Warrant Officer,  Lauren Alaina, The War And Treaty, the 100th US Army Band, and moreThe Opry will also welcome 3-Star General Robert Harter, the Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the US Army Reserve Command, as a guest announcer. Lt. General Harter will preside over a future soldier swearing-in ceremony live on stage.

Honored active and veteran military guests attending the show will be invited to join a red carpet parade into the Opry House for the evening’s show. Leading the red-carpet walk will be Lt. General Harter, Retired US Army General Keith Huber with MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Carol Whitmore, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) National Commander and Hal Roesch, VFW Foundation Executive Director.

The public is invited to arrive at 5 p.m. to see the 100th US Army Band perform in the Opry Plaza before they lead the honored red carpet parade guests beginning at 5:45 pm. Opry House doors will open after the honored guests have entered the building for the 7 p.m. show.  Tickets are available at 615-871-OPRY and opry.com.

“As we gather for this Salute to the Troops event, we are proud to recognize both our newest recruits and the generations of service members who have answered the call,” says Lt. Gen. Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command. “Presiding over the oath of enlistment is a privilege and a testament to the enduring strength of our all-volunteer force.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lee Brice Wins Disc Of The Day

Lee Brice

DISClaimer delves into a variety-pack of emotions this week.

We have humor thanks to Hannah Dasher, politics thanks to Amy Grant & Ruby Amanfu, party-happy silliness thanks to Breland, bluesy wistfulness from Thomas Rhett, retro energy from The Wagoneers, and gentle heartbreak from Ernest.

Lee Brice has the Disc of the Day with something soulful, spiritual and soaring. Hand a DISCovery Award to the new Kentucky band Sons of Habit.

HANNAH DASHER / “Waffle House”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Mark Sanders; Producer: Hannah Dasher; Label: HD
– How timely of her. Dasher is celebrating the release of her debut cookbook, Stand By Your Pan, with a food-related new lyric. In this hardcore honky-tonker, she calls out a bozo who expects her to cook for him when he comes home drunk at 3 a.m. “Go find someone else/To make your patty melt” because “I ain’t your Waffle House.” Yee-haw.

ERNEST / “Deep Blue”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Grady Block/Hank Compton/Jamie McLaughlin/Rocky Block; Producers: ERNEST, Jacob Durrett; Label: Big Loud Records
– Smooth sailing. While fiddles saw, Ernest delivers a mellow, breezy, heartache lament with a gently rolling rhythm, an ear-wormy melody and a lyric sprinkled with wit.

SONS OF HABIT / “Annabelle”
Writers: Frank Cassidy/Hagan Edge/Mitchell Douglas/Nathan Ross; Producer: Taylor Kimball; Label: Lucille/Republic Records
– Atmospheric, with plucked acoustic guitars giving way to an echoey soundscape. The super creative production frames an aching lead vocal describing an enigmatic lover. You have my attention. Please send more.

LUKE BRYAN / “Country and She Knows It”
Writers: Josh Miller/Matt Dragstrem/Parker Welling; Producers: Jeff Stevens, Jody Stevens, Matt Dragstrem; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Truck, booze, dirt road, tattoo, boots, Strait reference. Check, check and double check. The wooshing, forward-thrust tempo wraps the whole thing up in a terrifically listenable package. Radio ready.

ASHLEY COOKE / “xs”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Ashley Gorley/Emily Weisband/Will Weatherly; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Big Loud Records
– Bruised and hurting, but with spirit unbowed. He doesn’t understand that “crossing lines makes x’s.” She mulls and muses in a slowly paced ballad of resignation and recrimination.

THOMAS RHETT / “Georgia On My Mind”
Writers: Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell; Producer: Julian Bunetta; Label: Blue Highway Records
– More than 1,000 artists have recorded this everlasting American classic, including such indelible stylists as Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, The Righteous Brothers, Willie Nelson, Tom Jones, Michael Bolton, and James Brown. Rhett’s take on it is drawling, echoey, bluesy, and quite effective. He might not be indelible, but you have to admire his moxie.

MONTE WARDEN & THE WAGONEERS / “Doghouse Flowers”
Writers: Brandi Warden/Montgomery Warden; Producers: Brandi Warden, Mas Palermo; Label: MW
– Legendary Texas music Hall of Famers The Wagoneers return with their first new single in decades. It’s a delightful, dizzy, rockabilly rampage with edgy, stuttering energy. Leader Monte Warden is an Austin institution with evergreen audio charisma. A welcome and long overdue comeback.

RODNEY CROWELL / “Before I Hung Your Picture on the Wall”
Writer: Rodney Crowell; Producer: Tyler Bryant; Label: New West Records
– The country-rocking track churns and burns while Rodney sings of leaving his wandering ways behind in favor of True Love. Written and performed by a defining, enduring country-music master.

RITA WILSON / “Michaelangelo”
Writers: Amy Wadge/Rita Wilson; Producers: Dave Cobb, Rita Wilson; Label: Sing It Loud Records
– Wilson’s lustrous vocal pierces the airy, piano-and-choir ballad like an arrow of emotional truth. A firm, confident step into A/C music.

BRELAND / “In My Truck”
Writers: Andre R. Young/Curtis James Jackson/Daniel Breland/Jeremy “Kinetics” Dussolliet/Jim Lavigne/Michael A Elizondo/Nate Sander/Tim “One Love” Sommers; Producers: naebird, One Love, Sam Sumser, Sean Small; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic
– Upbeat positivity infuses this invitation to party. It ain’t exactly deep, but the vibe is right. The artist hosts his fifth annual Breland & Friends benefit concert at the Ryman next Wednesday (April 8). The show supports at-risk youth through the Oasis Center.

INGRID ANDRESS / “Taillights”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Lydia Sutherland/Paul DiGiovanni; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– This sassy country rocker has the tale of gal who is wise to his every move. She tells him he didn’t get away with anything, because “I saw your taillights comin.’” Feisty and fresh.

LEE BRICE / “When the Kingdom Comes”
Writers: Billy Montana/Jon Stone/Lee Brice/Sara Brice; Producer: none listed; Label: Curb Records
– Torrid and heartfelt. When Brice is fired up like this, few can touch him as a communicator. At the end of the day, Love is all that matters.

AMY GRANT & RUBY AMANFU / “How Do We Get There From Here”
Writers: Amy Grant/Ruby Amanfu; Producer: Mac McAnally; Label: AG
– These women call for community, unity, compassion and collective action to heal our troubled times. Amanfu is powerful on her verses and lends soprano harmony vocals throughout Grant’s urgent plea to move forward together. The stirring duet single commemorates the three-year anniversary of Nashville’s Covenant School shooting.

Chris Tomlin’s ‘Good Friday Nashville’ Hits 10-Year Milestone [Interview]

Chris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein

As Chris Tomlin prepares to take the stage at Bridgestone Arena for the 10th annual Good Friday Nashville on April 3, the event stands as both a marquee moment on the city’s live music calendar and a case study in how purpose-driven concerts can scale.

What began as a simple gathering has evolved into one of Nashville’s most anticipated annual events, with tickets for the following year traditionally going on sale immediately after the current show and often moving quickly. More than 60% of tickets for this year’s concert sold during Easter weekend following last year’s event, underscoring its growing demand and loyal audience base.

“I never would have dreamed we’d be 10 years down the road with this Good Friday Nashville concert,” Tomlin says. “It’s been quite a beautiful journey and something that I look forward to every year.”

The roots of the event trace back well before its Nashville debut. Tomlin first experienced the impact of a multi-church Good Friday gathering while living in Houston, later continuing the model in Atlanta. When he relocated to Nashville, he saw an opportunity to build something similar, though he admits he didn’t anticipate its eventual scale. Over the past decade, Good Friday Nashville has grown into the largest ticketed Christian concert ever held at Bridgestone Arena, while also becoming the venue’s longest-running annual charity-related event. It now ranks among the most significant recurring concerts in the building’s history, tying with Taylor Swift for the second-most headlining appearances.

Still, Tomlin is quick to downplay the role of star power in the event’s success.

“It’s something bigger than any artist,” he explains. “It’s not really about names. People just know it’s going to be meaningful and they come because of what it represents.”

That ethos extends to the event’s business model. Each year, proceeds are funneled back into the community, supporting initiatives tied to foster care and adoption through For Others, the nonprofit founded by Tomlin and his wife, Lauren. The organization has since grown into a national network connecting donors, nonprofits, businesses and government partners to address the foster care crisis.

“I didn’t feel right making money from it,” Tomlin says of the event’s earliest days. “I thought if this becomes something we do every year, it should give back.”

What began as a simple decision has since scaled into a broader movement. Inspired in part by personal connections, including family members who became foster parents, and a growing awareness of the needs within Tennessee, Tomlin has helped channel the event’s success into tangible outcomes.

“It just grabbed my heart,” he says. “Every kid deserves a safe, secure home. What started small has turned into something that’s making a real impact across the country.”

Along the way, Good Friday Nashville has also built a reputation for its surprise moments, with unannounced appearances from artists across genres. Past guests have included Luke Bryan, Lainey Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Lady A, Lauren Daigle and CeCe Winans, among others, adding an element of unpredictability that has become part of the show’s identity.

“Every year, people ask who’s going to show up,” Tomlin says. “Honestly, it always comes together in its own way.”

As the event marks its 10-year milestone, Tomlin says his focus remains on maintaining the foundation that has fueled its growth: consistency, community and clarity of purpose.

“I’m proud that it’s become something people want to come back to year after year,” he says. “It’s built a sense of unity, and it’s stayed true to what it’s meant to be from the beginning.”

With its combination of scale, impact and staying power, Good Friday Nashville has firmly established itself as more than a concert. It is a defining annual moment for both the industry and the community it serves.

Ignition Adds Three To Team

Pictured (L-R): Kennedy Fisher, Vanessa Menzo, Tayler Burke

Ignition has added three new members to its team, spanning operations, digital, and artist management.

Vanessa Menzo has been named Artist Relations & Director of Digital and Social Media, bringing a background in advertising and five years of experience running her own business. She can be reached here.

Kennedy Fisher steps in as Manager of Operations & Creative/Digital Strategy, working across day-to-day operations, social strategy, and content development for the company’s roster. A graduate of Belmont University’s Creative Media program, the Indiana native relocated to Nashville in 2021. She can be reached here.

Tayler Burke joins as Day-to-Day Manager for rising country artist Tyra Madison. Originally from Kentucky and raised in Ohio, she moved to Nashville in 2020 and got her start in social and content, helping shape Madison’s voice and presence online. She can be reached here.

Ryman Auditorium Unveils Spring Sidewalk Sessions Lineup

The Ryman Auditorium has unveiled the spring sidewalk session lineup, kicking off tomorrow (April 3).

Featured artists will include Adam Simons, Erin Webb, Hair Force One, Colleen Orender, Matt Mann & The Shine Runners, Rebecca Lee Daniels, Brassfield and Brothers Revolt.

The pre-show party series will provide live music from up-and-coming artists on PNC Plaza for eight weeks this spring. These events are free and open to the public, feature drinks at the outdoor bar and include giveaways from the Ryman Shop.

Sidewalk Sessions Artist Lineup on PNC Plaza Stage:
April 3 | 5:00 p.m. – Adam Simons
Performing on the Ryman stage on April 3 is The Format

April 8 | 5:30 p.m. – Erin Webb
Performing on the Ryman stage on April 8 is Breland & Friends

April 21 | 5:00 p.m. – Hair Force One
Performing on the Ryman stage on April 21 is STYX

April 29 | 6:00 p.m. – Colleen Orender
Performing on the Ryman stage on April 29 is RAYE

May 6 | 5:30 p.m. – Matt Mann & The Shine Runners
Performing on the Ryman stage on May 6 is A Night with David Lee Roth

May 15 | 6:00 p.m. – Rebecca Lee Daniels
Performing on the Ryman stage on May 15 is Drew & Ellie Holcomb

May 22 | 6:00 p.m. – Brassfield
Performing on the Ryman stage on May 22 is Trace Adkins

May 29 | 5:30 p.m. – Brothers Revolt
Performing on the Ryman stage on May 29 is Cinderella’s Tom Keifer Band

Blue Harbor Music Celebrates Two Years

Pictured (L-R): Anthony Olympia, Nick Donley, Miller Arant, Trey Pendley, Will Jones, Alex Hall, Jacob Bryant, Meg McRee, Ben Chapman, John Davidson, Steve Markland and Kendall Lettow.

Blue Harbor Music recently celebrated the company’s two-year anniversary.

Since inception, Blue Harbor Music has built a roster composed of 10 writers, which includes Jacob Bryant, Ben Chapman, John Davidson, Nick Donley, Alex Hall, Will Jones, Kendell Marvel, Meg McRee, Anthony Olympia and Trey Pendley.

“I am so proud of our team at Blue Harbor Music and the amazing writers that we work with,” says President Steve Markland. “It’s an honor to represent such an extraordinary roster of incredibly talented and unique creators. We look forward to building a robust catalog of strong, diverse, meaningful songs as well as artist careers that stand out and set trends amongst today’s modern music business. We are truly excited and over the moon about our mission here at Blue Harbor Music!”

Accomplishments from the past two years include the launch of Pendley’s career, who has a record deal with Leo33, as well as development for Hall, Jones and more. Across the roster, there are several major label cuts.

“When I joined the team at Blue Harbor Music, I was already impressed by the roster Steve and Miller [Arant] had built and what they had achieved in just one year,” shares Senior Creative Director Kendall Lettow. “Looking back now on our two-year anniversary makes me very excited for what is ahead for our team of writers and artists.”

“I’m a huge fan of our writers and am so proud of the roster we’ve built over the past two years,” adds Arant, Creative Coordinator. “Working with Steve, Kendall, and the incredible Music Row community has been such an amazing experience, and I’m so excited for what’s ahead.”

Clint Black Unveils Book Tour For New Memoir

Clint Black is embarking on a book tour this spring to celebrate the release of his new memoir, Killin’ Time: My Life and Music.

The multi-city book tour will take place May 17–23 with stops in New York, Long Island, Boston, Pittsburgh, and Nashville, and will feature an intimate conversation about the new book.

Black will reflect on his journey, revisiting experiences that have defined his career, from the breakout success of his triple-Platinum debut album Killin’ Time to the triumphs and challenges that followed. He offers insight into pivotal chapters of his life, including his marriage to actress Lisa Hartman Black, launching his own record label, collaborating with legends like Jimmy Buffett and Merle Haggard, and the personal trials that tested his resolve.

During the week of the book’s release, Black will appear on NBC TODAY on May 18, The Kelly Clarkson Show on May 22, with additional national media outlets to be announced. Tickets for the book tour are available for purchase here. All attendees will receive a signed copy of Killin’ Time: My Life and Music upon admission.

Book Tour Dates:
May 17 – Bay Shore, NY (Long Island) – Boulton Center with The Next Chapter
May 18 – New York City, NY – City Winery with The Strand
May 21 – Boston, MA – City Winery with Brookline Booksmith
May 22 – Pittsburgh, PA – City Winery with Barnes & Noble
May 23 – Nashville, TN – Ford Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with
Parnassus Books

T-RAN Gilbert Named TN Music & Entertainment Ambassador

Photo: Courtesy of 22Visionz

Gospel artist, producer and community leader Terran “T-RAN” Gilbert has been appointed as an Ambassador of the Music and Entertainment Industry by the Tennessee House of Representatives. The honor places T-RAN among a lineage of artists who have long served as cultural ambassadors for the state, including icons such as Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire.

T-RAN marked the momentous occasion with a live performance on the House floor at the Tennessee State Capitol, delivering his new single “More of You” alongside live strings and acoustic guitar, transforming the legislative space into something deeply human, spiritual and unifying.

“This moment is bigger than me,” T-RAN shared. “It represents the power of faith, the influence of music, and the importance of seeing our stories—our culture—recognized at the highest levels.”

Originally from Chattanooga, T-RAN is also the founder of 22Visionz Entertainment, a creative agency spanning music, film, and digital content, and the visionary behind the nonprofit Live And Not Die Inc., which has impacted communities nationwide through outreach rooted in faith, music and mental health awareness.

Kane Brown & Others To Headline 2026 NFL Draft Entertainment Series

Kane Brown. Photo: Matthew Paskert

Kane Brown, Wiz Khalifa and Bret Michaels will headline this year’s NFL Draft Entertainment Series in Pittsburgh on April 23-25, Billboard has revealed.

The three-day live music experience will happen in conjunction with the NFL Draft, and Brown will close out the event on Saturday, April 25. Khalifa, Michaels and Brown join a long list of performers who’ve brought live music to the NFL Draft over the years include Eminem, Weezer, Ice Cube and Marshmello.

Presented by Bud Light, this year’s NFL Draft Entertainment Series performances will take place at the Draft Theater next to Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. General admission to the event is free, but fans are encouraged to arrive early as standing room access will be granted on a first-come first-served basis. Fans can register for free entry to the Draft Entertainment Series at NFL.com/DraftAccess.