Walker Montgomery Signs With Major Bob Music

/by

Pictured (L-R, back row): Andy Friday (Major Bob) and Aubrey Daniels (Major Bob); (L-R, middle row): Emily Hasty (Major Bob); (L-R, front row): Jenni Tackett (Range Media Partners), Walker Montgomery and Bob Doyle (Major Bob). Photo: Courtesy of Major Bob Music

Rising singer-songwriter Walker Montgomery has signed with Major Bob Music.

Montgomery is the son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery, but is forging his own path in today’s country scene with his classically-inspired, honey-bourbon vocal. His self-penned debut single “Simple Town” has earned 5.2 million streams on Spotify alone, and he has garnered over 20 million streams worldwide with his romantic power ballad “She Don’t Know,” from his 2022 EP Rust, along with story-building singles like the high-energy “Out of Nowhere” and good-time filled “Bad Day To Be A Beer.”

Montgomery’s release of “I Love The Way You Love Me” has tallied more than 40 million views across his socials, and he has racked up more than 78 million cumulative global streams.  He will continue to release new music, produced by Bart Butler, throughout the year.

“Besides his timeless voice, Walker’s passion for storytelling and bringing it to life with fiddle and steel is what drew me to him,” says Aubrey Daniels, Major Bob Music’s Head of Publishing. “It’s completely inspiring, I feel so grateful to be a small part of what I believe to be a big career for Walker!”

Waylon Wyatt Announces New EP, Fall Tour

/by

Waylon Wyatt. Photo: Josef Lloyd

Waylon Wyatt is set to release his second EP, Out Of The Blue, on June 6 via Music Soup/Darkroom Records.

The new EP will feature his recently released single “Sincerely Your Son,” a song that highlights Wyatt’s yearning to be with his parents while on the road and offers a promise of love and devotion as a son. It will also include previously released tracks “Smoke & Embers” (with Willow Avalon) and “I’d Be Delighted,” along with three brand new songs.

The project is being announced in conjunction with his biggest headline tour thus far, an expansive 35+ date fall tour which kicks off in Fayetteville on September 6 and visits Philadelphia, Charlotte, Tulsa, Boulder, Seattle, San Diego and more, with a Nashville stop at the Basement East on Sept. 23.

“Y’all I’m so excited to announce Out of The Blue, my second EP, is coming soon on June 6,” says Wyatt. “Beyond excited for this one! Gonna be hitting the road playing songs from this and my last EP with a band!! I better see y’all there!”

Last fall, Wyatt introduced himself to the world with Til The Sun Goes Down, a debut EP he wrote, produced, and recorded in his childhood home. He is currently on his sold-out headlining “Til The Sun Goes Down Tour” and will support Zach Bryan, Sam Barber, and Turnpike Troubadours on select dates. In addition to his international tour, he will make appearances at major festivals including Bourbon & Beyond, Fresh Grass, and Rock The Park, among others.

Upcoming Tour Dates:
May 17, 2025 – Bentonville, AR – FreshGrass Music Festival Bentonville
May 30, 2025 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre – Supporting Sam Barber
May 31, 2025 – Panama City Beach, FL – Gulf Coast Jam
Jun 3, 2025 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom with Blake Whiten
Jun 20, 2025 – Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
Jun 21, 2025 – Lewisburg, WV – Wild Trails Festival
Jun 28, 2025 – London, England – Hyde Park Supporting Zach Bryan
Jun 29, 2025 – London, UK – Hyde Park Supporting Zach Bryan
Jul 1, 2025 – London, England – The Garage
Jul 3, 2025 – Manchester, United Kingdom – Gorilla
Jul 4, 2025 – Glasgow, Glasgow City – Saint Luke’s
Jul 6, 2025 – Dublin, County Dublin – Green Room at The Academy
Jul 9, 2025 – London, ON – Rock The Park
July 12, 2025 – Cavendish, PE – Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Jul 19, 2025 – Redmond, OR – FairWell Festival
Aug 8, 2025 – Tillamook, OR – Tillamook County Fair
Sep 5, 2025 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge
Sep 6, 2025 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
Sep 8, 2025 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
Sep 9, 2025 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre
Sep 12, 2025 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s Bar on Weed St.
Sep 16, 2025 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis
Sep 17, 2025 – New York, NY – Webster Hall
Sep 19, 2025 – Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
Sep 21, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry
Sep 23, 2025 – Nashville, TN – The Basement East
Sep 26, 2025 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
Sep 27, 2025 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
Sep 28, 2025 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
Oct 7, 2025 – Tulsa, OK – The Vanguard
Oct 8, 2025 – Dallas, TX – Studio at The Factory
Oct 31, 2025 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
Nov 1, 2025 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre
Nov 2, 2025 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie Theatre
Nov 4, 2025 – Bozeman, MT – The ELM
Nov 6, 2025 – Vancouver, BC – Hollywood Theatre
Nov 7, 2025 – Seattle, WA – Neumos
Nov 10, 2025 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
Nov 13, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
Nov 14, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre
Nov 17, 2025 – San Diego, CA – Music Box
Nov 20, 2025 – Austin, TX – Antone’s Nightclub
Nov 21, 2025 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall – Downstairs

Wyatt Flores Extends ‘Welcome Back To The Plains Tour’

/by

Wyatt Flores. Photo: Natalie Rhea

Wyatt Flores will continue his “Welcome Back To The Plains Tour” into the fall.

Newly confirmed stops on the trek include shows at Seattle’s Showbox, Portland’s McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, Santa Barbara’s Arlington Theater, Houston’s 713 Music Hall, Vancouver’s Commodore Ballroom, Calgary’s Palace Theatre and Edmonton’s Midway Music Hall, among others. The Brudi Brothers, The Droptines and Noah Rinker will join as support.

Tickets for the new dates will be available for pre-sale starting today (May 13), with general on-sale following on Friday (May 16).

In addition to the upcoming headline shows, Flores will join Post Malone’s “Big Ass Stadium Tour” next month followed by a run across the U.K. and Europe with 49 Winchester this fall.

Flores released his first live album, Live At Cain’s Ballroom, earlier this year via Island Records.

“Welcome Back To The Plains Tour” Dates:
Sept. 3—Seattle, WA—Showbox SoDo
Sept. 5—Pullman, WA—Washington State University
Sept. 6—Portland, OR—McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
Sept. 7—Garden City, ID—Revolution Concert House
Sept. 9—Sacramento, CA—Channel 24
Sept. 11—Oakland, CA—Fox Theater
Sept. 12—Del Mar, CA—The Sound
Sept. 13—Santa Barbara, CA—Arlington Theater
Sept. 16—Flagstaff, AZ—Pepsi Amphitheater
Sept. 17—Albuquerque, NM—Revel
Sept. 20—Houston, TX—713 Music Hall
Nov. 8—Vancouver, BC—Commodore Ballroom
Nov. 11—Calgary, AB—The Palace Theatre
Nov. 12—Edmonton, AB—Midway Music Hall
Nov. 14—Saskatoon, SK—Coors Event Centre
Nov. 15—Winnipeg, MB—Burton Cummings Theatre

MusicRow Releases 2025 InCharge Issue, Riley Green Graces The Cover

/by

MusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication, is proud to announce the 2025 release of its flagship print directory, InCharge.

This annual guide highlights some of the most influential industry executives in the Nashville music business. This year’s edition includes 370 profiles which are accompanied by contact information, career biographies and detailed board and organizational membership affiliations.

The guide also includes a record label staff index, a company appendix and a professional categories appendix, which lists executives by their areas of expertise, including label, talent agency, management, music publishing, legal, finance, performing rights organizations and more.

“Since its inception in 1987, MusicRow’s annual InCharge issue has served as a trusted resource and compass for the entertainment community. Often referred to as the ‘bible’ of Nashville’s music industry, it provides an essential snapshot of who’s leading today—and who’s helping to build what’s next,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “From label heads and agents to producers, publicists, publishers and beyond, these are the professionals whose impact reverberates far beyond The Row.”

Award-winning singer-songwriter Riley Green graces the cover of the 2025 InCharge issue.

CMA and ACM award winner Riley Green has been capturing the hearts of country music fans since his 2018 self-titled EP debut with Big Machine Label Group. With hits like the double-Platinum “There Was This Girl,” the triple-Platinum “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” (performed at the 55th ACM Awards), and the No. 1 duet “Half of Me” with Thomas Rhett, Green has become known for his authentic, relatable songwriting and classic country sound.

A former Jacksonville State University quarterback and avid outdoorsman, Green was named ACM’s 2020 New Male Artist of the Year and has earned recognition as a CMT “Listen Up Artist” and one of the CRS 2020 New Faces. In 2023, he opened for Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs, playing to crowds of 65,000+ each night. He also headlined his own “Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour,” joined by Tracy Lawrence and Ella Langley.

Green teamed up with Combs again for his third No. 1 hit, “Different ‘Round Here,” and with Ella Langley for his fourth No. 1 “You Look Like You Love Me.” His third studio album Don’t Mind If I Do, produced by Dann Huff, dropped on Green’s birthday–October 18–and showcases the no-frills, heartfelt style fans love. The 18-track project features four songs solely written by Green, including “Jesus Saves,” “Worst Way” and the title track–a duet with Ella Langley, his former tourmate and “You Look Like You Love Me” collaborator.

Still calling Jacksonville, Alabama home, Riley Green continues to ride a wave of success with an unmistakable blend of tradition and honesty.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2025 InCharge issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $115, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

Photo: David Higgs

Milestone Publicity Rebrands To Milestone Collective; Adds Digital Marketing Division

/by

Caylie Landerville

Nashville-based PR firm Milestone Publicity has rebranded into Milestone Collective. In addition to the rebrand, the company has also added a digital marketing division, which will be spearheaded by Caylie Landerville.

Landerville’s experience includes previous marketing work with Diplo, Slightly Stoopid, Marshmello and more. Her most recent career stop was with Red Light Management/Silverback Music.

“My entire career has been about helping artists cut through the noise, capture attention, and tell their stories in impactful, lasting ways,” shares Milestone Collective Founder and CEO Mike Gowen. “With the launch of our digital marketing division, we’re bringing together the power of cutting-edge marketing and trusted publicity strategies under one roof to create a more unified, modern approach. Milestone Collective represents our commitment to evolving alongside the industry — and offering our clients the tools they need to elevate their presence and thrive.”

Since its inception in 2019, Gowen and the team have worked with Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, Grammy Award-winners, CMA Award-winners, multi-platinum selling artists, Bluegrass Music Hall of Famers, Songwriter Hall of Famers and Emmy and Golden Globe Award winners including Blues Traveler, Bryan Martin, Colt Ford, Dave Stewart, Eurythmics, Gaby Moreno, Gin Blossoms, Jerry Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Leftover Salmon, Lonestar, Michael Cleveland, Phil Vassar, Shaylen, Sierra Hull, Sugar Ray, Theo Kandel and Uncle Kracker, among others.

The MLC Seeking Songwriter Candidates For Board Of Directors & Advisory Committees

/by

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is accepting songwriter candidates suggestions for its Board of Directors, Dispute Resolution Committee, and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee.

Under the Music Modernization Act, certain governance positions at The MLC are reserved for representatives of songwriters. The terms of several songwriter seats on the Board and the organization’s advisory committees are slated to end later this year, including:

  • One (1) songwriter seat on the Board of Directors;
  • Two (2) songwriter seats 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; and
  • One (1) songwriter seat 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 will submit all recommendations it receives to the Board’s Songwriter Nominating Committee for consideration. Board and committee members sit for three-year terms and may be re-elected, and seats are filled according to The MLC’s Bylaws. The MLC’s Board of Directors and committees meet regularly, and all meetings allow for virtual participation so travel is not generally required. Members are expected to devote sufficient time to prepare for and participate fully in all meetings. Candidates for the Board of Directors must be professional songwriters who retain and license mechanical rights for songs they have written. More information on The MLC’s Board of Directors and advisory committees can be found here.

Suggestions should be made no later than June 12. To suggest a candidate for a songwriter representative seat to The MLC’s Board or advisory committees, complete the suggestion form available here.

Crowe Boys Plot 15-Date ‘Roaming Europe Tour’

/by

Crowe Boys. Photo: Nick Swift

The New Orleans-based Crowe Boys, comprised of brothers Ocie and Wes Crowe, have revealed their overseas “Roaming Europe Tour,” which will kick off this summer.

The 15-date run starts in London on Aug. 20 and will visit Germany, Norway, Denmark, Paris, Scotland and Ireland, wrapping on Sept. 20 in Dublin. Tickets for all dates are on sale here.

“We’ve been wanting to visit all of these countries for so long; we kind of can’t believe it’s finally happening,” says Ocie. “Wes and I are looking forward to connecting with new friends and sharing the songs and stories from Made To Wander.”

The tour will follow the duo’s CMA Fest performance, and the release of their upcoming EMI Records Nashville debut album, Made to Wander on June 6.

“Roaming Europe Tour” Dates:
Aug. 20 – The Lexington, London, United Kingdom
Aug. 22 – The Long Road Festival, Lutterworth, United Kingdom
Aug. 23 – The Long Road Festival, Lutterworth, United Kingdom
Aug. 24 – Sounds of Open Air Nashville, Cologne, Germany
Aug. 26 – Belleville, Oslo, Norway
Aug. 27 – Bar Brooklyn, Stockholm, Stockholm County
Aug. 29 – Tonder Festival, Tønder, Denmark
Aug. 30 – Tonder Festival, Tønder, Denmark
Aug. 31 – Once in a Blue Moon Festival, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sept. 3 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sept. 4 – La Maroquinerie, Paris, France
Sept. 5 – Electric Brixton, London, United Kingdom
Sept. 7 – Band on the Wall, Manchester, England
Sept. 8 – SWG3 Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
Sept. 10 – The Workman’s Club, Dublin, County Dublin

BREAKING: Capitol Music Group Reorganizes, Taps Candice Watkins As President

/by

Candice Watkins. Photo: Cedrick Jones

Capitol Music Group is bringing Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) and its country division Capitol Records Nashville, under the Capitol Music Group Nashville banner. The move seeks to fortify its commitment to Music City as a key creative and commercial hub for the label group.

Artists that were previously signed to Capitol Records Nashville will remain at the newly-formed Music Corporation of America (MCA) Nashville label.

To serve as President of Capitol Records Nashville, the company has tapped the highly respected industry veteran, Candice Watkins. She will also serve as Executive Vice President of Capitol Christian Music Group.

“This reorganization reflects our commitment to growing our Nashville operations as a core creative hub in Christian, gospel and country music,” says Capitol Music Group CEO, Tom March. “We’re looking forward to signing and developing the next generation of country artists on Capitol Records Nashville and are thrilled to have an executive of the caliber of Candice Watkins to lead our ambitious plans in country music while also bringing her expertise to our gospel and christian music operations.”

Watkins joins CMG from Big Loud Records, where she most recently served as Senior Vice President of Marketing, overseeing the label’s Marketing, Digital, Creative, PR and Streaming departments. During her tenure at Big Loud she worked closely with artists such as Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Hailey Whitters, Stephen Wilson Jr., Lauren Alaina, Ernest, Kashus Culpepper and others. Prior to joining Big Loud, Watkins worked in Marketing and Artist Development at Universal Music Group Nashville, and held positions at Red Light Management, Mozes Inc., Borman Entertainment and Cross Point Church. She serves on the boards of CMA and ACM.

Capitol Christian Music Group, which includes Motown Gospel and Tamla and distribution operations, will continue to be led by its longtime President Brad O’Donnell in Nashville. CCMG is the world’s leading faith-based music company and is home to such superstars as Anne Wilson, Josiah Queen, Chris Tomlin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, to name a few. CCMG also publishes the song catalog of industry icon Kirk Franklin. O’Donnell will continue to report to March.

“This new structure will empower our Nashville executives to better serve the incredible artists on our roster. Candice is a brilliant music marketing executive who has an amazing track record in developing career artists,” says John Janick, Chairman of Interscope Capitol. “Having her lead our country music business in Nashville and also add her extensive artist development expertise to our CCMG team is going to be great for our artists and for the entire executive team.”

Watkins shares, “It’s a true honor to step into the role of President of Capitol Records Nashville and EVP of Capitol Christian. These labels have a rich legacy in partnering with some of the most brilliant artists of our industry and I look forward to contributing to its continued success and cultural impact. Excited to collaborate with John, Tom, Lillia and Brad in boldly championing creatives and visionaries.”

Capitol Music Group Nashville’s office is located in the emerging Wedgewood Houston area of Nashville, featuring 40,000 square feet of office space which includes state-of-the-art recording studios, a live performance space and creative content studios. As Capitol Nashville builds locally, it will have the full support of the Capitol Tower in Los Angeles for all label services.

BREAKING: Date Announced For 59th CMA Awards

/by

Brooks & Dunn accepts the award for Vocal Duo of the Year at The 58th Annual CMA Awards, live from Bridgestone Arena Wednesday, November 20, 2024 on ABC.

The Country Music Association and ABC have announced that the 59th annual CMA Awards will return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 19, airing live on ABC at 7 p.m. central. The show will also be available to stream next day on Hulu.

As previously announced, the eligibility period for the 2025 CMA Awards is July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Prospective members must apply by Sunday, June 1 to qualify for full voting eligibility this year. The Nomination Ballot will open for voting Monday, July 7. Click here to see more ballot details.

Robert Deaton is Executive Producer, Alan Carter is the Director, and Jon Macks is the Head Writer for the 59th annual CMA Awards. Details on the show’s host and ticket on-sale will be shared in the coming weeks.

2025 ACM Winners Celebrate Wins With Trophies [See Photos]

/by

Whale Tale Music, Ella Langley & Riley Green celebrate their win for ACM Visual Media of the Year.

The 2025 ACM Awards crowned new and returning winners last Thursday (May 8), sparking celebratory pictures from the winners.

Denise & Alan Jackson with his Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo: Rand Smith

Riley Green with his ACM trophies for Visual Media of the Year, Single of the Year & Music Event of the Year.

Lainey Wilson with her trophies for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year & Artist-Songwriter of the Year. Photo: Gilbert Flores / Penske Media

Old Dominion with the Group of the Year trophy.