Ian Munsick Unveils ‘The Mountain Goat’ Due In August

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Ian Munsick will release his fourth album, The Mountain Goat, on Aug. 21. The project marks Munsick’s first full-length project released via WEST TO THE REST RECORDS/Triple Tigers Records.

Co-produced by Munsick with Jeremy Spillman and Mike Robinson, the album’s 15 tracks were written alongside Devin Dawson, Tucker Beathard, Jared Conrad and others. Munsick also played an extensive role in the instrumentation heard on the record. In total, he is credited with playing nine different instruments including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, piano, bouzouki and kazoo, as well as lending background vocals and programming.

“‘Way up high in isolation, where most men dare not go…’ Since the very start of my musical journey I’ve always aspired to be an innovator. My voice has always been different so naturally, my music should be a little different too,” he shares. “When we started making this album, the relationship between my voice and the musical production was always at the forefront of the creative process. You’ll hear modern sounds rooted in folky textures, soaked with steel guitar and, of course, plenty of fiddle. Melodies that will, hopefully, haunt you till the end of your days and lyrics that will take you to the place that inspires me most; the west. These songs are dedicated to the land and the folks that live with it, not on it,” he adds. “Lord knows we need more of those in country music today. This album will take you horseback through pastures, prairies, up to the foothills, past the timberline and up to the summit… The Mountain Goat is waiting for you.”

His single “Love Is Blind” is currently climbing the radio charts. He will release the next album preview, “World War III,” on Friday (June 12).

As part of his “The Road to The Mountain Goat” shows, Munsick will host an official album release show at Deer Valley Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater in Park City, Utah on Aug. 22 as part of the Deer Valley Concert Series. The run of shows will also include stops in Nevada, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico and South Dakota. More information on these shows can be found here.

Munsick is also partnering with The Landmark Hotel & Casino to open the Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill this fall.

The Mountain Goat Tracklist:
1. Mountain Goat (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Ross Holmes)
2. Geronimo (Ian Munsick, Devin Dawson, Mike Robinson)
3. My Montana (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman)
4. Legends of the Fall Interlude
5. Made Me A Man (Ian Munsick, Mike Robinson, Tucker Beathard)
6. Blue Roan (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Beaver)
7. Love Is Blind (Ian Munsick, Ryan Tyndell, Jeremy Spillman)
8. Medicine Man (Ian Munsick, Mike Robinson, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Beaver)
9. Cutthroat World (Ian Munsick, Wynn Varble, Jay Knowles)
10. Mountain Goat Reprise (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Ross Holmes)
11. Palomino Eyes (Ian Munsick, Phil O’Donnell)
12. Earn Your Spurs (Ian Munsick, Adam James, Jared Conrad)
13. The Girl I Left Behind
14. World War III (Ian Munsick, Mike Robinson, Jeremy Spillman)
15. Winter In Wyoming (Ian Munsick, Jeremy Spillman, Phil O’Donnell)

Christian Stalnecker Inks With Curb | Word Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Curb’s Trevor Mathiesen; Jonathan Mason; Joseph Prielozny; Bryan Stewart; AIMWIDE’s Damien Wong-Ken and Curb’s Benson Curb. (L-R, bottom row): Frascogna Law Group’s Maggie Mabury; Christian Stalnecker and Curb’s John Nemoy.

GRAMMY nominated songwriter and producer Christian Stalnecker has signed with Curb | Word Music Publishing.

Stalnecker began his music career performing Southern Gospel and Christian music with his family’s revival band, traveling and playing shows across the country. As a teenager, he launched a pop career under the name Christian Davis, opening for major acts including Destiny’s Child, Christina Aguilera and the Backstreet Boys.

After moving to Los Angeles, he signed a publishing deal with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins and Sony/ATV, writing and producing for artists such as El DeBarge, Lil Wayne, Dreezy and Day26. He has also worked with Boyz II Men, Warren G and others.

Later relocating to Nashville, Stalnecker became a successful country songwriter, co-writing several No. 1 hits, including “Different Man” (Kane Brown featuring Blake Shelton), “Rescue Me” (Chris Young), and the multi-platinum hit “Thank God” (Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown). The song topped the Country Airplay chart, crossed into multiple mainstream formats, and was named SESAC Nashville Song of the Year.

Known for his cross-genre songwriting and production, Stalnecker’s credits also include work with NKOTB, T-Pain, Rick Ross, Wale, Ludacris, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg.

“Christian’s melody-first approach and ability to write hits that transcend genres make him a perfect fit for Curb | Word Music Publishing,” shares VP A&R and Publishing, Jonathan Mason. “We’re excited to support his next chapter as both a songwriter and artist.”

“After all my years, the most important thing in my career is to be around people who truly believe in me and really want to work hard alongside me,” adds Stalnecker. “I take my music career very personally, and Curb feels like a family.”

Triple 8 Management Elevates Allison Bostrom

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Allison Bostrom. Photo: Ashtin Paige

Triple 8 Management has promoted Allison Bostrom to Senior Vice President, Marketing.

“Allison is thorough, creative, diligent, helpful and always in excellent spirits,” shares Partner/Founder George Couri. “We’re grateful for all of her hard work and dedication to not only our clients, but also our team.

“I am so appreciative to be able to wake up every day and work somewhere like Triple 8,” adds Bostrom. “Over the years I have learned an unimaginable amount of things, grown tremendously as a person, and made lifelong friends. I can’t wait to see what the coming years will bring!”

Originally from Corvallis, Oregon, Bostrom graduated from the University of Oregon in 2014. After college, she moved to Austin where she worked at several music venues and helped market major events, including SXSW and Austin City Limits. She joined Triple 8 in May 2016 as a Marketing Assistant and was promoted to Vice President of Marketing in 2021.

Bostrom can be reached here.

ACM Launches New Digital Series Featuring Jackson Dean, Wyatt Flores, More

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The Academy of Country Music has launched a new digital series “OUR COUNTRY,” celebrating the music, memories and stories that define country music.

The new series is designed to resonate across generations and perspectives, celebrating unity, heritage, and the enduring role country music plays in telling America’s story.”OUR COUNTRY” highlights country music as a unifying cultural force, honoring America’s past while spotlighting the voices shaping its future, and blends intimate storytelling with stripped-down acoustic performances.

“OUR COUNTRY” will feature an eclectic lineup of voices performing reinterpretations of iconic tunes, including Wyatt Flores performing The Fray’s “How to Save a Life”; Kaitlin Butts on The Steeldrivers’ “If It Hadn’t Been for Love”; Jo Dee Messina performing Aerosmith’s “Dream On”; Thelma & James’ version of “You’re the One That I Want” from Grease; Jackson Dean performing Uncle Lucius’ “Keep the Wolves Away”; and Craig Campbell reinterpreting Clint Black’s “Killin’ Time.”

Through reflections on heritage, identity, inspiration, and connection, the series explores how music continues to shape generations and brings people together across perspectives and backgrounds. Following this week’s launch with Flores, episodes will continue to roll out weekly across ACM-owned and operated digital platforms, including YouTube, Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels, and TikTok. Each episode pairs intimate acoustic performances with personal conversations, allowing artists to discuss the music, memories, and moments that have shaped their lives and careers.

“’OUT COUNTRY’ is about more than performance – it’s about connection,” says Lauren Burchett, Academy of Country Music Head of Strategic Partnerships & Revenue. “This series gives artists the space to share the songs and stories that shaped them while reminding audiences of country music’s history and its unique ability to unite people through shared experiences, emotion, and storytelling.”

Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Kicks Off 2026 Songwriting Camps

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Cindy Mabe, Anna Rae, Lydia Sutherland, Troy Tomlinson & Tenille Townes

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s beginner-to-intermediate songwriting camp kicked off this week with artists and industry participants including singer-songwriters Tenille Townes and Anna Rae and Founder and CEO of Joan of Arc Music Cindy Mabe. 

Songwriting camp at the museum offers aspiring songwriters ages 12-18 a week-long experience to hone their craft and learn from professionals. Each camper is paired with a professional songwriter who serves as a mentor and co-writer. Camp activities include songwriting lessons, instrumental and vocal performance technique, demo recording and Q&A sessions with guest artists and music industry professionals. Camp culminates in a showcase in the museum’s Ford Theater, where campers perform their original songs written throughout the week. This year’s campers hail from all across the country.

Initially launched in 2016 as the “Summer Songwriting Lab,” the program began with a single session serving 13 campers. It has since expanded to accommodate around 50 students each summer across two, week-long sessions in June and July. By the end of this summer, the camps will have served nearly 400 students since the program’s inception.

July’s intermediate-to-advanced camp will include CEO of Universal Music Publishing Troy Tomlinson with songwriter Lydia Sutherland. Registration for next year’s camp will open in January 2027.

Girlilla Marketing Elevates Three, Adds One

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Lindsey Feinstein, Conley Sweeney, Gigi Morrison and Esther Kuperus. Photo: Matthew Simmons

Girlilla Marketing has elevated three team members and added one.

Lindsey Feinstein and Conley Sweeney were both elevated from Account Director to Senior Account Director earlier this year. Gigi Morrison has been promoted to Creative Director.

Esther Kuperus has been added as Creative Coordinator. She is a recent graduate of Belmont University.

“Lindsey and Conley have become not only driving forces for marketing outside the building, but the backbone of who we are inside the building as humans,” says Jennie Smythe, Girlilla Marketing Founder & CEO. “We are thrilled to continue expanding our creative department under Gigi’s leadership after five years of incredible creative contribution.”

Luke Stevens Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Cornman Music

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Pictured (L-R): Scott Safford (Safford Motley PLC), Austen Adams (WCM), Nate Lowery (Cornman Music), Luke Stevens, Chris Owen (Cornman Music), and Christina Wiltshire (WCM). Photo: Courtesy of WCM

Singer-songwriter Luke Stevens has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville and Cornman Music.

Stevens got his start performing in the Stillwater, Oklahoma music scene. After moving to Nashville in 2021, he worked at The Listening Room while building his songwriting career and performing at respected venues like the Bluebird Cafe. Since then, he has dedicated himself fully to music. Along the way, he has collaborated with acclaimed Nashville songwriters including Mark Irwin, Adam James and Lee Thomas Miller.

“I couldn’t be more excited to have such a great team with true champions of songwriters around me at Cornman and Warner Chappell,” says Stevens. “Cornman felt like home and Chris and Nate felt like family the minute I met them. Let’s get to work!”

“Luke is a special talent,” shares Christina Wiltshire, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “He’s a wise, hard working, genuine, and passionate student of country music. I feel grateful to be a part of his first publishing deal because I just know he’s going to do big things in our community.”

“When I first heard Luke’s songs, I immediately took notice,” adds Chris Owen, Creative Director, Cornman Music. “His concepts and melodies are incredibly special and he’s such a student of the game. Nate Lowery and I are thrilled to work with him!”

Get Engaged Media Hosts CMA Fest Kickback

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Photo: Courtesy of Get Engaged Media

Get Engaged Media, along with ERNEST, Parker McCollum and Koe Wetzel hosted a CMA Fest Kickback last week at Craig’s.

Attendees included artists, managers, songwriters and more. Among them were Cam Fordham, Rakiyah Marshall, Dylan Marlowe, Chandler Walters, Josh Ross, Elizabeth Nichols and many others.

Photo: Courtesy of Get Engaged Media

Photo: Courtesy of Get Engaged Media

Photo: Courtesy of Get Engaged Media

Photo: Courtesy of Get Engaged Media

Photo: Courtesy of Get Engaged Media

Photo: Courtesy of Get Engaged Media

CAA Hosts Whiskey Jam Takeover

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Ward Gunther, Kashus Culpepper, Noeline Hofmann and Jacob Lapidus.

Creative Artists Agency (CAA) hosted their 2026 Whiskey Jam takeover at Fifth + Broadway’s Skydeck in Nashville on June 3.

The concert series featured performances from CAA clients Stella Lefty, Elizabeth Nichols, Tyler Braden, Kip Moore, Tyler Hubbard and Two Friends.

Dan Smyers, Jeff Krones, Shay Mooney and Rick Roskin.

Ella Fernandez, Stella Lefty, Rachel Brittain and Mary Harrington.

Stacy Vee, Elizabeth Nichols, Sabrina Sarmiento and Meredith Jones Long.

Sarah Beth Watson Stubbs, Halie Hampton Mosley, Tyler Braden, Kylen Sharpe and Matt Stubbs.

Luke Laird Moves Into Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Luke Laird

Luke Laird has landed in the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Jon Pardi’s “Boots Off,” Kacey Musgraves’ “Dry Spell” and “Mexico Honey,” Flatland Cavalry’s “Never Comin’ Back” and Megan Moroney’s “Wish I Didn’t” all push the songwriter to No. 18 this week.

Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the seventh consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again” and “You & Me Time.” Joybeth Taylor stays at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore” and “You & Me Time.”

Austin Goodloe (No. 3), Riley Green (No. 4) and Randy Montana (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.