River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing Extend Deal With Dan Alley

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Kayla Adkins and Lauren Lieu; (L-R, front row): Lyndsay Kash, Dan Alley, and Zebb Luster

River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, has renewed its global publishing deal with Dan Alley.

Alley has quickly become one of Nashville’s rising songwriters, with songs recorded by some of country music’s biggest artists, including including Lainey Wilson, Jon Pardi, Braxton Keith, Joe Nichols, Austin Snell, Tyce Delk and more. He recently celebrated his first No. 1 country airplay hits with Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On” and Hudson Westbrook’s “House Again,” which has become a viral hit with more than 428 million U.S. streams to date.

Alley is continuing that momentum with Luke Combs’ “Be By You,” which recently reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and has climbed into the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Along with writing songs for other artists, Alley will release his own songwriter project, Keepin’ On, this Friday (Sept. 4). The 11-track project includes five songs written solely by Alley, as well as “He Went To Work,” which Jon Pardi previously recorded for his 2025 album Honkytonk Hollywood.

Alley will celebrate the release with a songwriter round at The Listening Room Cafe tonight (Sept. 1) alongside Lukas Scott, Sam Banks and Mae Estes.

“Signing with River House/Sony in 2022 was the best decision I’ve ever made in my songwriting career,” says Alley. “Zebb [Luster] and Lynn [Oliver-Cline] were champions of mine even before I joined the family, and ever since then they’ve done everything possible to help me succeed. Shoutout to Kayla [Adkins] and Lauren [Lieu] for working day in and day out to open doors for me and create opportunities for me to write the best songs I can. The past four-and-a-half years have been incredible, and I’m so thankful to continue this journey.”

“We couldn’t be prouder to continue our journey with Dan,” shares Luster, River House Artists EVP. “He is one of the most talented songwriters in Nashville, but what makes him truly special is the person he is and the passion he brings to his craft every single day. It feels like we’re only beginning to scratch the surface of what’s ahead for him, and we have no doubt his best work is still to come. We’re incredibly grateful that he continues to trust our team with his career, and we’re excited for everything we’ll accomplish together.”

“Dan is an exceptional songwriter, and it has been amazing to see his hard work translate into such incredible success,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “We’re thrilled to continue working with River House to champion Dan’s talent and look forward to all that’s ahead.”

Jackson Dean Slates ‘Magnolia Sage (In Full Bloom)’ For October

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Jackson Dean will release the deluxe edition of his latest album, Magnolia Sage, on Oct 9 via Blue Highway Records.

“Magnolia Sage goes places,” says Dean. “It’s a journey. So when we were trying to expand what was already there, it just made sense to pull in songs from the road, a more unplugged take on ‘Wildfire (Afterburn)’ to add some vibe, and ‘The Moon And The Wolf.’”

Adding four more tracks to the original project, Dean is expanding the album with a new edition of “Afterburn,” live versions of “Blacktop Blues” and “Hey Mississippi,” as well a new original song, “The Moon And The Wolf,” which drops tomorrow (Sept. 2). Penned by Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillion and Chris Tompkins, “The Moon And The Wolf” features Laci Kaye Booth.

“When Luke and I went in to record ‘The Moon And The Wolf,’ we realized how far the song reached into places most people go, but don’t really know how deep those feelings are,” shares Dean. “It’s a space where you’re almost suspended – and it’s so alive and so real, even though obviously you can’t stay there, or want to stay there. But it’s a space where all the emotions come out, and it’s powerful.

“And when we added Laci, it took the mystery of that moment to a whole other level,” he continues. “Is it two people? Is she the moon? Does it matter? I don’t know. But for anyone who’s ever had those late-night moments where the whole world is silent and still aside from you and the moon, I think her performance is definitely the voice you might hear in that moment.”

Dean will also embark on his “Magnolia Sage Tour” this fall, with stops in St. Augustine, New York City, Los Angeles and more through December.

Magnolia Sage (In Full Bloom) Track List:
1. “Blacktop Blues” (Jackson Dean, Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Luke Dick)
2. “Make A Liar” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Randy Montana)
3. “Be Your Man” (Jackson Dean, Rodney Clawson, Luke Dick)
4. “5th Of July” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick)
5. “Tennessee Moon” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
6. “Over And Over” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Laura Veltz)
7. “Hey Mississippi” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
8. “Something Easy” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
9. “Wildfire” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson, Chris Tompkins)
10. “Dust On A Dirt Road” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jon Decious)
11. “Heart On The Range” (Jackson Dean, Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith, Dan Isbell)
12. “Wildfire (Afterburn)” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson, Chris Tompkins)
13. “Blacktop Blues (Live In Colorado)” (Jackson Dean, Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Luke Dick)
14. “Hey Mississippi (Live In London)” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
15. “The Moon And The Wolf (ft. Laci Kaye Booth)” (Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon, Chris Tompkins)

Brittani Johnson Joins MCA, Chris Schuler Exits

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Brittani Johnson & Chris Schuler

MusicRow has confirmed that Brittani Johnson has joined MCA as VP, Streaming. Additionally, Chris Schuler, VP, Audience Development has exited the company. Country Aircheck first reported both staff changes.

Johnson most recently served as a Day-To-Day manager at The Core Entertainment. She moved to Nashville in 2017, where she started as an intern at Rebel Engine (now Big Sky Music Group). Afterwards, she joined Stephanie Quayle’s team, where she sharpened her skills and passion for artist management. In 2019, Johnson joined Big Loud as Promotion Coordinator, before advancing to Director, Southwest Promotion. As Director, she played a key role in advocating for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Ashley Cooke, Hardy and Charles Wesley Godwin.

Schuler rejoined the company in 2023 as VP of Promotion for Capitol Records Nashville, gaining his current title in 2025 during the company’s restructuring. A Middle Tennessee State University graduate, Schuler began his career in the Radio and TV/Film department of BMI. He then joined Mercury Nashville as a promotion coordinator and worked his way up to becoming VP of Promotion & Radio Marketing in 2019, where he contributed to the success of artists across all four imprints of UMG Nashville. He also spent time at as VP of Promotion at Arista Nashville.

BREAKING: Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn To Retire

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Leadership Music Board Past President Neal Spielberg, Executive Director Debbie Linn and Board President Diane Pearson

After serving Leadership Music as Executive Director for 15 years, Debbie Linn has announced that she is retiring. She will continue serving as Executive Director through 2027, allowing the organization time to make a leadership transition.

“Serving as Executive Director of Leadership Music has been the honor of my professional life,” says Linn. “This organization has never been just a job to me—it has been my passion and my purpose. I am deeply grateful to the board members, volunteers, donors, staff, founding council, alumni, and industry leaders who have made these past 15 years so meaningful. While I’m looking forward to this next chapter, I’m equally excited to spend my remaining time continuing the important work of Leadership Music and ensuring a smooth transition for the organization I love.”

Linn joined Leadership Music in April 2012. During her tenure, she has overseen a period of significant growth and engagement, strengthening the organization’s financial foundation, expanding alumni involvement, deepening industry partnerships, and guiding more than a dozen Leadership Music classes. Throughout her tenure, she has remained committed to the organization’s mission of cultivating a forward-thinking community of leaders who impact the creative industry.

“Debbie has led Leadership Music with extraordinary passion, integrity, and heart,” says newly-elected Leadership Music Board President Diane Pearson. “Her unwavering commitment to our mission and to the people who make this organization so special has strengthened Leadership Music in countless ways. Because of her leadership, we are well positioned for the future. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are deeply grateful for Debbie’s remarkable service and look forward to celebrating her many contributions over the coming year.”

The Leadership Music Search Committee will begin the process of identifying the organization’s next Executive Director in the coming months. Additional information regarding the search process, timeline and opportunities for stakeholder engagement will be revealed soon.

Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Breaks Billboard Chart Record

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Ella Langley. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” has notched a 20th week atop the Billboard Hot 100, marking the longest run ever atop the chart for a non-holiday song.

The song has surpassed Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” which each notched 19 weeks at the top of the chart. The song only follows Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which has topped the Hot 100 each holiday season since the 1994 carol was first No. 1 in 2019, earning a total of 22 weeks.

Featured on her sophomore album Dandelion, “Choosin’ Texas” was co-penned by Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor, with production from Langley, Lambert and Ben West.

Langley is currently amidst her her sold-out “The Dandelion Tour” through October with upcoming stops in New Jersey, West Virginia, Georgia and more.

CMA Unveils 2026 Broadcast Award Finalists

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The Country Music Association has announced the finalists for the 2026 Broadcast Awards.

The CMA Broadcast Award categories are grouped by market size based on population as ranked by Nielsen. Broadcast Personality of the Year entries are based on aircheck, ratings, community involvement and biographical and impact information.

Radio Station of the Year finalists are judged by aircheck, ratings, community involvement and impact information. The entries are judged by a panel of broadcast professionals, representing all market sizes and regions.

The 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live on Nov. 18 on ABC and Disney+, and next day on Hulu. Winners of the CMA Broadcast Awards will be announced in the coming weeks and recognized during the Pre-Telecast Ceremony.

WCOW, a finalist for Small Market Radio Station of the Year, is also a MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart reporting station.

2026 CMA BROADCAST PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:

Weekly National:

  • “American Country Countdown with Ryan Fox” (Ryan Fox) – Westwood One / Cumulus Media
  • “The Country Top 40 with Fitz” (Cory “Fitz” Fitzner) – Hubbard Broadcasting
  • “Crook & Chase Countdown” (Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase) – Jim Owens Entertainment
  • “The Highway Hot 30 Countdown with Buzz Brainard” (Buzz Brainard) – SiriusXM
  • “Steve Harmon Show” (Steve Harmon) – Westwood One / Cumulus Media

Daily National:

  • “The Angie Ward Show” (Angie Ward) – iHeartMedia
  • “Backstage Country with Elaina Smith” (Elaina Smith) – Key Networks
  • “Big D & Bubba” (“Big D” Derek Haskins, “Bubba” Sean Powell, Carsen Humphreville, Jonathan Shaffer, and Garrett Freche) – Silverfish Media
  • “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, Eddie Garcia, Morgan Huelsman, “Scuba Steve” Spradlin, “Mike D” Rodriguez, “Raymundo” Ray Slater, and “Phone Screener Abby” Anderson) – Premiere Radio Networks / iHeartMedia
  • “Katie & Company” (Katie Neal) – Audacy

Major Market:

  • “The Andie Summers Show” (Andie Summers, Jeff Kurkjian, Donnie Black, and Shannon Boyle) – WXTU, Philadelphia, Pa.
  • “Hawkeye and Michelle” (“Hawkeye” Mark Louis Rybczyk and Michelle Rodriguez) – KSCS, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
  • “The Lo Show” (Lauren “Lo” Sessions) – KKBQ, Houston, Texas
  • “Michael J & Candace in the Morning” (“Michael J” Stuehler and Candace Dold) – WPOC, Baltimore, Md.
  • “The Scotty Kay Show” (Scotty Kay) – WUSN, Chicago, Ill.

Large Market:

  • “Deb & Matt in the Morning” (Deborah Honeycutt and Matt Malone) – WFMS, Indianapolis, Ind.
  • “Eagle Mornings with Steve & Karen” (Steve Waters and Karen West) – WGH, Norfolk-Virginia Beach-Newport News, Va.
  • “Heather Froglear” (Heather Froglear) – KFRG, Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
  • “The Jesse & Anna Show” (Jesse Tack, Anna Marie, and Jake Thomson) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
  • “Scott and Shannen” (Scott Dolphin and “Shannen O” Oesterreich) – WMIL, Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.

Medium Market:

  • “Clay and Company” (Clay Moden and Rob Banks) – WYRK, Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.
  • “The Doc Show with Chewy” (Ken “Doc” Medek and Sean “Chewy” Medek) – WGGY, Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pa.
  • “Joey & Nancy” (Joey Tack, Nancy Barger, and Karly Duggan) – WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.
  • “Julie and DJ in the Morning” (“Julie K” Kansy and “DJ Thee Trucker” Dale Sellers) – WPCV, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla.
  • “Steve & Gina in the Morning on Kat 103.7” (Steve Lundy and Gina Melton) – KXKT, Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa

Small Market:

  • “The Cat Pak Morning Show with Brent and Friends” (Brent Lane and Jordan Glass) – WYCT, Pensacola, Fla.
  • “Hilley & Hart” (Kevin Hilley and Erin Hart) – KATI, Columbia, Mo.
  • “Kicks Wake Up Krew” (“Dub” Bryan Axelson and Cody Blaine Jackson) – WKXC, Augusta, Ga.
  • “Liz & Scotty in the Morning” (Liz Del Grosso and Scotty Cox) – KCLR, Columbia, Mo.
  • “Officer Don and DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington, Ky.

CMA RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR FINALISTS:

Major Market:

  • KSCS – Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
  • KSON – San Diego, Calif.
  • KYGO – Denver-Boulder, Colo.
  • WMZQ – Washington, D.C.
  • WPOC – Baltimore, Md.

Large Market:

  • KFRG – Riverside-San Bernardino, Calif.
  • WCTK – Providence-Warwick-Pawtucket, R.I.
  • WDSY – Pittsburgh, Pa.
  • WMIL – Milwaukee-Racine, Wis.
  • WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.

Medium Market:

  • KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
  • WHKO – Dayton, Ohio
  • WLFP – Memphis, Tenn.
  • WQMX – Akron, Ohio
  • WUSY – Chattanooga, Tenn.

Small Market:

  • KCLR – Columbia, Mo.
  • WCOW – La Crosse, Wis.
  • WKML – Fayetteville, N.C.
  • WKXC – Augusta, Ga.
  • WYCT – Pensacola, Fla.

Maggie Antone Signs With Island Records

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Maggie Antone

Maggie Antone has inked with Island Records.

“Partnering with Island feels so serendipitous, and though it’s bittersweet to no longer be an independent artist, I feel more independent than ever,” says Antone. “It just feels so right.”

Known for her honest songwriting and a sound that blends country, Americana, and pop, Antone has built a growing audience through her independent releases and live shows.

In 2024, she released her debut album, Rhinestoned, on her independent label, Love Big. The album’s opening track, “Johnny Moonshine,” has earned more than 12 million Spotify streams. That same year, she toured with 49 Winchester, Trampled by Turtles and Kat Hasty, and made her Grand Ole Opry debut.

Antone continued that momentum in 2025 with performances at ACL Fest, Windy City Smokeout and Under the Big Sky. She also released “The Devil’s Not In Hell.” Her music has been featured by People, Billboard, Holler and Rough Trade, with praise for the honesty and emotion in her songwriting.

“Maggie is a rare kind of artist—an excellent songwriter with a distinct voice and deep understanding of who she is.” shares Jackie Winkler, Head of A&R.

“She has built an authentic connection with her fans on her own terms, and we’re excited to support her as she enters this next chapter,” add Justin Eshak and Imran Majid, Co-Chairmen and CEOs of Island Records.

She will perform at Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in Bristol, Tennessee, on Sept. 13, followed by the State Fair of Texas in Dallas on Oct. 13.

LP Creative Therapy To Host Fall Workshop With Nicolle Galyon, Tim Dubois & Chris Oglesby

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Music industry veteran LeAnn Phelan is hosting an online LP Creative Therapy workshop for songwriters titled “The Whole Songwriter.”

Set for Sept. 8–11, the workshop will feature conversations with songwriter, producer and Songs & Daughters founder Nicolle Galyon, music executive and songwriter Tim DuBois, and BMG Nashville Head of Creative Chris Oglesby, who will join Phelan for a live Q&A. Centered around “Career, Craft, and Creative Hydration,” the series will explore songwriting, publishing, creative development, leadership, longevity and the importance of taking care of yourself. The series will also feature a conversation about AI and current protections for songwriters with SONA President Erin McAnally and The MLC CMO Ellen Truley.

“I’ve spent my 25+ year career helping songwriters grow, but growth isn’t only about getting a publishing deal or writing a hit song,” says Phelan. “It’s about continuing to develop your craft, understanding the business well enough to make good decisions for yourself, and staying connected to the part of you that wanted to create in the first place.  Those things need to be a priority for you as the songwriter and ultimately to the team you assemble around you.’The Whole Songwriter’ brings those pieces together – Career, Craft, and Creative Hydration.”

Scholarship opportunities will be awarded during the series toward Phelan’s upcoming two-month LP Creative Therapy Workshop. Those interested in participating in the workshop can register here.

Tune In: 2026 MusicRow Awards Winners Revealed Tomorrow

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The industry-voted winners of the 38th annual MusicRow Awards will be revealed on all MusicRow online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X, starting at 8:30 a.m. TOMORROW (Sept. 2).

The Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards will also be announced on Sept. 2, recognizing the industry’s most in-demand studio players for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel and Vocals.

MusicRow Awards Schedule of Announcements:
8:30 a.m.: Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards
9:00 a.m.: Producer of the Year
9:30 a.m.: Studio of the Year
10:00 a.m.: Label Group of the Year
10:30 a.m.: Agency of the Year
11:00 a.m.: Publishing Company of the Year
11:30 a.m.: Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
12:00 p.m.: Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year
12:30 o.m.: Male Songwriter of the Year
1:00 p.m.: Female Songwriter of the Year
1:30 p.m.: Song of the Year
2:00 p.m.: Discovery Artist of the Year
2:30 p.m.: Breakthrough Artist of the Year
3:00 p.m.: Female Artist of the Year
3:30 p.m.: Male Artist of the Year
4:00 p.m.: Group/Duo Artist of the Year
4:30 p.m.: Entertainer of the Year

Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to read about the nominees up for each category. The nominees are also profiled in the recently released MusicRow Awards print issue.

BREAKING: BMG & Concord Finalize Partnership, Name Leadership

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BMG and Concord have completed their partnership, creating a new global music company. The transaction, which was first announced in April, has received all required regulatory approvals, and the company’s global headquarters will be located in Nashville, with Berlin serving as its European headquarters.

Operating under the BMG name, the combined company brings together two businesses spanning music publishing, recorded music, theatrical rights, digital distribution and film & TV.

Bob Valentine, formerly CEO at Concord, now assumes the role of CEO of BMG, with Thomas Coesfeld serving as Chairman. Others on the Executive Management Team include Björn Bauer (Chief Financial Officer), Sebastian Hentzschel (Chief Operating Officer), Victor Zaraya (Chief Revenue Officer), Amanda Molter (General Counsel) and Kent Hoskins (Chief Transformation Officer).

Valentine says, “The new Executive Management Team brings together leaders with the experience, judgement, and focus we need to deliver on BMG’s ambitions. As we begin this next chapter, our priority is to build on the strengths of both businesses, creating a clear, focused organization that can move nimbly, invest with conviction, and deliver long-term value for the artists, songwriters, and playwrights we partner with and represent.”

BMG has also established an 18-member Strategic Leadership Council, comprising the six members of the Executive Management Team and 12 additional senior leaders from across the company.

Nashville’s Job Loba has been named head of Global Frontline Recordings, and Tom Becci as head of Global Recorded Operations. Other members of the Strategic Leadership Council include Alberto Chullen (Corporate Development & Investments), Sophia Dilley (Concord Originals), Sean Flahaven (Concord Theatricals), Celine Joshua (Global Marketing & Streaming), Nitsa Kalispera (Global Supply Chain Operations), Ruth Martinez (Human Resources), Kristal McKanders Dube (Corporate Communications), Alistair Norbury (Senior Creative Advisor to CEO Bob Valentine), Tom Scherer (Global Catalog Recordings) and Jim Selby (Global Music Publishing).

Valentine adds: “The Strategic Leadership Council gives us a broader group of leaders around the table, bringing together different areas of expertise and perspectives across BMG. It will help ensure we stay connected as a leadership team, sharpen our thinking, and maintain alignment as we translate our strategy into action across the business.”