Industry Ink: Lainey Wilson, Kane Brown, Dylan Scott, Mitchell Tenpenny, JayDee Maness

Lainey Wilson Springs Surprise Performance On Fans At Bell Bottoms Up

Lainey Wilson performs at her Bell Bottoms Up venue. Photo: Courtesy of TC Group & Sam Calderon

Lainey Wilson gave fans the ultimate surprise last Sunday with an unforgettable rooftop performance at her namesake bar, Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up in downtown Nashville. The appearance was in celebration of her new bar anthem, “Bell Bottoms Up” which was released last week in honor of National Bell Bottoms Day.

“I love coming to Bell Bottoms Up and hanging out with my friends and fans,” says Wilson. “To finally release this song and celebrate it here with everyone was really special and felt like a full circle moment.”

 

Sony Surprises Kane Brown With Diamonds & Platinum (Plaques)

Martha Earls (Owner, Neon Coast), Kane Brown & Taylor Lindsey (Chair & CEO, Sony Music Nashville. Photo: Matt Paskert

Sony Music Nashville and Neon Coast presented Kane Brown with three plaques during one of his Bridgestone Arena shows commemorating Brown’s second diamond certification for “What Ifs” featuring Lauren Alaina as well as nine other certifications. Brown’s Diamond certification is the 12th country song to achieve this status. He was also recognized from the RIAA for Different Man (Platinum); “Thank God” featuring Katelyn Brown (4x Platinum); “One Mississippi” (2x Platinum); “Good as You” (4x Platinum); “Miles on It” with Marshmello (2x Platinum); “Used to Love You Sober” (2x Platinum);  “Memory” with Blackbear (2x Platinum); “There Goes My Everything” (Platinum) and “Thunder in the Rain” (Platinum).

 

Dylan Scott Gets Platinum Surprise

Scott receives Platinum certifications for recent No. 1 “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us”

Dylan Scott‘s team recently surprised the hitmaker with two Platinum plaques for “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “What He’ll Never Have.” Earlier this month, Scott snagged his sixth career No. 1 with “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” marking his second chart-topper of 2025 following “Boys Back Home” with Dylan Marlowe. Scott, the fourth most-played artist at country radio this year, continues to put his foot on the pedal as “What He’ll Never Have” impacts the airwaves on April 21, already poised to be the biggest song of his career with nearly 300 million global streams so far.

 

Mitchell Tenpenny Celebrates With Some Heavy Metal At Bridgestone Show

Kristen Ashley (Red Light Management), Ken Robold (President & COO Sony Music Nashville), Mitchell and Taylor Lindsey (Chair & CEO Sony Music Nashville). Photo: Zach Pigg

Mitchell Tenpenny received some new heavy metal hardware in the form of new RIAA certification plaques last Saturday night just ahead of his performance at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville as part of Kane Brown’s “High Road Tour.” Mitchell’s debut single “Drunk Me” has now reached quadruple platinum and his fan-fueled hit “We Got History” is Platinum. His latest single “Same Moon” debuted at country radio last week bringing in a record number of stations for his career.

 

JayDee Maness Shares Stories As CMHOFM’s Latest ‘Nashville Cat’ Honoree

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum writer-editor Dave Paulson and JayDee Maness at the museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently featured pedal steel guitarist JayDee Maness in its in-depth interview series “Nashville Cats.” Maness recorded with the Byrds on their landmark 1968 album Sweetheart of the Rodeo and with Gram Parsons’ International Submarine Band. Additionally, he was a founding member of the Desert Rose Band and toured with Country Music Hall of Fame member Buck Owens’ Buckaroos.

The interview was moderated by museum writer-editor Dave Paulson and illustrated with rare photos, film and recordings. The series began in 2006 and since its inception nearly 20 years ago, Nashville Cats has showcased stories and songs from 53 musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours.

CMA Launches Member Ambassador Program

Pictured (L-R): Kayleigh Bentley (CMA), Angie K, Corey Jones, Melissa Bollea Rowe, Grayson Russell, Rachael Bronstein, Mark Thomas, Diana Garcia, Matt Castillo, Andrea Vasquez, Jack Jones, Debbye Scroggins, Haley Hansen, Mia Jones (CMA) and Conor Clemmons.
Not pictured: Brie Carter, Tekitha Washington. Photo: Zach Whitmore/CMA

The Country Music Association has launched its new CMA Member Ambassador Program—an initiative aimed at empowering a dynamic group of members to champion the organization’s mission and foster deeper connections throughout the country music community.

Representing a wide range of roles and experience levels across the industry, these Ambassadors will play a key role in recruiting new members, promoting CMA initiatives and spotlighting the value of being part of CMA’s member network.

“This program is about investing in the people who make our industry stronger—those who lead by example, give back, and help elevate others,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “Our Ambassadors embody what it means to build community, and we’re proud to partner with them as they help shape the future of CMA and Country Music.”

15 inaugural Ambassadors were selected through an application process and recently participated in the program’s first onboarding session last Thursday (April 10). As part of the initiative, they’ll engage with peers, participate in CMA events, and help amplify the organization’s ongoing work in advocacy, recognition and community-building.

In addition to extending CMA’s reach, the program serves as a leadership platform—offering Ambassadors the opportunity to expand their networks and increase their impact within the industry.

The inaugural CMA Member Ambassadors are:
Melissa Bollea Rowe (Songwriter/Publisher/Artist, Rhyme Partners Music Publishing)
Rachael Bronstein (Founder & Financial Coach, Life’s Jam)
Brei Carter (Artist)
Matt Castillo (Artist)
Conor Clemmons (Artist and Owner/Creative Director, Up Up And Away Nash)
Diana Garcia (Founder & Global Philanthropist, House of Darlings)
Haley Hansen (Senior Account Coordinator, Girlilla Marketing)
Corey Jones (Co-Founder/CEO, Origins Music Group)
Jack Jones (A&R and Entertainment Coordinator, Tin Roof)
Angie K (Artist and Founder, Country Latin Association)
Grayson Russell (Artist and Actor)
Debbye Scroggins (Owner, DS Entertainment Law & Marketing)
Mark Thomas (Senior Producer, Paramount Global)
Andrea Vasquez (Artist, Country Latin Association)
Tekitha Washington (Artist)

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Unveils Full Lineup

2024 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Photo: Sophie Harris

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion has unveiled their genre-mixing lineup including performances from The Tesky Brothers, Shane Smith & The Saints, Lukas Nelson, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, The Band Perry, Steep Canyon Rangers, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and Mountain Grass Unit, among others.

The three-day, immersive event, held on State Street in downtown Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia, is a tribute to the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings and the influence of that pivotal moment in music history. New for the 2025 event, Bristol Rhythm will add late night sets at Machiavelli’s outdoor tent, dances at the Country Music Mural Stage and the festival’s first Artist in Residence, Dave Eggar.

Kaitlin Butts, Ashley Monroe, Fruition, Sister Sadie, Michael Cleveland, The Wilder Blue, Nolan Taylor, Shadowgrass, Ken Pomeroy, Theo Lawrence, The Wildmans, Jarekus Singleton, Rob Ickes & Trey Hensley, Larry Keel’s Electric Larry Land, Denitia and Chicken Wire Empire will also join the 100 acts set to perform on a dozen stages in the “birthplace of country music.”

Weekend passes to the festival, taking place Sept. 19-21, are on sale now at BristolRhythm.com.

‘Groceries With Dignity & Comedy Without’ Benefit Raises $500,000 In Three Years

Henry Cho, Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kevin Nealon and Aaron Webber. Photo: Sean O’Halloran

Brad Paisley, actress and author Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Nationwide hosted another successful “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Withoutcomedy benefit for The Store April 13 at Zanies Nashville.

This year’s “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Withoutfeatured comedians Kevin Nealon, Henry Cho and Aaron Webber and took place during Nashville’s Comedy Festival. The evening also featured a cameo appearance by Lelan Statom, weather anchor for WTVF in Nashville, who participated in the performance of a song Brad wrote about the city’s recent tornado outbreaks and cell phone alerts.

For the third consecutive year the benefit show sold out, and in three years the event, has raised more than $500,000 dollars for The Store, the free-referral based grocery store founded by the Paisleys that aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope.

Tim Jorgensen Joins Opry Entertainment Group As VP Of Operations In Austin

Tim Jorgensen

Hospitality and entertainment veteran Tim Jorgensen has joined Opry Entertainment Group’s Austin team as Vice President of Operations.

In his new position, Jorgensen will lead OEG’s Block 21 businesses, including ACL Live, 3TEN and W Austin in Austin, and provide strategic direction for the entire Block 21 complex, as well as have direct oversight of the day-to-day operations at ACL Live and 3TEN. Jorgensen will report to Gary Scott, Chief Operating Officer at Opry Entertainment Group.

Jorgensen comes to OEG from ASM Global, where he managed an array of arenas, stadiums, convention centers and theaters, and was instrumental in launching the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena. He also served as President of Crew One Productions, a full-service production labor company, where he led strategic acquisitions and oversaw the Festival Division. His career also includes leadership roles at Live Nation and House of Blues Entertainment, where he was responsible for managing multiple venues throughout the Southwest Region.

“Tim is a strong fit for our Austin team, bringing more than 20 years of experience that aligns with our commitment to delivering high-quality hospitality and unforgettable entertainment experiences,” says Patrick Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Opry Entertainment Group. “His deep understanding of the Austin market and music industry make him uniquely equipped to elevate our brand as we continue to scale our business and establish Block 21 as the city’s premier destination for music and entertainment.”

“I’m thrilled to join the Opry Entertainment Group team and help shape the future of Block 21,” shares Jorgensen. “ACL Live is a tremendous venue and wonderful asset to Austin’s world-renowned music scene. I look forward to building on its legacy by bringing even more live music to the city and increasing the utilization of this iconic venue, all while continuing to deliver exceptional experiences for artists, fans and the Austin community.”

Ian Munsick & Montana Silversmiths Launch Exclusive Jewelry Collection At Boot Barn

Ian & Caroline Munsick wearing pieces from the Ian Munsick x Montana Silversmiths Jewelry Collection. Photo: Cam Mackey

Wyoming native Ian Munsick has collaborated with Montana Silversmiths to release a unique new exclusive jewelry collection blending traditional Western style with contemporary flair.

The collection, which arrives just ahead of the release of Munsick’s third album Eagle Feather out this Friday (April 18), will be available exclusively at Boot Barn Nashville stores and BootBarn.com beginning April 17. The jewelry pieces include the White Buffalo Bolo Tie, Eagle Feather Buckle, Cloudy Mountain Cuff Bracelet and the Blacktooth Cuff Bracelet. Every piece is thoughtfully designed to embody the rugged spirit of the American West and the craftsmanship of Montana Silversmiths, marking the debut collection in the line.

“Nothing defines the west like those born and raised in it,” shares Munsick. “Its tradition lives through us and its survival depends on us. That’s why this collaboration with Montana Siversmiths is so authentic; we are both western natives. When I see these pieces we’ve created, I’m immediately transported back into the culture that made me who I am.”

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of our exclusive Ian Munsick collection in partnership with Boot Barn,” says Marshall Smith, VP of Marketing, Montana Silversmiths. “This collaboration is a testament to our shared passion for the heritage and artistry of the American West. As Ian continues to push boundaries in both fashion and music, we believe this partnership marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey and very much look forward to bringing this line to the masses.”

To celebrate the launch, Boot Barn will host an event at the 2nd Avenue store in Nashville on April 17 from 1-4 p.m., just before Munsick takes the stage at The Pinnacle that night. Those in attendance will be able to experience the collection firsthand and enjoy a range of activities, including Leather Branding, a Happenstance Whiskey Tasting, Ian’s Signature Old Fashioned cocktail “Fire Water” and hidden tickets to Munsick’s concert.

The Ian Munsick x Montana Silversmiths collection will be available while supplies last, and there will be a nationwide launch in July in select Boot Barn stores as well online.

Chris Janson Returns To Warner In Partnership With His Harpeth 60 Records [Exclusive]

Pictured (L-R): Tom Lord (Manager, Red Light Management), Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville), Kelly Janson (manager), Chris Janson, Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville) and Clay Hunnicutt (Honey Music). Not pictured: Ray Vaughn and Lauren (Longbine) Bartlett.

Chris Janson has returned to Warner Music Nashville, in partnership with his own Harpeth 60 Records.

Warner Music Nashville previously released Janson’s first three albums—Buy Me A Boat, Everybody and Real Friends—which helped launch the Grand Ole Opry member’s career. Since then, he’s amassed billions of global streams, earned multiple Gold and Platinum certifications, and surpassed 10 million in sales as an artist. He’s charted five No. 1 hits, including “Buy Me A Boat,” “Fix A Drink,” “Good Vibes,” “Done” and “All I Need Is You.” Janson has also written multiple hits for other artists.

Now, he brings Harpeth 60 Records into the fold, with radio promotion led by Clay Hunnicutt as National, alongside team members Ray Vaughn and Lauren (Longbine) Bartlett.

“This new chapter of my career is so exciting,” shares Janson. “I’m incredibly humbled and grateful for the new partnership with Warner. My Harpeth 60 imprint is second to none, with a great promotion staff—headed up by Clay Hunnicutt and flanked by Ray Vaughn and Lauren Bartlett. This is an awesome overall partnership, and I’m thankful to have them on my side.”

Janson is expected to release new music under the partnership this summer.

Callum Kerr Signs With ONErpm & Huff Co.

Pictured: (L-R, back row): Angela Chamberlain (ONErpm) and Kylie Dembek (ONErpm); (L-R, front row): Ryan Cunningham (ONErpm), Callum Kerr and David Huff (Huff Co.).

Country artist Callum Kerr has inked with ONErpm & Huff Co.

“I’d heard about the Huff’s before even landing in Nashville” shares Kerr. “Couldn’t have been more delighted when David called me with the offer. And to team up with ONErpm is even more awesome, given their experience in music marketing and distribution. The music is recorded and ready to go, and I think everyone is super excited to get it out into the world.”

Born in Scotland and now residing in Nashville, Kerr released his debut single in 2023, “Tequila Therapy.” He followed that up with “Tamed In Tennessee,” a collaboration with Chris Andreucci. Earlier this year, he released his newest track “Cold Beer Cold,” which has amassed over 500,000 Spotify streams.

“When we first met Callum, we had an instant connection” says Dann and David Huff. “Working with him in the studio was effortless, even having to record a few of his vocals via Skype while he was filming in South Africa! His Scottish roots along with his country rock roots really bring a new feel to his debut country EP. This guy is gonna come out of the gates smokin’!”

“Callum Kerr is a true entertainer,” adds Ryan Cunningham, Director of A&R, ONErpm Nashville. “We’ve watched him captivate live audiences with just him and a guitar, and our entire team is excited for everyone to hear the new music he’s created with Dann and David Huff. With this new project, Callum is bringing a sound to Country music that is true to who he is as an artist, and we can’t wait for the world to hear it.”

Outside of music, Kerr also spends time professionally as a model and an actor. He has held roles in 13 movies/TV series, including Monarch, Virgin River, One Piece and more.

BREAKING: Lost Highway Records Teams With Interscope Geffen A&M To Launch New Chapter

Jake Gear and Bobby Knotts. Photo: Matt Paskert

The iconic Lost Highway Records is entering a new chapter with the support of Interscope Geffen A&M. Robert Knotts and Jake Gear will lead the Nashville-based label as Executive Vice Presidents & Co-Heads.

Founded in 2000 by Luke Lewis, Lost Highway became home to culture-defining artists of the era such as Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Ryan Bingham, Hayes Carll, Lucinda Williams, Drive-By Truckers, Lyle Lovett, Tift Merritt, Robert Earl Keen, Shelby Lynne, Elvis Costello and Mary Gauthier. The label was absorbed into Mercury Nashville when Lewis retired in 2012.

Earlier this year, former UMG Nashville head Cindy Mabe announced the relaunch of the label in partnership with T Bone Burnett, who produced the new hit country album for Ringo Starr, Look Up, released on Lost Highway. In this new iteration with Interscope, Burnett will continue to collaborate with the label on a number of projects, including the 25th Anniversary edition of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack.

John Janick, Chairman & CEO, Interscope Capitol and IGA, handpicked Knotts and Gear to take Lost Highway into the future. Each executive has deep roots in Nashville and embodies the spirit that has guided both Lost Highway and Interscope – an unwavering commitment to putting artists first. As Executive Vice Presidents and Co-Heads of Lost Highway, Knotts and Gear will lead the label into a new chapter, assembling a team of their own team in Nashville who will work closely with IGA.

“Lost Highway carved out a special place in the remarkable musical legacy of Nashville. It was a left-of-center label with one-of-a-kind artists who, at their core, were great songwriters and moved culture. Similarly, Interscope has always been a beacon to artists who don’t fit into a box yet are destined to inspire what comes next,” Janick shares. “With this new chapter in Lost Highway’s history, we are devoted to empowering the next generation of trailblazers, both artists and executives.”

Knotts joins Lost Highway from Nashville-based Thirty Tigers, where he rose through the ranks from intern to Senior Vice President, Artist and Label Services. Over the past 12 years, he has played an integral role in shaping the team, structure, and culture of Thirty Tigers while facilitating campaigns for artists such as Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Sturgill Simpson, Lucinda Williams, Turnpike Troubadours, Maggie Antone, Muscadine Bloodline and more. A native of Georgia, he graduated from UGA.

Knotts says, “Over the course of my career, my goal has always been to operate in service to the artist’s vision while understanding the emotional connection to their art. It is with this same spirit that Lost Highway left a lasting impact on the Nashville community—providing a home for artists who aren’t defined by genre and recognizing that the artist’s vision ultimately shapes culture itself. I am honored to carry that approach forward alongside one of my closest friends, Jake Gear. With John Janick’s guidance, and support from the entire Interscope team, we have an incredible opportunity to combine an artist-first mentality with Interscope’s remarkable ability to help build worlds around an artist’s vision.”

Gear comes to Lost Highway from UMG Nashville where, as Vice President A&R, he was instrumental in signing and developing breakthrough artist Tucker Wetmore, working closely with Vincent Mason (whom he previously signed for publishing), as well as A&Ring studio albums by Parker McCollum, Jordan Davis and Dierks Bentley and single releases on Sam Hunt, Josh Ross, Brothers Osborne and Brad Paisley.

An Iowa native and Belmont graduate, he spent 12 years in the publishing community on Music Row, helping to land hit records with Morgan Wallen, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and Eric Church. In 2020, he partnered with Hillary Lindsey and Concord Music to launch Hang Your Hat Music, and has produced critically acclaimed albums for Hailey Whitters and Flatland Cavalry.

“Lost Highway has a rich history. Many of these releases and artists were formative in developing my own appreciation of the craft of songwriting,” Gear shares. “The label was a pioneer in taste, representing an ethos of artistry first, an openness to taking creative risks and shining a light on artists who drifted on the fringes of the major label defined ‘mainstream.’ Together with my friend, Robert, and with the backing of John Janick and Interscope, I look forward to curating the roster.”

Industry Ink: Riley Green, Warren Zeiders, Nashville Comedy Fest, More

Riley Green Wraps Canadian Tour, Celebrates Gold, Platinum Stats

Riley Green. Photo: Samuel Crabtree

Riley Green wrapped the Canadian leg of his “Damn Country Music Tour” on April 5 in London, Ontario. The tour made stops across the country including Kelowna, Abbotsford, Regina, Kingston, Toronto and London.

During his Toronto show on April 4, Green was presented with a plaque by Nashville Harbor/Big Machine Label Group, recognizing his impressive achievements in Canada. To date, he has amassed over 284 million streams in the country and more than five billion streams globally, and the following releases have received official Canadian certifications: “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” (3x Platinum); “There Was This Girl” (3x Platinum); “Different ‘Round Here” (2x Platinum); “Worst Way” (Platinum); Different ‘Round Here (Gold); “If It Wasn’t For Trucks” (Gold); “Georgia Time” (Gold) and “Half Of Me” (Gold).

 

Warren Zeiders Takes A Bite Out Of The Big Apple During Media Blitz

YouTube video

Warren Zeiders did a round of TV appearances last week in New York City, performing “You For A Reason” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and the TODAY Show. The track is the latest standout from his new album Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal. The 25-year-old country phenom recently surpassed 3.6 billion career streams and kicked off his previously-announced “Relapse Tour” with a sold-out show at Nashville’s The Pinnacle.

 

April 3 Now Officially Nashville Comedy Festival Day

Pictured (L-R): Freddie O’Connell, tenth Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County; Brian Dorfman, owner and co-CEO, Outback Presents; Mike Smardark, founder and co-CEO, Outback Presents and Andrew Farwell, Vice President, Outback Presents. Photo: Courtesy of Outback Presents

Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell officially named April 3 Nashville Comedy Festival Day. Now in its 11th year, the Nashville Comedy Festival, produced by Outback Presents, continues to bring top-tier comedy to Music City. The fest brings together some of the biggest names in comedy for a week of unforgettable performances. This year’s lineup includes legends like Jay Leno, Nikki Glaser, Wanda Sykes and more.

 

Brady Seals Hosts A Nashville Night for Hadley Benefit

Pictured (L-R): Devon O’ Day, Porter Howell (Little Texas), Lua Crofts Faragher, John Riffe, Brady Seals, Rodney Crowell, Deni Baker, Gordon Kennedy, Blair Masters, Ricky Skaggs, Mike Rogers, Hadley Phillips, Brooke Phillis and Raelynn Phillips. Photo: Michelle Goble

Brady Seals hosted a benefit concert and silent auction, “A Nashville Night for Hadley,” on April 10 at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville. The event supported 20-month-old Hadley Phillips and her family from Centerville, Tennessee.

Hadley was recently diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfects, a rare and severe bone disorder. All proceeds from the event, along with funds raised through a GoFundMe campaign created by Seals, will go toward covering Hadley’s medical expenses not covered by insurance. The standing-room-only show featured an all-star lineup of performers, including Devon O’Day, Gordon Kennedy, Jeffrey Steele, Porter Howell, Ricky Skaggs, Rodney Crowell, Seals & Crofts 2 and Ty Herndon.

 

Hope Darst’s ‘Peace Be Still’ Goes Gold

Hope Darst celebrates her first RIAA Gold Certification with her label, Fair Trade Services + team

Worship leader, songwriter and artist Hope Darst has received her first RIAA Gold certification for her top 5 radio hit and GMA Dove Award-nominated song, “Peace Be Still.” The single was released from her debut album and was co-written by Darst, Andrew Holt and Mia Fieldes.

This certification proceeds her brand new project, In The Mighty Name, which will be released on April 18. The new album includes 13 live tracks, featuring the current single, “Mighty Name of Jesus,” which has already inspired over 250K fan-created posts on social media, generating more than 70 million views.