Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival 2025 Lineup Announced

Darius Rucker. Photo: Todd Owyoung

Darius Rucker’s Riverfront Revival has released its 2025 lineup. The two-day festival is set for Oct. 10-11 at North Charleston’s Riverfront Park.

Rucker and Riley Green will headline the festival with performances by Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers, The Red Clay Strays, Whiskey Myers, Flatland Cavalry, Lukas Nelson, Dylan Marlowe, Kashus Culpepper, Brittney Spencer, Clay Street Unit, Neon Union, Austin Williams, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Warrick McZeke, Faith Schueler, Whiskey Run and Elizabeth Covington.

“My love for Charleston has influenced so much of my career,” says Rucker. “Riverfront Revival, which made my longtime dream of bringing a music festival to this community a reality, is a celebration of the Lowcountry that gets better every year.”

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Arts in Healing program at the Medical University of South Carolina and Just Be You, a local nonprofit dedicated to empowering teens with confidence, self-love and self-compassion.

General admission tickets and VIP passes will go on sale to the public on Friday, April 11 at 10 a.m. ET via RiverfrontRevival.com.

Megan Wise Named Vice President Of New Business At Anotherland Agency

Megan Wise. Photo: David Bradley

Megan Wise has been appointed Vice President of New Business at Anotherland Agency, a startup with a unique music label and full-service marketing agency model that helps brands of all sizes with high-performing activations and building digital audiences.

With more than 15 years of experience Wise joins Anotherland after leading Partnerships at the Country Music Association. Prior to that, she launched her career at Creative Artists Agency where she got her start in the mail room and worked her way up to agent, eventually managing major sponsorships across entertainment. In her new role, Wise will handle Anotherland’s expansion into brand collaborations, overseeing the agency’s sales and partnership initiatives.

“Simply put, Megan is a powerhouse. She’s got the instincts, the relationships, and the tenacity to take Anotherland to another level,” says CEO David Bagheri. “Her track record says everything, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the team.”

“The way Anotherland approaches brand collaborations, it’s refreshing, and I’m all in,” says Wise. “From my early years at CAA to shaping partnerships at CMA, I’ve always believed and prioritized helping over just transacting. You always win in the end that way. The opportunities ahead for Anotherland—and our partners—are endless, and I can’t wait to get moving.”

Wise can be reached at megan@anotherland.com.

Dylan Gossett Heads West On ‘The American Trail Tour’ In July

Dylan Gossett is hitting the road this summer on “The American Trail Tour,” beginning July 9 in Wichita, Kansas.

The Midwestern/Western trek will make stops in Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana through July 19. Gossett will also be performing at various festivals throughout the summer including Windy City Smokeout, Under The Big Sky and Stagecoach, making his debut at the latter on April 26. Tickets for “The American Trail Tour” go on sale to the public April 11.

The Platinum-selling artist is currently on his “The Back 40 Tour” across the U.S. and Canada and recently dropped his first release of 2025 “Like I Do,” with more to come later this year. Gossett has emerged as one of the bright new stars in country music, and in less than two years, has notched over 800 million streams.

The 26-year old’s breakout single “Coal” went Platinum in the U.S., in addition to going Silver in the U.K., Platinum in Australia, double Platinum in Canada, and double Platinum in Ireland. The song marked his first entry on the Spotify U.S. Top 200 Chart, Billboard Hot 100 Chart and U.K. Official Singles Chart Top 100. The track also broke into the Top 25 of the Billboard Country Digital Songs Chart and Top 5 of the Spotify Viral 50 U.S. and Global Charts.

Jake Brown To Release ‘Songs Of Nashville: The Real Stories Behind Country Music’s Greatest Hits’

Author and music biographer Jake Brown is releasing a new book, Songs Of Nashville: The Real Stories Behind Country Music’s Greatest Hits, June 24 from Diversion Books/Simon & Schuster.

Created in honor of and dedicated to Nashville’s unsung heroes, the songwriters who have penned No. 1s for country artists, the 300-page hard copy highlights intimate, candid, first-hand conversations about the creation of some of the genre’s hits. Marking his 60th publication, Brown offers an in-depth exploration of the ideas that shaped iconic songs and the creative process behind some of the most beloved recordings in both classic and contemporary country music over the past 50 years.

The book features more than 45 songwriters and exclusive interviews and personal perspectives with Jelly Roll, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Drew Parker, Josh Thompson, Clint BlackVince Gill, Hillary LindsayNatalie HembyShane McAnally and many more.

“This is a love letter to Nashville’s unsung heroes,” says Brown. “It’s a celebration of, and my dedication to, the brilliant minds behind generations of country hit songs and the songwriters who created them.

“At the heart of any songwriter’s dream is to have their music heard,” he continues. “And Songs Of Nashville recognizes and explores how each one wrote and played their way to making their dreams come true.”

Industry Ink: Tigirlily Gold, Jennie Smythe, Jessica Rouse, More

Tigirlily Gold Visits With Sony Music Nashville Promotion Team

Pictured (L-R, back row): SMN’s Dan Nelson, Nicole Walden, Mallory Michaels, Dennis Reese, Round House Entertainment’s Greg McCarn, SMN’s Ali O’Connell and Round House’s Dan Anderson; (L-R, front row): SMN’s Jansen Morgan, Tigirlily Gold’s Kendra Olsen, Tigirlily’s Krista Slaubaugh and SMN’s Larry Santiago

Tigirlily Gold recently stopped by Sony to hang with their new Sony Music Nashville promo squad following their addition to the roster.

 

Jennie Smythe Shares ‘Becoming Girlilla’ With Belmont Students

Belmont University students with Jennie Smythe (Founder & CEO, Girlilla Marketing) and Brittany Schaffer (Dean, Belmont’s Curb College)

Girlilla Marketing Founder & CEO Jennie Smythe recently joined Belmont University Dean of the Curb College of Music Business and Entertainment Brittany Schaffer to speak to an invite-only group of female students. During the conversation, Jennie shared her journey as a digital marketing trailblazer and stories from her upcoming memoir, Becoming Girlilla.

 

Jessica Rouse Named Head Of Events & Strategic Partnerships At Southern String Hat Co.

Jessica Rouse. Photo: David Bradley

Jessica Rouse has joined Southern String Hat Co. as its new Head of Events and Strategic Partnerships. In this role, Rouse will spearhead the company’s event strategy, activations, and collaborations, as well as build strategic partnerships to expand the brand’s reach and influence. Rouse brings over a decade of experience from Warner Music Nashville, where she most recently led artist and corporate event initiatives, following a career that began in radio in 2010 at WQDR in Raleigh, North Carolina.

 

Gord Bamford Signs With Just For You Music

Gord Bamford

Canadian country artist and songwriter Gord Bamford is the first signing to Just For You Music, the newly-launched independent music publishing company founded by Chris Giansante. Bamford, a 26-time CCMA Award winner and two-time CMA Global Country Artist Award recipient, has built a solid legacy as a hit songwriter and performer, with over 100 million radio streams, 28 top 10 singles, and multiple Platinum and Gold-certified albums.

“Gord has been one of Canada’s most beloved and influential country artists over the last 25 years,” says Giansante. “His success as an artist and songwriter is only superseded by what he’s given back to the community around him. I’m looking forward to working with Gord on the next chapter of an already storied career. The best is yet to come.”

 

Cooper Ramsey Visits With Music Health Alliance

Pictured (L-R): Tatum Hauck Allsep, Shelia Shipley Biddy, Nikki Black, Suzanne Berg, Dr. Zacquia McKinley, Erin Lancaster, Sophie Badgett, Britton Barnette, Leah May and Cooper Ramsey

16-year-old rising star Cooper Ramsey took time for a break in between Whiskey Jam and performing at Bridgestone arena in Nashville this week to visit with new friends at the Music Health Alliance.

AIMP Honors Independent Songwriters & Publishers At 2025 Awards

Pictured (L-R, front row): Publishing Assistant Emily Peterson, President Mike Molinar, Sr. Vice President Alex Heddle and Sr. Consultant Hannah Babitt; (L-R, back row row): Vice President Tim Hunze, Vice President Grayson Stephens, Sr. Director Timmy Haehl, BMLG Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta, Sr. Manager Preston Berger and Sr. Director Michelle Attardi. Photo: Diana King

The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) hosted its 2025 AIMP Nashville Country Awards on Tuesday evening (April 8) at Marathon Music Works. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the event spotlighted the independent songwriters and publishers who help make Nashville Music City.

After a lively social hour—complete with drinks and a taco truck—songwriters, publishers and other industry members filled the venue’s event hall. Following brief remarks from sponsor Humanable, the music officially began.

Jordan Davis accepts his award for Artist-Writer of the Year.

As is tradition at the AIMP Awards, the evening featured intimate and distinctive performances from past and present Rising Artist-Writer of the Year and Artist-Writer of the Year nominees and winners. In honor of the event’s milestone year, each performance paid tribute to a song that had previously won Song of the Year.

Hardy opened the set with the award-winning “Girl Crush,” followed by Jordan Davis performing “Blue Ain’t Your Color.”

Storme Warren then took the stage to begin his hosting duties and present the night’s first award: Rising Songwriter of the Year. The honor went to Jon Decious, independently published by OneRiot Music and Reservoir Media. In his heartfelt speech, he thanked Jesus, his mom, “what the hell Dale,” Mandelyn Monchick, his publishers and “every artist that has let [him] bug them for an afternoon.”

With community spirit running high, Hailey Whitters stepped up to perform Song of the Year winner “Drinkin’ Problem.”

Next, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year was awarded to breakout country artist Zach Top (published by Major Bob Music). Though he couldn’t attend, he shared his gratitude in a video message.

AIMP Nashville Chapter President John Ozier then addressed the crowd, speaking about the tremendous loss the industry has faced with the passing of Warner Chappell President & CEO Ben Vaughn. A moving tribute video followed, featuring emotional words from Scott Hendricks, Tim Hunze, Jody Williams, Ross Copperman, Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett, Mike Molinar, Abbey Adams, Shawn McSpadden and Jessi Alexander. In Vaughn’s honor, AIMP made a donation to Music Health Alliance.

Chase McDaniel and Vincent Mason accepting their Publisher Pick of the Year Award. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Carly Pearce took the stage next to perform “Rainbow,” offering a moment of comfort and reflection for the Nashville publishing community as they remembered Vaughn.

Song Champion of the Year was then presented to Concord’s Courtney Allen. The room gave her a standing ovation as she took the stage in tears, sharing that she had been going through a difficult week.

“So many people here have showed up for me,” she said. She thanked her champions and the songwriters and artists who trust her with their work.

Lee Brice followed with a performance of “The Bones,” and Jackson Dean performed his hit “One of Them Girls.”

The Publisher Pick of the Year award went to “Hell Is A Dance Floor,” written by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel and independently published by Hang Your Hat Music and Concord Music Publishing. The duo took the stage, with McDaniel expressing gratitude to his support system.

AIMP Nashville

“It was always my dream to be a songwriter,” Mason added. “To win an award picked by publishers means the world to me.” Mae Estes then performed the track.

Jordan Davis was later named Artist-Writer of the Year (published by Anthem Entertainment). He shared that “this room is the only thing [he’s] known since moving to Nashville,” and shouted out some of the writers of his current single, who were in attendance.

Old Dominion delivered “Sand In My Boots” before the prestigious Songwriter of the Year award was presented to Jessie Jo Dillon (Big Machine Music), sparking a round of enthusiastic applause.

“Everyone in this room is incredible,” Dillon said. “I love country music—let’s protect it.”

Ashley McBryde then performed “You Should Probably Leave,” followed by Hannah Ellis and Nick Wayne with their rendition of “Next Thing You Know.”

Independent Publishing Company of the Year was awarded to Big Machine Music. The team took the stage with a cardboard cutout of Alex Heddle, who was away on his honeymoon.

“A lot has been said about community,” said BMM’s Mike Molinar. “We couldn’t do this without you publishers and songwriters.”

The final award of the night, Song of the Year, went to “The Painter,” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins and Ryan Larkins and published by Big Machine Music and Nashblonde Music. Davis and Larkins accepted the honor, thanking their teams, families and Cody Johnson for recording the track.

Whiskey Jam’s First-Ever Juice Box Jam Welcomes Families For Musical Celebration

Pictured (L-R): Ryan O’Nan, Margaret Hart, Haley Montgomery, Mickey Guyton, Natalie Stovall, Jackie Jones, Morgan Mills, Ania Hammar, Helena Capps, Halie Hampton Mosley and Ward Guenther. Photo: Max Blachman

The first-ever Juice Box Jam, a joint venture between Family Alliance in Music and Whiskey Jam, attracted more than 1,000 attendees to SkyDeck on Broadway on Sunday (April 6) for a family-friendly celebration of live music.

The event marked the inaugural family-focused edition of the Whiskey Jam series. Founded in 2011, Whiskey Jam is renowned for hosting weekly showcases highlighting rising talent and established artists. Typically an adult-centered nightlife staple, Juice Box Jam reinvented the experience, ensuring it was accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of age.

Performers for the event included Mickey Guyton, Charlie Worsham, Runaway June, Lanco, Daniel Tashian, Ryan Griffin, Alex Hall, Jaden Michaels and Thelma & James. The day was hosted by Whiskey Jam founder Ward Guenther and SiriusXM host Ania Hammer.

Between sets, families enjoyed activities such as face painting sponsored by the Country Music Association, a craft station hosted by the Tennessee Titans, a photo booth and juice bar provided by Google Fiber, and the Country Music Hall of Fame’s musical instrument petting zoo. RIAA supported the green room and artist services backstage.

“This day was about joy, connection, and creating a music space where families were not only welcomed, but celebrated,” says Margaret Hart, Co-Founder of Family Alliance in Music and YouTube Music’s Head of Nashville Label and Industry Partnerships. “Juice Box Jam was created so parents, caregivers, and kids could all experience the magic of live music together and the response from the community was incredible.”

“Juice Box Jam was the perfect way to bring the spirit of Whiskey Jam into a family-friendly setting,” shares Whiskey Jam’s Guenther. “We were excited to create an experience that’s just as fun for the kids as it is for the parents. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results.”

“As a mom and an artist, I know how important it is to make space for families in this industry,” adds Guyton. “Events like Juice Box Jam prove that there are opportunities to share live music with our kids. It was such an honor to be part of something that’s helping bring families together for a live music experience.”

Family Alliance in Music is a nonprofit dedicated to building a music industry where professional success and family life can thrive side by side. FAM offers advocacy, education, and financial support to caregivers navigating careers in music. Donations from the event go to further FAM’s mission, and FAM has its first grant open for applications through June 1. The grant is designed to support music professionals balancing career and caregiving responsibilities. More information can be found here.

‘Let’s Talk Nashville’ Cancer Benefit Set For April 14

Ben Jumper’s “Let’s Talk Nashville” benefit is scheduled for April 14 at 5:30 p.m. at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in downtown Nashville. This event benefits the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt and Immunotherapy Research at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

“Let’s Talk Nashville” allows guests to dine at tables hosted by long-time industry leaders. This year’s guest hosts include Tony Conway (Conway Entertainment Group), Rod Essig (CAA) and Mike Smardak (Outback Presents). The event also features a silent auction with items donated by each guest host.

“I think cancer touches all of our lives directly or indirectly,” says Jumper, former CEO of Soundcheck and Crew One Production and a cancer survivor himself. “Many cancers are being cured every day because of research. My life was saved by immunotherapy. I had stage four lung cancer, and I just passed the five-year mark. My lungs are clear of cancer. The other part of my journey is to help cure all childhood cancer.”

Tax-deductible tables and individual tickets are on sale here.

Christian Artist Carly Ann Taylor Signs With Curb Records

Pictured (L-R, standing): Curb’s Brian Thiele, Doris Bratcher, Jessie Lowe and Giovanna Randolph; Manager Tassia Taylor; Curb’s Trevor Mathiesen; Manager Randy Taylor; Curb’s John Chapman, Benson Curb, Jeri Cooper, Joseph Prielozny and Jonathan Mason; (L-R, seated): Curb’s John Nemoy; Carly Ann Taylor and Celaya Legal’s Chaz Celaya

Christian music artist Carly Ann Taylor has signed with Curb Records.

Hailing from San Diego, California, Taylor was introduced to music at a young age. She began singing in the church her family attended before honing her craft with a degree in commercial music production from Point Loma Nazarene University. Throughout her career, Taylor’s mission is to share a story of hope, healing and redemption.

“I am beyond stoked to be starting my career with the amazing team at Curb Records, the result of a series of events that truly only God could have orchestrated,” says Taylor. “My prayer is that God will use my music to reconcile hearts back to Him, help people realize safety and rest in the Lord through worship music, and guide others to praise wholeheartedly no matter the season of life they may be in.”

Tin Pan South 2025 Wraps After Hosting 12,000 Fans At Over 100 Shows

ERNEST and Lukas Nelson at The Listening Room Cafe (Jack Daniel’s Stage). Photo: NSAI / LL

The 33rd annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival wrapped another stellar year after welcoming over 12,000 fans March 25-29.

The annual event hosted 105 shows, many sold-out, as songwriters took center stage to showcase their talents and support NSAI’s mission to advocate, educate, celebrate and elevate the profession of songwriting.

The event serves as “reunion” for songwriters, where last-minute lineup additions and surprise guest appearances are part of the tradition, adding to the excitement of the week. Surprise appearances included Lukas Nelson, Abby Anderson and Morgan Evans, along with several songwriters who had already performed in earlier rounds, joining their friends on stage to extend their time at the festival.

Melissa Etheridge, Ashley McBryde, and Shelly Fairchild at The Listening Room Cafe (Jack Daniel’s Stage). Photo: Tom Turk

The shows featured a wide variety of genres and songs spanning decades. Fans were transported back to the Top 40 rock of the ’90s as they joined Melissa Etheridge for her first-ever writers round, performing alongside Ashley McBryde and Shelly Fairchild at The Listening Room Cafe (Jack Daniel’s Stage). Meanwhile, at another performance at 3rd and Lindsley (Visit Music City Stage), fans were treated to a live rendition of the No. 1 hit “I’m Gonna Love You,” performed by co-writer Kelly Archer, in a round that also featured Lee Thomas Miller and Wendell Mobley.

Fans of Nashville got to relive their favorite TV drama through songs when Charles Esten led a round featuring writers from the hit show. Performers included Jaida Dreyer, Andrew Rollins, Trent Dabbs, Buddy Miller and Arum Rae.

Lee Thomas Miller (NSAI Board President), Kelly Archer and Wendell Mobley performing at 3rd and Lindsley (Visit Music City Stage). Photo: NSAI / Chance Phebus

Ticket holders who attended shows at AB Hillsboro Village (Nashville Scene Stage) throughout the week enjoyed singing along to hit pop songs like “Sorry Not Sorry” (Demi Lovato) and “Here” (Alessia Cara) with Pynk Beard, Oak Felder, Austin Nivarel and Dave Pittenger. The venue was also filled with country classics like “Carrying Your Love With Me” and “Carried Away” (George Strait), as well as “Every Mile a Memory” (Dierks Bentley), all co-written by Steve Bogard, who performed alongside KK Johnson, Ben Roberts and Sam Williams.

A new venue this year, Love & Exile in East Nashville hosted folk rock songwriter Judah Akers of Judah and the Lion, as well as outlaw country artist Struggle Jennings, American Idol alumni Chayce Beckham and HunterGirl and several hit country writers.

NSAI will host the 34th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival on March 24-28, 2026.

Jaida Dreyer and Charles Esten at the Alive Hospice Benefit show at 3rd and Lindsley (Visit Music City Stage). Photo: NSAI / Chance Phebus

Pynk Beard, Dave Pittenger, Austin Nivarel, and Oak Felder at AB Hillsboro Village (Nashville Scene Stage). Photo: NSAI / LL

Struggle Jennings and The Heartwreckers at Love & Exile Bar. Photo: Jason Davis