Lukas Nelson To Release First Solo Album Via Sony Music Nashville

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Lukas Nelson. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Lukas Nelson has will release his first-ever solo album, American Romance, on June 20 via Sony Music Nashville, marking his first in partnership with the label.

Produced by Grammy Award-winner Shooter Jennings, American Romance showcases Nelson’s songwriting dexterity and country-blended sound. Across 12 tracks, including collaborations with Sierra Ferrell and Stephen Wilson Jr., Nelson tells stories of his life on the road, detailing the joys, complexities, beauty and heartbreak he’s encountered during his travels across the country.

Reflecting on the project, Nelson shares, “This album is the first chapter in a whole new era of my life as an artist. It’s a love story to the country that raised me. Diners and highways that carried me through the joy and pain that led to the music you hear now.”

In addition to Nelson and Jennings, the record also features contributions from Anderson East (“Disappearing Light,” producer) and SistaStrings (“Montana,” cello and viola) as well as Matt Chamberlain (drums), Corey McCormick (bass), Marty Muse (dobro), Russ Pahl (pedal steel), Chris Powell (drums), Brian Whelan (acoustic guitar) and Eleanor Whitmore (fiddle).

Out today (March 21) is “Ain’t Done,” a song Nelson co-wrote with Aaron Raitiere.

Of the track, Nelson shares, “I went through this period of self-reflection and George Harrison’s song, ‘All Things Must Pass,’ was part of what got me through that moment. It gave me that understanding that it’s not for us to know what comes next. Everything changes and nothing stays the same.”

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Nelson has released eight studio albums since his band’s debut over a decade ago. His 2023 album Sticks and Stones spent 18 weeks in the top 10 of the Americana Albums chart and reached No. 1 on the Alt Country chart.

A highly sought-after collaborator both in the studio and on stage, Nelson recently joined forces with The Travelin’ McCourys and Sierra Ferrell for a bluegrass-inspired rendition of Adele’s iconic hit, “Someone Like You,” and has also worked with artists such as Lainey Wilson, Ernest, Miranda Lambert, The Pistol Annies and more. He has sold out countless headline shows, been featured at renowned festivals and has made multiple appearances on late night shows. Additionally, Nelson co-produced and co-wrote much of the music for the acclaimed 2018 film A Star is Born, in which he also appeared. The soundtrack won a Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and a BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.

Lukas Nelson’s American Romance Track List:
1. “Ain’t Done” (Lukas Nelson / Aaron Raitiere)
2. “Pretty Much” (Lukas Nelson)
3. “Make You Happy” (Lukas Nelson / Jon Decious / Delaney Ramsdell)
4. “Outsmarted” (Lukas Nelson)
5. “Disappearing Light” with Stephen Wilson Jr. (Lukas Nelson / Stephen Wilson Jr.)
6. “Born Runnin’ Outta Time” (Lukas Nelson / Jon Decious / Nate Ferraro)
7. “All God Did” (Lukas Nelson)
8. “Montana” (Lukas Nelson)
9. “Friend in the End” featuring Sierra Ferrell (Lukas Nelson)
10. “The Lie” (Lukas Nelson)
11. “American Romance” (Lukas Nelson)
12. “You Were It” (Lukas Nelson)

Industry Ink: Opry 100, Riley Green, Warren Zeiders, AIMP Nashville, More

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The Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 100 Years In Style At Star-Studded Bash

Members of The Grand Ole Opry celebrate its 100th anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 100th birthday and its immense impact on country music and American culture this week with a star-studded, once-in-a-lifetime live special that showcased unforgettable performances and iconic collaborations from some of the biggest names in country. The milestone celebration brought together legendary artists for heartwarming tributes and electrifying performances that honored the Opry’s rich history and served as a kickoff to a months-long celebration of 100 years that will last well into 2026. The three-hour TV special aired live on NBC and was Simulcast on Peacock.

 

Riley Green Helps Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter Support Hurricane And Fire Relief Efforts

Pictured (L-R): Alicia Warwick (Recording Academy), Jessi Alexander, Riley Green, Sydney Verge (Recording Academy) and Randy Montana

Riley Green performed a sold-out show at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville in support of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter’s hurricane and LA fire relief efforts. The evening, Green’s first time performing at the Music City landmark,  brought together music fans and musicians alike and raised over $9,000 for the cause, and Green matched the donation amount through his Buford Bonds Charitable Fund. The night also featured performances from Jessi Alexander and Randy Montana, as well as surprise performances from Lukas Nelson and Erik Dylan.

 

Warren Zeiders Celebrates New Album With New York Media Blitz

Warren Zeiders took over Times Square recently while on a media blitz for his latest album, Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal, a 21-track introspection of healing, heartbreak and unwavering fervor for love. Since its release, Zeiders has earned features on CBS Mornings, NPR: All Songs Considered, GQ, Cowboys & Indians, Fox News Digital, Fox & Friends Weekend and more.

 

AIMP Nashville Reflects On ‘Back Then’ At MLC Breakfast

Pictured (L-R): Jacee Badeaux (Big Yellow Dog Music), Ree Guyer (Wrensong), Ciara Shortridge (Curb Records), Raleigh Berschback (Songtrust), Lauren Lieu (River House Artists), Mike Molinar (Big Machine Music), Steve Markland (Blue Harbor Music), MaryAnn Keen (BMI) and Beth Laird (Creative Nation)

AIMP Nashville held a “Back Then Breakfast” on March 18 at The MLC in Nashville. Beth Laird (Creative Nation), Steve Markland (Blue Harbor Music) and Mike Molinar (Big Machine Music) shared stories about the ups, downs, and pivotal moments that shaped their careers and how these experiences still impact today’s music publishing landscape at the event.

 

Ole 60 Burns Up The Road On ‘Outta My Way Tour’

Ole 60’s opening night of the “Outta My Way Tour” in Boston. Photo: Wales Toney

Kentucky sons Ole 60 are off to a traveling start in 2025, selling over 31,000 tickets already on their current headlining “Outta My Way Tour.” The independent six-piece band has taken fans by storm nationwide, lighting up wall-to-wall crowds in markets like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Knoxville and more. The band has just been announced as an opener on both nights of Zach Bryan’s BST Hyde Park double header this summer on June 28-29, followed by their Lollapalooza debut in August. This week, they head down under to Australia for their first-ever appearance at CMC Rocks.

 

Tracy Byrd & Alex Miller Stop By Coffee, Country & Cody To Preview New Duet ‘The Byrd’

Alex Miller, co-host Kelly Sutton, Tracy Byrd and co-host Charlie Mattos

Tracy Byrd was in Nashville recently to film a music video with Billy Jam’s Alex Miller. They stopped by WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody to perform their upcoming duet, “The Byrd,” which is due out in April on Billy Jam.

Micki Free Signs As Flagship Client Of Roam Man Management

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Micki Free, Scott Adkins & Billy Ray Cyrus. Photo: Heather Roberts

Guitarist, songwriter, artist and producer Micki Free has signed with Billy Ray Cyrus and Scott Adkins as the flagship client of their newly-formed Roam Man Management.

Free’s career spans decades and includes collaborations with music icons. Free’s sound and artistic journey have been deeply influenced by his rich cultural heritage, which includes Cherokee ancestry, an adopted Comanche Native American background and Creole and Irish roots. His musical career took off early after securing management deals with Gene Simmons of KISS and Diana Ross. He quickly gained recognition as a member of the iconic R&B group Shalamar, where he formed a lasting friendship with Prince.

In his solo career, he has performed and recorded with artists including Cyrus, Carlos Santana, Gary Clark Jr., Janet Jackson, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Little Steven Van Zandt, Cheap Trick, Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, KISS and many more. He is also a master of the Native American flute, with five albums dedicated to the instrument. ​Free recently released his EP, Dreamcatcher.

“Welcome to Music City and Roam Man Productions, Micki Free! Proud and honored you chose to join us. Can’t wait for the world to hear what you’ve been working on. We gonna be “Takin’ Our Country Back,” shares Cyrus.

“Micki Free is a Grammy-winning multi-hyphenate who’s jammed with everyone from Prince, co-wrote with KISS’s Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons and even shared the stage with Cyrus. We’re thrilled to be on this journey with Micki!” adds Adkins.

“Billy and I have always talked about working together for years, and now we are finally going to make that dream happen. I couldn’t be happier. I love the energy of Scott Adkins, his positivity and drive compliments our new partnership!” says Free.

Prescription Songs Promotes Chris Martignago To VP Of A&R

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Chris Martignago. Photo: Taylor Christian Jones

Prescription Songs has promoted Chris Martignago to VP of A&R in its Nashville office.

Martignago joined the independent publishing company in 2021 after nearly 10 years in the A&R Research department at Atlantic Records. While he has been at Prescription Songs, Martignago has built an impressive roster including Grammy-nominated and award-winning creatives such as Anderson East, Trent Dabbs, JT Daly, Nick Lobel, Tony Esterly, Brett Truitt, Josie Dunne, Dominique Sanders, Derik Fein, Heather Russell and Vancouver Sleep Clinic.

“Since joining Prescription Songs, Chris has shown exceptional leadership and creative skills,” says Rhea Pasricha, Prescription Songs’ Head of A&R, West Coast. “He has championed and ushered in diverse talent and has helped to shape the future of our roster with his keen ear and passion for artistry. We’re thrilled to see him step into this new role as VP of A&R in Nashville.”

Martignago adds, “I have learned so much and we’ve made excellent progress here in Nashville during my first four years at the company. I am looking forward to continuing to champion our exceptional creative team and roster with the opportunity of this new role. I am grateful to Rhea for the faith she has in me and my ability to step up to the challenge.”

Outside of work, Martignago regularly volunteers with local schools and art programs. He is also the founder of HELL YES!—an online community that showcases emerging songwriters, hosts annual songwriting camps and events, including PLAYBACK, a partnership with PøpSquad founder Wes Davenport. Through this platform, Martignago has provided invaluable resources and opportunities for independent songwriters, producers, and artists to forge real-world connections.

Parker McCollum Reveals New Dates For ‘Parker McCollum Tour’

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Parker McCollum has unveiled new dates for his recently rebranded “Parker McCollum Tour.” Previously known as the “What Kinda Man Tour,” the name change comes from the artist leaning into his roots after touring in his home state of Texas. Special guests for the extended and rebranded tour include Ashley Cooke, Corey Smith, Hudson Westbrook, Kameron Marlowe, Laci Kaye Booth and Vincent Mason.

“Parker McCollum Tour” Added Dates:
8.19.25 / Highland, CA / Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel
9.4.25 / Lubbock, TX / United Supermarkets Arena
9.5.25 / San Angelo, TX / CRC Roofers Coliseum
9.18.25 / Baltimore, MD / Pier Six Pavilion
9.19.25 / Charlotte, NC / Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
9.20.25 / Raleigh, NC / Red Hat Amphitheatre
9.25.25 / Knoxville, TN / Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center
9.26.25 / Tallahassee, FL / Donald L. Tucker Civic Center
10.2.25 / State College, PA / Bryce Jordan Center
10.4.25 / Tinley Park, IL / Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre
10.9.25 / St. Joseph, MO / St. Joseph Civic Arena
10.10.25 / Sioux City, IA / Tyson Events Center
10.11.25 / Grand Forks, ND / Ralph Engelstad Arena
10.16.25 / Casper, WY / Ford Wyoming Center
10.17.25 / Rapid City, SD / Summit Arena at The Monument
10.18.25 / Bismarck, ND / Bismarck Event Center

MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly brings exciting updates and highlights from the heart of Nashville’s music industry, from celebrating the achievements of remarkable women to new talent rising through the ranks. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow held its 12th annual Rising Women on the Row event, presented by City National Bank, at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The sold-out event was filled with emotion, wisdom and heartfelt gratitude. The morning was a tribute to the incredible contributions of women in the music business, with six deserving honorees being recognized for their hard work and dedication. The honorees included Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant. The featured speaker at the ceremony was Jennie Smythe, founder and CEO of Girlilla Marketing, and there was a musical performance by rising alt-folk star Stella Prince.

MusicRow also unveiled its first-ever Women of Music Row Issue, a special edition dedicated to celebrating the women shaping Nashville’s music industry. The cover of this landmark issue features Avery Anna, Warner Music Nashville’s rising star, who is quickly making a name for herself. Inside, the issue delves into the experiences and perspectives of women across the music business, with contributions from industry leaders like Cris Lacy and Taylor Lindsey, and the partners of Farris, Self & Moore, who reflect on their decade-long journey. There’s also a segment featuring Jennie Smythe, who opens up about her new memoir, and a feature with hit songwriters Jessie Jo Dillon, Jessi Alexander, Allison Veltz Cruz and Trannie Anderson, who share their experiences navigating the industry as female hitmakers. The issue also shines a spotlight on Todd Cassetty, who continues his work of championing women in country music through his groundbreaking platform, Song Suffragettes.

In other news included in this week’s MusicRow Weekly newsletter, Chelsea Blythe, former Executive Vice President of A&R at UMG Nashville, made the announcement that she would be stepping down from her role, with her last day being March 14. Rachel Brittain joined Creative Artists Agency (CAA) as an Executive in its Music Brand Partnerships division.

Meanwhile, SMACK has made a key addition to its team by hiring Mak Symmonds as its new Director of Marketing. The rise of new talent continues as Thelma & James signed with Big Loud Records, while Pulse Records has announced the signing of Nashville-based singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols.

Stem, the distribution platform empowering independent artists, expanded its Nashville presence with the addition of Courtney Daly as Director of Artist & Label Strategy. Quinn Kaemmer launched her own independent venture, The Quinntessential. Zach Siegal-Eisman joined The Core Records as Head of Audience Development & Insights.

This week’s My Music Row Story featured an insightful conversation with CAA’s Julie Sturdivant.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Zach Top made his way back to the No. 1 spot this week with “I Never Lie.” Explore more chart data here.

MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Eric Church Slates New Album, ‘Evangeline Vs. The Machine,’ For May Release

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Eric Church. Photo: Robby Klein

Country icon Eric Church has announced his new album, Evangeline vs. The Machine, releasing May 2 via EMI Records Nashville. The eight-song project marks Church’s first new album since 2021’s Heart & Soul trilogy.

Medieval vikings round wooden shield isolated on white

“An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church shares of the creative approach behind the highly-anticipated new project. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art—I think it’s important.

“I’ve always let creativity be the muse. It’s been a compass for me,” he adds. “The people that I look up to in my career and the kind of musicians I gravitate to never did what I thought they were going to do next—and I love them for it. I never want our fans to get an album and go, ‘Oh, that’s like Chief or that’s like this.’ Painstakingly, I lose sleep at night to try to make sure that whatever we do creatively, they go, ‘Wow, that’s not what I thought.’ I think that’s my job as an artist.”

Evangeline vs. The Machine features the previously-released “Darkest Hour,” a track Church used to support relief efforts in his home state of North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, donating all of his publishing royalties to the cause. Also included is “Johnny,” a soul-stirring reinterpretation inspired by “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” and the Covenant School tragedy. Church has offered limited previews of the track during his “Chief’s To Beat The Devil” residency and at the recent Country Radio Seminar, leaving audiences in awe.

The album’s lead single, “Hands Of Time,” which will be shipped to country radio on March 24.

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“As I get older, I’m looking for things that make me feel not as old,” Church explains of the track. “I can honestly say that when I hear music or see something from my past, I feel like I did then; I relate to what it was then. I really believe that a good way to handle that is with music.”

Evangeline vs. The Machine Track List:
1. “Hands Of Time” (Eric Church, Scooter Carusoe)
2. “Bleed On Paper” (Tucker Beathard, Casey Beathard, Monty Criswell)
3. “Johnny” (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Brett Warren)
4. “Storm In Their Blood” (Eric Church)
5. “Darkest Hour” (Eric Church)
6. “Evangeline” (Eric Church, Luke Laird, Barry Dean)
7. “Rocket’s White” Lincoln (Eric Church)
8. “Clap Hands” (Tom Waits)

Sony Music Publishing Nashville Celebrates Jeannie Seely With Reimagined Classics

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Jeannie Seely. Photo: Cyndi Hornsby

Sony Music Publishing Nashville is honoring Opry legend Jeannie Seely this Women’s History Month by bringing three reimagined songs to the fans featuring collaborations with rising female country artists.

The series launched on March 14 with “Let’s Get Together” featuring Mae Estes, and continues with the release of “Who Needs You” with Hannah Dasher and Tiera Kennedy today (March 21), and “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand)” with Madeline Edwards on March 28. Listen to the tracks here.

Newly recorded by Estes, the project’s first release “Let’s Get Together” is an unreleased song written by Seely and Glen Campbell. Discovered by SMP catalog expert Dale Bobo in Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s tape room, the hidden gem has been revitalized through modern technology by engineer Jason Hall, enabling a new artist to join the recording.

The second release “Who Needs You” is a fun and rowdy track that’s already an Opry favorite that was penned by Seely and produced by multi-year ACM Electric Guitar Player of the Year Rob McNelley. The final installment in the series “Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand),” featuring Seely and Opry Next inductee Madeline Edwards, was co-produced by Edwards and McNelley, and brings a fresh perspective to the iconic R&B hit.

“What an honor to be a part of this exciting new Sony Music Publishing Production with Chelsea Kent,” says Seely. “It is one thing to have your old copyrights reinvented in a fresh light, but yet another to be included on the recordings as well!  It has been a joy to work with some of the brightest and most talented young artists and musicians who are leading our industry into the future.”

“We are honored to represent Jeannie Seely and her incredible catalog of songs,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “She is a genre-defining artist and songwriter who has continued to be one of the greatest mentors across multiple generations of country music. This project showcases our team’s unique ability to bring value to our songwriters in innovative ways, and we are grateful for Jeannie’s partnership on these exciting new releases.”

Seely has performed over 5,400 times on the Opry stage throughout her nearly 58-year tenure, more than any other country artist in the show’s 100-year history. Her expansive career as a songwriter and performer began with her 1966 hit “Don’t Touch Me” and continues to endure today, cementing her legacy as an influential mentor for female artists at the Opry and beyond.

Morgan Wallen Reveals Release Date, Cover For Upcoming LP ‘I’m The Problem’

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen has revealed that May 16 will be the release date for his upcoming fourth studio album, I’m The Problem, set to coincide with his inaugural, all-genre Sand In My Boots Festival in Gulf Shores, Alabama on May 16-18.

Two new songs off the new album have just been released: “Just In Case,” and “I’m A Little Crazy.” Wallen also shared the cover for the new project as well, which he spent nearly a year writing and refining the track list for from his farm just outside of Nashville with his core collaborators, including producers Joey Moi and Charlie Handsome. The process was a reflective one for Wallen, taking inventory of where he’s been and where he’s headed and not shying away from the past.

“I have been a problem, for sure, and I’ve got no problem admitting that,” Wallen says. “But there are other sides to me as well. I’ve spent the last 11 months really trying to figure out, ‘Do I still want to be the problem? Is it time to move past that phase in my life?’ I think it probably is, and this might be the last time I get a chance to honestly say it.”

Wallen recently became the first artist ever to have two albums spend over 100 weeks in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 chart. He’ll perform songs from the new album on NBC’s Saturday Night Live next Saturday (March 29) when he returns as a musical guest, then hit the road on his new 2025 “I’m The Problem Tour,” which kicks off June 20 in Houston.

Zach Top Returns To No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Zach Top. Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne

Zach Top has returned to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his track “I Never Lie.”

The song is a part of his debut studio album Cold Beer & Country Music and was written by Top, Carson Chamberlain and Tim Nichols.

Top has a busy spring and summer with performances on the main stage at Watershed Festival in George, Washington, at the 100th State Fair of West Virginia and accompanying Dierks Bentley on his upcoming “Broken Branches Tour.”

“I Never Lie” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.