MusicRow Magazine proudly unveils its first-ever Women of Music Row Issue, a special edition dedicated to the women shaping Nashville’s music industry. Gracing the cover is Warner Music Nashville’s rising star Avery Anna.
Attracting attention from esteemed media outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, American Songwriter and more, exciting newcomer Avery Anna is gearing up to release her sophomore album, let go letters. The moving LP comprises songs all inspired by real-life situations shared by her fans via the “Let Go Letters.” The letter series has long been a safe space for Avery’s listener community, where she invites fans to “let go” of real-life experiences that may be troubling them by putting them on paper and sending them off.
Currently climbing the charts with Sam Barber on their viral duet, “Indigo,” Avery is also still celebrating the success of her 2024 full-length debut, Breakup Over Breakfast, where she “further displays promise and prowess” (GRAMMY.com). The album’s 17 tracks, all written or co-written by the “towering, soul-baring tunesmith” (Billboard), showcase her ability to harness raw emotion and infuse it into a nuanced lyricism well beyond her years.
Inside MusicRow’s Women of Music Row Issue, industry leaders share their insights and experiences. Label executives Cris Lacy and Taylor Lindsey discuss their approach to leadership. The partners of Farris, Self & Moore reflect on 10 years in business with a roundtable discussion on their journey. Veteran entertainment marketer Jennie Smythe opens up about her inspiring new memoir.
Acclaimed songwriters Jessie Jo Dillon, Jessi Alexander, Allison Veltz Cruz and Trannie Anderson share their perspectives on navigating the industry as female hitmakers. Todd Cassetty explores his dedication to spotlighting women in country music through his groundbreaking Song Suffragettes platform.
This issue also recognizes the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2025: Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant. The magazine made its official debut at MusicRow’s 12th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast event on March 20.
“At MusicRow, we have long recognized the extraordinary talent, dedication and resilience of the women who shape our industry. From the songwriters and artists crafting meaningful songs to the executives making key business decisions, women have been instrumental in defining the sound and success of country music,” shares MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “In this special issue, we proudly shine a spotlight on their achievements, stories and contributions.”
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2025 Women of Music Row Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $25, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Jeffrey Steele & Friends Support At-Risk Youth Through 18th Annual Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 18th annual Jeffrey Steele & Friends benefit concert took place March 3 at The Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, Tennessee.
The event was hosted by The BIG 615’s Storme Warren and Casey LeVasseur, and featured a packed surprise lineup that included Craig Morgan, Aaron Lewis, John Rich, Phil Vassar, Jessi Alexander, Keith Anderson, Angie Aparo, Charles Esten, Aaron Lewis, Lil’Skinny, Silence X Noise and Bridgette Tatum.
The evening’s performers played alongside Steele and his band for a night of incredible music and fundraising including group performances of “She’s Country” and “Every Day.” The night featured historic highs for the event, raising over $240,000 in donations, pushing the fund over the $2 million mark in dollars raised and continuing the mission of Steele and his family to support overlooked and at-risk youth in Middle Tennessee and beyond in the memory of Steele’s son Alex, who passed away in 2007.
“There was a time when we didn’t think we could get through one day without Alex, let alone 18 years,” says The LeVasseur Family. “The sting of grief does not stop, yet somehow we keep walking forward. One step at a time. Largely due to the help of all the friends who help to make Jeffrey Steele & Friends possible. Over these last 18 years this community has joined us in building a legacy to honor Alex and because of that we have raised over $2 million to help nonprofits in our area who are championing our youth and the kids of our community and in other neighborhoods and communities across the country to share Alex’s heart and giving spirit to those who need it most with our mission of supporting overlooked and at-risk youth through passionate activity and strong role models.”
The Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund has been able to build partnerships and lend support to youth-focused organizations including the YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s Teen Center, Skatepark and Y-CAP programs for at-risk youth, The Beat of Life and their youth-based music programming, The Skate Park Project nonprofit led by Tony Hawk which supports building skateparks across the country in the most vulnerable populations, and more. To date, the Fund has supported building 13 skateparks in under-served communities across the country.
Through a partnership with The Beat of Life, the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Scholarship Program has also been established giving vulnerable youth access to music education, instrument lessons and much more. In addition to these projects the LeVasseur Family opened the Alex LeVasseur Music Lab in the Brentwood YMCA Teen Center and Alex LeVasseur Memorial Skatepark. The concrete park located at the Brentwood Family YMCA opened last August.
Hardy Reimagines Tracks On Amazon Music Songline
/by John Nix ArledgeHardy. Photo: Robby Klein
Hardy has unveiled his Amazon Music Songline, an eight-track release featuring reimaginings of his songs including a live version of “Live Forever” and a cover of The 1975’s “Love It If We Made It.” The project will also include fresh takes on tracks “Quit!!,” “Jack,” “Psycho” and “Truck Bed.”
Taped as a part of “Songline,” a new performance series on Amazon Music, the session offers an inside look into Hardy’s songwriting process along with the stories behind the music. Each performance is complete with an interview with the artist, giving him the opportunity to share his thoughts and journey with fans. The full “Songline” docu-performance will release on Mar. 31 on Amazon Music and Hardy’s YouTube.
Additionally, Hardy is gearing up to headline his “Jim Bob World Tour” in arenas and festivals across the country, while also making his European debut. The tour, produced by Live Nation, includes stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York City and more. Fans will also see artists such as Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr., Sikarus and McCoy Moore join Hardy as support.
This upcoming tour will continue the steam built up by the five-time ACM and two-time CMA award winner over the last year. In 2024, Hardy released his No. 1 LP Quit!! and first live LP Hardy (Live From Red Rocks), toured the country, headlined CMA Fest, appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel Live! and hit 15 No. 1 tracks.
Hardy – Amazon Music Songline Tracklist
1. “QUIT!! (Amazon Music Songline)”
2. “BOOTS (Amazon Music Songline)”
3. “JACK (Amazon Music Songline)”
4. “Love It If We Made It (Amazon Music Songline)”
5. “PSYCHO (Amazon Music Songline)”
6. “A ROCK (Amazon Music Songline)”
7. “LIVE FOREVER (Amazon Music Songline)”
8. “TRUCK BED (Amazon Music Songline)”
MusicRow Magazine Releases 2025 Women Of Music Row Issue
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow Magazine proudly unveils its first-ever Women of Music Row Issue, a special edition dedicated to the women shaping Nashville’s music industry. Gracing the cover is Warner Music Nashville’s rising star Avery Anna.
Attracting attention from esteemed media outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, American Songwriter and more, exciting newcomer Avery Anna is gearing up to release her sophomore album, let go letters. The moving LP comprises songs all inspired by real-life situations shared by her fans via the “Let Go Letters.” The letter series has long been a safe space for Avery’s listener community, where she invites fans to “let go” of real-life experiences that may be troubling them by putting them on paper and sending them off.
Currently climbing the charts with Sam Barber on their viral duet, “Indigo,” Avery is also still celebrating the success of her 2024 full-length debut, Breakup Over Breakfast, where she “further displays promise and prowess” (GRAMMY.com). The album’s 17 tracks, all written or co-written by the “towering, soul-baring tunesmith” (Billboard), showcase her ability to harness raw emotion and infuse it into a nuanced lyricism well beyond her years.
Inside MusicRow’s Women of Music Row Issue, industry leaders share their insights and experiences. Label executives Cris Lacy and Taylor Lindsey discuss their approach to leadership. The partners of Farris, Self & Moore reflect on 10 years in business with a roundtable discussion on their journey. Veteran entertainment marketer Jennie Smythe opens up about her inspiring new memoir.
Acclaimed songwriters Jessie Jo Dillon, Jessi Alexander, Allison Veltz Cruz and Trannie Anderson share their perspectives on navigating the industry as female hitmakers. Todd Cassetty explores his dedication to spotlighting women in country music through his groundbreaking Song Suffragettes platform.
This issue also recognizes the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2025: Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant. The magazine made its official debut at MusicRow’s 12th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast event on March 20.
“At MusicRow, we have long recognized the extraordinary talent, dedication and resilience of the women who shape our industry. From the songwriters and artists crafting meaningful songs to the executives making key business decisions, women have been instrumental in defining the sound and success of country music,” shares MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “In this special issue, we proudly shine a spotlight on their achievements, stories and contributions.”
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2025 Women of Music Row Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $25, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Dylan Scott Sets Nashville Pinnacle Show For September
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Scott. Photo: Robby Klein
Dylan Scott has announced a headlining show at Nashville’s The Pinnacle on September 26.
Special guests George Birge and Mackenzie Carpenter will join Scott on the bill for the evening.
Scott will embark on his headlining “Country Till I Die Tour,” next month, kicking off April 3 in Boston and will hit 17 cities. His current single “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” sits at No. 4 on the country radio charts. The hitmaker is currently the fourth most-played artist at country radio so far this year, behind Morgan Wallen, Post Malone and Jelly Roll.
Tickets will go on sale this Friday, March 21 and can be purchased here.
IBMA Reveals Graduating Class of 2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass
/by John Nix Arledge2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Graduates
The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has revealed the IBMA Leadership Bluegrass graduating class of 2025. The three-day program invites participants to delve into interactive learning, assess the challenges and opportunities facing the bluegrass music industry and pursue leadership development. The event was hosted at Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee from Mar. 10-12 with Jeff Westerinen and Maria Nadauld serving as the course facilitator and assistant facilitator, respectively.
The IBMA also recognizes the 2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Planning Committee composed of Greg Blake, Dustin Boyd, Casey Campbell, Stacy Chandler, Dave Howard, Jordan Laney and IBMA Staff Liaison Haley Grimm.
Participants for the program are chosen through a competitive application process and are a small sampling of current and future leaders from all over the U.S. and the world. Sponsors for the event include BMI and Leadership Bluegrass Alumni.
2025 IBMA Leadership Bluegrass Graduates:
Katherine Bestwick – Appalachian Fiddle & Bluegrass Association (Zion Grove, PA)
Rick Brodsky – Rock Hearts (Bridgeport, CT)
Jennifer Brooke – Floyd Music School, LLC (Floyd, VA)
Pamela Brown – Oregon Bluegrass Association / Shaniko Music Sanctuary (Shaniko, OR)
Trudy Chandler – Nick Chandler and Delivered (Weaverville, NC)
Sofia Chiarandini – Jacob’s Ladder / Tufts University (Cambridge, MA)
Elizabeth Dewey – International Bluegrass Music Association (Nashville, TN)
Darren Eedens – Taff Rapids / Self (Cardiff, Wales)
Donna Harrison – Chattanooga Tourism Co. (Chattanooga, TN)
Jenny Hirt – Durango Bluegrass Meltdown / KSUT Public Radio (Durango, CO)
Sara Johnson – Vivid Events / Pickin’ In The Peaches Music Festival (Augusta, GA)
Ella Jordan – Ella Jordan Music (Nashville, TN)
Kirk Kenney – China Bluegrass Network (Shanghai, China)
Crystal Lariza – Never Come Down (Hood River, OR)
Jon Lundbom – Central Texas Bluegrass Association (Austin, TX)
Erin Moorman – Syntax Creative (Franklin, TN)
Robbie Morris – Grasstime (Nashville, TN)
Caroline Owens – Billy Blue Records / Billy Blue Publishing (Denton, NC)
Aynsley Porchak – East Tennessee State University (Gate City, VA)
Nancy Posey – Music In Community Network (Brentwood, TN)
Joshua Rilko – Touring Musician (Nashville, TN)
Erin Rouse – Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum (Owensboro, KY)
Mona Salyer – IBMA Foundation Board (Bristol, VA)
Danny Stewart Jr. – U.S. Navy Band / Turtle Hill Banjo Co. / Annapolis Bluegrass (Edgewater, MD)
Zachary Taylor – Planning Stages Inc. (Hixson, TN)
Ross Willits – Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association (Roseville, MN)
SMACK Welcomes Mak Symmonds As New Director Of Marketing
/by LB CantrellMak Symmonds
SMACK has hired Mak Symmonds as its new Director of Marketing. In this key role, she will lead marketing efforts across SMACK’s management, label and publishing divisions, driving strategic campaigns to amplify its roster including Walker Hayes, Shane McAnally, Kylie Morgan and Jenna Davis.
Symmonds joins SMACK following seven years in artist management and brand development at Piedmonte & Co., working with Chris Tomlin, Patrick Droney, Redferrin and Chris Renzema. She successfully led major releases, large-scale events, strategic partnerships, and targeted marketing campaigns, elevating artists’ profiles locally and globally.
In her new role, she will collaborate with streaming and digital partners to refine release strategies, stay ahead of industry trends and expand opportunities for SMACK’s artists and writers. Her expertise in crafting personalized strategies ensures long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be adding Mak to the team here at SMACK! She felt like a great fit from the first time we met, and in her short time with us, she’s already proved to be a valuable addition. I can’t wait to see how she and SMACK grow together!” says Robert Carlton, President of SMACK.
“I’m so excited to be joining the SMACK team at such an amazing time in the company’s journey. The accomplishments of SMACK’s artists, writers, and team members are inspiring, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to this legacy,” shares Symmonds. “I look forward to collaborating with the team, helping drive growth, and amplifying the incredible work SMACK is doing across the industry. It’s an honor to take this next step with such a talented and dedicated group of people.”
BMI Reveals 2025 ‘Rooftop On The Row’ Lineup
/by Madison HahnenBMI has unveiled its yearly “Rooftop On The Row” lineup for the 2025 season.
The series will kickoff on April 28 with Colt Graves, Thomas Edwards and Thebrosfresh. Additional performers throughout the summer include Lukas Nelson, Kaitlin Butts, Tucker Wetmore, Tanner Adell, Vincent Mason, Max McNown and more to be announced.
The invitation-only event takes place upon the BMI rooftop overlooking the Nashville skyline with three hours of music each night, with complimentary cocktails, food, sponsorship activities and more.
“Over the years, BMI’s Rooftop On The Row has become woven into the fabric of our community, offering the music industry an exclusive opportunity to hear BMI’s next wave of artists during a pivotal time in their career,” shares BMI’s AVP Creative Nashville, Mason Hunter. “The exposure and growth of the series has made this a launchpad for artists to forge meaningful connections directly with their audience and industry peers.”
Founded in 2017, BMI’s “Rooftop On The Row” series has seen performances from Morgan Wallen, Billy Strings, The War And Treaty, Hardy, K. Michelle, Riley Green, Colbie Caillat, Wyatt Flores, Ella Langley, Maddie and Tae, Locash, Dylan Marlowe, Mitchell Tenpenny and many more.
2025 Rooftop On The Row Lineup:
Apr. 28th – Colt Graves, Thomas Edwards & Thebrosfresh
May 28th – Lukas Nelson & Kaitlin Butts
Jul. 15th – Tucker Wetmore & Tanner Adell
Aug. 12th – Vincent Mason & Max McNown
Sept. 9th – TBA for Americana Fest Kickoff
RIAA Reports Paid Music Subscriptions Hits 100 Million
/by Madison Hahnen“Twenty years into the streaming era, over 100 million paid subscriptions now deliver two-thirds of industry revenues, a historic milestone powering America’s music economy forward,” shares RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. “It’s an extraordinary achievement by an industry that has successfully focused on its creative and commercial core by championing innovative new services, options, and experiences that add real value for fans.
“Music has never been more dynamic, compelling, and relevant – reaching out beyond our earbuds with conversation-driving cultural touchstones like unforgettable halftime performances, historic television moments or must-see films and biopics,” he continues. “And American fans and superfans’ dedication to the artists they support promises an even brighter future as record labels work to create new opportunities that boost incomes for artists and diverse revenue streams to grow the pie for everyone with a stake in the music economy.”
According to the RIAA’s full 2024 year-end report, the U.S. recorded music industry reached a record high of $17.7 billion in estimated retail value in 2024, up half a billion dollars since the previous year. Streaming generated $14.9 billion and accounted for 84% of total revenues, which includes paid subscriptions, ad-supported services, digital and customized radio, social media platforms and digital fitness apps. Vinyl sales experienced its eighteenth consecutive increase, reaching $1.4 billion, the highest since 1984. Vinyl also outperformed CDs for the third straight year, with 44 million records shipped compared to 33 million CDs. Additionally, 2024 marked the first year that independent labels were directly reported, and sync now includes both direct indie revenue and estimates.
Click here to read the full 2024 RIAA Year-End Revenue Report.
SESAC & New Music USA Renew Funding For Reel Change: The Fund For Diversity In Film Scoring
/by Lorie HollabaughSESAC Performing Rights and New Music USA have announced an additional three-year commitment to Reel Change:The Fund for Diversity in Film Scoring.
Reel Change is a grant and mentorship program for composers of diverse backgrounds who have been marginalized in film composition, powered by SESAC Performing Rights and composer Christophe Beck, and administered by New Music USA. First established in 2020, the fund supports film projects currently in production, where additional funding and mentoring would help composers at a pivotal moment in their careers. Four to six grants averaging $20,000 will be allocated each year of the program. Supportable expenses include composer compensation, musician fees, recording and sound mastering fees, studio expenses, orchestration, production equipment, and more. In its first five years, Reel Change has supported 29 grantees and has granted over $450,000 in funding.
“We’re thrilled to continue our work with New Music USA to progress the world of film scoring and to advocate for underrepresented voices,” says Erin Collins, Senior Vice President of TV/Film at SESAC Performing Rights. “At SESAC Performing Rights, we strongly believe in the mission of this fund and are eager to build upon the successes that have occurred since Reel Change started five years ago.”
Vanessa Reed, President & CEO of New Music USA, says, “New Music USA is proud to continue our collaboration with SESAC Performing Rights and Christophe Beck as delivery partners for the Reel Change fund. We are grateful for this robust support of composers from backgrounds historically underrepresented in film scoring and we believe that the continuation of this program will help strengthen the soundtracks of films today and in the future.”
‘An Evening With Elton John And Brandi Carlile’ To Air On CBS April 6
/by Lorie HollabaughAn Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile will air April 6 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. The concert special will feature live performances, anecdotes about the duo’s enduring friendship and an inside look at their new joint album.
The performance will be filmed on March 26 at the Palladium Theatre in London with a full live band. The setlist will feature songs from Who Believes in Angels?, alongside some of John and Carlile’s biggest hits.
Additionally, Elton and Carlile will host an intimate sit-down conversation with the audience on stage that will look at their 20-year friendship, the journey behind their latest collaboration and behind the scenes footage from their process. Throughout the evening, special guests will pay tribute to the artists’ illustrious careers.
An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile is produced by Fulwell Entertainment with Executive Producers Ben Winston, Gabe Turner and Sally Wood.