MusicRow’s 2025 Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
The 12th annual Rising Women on the Row was an event colored with tears of gratitude, gentle humor and words of wisdom. Staged by MusicRow Magazine as a breakfast ceremony at the Omni Nashville Hotel, the sold-out ballroom celebrated six music-business women.
“This room is here to celebrate the talent and perseverance that keep this industry alive,” said host Sherod Robertson. “It’s a celebration of what these women have accomplished and where they are going.”
Pictured (L-R): Featured speaker Jennie Smythe; honorees Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Julie Sturdivant, Katie Kerkhover, Rakiyah Marshall, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Lydia Schultz Cahill; MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
To presenting sponsor City National Bank and supporting sponsors AB Hillsboro Village and Chao Nail + Bar, he added, “Thank you for investing in this room and for this event.” AB Hillsboro Village is our community’s only female-owned show venue. That business’ Marcie Allen introduced America’s No. 1 charting alt-folk performer, Stella Prince. Backed by a six-piece acoustic ensemble, Prince did a mini-set that included Bob Dylan’s folk classics “All the Tired Horses” and “Don’t Think Twice.”
This year’s featured speaker was Jennie Smythe, the founder and CEO of Girlilla Marketing. “There are people in this room who uplifted me,” she said, indicating the sense of community that characterized the occasion. Smythe’s remarks were candid, brave, insightful and good humored. She has a new memoir titled Becoming Girlilla. Smythe described her book by saying, “This is a love letter to Nashville. This is a love letter to the country-music community.”
Featured performer Stella Prince. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
The honorees were presented one by one by MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Each was saluted with a brief bio before taking the stage. First up, was SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill. “I have been helped by so many people in this industry,” she said. “Thank you for all your love. This is truly incredible.”
Rakiyah Marshall of Back Blocks Entertainment said, “Standing here this morning feels surreal. Being in the room with y’all makes me want to reach higher….No dream is too big. No path is too unconventional….As women, we need to make sure that we are heard loud and clear.”
“What a great day,” said Amazon Music’s Michelle Tigard Kammerer. “I am so very honored to be here….Leadership is the example you set for those who serve….I have the best friends in the world here…Together, let’s build a bigger table for everyone who wants to be in country music.”
The fourth honoree was Katie Kerkhover. The BMG/BBR executive summed up what many were feeling, by stating, “You all inspire me. No one rises alone. So many have guided and uplifted me along the way. I want to say thank you to this amazing community for this incredible honor.”
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and featured speaker Jennie Smythe. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson of Warner Chappell (WCM) took the stage next. “The only wisdom I have to share is to love your people,” she said. “It’s always been about…those we’ve loved along the way,” she added with tear-filled eyes. At one point or another, all of the honorees got choked up on stage.
CAA’s Julie Sturdivant was so overcome that she had to pause during her remarks to collect her composure. “I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude today,” she said. “The music industry has shaped me. It has given me purpose, a community and a place to grow.” To the audience, she emphasized, “Know that your story matters.”
Rising Women on the Row began 12 years ago with an event at Maggiano’s Restaurant that was attended by 80 people. Thursday morning’s celebration at the Omni drew a beyond-capacity crowd of more than 700. It has earned a permanent spot on the music-industry’s social calendar, because such events are so necessary to maintaining the sense of community that is a hallmark of Music Row.
“It’s a pleasure to celebrate with you,” said Cantrell. “Keep that community feeling going that you feel today,” said Robertson.
Micki Free Signs As Flagship Client Of Roam Man Management
/by Lorie HollabaughMicki 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
/by LB CantrellChris 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’
/by John Nix ArledgeParker 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…)
/by Madison HahnenThis 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
/by LB CantrellEric 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.
“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
/by Lorie HollabaughJeannie 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’
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan 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
/by John Nix ArledgeZach 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.
Big Yellow Dog Music Elevates Three
/by Madison HahnenJonah Gordon, Alana Morgan & Brannen Carter.
Big Yellow Dog Music has promoted three staff members across the organization.
Jonah Gordon has been elevated to Manager, Sync. In this new role, Gordon will extend his responsibilities in sync operations and manage song placements across film, television, advertising and other media platforms.
Alana Morgan has been upped to Coordinator, A&R. In her new position, she will contribute to identifying and cultivating new talent, supporting the label’s artists and songwriters and growing Big Yellow Dog’s roster across all genres.
Brannen Carter has been promoted to Catalog Administrator/Coordinator, Label Services. She will take on additional responsibilities in managing the company’s publishing/label administration and overseeing the label’s marketing services.
“Each of these three has shown exceptional growth in their particular area of expertise, and we look forward to their ongoing contributions to our success in 2025,” shares Carla Wallace, CEO/Co-Owner of Big Yellow Dog Music.
Tears, Wisdom & Celebration At Rising Women On The Row [Recap]
/by Robert K OermannMusicRow’s 2025 Rising Women on the Row. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
The 12th annual Rising Women on the Row was an event colored with tears of gratitude, gentle humor and words of wisdom. Staged by MusicRow Magazine as a breakfast ceremony at the Omni Nashville Hotel, the sold-out ballroom celebrated six music-business women.
“This room is here to celebrate the talent and perseverance that keep this industry alive,” said host Sherod Robertson. “It’s a celebration of what these women have accomplished and where they are going.”
Pictured (L-R): Featured speaker Jennie Smythe; honorees Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Julie Sturdivant, Katie Kerkhover, Rakiyah Marshall, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Lydia Schultz Cahill; MusicRow‘s LB Cantrell. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
To presenting sponsor City National Bank and supporting sponsors AB Hillsboro Village and Chao Nail + Bar, he added, “Thank you for investing in this room and for this event.” AB Hillsboro Village is our community’s only female-owned show venue. That business’ Marcie Allen introduced America’s No. 1 charting alt-folk performer, Stella Prince. Backed by a six-piece acoustic ensemble, Prince did a mini-set that included Bob Dylan’s folk classics “All the Tired Horses” and “Don’t Think Twice.”
This year’s featured speaker was Jennie Smythe, the founder and CEO of Girlilla Marketing. “There are people in this room who uplifted me,” she said, indicating the sense of community that characterized the occasion. Smythe’s remarks were candid, brave, insightful and good humored. She has a new memoir titled Becoming Girlilla. Smythe described her book by saying, “This is a love letter to Nashville. This is a love letter to the country-music community.”
Featured performer Stella Prince. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
The honorees were presented one by one by MusicRow’s LB Cantrell. Each was saluted with a brief bio before taking the stage. First up, was SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill. “I have been helped by so many people in this industry,” she said. “Thank you for all your love. This is truly incredible.”
Rakiyah Marshall of Back Blocks Entertainment said, “Standing here this morning feels surreal. Being in the room with y’all makes me want to reach higher….No dream is too big. No path is too unconventional….As women, we need to make sure that we are heard loud and clear.”
“What a great day,” said Amazon Music’s Michelle Tigard Kammerer. “I am so very honored to be here….Leadership is the example you set for those who serve….I have the best friends in the world here…Together, let’s build a bigger table for everyone who wants to be in country music.”
The fourth honoree was Katie Kerkhover. The BMG/BBR executive summed up what many were feeling, by stating, “You all inspire me. No one rises alone. So many have guided and uplifted me along the way. I want to say thank you to this amazing community for this incredible honor.”
MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson and featured speaker Jennie Smythe. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson of Warner Chappell (WCM) took the stage next. “The only wisdom I have to share is to love your people,” she said. “It’s always been about…those we’ve loved along the way,” she added with tear-filled eyes. At one point or another, all of the honorees got choked up on stage.
CAA’s Julie Sturdivant was so overcome that she had to pause during her remarks to collect her composure. “I have an overwhelming sense of gratitude today,” she said. “The music industry has shaped me. It has given me purpose, a community and a place to grow.” To the audience, she emphasized, “Know that your story matters.”
Rising Women on the Row began 12 years ago with an event at Maggiano’s Restaurant that was attended by 80 people. Thursday morning’s celebration at the Omni drew a beyond-capacity crowd of more than 700. It has earned a permanent spot on the music-industry’s social calendar, because such events are so necessary to maintaining the sense of community that is a hallmark of Music Row.
“It’s a pleasure to celebrate with you,” said Cantrell. “Keep that community feeling going that you feel today,” said Robertson.