Michelle Tigard Kammerer
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
As Head of Country Music at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer has driven the streaming service’s growth in the genre since 2021. She oversees marketing, artist and label relations and innovative collaborations, managing influential brands like Country Heat. Under her leadership, Amazon Music has introduced new initiatives and strengthened connections between country artists and their fans.
Kammerer’s career began at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she helped sign and launch the careers of several leading country acts. She then served as Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) before re-launching the historic Dot Records label under Big Machine Label Group as National Director of Marketing & Promotion. In 2017, she expanded her leadership as Senior National Director of Marketing & Promotion at BMLG Records, where she worked closely with a range of top artists.
Now at Amazon Music, Kammerer continues to champion the evolution of country music, leveraging her experience across agencies, labels and streaming to innovate and elevate the genre.
Kammerer will be honored as part of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row class of 2025 on March 20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Read more about the event here.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a little town in Kansas called Valley Center, just north of Wichita. It’s a small farming town. When I was there, Main Street didn’t even have a stoplight with all three colors, just a four-way stop and flashing red and yellow lights. Eventually, we got a full stoplight, and just a few years ago, my parents’ road was finally paved—but not all the way, it turns back into a dirt road. I loved growing up there. I still have great friends and family there, and I visit all the time.
What were you like as a kid?
I was a bit of a tomboy. My dad was an only child and had two girls, so he raised us to love all the fun things. Music was always a big part of our family. My parents sang in church, the Grand Ole Opry was always on and that’s how I fell in love with country music. We were a very musical and very sports-oriented family. There was always music in the house.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Did you always know you wanted to do something in music?
Growing up around music, I always knew I wanted to be part of it. I fell so deeply in love with country music and was driven to share it with as many people as possible. From a young age, I was determined to get to Nashville. My best friend and I were just talking about this—she said she never remembers a time when I wasn’t saying, “I’m going to Nashville. I’m going to work in country music.”
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
How did you get to Nashville?
After college, I moved here without knowing a single person. I got a job at an eye doctor’s office during the day, and at night, I would go to country shows. I couldn’t afford expensive tickets, so I’d highlight every show that was $10 or less in The Nashville Scene and The Rage magazines. My goal was to attend three shows a week, watch who was going backstage and figure out who was making things happen.
I carried these little perforated business cards with my Hotmail address and my name, “Michelle Tigard, Music Business.” I’d introduce myself, shake hands and ask if I could take them to coffee to learn more. Most people would give me their business cards in return. My plan was to meet two people per show, which meant six people a week. If even two of those turned into coffee meetings, that was over 100 meetings a year. Someone had to have a job for me.
After about a year and a half, one of those meetings led to an opportunity. A tour manager I met passed my resume to his girlfriend’s roommate, who was moving to CAA’s New York office. She passed it to CAA Nashville, and I ended up getting an interview with Stan Barnett.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
That’s some impressive networking. What happened at your interview?
When I walked into Stan’s office, I saw a Buck Owens guitar, and asked immediately, “Why do you have a Buck Owens guitar?” It turns out, he was Buck’s agent. We ended up having a deep conversation about traditional country music, the Grand Ole Opry and everything I loved. He looked at me and said, “Do you want to start Monday?” And that was it—I was in.
Tell me about your time at CAA.
I was at CAA for almost seven years. It was the house that built me. When I started, the Nashville office was small—maybe 30 people. Back then, there wasn’t a structured agent trainee program; you just figured it out.
I became the first assistant to sign an act—Lady A. I discovered them at 3rd & Lindsley when they were opening for Charles Kelley’s brother. There were only 12 people in the audience. They had just met three weeks before and played together for the first time. When they stripped it down to just their three voices, it was magical. I knew it was special. We worked with them for a year and a half before they signed to Capitol under Mike Dungan. That was a big moment for me.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
What was next?
After building a solid foundation at CAA, I started feeling the itch for something new. Bill Mayne, a longtime mentor, approached me about a brand marketing and sponsorship role at CRS. It was a hybrid role that didn’t really exist yet, and I could build it from the ground up. I loved my time there, and after three and a half years, I had worked and formed relationships with a lot of the labels.
I went to coffee with Chris Stacy and Kris Lamb from Big Machine showed up. They approached me to help start Dot Records under Scott Borchetta, and of course, I was intrigued about helping to build something new, so I went.
We had Maddie & Tae, Zac Brown Band and even Steven Tyler’s country album. After three years, Dot folded into BMLG Records, and I became National Director, working with Florida Georgia Line, Brett Young and—full circle—Lady A, who had returned to BMLG after their Capitol deal ended.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Then Amazon Music came calling.
Yes. That opportunity excited me because it was about how people discover music today. My goal since childhood had been to share country music with as many people as possible. At Amazon Music, I could do that on a global scale. If you have a device, you can access all the country music you want.
It’s been such an honor to take on this role and build with this team. We’ve built so many incredible programs—like our partnership with the ACM Awards, Stagecoach, CMA Fest, Country Music Month, The Country Heat Weekly Podcast, live streams and our Country Heat brand. When you come to Amazon Music, our customers get exclusive, unique and compelling content and they can really dive in and become super fans like me. I believe that music is a timestamp on our lives. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to get that music to as many people as possible, so if I can be even a small part in that, then I’m happy.
What have you learned about leadership?
My leadership philosophy is simple: “Leadership is the example you set for those you serve.”
You lead by example. I will never ask our team to do something I wouldn’t do myself, whether it’s setting up early or taking out the trash after an event. Leadership is also about service. I strive to maintain a positive outlook and start every meeting by celebrating wins. We work so hard, but we need to carve out time to celebrate our successes too.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Who have been some of your mentors?
Stan Barnett, of course. Ron Baird, Bill Mayne and Scott Borchetta have all been huge mentors. Bill Mayne was my closest mentor—he championed women in the industry and was my first call when I was considering Amazon Music.
I’ve also been surrounded by strong women in this industry who support each other. At Amazon Music, I am surrounded by incredible women. Our Nashville team, specifically, is 100% female.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Love what you do. The music industry isn’t 9-to-5; it’s a lifestyle. Network, be persistent and don’t cut corners. Follow the music, and the money will come. Be kind, take the meeting, and be open to opportunities—you never know where they’ll lead.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
What’s a moment your younger self wouldn’t believe?
Interviewing Reba for Amazon Music’s Fishbowl series. I grew up idolizing her. When I first met her years ago, I was so starstruck I accidentally told her my name was Stephanie. [Laughs] Fast forward, and I’m interviewing her for an hour, talking about her book and career. Little Michelle in Kansas would have lost her mind.
Working with Dolly Parton for the ACMs was another surreal moment. She’s the most gracious, kind, wonderful person. Moments like these remind me how lucky I am to do what I love and to help bring country music to people around the world.
Lady A Named 2025 Cornerstone Building Brands Home For Good Ambassadors
/by Lorie HollabaughLady A. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Lady A has been named the 2025 Home for Good project ambassadors for Cornerstone Building Brands, a leading manufacturer of exterior building products in North America.
Since joining as ambassadors in 2024, Lady A’s Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott have worked to help advance the project’s mission. The group has aided Cornerstone in making a real, immediate difference for families while bringing awareness to the affordable housing crisis, from rolling up their sleeves to help repair homes in Tennessee to supporting relief efforts following hurricanes Helene and Milton through the LadyAID Fund.
In order to build stronger, more sustainable communities, Cornerstone is entering its ninth year of partnership with the Habitat for Humanity. By pledging to donate building products valued at half a million dollars, as well as facilitate home builds and volunteer efforts, the company will help construct and remodel affordable housing for families in need across North America.
“We’re so touched to be part of the incredible work done through the Home for Good project again this year,” says Scott. “Last year, we saw first-hand the life-changing impact Cornerstone Building Brands has on people in need of a safe, affordable place to call home through this project. So, we jumped at the opportunity to continue to be part of this meaningful work again and help deliver the safety and security only a home can bring to even more people across the country.”
“We are excited to extend our partnership with Lady A and to have them lend their voices to our Home for Good project again in 2025,” states Rose Lee, president and chief executive officer of Cornerstone Building Brands. “Together, we hope to continue to help make homeownership more accessible for families in the communities where we live, work and play.”
Cornerstone Building Brands has donated more than $4.1 million in products and resources to help build and remodel 825 homes in more than 150 communities since the inception of the Home for Good project in 2016. The country industry has been a steadfast supporter of the Home for Good project since its launch, with stars like Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker and more previously serving as ambassadors.
Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire & Jelly Roll Are Founders Of New Music City Rodeo Coming To Nashville In May
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville is getting its first-ever Professional Rodeo Cowboy’s Association event when the new Music City Rodeo comes to town at Bridgestone Arena on May 29-31.
Tim McGraw’s Down Home, a partnership with Skydance Media, in association with Humes Rodeo, are bringing the event to the city. McGraw, Reba McEntire and Nashville native Jelly Roll are set to headline the event’s concerts, with all three serving as founding members of MCR.
Each day will showcase seven thrilling rodeo events from bull riding to barrel racing, team roping to broncs, featuring the world’s best cowboys and cowgirls going head-to-head for over $200,000 in prize money. Fans will enjoy the full pageantry of rodeo with additional family-friendly activities like mutton bustin’, clowns, and Rodeo Queens, before culminating each night in a headlining arena concert.
“For eight decades, Nashville’s music stars have been the soundtrack to America’s iconic rodeos—country music and rodeo go hand in hand,” says McGraw. “So, it was time to bring the magic of the rodeo home to Nashville and I’m thrilled to be bringing it here.”
“It’s no secret that rodeo is in my blood, and I’m thrilled to be a part of starting a new Nashville tradition. Country music and rodeo coming together in Music City, what a perfect combination…I just knew I had to be part of it,” shares McEntire.
“As a Nashville native, this felt like a chance to be a part of a history-making event for the city. I have vivid memories when it was announced in Nashville that we were getting a hockey team with the Predators, or a football team with the Titans…and I watched Bridgestone Arena be built from the ground up. Headlining Music City Rodeo in my hometown as a part of the first rodeo brought to town feels like the same type of milestone,” adds Jelly Roll.
Additionally, Music City Rodeo is joining with Nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt to benefit the patients and families it serves, with a portion of all event proceeds going toward supporting their mission of providing world class pediatric healthcare and research.
Tickets for Music City Rodeo go on sale beginning March 7, and a select number of pre-sale tickets including VIP packages will be available starting March 5 at 10 a.m. CT here.
My Music Row Story: Amazon Music’s Michelle Tigard Kammerer
/by LB CantrellMichelle Tigard Kammerer
As Head of Country Music at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer has driven the streaming service’s growth in the genre since 2021. She oversees marketing, artist and label relations and innovative collaborations, managing influential brands like Country Heat. Under her leadership, Amazon Music has introduced new initiatives and strengthened connections between country artists and their fans.
Kammerer’s career began at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she helped sign and launch the careers of several leading country acts. She then served as Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) before re-launching the historic Dot Records label under Big Machine Label Group as National Director of Marketing & Promotion. In 2017, she expanded her leadership as Senior National Director of Marketing & Promotion at BMLG Records, where she worked closely with a range of top artists.
Now at Amazon Music, Kammerer continues to champion the evolution of country music, leveraging her experience across agencies, labels and streaming to innovate and elevate the genre.
Kammerer will be honored as part of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row class of 2025 on March 20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Read more about the event here.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a little town in Kansas called Valley Center, just north of Wichita. It’s a small farming town. When I was there, Main Street didn’t even have a stoplight with all three colors, just a four-way stop and flashing red and yellow lights. Eventually, we got a full stoplight, and just a few years ago, my parents’ road was finally paved—but not all the way, it turns back into a dirt road. I loved growing up there. I still have great friends and family there, and I visit all the time.
What were you like as a kid?
I was a bit of a tomboy. My dad was an only child and had two girls, so he raised us to love all the fun things. Music was always a big part of our family. My parents sang in church, the Grand Ole Opry was always on and that’s how I fell in love with country music. We were a very musical and very sports-oriented family. There was always music in the house.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Did you always know you wanted to do something in music?
Growing up around music, I always knew I wanted to be part of it. I fell so deeply in love with country music and was driven to share it with as many people as possible. From a young age, I was determined to get to Nashville. My best friend and I were just talking about this—she said she never remembers a time when I wasn’t saying, “I’m going to Nashville. I’m going to work in country music.”
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
How did you get to Nashville?
After college, I moved here without knowing a single person. I got a job at an eye doctor’s office during the day, and at night, I would go to country shows. I couldn’t afford expensive tickets, so I’d highlight every show that was $10 or less in The Nashville Scene and The Rage magazines. My goal was to attend three shows a week, watch who was going backstage and figure out who was making things happen.
I carried these little perforated business cards with my Hotmail address and my name, “Michelle Tigard, Music Business.” I’d introduce myself, shake hands and ask if I could take them to coffee to learn more. Most people would give me their business cards in return. My plan was to meet two people per show, which meant six people a week. If even two of those turned into coffee meetings, that was over 100 meetings a year. Someone had to have a job for me.
After about a year and a half, one of those meetings led to an opportunity. A tour manager I met passed my resume to his girlfriend’s roommate, who was moving to CAA’s New York office. She passed it to CAA Nashville, and I ended up getting an interview with Stan Barnett.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
That’s some impressive networking. What happened at your interview?
When I walked into Stan’s office, I saw a Buck Owens guitar, and asked immediately, “Why do you have a Buck Owens guitar?” It turns out, he was Buck’s agent. We ended up having a deep conversation about traditional country music, the Grand Ole Opry and everything I loved. He looked at me and said, “Do you want to start Monday?” And that was it—I was in.
Tell me about your time at CAA.
I was at CAA for almost seven years. It was the house that built me. When I started, the Nashville office was small—maybe 30 people. Back then, there wasn’t a structured agent trainee program; you just figured it out.
I became the first assistant to sign an act—Lady A. I discovered them at 3rd & Lindsley when they were opening for Charles Kelley’s brother. There were only 12 people in the audience. They had just met three weeks before and played together for the first time. When they stripped it down to just their three voices, it was magical. I knew it was special. We worked with them for a year and a half before they signed to Capitol under Mike Dungan. That was a big moment for me.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
What was next?
After building a solid foundation at CAA, I started feeling the itch for something new. Bill Mayne, a longtime mentor, approached me about a brand marketing and sponsorship role at CRS. It was a hybrid role that didn’t really exist yet, and I could build it from the ground up. I loved my time there, and after three and a half years, I had worked and formed relationships with a lot of the labels.
I went to coffee with Chris Stacy and Kris Lamb from Big Machine showed up. They approached me to help start Dot Records under Scott Borchetta, and of course, I was intrigued about helping to build something new, so I went.
We had Maddie & Tae, Zac Brown Band and even Steven Tyler’s country album. After three years, Dot folded into BMLG Records, and I became National Director, working with Florida Georgia Line, Brett Young and—full circle—Lady A, who had returned to BMLG after their Capitol deal ended.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Then Amazon Music came calling.
Yes. That opportunity excited me because it was about how people discover music today. My goal since childhood had been to share country music with as many people as possible. At Amazon Music, I could do that on a global scale. If you have a device, you can access all the country music you want.
It’s been such an honor to take on this role and build with this team. We’ve built so many incredible programs—like our partnership with the ACM Awards, Stagecoach, CMA Fest, Country Music Month, The Country Heat Weekly Podcast, live streams and our Country Heat brand. When you come to Amazon Music, our customers get exclusive, unique and compelling content and they can really dive in and become super fans like me. I believe that music is a timestamp on our lives. The only thing I’ve ever wanted is to get that music to as many people as possible, so if I can be even a small part in that, then I’m happy.
What have you learned about leadership?
My leadership philosophy is simple: “Leadership is the example you set for those you serve.”
You lead by example. I will never ask our team to do something I wouldn’t do myself, whether it’s setting up early or taking out the trash after an event. Leadership is also about service. I strive to maintain a positive outlook and start every meeting by celebrating wins. We work so hard, but we need to carve out time to celebrate our successes too.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
Who have been some of your mentors?
Stan Barnett, of course. Ron Baird, Bill Mayne and Scott Borchetta have all been huge mentors. Bill Mayne was my closest mentor—he championed women in the industry and was my first call when I was considering Amazon Music.
I’ve also been surrounded by strong women in this industry who support each other. At Amazon Music, I am surrounded by incredible women. Our Nashville team, specifically, is 100% female.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Love what you do. The music industry isn’t 9-to-5; it’s a lifestyle. Network, be persistent and don’t cut corners. Follow the music, and the money will come. Be kind, take the meeting, and be open to opportunities—you never know where they’ll lead.
Photo: Courtesy of Kammerer
What’s a moment your younger self wouldn’t believe?
Interviewing Reba for Amazon Music’s Fishbowl series. I grew up idolizing her. When I first met her years ago, I was so starstruck I accidentally told her my name was Stephanie. [Laughs] Fast forward, and I’m interviewing her for an hour, talking about her book and career. Little Michelle in Kansas would have lost her mind.
Working with Dolly Parton for the ACMs was another surreal moment. She’s the most gracious, kind, wonderful person. Moments like these remind me how lucky I am to do what I love and to help bring country music to people around the world.
Brian Kelley Captures His Beachside Series In New Live Album, Concert Film
/by Lorie HollabaughBrian Kelley surprised fans with a new live album and concert film, Surf Post Sessions Live, last week via Big Machine Records.
Captured in the backyard of the Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, Florida (which he owns with his wife Brittney in their Gulf-side hometown), the album and film feature ten of Kelley’s best-loved tracks, stripped back to reveal heartfelt hooks and enduring themes of home, family, legacy and more, and his signature sand-and-sun country sound taped over two nights in July 2024. The album includes a trio of brand-new unreleased songs like the good-life anthem, “Oceanaire,” co-penned by Kelley with Dean Dillon and Ernest Keith Smith, which features golden strains of acoustic guitars and a soothing, waves-on-the-shore rhythm.
The projects celebrate his Surf Post Sessions series which Kelley started in 2022, and now boasts over 40 sold-out headline shows. Each show mixes carefree country creativity and intimate storytelling, featured throughout the full-band performance.
“Surprise! I’m really proud of our Surf Post Sessions and excited to give fans who haven’t been able to join us a live album and concert film to kick back to,” shares Kelley. “To be able to unite as a community and create a little world together for a couple hours in the backyard of our Surf Post has just been good for the soul. Whether you live in town or are just visiting, we get to hang out as neighbors – just vibe and enjoy music together. I hope y’all dig this live cut, and we get to see some new faces come this SPRING BREAK 2025!”
Surf Post Sessions Live Track List:
1. “Acres (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Adam Sanders, Will Weatherly)
2. “How We’re Livin’ (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Micah Carpenter, Jimmy Robbins, Mark Trussell)
3. “King Ranch (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Katlin Owen)
4. “Dirt Cheap (Live)” (Seth Ennis, Wyatt McCubbin, Andy Sheridan)
5. “Burnin’ It Down / You Make It Easy (Live)” (“Burnin’ It Down” – Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawson, Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard; “You Make It Easy” – Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, Jordan Mark Schmidt, Morgan Wallen)
6. “Boat Names (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
7. “Oceanaire (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Dean Dillon, Ernest Keith Smith)
8. “Quality of Life (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Katlin Owen)
9. “Parrot On My Shoulder (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose, Canaan Smith)
10. “Beach Cowboy (Live)” (Brian Kelley, Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose)
Garth Brooks Relives The Comeback On New ‘Anthology Part V’ Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks is set to release The Anthology Part V: The Comeback, The First Five Years on April 4 at Amazon and TalkShopLive.
The Anthology Part V gives fans an all-access pass to the wildest comeback in music history as Garth goes through the extreme highs and lows of the most challenging time in his life as an artist. The music business changed dramatically in the 14 years he was retired, and Anthology Part V highlights how he embraced new technology, reinvented his music and created one-on-one conversations between himself and those who waited for his return. The collection features six CDs, 66 songs, (including seven live recordings,) and over 150 never before seen photos, capturing the magic that led to Garth’s fifth and sixth CMA Entertainer of the Year awards.
To launch the Anthology on TalkShopLive, Garth will do a series of one-on-one conversations with friends and colleagues present during those pivotal comeback years. The first conversation will stream March 10 with Mike Palmer (drums), Jimmy Mattingly (fiddle) and Chris Leuzinger (guitar). All conversations will stream at 6 p.m. CT. The final conversation will be with Trisha Yearwood on the Anthology release date, April 4.
The conversations will also be a shoppable simulcast on Amazon Live and GarthBrooks.com. The Sevens Radio Network on TuneIn will air the audio live on The Garth Channel and showcase highlights on The BIG 615 and Tailgate Radio.
March 17: Author Warren Zanes and singer-songwriter Karyn Rochelle
March 24: Production Manager Brian Petree and Road Manager Bryan Kennedy
March 31: Storme Warren and sound engineer Mark Miller
Peachtree Entertainment Adds Two To Team
/by Madison HahnenMarty Elliott & Andrew Goldberg
Peachtree Entertainment has added Marty Elliott as Vice President of University Relations and Andrew Goldberg as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Andrew Goldberg and Marty Elliott to Peachtree Entertainment,” shares Nathan Baugh, CEO, Peachtree Entertainment. “Their strategic vision and expertise are the catalysts we need to propel our organization to the next level.”
A 27 year veteran, Elliott brings expertise in venue management, business development and talent booking. She has overseen a range of entertainment venues, booked numerous national touring concerts and managed large-scale festivals and televised events. Elliott has been instrumental in venue restoration efforts, university event programming and community engagement projects. In her new position, she will concentrate on strengthening university partnerships, establishing new collaborations and supporting the planning and execution of major concerts and festivals.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Peachtree Entertainment in a variety of ways over the years and it’s exciting to join forces with a team so dedicated to advancing the entertainment industry,” she says. “University venues offer iconic settings for artists and fans and we look forward to creating meaningful partnerships that create lasting value for all involved.”
Goldberg brings more than 10 years of experience in sales, live event marketing and strategic partnerships, having held key positions at Danny Wimmer Presents, Live Nation and Vinik Sports Group. In his new role, he will lead sponsorship and partnership initiatives, and manage sales, activations and long-term revenue growth. Goldberg will leverage brand collaborations and activation specialists to bring partnerships to life.
“I’m pleased to join Peachtree Entertainment as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships,” adds Goldberg. “The company’s strong reputation and its commitment to supporting both artists and fans were key factors in my decision. I look forward to collaborating with our team, partners, and artists to develop an exceptional partnerships department.”
NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation To Offer Free Tax Prep For L.A. & Nashville Songwriters
/by Lorie HollabaughThe NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation (Supporting Our Next Generation of Songwriters) is once again partnering with H&R Block to provide free tax services this season to songwriters based in Nashville and Los Angeles.
The program, which began in 2019, enables songwriters to visit select H&R Block locations to receive assistance with both federal and state tax returns. The initiative is part of the Foundation’s effort to provide direct services to working music creators.
“The SONGS Foundation exists to support the working and aspiring songwriters who face a unique variety of challenges in their field of work,” says NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation President David Israelite. “As self-employed individuals, one of the biggest challenges they face annually is dealing with taxes. By offering this free service through H&R Block our hope is that songwriters experience a sense of relief and find more time to dedicate to their craft.”
Songwriters can find more information and apply here.
The Other Nashville Society Forms New Leadership Team [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellTONS Leadership 2025
The Other Nashville Society (TONS) a community of over 1,800 industry professionals and creatives who work in Nashville’s thriving non-country music genres, has announced a new Leadership team that will take the organization into its next phase. As a part of this move, TONS’ four co-founders, Ally Venable, Katie Fagan, Mark Abramowitz and Josh Collum will transition into an advisory role.
“Every organization’s story is made up of chapters. Eight years ago, the co-founders met up at Fido and had a crazy idea that we wanted to bring to life. We’ve done that, and it’s now time for the next chapter. We can’t wait to see where this Leadership team takes this organization,” shares Collum, TONS co-founder.
The new TONS Leadership team consists of Jeanette Porcello (Downtown Artist & Label Services, Dog Ear Management) as President; Gordon Droitcour (Cour Design) as Brand Director; Justin Causey (BlackCity Management) as Project Director; Cal Rawlings (CAA), David Supica (Cour Design) and Jordan Todd (MLC) as Event Directors; Branden Bosler (mtheory) as Partnerships Director; Madison Slicker (artist aka Amava) as Social Media Director; Lindsey Odom (Resin8) as Membership Director and Brad Parker (C3 Presents) as Advisor.
“I’m honored to step into the role of President for TONS and continue building on the strong foundation that the founders have created alongside the new leadership team,” says Porcello. “TONS has been a driving force in supporting Nashville’s diverse creative community, and I’m excited for this next chapter—one that will focus on empowering the next executives and artists, fostering collaboration, and amplifying the non-country music scene. With a renewed emphasis on events and member engagement, we’re ready to take TONS to new heights and create even more opportunities for our community.”
In addition to the new leadership team, TONS is also launching a new, year-long strategic partnership with the W Hotel Nashville. The relationship will include TONS curating live programming for the hotel as well as the W becoming the official “home” for many of the organizations’ events.
“With music as a key pillar of the W Hotels brand, we are beyond excited to launch our partnership with TONS to further celebrate the amazing talent of Nashville’s non-country music scene,” says Amanda Wolff, Director of Marketing for W Nashville. “This partnership amplifies W Nashville’s position as a voice and champion of our diverse creative community—we engage with our community and hotel visitors through authentic, local partnerships punctuated by curated programming and elevated dining and cocktail experiences, maintaining a thriving vibe from day-to-night—and we can’t wait to share what we have planned together.”
“We are thrilled to be kicking off our partnership with the Nashville W Hotel this year to continue our mission of shining a light on the non-country talent and community. When you start something, you always hope it’s bigger than you. I can’t wait to see how this partnership, along with our new leadership team, amplifies our organization’s commitment and legacy to be greater than us all,” sums Venable, TONS co-founder.
Gateway Studios & Production Services To Open In May
/by Madison HahnenPhoto: Courtesy of GSPS
Gateway Studios & Production Services (GSPS), located in Chesterfield, Missouri, will open its rehearsal and production studio complex in May 2025. Located on a 32-acre campus, the facility sets a new standard for production and rehearsal spaces, catering to touring professionals and the entertainment industry as a whole.
“This facility is designed to set a new standard for production and rehearsal spaces, both in size and innovation,” shares Trey Kerr, CEO of Gateway Studios & Production Services. “Our goal has always been to create a world-class environment where artists and their teams can prepare to bring their visions to life. Centrally located in the heart of the country, we offer unmatched access and flexibility for artists that strive to deliver unforgettable performances.”
The GSPS complex features three purpose-built studios designed to meet the needs of live music tours, motion picture, television production and corporate events. Created by touring professionals, it stands as the largest and most advanced rehearsal destination in the United States.
As the flagship space, Studio 80 is the largest dedicated rehearsal studio in North America. It offers 52,500 square feet of rehearsal space, an 80-foot grid height and a 2,000,000-pound grid weight capacity. The studio includes a 10,800-square-foot receiving/staging area with six loading docks, a drive-in ramp, shore power for six buses and 15,000 square feet of dedicated dressing rooms with ensuite private bathrooms, offices and a catering lounge.
Studio 75 features 15,000 square feet of rehearsal space, a 75-foot grid height and a 1,000,000-pound grid weight capacity. The studio offers a 4,000-square-foot receiving/staging area, three loading docks, a drive-in ramp and 8,000 square feet of dedicated dressing rooms with ensuite private bathrooms, offices and a catering lounge.
Studio 65 provides a more intimate environment with 12,500 square feet of rehearsal space, a 65-foot grid height and an 800,000-pound grid weight capacity. Features include two dedicated loading docks, a drive-in ramp and 5,683 square feet of dedicated dressing rooms with ensuite private bathrooms, offices and a catering lounge.
The complex also includes 15,700 square feet of open space with a 48-foot ceiling and rigging points at 42 feet. Additional amenities include a 3,400-square-foot receiving/staging area, one dedicated loading dock with leveler and truck power, a drive-in ramp, and two offices with dedicated restrooms.
GSPS is now accepting bookings. For more information, click here.
Kassi Ashton Slates Deluxe Album ‘Made From The Dirt: The Blooms’
/by LB CantrellRising country singer-songwriter Kassi Ashton will release a deluxe album, Made From The Dirt: The Blooms, on April 25 via MCA Nashville.
The collection includes five brand-new songs, including “Sounds Like Something I’d Say,” a track steeped in regret that finds Ashton singing with label-mate Parker McCollum.
Of the tune, she shares, “Parker is a great friend of mine, and I love his voice. The first time I ever heard him sing this song, we were backstage at the Ryman. I knew I had to cut it and that he had to sing it with me.”
McCollum adds, “I got to know Kassi having her out on the road with me last year and she was firing up the crowd every night. I was honored to be asked to join her on this track. It has the qualities of one of those classic country duets I grew up listening to and I was completely on board. Think we did pretty good with this one.”
The deluxe album expands on Ashton’s critically-acclaimed debut album, Made From The Dirt, which was released in September 2024. Its release was part of a landmark year for Ashton, who also received an ACM nomination for New Female Artist of the Year and had a top 40 hit at country radio with album track “Called Crazy.” She also hit the road on a headline run and joined Old Dominion, Jamey Johnson and her latest song collaborator McCollum on tour.
This spring, Ashton joins Jon Pardi on his “Honkytonk Hollywood Tour,” hitting arenas and amphitheaters nationwide beginning on April 25 in Lubbock, Texas. She will also be performing at Audacy’s Leading Ladies event at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, on April 3 alongside Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson and more.
Made From The Dirt: The Blooms Track List:
1. “Made From The Dirt”
2. “Ride Or Die Radio”*
3. “Called Crazy”
4. “Son Of A Gun”
5. “I Don’t Wanna Dance”
6. “The Straw”
7. “Sounds Like Something I’d Say” (feat. Parker McCollum)*
8. “Angels Smoke Cigarettes”
9. “All Over You”*
10. “The Stars Know”
11. “When I’m Gone”*
12. “Bar Fight”*
13. “Drive You Out Of My Mind”
14. “‘Til The Lights Go Out”
15. “Juanita”
* = Deluxe Track