NMPA S.O.N.G.S. Foundation To Offer Free Tax Prep For L.A. & Nashville Songwriters

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The 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]

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TONS 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

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Photo: 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’

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Rising 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.”

YouTube video

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

Kacey Musgraves Opens The Pinnacle With Sold-Out Show

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Kacey Musgraves opens The Pinnacle. Photo: Nick LeTellier / Alive Coverage

Kacey Musgraves officially christened new Nashville venue, The Pinnacle, last week on Feb. 27 with a two-hour, sold-out show.

Kacey Musgraves opens The Pinnacle. Photo: Ben Adams / Alive Coverage

Musgraves treated the crowd to a set of her hits including “Dandelion” and “Merry Go ‘Round” from her debut album Same Trailer Different Park, highlights from Golden Hour, Pageant Material and Star-Crossed as well as several fan-favorites from her most recent release Deeper Well. As the dreamy live-moss covered stage came to life, the evening also featured highlights like Musgraves performing “Somebody To Love” for the first time in a decade, as well as an ode to her beloved dog Pepper with “My Bitch.”

At sunset, The Pinnacle was illuminated with a striking Musgraves-inspired 3D mapping projection featuring butterflies, cardinals and more themes from the eight-time Grammy-winner’s music. Every fan was also given a free drink token upon entry and left with a free opening night poster to commemorate the special night.

Opening week for the 4,500 capacity venue continues with shows including Killswitch Engage with openers Kublai Khan TX, Fit for a King and Frozen Soul (Mar. 5), DeadMau5 (Mar. 7), and The Turnpike Troubadours with opener Shelby Stone (Mar. 8).

Riley Green Soars To No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Riley Green. Photo: Matthew Simmons on behalf of Gildan

Riley Green has jumped seven spots to No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. Both of his solo-penned “Don’t Mind If I Do” and “Worst Way” are represented on the chart this week.

Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 with “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Love Somebody,” “Park,” “She Hates Me” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.” Charlie Handsome remains at No. 3 with “Guy For That,” “I Had Some Help,” “I’m The Problem,” “Love Somebody,” “Smile” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Zach Bryan (No. 4) and Taylor Phillips (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

The Red Clay Strays ‘Get Right’ On New 2025 Tour

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The Red Clay Strays have unveiled their upcoming “Get Right 2025 Tour.”

Beginning on July 3 with a three-night homecoming run at The Amphitheater at the Wharf in Orange Beach, Alabama, the tour will see the breakout band perform from coast to coast. Notable stops include Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, The Salt Shed in Chicago, Moody Amphitheater in Austin, two nights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and more.

The Red Clay Strays, composed of Brandon Coleman, Drew Nix, Zach Rishel, Andrew Bishop, John Hall and Sevans Henderson, formed in 2016 in Mobile, AL. Their debut album, Moment of Truth, released in 2022 and featured their hit single “Wondering Why,” which shot the newcomers to the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Chart and top 20 of the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart.

2024 marked a new high for the band, inking with RCA Records and releasing their sophomore album, Made by These Moments, in July. The project, produced by Dave Cobb, sported the group’s signature southern, electric rock and roll sound and helped them earn a win for Emerging Artist of the Year at the 2024 Americana Honors & Awards, their first CMA nomination for Vocal Group of the Year and their first Billboard Music Award win for Top Country Group.

Following performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Saturday Morning and NPR’s Tiny Desk, the group released their first live album, Live At The Ryman, using tracks recorded during their three-night stint at the “Mother Church of Country Music” as part of their sold-out 2024 These Moments Tour.

Pre-sale tickets will be available beginning March 4 at 10 a.m. local through March 6 at 10 p.m. local time, with general on sale kicking off this Friday (March 7) at 10 a.m. local. To purchase tickets, click here.

The Red Clay Strays 2025 “Get Right Tour” Dates:
July 3 – The Amphitheater at the Wharf – Orange Beach, AL
July 4 – The Amphitheater at the Wharf – Orange Beach, AL
July 5 – The Amphitheater at the Wharf – Orange Beach, AL
July 20 – Greek Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
July 24 – The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
July 26 – Hayden Homes Amphitheater – Bend, OR
July 27 – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater – Nampa, ID
July 31 – The Armory – Minneapolis, MN
Aug. 2 – BMO Harris Pavilion – Milwaukee, WI
Aug. 3 – Jacobs Pavilion – Cleveland, OH
Aug. 12 – KEMBA Live! Outdoor – Columbus, OH
Aug. 13 – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park – Indianapolis, IN
Aug. 15 – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park – Wilmington, NC
Aug. 16 – Red Hat Amphitheater – Raleigh, NC
Aug. 20 – The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre – Saint Augustine, FL
Aug. 22 – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater – Charlotte, NC
Aug. 24 – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront – Richmond, VA
Aug. 28 – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater – Bridgeport, CT
Aug. 29 – The Stone Pony Summer Stage – Asbury Park, NJ
Sept. 3 – The Salt Shed – Chicago, IL
Sept. 7 – Saint Louis Music Park – Maryland Heights, MO
Sept. 11 – Capitol Federal Amphitheater – Andover, KS
Sept. 12 – Ford Amphitheater – Colorado Springs, CO
Sept. 14 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre- Morrison, CO (SOLD OUT)
Sept. 15 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre- Morrison, CO (SOLD OUT)
Sept. 19 – Cable Dahmer Arena – Independence, MO
Sept. 20 – The Astro Amphitheater – La Vista, NE
Sept. 25 – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory – Irving, TX
Sept. 26 – Cooks Garage – Lubbock, TX
Sept. 28 – Moody Amphitheater – Austin, TX
Oct. 4 – Fox Theatre – Detroit, MI

Musicians On Call Promotes 11 Staff Members

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Musicians on Call has elevated 11 staff members throughout the organization.

Katy Epley has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. Epley has been with Musicians On Call for 18 years, playing a key role in expanding the organization’s programs to Middle Tennessee in 2007. As COO, she will oversee daily operations, ensuring the Programs Department delivers exceptional services and the Operations Department adheres to strong business practices.

Elizabeth Black has been elevated to Senior Vice President of Operations. In her new role, she will manage the organization’s finance, technology, legal and human resource functions. She has been with the organization for 13 years.

Nicole Rivera has been upped to Vice President of Innovation. Rivera joined the team in 2014 and most recently led the Program Team. As VP of Innovation, she will oversee key projects for the organization, including co-developing the organization’s technology platform and establishing a new structure for remote and part-time employees.

PJ Cowan has been promoted to Director of Programs. He has been with the organization for 10 years, contributing to both the fundraising and program departments. As Director of Programs, he will lead the program team in managing and expanding nationwide initiatives.

Tarah Duarte has been elevated to Director of Corporate Partnerships. Duarte joined the corporate partnerships team in 2019. As Director, she will lead the organization’s collaborations with national brands across various industries, including healthcare, lifestyle and entertainment.

Melinda LaFollette has been upped to Director of PR & Events. Since joining the marketing team in 2018, LaFollette has been responsible for overseeing all media, communications and live events for the organization. In her new role as Director, she will continue to guide the organization’s national public relations strategy and manage all live events.

Alli Prestby has been promoted to Creative Director. She joined as Creative Coordinator in 2022 and has since enhanced the organization’s national brand. As Creative Director, she will lead a team dedicated to continuing her efforts in strengthening and evolving the organization’s brand awareness.

Torianne Valdez has been elevated to Director of Artist Relations. Valdez joined the program team in 2017 and later transitioned to overseeing the organization’s artist relationships. As Director of Artist Relations, she will manage the organization’s national talent strategy, which includes building relationships with celebrity talent and industry teams, as well as recruiting and coordinating celebrity visits and partnership opportunities both locally and nationally.

Audrey Jadwisiak has been upped to Senior Program Manager. Jadwisiak joined the program team in 2022, where she has contributed to the delivery and expansion of programs while enhancing the volunteer experience. As senior program manager, she will oversee the organization’s bedside program across multiple East Coast and Midwest markets.

Lia Okenkova has been promoted to Senior Development Manager. Okenkova took on the role of Grants Coordinator in 2023, managing and executing grant applications and stewardship. As Senior Development Manager, she will continue overseeing the organization’s grant funding while also guiding the strategic direction of the development department.

Sasha Arnkoff has been elevated to Program Manager. Arnkoff joined the staff in 2023 as Executive Assistant, after serving as a MOC Volunteer Musician since 2014. As Program Manager, she will oversee the organization’s West Coast bedside programs.

“The talent and commitment of Musicians On Call’s team is unmatched, and it’s an honor to recognize these hardworking members through their promotions,” shares Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “I am confident that they will continue to take our organization to exciting new levels and will do great things to further our mission of delivering the healing power of music to people who are facing some of the hardest days of their lives.”

Jordan Davis Lands Eighth Chart-Topper With ‘I Ain’t Sayin”

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Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis has racked up his eighth No. 1 single on the country radio charts this week with “I Ain’t Sayin.’”

The track marks his fastest rise to No. 1 to date. In addition to the U.S. charts, “I Ain’t Sayin’” topped the U.K. charts for eight weeks, earning the most weeks at No. 1 on the U.K. Country Radio Airplay Charts.

Written by Steve Moakler, who celebrates his first No. 1 with “I Ain’t Sayin,” as well as Travis Wood, Mark Holman and Emily Reid, “I Ain’t Sayin’” offers a glimpse into Davis’ forthcoming new album, the follow-up to his Platinum-selling project Bluebird Days, which featured four consecutive No. 1s.

“I really want to thank country radio, Miranda [McDonald], Damon [Moberly] and the entire MCA Nashville promotion staff for this. I do not take this for granted. There is a lot of incredible music out there and the support y’all have shown me has meant so much,” shares Davis. “This one feels extra special with it being the first single from the new album I’ve been working on, and with it also being Steve’s first number one. Thank you to the writers, thank you to the team, the fans, and just everyone that’s really showed up for me over my career. Truly, thank you.”

Davis was featured as part of last weekend’s Skate for LA Strong Game at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Feb. 23, where he performed alongside Snoop Dogg, Steve Carell, Justin Bieber, Will Ferrell and more.

Ashley Gorley, Emily Bear & Abigail Barlow Offer Career Insights At ASCAP 2025 Membership Meeting

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP Foundation Executive Director Nicole George-Middleton, Ashley Gorley, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews, Abigail Barlow & Emily Bear. Photo: Ryan Lash for ASCAP

ASCAP held its 2025 Membership Meeting last Thursday (Feb. 27) in Manhattan.

The event began with a performance by songwriter and National Poetry Slam champion IN-Q. Then, ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, along with ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews gave the ASCAP State of the Union address. They celebrated the PRO’s 111 years of supporting music creators, highlighted the outstanding achievements of ASCAP members in 2024, and shared the organization’s record-breaking financial success over the past year. In 2024, ASCAP generated $1.835 billion in revenue and distributed $1.696 billion in royalties to its songwriter, composer and publisher members.

“In 2024, ASCAP continued to navigate both the potential and the disruption of AI by staying true to our creator-first, future-forward DNA,” explained Williams. “We advocated for the rights and royalties of human creators while exploring opportunities to innovate for and with our members. Working together is how we take care of our own. As music creators, our community is built on a foundation of compassion, connection and a sense of purpose. That is our bedrock, where we always land, where we always begin.”

“We’re only here because of you— we were founded by you; we’ll continue to exist because of you,” added Matthews. “We’ve been around for 110 years, and will be around another hundred years because of you.”

“Right now, there are 4 million students in the US who lack access to music education in their schools,” noted ASCAP Foundation Executive Director Nicole George-Middleton. “And 1.3 million of these students are in elementary school. That’s why the work we do at The ASCAP Foundation is so critical right now. And why we’ve spent so much of our recent time and energy identifying ways to reach as many of these children as we can.”

The meeting was followed by a panel and Q&A featuring ASCAP songwriters Ashley Gorley, Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow. Moderated by ASCAP VP of Marketing and Creative Director Erik Philbrook, the panelists shared their storytelling techniques and offered advice on navigating the industry’s highs and lows. During the discussion, Gorley shared how he got started in songwriting as a Belmont University student, where a teacher introduced him to ASCAP. Bear spoke about the lessons she learned from her mentor, Quincy Jones, particularly his lifelong approach to learning in the music industry. Barlow emphasized the importance of building community and finding allyship within the songwriting world.