Tyler Hubbard Entertains Members At CMHOF’s ‘The Big Gig’
Lisa Purcell, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Tyler Hubbard and Ben Hall, Vice President of Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Tyler Hubbard took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Feb. 26 for its annual members-only concert, “The Big Gig,” celebrating the members who sustain the museum. Hubbard performed his hits including “5 Foot 9,” “Dancin’ In The Country” and his current single “Park” in the museum’s CMA Theater for the audience.
Kameron Marlowe Honored With One Billion Streams Plaque
Sony Music Nashville Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey with Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Adam Davis
Kameron Marlowe was honored earlier this week for amassing one billion global career streams at an event celebrating the release of his recent album, Sad Songs For The Soul. Sony Music Nashville Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey presented Marlowe with a plaque to commemorate the milestone.
“This week has been unreal. Dropping Sad Songs last Friday was already special, but hitting over a billion streams? That’s just crazy,” Marlowe shares. “I can’t thank y’all enough for the love and support on this project—it means the world. This wouldn’t be possible without my team and, most importantly, the fans who’ve been riding with me every step of the way. Y’all are the reason I get to do this, and I’m beyond grateful!”
Warner Chappell Music Live Song Pitch Round
The Listening Room Cafe is hosting another Live Song Pitch Round with Warner Chappell Music on March 13 at 1 p.m. featuring Lydia Vaughan, Summer Overstreet, Heath Warren, Jet Harvey, Josh Kerr and Chandler Brown. The songwriters will play their uncut songs to A&R and industry professionals at the event.
Allison Portlock Elevated To Executive VP/Marketing At Sound Royalties
Allison Portlock. Photo: Jason Nuttle
Allison Portlock has been promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP) of Marketing at Sound Royalties. Since joining the company in 2018, Portlock’s efforts have been key in driving significant annual growth, launching new services including Tour Financing and Bridge Financing, expansion into international markets, and the company’s no-cost, no-fee funding programs launched during Covid and for the L.A. wildfires.
As a member of the executive team, Portlock will oversee high-level strategic initiatives, shaping growth strategies and guiding the company’s evolution into new markets and services. She will also continue leading initiatives to expand the brand, fostering partnerships, and amplifying the company’s reach and influence throughout the global industry.
Caroline Owens Inks With Wortman Works
Jules Wortman, Caroline Owens and Demi Hofstetter
Bluegrass artist Caroline Owens has signed a management deal with Wortman Works, the media, marketing and management firm led by music industry veteran Jules Wortman. Owens is set to release her debut single with Billy Blue Records, “You’ve Still Got It,” on March 7, with plans to release a full album (co-produced with Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge) later this year.
“I’m so grateful to be turning the page to this new chapter in my career,” shares Owens. “With a new single and new management team, I could not be more excited for what is to come. When I first heard this single, written by Jerry Salley and John Pennell, I knew immediately I had to have the song. With a great team behind me and a song that truly speaks to my heart, I feel more inspired than ever. This new music represents a fresh beginning, and I can’t wait to share it—this is just the beginning!”
Ashley Gorley, Emily Bear & Abigail Barlow Offer Career Insights At ASCAP 2025 Membership Meeting
/by Madison HahnenPictured (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.
Ingrid Andress Returns With National Anthem Performance & New Single
/by Madison HahnenIngrid Andress has stepped back into the spotlight with a restorative national anthem performance at the Colorado Avalanche game in her home state on Friday night (Feb. 28). Additionally, her new single “Footprints,” released today (March 3) via Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records.
When Andress initially wrote the simple piano ballad for her younger siblings, she never planned to release it to the public. The heartfelt track, both bittersweet and hopeful, moves between honest self-reflection and tender storytelling as Andress shares comforting words to help others navigate tough times.
“This song means so much to me that I didn’t think I’d ever put it out, and now it resonates with me even more than when I wrote it,” shares Andress. “I was the first sibling to venture out on my own and pursue my dreams, and I think it’s my role as an older sister to encourage them to do the same. I want them to learn from my mistakes, and to know that you can mess up and still keep moving forward. It doesn’t feel great to fail, but it can end up making you stronger.”
“Footprints” marks Andress’ first new music since her critically acclaimed 2022 sophomore album Good Person. The release comes after an altering year for Andress, which included a National Anthem performance followed by a stint in rehab. The experience deeply changed her outlook on her career.
“It felt like the Band-Aid had been ripped off and I’d lost the fear of making my lyrics very specific to my experience,” she explains. “Instead of trying to write songs that everyone can hear themselves in, I wanted to get back to being radically honest and really let my voice come through. It’s so much more fulfilling, and I don’t feel like I’m hiding anymore.”
Her return to the spotlight is driven by a newfound confidence, recently inspiring her to take another shot at performing “The Star Spangled Banner” live. Variety praised Andress for “singing it again, and getting it right this time.”
“Footprints” offers a look into what is ahead from Andress, who teamed up with longtime collaborator Sam Ellis to produce the track and Michael Pollack to write it. As she prepares to release her most introspective work to date, Andress hopes to inspire others to embrace moments of thoughtful self-reflection. “I hope my new music encourages people to slow down and carve out time to reconnect with where they began, who they are, and who they want to become,” she adds.
Chase Matthew Hosts Advance Screening Of New MavTV Series ‘Chase’n’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Ken Madson (Ignition), Gregg Nadel (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN),
Chase Matthew, Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN) and Loyd Potts (Ignition). Photo: David Bradley
Chase Matthew hosted an advance screening of his new six-part MAVTV original docuseries, Chase’n on Feb. 26 at Warner Music Nashville for key industry tastemakers, friends and family.
Chase Matthew makes headline debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Kara Lewis
The first episode of the new series, which blends the grit of Nashville’s music scene with the adrenaline of car culture, will air March 12 exclusively on MAVTV and the MAVTV GO App. Chase’n gives viewers an in-depth look at the Lucas Oil brand ambassador’s relentless pursuit of both musical success and mechanical mastery.
From recording and performing new songs, to getting his hands dirty under the hood of his favorite rides and giving back to the community that raised him, fans can check out each new episode of Chase’n on Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. ET this spring on MAVTV – available via cable providers including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Spectrum, DIRECTV, Verizon, U-verse and more.
The event follows the successful launch of his album Chase, and Matthew’s headline debut at the Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 21. In celebration of delivering his third studio LP, the setlist for the album release show was loaded with songs off the 13-track collection. He also received plaques for brand new RIAA certifications while appearing at SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour earlier in the night.
Matthew is currently bringing this new music to his 2025 “World Tour” which spans the U.S., U.K. and Europe before he joins Keith Urban’s “High And Alive World Tour” this summer, with stops in the U.S. and Australia.
Mark Your Calendar—March 2025
/by LB CantrellSingle/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:
March 3
Dan + Shay/Always Gonna Be/Warner Music Nashville
Ingrid Andress/Footprints/Warner Music Nashville/Atlantic Records
James Hollingsworth & Molly Lovette/Fixin’ Too/Big Mac Entertainment
March 6
Adam Wright/Yellow Bird/Carnival Recording Co.
March 7
Kelsey Hart/Gone With The Wind/Curb Records
Twinnie/Woah Man/IKAW Records
Megan Barker/Bad Boy
Scotty Hasting/Pro Beer/Black River Entertainment
Fimone/Woman/Ten TwentySix Media
Autumn Nicholas (feat. SistaStrings)/Listening/Moraine Music Group/A&N Records
Ross Flora/Home Bound
March 10
Tucker Wetmore/3,2,1/EMI Records Nashville/Back Blocks Music
Casey Donahew/Green In Colorado/Almost Country Records
March 14
Hayden Coffman/Love & A Heartbreak
Emma Grace Glover/Better Places
Megan Nadin/In Another Life
March 17
Dasha/Not At This Party/Warner Records
Greylan James/Wait Til You Have Kids/Nashville Harbor Records
Craig Campbell/Missing You/Grindstone Recordings
Mary Heather Hickman/Denim On Denim/Moro Bay Music
Caleb Lathrop/Picture This/CAL Production
Skip Ewing/Road Dog
Sara Smiles & The Song Machine/Boots On The Dance Floor
Toby May/Tonight
March 21
Rotundo/Memory Lane
Garrett Bradford/She Loves Horses/H.O.T. Records
Rachel Lipsky/Cowgirl Candy/STEER/Riot South
Bryan Ruby/Growin’ On Me
Bill Nash/Locked In Your Lovin’ Arms/Cloverdale Music
March 24
Hudson Westbrook/House Again/River House Artists
MaRynn Taylor/Same Girl Same/Black River Entertainment
Greg Pratt/One More Time/PGMG Nashville
March 31
Pryor Baird/One Left Behind/Black River Entertainment
Six One Five Collective/Doozies/Six One Five Collective
Album/EP Releases:
March 7
Kelsea Ballerini/Patterns (Deluxe)/Black River Entertainment
Caylee Hammack/Bed of Roses/Capitol Records Nashville
Jason Isbell/Foxes In The Snow/Southeastern Records
Tyler Rich/Hello California/ONErpm
Hueston/Huey/Silver Wings Records
Mackenzie Carpenter/Hey Country Queen/The Valory Music Co.
Kat Luna/That Girl/Sony Music Nashville
Angel White/Ghost Of The West: The Album/Wyatt Road Records
Ian Flanigan/The Man My Mama Raised/Reviver Records
March 14
Warren Zeiders/Relapse, Lies, & Betrayal/Warner Records
Carly Pearce/Hummingbird: No Rain, No Flowers/Big Machine Records
Brett Eldredge/Lonestar Lovers/Warm and Cozy Records
Charley Crockett/Lonesome Drifter/Island Records
Ruston Kelly/Dirt Emo, Vol. 2/Rounder Records
The Wilder Blue/Still In The Runnin’
Jordana Bryant/Right Key, Wrong Porch/Starlight Music Productions
Grace Tyler/Everything I Didn’t Say
Onoleigh/First Rodeo
March 21
Tauren Wells/Let The Church Sing
Ryan Hurd/Midwest Rock & Roll/Big Machine Records
Ghost Hounds/Almost Home/Gibson Records
Maddox Batson/First Dance/Prosper Entertainment/Warner Records
Lola Kirke/Trailblazer/One Riot Records
March 28
Alison Krauss & Union Station/Arcadia/Down The Road Records
2 Lane Summer/The Love Songs/Quartz Hill Records
Jason Scott & The High Heat/American Grin/Leo33
Industry Events:
March 3
CMA Touring Awards
Song Suffragettes’ 11th Anniversary Celebration
March 20
MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row
March 25-29
Tin Pan South 2025
Jody Williams Songs Promotes Two
/by LB CantrellNina Jenkins Fisher and Tenasie Courtright. Photos: Nathan Zucker
Jody Williams Songs (JWS) is ringing in its fifth anniversary by promoting Nina Jenkins Fisher to Vice President/General Manager and Tenasie Courtright to Creative Director.
Fisher has been with JWS since its inception in 2020. Alongside Founder/Owner Jody Williams, she has signed and managed an impressive and varied staff of writers, including developing artists, major label artists, writer producers and pure songwriters. In addition to handling day-to-day operations, Fisher also supports in overseeing the company’s partnership with Warner Chappell Music.
“Thank you to Jody for giving me the space to grow—both creatively and in my understanding of the inner workings of the music publishing industry I love so much,” shares Fisher. “It has been a true joy to help build a company that has been embraced by the writers, publishers and song people in our community.”
“Starting a publishing company from scratch is a daunting task to say the least. But from day one, Nina took the reins of calendar management, pitching songs and attracting writers, all while interacting with the community in meaningful ways,” shares Williams. “We were always an exceptional team because of our different approaches to the business. Never shying away from offering opposing opinions, we have both learned from each other in a very healthy way.
“Simply put, Nina is a leader,” he adds. “She is intentional, smart and has a great ear for talent. This promotion is an acknowledgement of her tremendous contribution to our company and our ‘song forward’ ethos.”
Courtright has elevated through positions as Creative Coordinator and Creative Manager since joining JWS in 2022. With her organizational skills, musical knowledge and positive approach to business, she has found her place in the creative community. She reports to Fisher.
“I’m thrilled for this opportunity and deeply grateful for my team at JWS,” Courtright says. “The mentorship and trust of Jody and Nina have been truly invaluable in my journey. It’s a privilege to collaborate with such an exceptional group of writers, and I’m feeling inspired and excited for what lies ahead.”
“Ten keeps the energy high in the office. She’s ever the optimist and dreams big for our writers,” Fisher imparts. “We’re totally in sync when it comes to our roster, and I’m grateful for it.”
“Tenasie has an instinct for working with songwriters. As an innate communicator, she offers creative ideas and solutions like a seasoned pro. We are lucky to have her,” echoes Williams.
JWS represents songwriters Andy Austin, Ashley McBryde, Driver Williams, Ed Williams, Emily Ann Roberts, Harper O’Neill, Jason Nix, Jeremy Spillman, Natalie Hemby, Peytan Porter and Vince Gill.
Former Opry Exec Jerry Strobel Passes
/by Robert K OermannJerry Strobel
The publicist for the Grand Ole Opry for three decades, Jerry Strobel has died at age 84. Born Martin Jerome Strobel, the Nashville native died with his family by his side on Feb. 24.
Strobel was born and raised in Germantown. He grew up a few doors down from Assumption Catholic Church, and was the longtime choir director there. He was a classically trained tenor vocalist.
In 1970, he became the promotions manager for WSM radio and its Grand Ole Opry. He worked with local and national media and shepherded visits by national celebrities who came to perform on the Opry. His duties gradually expanded, and he was later named Opry House Manager.
At the time, Nashville had few venues for concerts by nationally touring artists. So Strobel became the liaison for the dozens of acts who booked shows at the Opry House, everyone from Linda Ronstadt, Patti Labelle, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello to Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bob Hope and Robin Williams. He retired from the Opry job in 2000.
Jerry Strobel was one of the founders of Fan Fair, now known as the CMA Music Festival. He was also the creator of Oktoberfest. Founded in 1980, it benefits Assumption Catholic Church plus the neighboring and equally historic Monroe Street United Methodist Church.
Strobel sang at Catholic parishes throughout Middle Tennessee, often at funerals, weddings and other church-held events. His brother was Father Charles Strobel (1943-2023), the priest who founded Room in the Inn and was a tireless champion for the homeless.
Jerry Strobel is survived by six children, 17 grandchildren and a sister. Visitation will be Thursday (March 6) from 4-6:30 p.m. at Assumption Catholic Church, 1226 7th Ave. N. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday (March 7) at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3001 Belmont Blvd. He will then be interred at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Room in the Inn, Assumption Catholic Church or The Pat Holzapfel Strobel Legacy Grant at Christ the King School. Arrangements are being handled by Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home c/o Dignity Memorial.
Brad Paisley To Launch ‘Truck Still Works World Tour’ In May
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley. Photo: Jim Shea
Brad Paisley will hit the road on his “Truck Still Works World Tour” beginning May 21 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Walker Hayes is the special guest on the new tour, with Avery Anna, Mae Estes and Alexandra Kay sharing the opening guest slot. The first leg of 16 shows will run through August and visit Phoenix, San Diego, Richmond, Savannah and more, and will also include Paisley’s first-ever shows at Red Rocks in Colorado and the Greek Theatre in L.A.
The tour will also offer a VIP package and experience including premium tickets, a guided backstage tour, VIP-exclusive gift item and more. Fan club pre-sale begins tomorrow (March 4) through March 6 with general on sale starting March 7 at BradPaisley.com.
Paisley will also present the third annual “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” with wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley featuring Brad and friends at Zanies in Nashville benefiting The Store on April 13. Tickets are available now here.
“Truck Still Works World Tour” Dates:
May 21 – Idaho Falls, ID @ Mountain America Center #
May 22 – Bonner, MT @ KettleHouse Amphitheater #
May 24 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre *#
May 29 – Bend, OR @ Hayden Homes Amphitheater *+
May 30 – Airway Heights, WA @ BECU Live at Northern Quest *+
May 31 – Everett, WA @ Angel Of the Winds Arena *+
June 5 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Financial Theatre @ *#
June 6 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Greek Theatre *#
June 7 – San Diego, CA @ Gallagher Square at Petco Park *#
July 10 – Ft. Loramie, OH @ Country Concert (festival lineup)
July 12 – Canandaigua, NY @ Constellation Brands Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center ++ xx
July 17 – Richmond, VA @ Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront *=
July 18 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater *=
July 19 – Gilford, NH @ BankNH Pavilion *=
July 24 – Wilmington, NC @ Live Oak Bank Pavilion @ *=
July 25 – Simpsonville, SC @ CCNB Amphitheatre *=
Aug. 1 – Savannah, GA @ Enmarket Arena *=
Aug. 2 – St. Augustine, FL @ The St. Augustine Amphitheatre *=
Aug. 3 – Clearwater, FL @ The Baycare Sound @ *= ++
Aug. 8 – Arcadia, WI @ Ashley For the Arts (festival lineup)
* Walker Hayes
# Avery Anna
+ Mae Estes
= Alexandra Kay
@ No Citi & Verizon pre sale
++ non Live Nation show
xx Dylan Scott & Alexandra Kay
BREAKING: Lauren Kilgore Joins Sony Music Nashville & Provident Entertainment
/by Madison HahnenLauren Kilgore. Photo: Emily Ann Photography.
Lauren Kilgore has joined Sony Music Nashville & Provident Entertainment as Senior Vice President, Legal and Business Affairs, effective immediately.
In her new role, Kilgore will manage and direct the legal activities for both labels, collaborating with various business leaders locally and within Sony Music Entertainment to develop and implement SMN and PE’s legal, business and operational strategies. She will report to Taylor Lindsey, Chair & CEO of Sony Music Nashville, and Ken Robold, President and COO.
“We are so excited to have Lauren join Sony Music Nashville and Provident Entertainment,” shares Lindsey. “Her vast knowledge and sharp acumen will only help to continue to provide the best and most competitive deals for both our company and the artists we’ve partnered with.”
Kilgore comes with almost 15 years of experience as an entertainment attorney, representing Grammy Award-winning artists, producers, songwriters, TV contestants, record labels, publishing companies, managers and other creatives. She has worked with a wide range of clients, including Paramore, Jackson Dean, Ben Williams, Black River Entertainment, Shenandoah and Walk Off Entertainment.
Kilgore has spent her entire legal career in Nashville and most recently served as a Shareholder at Buchalter, P.C., where she managed a wide variety of transactional entertainment matters. Alongside her transactional work, she has also dealt with pre-dispute and litigation cases and has acted as an expert witness in music industry-related legal matters.
Kilgore has been featured on Billboard’s Top Music Lawyers list for five consecutive years, included in MusicRow’s In Charge list from 2018 to 2024, and was named Best Lawyers’ Lawyer of the Year in 2024. She is a Vanderbilt Law School graduate and an active member of the Recording Academy, the Academy of Country Music, the Country Music Association, NSAI and the Copyright Society of the South. Kilgore is also a frequent speaker at conferences across the U.S., discussing topics related to the music industry and intellectual property.
Zach Top Releases Three-Song EP With Billy Strings
/by Lorie HollabaughZach Top has released his Me & Billy EP featuring Grammy-winner Billy Strings.
The three-song collection was previously released last fall as an Apple Music exclusive and can now be streamed everywhere, and finds the pair reimagining versions of Top’s songs “Bad Luck” and “Things To Do” along with a cover of Ricky Skaggs’ “Don’t Cheat In Our Home Town.”
“We had a lot of fun, traded back and forth some playing and whatnot,” shares Top. “It’s so fun to watch him play. And I feel like he’s known so much for a player that it gets passed over sometimes how freaking good of a singer he is too. It was so fun to get to sing with him and him kind enough to come in on a couple of my songs and sing a second verse, sing a little harmony, do that kind of thing. It was a blast.”
Top’s “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour” completely sold out hours after tickets went on sale and features stops at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium (two nights), New York’s Terminal 5 and Boston’s MGM Music Hall at Fenway, among many others. Additionally, Top is supporting select dates with Alan Jackson on his “Last Call Tour” and will join Dierks Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour” kicking off in May.
Industry Ink: Tyler Hubbard, Kameron Marlowe, Live Song Pitch Round, More
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Hubbard Entertains Members At CMHOF’s ‘The Big Gig’
Lisa Purcell, Executive Vice President of External Affairs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Tyler Hubbard and Ben Hall, Vice President of Development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Tyler Hubbard took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Feb. 26 for its annual members-only concert, “The Big Gig,” celebrating the members who sustain the museum. Hubbard performed his hits including “5 Foot 9,” “Dancin’ In The Country” and his current single “Park” in the museum’s CMA Theater for the audience.
Kameron Marlowe Honored With One Billion Streams Plaque
Sony Music Nashville Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey with Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Adam Davis
Kameron Marlowe was honored earlier this week for amassing one billion global career streams at an event celebrating the release of his recent album, Sad Songs For The Soul. Sony Music Nashville Chair and CEO Taylor Lindsey presented Marlowe with a plaque to commemorate the milestone.
“This week has been unreal. Dropping Sad Songs last Friday was already special, but hitting over a billion streams? That’s just crazy,” Marlowe shares. “I can’t thank y’all enough for the love and support on this project—it means the world. This wouldn’t be possible without my team and, most importantly, the fans who’ve been riding with me every step of the way. Y’all are the reason I get to do this, and I’m beyond grateful!”
Warner Chappell Music Live Song Pitch Round
The Listening Room Cafe is hosting another Live Song Pitch Round with Warner Chappell Music on March 13 at 1 p.m. featuring Lydia Vaughan, Summer Overstreet, Heath Warren, Jet Harvey, Josh Kerr and Chandler Brown. The songwriters will play their uncut songs to A&R and industry professionals at the event.
Allison Portlock Elevated To Executive VP/Marketing At Sound Royalties
Allison Portlock. Photo: Jason Nuttle
Allison Portlock has been promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP) of Marketing at Sound Royalties. Since joining the company in 2018, Portlock’s efforts have been key in driving significant annual growth, launching new services including Tour Financing and Bridge Financing, expansion into international markets, and the company’s no-cost, no-fee funding programs launched during Covid and for the L.A. wildfires.
As a member of the executive team, Portlock will oversee high-level strategic initiatives, shaping growth strategies and guiding the company’s evolution into new markets and services. She will also continue leading initiatives to expand the brand, fostering partnerships, and amplifying the company’s reach and influence throughout the global industry.
Caroline Owens Inks With Wortman Works
Jules Wortman, Caroline Owens and Demi Hofstetter
Bluegrass artist Caroline Owens has signed a management deal with Wortman Works, the media, marketing and management firm led by music industry veteran Jules Wortman. Owens is set to release her debut single with Billy Blue Records, “You’ve Still Got It,” on March 7, with plans to release a full album (co-produced with Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge) later this year.
“I’m so grateful to be turning the page to this new chapter in my career,” shares Owens. “With a new single and new management team, I could not be more excited for what is to come. When I first heard this single, written by Jerry Salley and John Pennell, I knew immediately I had to have the song. With a great team behind me and a song that truly speaks to my heart, I feel more inspired than ever. This new music represents a fresh beginning, and I can’t wait to share it—this is just the beginning!”