SiriusXM Front Row Hosts ‘American Idol’ Judges
Photo: Courtesy of SiriusXM Front Row
American Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie recently sat down for a SiriusXM Front Row hosted by Nicole Ryan, Ryan Sampson and Stanley T from SiriusXM Hits 1’s The Morning Mash Up.
During the interview, the judges discussed the current season of the show, shared their thoughts on hearing their songs performed by contestants and more.
Modern Cult Signs With Parallel Vision & Big Loud Rock
Pictured (L-R): Lloyd Norman, Brad Shultz, Ryan Zumwalt, Darren Potuck, Augie Pink, Rod Wendt, Daniel Oakley, Joey Moi. Photo: Ilona Donovan
Modern Cult has signed with Parallel Vision in partnership with Big Loud Rock. In celebration of announcement, the duo has released their debut single, “Be My Friend.”
“Augie and Rod have an incredible work ethic and a unique sound that stands out in today’s landscape,” says Joey Moi, Big Loud Partner/Big Loud Rock President. “We’re excited to work with our Parallel Vision friends and help bring their distinct sound to the world.”
“We’re incredibly excited to be starting this chapter with Parallel Vision and Big Loud Rock — it already feels like a tight-knit family, which can be rare in this world, and that’s something we’re really grateful for,” Modern Cult adds.
CMHOFM To Host Book Talk On ‘Heartland Rock’
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Writer-Editor Erin Osmon will discuss her new book, Won’t Back Down: Heartland Rock and the Fight for America, during a discussion led by Allison Moorer at the museum on May 9.
Osmon will discuss the story of heartland rock, and Stephen Wilson Jr. will perform.
The program is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited and a program ticket is required.
Drake White, Alana Springsteen & Tiera Kennedy Join Country Cruising 2027 Lineup
Country Cruising has added Drake White, Alana Springsteen and Tiera Kennedy to its 2027 lineup. The group joins previously announced performers Randy Travis, Paul Overstreet, Craig Morgan, James Otto, KC Johns, Maggie Baugh and many more.
More information is available here.
Priscilla Block To Headline Backlot Country Fest
Priscilla Block. Photo: Courtesy of Backlot Country Fest
Priscilla Block will headline Columbia, Tennessee’s Backlot Country Fest, set to take place on April 11. Additional performers include Shane Profitt, Katie Austin and The Bandana Brothers.
Tickets are available here.
Sunday Mornin’ Country Unveils 2026 Lineup
Sunday Mornin’ Country has unveiled the lineup for this year. Set for June 7 at The Grand Ole Opry House, performers will include Adam Warner, Aubrey Nicole, Cassidy Daniels, Charlie McCoy, Cowboy Joe & The Babcocks, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, Dianne Sherrill, Jimmy Fortune, John Berry, John McEuen, Joy Holden, Leon Everette, The Tennessee River Boys, Mackenzie Phipps, Mandy Barnett, Melanie Walker, Mike Scott, Music City Quartet and The Fox Brothers, among others. Tickets are available now.
“I have been playing the Sunday Morning Country show since the Hee Haw days when Joe Babcock recruited me. I must say that I love the show and look forward to it every year,” says Charlie McCoy.
Big Loud Hosts CRS Drawing
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Woodruff, Mike Sinclair, Jeff Hunt.
Big Loud Hosted a drawing for attendees of CRS.
Jeff Hunt of WVPO took home first prize, a Morgan Wallen signed guitar. Jordan Woodruff of KPNC nabbed second prize, a set of Sony Professional MDR-7506 headphones. Mike Sinclair of WTCM earned third prize, a pair of Loop Quiet 2 Ear Protectors.
FBI Nashville Warns About Criminal & Cybercriminal Activity Targeting The Music Industry
/by Lauryn SinkThe Nashville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning for Tennesseans about criminal and cybercriminal activity targeting the music industry.
“A review of complaints submitted to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), along with our pending investigations, has identified clear trends in the tactics criminals are using to target employees in the music industry and fans alike,” says Terence G. Reilly, special agent in charge of the FBI Nashville Division. “We urge everyone to pause before taking action and to be wary of high-pressure tactics used by scammers.”
The most-reported crimes included romance, non-delivery, advanced fee, and overpayment scams, data breaches, and extortion.
The FBI recommends installing a strong, reputable anti-virus program on devices, creating a unique passphrase for each online account you hold, using multi-factor authentication when possible, ensuring social media profiles are private and ignoring any emailed attachments unless you are expecting the file, document, or invoice and have verified the sender’s email address.
More information about common scams and ways to protect yourself can be found here. Additionally, the FBI requests victims immediately report fraudulent or suspicious activity here.
Lauren Daigle’s Music Box Launches Today On SiriusXM
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Daigle and SiriusXM have launched Lauren Daigle’s Music Box channel beginning today (March 30).
The new pop-up channel is a musical gumbo of Daigle’s catalog commemorating the 10th anniversary since her debut. The channel features exclusive performances and interviews along with songs from the artists that have inspired Daigle. Spotlighting every chapter of her Grammy-winning career, the Music Box gives listeners an inside look at Daigle’s personal playlist with the music she loves and the artists rooted in Christian and Gospel that have inspired her sound.
On the Music Box listeners will hear Daigle’s biggest hits, plus songs from Contemporary Christian, ‘90s and 2000s pop/rock, classic country, classic soul/Motown, classic pop/rock, plus Zydeco, blues, and Cajun music from her native Louisiana roots. Lauren Daigle’s Music Box can be heard in cars on SiriusXM channel 79 March 30-April 5 and on the SiriusXM app through April 27.
To kick off the channel, Daigle celebrated with an exclusive full-band performance and interview in front of a live studio audience in the SiriusXM Nashville studios. The special will premiere on Lauren Daigle’s Music Box today (March 30) at 12 p.m. ET. Lauren Daigle’s Music Box will be simulcast on SiriusXM’s The Message (ch. 65) from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. ET on launch day, and the performance will also premiere on that channel at 12 p.m. ET.
Starting today, fans can send in a voice memo here with a song request, a word of encouragement, a question, a concert memory, or anything else and might hear themselves on the Music Box.
Coleman Jennings Slates Debut LP ‘Lead You Home’ For May
/by Lorie HollabaughColeman Jennings will release his debut album Lead You Home via Big Loud Texas / Mercury Records on May 8.
The new collection includes the playful new track that toasts to a love that burned hot but faded fast, “Good While It Lasted,” out today (March 30). Produced by Dave Cobb, the project features 10 country-folk tracks captured in a stream of creative consciousness. The album features previously released “Flyin’,” his first label release “Head Spinning,” and the ’70s-style harmony rich “Jamie.”
“Sometimes you feel as if you don’t write the songs – it’s more like they’re being gifted to you because you’ve been open enough to receive them,” Jennings proclaims. “A lot of it genuinely feels like being a conduit for the universe, for God, and trying not to care. It was extremely improvisational and, in the moment, like ‘Let’s just have fun.’”
Coleman will hit the road in mid-April supporting Benjamin Tod and The Incline Six, making stops in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona. In July, he’ll support Charles Wesley Godwin on “The Christian Name Tour” on select dates.
Lead You Home Track List:
1. “Ride On” (Coleman Jennings)
2. “Head Spinning” (Coleman Jennings)
3. “Jamie” (Coleman Jennings)
4. “Flyin'” (Coleman Jennings)
5. “Marianaville” (Coleman Jennings)
6. “In The West” (Coleman Jennings)
7. “Mary Rae” (Coleman Jennings)
8. “Good While It Lasted” (Coleman Jennings)
9. “First Born Home” (Coleman Jennings)
10. “I Will Lead You Home” (Steven Paul)
All songs produced by Dave Cobb
Singer-Songwriter David Ryan Harris Joins Spirit Music As VP, A&R
/by Lorie HollabaughDavid Ryan Harris. Photo: Gary Askey
Singer-songwriter and musician David Ryan Harris has joined Spirit Music as VP, A&R and as a songwriter and JV partner with his company Peace Pourage, Inc.
In aligning with Spirit Music in his new position and creative collaboration, Harris brings nearly four decades of experience to mentor and nurture future generations of fellow creatives. Harris first rose to fame as frontman for the seminal Atlanta rock band, Follow For Now in the late 1980s, and later struck out on his own as a solo act while working with artists across genres. He’s written and produced for Hootie & The Blowfish, Christina Perri, Zayn from One Direction, Natasha Bedingfield, and others.
Harris recently won an APRA Billions Milestone for his work on Nelly’s 2010 single “Just a Dream,” which recently surpassed one billion streams. He was also a co-writer on the Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco collaboration “Battle Scars” in 2012, which is certified Platinum, and nine-times Platinum in Australia. Other in studio and onstage collaborations include Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, Dave Matthews and Santana. In addition to releasing his own music, Harris has been singing and playing guitar in John Mayer’s band since 2004.
“I am thrilled to welcome David Ryan Harris to the Spirit Music team,” declares Spirit Music CEO Frank Rogers. “Beyond being a fan and friend of David’s, I am excited at the wealth of knowledge and passion for music that he is bringing to Spirit. He will be a great asset and champion for our writers, artists and staff.”
“I look forward to using my years of experience writing, touring, playing, and making authentic connections in the business and the world at large to bring value and new perspectives to the amazing team at Spirit,” shares Harris.
Harris will amplify his work at Spirit in the coming years with a focus on mentoring other artists to further the mission of the boutique music publisher, whose global reach and extensive repertoire includes more than 100,000 songs spanning nearly a century and encompassing all genres.
Fancy Hagood Launches Radio Series On Apple Music Country
/by Lauryn SinkPhoto: Courtesy of Apple Music
Fancy Hagood has launched a new radio series, FANCY, airing on Apple Music Country.
The debut episode aired Friday (March 27), and new episodes will be available weekly. Each episode features music, recurring segments and candid conversations with artists and notable voices from within the country world and beyond.
Launching alongside the show is Hagood Music, a companion playlist curated by Hagood featuring music heard on the show and other personal favorites.
“This playlist is simply a playground of songs and artists who make me fall in love with music over and over again,” Hagood tells Apple Music. “If you’re wondering what I’m listening to while driving around town pretending to be the female lead of an A24 indie film, it’s all right here.”
FANCY is available here on-demand with an Apple Music Subscription.
ERNEST Gets Into A Tropical State Of Mind On New LP ‘Deep Blue’
/by Lorie HollabaughERNEST taps into that island state of mind on his upcoming third album, Deep Blue, set to drop May 1 via Big Loud Records.
He’s unlocking two more early releases from the upcoming project, the title track and an official studio version of Apple Music Lost & Found Session submission “End Of The Night,” today. Deep Blue harkens back to ERNEST’s first-ever project, Locals Only, but showcases seven years’ worth of growth against the backdrop of a tropical escape. Heavily influenced and inspired by the sounds and spirit of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a place that’s made ERNEST who he is both personally and creatively, Deep Blue takes the listener out to sea on a nostalgic, sentimental trip.
The 13-track album features previously-released singles “Lorelei” and “Boat Named After You,” as well as four outside cuts, a first for ERNEST from any previous project. Pulling from the archives, the award-winning writer unearthed a set of backlog cuts from Toby Keith, Nathan Chapman, David Lee Murphy, Tony Lane, Scotty Emerick, Paul Overstreet and more to round out the upcoming oceanside set. ERNEST also co-produced the album alongside longtime collaborator Jacob Durrett, another first, and Lukas Nelson appears on the collection on the poignant track “Time Is A Thief.”
“I want to say thank you to the fans that have been here since the Local Only days.” says ERNEST. “If you are new here, thank you for joining the ride. Most importantly, I want to thank the ocean and the islands. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them. I found myself in that Caribbean water and will always call it home away from home.”
ERNEST is currently on the road headlining his nationwide “Live From The South Tour” with DeVille artists Rhys Rutherford, Chandler Walters and Cody Lohden.
Deep Blue Track List:
1. “Lorelei” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Mark Holman)
2. “Edge Of The U.S.A.” (Ernest Keith Smith, Jacob Durrett, Chris Lane)
3. “What’s A Little Rain” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, David Garcia)
4. “Lucky” (Ernest Keith Smith, Cody Lohden)
5. “Quit While We’re Behind” (Ernest Keith Smith, Scotty Emerick, Trent Tomlinson)
6. “Somewhere In The Caribbean” (Scotty Emerick, Paul Overstreet)
7. “End Of The Night” (Toby Keith, David Lee Murphy, Bobby Pinson)
8. “Waste A Day” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rodney Clawson, David Garcia)
9. “Deep Blue” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Rocky Block, Hank Compton, Jamie McLaughlin)
10. “If I’m Not Careful” (Ernest Keith Smith, Ronnie Bowman, Clint Daniels, Chandler Paul Walters)
11. “Same Moon” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Mark Holman)
12. “Boat Named After You” (Nathan Chapman, Tony Lane)
13. “Time Is A Thief” feat. Lukas Nelson (Matt McKinney, Rivers Rutherford, Jimmy Yeary)
All songs produced by ERNEST & Jacob Durrett
Industry Ink: ‘American Idol,’ Modern Cult, CMHOFM, Country Cruising, More
/by Lauryn SinkSiriusXM Front Row Hosts ‘American Idol’ Judges
Photo: Courtesy of SiriusXM Front Row
American Idol judges Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie recently sat down for a SiriusXM Front Row hosted by Nicole Ryan, Ryan Sampson and Stanley T from SiriusXM Hits 1’s The Morning Mash Up.
During the interview, the judges discussed the current season of the show, shared their thoughts on hearing their songs performed by contestants and more.
Modern Cult Signs With Parallel Vision & Big Loud Rock
Pictured (L-R): Lloyd Norman, Brad Shultz, Ryan Zumwalt, Darren Potuck, Augie Pink, Rod Wendt, Daniel Oakley, Joey Moi. Photo: Ilona Donovan
Modern Cult has signed with Parallel Vision in partnership with Big Loud Rock. In celebration of announcement, the duo has released their debut single, “Be My Friend.”
“Augie and Rod have an incredible work ethic and a unique sound that stands out in today’s landscape,” says Joey Moi, Big Loud Partner/Big Loud Rock President. “We’re excited to work with our Parallel Vision friends and help bring their distinct sound to the world.”
“We’re incredibly excited to be starting this chapter with Parallel Vision and Big Loud Rock — it already feels like a tight-knit family, which can be rare in this world, and that’s something we’re really grateful for,” Modern Cult adds.
CMHOFM To Host Book Talk On ‘Heartland Rock’
Osmon will discuss the story of heartland rock, and Stephen Wilson Jr. will perform.
The program is included with museum admission and free to museum members, but seating is limited and a program ticket is required.
Drake White, Alana Springsteen & Tiera Kennedy Join Country Cruising 2027 Lineup
Country Cruising has added Drake White, Alana Springsteen and Tiera Kennedy to its 2027 lineup. The group joins previously announced performers Randy Travis, Paul Overstreet, Craig Morgan, James Otto, KC Johns, Maggie Baugh and many more.
More information is available here.
Priscilla Block To Headline Backlot Country Fest
Priscilla Block. Photo: Courtesy of Backlot Country Fest
Priscilla Block will headline Columbia, Tennessee’s Backlot Country Fest, set to take place on April 11. Additional performers include Shane Profitt, Katie Austin and The Bandana Brothers.
Tickets are available here.
Sunday Mornin’ Country Unveils 2026 Lineup
Sunday Mornin’ Country has unveiled the lineup for this year. Set for June 7 at The Grand Ole Opry House, performers will include Adam Warner, Aubrey Nicole, Cassidy Daniels, Charlie McCoy, Cowboy Joe & The Babcocks, Cutter & Cash and The Kentucky Grass, Dianne Sherrill, Jimmy Fortune, John Berry, John McEuen, Joy Holden, Leon Everette, The Tennessee River Boys, Mackenzie Phipps, Mandy Barnett, Melanie Walker, Mike Scott, Music City Quartet and The Fox Brothers, among others. Tickets are available now.
“I have been playing the Sunday Morning Country show since the Hee Haw days when Joe Babcock recruited me. I must say that I love the show and look forward to it every year,” says Charlie McCoy.
Big Loud Hosts CRS Drawing
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Woodruff, Mike Sinclair, Jeff Hunt.
Big Loud Hosted a drawing for attendees of CRS.
Jeff Hunt of WVPO took home first prize, a Morgan Wallen signed guitar. Jordan Woodruff of KPNC nabbed second prize, a set of Sony Professional MDR-7506 headphones. Mike Sinclair of WTCM earned third prize, a pair of Loop Quiet 2 Ear Protectors.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThe biggest headline arrives with the announcement of this year’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. Songwriter Paul Overstreet, bluegrass pioneers The Stanley Brothers, and global country superstar Tim McGraw will be formally inducted later this year, recognizing decades of influence that have helped define the genre’s past and present.
Warner Records Nashville has undertaken a set of leadership promotions. Patrick Sabatini steps into an expanded role as Executive Vice President overseeing operations and business and legal affairs, while Kristen Williams and Victoria Mason take on EVP roles in radio partnerships and marketing, respectively. The label also elevated Brooke Hardesty and Rohan Kohli to SVP roles, and welcomed Austin Jenkins to its A&R leadership.
The Orchard has appointed Heather Vassar as Senior Vice President in Nashville, and Range Media Partners elevated Cam Lutz to Partner.
On the publishing front, ERNEST has signed a global deal with Warner Chappell Music. Additional artist development news includes Jacob Hackworth’s signing with MCA in collaboration with Goat Island Sound, as well as Mack Geiger joining RECORDS Nashville and Columbia Records. Big Loud Texas Publishing continues to expand its roster, with Julianna Rankin signing a publishing deal alongside Sony Music Publishing.
UTA named Brandi Brammer and Elisa Vazzana as Partners, while The Core Entertainment added Sarah Pfeiffer as Head of Marketing and Gabriella Pulley as Chief of Staff. HEY NOW Records made multiple hires across promotion and streaming, including Brooke Diaz as Vice President of Promotion, and Bill Lubitz and Jane Staszak as National Directors for the West and East Coasts, and Anna Scott Welch has joined as Director of Streaming.
The Press House appointed Alyssa Beach as its Nashville Director. FBMM also recognized internal growth, promoting Shelley Grayson and Chris Trump to Associate Business Manager roles.
The Academy of Country Music revealed its ACM Radio Award winners, highlighting excellence across markets of all sizes. Chris Carr & Company led the Major Market On-Air category, while B-Dub earned top national honors in both daily and weekly categories. Stations such as KSCS-FM in Dallas and WUBE-FM in Cincinnati were among those recognized.
The week also brought somber news with the passing of acclaimed bluegrass artist and songwriter Ronnie Bowman, who died at 64 following a motorcycle accident.
Finally, industry movement included the departure of Chandra LaPlume from Sandbox Entertainment after five years.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Tucker Wetmore takes the No. 1 spot with “Brunette.” Explore more chart data here.
The 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.
Sam Barber Offers Up ‘Just A Kid’ From Upcoming New LP ‘Broken View’
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Barber. Photo: Scott Sanford
Sam Barber will release his sophomore album, Broken View, April 3 via Atlantic Outpost. Barber is sharing his new single from the project, “Just A Kid,” today, along with an accompanying film.
The short film for “Just A Kid” was directed by Gus Black and shot on the Oregon Coast, and stars Elle Chapman (The Madison), Tyler Johnson Ellis (American Horror Story), Cailyn Rice (Euphoria) and Kevin Michael Brennan. Barber co-wrote and co-produced his new album with Joe Becker with additional songs co-produced with Aaron Dessner, and the project serves as an introspective reflection on life’s complexities, exploring themes of love, loss and self-discovery. The new 13-song collection also includes the recently released single “Borrowed Time.”
Barber’s 2024 debut album Restless Mind earned Gold certification and features standout singles including the double Platinum “Straight and Narrow” and Platinum-certified “Indigo (Feat. Avery Anna),” the latter of which has amassed over 728 million global streams and earned Barber a top 40 placement on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Barber will return to Stagecoach Festival in April before continuing his extensive “The American Route Tour.”
Broken View Track List:
1. “Borrowed Time”
2. “All For You”
3. “Broken View”
4. “Far Past”
5. “Hate It Here”
6. “Hope It Never Rains”
7. “Hopeless Song”
8. “I Will Follow”
9. “Just A Kid”
10. “Lighthouse”
11. “Run”
12. “Satellite”
13. “The More I Hope”
Opry Nextstage Class Of 2026 Join Lineup For ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash
/by Lauryn SinkMembers of the Opry Nextstage Class of 2026 have joined the lineup for ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash. Performers will include Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts and Hudson Westbrook.
The event, a reimagined fan-favorite outdoor concert experience, is set for May 16 at Mandalay Bay Beach. Tickets are available now.
Previously announced ACM Awards week events also include ACM Lifting Lives Country on the Green: Riley Green & Friends at Topgolf Las Vegas on May 15.
Final lineups for all events will be announced in the coming weeks.