The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has revealed the final nominees for the 2025 AIMP Nashville Awards, taking place on April 8 at Marathon Music Works. Hosted by Storme Warren, the intimate gathering will honor the past year’s biggest hits written and promoted solely by Nashville’s independent publishing companies and their songwriters.
The evening will recognize songwriters, publishers and songs in various categories, including Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher’s Pick of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year.
“This year, we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the AIMP awards show! Michael McAnally Baum and I created the show in 2015 as AIMP board members trying to figure out how to add value to the members and, at the same time, drive membership up,” says Ree Guyer, owner of Wrensong Entertainment. “We had 80 members at the time. Today, we have 495 members representing every successful independent publisher and writer in the Music Row Community. Looking at the list of nominees and knowing who will perform on the show tells me this will be another special night!“
The final voting period determining the winners opens on March 4 and closes at 5 p.m. CST on March 11. To vote, you must have been an AIMP member on or before Feb. 4. Email aimpnashville@gmail.com with any questions regarding voter eligibility and category requirements.
2025 AIMP Nashville Award Nominees:
Rising Songwriter Of The Year Nominees:
*7 nominees (because of a tie)
Abram Dean – Independently published by Concord Music Publishing
Jon Decious – Independently published by OneRiot, Reservoir
Lalo Guzman – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Wyatt McCubbin – Independently published by 50 Egg Music, Tape Room Music
Steve Moakler – Independently published by Creative Nation
Daniel Ross – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Chandler Walters – Independently published by Ern’s Cadillac Music, Big Loud Publishing
Rising Artist Writer Of The Year Nominees:
George Birge – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Laci Kaye Booth – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Dylan Marlowe – Independently published by Play It Again Music, Relative Music Group
Vincent Mason – Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing
Zach Top – Independently published by Major Bob Music
Tucker Wetmore – Independently published by Back Blocks Music
Artist Writer Of The Year Nominees:
Ashley Cooke – Independently published by Back Blocks Music, Big Loud Publishing
Jordan Davis – Independently published by Anthem Entertainment
Jackson Dean – Independently published by Little Louder Music
Ernest – Independently published by Big Loud Publishing
Hardy – Independently published by Relative Music Group
Carly Pearce – Independently published by Altadena Music
Song Champion Of The Year Nominees:
Courtney Allen – Sr. Director, A&R, Concord Music Publishing
Greg Gallo – VP, Creative, Reservoir
Shannan Hatch – SVP, Creative, SESAC
MaryAnn Keen – Director, Creative, BMI Nashville
Sara Knabe – SVP, A&R, Big Loud Music
Melissa Spillman – VP, A&R, Concord Music Publishing
Publisher Pick Of The Year Nominees:
“Casseroles” written by Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, and James Slater; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing; Performed by Hailey Whitters
“Hell Is A Dance Floor” written by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel; Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing; Performed by Vincent Mason
“Killed A Man” written by Joe Fox, Geoff Warburton, and Jimi Bell; Independently published by Liz Rose Music, Big Machine Music, Range Music Publishing, Worktape Music; Performed by Post Malone
“Made In The USA” written by Ben Stennis, Emily Falvey, and Adam James; Independently published by SMACKSongs, Kobalt Music Publishing, Young Guns Publishing; Performed by Cody Johnson
“Midwest Rock & Roll” written by Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, and Randy Montana; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Big Loud Publishing; Performed by Ryan Hurd
“The Loneliest Girl In The World” written by Laci Kaye Booth, Jon Stark, and Aby Gutierrez; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Dream3 Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing; Performed by Laci Kaye Booth
Song Of The Year Nominees:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” written by Mark Allen Williams, Joe Kent, Sean Cook, Collins Obinna Chibueze, Nevin Sastry, and Jerell Jones; Independently published by Kobalt Music, Seeker Music, Range Music Publishing; Performed by Shaboozey
“Burn It Down” written by Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, and Parker McCollum; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Liz Rose Music, Creative Nation; Performed by Parker McCollum
“I Had Some Help” written by Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Walters, Ashley Gorley, Morgan Wallen, Austin Post, Hoskins, Louis Bell, Ryan Vojtesak; Independently published by Big Loud Publishing, Ern’s Cadillac Music, Domain Capitol Group; Performed by Post Malone & Morgan Wallen
“Lies Lies Lies” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins, Josh Miller; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Concord Music Publishing, Boom Music Group; Performed by Morgan Wallen
“The Painter” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, and Ryan Larkins; Independently published by Big Machine Music; Performed by Cody Johnson
“Wind Up Missin’ You” written by Tucker Wetmore, Chris LaCorte, and Thomas Archer; Independently published by BackBlocks Music, Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing, Combustion Music; Performed by Tucker Wetmore
Songwriter Of The Year:
Rocky Block – Independently published by Big Loud Publishing
Jessie Jo Dillon – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Ashley Gorley – Independently published by Domain Capitol Group
Hunter Phelps – Independently published by Tape Room Music
Taylor Phillips – Independently published by Tape Room Music
Jonathan Singleton – Independently published by 50 Egg Music
Top Independent Music Publishers Of The Year:
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Concord Music Publishing
Purple Rabbit Music
LeAnn Phelan To Host Creative Therapy Workshop In March
/by Lorie HollabaughLongtime industry executive LeAnn Phelan is launching her 35th LP Creative Therapy Workshop on March 10-13 for songwriters from around the globe.
Her latest offering is open for anyone wanting to expand their knowledge of the industry and get back to the basics of what songwriters do so well—focus on the song. The Workshop is not genre specific and is open to songwriters globally. The one-hour Zoom workshops will take place at 5 p.m. CT and replays will be available. More information can be found here.
Highlights of this year’s workshop include “4 Steps Closer to a Publishing Deal;” “Essential tools for Creative Wellness on the Songwriter’s Journey;” “Finding Your Voice;” a Q&A and input from special guests Allen Shamblin and Shane McAnally.
Phelan curates the live experience by getting to know each songwriter and meeting their needs based on their interests. Her experience in the industry ranges from touring background singer to publisher to artist management. Participants also learn from publishers, managers, attorneys, hit songwriters, newly-signed songwriters, agents, A&R and more.
“SMACK was one of the first companies to see the value in Creative Wellness Coaching for songwriters and I’m so excited to have songwriter/producer Shane McAnally as a Special Guest Mentor on the upcoming series,” says Phelan. “Shane has written, and/or produced over 50 No. 1 songs, garnered three Grammy Awards, been nominated for more CMA Awards than any other songwriter in history, and been named ACM’s Songwriter of the Year twice. And you can’t be a mentor on Music Row without quoting Allen Shamblin. His very presence is encouraging. I’m excited to learn from Shane and Allen and I know this will be a great way to celebrate 5 years of encouraging songwriters to keep going!”
Phelan will follow with the Spring LP Creative Workshop for those that want to dive in deeper. A full scholarship to the the seven-week course will be given away during the March workshops. The seven-week course begins March 31.
Nominees Revealed For 2025 AIMP Nashville Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has revealed the final nominees for the 2025 AIMP Nashville Awards, taking place on April 8 at Marathon Music Works. Hosted by Storme Warren, the intimate gathering will honor the past year’s biggest hits written and promoted solely by Nashville’s independent publishing companies and their songwriters.
The evening will recognize songwriters, publishers and songs in various categories, including Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher’s Pick of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year.
“This year, we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the AIMP awards show! Michael McAnally Baum and I created the show in 2015 as AIMP board members trying to figure out how to add value to the members and, at the same time, drive membership up,” says Ree Guyer, owner of Wrensong Entertainment. “We had 80 members at the time. Today, we have 495 members representing every successful independent publisher and writer in the Music Row Community. Looking at the list of nominees and knowing who will perform on the show tells me this will be another special night!“
The final voting period determining the winners opens on March 4 and closes at 5 p.m. CST on March 11. To vote, you must have been an AIMP member on or before Feb. 4. Email aimpnashville@gmail.com with any questions regarding voter eligibility and category requirements.
2025 AIMP Nashville Award Nominees:
Rising Songwriter Of The Year Nominees:
*7 nominees (because of a tie)
Abram Dean – Independently published by Concord Music Publishing
Jon Decious – Independently published by OneRiot, Reservoir
Lalo Guzman – Independently published by SMACKSongs
Wyatt McCubbin – Independently published by 50 Egg Music, Tape Room Music
Steve Moakler – Independently published by Creative Nation
Daniel Ross – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Chandler Walters – Independently published by Ern’s Cadillac Music, Big Loud Publishing
Rising Artist Writer Of The Year Nominees:
George Birge – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Laci Kaye Booth – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Dylan Marlowe – Independently published by Play It Again Music, Relative Music Group
Vincent Mason – Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing
Zach Top – Independently published by Major Bob Music
Tucker Wetmore – Independently published by Back Blocks Music
Artist Writer Of The Year Nominees:
Ashley Cooke – Independently published by Back Blocks Music, Big Loud Publishing
Jordan Davis – Independently published by Anthem Entertainment
Jackson Dean – Independently published by Little Louder Music
Ernest – Independently published by Big Loud Publishing
Hardy – Independently published by Relative Music Group
Carly Pearce – Independently published by Altadena Music
Song Champion Of The Year Nominees:
Courtney Allen – Sr. Director, A&R, Concord Music Publishing
Greg Gallo – VP, Creative, Reservoir
Shannan Hatch – SVP, Creative, SESAC
MaryAnn Keen – Director, Creative, BMI Nashville
Sara Knabe – SVP, A&R, Big Loud Music
Melissa Spillman – VP, A&R, Concord Music Publishing
Publisher Pick Of The Year Nominees:
“Casseroles” written by Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, and James Slater; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing; Performed by Hailey Whitters
“Hell Is A Dance Floor” written by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel; Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing; Performed by Vincent Mason
“Killed A Man” written by Joe Fox, Geoff Warburton, and Jimi Bell; Independently published by Liz Rose Music, Big Machine Music, Range Music Publishing, Worktape Music; Performed by Post Malone
“Made In The USA” written by Ben Stennis, Emily Falvey, and Adam James; Independently published by SMACKSongs, Kobalt Music Publishing, Young Guns Publishing; Performed by Cody Johnson
“Midwest Rock & Roll” written by Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, and Randy Montana; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Big Loud Publishing; Performed by Ryan Hurd
“The Loneliest Girl In The World” written by Laci Kaye Booth, Jon Stark, and Aby Gutierrez; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Dream3 Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing; Performed by Laci Kaye Booth
Song Of The Year Nominees:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” written by Mark Allen Williams, Joe Kent, Sean Cook, Collins Obinna Chibueze, Nevin Sastry, and Jerell Jones; Independently published by Kobalt Music, Seeker Music, Range Music Publishing; Performed by Shaboozey
“Burn It Down” written by Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, and Parker McCollum; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Liz Rose Music, Creative Nation; Performed by Parker McCollum
“I Had Some Help” written by Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Walters, Ashley Gorley, Morgan Wallen, Austin Post, Hoskins, Louis Bell, Ryan Vojtesak; Independently published by Big Loud Publishing, Ern’s Cadillac Music, Domain Capitol Group; Performed by Post Malone & Morgan Wallen
“Lies Lies Lies” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins, Josh Miller; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Concord Music Publishing, Boom Music Group; Performed by Morgan Wallen
“The Painter” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, and Ryan Larkins; Independently published by Big Machine Music; Performed by Cody Johnson
“Wind Up Missin’ You” written by Tucker Wetmore, Chris LaCorte, and Thomas Archer; Independently published by BackBlocks Music, Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing, Combustion Music; Performed by Tucker Wetmore
Songwriter Of The Year:
Rocky Block – Independently published by Big Loud Publishing
Jessie Jo Dillon – Independently published by Big Machine Music
Ashley Gorley – Independently published by Domain Capitol Group
Hunter Phelps – Independently published by Tape Room Music
Taylor Phillips – Independently published by Tape Room Music
Jonathan Singleton – Independently published by 50 Egg Music
Top Independent Music Publishers Of The Year:
Big Loud Publishing
Big Machine Music
Concord Music Publishing
Purple Rabbit Music
Kelsea Ballerini To Release ‘Patterns (Deluxe)’ March 7
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini will release a deluxe edition of her 2024 album, Patterns, on March 7 via Black River Entertainment.
The extended project features five new songs, including “Future Tripping,” which she debuted live last night (Feb. 26) in Fort Worth. The 20-track edition also includes ballad (and previously issued digital bonus track) “To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak,” “Put It To Bed,” “Cut Me Up” and “Hindsight Is Happiness.”
The new collection expands on the singer-songwriter’s autobiographical fifth LP, which was co-written entirely with female songwriters and debuted at No. 4 on Billboard‘s Top 200 Albums and became her first to top the Billboard Country Albums chart.
Ballerini has been crossing the country on her “Kelsea Ballerini Live on Tour 2025” tour packing arenas nationwide as well as coaching on Season 27 of NBC’s The Voice.
Patterns (Deluxe) Track List:
1.”Patterns” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
2. “Sorry Mom” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
3. “Baggage” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
4. “First Rodeo” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
5. “Nothing Really Matters” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
6. “How Much Do You Love Me” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
7. “Two Things” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
8. “We Broke Up” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
9. “WAIT!” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
10. “Beg for Your Love” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
11. “Deep” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
12. “Cowboys Cry Too (with Noah Kahan)” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini, Noah Kahan)
13. “I Would, Would You” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
14. “This Time Last Year” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
15. “Did You Make It Home? (outro)” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
16. “To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hillary Lindsey, Karen Fairchild, Kelsea Ballerini)
17. “Future Tripping” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
18. “Put It To Bed” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
19. “Cut Me Up” (Alysa Vanderheym, Jessie Jo Dillon, Kelsea Ballerini)
20. “Hindsight Is Happiness” (Alysa Vanderheym, Kelsea Ballerini)
Hardy Launches Crow Records With Debut Artist Sikarus
/by Lorie HollabaughHardy and Sikarus. Photo: Courtesy of Crow Records
Hardy has partnered with Big Loud Rock to launch his new label, Crow Records. The first artist signed to the new label is Sikarus, who has released his debut track “Nonchalant.”
Sikarus is the solo project of Jordan Brooker, a songwriter with cuts for Luke Combs and others who is making his artist debut.
“The second I heard Sikarus’ music I thought to myself, ‘What a cool sound, I want to do anything I can to be able to work with him,’” says Hardy. “I’ve known Jordan for many years and I’m so excited to finally be able to say that we are officially working together. I love rock ‘n’ roll, I love exploring new things and I couldn’t be happier for Sikarus to be the first artist signed to Crow Records.”
Raised on country, Brooker found his major inspirations when his older brothers turned him on to rock in his early adolescence, starting with classics like Led Zeppelin and Nirvana and falling deep into turn-of-the-millennium alt-and pop-rock and ‘90s rock titans in high school. Hardy and Brooker, friends and collaborators during their early years in Nashville, reconnected in recent months, with Hardy making Sikarus his first Crow Records signing almost immediately upon hearing demos.
“I’m incredibly honored to be the first signing at Crow Records,” says Sikarus. “I think Hardy is one of the most brilliant musical minds I’ve ever met. We’ve been friends for a long time, so getting the chance to work with him in this capacity is so dope. ‘Nonchalant’ is all about that attitude of going with the flow and not getting hung up on the little things. It can be a really beautiful quality in a person, so much so that it makes you want to write a song about it.”
“Hardy is a generational talent and all of us at Big Loud Rock are honored to continue strengthening our partnership with him by joining forces on Crow Records,” says Big Loud partner and President of Big Loud Rock Joey Moi. “Developing the next generation of alternative and rock artists is at our core, and collaborating with Hardy to sign and foster new talent in the space has the whole team excited as we continue to expand.”
Sikarus will join Hardy on select dates of the “Jim Bob World Tour” this year, playing arenas and amphitheaters across the U.S. in August and September.
Rachel Deeb Launches ELEKTRIK Haus Creative
/by LB CantrellRachel Deeb. Photo: Katie Mathis
Country music photographer and videographer Rachel Deeb has launched ELEKTRIK Haus Creative, a new creative matchmaking service designed to connect the music industry with top-tier visual artists.
The company bridges the gap between musicians, managers and industry professionals and the photographers, videographers, designers and artists who can bring their creative visions to life.
With a decade of experience, Deeb has worked with Maren Morris, Carly Pearce, Walker Hayes, Ashley Cooke, Miranda Lambert, The Lumineers and more. Beyond photography and videography, she is also a visual artist, having designed and painted a custom jacket for Carrie Underwood’s “Reflection Tour” and has created murals around Nashville.
Deeb’s inspiration for launching ELEKTRIK Haus Creative came from years of industry colleagues reaching out for referrals to trusted creatives.
“As I’ve learned, in this game, the right crew makes all the difference,” Deeb shares.
Those interested in working with ELEKTRIK Haus Creative can connect through the company’s Instagram, reach out to Deeb directly via her Instagram or email rkdeebdesigns@gmail.com.
Cameron Montgomery Inks With Downtown Music Publishing [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenCameron Montgomery
Songwriter and producer Cameron Montgomery has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Downtown Music Publishing.
Split between Los Angeles and Nashville, Montgomery has created chart-topping hits for Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, 24kGoldn, Winona Oak and Hardy, whose “.30-06,” debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Montgomery is also currently creating music for film, brand partnerships and collaborations within the visual arts.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the team at Downtown,” says Montgomery. “From the moment I met Emily [Stephenson] and Jedd [Katrancha], it was clear that they are deeply committed to fostering a creative home where music and songwriters come first. Their passion and vision make Downtown the perfect place to continue growing as an artist and creator.”
The agreement also provides Montgomery access to Downtown’s creative sync services, which have recently achieved success with Perry Como’s “Round and Round” in Lindt’s 2024 Super Bowl ad and Victor Le Masne’s collaboration with the Olympics. Downtown’s sync team has helped songwriters and rights holders expand their reach through prominent placements in brand campaigns, TV shows, films and more. The division boasts a diverse catalog, featuring works from legacy artists like John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Miles Davis, Bruce Hornsby and Anthony Newley, as well as notable contemporary artists such as Atticus Ross, Colbie Caillat, Bruce Hornsby and Peso Pluma.
“Cam is an exceptionally talented songwriter whose work resonates across genres and audiences,” shares Stephenson, Downtown Music Publishing President, “It’s an honor to have him join the Downtown family.”
Downtown Music Publishing’s roster includes Jason Isbell, Sadler Vaden, Tommy Prine, the John Prine Estate and many more. Its Artists & Label Services division represents Abbey Cone, Fancy Hagood, Judah & the Lion, Mat Kearney, Tiera Kennedy, Your Neighbors and Drew Holcomb.
Jenna Paulette To Embark On ‘Horseback Acoustic Tour’ This Spring
/by Madison HahnenJenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Jenna Paulette will hit the road this spring on her “Horseback Acoustic Tour” across Texas and Oklahoma in April.
The six-date trek will kick off on April 10 in Castroville, TX, and make stops in Belton, TX, Edmond, OK, Conroe, TX and Bluff Dale, TX before wrapping up on April 18 in Paris, TX.
Paulette released her debut album The Girl I Was in 2023, a story of her journey of self-discovery after a toxic ten-year relationship. Her 2024 Horseback album showed her emerging from that journey, presenting a project that reflects on the experiences and values that have shaped her into the person she is today.
Tickets for the “Horseback Acoustic Tour” are on sale now.
“Horseback Acoustic Tour” Dates:
Apr. 10 – Castroville, TX – Cora’s 471
Apr. 11 – Belton, TX – Schoepf’s BBQ
Apr. 12 – Edmond, OK – The Old Icehouse
Apr. 16 – Conroe, TX – Table At Madeley
Apr. 17 – Bluff Dale, TX – Double D BBQ
Apr. 18 – Paris, TX – The Rail Yard
Singer-Songwriter Matthews Signs With Curb Records
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Curb’s John Clore, Trevor Mathiesen, Joseph Prielozny and Jeff Tuerff; (L-R, front row): Curb’s Bryan Stewart and John Nemoy, Matthews and Curb’s Jonathan Mason
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matthews has signed with Curb Records.
With his earliest music connection deeply rooted in the church, Matthews first gained widespread recognition as a lead vocalist and songwriter for Elevation Worship. He co-wrote and performed on several of the group’s worship projects, including “Here as in Heaven,” “Resurrecting” and “Echo,” as well as the Here As In Heaven album, cementing his reputation as a gifted songwriter and powerhouse vocalist.
Now stepping into his solo career, Matthews continues his mission to create songs that offer hope to a searching world. Rooted in the heart of worship yet shaped by his diverse influences, he brings a fresh, authentic voice to faith-driven music.
“My passion for music is ingrained in the depths of hope and the magnificence of the sound of worship—the way it shifts atmospheres, brings healing, and transforms lives,” shares Matthews. “Signing with Curb represents a dream unfolding—an opportunity to share my stories and my heart. My music is the outward expression of my inward experience, and my prayer is that it reaches those who need it most.”
Telluride Bluegrass Festival Unveils 2025 Lineup
/by Madison HahnenThe Telluride Bluegrass Festival has revealed its 2025 lineup, taking place June 19-22 in Telluride, Colorado.
Thursday (June 19) will feature performances from Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Thee Sacred Souls, I’m With Her: Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz & Aoife O’Donovan, The Travelin’ McCourys, Mountain Grass Unit, Olive Klug and Chris Thile before Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit take the stage with a headline set. Greensky Bluegrass are on tap to headline Friday (June 20), with additional performances from Lake Street Dive, Dan Tyminski Band, Punch Brothers, Tim O’Brien Band, Rainbow Girls, Water Tower and DUG.
Sam Bush Band, Telluride Troubadour, Kasey Chambers, Yonder Mountain String Band, Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez Trio, Caleb Kauder & Reeb Willms and Still House String Band will continue the weekend on Saturday (June 21) with a headline performance from Toy Factory Project. Zach Top, Telluride House Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Ken Pomeroy, New Dangerfield and Authentic Unlimited will kick off the final day of activities on Sunday (June 22) before headliners Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas close out the festival.
More information and tickets can be found here.
Industry Ink: CMHOFM, Scotty McCreery, Max McNown, Shane Stevens & Sara Evans, More
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Welcomes Home Its National Medal Of Arts Medallion
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young and the museum’s board chair Jody Williams pictured with museum staff. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently celebrated the arrival of its National Medal of Arts medallion with staffers. Museum CEO Kyle Young gathered staff in the Ford Theater to thank them for their contributions and acknowledge the many individuals and entities who supported the museum’s educational mission through the years.
The newly-engraved Medal was placed on display in the museum’s galleries along with the accompanying White House Citation. The museum was recognized with the prestigious honor last October during a ceremony at the White House, which is the highest honor in the arts given by the U.S. government.
Scotty McCreery’s ‘Damn Strait’ Becomes ‘Jeopardy’ Question
Scotty McCreery. Photo: Jeff Ray
Scotty McCreery was part of the $1,000 answer last week on an episode of Jeopardy on Feb. 21. The answer was “A Scotty McCreery country megahit puts together a cuss word and the last name of singer George for this title.” The question, of course, was “What is ‘Damn Strait’?”
Max McNown Makes TV Debut On ‘Kelly Clarkson Show’
Max McNown recently made his TV debut on The Kelly Clarkson Show with a performance of his radio hit “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes),” from his recently released sophomore album Night Diving. Just last month, host and singer-songwriter Clarkson covered McNown’s breakout single “A Lot More Free” on her show.
Shane Stevens & Sara Evans Perform ‘I Can’t Quit’ During Opry Appearance
Shane Stevens and Sara Evans backstage at The Grand Ole Opry
Shane Stevens and Sara Evans celebrated the release of their new single “I Can’t Quit” on Feb. 22 with a live performance at The Grand Ole Opry as part of the Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration. The song was co-written by Stevens and released on Feb. 21 on all major streaming platforms via Melody Place.
Pam Lewis Makes National Museum of Women in the Arts 2025 Honor Roll For Advocacy
Pam Lewis
Pam Lewis has been honored by The National Museum of Women in the Arts with inclusion in its 2025 Honor Roll, recognizing her dedication to promoting and supporting women artists. This honor reflects her contribution to the museum’s ongoing mission to highlight the achievements of women in the arts and address gender disparities in the art world. The #5WomenArtists campaign, launched by NMWA, encourages people to name five women artists, a challenge that underscores the historic lack of recognition women have received in the field. The initiative aims to bring greater visibility to female artists while fostering awareness and dialogue about equity in the arts.
Country Music Hall Of Fame Hosts ‘In-Law Country’ Discussion With Author Geoffrey Himes
Rodney Crowell, Geoffrey Himes and Paul Kingsbury, the Museum’s Senior Director Of Editorial. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a discussion last weekend with author Geoffrey Himes about his recently published book In-Law Country: How Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, and Their Circle Fashioned a New Kind of Country Music, 1968–1985. Himes was joined by Rodney Crowell, who is featured in the book. P
ublished by the museum’s CMF Press, In-Law Country is about the musical community that grew up around Harris, Cash and their collaborators and friends. The book explores the lives and influential works of Harris, Cash, Crowell, Guy Clark, Gram Parsons, Ricky Skaggs, Clarence White, Townes Van Zandt and others from this fruitful movement. Himes has won awards for writing about music in the New York Times, No Depression, Rolling Stone, Washington Post and other publications since 1975.