29th Annual Key West Songwriters Festival Reveals Early Details and Lineups

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The Key West Songwriters Festival, presented by BMI, has revealed initial details for the 29th annual event set to take place from April 30 to May 4, 2025. This year, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents will welcome over 150 BMI-affiliated songwriters to the five-day festival where they will showcase their hits and introduce new music to audiences.

The event will feature both acoustic and full band performances from Nashville songwriters such as Chuck Cannon, Bob DiPiero, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Raul Malo, Lee Thomas Miller, Taylor Phillips, Liz Rose, Jeffrey Steele and Bridgette Tatum while prominent newcomers like Matt Castillo, Bre Kennedy, Jackson Nance, DJ Smoke and The Kentucky Gentlemen make their debut.

The festival will kick off with the official “Sunset Pier Kick Off Party” at the Ocean Key Resort & Spa on Wednesday (April 30), featuring Dylan Altman, Robert Randolph and Guthrie Trapp. On Thursday (May 1), Nate Smith will headline the Coffee Butler Amphitheater with support from Chase Matthew and the annual free block party at Main Stage Duval Street will be held on Saturday (May 3) with talent to be announced soon. “Sunday Songs: Music & Mimosas” at Williams Hall will make its return on the final day, Sunday (May 4), with additional performances to take place at the Key West Woman’s Club at Hellings Curry Museum and La Te Da, which will host intimate theater showcases.

This year’s new venues will include the Marquesa Hotel, The Alamo and Island Dogs, while Rams Head Southernmost Bar & Restaurant will serve as the event’s headquarters. Several established locations will also return, including Key West Theater, Southernmost Resort, Blue Heaven, Dante’s Key West Pool Bar & Restaurant and San Carlos Institute.

“We’re excited for another year of collaborating with BMI and the amazing venues across the island to highlight the industry’s best songwriting talent,” shares Kyle Muehlhauser, owner of the Key West Songwriters Festival and Rams Head Presents.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the BMI Foundation and the Michelle Foundation, a Key West-based nonprofit that helps children and families in need. Additional info on passes and ticketed shows at the Key West Theater and San Carlos Institute will be available here.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville & RED Creative Group Sign Kelly Archer

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Chelsea Kent (SMP), Kenley Flynn (SMP), Chip Petree (Ritholz Levy Fields, LLP), Tom Luteran (SMP), Anna Weisband (SMP), Dale Bobo (SMP) and Synnovea Halsel (SMP); (L-R, front row): Taylor Lamb (RED Creative), Kelly Archer, Jeremy Stover (RED Creative) and Rusty Gaston (SMP)

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and RED Creative Group have joined forces to sign hit songwriter Kelly Archer to a global publishing agreement. The deal reflects SMP Nashville’s continued partnership with RED Creative Group, which includes signings Jeremy Stover, Cole Taylor, Matt Mulhare and more.

“RED Creative Group and I have had a long run of success together, and I’m excited to build on that by partnering with the team at Sony,” shares Archer of the partnership.

Archer has penned chart-toppers for Brett Young, Justin Moore, Corey Kent and Travis Denning. She is currently climbing the charts with Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood’s duet “I’m Gonna Love You,” which recently entered the top 10 on the Mediabase Country Airplay chart.

Jeremy Stover, President of RED Creative Group, says, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Kelly. She is a superstar songwriter who continues to leave an indelible mark on music with her songwriting.”

Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, adds, “We are thrilled to welcome Kelly to the SMP Nashville family in partnership with our friends at Red Creative. Kelly is a seasoned craftsman who always brings her best into every writing situation. Her track record speaks for itself, and we believe her brightest and most impactful songs are still ahead.”

Song Suffragettes To Host 11th Anniversary Show In March

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Nashville’s weekly all-women singer-songwriter round, Song Suffragettes, will mark its 11th anniversary with a show on March 3rd at The Listening Room Cafe. The evening will honor reigning ACM Songwriter of the Year, Jessie Jo Dillon, who will receive the 2025 Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award. This annual honor is given to a woman who has served as a musical inspiration to the Song Suffragettes collective. Past recipients include Wynonna Judd, Ashley McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini, Laura Veltz, Liz Rose and Natalie Hemby.

Dillon will take part in an on-stage Q&A to talk about her songwriting achievements as a six-time Grammy nominee and the current Billboard Rising Songwriter of the Year. To celebrate the writer behind hits like “10,000 Hours” and “Lies, Lies, Lies,” special guest and Song Suffragettes alumna Alana Springsteen will perform a selection of Dillon’s most beloved songs.

In addition to Springsteen, several Song Suffragettes alumnae will take the stage, including Karley Scott Collins, Shaylen, Molly Grace, Summer Joy, Regan Stewart, Shantaia, Mōriah, Anna Vaus, Shelby Raye, Abby Cates and Mia Morris.

The evening will also commemorate the 11-year legacy of Song Suffragettes. Since its inception in 2014, the show has highlighted over 450 talented women out of more than 4,500 applicants. More than 76 alumnae have gone on to secure music publishing deals, and 52 have landed recording contracts, including Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, Kelsea Ballerini, Brittney Spencer, Megan Moroney and Gayle.

“After 11 years of Song Suffragettes, we’re most proud of the strong community of women who have not only graced our stage, but who consistently come together to support each other in a music community that still undervalues female talent,” says Songs Suffragettes’ Founder Todd Cassetty. “And we will continue to spotlight the finest female singer-songwriters from Nashville and beyond as we honor songwriting icon Jessie Jo Dillon with the Song Suffragettes Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award on March 3rd.”

Tickets for Song Suffragettes’ 11th anniversary show are on sale now.

Red Street Records Elevates Kelly King, Adds Patrick Waters

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Kelly King & Patrick Waters.

Red Street Records has promoted Kelly King to VP of Red Street Publishing. Industry veteran Patrick Waters has joined the team as Senior Director of A&R Country.

“Kelly’s decades of experience and relationships helped put RSR publishing on the map with some big wins, and it became obvious that focusing her guidance on our hit songwriters will amplify all things Red Street,” says Red Street Records General Manager Alex Valentine. “Along with that, the addition of a trusted and multi-genre experienced voice to the recording process makes Patrick the perfect person to lead the A&R charge. Can’t wait to see what these two accomplished music executives dream up next for ‘The Street’.”

King has been instrumental in discovering and developing artists and songwriters in her 30-year career such as Rascal Flatts, Brett James and Brothers Osborne. King has played a key role in the success of numerous chart-topping hits, including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel,” Brothers Osborne’s “Stay A Little Longer,” Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton’s “We Don’t Fight Anymore,” and several No. 1 singles by Rascal Flatts, including “Rewind.” After earning partnerships at Teracel Music and Good Girl Music, a joint venture with Sony Publishing, King launched her own venture, King Pen Music, in partnership with Warner Chappell Publishing in 2011. In 2022, she joined Red Street Records as Senior Director of A&R/Publishing, where she now leads and oversees the company’s publishing operations.

Missouri native Waters brings over 20 years of experience in the music industry to Red Street Records. He began his career in A&R at Maverick Records in Los Angeles before moving to Warner Brothers Records. In 2011, he relocated to Tennessee, where he played a pivotal role in launching both Interscope and Warner Records’ Nashville offices, contributing to the development and growth of the label’s presence in the city. Waters later worked as an artist manager at Red Light Management, where he helped shape the creative and business strategies for a diverse group of artists. Now, as Senior Director of A&R at Red Street, Patrick will focus on the growth and development of the country roster, which includes Chris Lane, Ryan Griffin, Neon Union, Ryan Larkins and Kaleb Sanders.

Vince Gill To Embark On 31-City Summer Tour

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Vince Gill. Photo: John Shearer

Vince Gill will launch a new 30+ city summer tour beginning May 8 in Rochester, New York. The trek has him returning to some cities where he hasn’t performed with his band in many years.

The tour will include shows in Baltimore, Minneapolis, Chicago, Atlanta, Savannah, Detroit and more, and will wrap with a a four-night stand at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in August. All shows go on sale Feb. 21, with the exceptions of Feb. 28, March 7 and March 28, and ticket information can be found at vincegill.com.

Gill has spent most of the last eight years as a touring member of the Eagles. The iconic band is currently in the middle of a lengthy run, performing before sellout crowds at Sphere in Las Vegas. It was officially 50 years ago this summer when Gill left his home in Oklahoma and began touring for the first time.

“I left home 50 years ago to try and become an accomplished musician and perform in front of whoever would show up,” recalls Gill. “All these years later, it feels as special today as it ever did.”

“An Evening with Vince Gill”:
May 8 – Rochester, NY – Kodak Center Main Theater
May 9 – Wilkes-Barre, PA – The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
May 10 – Reading, PA – Santander PAC
May 15 – Baltimore, MD – The Lyric Baltimore
May 16 – Wallingford, CT – Toyota Oakdale Theatre
May 17 – Boston, MA – Orpheum Theatre
May 22 – Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum Theatre
May 23 – Chicago, IL – The Chicago Theatre
May 24 – Milwaukee, WI – The Riverside Theater
May 29 – Tulsa, OK – River Spirit Casino Resort – The Cove
May 30 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar Casino – Lucas Oil Live
May 31 – North Little Rock, AR – The Theater at Simmons Bank Arena
June 5 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
June 6 – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston PAC
June 7 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theater
June 12 – Durham, NC – DPAC
June 13 – Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
June 14 – Chattanooga, TN – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
June 19 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center
June 20 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium
June 21 – Evans, GA – Columbia County PAC – Ron C. Cross Theatre
July 10 – Tysons, VA – Capitol One Hall
July 11 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
July 12 – Pittsburgh, PA – Heinz Hall
July 24 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
July 25 – Columbus, OH – Palace Theatre
July 26 – Louisville, KY – The Kentucky Center – Robert S. Whitney Hall
July 31 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
Aug 1 – Richmond, VA – Altria Theater
Aug 2 – Cleveland, OH – Playhouse Square – Connor Palace
Aug 8 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Aug 9 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Aug 15 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Aug 16 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

Dylan Guthro Signs With SMACKSongs

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Pictured (L-R): Lee Krabel, Carly Sater, Dylan Guthro, Sam Sarno, Robin Palmer and Jeremy Groves

Dylan Guthro has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

Hailing from Nova Scotia, Canada, Guthro’s songs have been recorded by artists like Walker Hayes, Dan + Shay, Dixie D’Amelio, Brian Kelley, Banners, Austin Snell and Erin Kinsey. His versatility as a songwriter and producer have led to his becoming a sought-after collaborator for both up-and-coming artists and established hitmakers.

“We’ve been huge fans of Dylan since he started collaborating with our writers years ago. He’s incredibly hardworking and an immensely talented songwriter and producer. He feels like a perfect fit, and we’re thrilled to have him on board!” says Sam Sarno, Creative Director.

“I’m truly so excited to be a part of the SMACK family.” Guthro shares. “Shortly after moving to town, SMACK writers Emily [Falvey], Josh [Dorr], and Walker [Hayes] quickly became anchors in my songwriting career. Over the years I’ve had the chance to work with most of the roster and get to know the incredible publishing team. I’m such a big fan of everybody in the building, and I feel blessed to get to work in partnership with them. A huge thank you to Shane [McAnally], Robert [Carlton], Jeremy [Groves], Sam, Robin [Palmer], Lee [Krabel], Carly [Sater] and the rest of the team for having me on board!”

Grand Ole Opry Announces Opry NextStage Class Of 2025

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Pictured (L-R): Tucker Wetmore, Dasha, Tigirlily Gold’s Kendra Olson and Krista Slaubaugh, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Chayce Beckham and Avery Anna

The Grand Ole Opry has announced the 2025 class for its Opry NextStage program, presented by Tecovas, which spotlights country’s rising talent on the Opry stage and across Opry Entertainment Group platforms. The new Opry NextStage class includes Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold and Tucker Wetmore.

Opry members Ashley McBryde and Pam Tillis, along with 2019 Opry NextStage alum Riley Green and host of the annual “Opry NextStage Live From Texas” Jelly Roll, appeared at an industry event hosted by WSM’s Kelly Sutton to announce the Opry NextStage class of 2025. 

“For 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been the cornerstone of country music, championing artists at every stage of their careers,” says Jordan Pettit, Vice President of Artist & Industry Relations for Opry Entertainment Group. “Opry NextStage continues this rich tradition by showcasing country music’s next generation through Opry platforms that connect these amazing artists to country music lovers worldwide.”

For the remainder of the year, the Opry NextStage class will receive support from Opry Entertainment Group and presenting sponsor, Tecovas, through Opry performances, NextStage shows and heightened promotion to fans across brand platforms.

Since its launch in 2019, Opry NextStage artists have achieved a combined 33 No. 1 hits, spending a total of 43 weeks atop the Country Aircheck/Mediabase airplay chart. The program has introduced fans to rising stars such as Green, Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, Parker McCollum and Tenille Townes—all of whom went on to win ACM New Male or Female Artist of the Year after their NextStage inclusion. Wilson also made history as the first Opry NextStage alum to become an Opry member.

Kacey Musgraves, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Evan Honer, More Among Zootown Lineup

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Pictured (clockwise): Kacey Musgraves, Evan Honer and Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit.

Zootown Music Festival has unveiled its inaugural event lineup, taking place July 4 & 5 at the Missoula Fairgrounds in Missoula, Montana.

Hozier will headline on Friday (July. 4), with additional performances from Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Lake Street Dive, Julien Baker & Torres, La Lom, Mon Rovia, Buck Meek, Eggy, Griffin William Sherry, Lee Dewyze, The Dead & Down and Cole and the Thornes.

Saturday (July 5) will see performances from Mt. Joy, Modest Mouse, Evan Honer, Lee Fields, Madi Diaz, Dogs In A Pile, The Moss, Chaparelle, Stolen Gun and Why We Went West before Kacey Musgraves closes the weekend with her headline set.

Presented by Always On, Knitting Factory Presents and Shore Sound Entertainment in collaboration with Destination Missoula and The University of Montana’s Entertainment Management program, Zootown will showcase a live music event in a vibrant city renowned for its culinary and craft brewery scene, rich historical landmarks, Indigenous heritage and proximity to natural wonders and outdoor adventures, with over 60,000 acres of wilderness just minutes from downtown. As part of the festival’s partnership with GuideTime, half-day and full-day guided excursions will be available leading up to and following the festival, along with morning activities on show days. Excursion packages, premium lodging and RV and camping options can be found here.

Tickets will go on sale Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. MT. A limited quantity of discounted tickets, exclusively for locals, will be available for purchase in person at Rockin Rudy’s beginning today (Feb. 19) at 10 a.m MT.

Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcases To Begin Feb. 25

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Tennessee Songwriters Week wrapped its qualifying round with more than 1,200 songwriters performing at nearly 50 qualifying round venues across the state from Jan. 26-Feb. 8. Select artists who have been chosen will now compete at one of seven showcase events for the chance to perform their original music at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.

Selected songwriters will move on to one of seven Tennessee Songwriters Week showcases:
Feb. 25 – Lafayette’s Music Room in Memphis
Feb. 25 – The Bijou in Knoxville
Feb. 26 – Ole Red in Gatlinburg
Feb. 26 – Paramount Bristol in Bristol
Feb. 27 – Bessie Smith Cultural Center in Chattanooga
Feb. 28 – The Temple Theatre in Portland
March 1 – Franklin Theatre in Franklin

Led by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the seventh annual Tennessee Songwriters Week promotes music venues, offers songwriters live performance opportunities across all music genres, encourages visitation and inspires travelers to explore the state’s rich musical heritage, history, attractions and venues. Since its debut in 2019, over 4,000 songwriters have showcased their original music on Tennessee stages as part of the celebration each February.

Sony Music Publishing Promotes Taryn Miller

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Taryn Miller

Sony Music Publishing has promoted Taryn Miller to Vice President, IT Global Copyright & Royalties, effective immediately.

Miller will continue to be based out the company’s Nashville office, reporting to Sony Music Publishing’s Chief Information Officer Bill Starke. In her new role, Miller will be responsible for overseeing the development and management of the company’s royalty and copyright systems including Tempo, as well as its client portal SCORE. She will also be responsible for liaising across departments in support of the company’s enterprise applications.

Miller shares, “I am honored to be stepping into this new role and to further expand our technological support for our business and clients. It is a privilege to be a part of such an amazing team who truly puts songwriters first, and I am excited for what’s to come.”

Starke adds, “Taryn has been an invaluable member of our team and her contributions have continued to elevate our services for songwriters. I am thrilled to celebrate Taryn’s well-deserved promotion, and I look forward to working together as we continue to advance our capabilities across the business.”

With a career at the company spanning over twenty years, Miller has been instrumental in the continued growth and development of numerous enterprise applications across the business. Her first role was in the North American Royalty Administration department, and she later became a Tempo migration and business representation specialist and transitioned into the IT team. She most recently served as SMP’s Director, IT Global Administration Systems.