Robyn Ottolini Inks With ONErpm

Pictured (L-R): ONErpm’s Lindsey Terry, Mike Easterlin, Robyn Ottolini, ONErpm’s Emmanuel Zunz, Delmege MGMT’s Chelsea Smith and ONErpm’s Ryan Cunningham. Photo: Courtesy of ONErpm

Robyn Ottolini has signed with ONErpm.

The Canadian-born, Nashville-based artist has amassed more than 160 million streams across platforms, earned multiple Billboard Canadian Country Top 40 hits and nabbed a CCMA award. Her viral breakout track “F-150” garnered 60 million streams. Ottolini has shared stages with Shania Twain, Tim McGraw, Breland and Tyler Rich, among others.

Ottolini will release her debut album, A Safe Place To Land, on Aug. 21 via ONErpm. In celebration of the announcement, she released a new track, “God Knows I Try,” available everywhere today.

“‘God Knows I Try’ represents the shift from my people-pleasing tendencies to believing that everyone’s opinions are just that, opinions,” says Ottolini. “It’s not only a declaration to others, but a reminder to myself that I’m trying my best and giving everything in my heart to this life. My effort and intentions are what define me, not where I may fall short in someone else’s eyes. Embracing circumstances for what they are and finding grace in imperfection are core themes throughout this album. That’s why I wanted to introduce my debut album with this song. It reflects the trust I’ve learned to have in myself and the belief that, no matter what happens, I can be proud knowing I gave it my all.”

The 13-track project was written alongside Matthew Morrisey, Callie Prince, Parker Graye, Lydia Vaughan and Kyle Sturrock, among others. The Lenny Pey-produced album explores healing, growth, self-discovery and the hard-won optimism that emerges on the other side of heartbreak.

A Safe Place To Land Track List:
1. “Growing Down” (Robyn Ottolini, John Frank, Lauren Vale) +
2. “God Knows I Try” (Robyn Ottolini, Matthew Morrisey, Jesse Slack) ^
3. “Wranglin’ The Wind” (Robyn Ottolini, Callie Prince, Parker Graye) ^
4. “Lovin’ You Lovin’ Her” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, Callie Prince) ^
5. “If I Was A Truck” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, AJ Gatio) ^
6. “Airplane Bottle” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, Tiffany Goss, AJ Gatio) *
7. “Other Girls” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, Matthew Morrisey) ^
8. “Unfamiliar Heaven” (Robyn Ottolini, Mariah Dion) ^
9. “A Safe Place To Land” (Robyn Ottolini, Parker Graye, Matthew Morrisey) ^
10. “Before My Dog” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey) ^
11. “Better Not To Know” (Robyn Ottolini, Lydia Vaughan, Kyle Sturrock) ^
12. “If Hell Were A Bar” (Robyn Ottolini, John Frank, Lauren Vale) ^
13. “Life’s A Bitch (And Then You Die)” (Robyn Ottolini, Lenny Pey, Callie Prince, Parker Graye, Jesse Slack, Matt Morrisey) ^
Producers:
^ Lenny Pey
* Lenny Pey, Jordan Schmidt
+ Robyn Ottolini

Country Thunder Wisconsin Adds To 2026 Lineup

Country Thunder Wisconsin, set for July 16-19 at Shadow Hill Ranch in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, has added even more to its 2026 lineup.

The Lake Stage presented by 102.3 the Coyote will spotlight the next generation of local talent with more than 20 up-and-coming artists from the Wisconsin region and beyond taking the stage throughout the weekend. Joining the Lake Stage lineup are Chad Carlson, RIPLOCK, Lola Blu, Burn n Bush Roseland, Austin Hopkins, Mac O’Brien, Lara Bell, Bootjack RoadNate Venturelli, Kelly Daniels, SJ McDonald and Noah Hicks. 

The 2026 performers for the daily Songwriters Showcase, presented by American Songwriter have also been announced and will include Ryan Beaver, Neil MedleyChase McDaniel, Benjy Davis and Trent Wayne, as well as the American Songwriter Contest Winner on Sunday (July 19).

Headlined by Gavin Adcock, Riley Green, Keith Urban and The Red Clay Strays, Country Thunder Wisconsin boasts an all-star roster featuring country’s most celebrated artists and fastest-rising newcomers. Hitmakers like Ian Munsick, Nate Smith and Shaboozey, join breakout talent like George Birge, Dasha, Corey Kent, Mae Estes and more on the four-day lineup.

Morgan Wallen Extends MusicRow Radio Chart Reign With ‘Don’t We’

Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen extends his reign atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart as “Don’t We” earns a sixth consecutive week at No. 1.

The hit comes off his fourth studio album I’m The Problem and was written by Wallen, Rocky Block, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass and Charlie Handsome.

Wallen is currently on the road wrapping up his Still The Problem Tour with three final stops in Baltimore, Ann Arbor, and Philadelphia.

“Don’t We” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 3 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Mandy Barnett & Kelly Sutton To Host SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards

Mandy Barnett and Kelly Sutton will host this year’s SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards.

The 23rd annual event, presented by Springer Mountain Farms, will take place on Aug. 25 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium. As previously announced, this year’s inductees include Debbie Cheek Carroll, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Private Practice), MusiCares, Belmont University; Paige Conners, CBS Records/Sony Music Nashville, Warner Bros. Records Nashville, Paul Worley Productions, Nashville Musicians Association, AFM Local 257; Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville; Margie McGahey, WSM Radio/Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Association,101.7 The WORM; Sherry Oakley, BMI; and Carla Wallace, Big Yellow Dog.

Tickets for the event are on sale now. For partnership and program ad opportunities, reach out to Rachel Guttmann here.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe Team For Disc Of The Day

Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe

The country veterans show the kiddies how it’s done in this edition of DISClaimer. 

Hall of Famers Reba McEntire, Randy Travis and Ricky Skaggs set the pace, and the new stars scamper to keep up. The Disc of the Day belongs to the groovy Little Big Town & Ashley Monroe collaboration.

Riley Green’s tour mate Hannah McFarland earns this week’s DISCovery Award.

PARKER McCOLLUM & LEE ANN WOMACK / “Killin’ Me
Writers: Monty Criswell/Parker McCollum/Randy Rogers; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA
Honky-tonk romance with steam heat. The unexpected duet is a worthy and marvelous country-music surprise. Drawn from the deluxe edition of Parker’s ACM Album of the Year.

RILEY GREEN & HANNAH McFARLAND / “Go Again
Writer: Riley Green; Producers: Dann Huff, Jimmy Harnen, Scott Borchetta; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
McFarland has an ear-catching singing style with lovely, delicate, heart-in-throat vocal curlicues and catches. It’s a nice, contrasting compliment to Green’s plain-spoken country delivery. The ballad is simply produced with plenty of open space to showcase their sexy story.

JESSE WELLES / “Masks Off
Writer: Jesse Welles; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: JW
This road warrior, neo-folk troubadour introduces his new album with its title tune. He cranks his acoustic style up with electric guitar as he spits a political/poetic lyric about the bald-faced, shameless effrontery of America’s right-wing leadership. The Arkansan continues to be our closest modern torch bearer of the legacies of Woody Guthrie and early Bob Dylan. Welles is nominated as Artist of the Year in this year’s Americana Music Awards, to be presented in Nashville on Sept. 16.

RICKY SKAGGS / “Say a Prayer
Writers: Ben Cooper/Gordon Kennedy; Producers: Gordon Kennedy. Ricky Skaggs; Label: Skaggs Family Records
Skaggs looks around him and doesn’t like what he sees is happening to America. Amidst a nicely arranged contemporary instrumental stew, he sings an upbeat anthem of hope. This is the first new music from this Country Music Hall of Famer in more than a decade and is a welcome return to form.

JESSE & NOAH / “Lina Rose
Writers: Jesse Bellamy/Noah Bellamy; Producers: Jesse Bellamy, Noah Bellamy; Label: Usonia
David Bellamy’s sons have all it takes to achieve independent stardom. Their new LP The Sunshine Shop features this power-drill, twang-soaked country rocker with a doom-y lyric about a scary wife bent on murderous mayhem. Highly recommended. The collection also includes collaborations with Tess Frizzell (”On Again Off Again”) and Riders in the Sky (”Old Cowboys”).

ELLA LANGLEY / “Loving Life Again
Writers: Devin Dawson/Ella Langley/Ernest Keith Smith; Producers: Ben West, Devin Dawson, Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Label: SAWGOD/Columbia
Sweet, gentle, sentimental and peaceful. When she gets down in the dumps, music and memories bring her back to loving life. Tuneful, wistful.

GAVIN ADCOCK & HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Cheap Thrills
Writers: Gavin Adcock/Hudson Westbrook/Reid Haughton; Producers: Jay Rodgers, Ryan Youmans; Label: Warner Records Nashville
A party-hearty stomper with jerky shifts in tempo and loads of attitude.

TUCKER WETMORE / “Who Told You That
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: MCA
His vocal might be some kind of accelerated country, but this sounds like a pop-rock song to me.

RAELYNN & RHETT AKINS / “We’re American Made
Writers: Amy Stroup/Bob DiPiero/Pat McManus; Producer: Corey Crowder; Label: Red Van Records
Sunny and lively. They took the Oak Ridge Boys “American Made” hit from 1983 and rewrote the lyrics to be a celebration of the country. Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Akins has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast, and you can bet I’ll be there when they induct him. Meanwhile, RaeLynn is kicking up her heels of the Luke Bryan tour this summer.

THE BAND PERRY & KAITLIN BUTTS / “You Lie
Writers: Aaron Henningsen/Brian Henningsen/Clara Henningsen; Producer: Beau Bedford; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Kimberly Perry updates her 2011 hit by duetting with Butts on it. The original was better.

RANDY TRAVIS / “Fish On
Writers: Randy Travis/Ron Avis; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Warner Records Nashville
Perfect for summer listening. This lickety-split bopper is previously unreleased. Which is amazing, since it has more hooks than a tuna boat and Travis never sounded better than he does on this merry, breezy, octave-spanning performance. Absolutely play this.

LITTLE BIG TOWN & ASHLEY MONROE / “Sucker for a Sad Song
Writers: Ashley Monroe/Karen Fairchild/Shelby Lynne; Producers: Gena Johnson, Karen Fairchild; Label: MCA
Groove-saturated, bluesy/moody, wafting heartbreak. Sad country song titles whisper in and out of the lyric while the sensuous rhythm swirls.

REBA McENTIRE / “Ain’t Gonna Keep It Waitin
Writers: Brett Beavers/Connie Harrington/Kelley Lovelace; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Rockin’ R Records
Roll down the windows, put the car in highway drive and crank up this delightfully bright country rocker. Rolling audio pleasure.

Ty Herndon Signs With Universal Attractions Agency

Ty Herndon.

Ty Herndon has signed exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency (UAA).

UAA will spearhead Herndon’s global representation across all major entertainment verticals, including live touring, film, television, theatrical Broadway productions and professional speaking engagements with Gabe Israel acting as responsible agent.

Herndon launched his career at the Opryland theme park as a member of The Tennessee River Boys. After signing with Epic Records, Herndon skyrocketed to solo fame in 1995 with the chart-topping single “What Mattered Most,” the first of his 17 Billboard charting hits. He released his memoir, What Mattered Most, on March 31 via Dey Street Books.

“Ty Herndon is a rare, generational talent whose voice, story, and artistry transcend the boundaries of a single genre,” says Israel. “From filling music venues to moving audiences with his deeply personal story of resilience, Ty’s potential across touring, television, film, and Broadway is limitless. “We are thrilled to welcome him to the UAA family and to build an expansive new chapter for an artist who has already given so much to country music and American culture.”

“I am incredibly excited to partner with the visionary team at Universal Attractions Agency,” shares Herndon. “As I look back on 30 years in this business, I feel more energized than ever to create, perform, and share my story. Whether it’s on a concert stage, a theater marquee, or a television screen, this partnership is about breaking new ground and connecting with people in ways that impact hearts and minds.”

Inaugural Music City Kickoff Concert Set For September

The first-ever Music City Kickoff Concert is set to take place at Nashville’s Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater on Sept. 5.

The concert will feature performances by Lee Brice, Gabby Barrett and Payton Smith, and marks the official start of a weekend of college sporting events hosted by the Nashville Sports Council.

The festivities continue Sunday (Sept. 6) at Bridgestone Arena for the second annual Sprouts Farmers Market Broadway Block Party and a women’s college volleyball double-header. Later that evening, the action shifts across the Cumberland River to Nissan Stadium for the inaugural Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff, a college football season opener between the Louisville Cardinals and Ole Miss Rebels.

“We’re continuously looking for creative ways to engage locals and tourists with new sporting events and continued elevation of Nashville’s favorite traditions,” says Scott Ramsey, President and CEO of the Nashville Sports Council. “Nashville has long been known as Music City, and we’ve worked tirelessly to make it a sports destination as well. This inaugural concert brings the two together for an unforgettable holiday weekend of entertainment.”

Tickets for the Music City Kickoff Concert go on sale to the general public tomorrow (July 10).

AUDION Foundation Launches Inaugural Creative Mentorship Program

The AUDION Foundation, a new nonprofit dedicated to supporting Nashville’s emerging creative community, has announced a list of industry professionals who will serve as mentors in its inaugural Creative Mentorship Program.

AUDION’s Founding Mentor Class has earned Grammy awards and nominations, RIAA Diamond Certifications, CMA, ACM, BMI, and SESAC Song of the Year honors, SESAC Songwriter of the Year nods, CMA’s Triple Play Awards, BMI Millionaire Awards, BMI Multi-Platinum awards, Golden Globe and CMT Award nominations, and Dove Awards. Their work encompasses more than 30 No. 1 songs, and inclusion in countless films, thousands of TV episodes and commercials, millions of records and video games sold worldwide, and billions of streams.

“Every successful creative can point to someone who reached back to pull them forward at a pivotal moment in their journey – someone who changed the trajectory of their career,” says Zac Koffler, president of the AUDION Foundation. “This program exists to create more of those moments. Nashville has long been defined by creatives supporting other creatives and industry leaders elevating up-and-comers, and we are honored to continue that tradition in a highly intentional and impactful way. Every mentor participating in this program understands a simple truth: careers are often shaped by people willing to believe in you before the rest of the world does. Together, they represent the creative heartbeat of Music City.”

Spearheaded by AUDION Foundation Team Members Koffler, Martha Kenny, James Dail and Max Abrams, the Creative Mentorship Program is designed to meet creatives wherever they are in their own journeys and amplify their efforts through unique mentorship opportunities such as co-writes, creative collaborations, career conversations, and real-world industry opportunities. The program will launch later this year with an inaugural cohort of 10 selected mentees who will each collaborate with up to six mentors. The number of program participants will grow in future years.

Applications for AUDION’s Creative Mentorship Program are available now. Participation is free, and applicants must be 18 years of age or older and reside within 30 miles of Nashville.

The 2026 AUDION Founding Mentor Class:
Anna Wilson – Artist, Songwriter
Anthony L. Smith – Songwriter, Producer, Publisher, Manager
Austin Nivarel – Songwriter, Producer, Multi-Instrumentalist
Belles – Artist, Songwriter
Derek George – Songwriter, Producer, Musician, Publisher
Dwayne Wright – Songwriter, Producer, Musician, MD
Emily West – Artist, Songwriter
Gabe Lee – Artist, Songwriter
Gina Waters Miller – Music & Leadership Strategist, Talent Manager
Greg Camp – Artist, Songwriter, Composer, Producer
Greg Lucid – President, Lucid Creative Services
Haley Teske – Booking Agent
Heather Morgan – Songwriter
Jake Hoot – Artist, Songwriter
James Marsh Jr. – Director of Radio Accounts, Warner Records Nashville
James Otto – Artist, Songwriter
Jamie Moore – Songwriter, Producer
Jeff Cohen – Songwriter
JoJamie Harr – EVP, Recorded Music, BMG
Lance Alleman – Booking Agent
Madeline Edwards – Artist, Songwriter
Mike Reynolds – Artist & Label Management, MNJR
Monty Powell – Songwriter, Producer
Norman Jacob – Artist & Label Management, MNJR
Phil Hughley – Producer, Songwriter, Artist
Rachel Whitney – Streaming Executive
Rudy Newman – Artist & Label Management, MNJR
Tammi Kidd – Songwriter
Wendy Moten – Artist, Vocalist
Wil Merrell – Artist, Vocalist, ‘Artistpreneur’

Get After It Media Launches New Streaming Platform Heartland+

Get After It Media has launched Heartland+, a new streaming platform featuring live TV, on-demand movies and series, original programming, and curated music channels in one destination.

Heartland+ provides live streaming from Get After It Media’s network lineup, including The Heartland Network, Retro TV, Rev’n Action, and Hasbro Legends. Viewers can also enjoy Unbeaten Sports Channel, along with Stingray’s television shows, including Stingray Hooked (fishing), Stingray Stand-Up (stand-up comedy), and Stingray Qello (concert specials and music documentaries). Viewers can enjoy country music programming, classic television, automotive and outdoor entertainment, action sports, championship wrestling, iconic toy franchises, and more.

The on-demand library brings together beloved TV favorites spanning generations, including The Carol Burnett Show, The Best of The Ed Sullivan Show, The Real McCoys, Bonanza, The Lucy Show, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, and The Beverly Hillbillies, along with additional comedies, westerns, variety shows, and nostalgic favorites. Heartland+ also showcases an expanding collection of feature films, acclaimed music documentaries, and concert experiences including Sting, Elton John, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.

Heartland+ is also home to original programming including Barbecue Country, Country Fix, Keith Stegall’s High Dollar Hill, and The Heartland Network’s new hosted video series, Heartland Hits, artist interviews, live performances, and additional exclusive content. The platform also features 17 Stingray streaming music channels spanning Adult Pop, Alternative, Latin, Soul & R&B, Country, Classic Rock, Jazz, Easy Listening, Spa, Greatest Hits, today’s chart-toppers, and decade-based favorites from the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, 2000s, and today.

Heartland+ delivers a diverse collection of content accessible anytime across mobile devices, tablets, smart TVs, and web browsers. Viewers can access Heartland+ on the website or by downloading the Heartland+ app from Google Play or Apple. Heartland+ is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, and coming soon to LG and Samsung smart TVs.

Industry Ink: Eric Church, CMHOFM, Blake Whiten, Charlie Reece

Eric Church & Epiphone Unveil Hummingbird Dark

Eric Church.`Photo: Courtesy of Epiphone

Eric Church and Epiphone have partnered to release the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Eric Church Hummingbird Dark, a special limited-edition signature acoustic-electric guitar modeled after Church’s beloved Gibson Hummingbird. The guitar is available now.

“For me, a great guitar is about expression—finding something honest and putting it out into the world,” says Church. “We’ve been working on this Epiphone Hummingbird Dark, and it’s been with me out on the road for the past two years, part of that journey every single night. It’s where songs take shape, where ideas turn into something real. I’m excited for other players to get their hands on it and see where it leads them, because that’s what this is all about—finding your voice and having the right partner to help you say it.”

 

Marc Scibilia Visits CMHOFM Songwriting Camp

Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Marc Scibilia recently visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s intermediate-to-advanced Songwriting Camp as a guest artist, where he answered questions about his career and performed “By Your Side” and “More to This.”

 

Blake Whiten Celebrates Album Release With National TV Debut & Hometown Release Show

Blake Whiten. Photo: Turner Rosen

Blake Whiten celebrated the release of his debut album, Something To Say, with his national television debut on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. Live from New York City, Whiten performed his current single “Bet On That.” Watch the performance here.

He returned home to Six Mile, South Carolina on Sunday (July 5) for a celebration that drew hundreds of people to Durham’s Convenience Mart for a performance, bonfire and more.

 

Charlie Reece Signs With Red Clay Cartel In Partnership With ADA

Charlie Reece. Photo: Dennys Ilic

Charlie Reece has signed with Red Clay Cartel in partnership with ADA, the independent label and artist services arm of Warner Music Group.

“I’m incredibly grateful for this partnership with ADA and Warner Music Group and to be part of the launch of Red Clay Cartel,” says Reece. “It means a lot to have the opportunity for my music to be heard and to keep building from here.”

“We’re excited to partner with Red Clay Cartel as they begin building their roster with Charlie Reece,” adds MaryLynne Drexler, Global Head of Content Acquisition and Business and Legal Affairs. “They have a clear artist-focused vision and a long-term approach to development, and we look forward to supporting their growth and future releases.”