MusicRow is proud to reveal the honorees for the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2025. These six female executives are making a significant impact on Nashville’s country music industry, including: Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant.
City National Bank is Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Rising Women on the Row, which will take place at the Omni Nashville Hotel at 8:30 a.m. March 20.
Now in its 12th year, MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women on the Row event has honored over 50 women in the Nashville music industry.
Tickets for Rising Women on the Row are now closed. They will not be sold at the door.
For any questions regarding the event, contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
This year’s honorees include:
Lydia Schultz Cahill
Lydia Schultz Cahill – Senior Director, Creative Services, SESAC
Lydia Schultz Cahill is Senior Director of Creative Services at SESAC PRO, where she oversees the country genre in Nashville. She supports songwriter and publisher affiliates, recruits new talent and collaborates with artists and songwriters like Blanco Brown, Jon Nite, Allison Veltz Cruz, Dillon Carmichael and Jenny Tolman. Cahill also produces SESAC-sponsored events, including Tin Pan South, SESAC Presents at the Bluebird and songwriter showcases across the Southeast. Before joining SESAC in 2016, Cahill was Creative Director at Magic Mustang Music, where she worked with acclaimed songwriters Steve Bogard, Kristian Bush, Rob Hatch and Justin Lantz. She began her career as an assistant to Grammy-winning songwriter JD Souther and later held roles in the Legal and Finance Department at Broken Bow Records. A Wisconsin native, Cahill graduated from Belmont University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from its Music Business program. In 2024, she completed her master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee.
Rakiyah Marshall
Rakiyah Marshall – Founder + CEO, Back Blocks Music
Rakiyah Marshall is the Founder and CEO of Back Blocks, a full-service publishing, management and artist development company. Under her leadership, Back Blocks has guided the careers of Blake Pendergrass, Ashley Cooke, Tucker Wetmore and Lily Rose. Marshall and her team recently celebrated major milestones, including Cooke and Wetmore’s first No. 1 hits. Before founding Back Blocks, Marshall built a strong foundation in pop promotion at Republic Records in NYC, including time at UMG’s classical division (now Verve). She later brought her expertise in radio, streaming, marketing, and artist development to Nashville, working at Cornman Music under hall of fame songwriter, Brett James and BMG under Kos Weaver. There, she advocated for writers, placed notable songs and bridged Nashville with the global creative community. Now, Marshall continues to shape Back Blocks into a leading force in the industry, driving success for her roster through innovative strategies and dedicated advocacy.
Michelle Tigard Kammerer
Michelle Tigard Kammerer – Head of Country Music, Amazon Music
As Head of Country Music at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer has driven the streaming service’s growth in the genre since 2021. She oversees marketing, artist and label relations and innovative collaborations, managing influential brands like Country Heat. Under her leadership, Amazon Music has introduced new initiatives and strengthened connections between country artists and their fans. Kammerer’s career began at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she helped sign and launch the careers of several leading country acts. She then served as Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) before re-launching the historic Dot Records label under Big Machine Label Group as National Director of Marketing & Promotion. In 2017, she expanded her leadership as Senior National Director of Marketing & Promotion at BMLG Records, where she worked closely with a range of top artists. Now at Amazon Music, Kammerer continues to champion the evolution of country music, leveraging her experience across agencies, labels and streaming to innovate and elevate the genre.
Katie Kerkhover
Katie Kerkhover – SVP, A&R, North America, BBR Music Group/BMG
Joining BMG in 2020, Kerkhover currently serves as SVP, A&R, North America, a position she was elevated to in December 2024. Her first position at BMG was as Senior Director, Creative, in music publishing, where she managed BMG’s Nashville roster of songwriters, including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Stephen Wilson Jr., Emily Landis and Chayce Beckham, among others, while also signing and developing new songwriters and artists. Kerkhover was promoted to VP, A&R, Frontline Recordings for BMG Nashville in 2022, where she was responsible for BBR Music Group’s (BBRMG) roster of recording artists across its imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records, as well as scouting, signing and developing new talent. Since leading A&R for BBRMG, she’s worked with Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Chayce Beckham and is working with Blake Shelton’s team on his BMG Nashville debut. Previously, Kerkhover served nearly three years as a Creative Manager at Sony/ATV and garnered experience as A&R, Creative at CAM Creative. Before jumping behind the scenes of the music industry, she spent years on the road as a performing musician often playing fiddle, guitar or providing backing vocals for acts like Sara Evans and Rebecca Lynn Howard.
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson – VP, A&R / Digital, Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson is VP, A&R and Digital at Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville, where she strategizes innovative opportunities and guidance for songwriters and artists. With a proven track record of success, Stevenson has helped advance the careers of influential country music creators, including Jessi Alexander, Aaron Raitiere, Rhett Akins, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Hailey Whitters, Morgan Wallen, Randy Montana, Will Bundy, Lee Miller and Little Big Town, among others. Born and raised in Nolensville, Tennessee, Stevenson honed her industry acumen during her time at Belmont University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Business and gained valuable experience through roles at CMT, Warner Brothers Records, Bill Silva Entertainment and SoundExchange. In 2015, she founded JV Writer Management, successfully supporting the careers of award-winning songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall. At WCM, Stevenson champions diverse talent across genres, identifying and developing the next generation of hitmakers. While dedicated to her professional endeavors, Stevenson finds her greatest joy in motherhood and family.
Julie Sturdivant
Julie Sturdivant – Music Brand Partnerships Executive, CAA
Julie Sturdivant is a Music Brand Partnerships Executive at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Nashville, leading brand collaborations for artists like Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Keith Urban and Kelsea Ballerini. Over the past year, she orchestrated major partnerships, including Jelly Roll’s multi-year deal with HeyDude, Warren Zeiders’ ambassadorship with Wild Turkey’s 101 Bold Nights and Koe Wetzel’s collaboration with Rock & Roll Denim. She also brokered Charley Crockett’s campaign with The Alamo Foundation and Aaron Watson’s Texas-sized Super Bowl commercial with HEB. Sturdivant began her career on-air at KOST 103.5 in California before joining Universal Music Group-Interscope Records, where she worked on campaigns for Lady Gaga, All American Rejects and Black Eyed Peas. She later built a reputation for innovative marketing during her 12 years leading Marbaloo Marketing. With expertise spanning radio, global marketing and digital innovation, Sturdivant continues to create impactful partnerships in music.
BREAKING: MusicRow Reveals 2025 Rising Women On The Row Honorees
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow is proud to reveal the honorees for the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2025. These six female executives are making a significant impact on Nashville’s country music industry, including: Lydia Schultz Cahill, Rakiyah Marshall, Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Katie Kerkhover, Jessi Vaughn Stevenson and Julie Sturdivant.
City National Bank is Presenting Sponsor for the 2025 Rising Women on the Row, which will take place at the Omni Nashville Hotel at 8:30 a.m. March 20.
Now in its 12th year, MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women on the Row event has honored over 50 women in the Nashville music industry.
Tickets for Rising Women on the Row are now closed. They will not be sold at the door.
For any questions regarding the event, contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
This year’s honorees include:
Lydia Schultz Cahill
Lydia Schultz Cahill – Senior Director, Creative Services, SESAC
Lydia Schultz Cahill is Senior Director of Creative Services at SESAC PRO, where she oversees the country genre in Nashville. She supports songwriter and publisher affiliates, recruits new talent and collaborates with artists and songwriters like Blanco Brown, Jon Nite, Allison Veltz Cruz, Dillon Carmichael and Jenny Tolman. Cahill also produces SESAC-sponsored events, including Tin Pan South, SESAC Presents at the Bluebird and songwriter showcases across the Southeast. Before joining SESAC in 2016, Cahill was Creative Director at Magic Mustang Music, where she worked with acclaimed songwriters Steve Bogard, Kristian Bush, Rob Hatch and Justin Lantz. She began her career as an assistant to Grammy-winning songwriter JD Souther and later held roles in the Legal and Finance Department at Broken Bow Records. A Wisconsin native, Cahill graduated from Belmont University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from its Music Business program. In 2024, she completed her master’s degree in social work from the University of Tennessee.
Rakiyah Marshall
Rakiyah Marshall – Founder + CEO, Back Blocks Music
Rakiyah Marshall is the Founder and CEO of Back Blocks, a full-service publishing, management and artist development company. Under her leadership, Back Blocks has guided the careers of Blake Pendergrass, Ashley Cooke, Tucker Wetmore and Lily Rose. Marshall and her team recently celebrated major milestones, including Cooke and Wetmore’s first No. 1 hits. Before founding Back Blocks, Marshall built a strong foundation in pop promotion at Republic Records in NYC, including time at UMG’s classical division (now Verve). She later brought her expertise in radio, streaming, marketing, and artist development to Nashville, working at Cornman Music under hall of fame songwriter, Brett James and BMG under Kos Weaver. There, she advocated for writers, placed notable songs and bridged Nashville with the global creative community. Now, Marshall continues to shape Back Blocks into a leading force in the industry, driving success for her roster through innovative strategies and dedicated advocacy.
Michelle Tigard Kammerer
Michelle Tigard Kammerer – Head of Country Music, Amazon Music
As Head of Country Music at Amazon Music, Michelle Tigard Kammerer has driven the streaming service’s growth in the genre since 2021. She oversees marketing, artist and label relations and innovative collaborations, managing influential brands like Country Heat. Under her leadership, Amazon Music has introduced new initiatives and strengthened connections between country artists and their fans. Kammerer’s career began at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where she helped sign and launch the careers of several leading country acts. She then served as Senior Director of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) before re-launching the historic Dot Records label under Big Machine Label Group as National Director of Marketing & Promotion. In 2017, she expanded her leadership as Senior National Director of Marketing & Promotion at BMLG Records, where she worked closely with a range of top artists. Now at Amazon Music, Kammerer continues to champion the evolution of country music, leveraging her experience across agencies, labels and streaming to innovate and elevate the genre.
Katie Kerkhover
Katie Kerkhover – SVP, A&R, North America, BBR Music Group/BMG
Joining BMG in 2020, Kerkhover currently serves as SVP, A&R, North America, a position she was elevated to in December 2024. Her first position at BMG was as Senior Director, Creative, in music publishing, where she managed BMG’s Nashville roster of songwriters, including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Stephen Wilson Jr., Emily Landis and Chayce Beckham, among others, while also signing and developing new songwriters and artists. Kerkhover was promoted to VP, A&R, Frontline Recordings for BMG Nashville in 2022, where she was responsible for BBR Music Group’s (BBRMG) roster of recording artists across its imprints Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records, as well as scouting, signing and developing new talent. Since leading A&R for BBRMG, she’s worked with Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Chayce Beckham and is working with Blake Shelton’s team on his BMG Nashville debut. Previously, Kerkhover served nearly three years as a Creative Manager at Sony/ATV and garnered experience as A&R, Creative at CAM Creative. Before jumping behind the scenes of the music industry, she spent years on the road as a performing musician often playing fiddle, guitar or providing backing vocals for acts like Sara Evans and Rebecca Lynn Howard.
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson – VP, A&R / Digital, Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson is VP, A&R and Digital at Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville, where she strategizes innovative opportunities and guidance for songwriters and artists. With a proven track record of success, Stevenson has helped advance the careers of influential country music creators, including Jessi Alexander, Aaron Raitiere, Rhett Akins, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Hailey Whitters, Morgan Wallen, Randy Montana, Will Bundy, Lee Miller and Little Big Town, among others. Born and raised in Nolensville, Tennessee, Stevenson honed her industry acumen during her time at Belmont University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Business and gained valuable experience through roles at CMT, Warner Brothers Records, Bill Silva Entertainment and SoundExchange. In 2015, she founded JV Writer Management, successfully supporting the careers of award-winning songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall. At WCM, Stevenson champions diverse talent across genres, identifying and developing the next generation of hitmakers. While dedicated to her professional endeavors, Stevenson finds her greatest joy in motherhood and family.
Julie Sturdivant
Julie Sturdivant – Music Brand Partnerships Executive, CAA
Julie Sturdivant is a Music Brand Partnerships Executive at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in Nashville, leading brand collaborations for artists like Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Keith Urban and Kelsea Ballerini. Over the past year, she orchestrated major partnerships, including Jelly Roll’s multi-year deal with HeyDude, Warren Zeiders’ ambassadorship with Wild Turkey’s 101 Bold Nights and Koe Wetzel’s collaboration with Rock & Roll Denim. She also brokered Charley Crockett’s campaign with The Alamo Foundation and Aaron Watson’s Texas-sized Super Bowl commercial with HEB. Sturdivant began her career on-air at KOST 103.5 in California before joining Universal Music Group-Interscope Records, where she worked on campaigns for Lady Gaga, All American Rejects and Black Eyed Peas. She later built a reputation for innovative marketing during her 12 years leading Marbaloo Marketing. With expertise spanning radio, global marketing and digital innovation, Sturdivant continues to create impactful partnerships in music.
Drew Baldridge Launches ‘The Tough People Fund’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: Drew Baldridge & Baker; Photo: Mike Rodway
Drew Baldridge has launched “The Tough People Fund,” a GoFundMe campaign that will aid individuals, families and communities experiencing the toughest of times.
The campaign launched yesterday (Feb. 4), directing efforts towards raising funds for a young fan, Baker, who is bravely battling cancer. Baldridge was moved when he learned that Baker found strength in his song “Tough People” as she underwent her treatments. Inspired by her resilience, he decided to take action and use his platform to support Baker and raise awareness for her fight.
“Baker’s diagnosis is heart-wrenching. Only 15-20% of pediatric leukemia cases are T-cell, and within that group, just 11-12% have the ETP markers, which make her case even rarer and harder to treat. This cancer is aggressive and complex, and the odds are stacked against her,” explains Baldridge. “But here’s the truth: Baker is not a statistic. She is a fighter. A warrior with an unstoppable spirit and the unwavering support of her family, friends, and community. Right now, Baker is undergoing Phase 2 chemotherapy, which is even more intense than the treatments she’s already been through. The road ahead is long, but we believe in her strength—and we know that together, we can help her win this fight.”
The fundraiser is live now here and, putting his money where his mouth is, he kicked off the campaign on World Cancer Day with a $1,000 donation of his own.
“Tough People,” co-written by Baldridge, Luke Combs, Adam Sanders, and Jordan Walker, is already making a significant impact at radio, currently climbing the charts and nearing the Top 15.
Allie Colleen Celebrates Season Of Growth On New EP ‘Sincerely, Rolling Stone’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Moments By Moser Photography
Allie Colleen is kicking off the new year with her new five track EP, Sincerely, Rolling Stone, set for release February 21.
The reflective, deeply personal project includes tracks co-written by Colleen with Stephen Hunley, Eric Dodd, Megan Barker and more. A limited edition vinyl of the album is available for pre-sale now.
“I wanted to return to my roots of creating—creating something that reflects how I feel,” explains Colleen. “In the world of commercial music, everyone wants something they can relate to, something that feels like it was written specifically for them. Growing up, I didn’t have the luxury of relating to the people around me. I felt very isolated in my world, shaped by my childhood experiences. This year, I’ve experienced heartbreak in a way I never have before. I’ve faced loss and isolation so profound that I don’t know how to make you relate to it. These songs, however, are for me. I don’t know if anyone on this planet will connect with them, but they saved my life in one way or another and played a pivotal role in my recent season of growth.”
Sincerely, Rolling Stone Track List:
1. “Rolling Stone” (Allie Colleen, Stephen Hunley, Eric Dodd, Connor Sweet)
2. “Grass On The Grave” (Alyssa Trahan, Krystal Polychronis, Craig Wilson, Allie Colleen)
3. “Oklahoma Mountains” (Allie Colleen, Matt Wynn, John Kraft)
4. “Household Name” (Allie Colleen, Eric Dodd, Stephen Hunley)
5. “Nicotine” (Allie Colleen, Megan Barker, Lockwood Bar)
Mike Curb Donates Funding For New Student Recording Facility At UCLA
/by Madison HahnenMike Curb
Mike Curb, former Lieutenant Governor and acting Governor of California, as well as a music industry veteran, has funded the construction of a new student recording facility at UCLA’s Herb Alpert School of Music, which will begin in 2025. This contribution continues the long-standing philanthropic partnership between the Mike Curb Foundation and the School of Music, which has spanned over ten years. The facility will be housed in the Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center.
“I am very pleased to extend my commitment to create a creative lab space that will serve as a training ground for young music professionals to hone their skills and master their craft at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music,” shares Curb. “We are proud to be joining our support with philanthropists and music industry pioneers Herb Alpert, Mo Ostin and Berry Gordy.”
The Mike Curb Foundation made its inaugural donation to the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music in 2012, supporting the establishment of a computer music lab in the Ostin Music Center. This latest gift will fund a full renovation of that space, transforming it into the Mike Curb Student Recording Facility, which will include two new mixing/editing rooms and faculty studios.
“Mike Curb has a passion for educational philanthropy,” says Eileen Stempel, Dean of The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. “We are thrilled that he has provided our students with professional-level facilities to foster their development. This will be a significant enhancement for our music industry program.”
Since becoming an independent school in 2016, the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music has been recognized as one of the top music business schools by Billboard. In 2023, the school launched its own independent music industry program, taught by a faculty of academic researchers and industry professionals. The program leverages the school’s extensive resources, including two large theaters, one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of musical instruments, and the UCLA Music Library, the largest in southern California. In conjunction with the newly established Berry Gordy Music Industry Center, the program supports course development and provides students with internships and professional opportunities in the industry.
“Music industry students require professional level facilities to apprentice in, while also having their own creative space to experiment and explore their musical ideas,” adds Robert Fink, Special Academic Senior Associate Sean and Chair of the music industry program. “We are excited to be opening the Mike Curb Student Recording Facility, so we can provide our students even more opportunities to develop these industry critical skills.”
The Mike Curb Foundation’s donation aligns with its long-standing mission of supporting education and culture. Since its founding more than 20 years ago, the foundation has contributed over $200 million in grants to advance education, the arts, cultural preservation, homelessness relief and various community initiatives. Its charitable efforts reflects Curb’s commitment to giving back to the community and inspiring others to do the same.
Shaboozey Breaks Record For Most Weeks At No. 1 On Radio Songs Chart
/by Madison HahnenShaboozey. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk
Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” extends its reign to a 27th week at No. 1 on Billboard’s Radio Songs chart, surpassing The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” to claim the record for the longest time spent at No. 1 in the chart’s history.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” previously spent a record-tying 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which factors in streaming, airplay and sales, starting in July of last year.
The track remains at No. 1 on the Radio Songs chart with an audience of 63.3 million for the week of Jan. 24-30, remaining mostly steady from the previous week, according to data from Luminate. The chart tracks all-format airplay across over 1,000 monitored radio stations. KDHT (Hits 95.7) in Denver has played the song the most, with over 4,000 spins to date.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy),” released via American Dogwood/EMPIRE with country radio promotion by Magnolia Music, topped the Country Airplay chart for seven consecutive weeks starting last August, marking the longest No. 1 streak for a debut single. It also continues to make history, remaining in the top 10 for a record-extending 31st week.
The song also made history as the first to break into the top five on Country Airplay, Pop Airplay and Adult Pop Airplay, where it spent two weeks at No. 1 on each chart, as well as Rhythmic Airplay, where it peaked at No. 3.
“There were many, many doubters of our ability to work this record at radio,” EMPIRE COO Nima Etminan shared to Billboard. “The industry loves telling independents that there’s a ceiling to what they can do on their own, and this was no different. We were told it can’t be done, and, as we like to do, we proved them wrong. We’ve assembled a fantastic team that we had full faith in – and they delivered.”
Weekly Register: Kane Brown Debuts At No. 2 On Country Albums Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeKane Brown
Morgan Wallen stays at the top of the country albums and streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His 2023 One Thing At A Time album amassed 41K in total consumption (774 album only and 52 million song streams). Wallen’s newest track “Smile,” remains atop the songs chart with 13 million streams adding to 80 million total.
Also on the albums chart, Kane Brown debuts at No. 2 with The High Road earning 40k in total consumption, Wallen at No. 3 with Dangerous: The Double Album with 31K in total consumption, Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion with 25K and Jelly Roll‘s Beautifully Broken with 19K.
On the songs chart, Shaboozey maintains the No. 2 position with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” earning 12.5 million streams adding to one billion, Wallen’s “Love Somebody” climbs to No. 3 with 11 million, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” drops to No. 4 with 11 million streams, and Sam Barber and Avery Anna‘s “Indigo” claims 8.6 million.
Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Names New Troubadour Advisory Council Members, Leadership Team
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Troubadour Advisory Council, comprised of a team of dedicated young leaders in the Nashville community, has named its 2025 members and leadership team.
The 2025 Leadership Team:
Elizabeth Lombardi, Chair (Executive, Business Affairs, Music Touring, Creative Artists Agency)
Zach Farnum, Vice-Chair (Owner, 117 Entertainment)
Nina Jenkins Fisher, Vice-Chair (Senior Director, Creative, Jody Williams Songs)
Brenden Oliver, Vice-Chair (Director of Awards Stewardship, Country Music Association)
The Troubadour Advisory Council’s 2025 members:
Scott Adkins (President/CEO, Adkins Publicity)
Karli Berman (Teacher, Metro Nashville Public Schools)
Christopher Beverly (Senior Business & Entertainment Attorney, Shields Construction Law, PLLC)
Kasey Cleckler (Owner, Executive + Performance Coach, Cape + Anchor)
Katie Cline Moore (Business Manager, Cline Co Business & Financial Management)
Emily Dryburgh (A+R, Creative Director: Raven Entertainment and Co-Founder: Young Music City + RNBW Queer Music Collective)
Taylor Edwards (Associate Portfolio Manager, AllianceBernstein)
Alex Hall (Recording Artist, Monument Records)
Brittney Hitch (Contract & Booking Manager, Bridgestone Arena)
Cody Kirby (Associate Counsel, Parallon – An HCA Affiliate)
Nathan Pyle (Director of Operations, Songfluencer)
Carter Robinson (SVP Financial Advisor, Music Entertainment & Sports Group, Pinnacle Financial Partners)
Molly Shehan (Partner, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC)
Casey Thomas (VP, Marketing & Commercial Partnerships, Monument Records)
Josh Tomlinson (Director – Creative, BMI)
Max Vanberg (Country Music Agent Trainee, William Morris Endeavor – WME)
The Troubadour community of young members enjoy quarterly networking events at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. They connect with other like-minded professionals, ages 21-45, and play a part in supporting the museum’s educational mission. Troubadour membership directly supports the museum’s next generation of local visitors, providing free general admission to youth ages 18 and under from Davidson County and bordering counties.
Save The Music Becomes Independent & Unveils $10 Million Endowment Fund
/by Lorie HollabaughSave The Music, formerly VH1 Save the Music, the nationwide nonprofit supporting music education in over 285 school districts, has launched a new chapter after separating from Paramount Global and becoming a fully independent entity.
Save The Music will continue to focus on its mission of ensuring every student in every school has the opportunity to make music, by supplying schools with instruments and technology, offering teacher training and support, and funding and bringing together community-based music organizations.
As part of the transition, Save The Music has introduced a $10 million endowment fund, with nearly $4 million already raised. This endowment will secure the organization’s long-term sustainability and continued support for music education, helping future generations of students access the transformative power of making music. Although the formal partnership with Paramount is concluding, the relationship will persist, as the company has committed an initial six-figure donation to the fund.
This milestone signifies the completion of a process that started in 2019 when the organization rebranded, dropping the VH1 name as part of a strategy to lessen reliance on a single funding source and adopt a more diversified approach to financial support. Over the past five years, Save The Music has attracted a diverse group of funders, with 95% of the budget in 2024 coming from community-based foundations, individual donations, and contributions from the music industry.
Notable funders include major labels, talent agencies, Live Nation, AEG Presents, Amazon, TikTok and Meta. In 2021, Save The Music was awarded a $2 million grant, the largest in the organization’s history, from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
“Going independent is a huge step forward for us – and the culmination of a five-year effort from our team, partners, and boards,” says Executive Director Henry Donahue. “In every school I visit – from the Bronx to Miami, Philadelphia to Los Angeles, Detroit to Columbus, Memphis to New Orleans – I find that the music room is a special place. The students are excited to be there, and they are creative, thoughtful, and optimistic in a way that should give us all hope for the future.”
Save The Music has also bolstered its artist partnerships, guided by internal leadership and the Save The Music Advisory Board. Mmembers of the board include Eric Wong (President of East West Records & Head of Global A&R at Warner Recorded Music), Caroline Abs (Head of Marketing for Sony Latin-Iberia Region), Jonathan Azu (Founder & CEO of Culture Collective), and Gurj Bassi (Head of Music Marketing & Partnerships at SiriusXM), among others.
Recent Artist Ambassador campaigns have been spearheaded by Ed Sheeran, Becky G and Jelly Roll. Save The Music has also partnered with Breland, Brittney Spencer, Young The Giant, Tank (of Tank and The Bangas), Durand Bernarr, Lawrence (the band), Chelsea Cutler, Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Infinity Song.
To celebrate the new chapter, Save The Music has brought together a lineup of artists for an exclusive giveaway campaign on the Propeller platform. Now through the end of February, fans can bid on over a dozen one-of-a-kind auction prizes from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, The War and Treaty, Denzel Curry, GHOST, Common x Pete Rock, Patti LaBelle, Blake Shelton and more. Proceeds from the auction will go directly toward funding the creation of new music programs nationwide, as Save The Music enters its next era as an independent organization. The auction items can be viewed here.
Since its founding, Save The Music has invested over $75 million in more than 2,800 school music programs. In just the last five years it has doubled the number of schools it reaches, funding more than 600 new programs in cities like New York, Newark, Atlanta, Miami, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Nashville and Columbus; along with major regional initiatives in West Virginia and the Mississippi Delta.
Neon Union Share The ‘Good Years’ On Debut Album
/by Lorie HollabaughRed Street Records’ country duo Neon Union released their debut album, Good Years, last Friday (Jan. 31).
Good Years features previously released tracks “Alright Where She Left Me,” “How Ya Don’t” and the band’s debut single, “‘Bout Damn Time,” along with with new tracks such as “Clean Hands” and “Fall For Me.” Writers contributing to the project include Danny Myrick, Bobby Pinson, Phil Barton, Tyler Hubbard and more, with Dann Huff and Jay DeMarcus leading the production, along with contributions from Brandon Hood.
“This album is full of experiences and memories of all the Good Years in the rearview,” says Neon Union’s Andrew Millsaps. “We hope everyone connects with these songs as much as we do. Here’s to all the Good Years to come!”
“What an incredible experience it’s been bringing this project to life,” shares DeMarcus. “The talent that Andrew (Millsaps) and Leo (Brooks) bring to the table is beyond compare. I can’t wait for country listeners to get their hands on Good Years!”
Good Years Track List:
1. “Alright Where She Left Me” (Andrew Millsaps, Leo Brooks, Brandon Hood, Bob DiPiero)
2. “Golden Rules” (Josh Miller, Chris LaCorte, Thomas Archer)
3. “Fall For Me” (Bobby Pinson, Ben West, Justin Wilson)
4. “Bout Damn Time” (Tyler Hubbard, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Bobby Pinson)
5. “Made in Mexico” (Leo Brooks, Andrew Millsaps, Aaron Benward, Bobby Pinson)
6. “How You Don’t” (Jake Rose, Chris DuBois, Zach Kale)
7. “Good Years” (Leo Brooks, Andrew Millsaps Aaron Benward, Danny Myrick)
8. “Luck Don’t Live Around Here” (Kelley Lovelace, Chris DeStefano, Neil Thrasher)
9. “Clean Hands” (Tom Douglas, Brett Taylor, Blake Griffith)
10. “Helluva High” (Andrew Millsaps, Leo Brooks, Phil Barton)
11. “Ain’t That The Truth” (Andrew Millsaps, Leo Brooks, Bobby Hamrick)
12. “This Side Of The Dirt” (Hunter Phelps, Nicolette Hayford, Ben Johnson, Jerry Flowers)
Jason Scott Signs With Big Yellow Dog Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured: (L-R, front row): Carla Wallace, Jason Scott and Brannen Carter. (L-R, middle row): Jacee Badeaux, Alex Stefano and Alana Morgan. (L-R, back row): Kerry O’Neil and Mark Noel
Jason Scott has signed a publishing deal with Big Yellow Dog Music.
Scott, a native of Oklahoma City, is the lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for Leo33 band Jason Scott & The High Heat. Their 2022 debut album Castle Rock received acclaim from NPR, BBC Radio and others. Scott’s music connects deeply with listeners through his storytelling and his mix of heartland rock and southern soul. The band’s live shows at festivals such as Stagecoach and Born & Raised Festival have further cemented their reputation.
“We’re so excited to work with Jason Scott,” shares Carla Wallace, Co-Owner and CEO of Big Yellow Dog Music. “His music is a perfect fit for our brand, and we love his musical authenticity.”
“From the moment I met the Big Yellow Dog team, I knew they were passionate about the music I was making,” recalls Scott. “I’m so proud to partner with such an elite team to help further the creative vision of my music and songs.”
The band dropped their High Country Heat EP late last year, with the single “If We Make It To The Mornin’” now rising on the Americana charts. They’re currently on tour with Blackberry Smoke and will also be performing at festivals like Extra Innings, Jackalope Jamboree and more throughout the year.
Jason Scott & The High Heat are represented by Mark Noel at Triple 8 Management, with booking handled by Jonathan Levine, Lenore Kinder and Tommy Alexander at Wasserman Music.