Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Tops Country Albums & Songs Chart

Morgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr

Morgan Wallen remains atop the country albums and streaming songs charts this week, according to Luminate data. His 2023 One Thing At A Time album garnered 37K in total consumption (675K album only and 48 million song streams), and his track “Smile,” from his upcoming album, tops the songs chart with 14 million streams adding to 65 million total.

Also on the albums chart are Wallen again at No. 2 with Dangerous: The Double Album with 28K in total consumption, Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion with 24K, Jelly Roll‘s Beautifully Broken with 19K and Zach Bryan American Heartbreak with 18K.

On the songs chart, Shaboozey remains at No. 2 with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” earning 12 million streams this week adding to one billion, Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help” at No. 3 with 11 million streams, Wallen’s “Love Somebody” with 11 million and Sam Barber and Avery Anna‘s “Indigo” with 8.9 million.

Ole 60 Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Pictured (L-R): Dustin “Catfish” Fuqua, Aden Wood, Ryan Laslie, Jacob Ty Young, Colby Clark and Dwight McGlynn. Photo: Kevin Pohle

Kentucky six-piece band Ole 60 made their Grand Ole Opry debut this weekend, exactly 365 days after making their debut as a band to a crowd of 100 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The band thrilled the Opry crowd with performances of “Thoughts of You” from their November-released second EP, Songs About You, and the song that ignited the band’s rapid rise, “Smoke & A Light,” from their debut EP, Three Twenty Four.

Ole 60 makes their Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Kevin Pohle

“We’re Ole 60 from Hawesville, Kentucky. This weekend marks one-year since our first weekend out on the road, and if you’d have told us back then we’d be making our Opry debut a year later, we’d have called you crazy,” lead singer Jacob Ty Young shared from the stage. “We see a lot of familiar faces out in the crowd tonight, we can’t thank y’all enough for coming out and watching us. It’s pretty cool to see, I think our whole hometown’s here. Thank y’all so much.”

Ole 60 will embark on their nearly sold-out spring headline “Outta My Way Tour” this weekend in Boston (Jan. 30), New York (Jan. 31) and Raleigh (Feb. 1). See full dates here.

Industry Ink: Charles Esten, Y’all Access, The Listening Room, Dawn & Steve

Charles Esten Chats With Kelly Clarkson About New Debut Deluxe Edition

Pictured (L-R): Elana Koenig, Kelly Clarkson and Charles Esten. Photo: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal

Charles Esten appeared Monday (Jan. 27) on the Kelly Clarkson Show to chat about his brand-new Love Ain’t Pretty Deluxe Edition project, celebrating the one-year anniversary of his  independent debut album. The deluxe edition features 14 tracks all co-written by Esten plus nine new bonus tracks.

The 23-track Deluxe Edition includes never-before-heard demos and worktapes from the creation of Love Ain’t Pretty, as well as a live performance recorded from the sold-out “NASHVILLE Reunion Tour “(with Esten, Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio) and star-studded collaborations with Keb’ Mo’ and Sara Evans. Esten will perform acoustically at a special vinyl signing at Grimey’s New & Preloved Music on Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. CT.

 

Y’all Access With Kelly Sutton Celebrates 200th Episode

Kelly Sutton, Nate Smith and Joyce Rizer

Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton recently celebrated its 200th episode. Nate Smith was on hand to help celebrate the momentous occasion.

 

The Listening Room Hosts Live Song Pitch Round

Pictured (L-R, standing): Sea Gayle’s Jordan Fletcher, Barrett Baber, Emily Craig, Eryca Schebler, Cam Nemby, Brett Sheroky, Kim Wiggins and TLR’s Zach Anderson; (L-R, kneeling): JD Groover, Ian Christian and Adam Craig. Photo: Courtesy The Listening Room

The Listening Room Cafe’ recently hosted an exclusive Live Song Pitch Round, featuring Sea Gayle Music’s Jordan Fletcher, Barrett Baber, Cam Nemby, Brett Sheroky, Ian Christian and Adam Craig. The unique event, the second in a recurring series, featured songwriters playing their uncut songs to A&R and industry professionals, giving a live public audience a behind-the-scenes look at the heart of Nashville’s songwriting scene.

 

Faith-Based ‘Dawn + Steve’ Podcast Launches

Dawn Rae May and Steve Hiller, co-hosts of Dawn & Steve+

Christian radio personalities Dawn Rae May and Steve Hiller have officially launched Dawn & Steve+, a new weekday podcast featuring in-depth and revealing conversations with authors, ministry leaders, recording artists and cultural influencers on matters of life, faith and biblical Truth. Initial episodes feature guests including bestselling author Joel C. Rosenberg, The Voice of The Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Josh Holland and Dove Award-winning recording artist, author and actress Nicole C. Mullen.

Alison Smith To Retire From BMI

Alison Smith. Photo: JC Olivera for BMI

After nearly 40 years with BMI, Alison Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Distribution & Publisher Relations Officer, announced today (Jan. 28) that she will retire from the company at the end of March.

Smith joined BMI in 1985 as a temporary worker in the company’s Nashville office. She went on the spend her entire career at the organization, working in multiple departments and taking on increasing responsibility throughout her tenure.

“This has by far been the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my career. I love BMI, I love my BMI family, and in some ways can’t imagine not being here,” Smith shared in a company-wide memo announcing the news. “That said, after many months of contemplating what my future may hold, I concluded that it is time to spend more time with my family and friends while I am still relatively young and can enjoy life away from BMI.”

In his own memo, BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill said, “I have known Alison since I began working at BMI 30 years ago, and she has been a colleague, partner, advisor and friend to me every day that I have been here. Alison is part of the fabric of BMI, and she has helped us become the company we are today. She has touched so many lives in an indelible way, not just internally at BMI but also within the larger music community. She will be missed.”

O’Neill also announced that Smith will continue to support BMI as a strategic advisor for the next two years, and that Nashville-based Shouvik Das, SVP of Distribution, Publisher Relations & Administration Services, will assume oversight of that department, reporting directly to him.

“Over the past few years, Shouvik has played an increasingly important role within that team, becoming more involved with the strategic operations of that group. I have full faith in his leadership and vision moving forward.”

Canaan Smith Releases Independent Album ‘Chickahominy’

After a decade of commercial success in Music City, artist Canaan Smith has ventured outside of mainstream country to share the struggles, lessons and purpose behind his work in his third studio album Chickahominy, released last Friday (Jan. 24).

“I needed to fail to learn what really matters,” shares Smith. “Looking back at my years in the mainstream country world, I felt lost and struggled with finding my purpose. I find the best version of myself and my music is when I let go of striving for success and exploring who I am as an artist and storyteller, and that journey is what this album is all about.”

Chickahominy hopes to turn the page on Smith’s previous market-driven works and bring listeners an artist who exudes honesty and fearlessness through his songwriting.

The project dives into themes of reckless youth with tracks “Chickahominy” and “18, Stoned & Stupid,” career challenges in “No Mercy” and fears as a new father in “Bad News.” Additionally, Smith embraces narrative-focused works in songs such as “Bread And Honey,” a warning against gambling addiction and “Green,” in which a church-going weed farmer is saved by a strike of lighting and luck at the 11th hour.

Produced by Anthony Olympia, all tracks on the album were co-written by Smith alongside songwriters such as Ben Stennis, Brett Beavers, Trent Tomlinson, Jamie Paulin, Drew Kennedy and more.

With Chickahominy, Smith delivers an album that aims to embody evolution, authenticity and freedom.

Chickahominy Track List:
1. “18, Stoned & Stupid” (Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers, Trent Tomlinson)
2. “Chickahominy” (Canaan Smith, Jamie Paulin)
3. “Ain’t Much To Write Home About” (Canaan Smith, Ben Stennis)
4. “Bread + Honey” (Canaan Smith, Autumn Buysse)
5. “No Mercy” (Canaan Smith, Drew Kennedy)
6. “Pay It Forward” (Canaan Smith, Chase McDaniel, Trent Wayne, Clara Park)
7. “Everyday Joe” (Canaan Smith, Mia Mantia, Park)
8. “Green” (Canaan Smith, Kennedy)
9. “Bad News” (Canaan Smith, Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard)
10. “See You Again” (Canaan Smith, Chris Bandi)
11. “In Time With You” (Canaan Smith, Rob Williford, Schmitty, Spencer Coats)

SiriusXM & Pandora Launch The 615 Studio Sessions

Cody Alan and Kane Brown at SiriusXM Studios. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for SiriusXM

SiriusXM has unveiled The 615 Studio Sessions, a new series set to broadcast on SiriusXM’s The Highway. The program will showcase live performances and Q&A segments featuring country music artists.

SiriusXM and Pandora’s The 615 Studio Sessions, presented by Wayfair, will offer fans and SiriusXM subscribers an exclusive VIP experience. Attendees will have the chance to enjoy live, intimate performances and interviews with country music artists at SiriusXM’s Nashville Skyline Studio, the company’s broadcast and performance space. Wayfair will also provide memorable moments like artist meet-and-greets, exclusive giveaways, photo ops and more.

To launch the series, Kane Brown joined The Highway host Cody Alan last Wednesday (Jan. 22) for an exclusive Q&A, offering fans a behind the scenes glimpse into his creative process and the inspiration behind his new album, The High Road. SiriusXM subscribers in attendance also got a first listen to the album.

SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora will receive exclusive invites and chances to attend The 615 Studio Sessions throughout 2025.

Billy Currington & Kip Moore Team For Summer Tour

Billy Currington & Kip Moore

Billy Currington is hitting the road on a 16-city tour with Kip Moore this summer. Special guests Marlon Funaki and Jade Eagleson will join on select dates.

The new tour kicks off June 27  in St. Augustine and will visit Los Angeles, Austin, Indianapolis, Raleigh, Boston and more before wrapping in Gilford New Hampshire on Sept. 20.

Tickets will be available for general on-sale beginning Jan. 31. Citi cardmembers will also have access to pre-sale tickets beginning today through Thursday (Jan. 30) through the Citi Entertainment program. Verizon will also offer an exclusive pre-sale through Verizon Access, just for being a customer. Verizon Access Pre-sale tickets for select shows will begin today through Thursday as well.

Moore is known for his blistering live shows in stadiums, arenas, and theaters around the globe, and is gearing up for the release of his new album Solitary Tracks, due Feb. 28. Currington, who has been making hits for nearly two decades, recently released new tracks “Everything Is Changing,” “City Don’t” and “Anchor Man.”

Billy Currington 2025 Tour With Kip Moore Dates:
Fri Jun 27 – St. Augustine FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre !%^
Sat Jun 28 – Boca Raton FL – Mizner Park Amphitheater #%^
Wed Jul 10 – Airway Heights WA – BECU Live at Northern Quest !
Thu Jul 11 – Bend OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater !
Fri Jul 18 – Los Angeles CA – Greek Theatre !
Sat Jul 19 – San Diego CA – Gallagher Square at Petco Park !
Fri Jul 25 – Roanoke VA – Elmwood Park Amphitheater !*
Sat Jul 26 – Doswell VA – Servpro Pavilion !*
Fri Aug 1 – Irving TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory &
Sat Aug 2 – Austin TX – Moody Amphitheater at Waterloo Park &
Fri Sep 5 – Toledo OH – Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre &
Sat Sep 6 – Indianapolis IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park &
Thu Sep 12 – Wilmington NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion #
Fri Sep 13 – Raleigh NC – Red Hat Amphitheater #
Fri Sep 19 – Boston MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway &
Sat Sep 20 – Gilford NH – BankNH Pavilion &

* Not A Live Nation Date
! – On Sale 1/31
# – On Sale 2/7
& – On Sale 2/14
% without Marlon Funaki
^ with Jade Eagleson

Old Dominion To Headline Boots In The Park Santa Clarita

Old Dominion.

Boots In The Park in Santa Clarita, California has revealed the lineup for its 2025 event, taking place May 10 at Santa Clarita’s Central Park.

Old Dominion will headline the show, with additional performances from Nate SmithJosh RossMackenzie Porter, Noah RinkerPresley Tennant and Luwiss Lux.

Boots In The Park is returning for its third year in Santa Clarita. Country music fans can expect a full day of live performances, line dancing, food from local vendors, a variety of drinks including craft beer and signature cocktails and art installations.

“We’re excited to bring Boots In The Park back to Santa Clarita with an incredible lineup and full day of entertainment,” shares Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events. “This festival is about more than great country music—it’s about coming together as a community to celebrate and create unforgettable memories.”

Ticket presale will begin this Friday (Jan. 31) at 8 a.m PST, followed by general sale beginning at 10 a.m. PST. For more information, click here.

Activated Events will also bring Boots In The Park events to Albuquerque, Fresno, Bakersfield, Las Vegas and Norco this year.

Kasey Tyndall Releases ‘Crystal Methodist’ From Upcoming Self-Titled Debut Album

Kasey Tyndall will release her self-titled debut album on MNRK Music on Feb. 28.

In celebration of the new project, Tyndall dropped the high-octane lead single “Crystal Methodist” and partnered with CMT for the broadcast debut of the video on Paramount’s Times Square Billboard in New York City.

“‘Crystal Methodist’ is the story of a typical hometown where everyone has skeletons in the closet,” says Tyndall. “A place where nobody’s perfect, but it’s perfect just the way it is at the same time. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorites to play live because without fail, the stage comes alive every time my band and I perform it in front of an audience. Can’t wait for y’all to hear it and feel the energy!”

YouTube video

Kasey Tyndall is a collection of authentic tracks that introduce the different layers that make up who the singer-songwriter is today. “Crystal Methodist” highlights Tyndall’s southern roots in a playful yet relatable way, showcasing her twangy, powerhouse vocals and spunky personality. The rising star has already released a couple of tracks from the new project, including “Pulling Weeds,” which shows off her rocker edge and features witty lyrics that poke fun at life and luck, and “Not As I’ve Done,” a sweet serenade that serves as a blueprint on life for her daughter, Sterling, and introduces her role as mother and wife.

The singer-songwriter will host a Songwriter Session at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Feb. 15 where she’ll dive into the making of her debut album.

Kasey Tyndall Track List:
1. “Pulling Weeds” (Kasey Tyndall, McCall Chapin, Austin Taylor Smith)
2. “Crystal Methodist” (Kasey Tyndall, Carlton Anderson, Logan Wall)
3. “Men Like You” (Kasey Tyndall, Brandon Sammons, Aaron Gillespie)
4. “I Ain’t Askin’” (Kasey Tyndall, Matt Mulhare, Gary Garris, Nick Columbia)
5. “Karma” (Kasey Tyndall, Whitney Duncan, Lee Starr)
6. “Four Roses” (Kasey Tyndall, Wyatt Durrette, Brinley Addington)
7. “He Gave Me You” (Kasey Tyndall, Aaron Gillespie, Brandon Sammons)
8. “Not As I’ve Done” (Kasey Tyndall, Adam Wood, Justin Richards)
9. “Wrong Side of Rock & Roll” (Lauren Watkins, Joey Hyde, Emily Shackelton)
10. “Famous” (Kasey Tyndall, Danielle Blakey, Jason Nix)
11. “Middle Man” (Kasey Tyndall, Lainey Wilson)

Amy Bryan Fosgate Joins Activated Events As Senior Talent Buyer

Amy Bryan Fosgate

Activated Events, an independent live events company, has appointed Amy Bryan Fosgate as Senior Talent Buyer. Fosgate, who brings more than 18 years of experience in producing, designing and executing events, will work alongside CEO Steve Thacher to bolster the company’s talent roster for a growing lineup of live music events.

Fosgate previously served 14 years as Talent Buyer for the Calgary Stampede Concert Series, curating talent for one of North America’s largest events. Additionally, she managed talent for the CMA Close Up Stage, where she was responsible for booking talent for one of the Country Music Association’s flagship events. Her deep understanding of the live event industry and ability to secure both emerging and established talent has given her a strong reputation within talent buying and event production.

“We are excited to welcome Amy to the Activated Events team. With nearly two decades of experience, combined with her strong industry relationships and passion for live music, Amy is the perfect fit as we continue to expand our event offerings,” explains Thacher. “Amy’s leadership in talent acquisition will be key to ensuring we bring the best performances to our fans and continue to create memorable, impactful events.”

“I’m thrilled to join Activated Events as the new in-house talent buyer,” says Fosgate. “This opportunity allows me to work alongside a talented, forward-thinking team dedicated to expanding the growth of live entertainment events. I’m excited to bring my passion for curating unforgettable experiences to the company and I look forward to collaborating with artists, agents and managers to continue Activated Events’ proven track record of bringing impactful events to the fans!”

Fosgate’s appointment is a large step in Activated Events’ plans to enhance its event production and talent acquisition strategies as the company continues to expand its portfolio.