Industry Ink: Sheryl Crow, Brothers Osborne, Belles, AES Show Nashville

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BMI Hosts Conversation With Sheryl Crow

BMI hosts “A Conversation With Sheryl Crow.” Photo: Erika Goldring

BMI hosted Sheryl Crow yesterday (Oct. 19) at its Music Row office for “BMI Presents A Conversation With Sheryl Crow.”

Hosted by BMI’s Clay Bradley and moderated by bandmate Jen Gunderman, the conversation offered an in-depth look at Crow’s approach to co-writing and co-producing all seven tracks on her 12th studio album, Pick You Up, alongside longtime collaborator Jeff Trott.

Crow closed the event with a special acoustic performance of the album’s lead single “Freedom Bus.”

 

Brothers Osborne Appear On ‘CBS Saturday Morning’

Brothers Osborne made an appearance on CBS Saturday Morning for a special performance of “Doors,” “Bottle It Up” and “R.I.P.” from their forthcoming fifth studio album, Watertown.

The project will be released on Friday (Oct. 23). Brothers Osborne will soon wrap up their time on Zac Brown Band’s “Love & Fear Tour.”

 

Belles Performs On BBC One’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

Pictured (L-R): Johnny Gates, Christina Dunkley, Amy Dowden, Belles, Kai Widdrington and Joe Bennett. Photo: Guy Levy Photography

Belles recently took the stage at BBC One’s competition series Strictly Come Dancing with a tribute performance of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” during Amy Dowden and Kai Widdrington’s routine.

On Oct. 16, Belles released her debut album, Midwestern, via East Music Row Records. The album premiered in the Top 15 of iTunes Global Album Charts. Earlier this year, Belles released a duet with Parton titled “Son Of Jolene.”

 

AES Show Nashville Panel To Explore Live Entertainment Delivery In Dolby Atmos

Phil Wagner, Michael Abbott, John Harris, Eric Schilling and Ceri Thomas

Dolby Atmos will bring together production and immersive audio professionals at the upcoming AES Show for “From Stage to Stream: Delivering Live Entertainment in Dolby Atmos.” The panel will take place Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. CST at the Davidson Ballroom stage located at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center

Moderated by Phil Wagner, the panel will feature Michael Abbott, John Harris, Eric Schilling and Ceri Thomas. Topics will include real-time Dolby Atmos mixing and monitoring, encoding, synchronization, metadata management, quality control and binaural delivery.

“Live entertainment in Dolby Atmos is moving from possibility to practice, making this a timely conversation for the audio community,” says Graham Kirk, AES Show Nashville Convention Chair. “This panel brings together the top professionals with firsthand experience across live production, immersive mixing and delivery to explore what works today, what challenges remain and how we can bring audiences closer to the performance.”

Kelsea Ballerini Brings Musicians On Call To Her Hometown

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Photo (L-R): Pete Griffin, Kelsea Ballerini, Adam Cook; Max Sternlicht / Courtesy of Musicians On Call

Kelsea Ballerini returned to her hometown today (Oct. 20) to launch the Kelsea Ballerini Musicians On Call Program at Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital in Knoxville, TN. The program, made possible through the artist’s Feel Your Way Through Charitable Fund, will bring MOC volunteers to patients’ bedsides to provide live music and connection to children, families and hospital staff.

To celebrate, Ballerini joined Pete Griffin, President and CEO of MOC, and Adam Cook, Chief Development and Public Affairs Officer of Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital for a special performance, singing her hits “I Would, Would You,” “Dibs,” and “If You Go Down (I’m Going Down Too),” plus a singalong to “Lean On Me.”

“Music is one of those things that just meets you where you are. Whatever you need, whether it’s to smile, dance, celebrate, grieve or feel less alone, it’s going to be there for you,” says Ballerini. “I’ve gotten to do this with Musicians On Call for 11 years, and I know how important and magical these programs are. To be able to bring that here is truly a dream come true.”

Ballerini has volunteered at patients’ bedsides for more than a decade in Nashville, Phoenix and virtually during the pandemic. In 2024, the organization honored her with the Music Heals Golden Ukulele. The new program builds on that relationship, extending their impact to East Tennessee.

“Kelsea has been working with Musicians On Call for more than a decade, and she is absolutely magical every time she sets foot in a hospital room. She instantly lights up the room, and brings so much joy with both her music and energy,” adds Griffin. “Her generosity is now making it possible for us to bring that experience to patients and families in her hometown. We’re so grateful for her commitment and excited to establish our first program in Knoxville, where these special moments will continue long after today’s celebration.”

49 Winchester Slate New ‘Change Of Plans Tour’ For February

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49 Winchester. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk

Alt-country band 49 Winchester will kick off their 2027 “Change of Plans Tour” Feb. 5 at The Eastern in Atlanta.

On the new run the band will visit cities across the country, including Charlotte, Los Angeles, Asheville, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Austin and more before wrapping May 8 in Fort Worth. Artist pre-sale begins tomorrow (Oct. 21) using password changes, followed by local and promoter pre-sales beginning Oct. 22 and general on sale on Friday, (Oct. 23) here.

The upcoming headline run follows the release of 49 Winchester’s album, Change of Plans, released earlier this year. The six-piece band led by singer-songwriter Isaac Gibson alongside Bus Shelton (lead guitar), Chase Chafin (bass), Noah Patrick (pedal steel), Tim Hall (keys), and Justin Louthian (drums), has become known for their fiery blend of Southern rock and country soul, and released five studio albums, toured internationally, and built a loyal legion of fans.

Tour Routing:
2.05.27 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
2.06.27 – Columbia, SC – The Senate
2.11.27 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
2.12.27 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
2.13.27 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
2.18.27 – Roanoke, VA – The Exchange
2.19.27 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz
2.20.27 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
2.25.27 – St. Louis, MO – The Sovereign
2.26.27 – Wichita, KS – The Cotillion
3.02.27 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
3.04.27 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
3.05.27 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
3.06.27 – Solana Beach, CA – Belly Up
3.09.27 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
3.10.27 – San Luis Obispo, CA – The Fremont Theater
3.11.27 – Los Angeles, CA – The Bellwether
4.01.27 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City
4.03.27 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
4.15.27 – Boston, MA – Royale
4.16.27 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl
4.17.27 – Charlottesville, VA – Ting Pavilion
4.22.27 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room At Old National Centre
4.23.27 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s Live
4.24.27 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
5.06.27 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
5.07.27 – Waco, TX – Backyard Bar & Stage
5.08.27 – Fort Worth, TX – Billy Bob’s

Emily Ann Roberts To Kick Off ‘The Thread Tour’ In February

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Emily Ann Roberts. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Emily Ann Roberts is launching her first-ever headline tour, “The Thread Tour,” beginning in February.

Named for Roberts’ just-released EP, the tour will feature special guests Colton Dawson, Mae Estes, Cole Goodwin, and Kenny Whitmire on select dates. Kicking off on Feb. 4 in Chattanooga, the tour will also include stops in San Diego, Phoenix, Boston, Richmond, Fort Worth, Charleston, and more, with a Nashville date set for Feb. 13 at the Ryman.

Pre-sale tickets are available beginning Oct. 22 with general on-sale beginning Oct. 23 at EmilyAnnRoberts.com, and VIP packages are available which include a meet-and-greet with Roberts, VIP tour gift, early VIP entry and merch access, and more.

“After having the incredible opportunity to open for my heroes in this industry, it’s finally time for me to step out on my own as the headliner,” shares Roberts. “2026 has been full of so many milestones for me. From my first ever sold-out shows, to being ACM and CMA nominated, my fans have made it clear they’re ready to see Emily Ann headline! We’re thrilled to bring my music to 23 cities in the spring of 2027.”

“The Thread Tour” 2027:
Feb. 4 / Chattanooga, Tenn. / Walker Theatre +
Feb. 6 / Knoxville, Tenn. / Tennessee Theatre +
Feb. 13 / Nashville, Tenn. / Ryman Auditorium +
Feb. 18 / Oxford, Ala. / Oxford Performing Arts Center +
Feb. 19 / Searcy, Ark. / Administrative Auditorium at Harding University +
Feb. 25 / Anaheim, Calif. / House of Blues Anaheim *
Feb. 26 / San Diego, Calif. / House of Blues San Diego *
Feb. 27 / Phoenix, Ariz. / The Van Buren *
March 18 / Boston, Mass. / Royale #
March 19 / New York, N.Y. / Irving Plaza #
March 20 / Silver Spring, Md. / The Fillmore Silver Spring #
March 21 / Richmond, Va. / The National #
April 1 / Charlotte, N.C. / The Fillmore Charlotte %
April 2 / Cincinnati, Oh. / Lori’s Roadhouse %
April 3 / Shipshewana, In. / Blue Gate Theatre %
April 4 / Chicago, Il. / House of Blues Chicago ^
April 9 / Durant, Ok. / Choctaw Grand Theater
April 16 / Fort Worth, Tx. / Billy Bob’s Texas
April 23 / Birmingham, Ala. / Iron City +
April 25 / Charleston, S.C. / Charleston Music Hall +
May 6 / St. Louis, Mo. / Delmar Hall +
May 7 / Harris, Mich. / Island Resort & Casino
May 8 / Harris, Mich. / Island Resort & Casino

+ with Kenny Whitmire
* with Cole Goodwin
# with Colton Dawson
% with Mae Estes
^ support TBA

Tenille Townes Readies New Deluxe Edition Of ‘The Acrobat’

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Tenille Townes will release The Acrobat: A Place to Land, an expanded edition of her first indie album, The Acrobat, on Nov. 6. A new single from the project, “The Long Haul,” is out now.

Featuring four new songs, the deluxe edition expands on the themes of love, longing, surrender and perseverance at the heart of The Acrobat. On the project, Townes reimagines “She Plays the Piano” with piano and strings, and shares a rendition of Patty Griffin’s “Let Him Fly,” the song that inspired the record’s title track.

“I didn’t know when I sat in front of one mic in my spare room next to my dog, that the music I was working on would go from feeling like the scariest leap of my life, to becoming a place to land,” Townes shares. “This album has shown me what can happen when you just keep creating even when you feel like giving up. That carrying on is the bravest way to bet on yourself again.”

Townes is currently on the road with upcoming shows in California, Utah, Colorado and more.

The Acrobat: a Place to Land (Deluxe) Track List:
1. “ordinary love song”
2. “the acrobat”
3. “enabling”
4. “we could use a little more”
5. “wish i was in love”*
6. “lonely talking”
7. “she plays the piano”
8. “the long haul”*
9. “grey like emmylou”
10. “let him fly”*
11. “what’s meant for you”
12. “in love with the sky”
13. “she plays the piano (heartstrings version)”*
*new track

Performers Revealed For ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’

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HARDY, Little Big Town and The Red Clay Strays will help Music City ring in 2027 as headliners of New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash.

The performances will take place at Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, airing live on Thursday, Dec. 31 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT; 10:30 PM-1:05 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming live on Paramount+ (Premium) and next day. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The special will be directed by Sandra Restrepo.

Parking Management Company To Offer Nashville Musicians $5 Daily Parking Through New Initiative

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Nashville parking provider Parking Management Company (PMC), has unveiled a new musician parking initiative designed to make parking more affordable for local musicians.

Eligible musicians will be able to park for just $5 per day through the new program at select PMC-operated parking locations throughout Nashville. The initiative is developed in partnership with JamJuice, the live music booking platform for artists and venues, which will verify participating musicians, helping confirm eligibility and streamline access to the discounted parking rate. Nashville musicians interested in accessing the $5 parking benefit can enroll through the JamJuice platform. The discounted rate will be available at 30 locations throughout the city, as listed below.

“Nashville’s music community plays such an important role in the identity and economy of our city, and we wanted to find a practical way to support the people behind that music,” says Ron Coleman, COO at PMC. “This program allows us to put our expertise and resources to work in a way that helps ease a real, everyday expense for working musicians.”

“Supporting musicians has always been at the heart of what we do at JamJuice, and we’re proud to continue that work alongside partners who share that commitment,” says Matthew Romero, CEO of JamJuice. “This partnership with PMC is another way we can use our platform and relationships to create meaningful support for Nashville’s artists and strengthen the community they’ve built.”

This discounted rate will be available at the following locations:
900 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
811 McGavock St., Nashville, TN 37203
504 Fourth Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37210
1906 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
1920–1926 Hayes St., Nashville, TN 37203
2001–2005 Terrace Place, Nashville, TN 37203
112 16th Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37203
1521–1525 McGavock St., Nashville, TN 37203
1500 Demonbreun St., Nashville, TN 37203
216 17th Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37203
1500 Third Ave. N, Nashville, TN 37208
909 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208
1390 Adams St, Nashville, TN 37208
100 Van Buren St., Nashville, TN 37208
601 Hagan St., Nashville, TN 37203
1621 Ensley Blvd., Nashville, TN 37210
824 Main St., Nashville, TN 37206
701–709 Main St., Nashville, TN 37206
403 Gallatin Ave., Nashville, TN 37206
521 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206
112 Bridge St., Franklin, TN 37064
2900–2908 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203
2304 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203
133 Korean Veterans Blvd., Nashville, TN 37201
150 Second Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37201
139 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37203
515 Fourth Ave. S, Nashville, TN 37210
300 Church St., Nashville, TN 37201
3100–3102 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203
77 Guthrie St., Nashville, TN 37201

Ashley Cooke Puts A Bow On Some Holiday Classics On First-Ever Christmas EP ‘Wrapped’

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Ashley Cooke is offering fans some new music for Christmas with her first-ever holiday EP, wrapped, set for release Nov. 6 via Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music. Kicking off the countdown to Christmas, Cooke has released the project’s title track.

“wrapped” is one of two new originals on the EP, and summons all the dreamy nostalgia of Christmas while adding a playful dose of holiday romance. Penned by Cooke, Lauren Hungate, Jimmy Robbins, Alysa Vanderheym, and Ben Williams, the love song imagines a snowed-in Christmas spent cozied up with someone who makes the whole world melt away, and instantly channels the pure joy of a magical Christmas night.

The EP also includes Cooke’s renditions of three classic holiday songs, “have yourself a merry little christmas,” “jingle bell rock,” and “silent night (with the cooke family).” “silent night” features vocals from several of Cooke’s family members, adding a poignant sense of togetherness to the time-honored Christmas carol.

Cooke is currently on her 31-date “baby blues world tour” in support of her self-titled sophomore album, and will head overseas early next year. Currently scheduled through Feb. 25 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the tour now includes three newly-added dates: Elevation in Grand Rapids, MI (Feb. 11), Varsity Theater in Minneapolis (Feb. 12), and Bogart’s in Cincinnati (Feb. 13).

Jared Conrad Inks With Sony Music Publishing & TAYCAN Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Rachel Guttmann (Gutt Law), Scott Hendricks (TAYCAN), Brandon Perdue (BPM) and Cam Caldwell (SMP). (L-R, front row): Blake Duncan (TAYCAN) and Jared Conrad. Photo: Savannah Spencer

Jared Conrad has signed with Sony Music Publishing and TAYCAN Entertainment.

Conrad has earned cuts with Cody Johnson, Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, Ian Munsick, Randall King, Mitchell Tenpenny and Austin Snell, among many others. He co-wrote Pentatonix and Meghan Trainor’s “Kid On Christmas” from the Grammy-nominated album Holidays Around The World.

He recently produced Aaron Loy’s “Take It Easy Cowgirl,” which topped the Texas Country Radio chart. Additional recent releases include “Fool Proof” by Johnson ft. Brothers Osborne, “1000 Lifetimes” by Gareth, “Earn Your Spurs” by Munsick and “What Would You Do” by Tyce Delk. He is also working on upcoming projects for Stephen Wilson Jr., Tyler Braden and Tenpenny.

“I honestly could not dream up a better fit than TAYCAN & Sony. Blake has firmly established his reputation as one of the hardest working, well connected, and most strategic publishers in town, on top of being one of the most well-liked and respected people amongst both songwriters and other publishers alike,” shares Conrad. “Plus, as a producer, getting to work with Scott is an undeniably exceptional opportunity. Very grateful to be a part of this team and excited for what’s in store!”

“Jared’s work ethic and talent is elite. TAYCAN is proud to team up with Sony Music Publishing and Jared to shine a light on his talent and strive to tee him up to be one of the top creatives in our industry,” says Blake Duncan, Partner, TAYCAN Entertainment.

“Jared is an incredible talent whose versatility and creativity truly set him apart,” shares Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO. “His track record of success speaks volumes, and it feels like he’s only scratched the surface. We’re delighted to welcome him to Sony Music Publishing alongside our partners at TAYCAN.”

“We are lucky to bring Jared into our family. He is a force to be reckoned with both as a songwriter and producer,” adds Scott Hendricks, Partner, TAYCAN Entertainment. “We are excited to watch his star rise.”

Warner Chappell Music Signs Elizabeth Nichols To Global Publishing Deal

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Pictured (L-R): Spencer Nohe (WCM), Elizabeth Nichols, Katy Wolaver (WCM) and Austen Adams (WCM). Photo: Courtesy of WCM

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has signed a global publishing deal with rising singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols.

Nichols burst onto the country music scene with her viral breakout single, “I Got a New One,” which has amassed over 60 million global streams to date. She is currently on her first-ever national headlining run, the “I Don’t Kiss and Tell, I Kiss and Tour.”

“I’m very excited to join Warner Chappell, where I can finally monetize my questionable taste in men. I have the best team in the world. Here’s to many more songs,” Nichols shares.

Katy Wolaver, SVP, A&R, Warner Chappell Music, says, “Elizabeth is a breath of fresh air… witty, clever, and unabashed in taking authentic life experiences and turning them into irresistible lyrics and melodies. Her songs embrace a wide range of moods and emotions, from unique takes on relationships to political satire. In just a short time on the country landscape, she’s moved her career into high gear, and all of us at Warner Chappell are delighted to join her on what is sure to be an incredible ride.”

Born in Texas, raised in Kentucky, and educated in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Australia, Nichols moved to Nashville in 2024 to attend law school but soon turned her focus to music. After sharing original songs on TikTok, she rapidly built a fanbase of over one million followers across socials. Tracks like “Ain’t Country,” “Sweet Cigarette,” and “Okie Boys” have turned heads, leading to Nichols being named Billboard’s Country Rookie of the Month in June 2025 and making her Grand Ole Opry debut in November 2025.