
This week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly recaps the announcement of the 2027 Rising Women on the Row breakfast, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s newest inductees, and the latest news from across Nashville’s music industry, including executive appointments, new signings, company expansions and artist milestones. Click here to see the full edition.
MusicRow has announced that its 14th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast will return to the Omni Nashville Hotel on Wednesday, March 10, 2027. The annual event honors female executives making an impact across Nashville’s music industry.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame welcomed six new members during its 56th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 26. The Class of 2026 includes Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in the songwriter category, Taylor Swift in the songwriter/artist category, Bruce Channel in the veteran songwriter category, Lyle Lovett in the veteran songwriter/artist category and the late J.I. Allison in the Legacy category.
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) also celebrated Nashville’s songwriting community at its eighth annual Gold & Platinum Gala, held Oct. 22 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The event recognized more than 150 songwriters whose country hits earned RIAA Gold, Platinum and Diamond certifications during the July 2025 through June 2026 eligibility period. NMPA President and CEO David Israelite presented Vince Gill with the inaugural Legacy Songwriter Icon award, while Charlie Handsome received Top Songwriter of the Year for his 35 new certifications. Rob Williford accepted the Platinum Anthem award for the year’s highest-certified song. More than 80 multi-Platinum hitmakers also received songwriting plaques on stage.
Several companies announced leadership changes and expansions this week. Neon Coast named Nikki Boon Chief Creative Officer, while SMACK promoted Marissa Loar to Vice President of Management. Back Row Music, the Nashville company behind Back Row Publishing, launched artist management and record label divisions. Chris Koegen will serve as President of Artist Services, and Alexa Fasulo joins as Vice President of Artist Development and Marketing. Co-Founder and artist manager Michael Kozelj will serve as President, with Adam Skuse as CEO.
Amanda Quinton has partnered with mtheory, bringing her management roster of Ashley Monroe, Tenille Townes, Fancy Hagood, Smithfield, Abbey Cone and Corrina to the artist management and development company. RESULTS GLOBAL also expanded its team with three hires. Raegan Meguiar joins as Digital Marketing Coordinator, Sean Worth as Graphic Designer & Content Specialist, and Austin Spero takes on a New York-based social media role supporting DOLLY: A True Original Musical on Broadway.
New signings and representation deals also made headlines. UTA signed Chris Young for global representation across all areas. Boyz II Men signed with Warner Records Nashville to launch a country project slated for release in 2027. Stella Lefty signed with Make Wake Artists, where she will be managed by Chris Kappy and Sophia Sansone. Cledus T. Judd signed with Warner Chappell Music, while Bella McCormick signed with Sony Music Nashville.
On the artist front, Greylan James made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 24, followed by Brendan Walter, who also made his Opry debut last week.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Koe Wetzel takes the No. 1 spot with “Jaded,” featuring Ella Langley. Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Tenille Arts Signs With Muse Creative Management
/by Madison HahnenCasadie Pederson & Tenille Arts
Tenille Arts has inked with Muse Creative Management, led by Casadie Pederson. Pederson will lead strategy and management across all areas of Arts’ career.
Originally from Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada, Arts earned her first U.S. No. 1 country radio hit in 2021 with “Somebody Like That,” which is now RIAA-certified double-Platinum. The song made history as the first No. 1 country single written, produced and performed entirely by women. It also marked the first time a Canadian artist reached the top of the U.S. country chart since 2007 and the first Canadian female artist to do so since Terri Clark in 2004.
An ACM, iHeartRadio Music and CMT Award nominee, Arts has earned multiple Gold and Platinum certifications in both the U.S. and Canada. Her catalog has also generated nearly one billion global streams, with songs including “Back Then, Right Now,” “I Hate This” and “Don’t Ruin Flowers.”
“I’m so ready for this new chapter with Casadie as my manager,” says Arts. “She understands better than anyone where I come from, but more importantly, she understands where I want to go. She knows this industry inside and out, and I’m excited to have her in my corner as we open new doors and take my career to the next level.”
“Tenille is one of those artists who is the complete package; from her songwriting and vocals to her style and her heart,” adds Pederson. “It all forms into something truly special. We’ve known each other for years, and I feel incredibly blessed to be at the helm of this next chapter in her career and creating new opportunities for her to win, accomplish new dreams, and most of all share her music all over the world.”
Arts recently made her 17th appearance at the Grand Ole Opry during the venue’s celebration of the Canadian Country Music Association’s 50th anniversary. She plans to release her fifth studio album and tour across North America in 2o27.
BREAKING: Annie Ortmeier Exits Triple Tigers, Raffaella Braun Named President
/by Lauryn SinkAnnie Ortmeier, Raffaella Braun
Annie Ortmeier has stepped down from her role as Co-President of Triple Tigers Records.
Ortmeier joined the company in 2023 alongside Kevin Herring.
She began her career as an intern with CMT and its digital branch, CMT.com, which led to a full-time job managing the online retail brands of CMT, VH1, Comedy Central and LOGO. After that, Ortmeier transitioned to an agency owned by Ticketmaster where she managed online stores for a diverse roster of artists, before launching Yowza Ecommerce Solutions. Her company linked up with global superstars like Taylor Swift, which brought Ortmeier to join Big Machine Records as their Director of Interactive Marketing in 2011. She later served as Sr. VP of Streaming Marketing at UMG, where she was responsible for both audio and video streaming marketing strategy for all the label’s artists.
Ortmeier shared the news on her social media in a post captioned, “I have truly loved these last three years wrapped in tiger stripes. I will take with me so many incredible memories, formidable team accomplishments, great music and above all, great friendships.”
Raffaella Braun has been named President of the label. She was elevated to Co-President from VP of Radio Promotion earlier this year. Braun boasts over 15 years of experience, most recently leading the promotion team to achieve its last 13 (out of a total of 16) #1 radio chart placements for Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson, and Ella Langley. Prior to radio promotion, Braun was a booking agent at CAA and an event producer.
Industry Ink: Drew Baldridge, ASCAP, FEMcountry, Rocketship, Alana Springsteen, Scotty Hasting
/by Lauryn SinkDrew Baldridge Hosts Three Farm Shows
Photo: Riley Mays
Drew Baldridge recently hosted three free farm shows in Tennessee, Iowa and Utah, celebrating his new album, FARM FAITH FAMILY.
“FARM FAITH FAMILY is about the things that matter most to me, and so much of that comes back to the people and places that shaped who I am,” said Baldridge. “When I asked fans to nominate their farms, I never expected the response we got. Getting to show up in these communities, play some songs and spend time with the people who support my music is what it’s all about. These are the places and people that inspired this album, so getting to bring it to life right there with them means a lot to me.”
ASCAP Hosts Songwriting Workshops
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Keller Hudson, Mariah Dion, Dylan Smith, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Corey Crowder, Spenser Daniels, Derek James and Justus Montgomery. (Front Row, L-R): Dan Harrison, Abby Christo and Chloe Styler.
ASCAP recently hosted two songwriting workshops for rising artists. The ASCAP Foundation Country Music Songwriting Workshop, led by Corey Crowder, hosted nine emerging writers. The ASCAP Foundation Christian Music Songwriting Workshop, led by Kellie Besch, brought together ten promising Christian music songwriters.
FEMcountry At Parton’s Live To Host ‘MOTHER’ Show
FEMcountry at Parton’s Live will host MOTHER, a special evening celebrating the intersection of motherhood and artistry in support of FAM (Family Alliance in Music), on Nov. 17.
Caitlyn Smith, Jillian Jacqueline, Lucie Silvas and Meg McRee will take the stage. Tickets are on sale now.
Rocketship Hosts Launch Event In Nashville
Billy Rodgers and Maxwell Zotz. Photo: David Cohn
Rocketship recently hosted a launch event in Nashville.
Co-founders Maxwell Zotz and Billy Rodgers hosted the evening with performances from Elizabeth Jo, Wednesday Kid and Harrison Goodell.
Alana Springsteen Partners With To Write Love On Her Arms
Photo: Jaide Langley
Alana Springsteen has partnered with the mental health nonprofit To Write Love On Her Arms. Springsteen’s “Choose Yourself” merchandise is now available online with a portion of the proceeds benefitting TWLOHA.
“I always hoped this music would find its way to the people who needed it, and I couldn’t think of a better way to make that happen than partnering with To Write Love On Her Arms,” shares Springsteen. “For 20 years, they’ve worked to raise awareness and expand access to mental health care, and I’m so grateful we got to play a small part in that mission. Through their partnership with BetterHelp, we were able to offer free therapy at every stop on the I HOPE THIS HELPS TOUR. The ‘Choose Yourself’ shirt and hat we designed together are a beautiful reminder of what this partnership is all about – encouraging people to prioritize themselves and reminding them they’re never alone.”
Scotty Hasting Performs At The Headstrong Project’s Annual Gala
Scotty Hasting.
Scotty Hasting recently performed at The Headstrong Project’s annual gala, which supports their mission to provide veterans and military families with confidential, evidence-based mental health care at no cost.
The evening also featured MS NOW’s Stephanie Ruhle, actor Jocko Sims and retired Navy SEAL Mark Greene, who was honored for his advocacy around trauma and recovery.
MusicRow Weekly (Rising Women On The Row, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of the MusicRow Weekly recaps the announcement of the 2027 Rising Women on the Row breakfast, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s newest inductees, and the latest news from across Nashville’s music industry, including executive appointments, new signings, company expansions and artist milestones. Click here to see the full edition.
MusicRow has announced that its 14th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast will return to the Omni Nashville Hotel on Wednesday, March 10, 2027. The annual event honors female executives making an impact across Nashville’s music industry.
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame welcomed six new members during its 56th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 26. The Class of 2026 includes Shawn Camp and Lee Thomas Miller in the songwriter category, Taylor Swift in the songwriter/artist category, Bruce Channel in the veteran songwriter category, Lyle Lovett in the veteran songwriter/artist category and the late J.I. Allison in the Legacy category.
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) also celebrated Nashville’s songwriting community at its eighth annual Gold & Platinum Gala, held Oct. 22 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The event recognized more than 150 songwriters whose country hits earned RIAA Gold, Platinum and Diamond certifications during the July 2025 through June 2026 eligibility period. NMPA President and CEO David Israelite presented Vince Gill with the inaugural Legacy Songwriter Icon award, while Charlie Handsome received Top Songwriter of the Year for his 35 new certifications. Rob Williford accepted the Platinum Anthem award for the year’s highest-certified song. More than 80 multi-Platinum hitmakers also received songwriting plaques on stage.
Several companies announced leadership changes and expansions this week. Neon Coast named Nikki Boon Chief Creative Officer, while SMACK promoted Marissa Loar to Vice President of Management. Back Row Music, the Nashville company behind Back Row Publishing, launched artist management and record label divisions. Chris Koegen will serve as President of Artist Services, and Alexa Fasulo joins as Vice President of Artist Development and Marketing. Co-Founder and artist manager Michael Kozelj will serve as President, with Adam Skuse as CEO.
Amanda Quinton has partnered with mtheory, bringing her management roster of Ashley Monroe, Tenille Townes, Fancy Hagood, Smithfield, Abbey Cone and Corrina to the artist management and development company. RESULTS GLOBAL also expanded its team with three hires. Raegan Meguiar joins as Digital Marketing Coordinator, Sean Worth as Graphic Designer & Content Specialist, and Austin Spero takes on a New York-based social media role supporting DOLLY: A True Original Musical on Broadway.
New signings and representation deals also made headlines. UTA signed Chris Young for global representation across all areas. Boyz II Men signed with Warner Records Nashville to launch a country project slated for release in 2027. Stella Lefty signed with Make Wake Artists, where she will be managed by Chris Kappy and Sophia Sansone. Cledus T. Judd signed with Warner Chappell Music, while Bella McCormick signed with Sony Music Nashville.
On the artist front, Greylan James made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 24, followed by Brendan Walter, who also made his Opry debut last week.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Koe Wetzel takes the No. 1 spot with “Jaded,” featuring Ella Langley. Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Morgan Wallen’s Sand In My Boots Festival To Return To Gulf Shores In 2027
/by LB CantrellSand In My Boots festival. Photo: Alive Coverage
Morgan Wallen’s Sand In My Boots festival is returning to Gulf Shores, Alabama on May 21 – 23, 2027. Presented by Wallen, alongside AEG Presents, the music festival and beach vacation will once again invite fans into Wallen’s world, bringing together his favorite artists, musical influences and personally curated experiences against the backdrop of the Alabama coast.
“One thing I’m looking forward to the most about bringing Sand In My Boots Festival back is being able to have new concepts on stage and trying to elevate the experience overall for the fans, myself and other artists on the bill,” Wallen shares. “I think it’s going to be really top-notch and we’re going to try to do it even better this time.”
The inaugural edition of the Sand In My Boots festival took place in 2025, and was headlined by Wallen, Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn and HARDY. Other artists who were part of the festival’s sold-out debut included Ella Langley, Riley Green, Bailey Zimmerman, T-Pain, Diplo, Wiz Khalifa, The War on Drugs, 2 Chainz, Three 6 Mafia, and more.
Following Sand In My Boots 2025, the Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF) donated over $200,000 in instruments to five schools in Alabama, as part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to give back to the communities Wallen visits on tour. The intention has resulted in over $2 million worth of instruments donated to schools in need across the superstar’s U.S. touring cities.
Additional details surrounding Sand In My Boots’ 2027 return, including the artist lineup and festival pass information, will be announced soon. Fans can sign up now at sandinmybootsfest.com to be among the first to receive updates. Hotel packages are on sale now at hotels.sandinmybootsfest.com.
Backstage Access Presents: Music City To Host Atlantic Outpost Showcase
/by Lorie HollabaughBackstage Access Presents: Music City will host a special Atlantic Outpost showcase featuring Stella Lefty, Charley Crockett and Briley King on Nov. 18.
“We’re excited to host Atlantic Outpost’s first industry event during CMA Awards week and bring our artists and industry partners together alongside Backstage Access,” says Stephanie Hagerty, Senior Vice President of Atlantic Outpost.
The show marks the label’s first industry event during CMA Awards week. Additional artists will be announced soon.
The Atlantic Outpost showcase adds to a Music City program featuring performances and appearances from Lauren Alaina, Lee Brice, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Flatland Cavalry, Matt Stell, Charlie Worsham and more.
HARDY Unveils ‘SIDES’
/by Madison HahnenHARDY has released his new project, SIDES, via Big Loud Records.
The four-song collection explores the different musical styles featured in HARDY’s eight-minute track, “Man In The Box.” Each song highlights a different side of his sound, ranging from acoustic songwriting and soul to country and grunge.
The project also includes the Blake Shelton collaboration “Hell,” “King Of The Hill” and “Tommy Made The News.” HARDY wrote on all four tracks alongside Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, Zach Abend and more, with production from HARDY, Abend, Schmidt and David Garcia.
“By God” will impact country radio on Monday (Nov. 2).
Alongside the project announcement, HARDY was surprised with a Pandora Billionaire plaque last night (Oct. 29) ahead of his first of two shows at The Truth. The recognition celebrates more than one billion streams on Pandora.
HARDY wraps up the second night of HARDY Halloween tonight, marking his final tour date of the year. He will close out 2026 with a performance on CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash in December. In 2027, HARDY will headline festivals including The Country Fest, Hoofbeat and Country Concert. He is also scheduled to appear at Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa, Stagecoach and more.
SIDES Tracklist:
1. “By God” (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Hunter Phelps) *
2. “Hell” feat. Blake Shelton (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark, Jeb Gipson) ^
3. “King Of The Hill” (Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, Geoff Warburton) !
4. “Tommy Made The News” (Michael Hardy, Rocky Block, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt) ^
* produced by HARDY, Zach Abend
^ produced by HARDY, Jordan Schmidt
! produced by HARDY, David Garcia
Alexandra Kay To Kick Off 2027 With ‘One Woman Show Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughAlexandra Kay at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Randy Schaffer
Alexandra Kay will head into the New Year on her just-announced “One Woman Show Tour” beginning Jan. 22.
The tour will visit Detroit, Toronto, Boston, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, and more through Feb. 18. Tickets go on sale today (Oct. 30) and are available here.
“I am so excited to begin this new chapter, and I cannot imagine beginning it with anyone but my favorite people on the planet.. my fans, the people who carried me to where I am,” says Kay. “This One Woman Show would not exist night after night without them. I have so much that is deep and honest to say in this new music, and some conversations deserve to happen face-to-face.”
Kay has been the special guest on shows for Garth Brooks, Jelly Roll, Brad Paisley and more and is currently opening for Jon Pardi, and will also tour Europe and the UK this spring after her U.S. run. She has racked up over 9 million followers and was named to the Opry NextStage Class of 2026, Pandora’s “2025 Artist to Watch: Country” list, and CMT’s “Next Women of Country: Class of 2025.
“The One Woman Show Tour” Dates:
January 22 – Columbus, OH
January 23 – Detroit, MI
January 24 – Grand Rapids, MI
January 26 – Toronto, ON
January 28 – Boston, MA
January 29 – Silver Spring, MD
January 30 – Allentown, PA
January 31 – Cleveland, OH
February 2 – Indianapolis, IN
February 3 – Cincinnati, OH
February 5 – Bristol, VA
February 6 – Charlotte, NC
February 7 – Birmingham, AL
February 9 – Houston, TX
February 11 – Dallas, TX
February 12 – Oklahoma City, OK
February 13 – Omaha, NE
February 16 – Minneapolis, MN
February 17 – Madison, WI
February 18 – Chicago, IL
Opry To Celebrate National Adoption Month With Two Benefit Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughSteven Curtis Chapman. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate National Adoption Month on Nov. 6 with two special shows benefiting Show Hope, the nonprofit founded by Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth.
The evening will feature performances from Chapman, Carrie Underwood, Bill Anderson, Mark Wills, Colony House and Louis York.
“The Grand Ole Opry has been a very special part of my story since I was a boy listening to WSM radio, and it played a pivotal role in launching my career as a performer,” says Chapman. “To now be a member of the Opry family and to partner for a special night celebrating something so close to Mary Beth’s and my hearts—the miracle of adoption and the work of Show Hope—is an incredible honor. This is truly going to be an incredible night on many levels… amazing music with world class artists and an Opry house full of people showing love to children and families on the adoption journey. God is good!”
This year’s celebration comes at a particularly meaningful time for Show Hope as 10,000 children from 65 countries have been impacted by the organization’s Adoption Aid grants since its founding in 2003.
Koe Wetzel & Ella Langley Top The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeKoe Wetzel & Ella Langley; Photo Credit: John Park & Caylee Robillard
Koe Wetzel has topped the MusicRow Radio Chart alongside Ella Langley with their track “Jaded.”
The song comes off of the deluxe version of Wetzel’s The Night Champion and was written by Langley, Wetzel, Jordan Schmidt and Ernest.
Wetzel will perform the last date of his The Night Champion World Tour tonight (Oct. 30) at Cook’s Garage in Lubbock, Texas.
“Jaded” currently sits at No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay and No. 6 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.