Midland Readies New Album Due In June

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Midland will release their new record, Stages, on June 12 via Blue Highway Records.

The 10-track project was produced by Trent Willmon and features writing credits from Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols, Seth Ennis, Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin, Josh Osborne and more.

Clint Black joins the band on “Up In Texas,” and the album features the previously-released track “I Wish You Would” with Mackenzie Carpenter.

“We’ve gone so many places and done so many things,” shares bassist/vocalist Cameron Duddy. “I think we got to that place in the road where we wanted to pull it all together. The title is really a tribute to all the places where we’ve made our stand, but it’s also about all the phases and stages we’ve been through to get here.”

“And the more you dig into country’s roots, the more there is to work with,” adds frontman Mark Wystrach. “We’ve always had real respect for the original Texas and California country, so this album lets us pull all that through the songs we’ve written and found to really focus on what matters to us.”

“Nashville, Texas, California, everywhere in between; we’ve been in a pick-up, then a van and finally a bus – it’s all in these songs,” says guitarist/vocalist Jess Carson. “The road dust, sweat, music listened to, it all seeps into who we are and what we do.”

Stages Tracklist:
1. “Marlboro Man” (Dean Dillon, Tim Nichols, Josh Thompson)*
2. “One Day You Won’t” (Seth Ennis, Mike Robinson, Matt Roy)*
3. “Shooting Memories With Tequila” (Ryan Beaver, Joe Clemmons, Mike Walker)*
4. “Walk A Mile” (Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin, Michael White)*
5. “Glass Half Empty” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)*
6. “I Wish You Would (with Mackenzie Carpenter)” (Mackenzie Carpenter, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jamie Moore)^
7. “Up In Texas (feat. Clint Black)” (Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy, Josh Osborne, Bryan Simpson)%
8. “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey” (Michael Henderson, Chris Stapleton)*
9. “Drunk Enough” (Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach, Nathan Barlowe, Jamie Moore)*
10. “Vaquero” (Joseph Patton, Brett Sheroky, Dan Wilson)*
* produced by Trent Willmon
^ produced by Jamie Moore
% produced by Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy, Jess Carson, and Trent Willmon

Frank Rogers Receives South Carolina’s Highest Honor

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Frank Rogers and Governor McMaster. Photo: South Carolina Governor’s Office

CEO of Spirit Music and President of Fluid Music Revolution Frank Rogers received his home state’s highest honor on April 30 as the Honorable Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina, presented him with the Order of the Palmetto.

As a producer, Rogers’ work has resulted in 46 No. 1 singles and over 80 top twenty singles, with more than 40 singles and 20 albums being certified by the RIAA as Diamond, multi-Platinum, Platinum or Gold. He has amassed 18 CMA award nominations with one win, and 27 ACM award nominations with five wins. He was awarded MusicRow’s Producer of the Year four times, and Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer honor five times.

As a songwriter, Rogers has had songs recorded by artists such as Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Granger Smith, Kenny Rogers, Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Hootie and The Blowfish, Cody Johnson, Matthew West, Clint Black, Charlie Wilson, Thompson Square, Scotty McCreery, Maddie and Tae, Julie Roberts, Montgomery Gentry, Steve Holy, Michael Ray, Lee Brice, Kidd Rock, Billy Gibbons, Tim Montana, The Cadillac Three and Frank Ray, among others. He has earned 10 No. 1 tracks, including the recent chart-topper “Bottle Rockets,” recorded by Scotty McCreery and Hootie and the Blowfish. He has received 16 ASCAP Songwriter Awards to date.

As an executive, Rogers is the former VP of EMI Nashville Productions where he signed artists including Brad Paisley and Darryl Worley. In 1999, Rogers opened up Sea Gayle Music with Paisley and Chris DuBois where he signed artists including Chris Stapleton and Ingrid Andress.

In 2016, he opened Fluid Music Revolution and in 2019 he was named the CEO of Spirit Music Nashville. In 2022, Rogers was named Chief Creative Officer for Spirit Music and in 2025 rose to CEO of Spirit Music.

He and his wife Jessica endowed a scholarship at Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Business, and co-founded Notes For Education which supports arts education in Nashville, Tennessee and Napa, California.

Gavin Adcock Returns To Las Vegas In December For NFR Show

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Gavin Adcock. Photo: Madelyn Ormond

Gavin Adcock will return to The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas with the “The Day I Hang It Up Tour” for his third consecutive National Finals Rodeo performance on Thursday, Dec. 10.

Tickets for the National Finals Rodeo season performance go on sale on May 8.

Adcock’s “The Day I Hang It Up Tour” kicks off this Thursday (May 7) in Florida and visits 27 cities through Nov. 14, including Cincinnati, Lubbock, Birmingham, Savannah, Boston and more. To date, Adcock has amassed over 1.5 billion global streams across his catalog.

AEG Presents Reveals Strategic Partnership With Outback Presents

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AEG Presents has formed a strategic partnership with Outback Presents, bringing together AEG Presents’ global live platform with Outback Presents’ category defining expertise in stand-up and comedy festivals and touring.

Founded in 1996, Outback Presents has built a leading position in comedy touring and promotes tours, festivals, and live comedy events across North America, including Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival.

Under the leadership of Co-Founder and Co-CEO Mike Smardak and Co-CEO Brian Dorfman, Outback Presents has become a market leader and an influential incubator of new comedy talent. Smardak, a multiple‑time recipient of IEBA’s Promoter of the Year honor as well as an IEBA Hall of Fame inductee, co‑created the Nashville Comedy Festival and 312 Comedy Festival. His work has earned industry recognition, including Pollstar Impact 50 honors and designation as a 2024 Billboard Touring Power Player.

In addition to his role as Co-CEO of Outback Presents, Dorfman co-owns a range of premier comedy venues across the country, including multiple Improv locations and Stand Up Live in Phoenix, with his deepest roots and most hands-on involvement in Zanies Comedy Club in Nashville.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership and the opportunity to work closely with AEG Presents,” says Smardak and Dorfman in a joint statement. “The company brings a market-leading perspective and presence to the live events business, while remaining intentional about protecting the identity of their unique business units.  It feels global and bespoke at the same time.”

“Outback Presents has built an enviable business from the ground up, and our intent is to let them do what they do best: create best in class comedy events,” says Shawn Trell, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, AEG Presents. “This partnership is founded, like so many of the ones we seek out at AEG Presents, on collaborating with true visionaries who complement our business strategy in meaningful and creative ways.”

Ascend Amphitheater Celebrates 2026 Kick Off

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Pictured (L-R): Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Metro Parks Director Monique Horton Odom, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties Colin Reed and CEO of Ascend Federal Credit Union Matt Jernigan

Representatives from Opry Entertainment Group, Ascend Federal Credit Union and Metro Nashville Government joined Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Friday (May 1) to kick off the 2026 Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater season before the venue’s inaugural show under its new OEG’s 10-year management contract.

The event brought the unveiling of a new bridge connector for the Riverfront Park Greenway, which runs alongside the amphitheater. The $1 million investment, funded as part of OEG’s more than $12 million capital improvement pledge, will allow access to a stretch of the greenway that was previously closed to the public.

“We’ve long dreamed of activating the riverfront instead of just driving over it,” says Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “We’re taking a big step forward here today. One of the best settings for a live music venue anywhere is now even better, thanks to new operator Opry Entertainment, and the beautiful greenway connection which will allow continuous access to a key stretch that was previously closed to the public.”

“Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater is a crown jewel asset for the Nashville community that will soon be regarded as one of the best outdoor music venues in the country,” adds Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “As longtime caretakers of some of the world’s most beloved music venues, we will steward this facility in the same manner as our owned assets, with the guest and artist experience guiding every decision we make. Every improvement made to prepare for the season, including this important greenway connector, was designed with fans, artists and the community in mind.”

Additional venue enhancements include new permanent seats complete with the installation of new artificial turf, enhanced VIP boxes with new furniture, dedicated servers, elevated food menus and elevated drink offerings, a redesigned and enhanced VIP lounge, new artist friends and family viewing decks and newly remodeled artist dressing rooms, the all-new “Gearstand” fan zone, where ticket holders can purchase merchandise and buy or rent lawn chairs and blankets, the all-new “Tennessee Tailgate,” where ticketholders can enjoy picnic tables and lawn games before or during shows, three refurbished concessions stands with brand new kitchen equipment to provide enhanced menu options, new bar kiosks throughout the venue, and new retail items including a limited edition Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater poster.

OEG plans to hold up to 35 concert events annually at Ascend Amphitheater with a portion of each ticket sold benefiting Nashville Parks Foundation.

Ascend Amphitheater 2026 Schedule:
Russell Dickerson – Friday, May 8
An Evening with David Byrne – Saturday, May 9
Yellowcard – Monday, June 8
Charlie Puth – Tuesday, June 9
Yacht Rock Symphony in Concert – Tuesday, June 23
Young The Giant – Saturday, June 27
Lindsey Stirling – Wednesday, July 22
Turnpike Troubadors – Friday, July 24
Zeds Dead – Saturday, July 25
The Pussycat Dolls – Wednesday, July 29
Hilary Duff – Thursday, July 30
Train – Friday, July 31
Bob Dylan – Saturday, August 1
Tape B x Levity – Saturday, August 8
Jack Johnson – Tuesday, August 25
Bert Kreischer – Saturday, September 12
Shaboozey – Friday, September 18
Dermot Kennedy – Sunday, October 11

BREAKING: Bill Macky Joins Quartz Hill Music Group

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Bill Macky.

Bill Macky has joined Quartz Hill Music Group as Senior Vice President of Promotion & Marketing, effective immediately. In his new role, he will lead radio strategy for both the Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records roster of artists.

Macky brings over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry to the role. He joins Quartz Hill after 13 years as the Vice President of Promotion at Black River Entertainment. During his time at Black River, he helped Kelsea Ballerini earn seven No. 1 hits, as well as working alongside Chris Young.

His other previous career stops include MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville and several independent record labels. Before label work, Macky spent 16 years in radio at WDSY-Pittsburgh, KSON-San Diego, KRTY-San Jose, KNCI-Sacramento and KUZZ-Bakersfield.

“My thanks to Benny [Brown], Paul [Brown], Jason [Sellers], and Ash [Bowers] and their entire staff for this opportunity and their belief in me,” says Macky. “We’re going to build something great! Quartz Hill Music Group has an outstanding roster of artists with so much potential! I’m looking forward to helping them bring these incredible artists to Country Radio and their fans. Let’s GO!!”

“I am excited to have Bill joining our Quartz Hill Music Group family! He’s worked with some of the best of the best in Nashville and has had great success at each step in his career,” adds says QHMG Founder/President Benny Brown. As our QHMG family continues to grow, Bill will be an important part of our efforts to help our artists achieve their dreams!”

Macky will report directly to Benny Brown, Paul Brown, Sellers and Bowers. He can be reached here.

Additionally, VP, Promotion Will Robinson and Dir. Promotion April Rider have exited the company after six years.

Robinson began his career at WQYK/WRBQ in Tampa, WNEW in New York, and WCAT in Harrisburg before going into the label system. As a regional, he worked with RPM, IRS, and Reviver, before rising to Vice President at Quartz Hill Records. He can be reached here.

Rider has previous career stops as managing partner at RPM Entertainment, General Manager at Stoney Creek Records and VP of Promotion at Curb Records. She can be reached here.

MusicRow Weekly (InCharge, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly captures a moment of both momentum and reflection across the country and broader music industry, with major announcements, career milestones and the remembrance of influential figures shaping the headlines. Click here to see the full edition.

MusicRow Magazine has unveiled the 2026 edition of its flagship print directory, InCharge. Long regarded as an essential resource within Nashville’s music business ecosystem, the annual guide continues to spotlight the executives steering the industry forward. This year’s volume features 384 profiles, offering not only contact information but also in-depth career biographies and detailed affiliations across boards and organizations.

Award season is also beginning to take shape. The Country Music Association has confirmed that the 60th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, Nov. 18, broadcasting on ABC with streaming availability on Hulu the following day. Alongside the date announcement, CMA released its full ballot schedule and key timelines for its Broadcast Awards, Touring Awards, International Awards and Industry Honors.

On the executive front, Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has appointed Allison Jones as Executive Vice President of A&R. Elsewhere in media, Joseph Hudak has been promoted to Deputy Editor and Head of Country at Rolling Stone.

The artist community saw a mix of celebration and new beginnings this week. Avery Anna has been named ACM New Female Artist of the Year. Owen Riegling stepped into one of country music’s most revered circles with his Grand Ole Opry debut, while Naomi Carman and Sam Drysdale each marked new chapters by signing with Big Machine Records and ONErpm Nashville, respectively.

The industry also gathered to honor excellence at the Musicians Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held April 28 at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. The sold-out event recognized a diverse and accomplished class, including Dann Huff, Dolly Parton—who received the Industry Icon Award—George Thorogood & The Destroyers, John Boylan (Producer Award), Keith Urban, Leland Sklar, Michael McDonald and the late Nicky Hopkins.

Amid these forward-looking moments, the week also brought somber news with the passing of two respected figures. Country music outlaw David Allan Coe died at age 86, leaving behind a legacy defined by his distinctive voice and songwriting. Known for hits such as “The Ride” and “You Never Even Called Me by My Name,” Coe also penned songs recorded by icons including Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Tammy Wynette. His songwriting contributions also include “Take This Job and Shove It” and “Would You Lay With Me (In a Field of Stone)”. Additionally, industry veteran Cliff Downs passed away at 72 following a battle with cancer. His multifaceted career as an artist, composer, producer and publisher earned him deep respect across the business.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with FlyteVu’s Laura Hutfless.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Be Her.” 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.

Industry Ink: Willie Nelson, ERNEST, Chris Janson, Horses For Mental Health, TALK

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Willie’s Remedy+ Celebrates Nelson’s 93rd Birthday & ‘Red Headed Stranger’ Anniversary

Willie Nelson.

Willie’s Remedy+, the THC-infused social tonic inspired by Willie Nelson, is celebrating Nelson’s 93rd birthday and the 40th anniversary of his 1986 film, Red Headed Stranger, with two exclusive product bundles.

The “Red Headed Stranger 40th Anniversary Bundle” collects two high dose 750ml bottles of Willie’s Remedy+ alongside an exclusive lowball whiskey glass and custom bandana. An additional bundle includes all of the above as well as the 50th Anniversary edition of Nelson’s landmark concept album that inspired the film.

 

ERNEST Performs On NBC’s ‘TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle’

ERNEST recently performed “Boat Named After You” on NBC’s TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle. The performance celebrated his new album Deep Blue, out today (May 1) via Big Loud Records.

 

Chris Janson Performs On The ‘TODAY Show’

Chris Janson recently performed his Top 10 single “Me & A Beer” on the TODAY Show.

Janson also took some time to speak with FOX & Friends host, Steve Doocy, who was reporting live from Missouri.

 

Horses For Mental Health Kicks Off Campaign With Louie TheSinger, Kylie Frey, More


Horses For Mental Health has kicked off its fifth annual campaign with Louie TheSinger, Kylie Frey, Antonio Sabato Jr, Eric Paslay and more. Since 2022, HMH celebrity ambassadors have collectively helped raise over $2 million dollars for local programs.

More information about participating in the campaign is available here.

 

TALK Signs With Big Loud Rock

TALK. Photo: Dmitri Whitehead

TALK has signed with Big Loud Rock, marking his label debut with the release of “Time Machine.”

“We’re excited to welcome TALK into the Big Loud Rock family,” shares Big Loud Partner and Big Loud Rock President Joey Moi. “His powerhouse vocals and eccentric creative concepts really blew us away. He brings such a fresh, infectious energy to the alternative rock space that we couldn’t help but immerse ourselves in it.”

“Big Loud Rock quickly emerged as the most exciting partner to work with on my second album,” says TALK. “Their belief in pure artistry, drive, and heart above all else has renewed my belief in this unpredictable industry. I’m more than proud to call them my home.”

Ryman To Host Annual Community Day, Celebrates 134th Birthday This May

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The Ryman Auditorium will celebrate its 134th birthday this month and host its annual Ryman Community Day.

On May 4, the venue will ring in 134 years with special offerings including 134 hours of exclusive discounts, a free Ryman Hatch Show print with purchase of a daytime tour ticket (The museum will close at 2 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 1:15 p.m.); a free reusable Opry 100 bag when you spend $25 in the Ryman gift shop; and free birthday cupcakes.

Ryman Community Day returns on May 24 with free daytime tours for Tennessee residents from 9-4 p.m. This year’s event will also feature family-friendly offerings both inside the venue and outside on PNC Plaza, including on-site printmaking from Hatch Show Print, food trucks, games and activities, and live music on the PNC Plaza and Ryman stage. Tickets can be reserved here.

Keith Urban Previews New Album During Pop-Up Show In Nashville

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Keith Urban. Photo: Brennon Williamson

Keith Urban previewed some tracks from his upcoming new album Flow State during a sold-out pop-up show Wednesday night (April 29) at The Mil at Cannery Hall in Nashville.

Fans packed the room shoulder to shoulder as Urban hit the stage to perform covers of the timeless tracks featured on Flow State such as “Magnet and Steel,” “Just the Two of Us,” “Baby Come Back,” and just-released tracks, “Summer Breeze,” and “We Go Back” (feat. Michael McDonald).

Urban will be headlining ACM Next Wave: Country’s Beach Bash as part of the 61st ACM Awards Week on May 16 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. The event will feature performances by Flatland Cavalry, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Braxton Keith and Tucker Wetmore.

Keith Urban. Photo: Brennon Williamson

Keith Urban. Photo: Brennon Williamson