MusicRow has revealed its 2025 N.B.T. Industry Directory list, highlighting a rising class of music industry leaders.

Now in its sixth year, MusicRow’s N.B.T. Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who occupy important roles at their respective companies. This class of professionals are on a trajectory of excellence to successfully lead the Nashville music industry into the future.

All members of the 2025 N.B.T. Industry Directory are featured in MusicRow’s current Touring & Next Big Thing Issue, which releases today (Dec. 10).

Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring & Next Big Thing print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

The members of MusicRow Magazine’s 2025 N.B.T. Industry Directory are:

Kayla Adkins, Sr. Dir., Creative/A&R – River House Artists
Michelle Attardi, Sr. Publishing Dir. – Big Machine Music
Emily Baldridge, Creative Dir. – Hang Your Hat Music
Lauren Bartlett, Sr. Dir., Promotion – Sony Music Nashville (Columbia)
Heath Baumhor, Sr. VP/Partner – Reliant Talent Agency
Andi Brooks, Dir. of Streaming – The Valory Music Co./Big Machine Label Group
Lily Bunta, A&R Mgr. – Concord Music Publishing
Chris Burrus, Music Agent – CAA
Brandon Campbell, Dir. of Creative Services – Warner Music Nashville
Brian Carothers, Agent – The Neal Agency
John Carroll, Dir. of Streaming – BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Dan Cleff, Sr. Dir. Ticketing – AEG Presents- Global Touring
Alex Collignon, Agent, Country – WME
Christian Conant, A&R – Prescription Songs
TC Courtney, Mgr., A&R – Universal Music Publishing Group
Tenasie Courtright, Creative Mgr. – Jody Williams Songs
Sarah DeMarco, Label Relations Mgr. – Amazon Music
Devin DeToro, Head of Country Music Marketing – Red Light Management
David DeVaul, Sr. VP, Music Sports and Entertainment – Pinnacle Financial Partners
Andrea Evenson, Dir. – Shore Fire Media
Caroline Fields, Dir. of Publicity – BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Fred Ford, Assoc. Business Mgr. – FBMM
Andy Friday, Head of Creative/Publishing – Major Bob Music, Inc.
Aimee Graham, Public Programs Mgr. – Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Rummy Le Guevel, Accounting Mgr., Business Management – Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group
Hannah Haggerty, Assoc. Business Mgr. – Farris, Self & Moore
Jenny Hall, Sr. Creative Dir. – Porchlight Music
Claire Heinichen, Country Editor – Spotify
Duane Hobson, Assoc. Dir., Membership – ASCAP
Andy Hodges, Creative Dir. – Spirit Music Nashville
Abby Holcomb, Office & Social Media Dir. – Creative Nation
Katy Huffman, Dir., Strategic Marketing – UMG Nashville
Jordon Isbell, Dir. of Marketing – Virgin Music Group
Emilia James, Membership Mgr. – ASCAP
Madison Jelks, Head of Digital Strategy – Red Light Management
Willie Jones, Assoc. – Loeb & Loeb LLP
Colleen Kelley, Assoc. – Loeb & Loeb LLP
Heather Kinder, Chief of Staff – Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group
Alex Kinker, Jr. Account Dir. – Girlilla Marketing
Michelle Kirk, Sr. Dir., CMA Foundation – Country Music Association
Basak Kizilisik, Owner & Artist Manager – Eighteen Company
Anna Kolander, Sr. Artist Mgr./Head of A&R – Activist Artists Management
Courtney Kruckeberg, Creative Dir. – Endurance Music Group
Hillary Lambert, Dir., Marketing – Big Loud Records
Aubrey Landon, Creative Dir. – Sony Music Publishing
Kevin Lane, Sr. Dir., Creative – Kobalt Music Publishing
Jacob Lapidus, Music Agent – CAA
Betsy Lee, Business Manager – FBMM
Alaina Maggart, Creative Dir. – Twelve6 Entertainment
Bethany Mako, Mgr. A&R – Warner Chappell Nashville
Paige Maloney, Agent – Wasserman Music
Rakiyah Marshall, Founder/CEO – Back Blocks Music
Alicia Mathews, Dir. of Label Operations/Artist Manager – Make Wake Artists
Kirby Mathews, Dir., A&R & Publishing – Riser House Entertainment
Liz Mayo, Sr. Dir., Public Relations – Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)
Megan McCaffrey, Dir. of Regional Promotion – Monument Records
Carrie McDonough, Publicist – Essential Broadcast Media, LLC
Kelsey Middleton, Head of Digital – Big Loud Management
Blair Miller, Founder/CEO – Chaos Creators
Kristen Mitchell, Dir. of Tour Marketing – Wasserman Music
Haley Montgomery, Dir., Industry Relations & Awards – Academy of Country Music
Vanna Moua, Creative Dir. – Rhythm House
Kennedy Murphy, Creative Dir. – Spirit Music Nashville
Whitney Nevitt, Marketing Mgr. – Black River Records
Addison Nunes, Dir., Data & Analytics – Warner Music Nashville
Kayla Ott, Sr. Dir., Marketing – Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)
Cody Payne, Manager – Conway Entertainment Group/Ontourage Management
Emily Peacock, Sr. Creative Dir. – Jonas Group Publishing
Megan Pekar, Assoc. – Loeb & Lobe LLP
Anna Pittman, VP, Marketing – Warner Music Nashville
Gator Pizer, Assoc. Business Manager – Farris, Self & Moore
Jason Plum, VP/Sr. Relationship Mgr. – City National Bank
Jeanette Porcello, Dir., A&R – Downtown Artist & Label Services
Cade Price, GM/Manager – Play It Again Music
Jonathan Roberts, Music Agent – UTA
Carter Robinson, Sr. VP, Music Entertainment & Sports Group – Pinnacle Financial Partners
Sam Sarno, Creative Dir. – SMACKSongs
Shannon Saunders, Agent, International – WME
Darielle Schroeder, Sr. Mgr., A&R – Big Machine Label Group
Sam Shelton, Creative Dir. – Goat Island Sound
Jenna Smith, Marketing & Communications Mgr. – SESAC
Catherine Snead, Sr. Dir. – Sacks & Co.
Laura Spinelli, Mgr. Digital – Shopkeeper Management
Parker Stacey, Dir. Digital Marketing & Artist Development – Sony Music Nashville
Grayson Stephens, VP, Royalties & Finance – Big Machine Music
Ben Strain, Sr. Creative Dir. – MV2 Entertainment
Alex Strong, VP/Relationship Mgr. – First Horizon Music Industry Group
Matt Stubbs, Manager – WHY&HOW
Anna Thiel, Creative Mgr. – Eclipse Music Group
Andrew Thoen, Dir. of Streaming & Digital Partners/Radio Promotion – Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Nathan Thomas, Dir., A&R – Sony Music Nashville
Chandler Thurston, A&R – Position Music
Lauren Tinnin, Mgr., Marketing Project Management – UMG Nashville
Jess Tomlins, Project Mgr./Day-To-Day Manager – Neon Coast
Jenn Tressler, Dir. of Artist & Industry Relations – Opry Entertainment Group
Marissa Turk-Loar, Manager – SMACK
Beth Tyson, Assoc. Business Manager – FBMM
Kolby Vetter, Day-To-Day Manager, Morgan Wallen – Sticks Management
Cody Villalobos, VP – L3 Entertainment
Kanan Vitolo, Agent – WME
Abbey Watson, Creative Services Coord. – SESAC
Sarah Beth Watson, Dir. of Publicity – Sweet Talk Publicity
Austin Wells, Attorney – Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
Lindsay Will, Sr. Director, A&R – Round Hill Music

MusicRow is proud to reveal its list of artists who are predicted to become the Next Big Thing (NBT) in 2025. The 11th annual NBT list features 13 artists, who are each profiled in MusicRow‘s latest 2025 Touring & Next Big Thing print issue, which releases today (Dec. 10).

Boasting a stand-out group of rising stars in the country music industry, MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2025 includes a wide range of talent, diverse in sound, style and level of success. What each artist has in common, though, is extraordinary talent and a passion for today’s ever-evolving country music format. These future superstars will expand the boundaries of country music, carrying the torch of the format both to its loyal fans and into the mainstream.

Single copies of MusicRow’s Touring & Next Big Thing print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

MusicRow Magazine’s 2025 Next Big Thing Artists:

TANNER ADELL
Bad Cow/Love Renaissance (LVRN) | Wide Eyed Entertainment | WME | UMPG Nashville | BMI

Tanner Adell is an artist breaking new ground in country music with her unique sound that fuses pop, hip-hop and country storytelling. Raised between the coasts of Manhattan Beach, California and the rustic charm of Star Valley, Wyoming, Adell’s music reflects her biracial identity and free-spirited upbringing. Her debut mixtape Buckle Bunny, released in July 2023, received praise from The New York Times, Billboard and MusicRow, signaling the arrival of a bold new voice in the genre. Adell’s innovative approach to country music includes tracks like the pop-infused anthem “Whiskey Blues” and her recent summer release, “Silverado,” both of which have resonated with fans and critics alike. Adell’s music was put on a global stage this year when she was included on Beyoncé’s blockbuster country album. Her live performances at major festivals, including Stagecoach and C2C, alongside TV appearances like The Jennifer Hudson Show and the 2024 BET Awards, have positioned her as one of the genre’s most dynamic emerging stars. In 2024, Adell is set to release new music and tour extensively, continuing to push genre boundaries.

 

GAVIN ADCOCK
Thrivin Here Records LLC under exclusive license to Warner Music Nashville | Red Light Management | WME | Good Cock Music with global admin deal with Sony Music Publishing | BMI

Gavin Adcock’s journey from Georgia Southern football player to full-time musician is a testament to his resilience and passion for storytelling through song. After a knee injury in 2021, Adcock turned to music, recording his first original single and dedicating himself to his new career. Since then, his music has made a major impact, with over 600 million streams across platforms, including his latest release, “A Cigarette,” which has amassed over 110 million streams. Adcock’s authentic blend of country, southern rock and personal lyricism has earned him a feverish fanbase. His debut album, Actin’ Up Again, which continues to build momentum, led the way to a sold-out headlining tour in 2024. Adcock’s high-energy, often rowdy performances have led to major festival appearances and upcoming headline dates through 2025, solidifying his place as a rising star. As one of the genre’s newest outlaws, Adcock’s future looks incredibly bright, with plans for more music and extensive touring in the years ahead. His dedication and relatable sound make him one of country music’s artists to watch.

 

MACKENZIE CARPENTER
Big Machine Label Group (The Valory Music Co.) | Rich MGMT | WME | Warner Chappell | BMI

Mackenzie Carpenter is making waves in country music with her honest lyrics and bold approach to storytelling. Hailing from Hull, Georgia, she first gained attention as a songwriter, co-writing Lily Rose’s chart-topping hit “Villain.” Since then, Carpenter has built her own artist career, releasing singles like “Can’t Nobody,” “Huntin’ Season” and “Sound Of A Heartbreak” which have been embraced by fans and earned her millions of streams. Known for her cheeky sense of humor and raw vulnerability, Carpenter’s self-titled debut EP showcases her ability to craft both anthemic tracks and introspective ballads. In 2023, her viral hit “Jesus, I’m Jealous” gained significant traction, further cementing her place as one of the genre’s breakout artists. A fixture on Spotify’s Hot Country and CMT’s Next Women of Country, Carpenter has opened for top artists like Miranda Lambert and Parker McCollum. She’s also garnered more songwriting hits, co-writing Megan Moroney’s hit “I’m Not Pretty.” With her infectious personality, strong live presence and knack for writing relatable, authentic music, Carpenter’s star is on the rise. In 2025, she is set to continue her success with new music and more high-profile performances, including major festivals and her first headlining shows.

 

CARTER FAITH
UMG Nashville (Capitol Records Nashville) | Range Media Partners | CAA | UMPG Nashville | BMI

Carter Faith has emerged as one of the most compelling new voices in country music. The North Carolina native relocated to Nashville after college to pursue her dream, quickly building an impressive following with tracks like “Wild,” “Greener Pasture” and “Already Crazy,” which together have garnered over 117 million global streams. Known for her soaring vocals, authentic storytelling and breezy confidence, Faith has captivated audiences across the country and beyond. She has performed alongside country legends like Little Big Town and Keith Urban, and shared the stage with Willie Nelson, one of her major influences. Faith was featured in CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country and Spotify’s Fresh Finds multi-genre program, highlighting her rising presence in the industry. Recently signed to Universal Music Group Nashville, she is primed for even greater success with her debut album on the horizon. In 2024, Faith expanded her reach with U.S. and international performances, including her first shows in London and Berlin at Country to Country. Faith’s blend of raw emotion and effortless confidence promises to captivate country music fans for years to come.

 

DYLAN GOSSETT
Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records | Range Media Partners | UTA | UMPG Nashville | BMI

Dylan Gossett’s meteoric rise in country music has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter from Austin, Texas, first began posting his self-written, recorded and produced music on social media in 2023, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. His breakout hit “Coal” has accumulated over 322 million global streams and earned Platinum certifications in Australia, Canada and Ireland. The song’s massive success led to a debut EP, No Better Time, which received widespread critical acclaim from outlets like Billboard, The New York Times and Grammy.com. Known for his DIY approach to music production, Gossett continues to write, record, and mix all his material in his bedroom studio. His recent EP Songs In The Gravel showcases his growing versatility, with collaborations alongside industry veterans like Eddie Spear and Ian Fitchuk. Gossett’s headlining “The Back 40 Tour” has sold out numerous venues, while his earlier international shows with Noah Kahan and Morgan Wallen introduced him to a global audience. Gossett’s blend of raw authenticity and genre-defying sound positions him as one of country’s most exciting new acts.

 

ELLA LANGLEY
Columbia Records/SAWGOD | Painted Rock Management | The Neal Agency | Sony Music Publishing Nashville | BMI

Ella Langley is a rising star in country music, bringing a blend of rock ‘n’ roll grit and unapologetic honesty to the genre. The Alabama native’s debut EP Excuse The Mess quickly earned her a reputation for sharp songwriting and a powerhouse voice. Her single with Riley Green “You Look Like You Love Me,” featured on her 2024 album Hungover, set her career to break-neck speed, garnering over 230 million global streams, recently reaching No. 1 at country radio and winning the CMA Musical Event of the Year. Langley’s music combines raw emotion with unfiltered stories, reflecting her unique perspective as a modern country artist. In 2024, Langley took her career to new heights with the “Sill Hungover Tour,” following a sold-out headline tour and performances alongside Morgan Wallen and Luke Bryan. Her growing fanbase continues to be captivated by her authenticity and edgy rock influences. Langley’s impressive releases have showcased her bold sound and songwriting prowess. With a string of hit singles and major live performances already under her belt, Langley is set to make a lasting impact on the country music scene.

 

VINCENT MASON
Interscope Records/UMG Nashville/Music Soup | Champ Management/Red Light Management | WME | Hang Your Hat Music/Concord Music Publishing | BMI

Vincent Mason is a fresh new voice in country music, fusing southern storytelling with contemporary pop sensibilities. The 23-year-old from Roswell, Georgia, has amassed over 110 million streams with his breakout hit “Hell is a Dance Floor,” which has become a fan favorite on editorial playlists like Spotify’s Hot Country and Apple Music’s Country Risers. Mason’s music blends the timelessness of traditional country with the modern flair of pop, creating a sound that resonates with both country purists and new listeners alike. His debut EP, Can’t Just Be Me, has been praised for its vulnerability and catchy melodies. Mason’s live performances have earned him spots on tours with artists like Parker McCollum and Ashley Cooke, and he’s also been direct support for major acts including Gavin Adcock and Luke Bryan. Recently, his single “Heart Like This” was played on John Mayer’s SiriusXM show, further elevating Mason’s profile in the industry. With multiple high-profile performances, including Grand Ole Opry appearances, and a growing following, Mason is positioning himself as one of the brightest new talents in country music.

 

 

DYLAN MARLOWE
Sony Music Nashville/Play It Again Music | Play It Again Music | CAA | Relative Music Group/Play It Again Music | BMI

Dylan Marlowe is quickly establishing himself as one of country music’s most distinctive new artists. With a blend of classic country storytelling and modern energy, Marlowe’s music resonates deeply with fans. Hailing from Statesboro, Georgia, his rise began with a viral cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License,” which earned him more than half a million TikTok followers. Marlowe’s debut singles and EPs, including “Record High” and Dirt Road When I Die, have garnered over 328 million streams globally. Marlowe released his debut album Mid-Twenties Crisis this summer, containing the hit single “Boys Back Home” (feat. Dylan Scott), which has surpassed 138 million streams. He has toured with country heavyweights like Dan + Shay, Cole Swindell, and Brantley Gilbert, while his co-written track “Last Night Lonely” for Jon Pardi topped the charts. Known for his authenticity and genre-blending style, Marlowe continues to grow his fanbase with every release. As he prepares for another year of touring and new music, Marlowe is well on his way to becoming a household name in country music.

 

DRAKE MILLIGAN
BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records | Big Dreams Entertainment | Wasserman | Sony Music Publishing Nashville | ASCAP

Drake Milligan has quickly become one of country music’s brightest young stars. The Fort Worth, Texas native burst onto the scene with his debut album Dallas/Fort Worth, which charted multiple hits on iTunes and earned praise as one of the best country albums of 2022. His music, which blends classic country with early rock ‘n’ roll swagger, has made waves with fans and critics alike. Milligan’s release “Honky Tonkin’ About” with The Reklaws became a Canadian country radio hit, and his viral “Cowgirl For Christmas” video earned over five million views in just a few months. Milligan’s breakout year included a headline performance at Billy Bob’s Texas, where he sold out two homecoming shows, and performances on The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Grand Ole Opry. Milligan’s latest release, Jukebox Songs, showcases his rock-inspired country sound and highlights his songwriting chops. With a packed 2024 touring schedule and a growing fanbase, Milligan is poised to dominate the country music scene for years to come.

 

ZACH TOP
Leo33 | Major Bob Music | WME | Major Bob Music | BMI

Zach Top is making waves in the country music scene with his fresh take on classic country. The Sunnyside, Washington native grew up surrounded by the sounds of bluegrass and traditional country, and he has honed his craft through years of performing with various bands. After relocating to Nashville in 2021, Top quickly gained recognition with his debut album Cold Beer & Country Music, which racked up over three million streams in its first week. The album’s success, paired with his undeniable stage presence, led to major industry recognition, including being named a 2024 MusicRow Discovery Artist of the Year and receiving a CMA New Artist of the Year nomination. Top’s sound blends traditional country roots with contemporary influences, creating a style that appeals to both classic country fans and newer listeners. He’s spent the past year touring with artists like Dierks Bentley, Lainey Wilson and Brothers Osborne, and is now preparing for a major headlining tour in 2025. Top’s rapidly-growing fanbase and impressive talent set him up to be one of country music’s breakout stars.

 

TIGIRLILY GOLD
Monument Records | Roundhouse Entertainment | WME | SMACK | BMI

Tigirlily Gold, the dynamic duo from North Dakota, is taking the country music world by storm. Since forming their band in high school, sisters Kendra and Krista have built a fiercely loyal fanbase, performing across the Midwest and selling out venues in their home state. Their debut single “Somebody Does” topped the iTunes chart and helped secure a deal with Monument Records. Their self-titled EP, released in 2021, earned them a spot on major tours with artists like Walker Hayes and Ashley McBryde. In 2023, their debut single “Shoot Tequila” reached the Top 40 at country radio, and the track went viral on social media, amassing millions of views. The duo’s infectious energy, combined with their harmonies and powerful anthems, has made them fan favorites. With their debut album Blonde now out, Tigirlily Gold is continuing their rise, earning millions of streams and accolades, including the 2024 ACM New Duo or Group of the Year award. As their live shows continue and their follow-up single “I Tried A Ring On” gains traction, Tigirlily Gold is set to make a lasting impact on the country music landscape.

 

THE RED CLAY STRAYS
RCA Records | Ontourage Management | WME | Warner Chappell | BMI

The Red Clay Strays are one of the most exciting bands in country music today. Formed in Mobile, Alabama, the group has rapidly gained attention with their infectious energy and sharp songwriting. Their Platinum-certified single “Wondering Why” has amassed over 100 million streams and hit No. 1 on multiple charts, including Spotify’s Viral 50 USA. With their 2022 album Moment of Truth, the band showcased their blend of country, rock, and Americana influences, which resonated deeply with fans. The Red Clay Strays’ live shows, filled with electrifying performances, have earned them spots on major tours. Their 2024 live album Live At The Ryman debuted to rave reviews, captured during a sold-out three-night run at Nashville’s iconic venue. Their breakout year has also included their first CMA Award nomination, winning Emerging Act of the Year at the 2024 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards and releasing their acclaimed new album, Made by These Moments, this past summer. The band’s undeniable stage presence and genre-blending sound have positioned them as a rising force in the country music scene.

 

TUCKER WETMORE
UMG Nashville/Back Blocks Music/Mercury | Back Blocks Music | WME | Back Blocks Music | BMI

Tucker Wetmore is on the fast track to becoming one of country music’s most exciting new talents. The Washington native, known for his genre-defying blend of country, reggae, rock and hip-hop, has seen rapid success with his debut singles “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” which have already surpassed 500 million streams. Wetmore’s songs showcase his unique cross-genre influences, anchored by classic country storytelling, and his live shows have captivated fans across the country. After touring with Kameron Marlowe and Luke Bryan in 2024, Wetmore went on his own headlining tour, “Waves on a Sunset Tour 2024,” and is slated to join Thomas Rhett’s 2025 “Better in Boots Tour” as direct support. Wetmore’s debut EP, Waves on a Sunset, features tracks like “Already Had It” and “Steal My Thunder,” both featured on the Twisters soundtrack. Recently signed to UMG Nashville, Wetmore’s innovative sound and diverse musical influences have made him a standout in the new wave of country music artists, with a growing fanbase and a bright future ahead.