Brett Young. Photo: Braden Carney
Brett Young will head out on his “Back To Basics World Tour 2025” beginning early next year.
Kicking off Feb. 13 in Springfield, Illinois, Young will make stops throughout the U.S. including Philadelphia, Birmingham, Biloxi, Phoenix, Key West and more before heading overseas to Australia, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and the U.K.
“Next year is going to be a lot of fun. I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to do a tour like this where there aren’t any bells and whistles and the focus is completely on the music,” shares Young. “This tour is solely about the songs and the stories behind them being played by the best musicians around. I’ve always been a song person, and I’m so excited to finally share the music in its purest form.”
Tickets will be available via fan club pre-sale Dec. 4-5, with public on-sale beginning on Dec. 6. VIP packages will be available for all dates, and tickets are available at brettyoungmusic.com/tour.
Young took it back to where it all began for him last night (Dec. 2), previewing the upcoming world tour in L.A. at the Hotel Café. Tonight (Dec. 3), he’ll perform a sold-out show at the famed Troubadour in Los Angeles.
“Back To Basics World Tour” 2025 Dates:
2/13 – Springfield, IL // Sangamon Auditorium
2/14 – French Lick, IN // French Lick Resort
2/15 – Shipshewana, IN // Blue Gate PAC
2/20 – Washington, D.C. // Warner Theatre
2/21 – Philadelphia, PA // The Met Philadelphia
2/22 – Providence, RI // Veterans Memorial Auditorium
2/27 – Birmingham, AL // Alabama Theatre
2/28 – Biloxi, MS // Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
3/1 – Chattanooga, TN // Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
3/6 – Jacksonville, FL // Florida Theatre
3/7 – Hollywood, FL // Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
3/8 – Key West, FL // Key West Amphitheater
3/13 – Rockford, IL // Coronado Performing Arts Center
3/14 – Davenport, IA // Capitol Theatre
3/15 – Evansville, IN // Victory Theatre
4/10 – Madison, WI // Orpheum Theater
4/11 – Hinckley, MN // Grand Casino Event Center
4/12 – Winnipeg, MB // Centennial Concert Hall
4/14 – Tsuut’ina, AB // Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
4/15 – Edmonton, AB // Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
4/17 – Vancouver, BC // Orpheum
4/25 – Fort Yates, ND // Prairie Knights Casino & Resort
4/26 – Hankinson, ND // Dakota Magic Casino
5/1 – Phoenix, AZ // Celebrity Theatre
5/2 – Valley Center, CA // Harrah’s Resort
5/3 – Reno, NV // Grand Sierra Resort (Grand Theatre)
5/17 – Perth, AU // Metropolis Fremantle
5/19 – Melbourne, AU // Palais Theatre
5/21 – Sydney, AU // Enmore Theatre
5/24 – Rockhampton, AU // Great Western Hotel
5/25 – Brisbane, AU // Fortitude Music Hall
10/23 – Olso, NO // Sentrum Scene
10/24 – Stockholm, SE // Fållan
10/26 – Tilburg, NE // O13
10/27 – Munich, DE // TonHalle
10/28 – Cologne, DE // Theater am Tanzbrunnen
10/31 – Belfast, UK // SSE Arena
11/2 – Glasgow, UK // OVO Hydro Arena
11/4 – Birmingham, UK // Utilita Arena
11/5 – Manchester, UK // O2 Apollo
11/6 – London, UK // Eventim Apollo
Little Extra Music Hires Victoria Goodvin & Tristan Scaife
/by Lorie HollabaughVictoria Goodvin & Tristan Scaife
Little Extra Music has hired Victoria Goodvin to represent the company’s catalog and Tristan Scaife, son of the late Joe Scaife, who will work alongside Goodvin.
A Princeton, North Carolina native, Goodvin moved to Nashville to study at Belmont University. She discovered music publishing, which allowed her to work directly with her passion for songs, storytelling and creators. Her past industry stops have included positions at Song Factory Music, Row Entertainment, Liv Write Play and Wide Open Music.
“After Joe’s passing, his family and I spent some time together and realized that we weren’t done with this company and this catalog,” says Little Extra Music co-founder Lisa Ramsey-Perkins. “Joe’s son Tristan has a great musical ear, much like his father. What better way to honor Joe than to continue his musical legacy with Little Extra Music? There are some great songs in the catalog that deserve to be heard. Having Victoria on board to work this catalog is a gift! Her knowledge and passion for music is invaluable.”
Little Extra Music was founded in 2013 by the late award-winning producer and engineer Joe Scaife and music industry veteran Ramsey-Perkins. The company’s catalog boasts over 100 cuts including the BMI and ASCAP award-winning, six-week No. 1 single “She Got The Best Of Me” by Luke Combs and BMI award-winner and top 10 single “You Broke Up With Me” by Walker Hayes.
ACM Lifting Lives Unveils 2024-2025 Grant Recipients
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Fletcher Foster, Scott Borchetta, Taylor Wolf and Sandi Borchetta. Photo: Courtesy of ACM Lifting Lives
The Academy of Country Music’s philanthropic arm, ACM Lifting Lives, has unveiled its 2024-2025 grant cycle beneficiaries, funded by Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) Chairman Scott Borchetta and EVP, Creative Sandi Borchetta’s donation through Music Has Value.
Launched in August, this funding cycle and allocation of grants aims to continue ACM Lifting Lives’ history of supporting diverse and impactful organizations that provide music therapy programs. The 2024-2025 recipient organizations work with disadvantaged children, individuals with special needs, individuals with memory loss, school programs, those fighting illnesses and more across the country in states like Tennessee, California, Texas, New York and Washington.
The 10 memory care-focused recipients consist of Abe’s Garden Community, Care Dimensions, Higher Octave Healing, Iris Collective, Key Chorale Inc., Magnolia Memory Care, MultiCare Health Foundation, Music for Seniors, Musicians On Call (MOC) and West Falls Center for the Arts. Additional recipients include Amped Kids Foundation, Children’s Eye Foundation, Country Music Foundation, Love Learning Music, Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center, Northern Westchester Hospital Association, Perfect Harmony Health, Rock to Recovery, The Angel Band Project and the Texas Supremacy of Music & Arts Conservatory (TSMAC).
“I’m reminded daily that music is a powerful force—not only for enjoyment, but also for reaching hearts and minds in a way that other things can’t. ACM Lifting Lives is honored to announce the newest grant recipients, who are harnessing music’s power for therapeutic means,” shares Taylor Wolf, ACM Lifting Lives Senior Manager. “These worthy organizations continue to make an impact on so many people nationwide through their essential work, and thanks to the incredible support from Music Has Value, we’re thrilled to expand our support to memory care programs, specifically.”
“We are honored to be able to continue the mission of Music Has Value by working with ACM Lifting Lives and their grant recipients. Our shared vision and mission align greatly, and we look forward to spreading the healing power of music together,” express the Borchettas.
Jon Pardi Goes ‘Honkytonk Hollywood’ On New Tour Set For Spring
/by Lorie HollabaughJon Pardi. Photo: Evan De Stefano
Jon Pardi will head into spring on his new “Honkytonk Hollywood Tour” beginning in April, with support from Corey Kent and Kassi Ashton on select dates.
He’ll bring his shows packed with fiddle, twang, steel guitar and contagious charisma on the new trek to 16 arenas and amphitheaters across the U.S. in markets including Tucson, Toledo, Pittsburgh, Lubbock, Las Cruces and more. Tickets for many of the shows go on sale this Friday, (Dec. 6) and all ticket information is available at jonpardi.com. A portion of proceeds from the tour will benefit Pardi’s newly established Starlight Fund. Founded with his wife Summer, the Starlight Fund supports organizations dedicated to providing opportunities and resources specific to young people in need that are pursuing a path in the trades, agriculture and construction.
Pardi’s brand new single “Friday Night Heartbreaker” is the leadoff track from his upcoming fifth studio album, anticipated for release in 2025.
“Honkytonk Hollywood Tour” Dates:
4/25/2025 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena
4/26/2025 – Las Cruces, NM – Pan American Center
5/15/2025 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Arena
5/16/2025 – Prescott Valley, AZ – Findlay Toyota Center
5/29/2025 – Toledo, OH – Huntington Center
5/30/2025 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park
5/31/2025 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
6/5/2025 – Highland Heights, KY – Truist Arena
6/6/2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center
6/7/2025 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center
6/11/2025 – Regina, SK – Brandt Centre
6/12/2025 – Lethbridge, AB – VisitLethbridge.com Arena
6/14/2025 – Kelowna, BC – Prospera Place
6/18/2025 – Idaho Falls, ID – Mountain America Center *
6/20/2025 – Airway Heights, WA – BECU Live at Northern Quest Amphitheater *
6/21/2025 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater *
* TBA and Kassi Ashton
Madison Spratley Inks With King Pen Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Brenner McDonald, Christina Wiltshire, Kelly King, Madison Spratley, Amanda Roach and Monti Smith.
Madison Spratley has signed a publishing deal with King Pen Music.
A 22-year-old North Carolina native, Spratley draws inspiration from her Southern roots and blends folk, pop and Americana into her heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies.
BREAKING: Chris Young Signs With Black River Entertainment
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Sound Stage Studio’s Nick Autry; Black River’s Dawn Delvo, Tanya Schrage, Rick Froio, and Gordon S. Kerr; Chris Young; Red Light Management’s Kailyn Finnegan; Black River’s Doug Johnson, Grace Watson and Bill Macky. Photo: Moncell Allen
After 19 years with Sony Music Nashville, Chris Young has signed a new record deal with Black River Entertainment.
Young, a Grand Ole Opry member, has accumulated over five billion on-demand streams, 14 career No. 1 singles, 25 RIAA-certified projects and numerous ACM, AMA, CMA and Grammy nominations, as well as wins for Performance of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards.
“I’m so excited to announce my new partnership with Black River Entertainment! RCA Nashville was an amazing home for me since 2006 when Joe Galante signed me to work with the Sony team, but it is time for my next chapter,” shares Young. “I couldn’t be more excited about the new music that’s on the way or my new home. Black River is an amazing company, and they have truly impressed upon me how much they believe in me and my future. I can’t wait to continue to add to my legacy with them as a Black River Entertainment artist.”
“This is a historic day for Black River,” says Black River’s President and CEO Gordon S. Kerr. “With 14 No.1s under his belt, Chris has made an undeniable impression on Country music. His songwriting and vocal excellence make him a leader in the genre, and I can’t wait to see all we can accomplish together on this impressive journey.”
The news follows Young’s management shift to Red Light Management, with Kailyn Finnegan at the helm of his career.
Ty Myers ‘Selects’ Release Date For Debut Album
/by Madison HahnenTy Myers will release his debut album, The Select, on Jan. 24 via RECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records.
Produced by Brandon Hood and Tommy Detamore, the 16-track project will feature the already released tracks “Ends Of The Earth,” “Drinkin’ Alone,” “Worry Is A Sickness” and “Tie That Blinds.” Myers is credited as the sole writer on 12 of the songs, with additional writing credits from John Mayer, Jessi Alexander, Rhett Akins and more.
The album’s title is a tribute to Le Select, a Parisian brasserie once frequented by Ernest Hemingway, one of Myers’ literary idols, reflecting its emotional depth, much of which stems from his raw lyrics. With uplifting anthems and heartbreak ballads, Myers weaves his deeply introspective musings on love’s many facets into every song.
The Select will be available in two different formats, a 16-song digital edition available on Jan. 24, and a limited signed 10-song CD and vinyl edition, out on March 28.
The album announcement wraps up a monumental 2024 for Myers, who is currently averaging nine million streams per week. He recently wrapped up his sold-out, headlining “Let ‘Em Talk Tour,” and premiered his “Ends Of The Earth” music video last week after fan demand made Myers move up the track release date.
The Select Track Listing:
1. “Ends of the Earth” (Ty Myers)*
2. “Real World Now” (Ty Myers)*
3. “Worry is a Sickness” (Ty Myers)*
4. “Let ‘Em Talk” (Ty Myers, Anderson East, Trent Dabbs)*
5. “Love Is Two Faced” (Ty Myers)*
6. “Somewhere Over You” (Allen Shamblin, Michael Reid)*
7. “Never Get Tired (of Loving You)” (Ty Myers)*
8. “Firefly” (Ty Myers)*
9. “Can’t Hold Me Down” (Ty Myers)*
10. “Man On The Side” (John Mayer, Clay Cook)*
11. “Thought It Was Love” (Ty Myers)*
12. “Too Far Gone” (Ty Myers, Jessi Alexander, Rhett Akins)*
13. “Drunk Love” (Ty Myers)*
14. “But Me” (Ty Myers)+
15. “Drinkin’ Alone” (Ty Myers)+
16. “Tie That Binds” (Ty Myers)+
* Produced by Brandon Hood
+ Produced by Tommy Detamore
Dan Swank Signs With Warner Chappell Music & Alex Gaskarth
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Shelby Yoder (Willo & Co), Katy Wolaver (Warner Chappell), Dan Swank, Alex Gaskarth, Keith Lazorchack (Hard8) and Alexa Morris (Warner Chappell).
Musician, songwriter and producer Dan Swank has inked a joint publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth.
“I’ve been pinching myself since the early idea of this partnership with Warner Chappell and Alex,” Swank says. “Now that it’s a reality, I am excited for everything that lies ahead and can’t wait to get to work with this amazing team!”
In 2024 alone, Swank has seen writing, producing and mixing credits on 60 projects across pop, rock and country. His collaborations include Pale Waves, Knox, Taylor Acorn, Mitchell Tenpenny, Charlotte Sands and more.
Throughout the last four years, Swank has been touring as part of All Time Low and co-penned “Modern Love” and “English Blood // American Heartache,” on the band’s Tell Me I’m Alive album. He also produced their most recent album, The Forever Sessions (Vol. 1).
“Dan’s vision as a songwriter is something truly special,” shares Katy Wolaver, SVP, A&R, Warner Chappell Music. “It’s an honor to welcome him to our Warner Chappell family and get to be part of this next chapter in his career.”
“When I signed into the Warner Chappell system with Greg and Katy, I was welcomed into a collaborative, familial atmosphere, which in my experience, has always made for the best, most natural feeling environment. As a result, great music follows,” adds Gaskarth. “I’m excited and honored to be growing our corner of the space by welcoming in my friend and collaborator Dan Swank as a writer and launching Sweet Heat Songs, which we will look to grow as we welcome in more writers and producers in the near future.”
Alison Krauss & Union Station To Return To The Road After A Decade
/by Lorie HollabaughAlison Krauss & Union Station. Photo: Randee St Nicholas
Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas will embark on their first tour together in a decade next year.
The 73-date “Arcadia 2025 Tour,” which features special guest Willie Watson, kicks off on April 17 in Louisville and includes iconic venues like Red Rocks, L.A.s Greek Theatre, New York’s Beacon Theatre, Wolf Trap in Virginia and more. Krauss will also play a Nashville date on Aug. 22 at Ascend Amphitheater. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Dec. 6, with pre-sales available from Dec. 4-5.
Krauss has also announced that vocalist and guitarist Russell Moore has joined the ranks of Union Station. Best known as the frontman for chart-topping group IIIrd Tyme Out, Moore is the most-awarded male vocalist in the history of the International Bluegrass Music Association with six wins, and has guided his group to more than 50 industry honors including seven IBMA Vocal Group of the Year titles. He joins longtime Union Station members Ron Block (banjo, guitar, vocals), Barry Bales (bass, vocals) and newly-inducted Bluegrass Hall of Fame member Jerry Douglas (Dobro, lap steel, vocals).
“I’m so grateful to get to make music again with my comrades of 40 years,” says Krauss. “They’ve always accomplished incredible work individually and have been constantly traveling because of it. We’re very inspired to experience this new exciting chapter in the band’s history.”
Next year, fans can also expect to hear new music from Krauss & Union Station for the first time since the band’s 2011 project Paper Airplane.
O’Neil Hagaman, LLC Promotes Tiffany Wiggers
/by Madison HahnenTiffany Wiggers
Tiffany Wiggers has been promoted to Principal at O’Neil Hagaman, LLC.
In her new role, Wiggers will help shape decisions that influence the production and advancement of the firm while continuing to focus on the business and financial needs of her diverse client base.
“Tiffany has been a vital component to the overall success of O’Neil Hagaman,” says Partner Lillian Williams. “For the last 20 years, she has provided our clients with excellent service and advice while mentoring and supporting our staff. Her leadership within the firm is integral to our future growth and success.”
For nearly 20 years, Wiggers has shown her expertise in financial and tax accounting, contractual oversight, risk management and overall financial strategy. She also leads staff and assures the firm’s clients receive customized and vital guidance to meet and exceed their financial goals.
She began her career at O’Neil Hagaman as an intern in the business management division in 2004. After graduating from David Lipscomb University in 2005 with a B.A. in accounting and management, she pursued her J.D. at the Nashville School of Law, passing the Tennessee bar in 2009. She currently a member of the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Association’s Entertainment Divisions, as well as the Gospel Music Association, Source and the Country Music Association.
Brett Young Goes ‘Back To Basics’ On The Road In 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Young. Photo: Braden Carney
Brett Young will head out on his “Back To Basics World Tour 2025” beginning early next year.
Kicking off Feb. 13 in Springfield, Illinois, Young will make stops throughout the U.S. including Philadelphia, Birmingham, Biloxi, Phoenix, Key West and more before heading overseas to Australia, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany and the U.K.
“Next year is going to be a lot of fun. I can’t tell you how long I’ve wanted to do a tour like this where there aren’t any bells and whistles and the focus is completely on the music,” shares Young. “This tour is solely about the songs and the stories behind them being played by the best musicians around. I’ve always been a song person, and I’m so excited to finally share the music in its purest form.”
Tickets will be available via fan club pre-sale Dec. 4-5, with public on-sale beginning on Dec. 6. VIP packages will be available for all dates, and tickets are available at brettyoungmusic.com/tour.
Young took it back to where it all began for him last night (Dec. 2), previewing the upcoming world tour in L.A. at the Hotel Café. Tonight (Dec. 3), he’ll perform a sold-out show at the famed Troubadour in Los Angeles.
“Back To Basics World Tour” 2025 Dates:
2/13 – Springfield, IL // Sangamon Auditorium
2/14 – French Lick, IN // French Lick Resort
2/15 – Shipshewana, IN // Blue Gate PAC
2/20 – Washington, D.C. // Warner Theatre
2/21 – Philadelphia, PA // The Met Philadelphia
2/22 – Providence, RI // Veterans Memorial Auditorium
2/27 – Birmingham, AL // Alabama Theatre
2/28 – Biloxi, MS // Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
3/1 – Chattanooga, TN // Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
3/6 – Jacksonville, FL // Florida Theatre
3/7 – Hollywood, FL // Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
3/8 – Key West, FL // Key West Amphitheater
3/13 – Rockford, IL // Coronado Performing Arts Center
3/14 – Davenport, IA // Capitol Theatre
3/15 – Evansville, IN // Victory Theatre
4/10 – Madison, WI // Orpheum Theater
4/11 – Hinckley, MN // Grand Casino Event Center
4/12 – Winnipeg, MB // Centennial Concert Hall
4/14 – Tsuut’ina, AB // Grey Eagle Resort & Casino
4/15 – Edmonton, AB // Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
4/17 – Vancouver, BC // Orpheum
4/25 – Fort Yates, ND // Prairie Knights Casino & Resort
4/26 – Hankinson, ND // Dakota Magic Casino
5/1 – Phoenix, AZ // Celebrity Theatre
5/2 – Valley Center, CA // Harrah’s Resort
5/3 – Reno, NV // Grand Sierra Resort (Grand Theatre)
5/17 – Perth, AU // Metropolis Fremantle
5/19 – Melbourne, AU // Palais Theatre
5/21 – Sydney, AU // Enmore Theatre
5/24 – Rockhampton, AU // Great Western Hotel
5/25 – Brisbane, AU // Fortitude Music Hall
10/23 – Olso, NO // Sentrum Scene
10/24 – Stockholm, SE // Fållan
10/26 – Tilburg, NE // O13
10/27 – Munich, DE // TonHalle
10/28 – Cologne, DE // Theater am Tanzbrunnen
10/31 – Belfast, UK // SSE Arena
11/2 – Glasgow, UK // OVO Hydro Arena
11/4 – Birmingham, UK // Utilita Arena
11/5 – Manchester, UK // O2 Apollo
11/6 – London, UK // Eventim Apollo