
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
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
The Band Light Inks With Red Van Records & Jonas Group Publishing
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, back row): JGE’s George Kreis, Rachel Inglesino, Kevin Jonas Sr., Denise Jonas, JGP’s Leslie T. DiPiero and Emily Peacock; (L–R, front row): The Band Light’s Trevor Young, Jack Glenn, Konnor Dolberry and Garrett Goodrich. Photo: Cole Barnhill
The Band Light has signed with Red Van Records and Jonas Group Publishing (JGP).
Comprised of Konnor Dolberry (lead vocalist), Jack Glenn (bassist/vocalist), Garrett Goodrich (lead guitarist/vocalist) and Trevor Young (drums/vocalist), the Nashville-based rock group bonded while working on a music production at their high school in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
“The Band Light is a magnetic force and, true to their name, they bring their light and infectious energy into every room,” says Emily Peacock, JGP’s Senior Creative Director. “I look forward to connecting them with our Music Row songwriting community, and am excited for all of the great music—and great fun—that lies ahead.”
They inked an exclusive management deal with Jonas Group Entertainment (JGE)’s Director of Artist Management Rachel Inglesino in 2023, and hit the road to open for Quarters of Change and New Hope Club this year. Having amassed almost two million streams, The Band Light plans to release new music in early 2025.
“From the first time I saw them perform, I knew they were unique and that their talents needed to be brought to a bigger audience. Together, they carry a rare brilliance. They have the innate ability to speak to the soul of their generation while honoring what inspired them,” shares Inglesino. “Their authenticity and focus on community promise an impact that goes beyond the stage. We are thrilled to be a part of this journey with The Band Light.”
“As a band, we have always dreamed of finding the right team who understands and shares a vision. We are so fortunate to have found that drive, integrity and sense of family within Jonas Group Entertainment and Publishing,” expresses the foursome. “We are beyond excited to enter the next chapter in our career with a team who is committed to elevating both our careers and us as individuals.”
Dwight Yoakam, Koe Wetzel, Flatland Cavalry To Headline Headwaters Country Jam
/by Lorie HollabaughDwight Yoakam, Koe Wetzel and Flatland Cavalry are set to headline the Headwaters Country Jam in Three Forks, Montana on July 24 – July 26.
Treaty Oak Revival, The Mavericks, Tucker Wetmore, Ole 60, Rodney Atkins, Ned Ledoux, Bayker Blankenship and many more will also perform at the three-day celebration of country music in the Rockies.
Tickets and camping for Headwaters CJ 2025 will be available starting Dec. 6 at headwaterscountryjam.com.
‘Opry Country Christmas’ Kicks Off With Jon Pardi
/by Madison HahnenJon Pardi kicking off “Opry Country Christmas” 2024. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry kicked off its fourth annual “Opry Country Christmas” on Sunday night (Dec. 1).
Jon Pardi started the celebration with “Opry Country Christmas Pardi” in Studio A with friends, family and special guests. He took the stage to perform tracks from his Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi album, released last year. The crowd was treated to “Beer For Santa,” “Merry Christmas From The Keys,” “400 Horsepower Sleigh,” “Swing On Down To Texas” and “Please Come Home For Christmas.” Marcus King also joined the show, adding his own twists to “Merry Christmas Baby,” “Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday” and “This Christmas.”
The opening night was the first of 10 shows slated through Dec. 23, all hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin. A bevy of singers will take the stage to share their takes on Christmas favorites and original tracks over the next month, including The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Lorrie Morgan, Eric Paslay, Kathy Mattea, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rhonda Vincent, Maggie Rose, Jason Crabb, Scotty McCreery, Hillary Scott, Matthew West, Chris Young, Priscilla Block, Louis York, The Shindellas, Chris Janson, Chapel Hart, Megan Moroney, The Isaacs, The Ornaments, Jamey Johnson, Drake Milligan, Mickey Guyton, Steven Curtis Chapman, John Berry, Mark Wills, Dailey & Vincent, Louise Mandrell, Sunny Sweeney and more.
Tickets to the remaining shows are available now.
Troy ‘Tracker’ Johnson To Launch TRACK Mgmt
/by LB CantrellTroy “Tracker” Johnson
Industry veteran Troy “Tracker” Johnson will launch TRACK Mgmt, a full-service management company based in Nashville in partnership with Live Nation, in January. Managers Emily Smith and Drew Magid will join him as the company’s core team, with a flagship client roster comprised of Hardy, Dallas Smith, Jake Worthington and McCoy Moore.
With over 20 years of touring and management experience, Johnson has worked with hit artists, including Hardy, Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line and many more. This new venture follows nearly a decade of leadership at Big Loud Management.
“It’s been a long time coming for TRACK Mgmt and now seems like the perfect time to make it a reality,” he says. “I’m beyond grateful for the Big Loud Partners [Seth England, Joey Moi and Craig Wiseman] for not only having a hand in my journey, but also providing me with so much support. I’m excited to have Emily Smith and Drew Magid on the TRACK Mgmt team. It’s going to be a great start to 2025.”
“Working with Tracker for over a decade, from the very beginning of Big Loud Management, has been an incredible journey,” share England, Moi and Wiseman. “As Big Loud concludes its artist management venture at the end of 2025, we couldn’t be prouder to see Tracker embark on his own entrepreneurial path. He and his team are more than ready for this moment, and we look forward to supporting TRACK Mgmt in the years to come.”
A south Texas native, Johnson cut his teeth in the Texas country music scene in the early 2000s before moving to Nashville to pursue artist management. Over the course of his career, he’s also helped to guide Chris Young, MacKenzie Porter, Ashland Craft and others.
BREAKING: BMG Elevates Katie Kerkhover
/by Liza AndersonKatie Kerkhover. Photo: Brian Meiler
BMG has promoted Katie Kerkhover to Senior Vice President, A&R, Frontline Recordings, North America.
In her newly-expanded role, Kerkhover will lead the A&R teams at the BMG offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York and Toronto. Currently based in Nashville, she will split her time between the Music City and Los Angeles offices, reporting directly to Jon Loba, President of Frontline Recordings, The Americas.
Joining the company in 2020, Kerkhover previously served as Senior Director, Creative, in music publishing, where she managed BMG Nashville’s roster of songwriters, including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Stephen Wilson Jr., Emily Landis and Chayce Beckham, among others, while also signing and developing new songwriters and artists. She was then promoted to Vice President, A&R, Frontline Recordings in 2022, overseeing the Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records imprint rosters as well as scouting, signing and developing new talent. Kerkhover is now working with Blake Shelton’s team on his forthcoming BMG Nashville debut.
“When looking for the perfect candidate to lead A&R in North America and elevate our frontline efforts in multiple offices, we didn’t have to look very far. Katie has quickly become one of the most accomplished and respected A&R executives in the business, with the track record to match. Like many of the best A&R executives, her background in publishing has served her well in building deep and trusted relationships within the creative community and helping artists realize their unique visions,” says Loba. “Having seen firsthand her work with our Nashville roster, including with creatives on both coasts, I am so excited to see what additional magic she helps create for our BMG Frontline Recordings team.”