The Familie has added manager Emma Kyes and artist Sadie Bass to its expanding Nashville music division.

Kyes established herself in the music industry by simultaneously managing Bass while working in corporate logistics. Her dedication and strategic approach led to Bass’ booking deal with WME and a publishing deal with Sony Music. Under her management, she has successfully orchestrated approximately 200 shows, demonstrating her capabilities in both artist and tour management. Kyes founded her own artist management company in 2023.

“We are absolutely pumped to have Emma join the Familie,” says Royce Risser, Executive Vice President of Music. “Her drive and commitment are simply extraordinary. Cannot wait to have her energy in the office!”

“I could not be more excited to join The Familie,” says Kyes. “It is an honor to work side by side with some of the best minds in the business. The collaborative and entrepreneurial culture they have established is exhilarating to me. I can’t wait to be a part of this new Nashville office’s achievements in the years to come!”

Bass, a Michigan-born singer-songwriter, has already made significant waves in the industry through her appearances on NBC’s The Voice and high-profile festival performances. This year she has appeared on the lineups for Rock the Country Festival with Kid Rock and Jason Aldean, while also serving as direct support for Randy Houser and Justin Moore’s “Country Round Here Tonight” tour. She has garnered over 400,000 followers across platforms, showcasing her ability to connect with fans.

“Sadie is the perfect embodiment of what we look for in an artist,” says Steve Astephen, The Familie CEO. “She brings complete authenticity both to country music and to herself as an artist. She’s the real deal–a true talent with a distinct voice and compelling story. We’re excited to help guide her journey and welcome her to The Familie.”

“I am eager to embrace everything and anything that comes my way with The Familie by my side,” says Bass. “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter in my career, all the things I’ve wanted to do are on the brink of being revealed and I couldn’t be more grateful to have such a sharp team that shares my vision and passion.”

Mike Parker has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Withrow Street Music and CTM Publishing.

Originally hailing from a small town in Virginia, Parker gained a loyal fanbase while competing in the 20th season of American Idol, where he made it to the top 10 under the guidance of Luke Bryan. Since moving to Nashville in 2022, Parker has been working with songwriter and producer Jimmy Robbins, releasing 15 songs to date including his new single “Just Like Me” which came out on Nov. 8. He is signed to Mailbox Money Records, which is led by Jimmy and Sarah Robbins, and is distributed through EMPIRE.

“The first time we met Mike, we knew he was something special,” says Withrow Street Music’s Bob Squance and Michael Thomas. “His personality and energy can fill up any room and he has a voice that makes people stop in their tracks. We’re thrilled to be working together and believe big things are on the way!”

“I wrote my first song in youth choir when I was 9 years old,” says Parker. “It didn’t hit me until I started pursing my dream, that it was a sign from God that this is what I was meant to do. He has strategically placed the right people in my life at the right time. Not only is songwriting what I love to do, but now I get to call it my job, although it’ll never feel like one because music is my passion, heart and soul.

“Thank you to Withrow Street Music and CTM for giving me the shot of a lifetime.”

Rooted in Time: Willie, Micah and the Making of Last Least on the Tree, a new short film documenting the creation of Willie Nelson‘s latest studio album, is out now.

The short documentary by filmmaker Jeremy Steinberger pairs intimate scenes of Willie and his son Micah recording with meditative reflections on making the album and its themes, and delves into the deep emotional and musical bond between father and son. The film’s closeness is captured by Jeremy’s mother, Randi Malkin Steinberger, who documented many studio moments as the album was recorded at Hen House Studios operated by her husband Harlan Steinberger. Since 2001, Hen House has been a creative home for the album’s producer, Micah.

On Last Leaf on the Tree, Willie covers an eclectic array of songs by rock legends, singer-songwriters, alt-rock heroes and indie folk artists. He also offers a new recording of his 1967 song, “The Ghost,” and a new song written by him and Micah. Last Leaf on the Tree is available to stream, download, on CD and on amber swirl double LP vinyl.

Also out today is Willie and Annie Nelson‘s Cannabis Cookbook: Mouthwatering Recipes and the High-Flying Stories Behind Them. In the cookbook, Willie and wife Annie share their favorite recipes infused with cannabis drawn from meals enjoyed on tours, at their ranch, at home and in their favorite cities, which are accompanied by Willie’s personal food-related stories.

Also on tap this month is the airing of The Willie Nelson 90th Birthday Celebration, which comes to select public TV stations and the member streaming platform Passport on the PBS App beginning Nov. 28. The star-studded special celebrates the country legend’s milestone 90th birthday and his contributions to pop culture and music. The historic concert event, recorded live on Willie’s 90th birthday before a sold-out audience at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A., features interpretations of his classics performed by Beck, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Snoop Dogg, Norah Jones, Miranda Lambert, Dave Matthews, Willie’s sons (Lukas Nelson and Micah Nelson), Keith Richards, George Strait, Chris Stapleton and Willie himself.

Gabby Barrett is set to host her “Giving For Good Show” and make her Nashville headline debut at the Country Music Hall of Fame’s CMA Theater tonight (Nov. 13).

Barrett and her husband, Cade Foehner, who will join her for a special acoustic set, created the event two years ago as a way to give back and support those in need. This year, all of the proceeds will benefit MurphsLife, a foundation focused on creating sustainable solutions that empower individuals and communities in Central America to break free from the poverty cycle and build a better future for themselves.

Aaron Murphy founded MurphsLife after an impactful experience in the region, when he was trapped in a border town of Ecuador with only $200 to his name during the early days of the pandemic. He selflessly used the money to purchase a hotdog stand for a struggling family and showed them how to operate it and generate income. After the gesture garnered significant attention on social media, and prompted donations from people across the globe, Murphy was inspired to further the efforts and create MurphsLife. Barrett herself came across the foundation on her Instagram Explore page, and was instantly moved by its work, leading her to choose it as the 2024 “Giving For Good Show” cause.

“There’s people sleeping on thin, dirty mattresses and cement floors as well as people who have disabled children and are struggling and stressed,” she tells MusicRow. “I saw how [MurphsLife] gets them on their feet by taking them to the store, buying them furniture and redoing their houses.

“These people are so grateful, and they’re thanking God. It’s so beautiful and so moving,” Barrett continues. “I’m so thankful that I saw it on my Explore page. To be able to do something for them is awesome.”

After an opening set from special guest Rachel Purcell, Barrett will take the stage tonight to perform tunes from her sophomore project, Chapter & Verse, and potentially a few tracks from her newly-released, first-ever Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight, among others. A large portion of the tracklist for Carols and Candlelight was selected by fans, with Barrett sprinkling in a few of her cherished favorites like “A Christmas To Remember.”

“Anytime from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, my dad would crank that song up in the mornings when we were all just waking up,” she shares. “So, naturally, it holds a lot of memories for me, and I love getting to sing it.

“I hope people enjoy the music from the new album, and from the show,” she sums. “I hope the takeaway is that giving is always good and to always strive to give. It’s better to give than to receive, and to bless other people—especially those who need it.”

The event starts at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. For more information, click here.

Chase Matthew will embark on his “2025 World Tour,” beginning next month and continuing through the spring.

The trek will kick off on Dec. 14  in Ridgefield, and visit Milwaukee, Tulsa and Nashville, where Matthew will make his Ryman Auditorium headline debut, as well as cities in the U.K. and more before the final show in Lake Charles.

Matthew will host a plethora of supporting acts on the journey, including Lakeview, Austin Williams, John Morgan, Trevor Snider and Lecade. The tour also includes festival appearances at C2C in Berlin and Rotterdam. Ticket presales begin at 10 a.m. local time today (Nov. 13), with general sales beginning this Friday (Nov. 15) at the same time. For more information, click here.

The ‘2025 World Tour’ comes after over 145 shows in 2024 alone. Matthew spent the year playing headline shows across the U.S. and Canada, in addition to supporting Jason Aldean on his “Highway Desperado Tour” and Luke Bryan on his “Mind Of A Country Boy Tour.” He has also previously toured with Jelly Roll, Travis Tritt and Lainey Wilson, among others, and is slated to join Keith Urban next summer in Australia.

Additionally, 2024 saw the release of Matthew’s two EPs, We All Grow Up and Always Be Mine. He also released his current single “Darlin,'” which has amassed nearly 50 million streams on Spotify so far, as well as “Backroads Of My Mind” in September and “Missin’ Me Missin’ You” last Friday (Nov. 8).

“2025 World Tour” Dates:  
12/14/24- Ridgefield, WA- Ilani Casino
1/24/25- Milwaukee, WI- UWM Panther Arena
1/25/25- Carlton, MN- Black Bear Casino Resort
2/7/25- Fort Worth, TX- Billy Bob’s Texas △
2/8/25- Baton Rouge, LA- Texas Club *
2/21/25- Nashville, TN- Ryman Auditorium #
2/22/25- Columbus, OH- The Bluestone +
3/3/25- Belfast, UK- Limelight
3/4/25- Glasgow, UK- King Tut’s
3/5/25- Manchester, UK- Deaf Institute
3/7/25- London, UK- Oslo
3/8/25- Berlin, DE- C2C Berlin x
3/9/25- Rotterdam, NL- C2C Rotterdam x
3/27/25- Grand Rapids, MI- The Intersection $+
3/28/25- Pittsburgh, PA- Rivers Casino $
3/29/25- Binghamton, NY- Touch Of Texas $+
4/24/25- Tulsa, OK- Cain’s Ballroom &
4/25/25- Lake Charles, LA- Golden Nugget Lake Charles &