Adrien Nunez has signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records. His major-label debut track, “Apology Song,” is available everywhere now and follows his recent viral hit alongside label-mate Avery Anna, “Low Road.”

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Nunez turned to his original passion for music after his time as a basketball star at the University of Michigan. With his blend of country, pop and hip-hop influences, he quickly earned a following once he put his focus on music. The social media launch of his artist project accumulated over 50 million views across platforms in the first weekend and over five million streams in the first two weeks. He has since garnered over 250,000 new TikTok fans.

Nunez will release more new music in 2025. He is managed by Dillon Goldberg of FNGRPRNT and represented by Braeden Rountree at WME.

W.O. Smith Music School Executive Director Jonah Rabinowitz is leaving his role after three decades to pursue a new opportunity in Vermont. The school will soon begin the search for a new leader.

Rabinowitz’s leadership has established W.O. Smith as a cornerstone of Nashville’s educational and cultural landscape, bringing the joy of music to low-income families in the area. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated a profound commitment to the school’s mission of making music education accessible to Nashville’s underserved youth. During his leadership, the school completed a successful $6 million capital campaign to construct its facility on 8th Avenue, expanding its reach, enhancing programming and fostering a strong community of students, volunteer teaching artists and supporters.

“Jonah’s leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on W.O. Smith Music School,” says Greg Hill, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His unwavering passion for our mission has built a legacy that will inspire and uplift generations to come.”

“Serving W.O. Smith Music School and watching our students grow and thrive has been the privilege of a lifetime,” says Rabinowitz. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together—creating a place where every child can discover the joy and transformative power of music. I know the school’s mission and future are in dedicated hands, and I look forward to seeing its impact continue to expand.”

To ensure a successful leadership transition, the W.O. Smith Board of Directors has appointed a dedicated search committee and retained recruiting firm Nonprofit Leadership LLC to identify the next Executive Director. This nationwide search aims to find a visionary leader who will champion the school’s mission while supporting its growth and long-term sustainability. Read more about the role here.

Keith Urban Surprises Tour Manager At Touring Career Workshop With Sam ‘Old Skool’ Harden Award

Keith Urban surprised Chuck Hull, his tour manager of more than two decades, at the Touring Career Workshop in Nashville this week, presenting him with the Sam “Old Skool” Harden Award. Named for the late Sam Harden, a beloved lighting designer and technician at Bandit Lites, the award is given to an industry leader who dedicates their time and energy to mentoring and teaching those just starting their careers.

 

Warner Chappell Music Hosts Third Annual Opry Songwriting Camp

Warner Chappell Music Nashville recently held its third annual songwriting camp at the Grand Ole Opry house, bringing together emerging writers and top artists for a creative experience in Nashville’s iconic music space.

 

Rodney Atkins Teams With American Red Cross To Encourage Blood Donation

Rodney Atkins partnered with the American Red Cross of Tennessee to share a valuable message about the importance of blood donation. Alongside American Red Cross of Tennessee CEO Joel Sullivan, Atkins donated his own blood to support maintaining the blood supply as Hurricane Helene, which ravaged the east coast in September, caused thousands of lifesaving blood donations to go uncollected.

“The opportunity to donate blood is such an easy way to make a really big difference, especially after the devastating storms we’ve seen recently; it’s a lifeline for those in need,” shares Atkins. “When disaster strikes, every drop counts, and this is a way to truly make a difference in saving lives and helping communities that have lost so much. The work the American Red Cross does across the globe is absolutely incredible and I want to help spread awareness of how easy and important it is to donate.”

 

Mental Health Charities Raise Over 150K At Celebrity Pickleball Tourney

Fund Recovery, Change Your Brain Foundation, and Generation of Impact hosted a celebrity pickleball tournament at the Nashville Fairgrounds on Nov. 2. Over 250 celebrities and local Nashville residents competed in teams of two in a robin-style pickleball tournament. Featured attendees and players included Jessie James and Eric Decker, Jason Wahler, Shawn Johnson East, Andrew East, Golden Tate, JT Hodges, Chuck Wicks, Caroline Bryan, Hannah Brown, Mike Wolfe, Kasi Rosa Wicks, Jana Kramer, Carlos Whitaker and many more. The event raised over $150,000, which will go towards comprehensive assessments, brain scans, diagnosis, treatment plans, scholarships, prevention, education and mental health services.