Weekly Register: Miranda Lambert Makes Her Way Up The Country Albums Chart

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Photo: James Macari

Miranda Lambert‘s Postcards from Texas debuts at No. 8 on the country albums chart with 25K in total consumption (19K album only/7.4 million song streams), according to Luminate data.

The top five is stagnant once again, as Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion holds the top slot with 60K (4.5K album only/70 million song streams). Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time takes No. 2 with 52K (890 album only/66 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s The Great American Bar Scene bides at No. 3 with 38K (250 album only/48 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album persists at No. 4 with 33K (360 album only/42 million song streams), followed by Bryan’s self-titled collection at No. 5 with 29K (2.1K album only/35 million song streams).

The top five also remains the same on the country streaming songs chart. Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” reigns at No. 1 with 22 million new streams, adding to 732 million ATD, while Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” rests at No. 2 with 19 million streams, adding to 656 million ATD. Bryan’s “Pink Skies” continues at No. 3 with 14 million new streams, adding to 333 million ATD, while Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies” resides at No. 4 with 13 million streams, adding 186 million ATD. Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” stays at No. 5 with 12.7 million new streams, adding to a billion ATD.

BREAKING: Ben Kline Stepping Down From Position At Warner Music Nashville, Gregg Nadel Joining Cris Lacy

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Gregg Nadel. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine

Longstanding WMG leader Gregg Nadel has been appointed Co-Chair & Co-President of Warner Music Nashville. He will work alongside Cris Lacy, who has been Co-Head of Warner Music Nashville for the past two years and marks her 20th anniversary with the company next year.

Nadel succeeds Ben Kline, who has decided to step down after a decade with the company.

Kline says, “Together, we’ve grown Warner Music Nashville to new heights and played vital roles in the development of so many artists. Thanks to WMG leadership for all of the opportunities, faith, and guidance along the way. And thank you to Cris Lacy for her never-wavering support for the artists and their musical visions. I’m excited for the next adventure.”

Based out of the Nashville office, Nadel and Lacy will report to Warner Records CEO & Co-Chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck and COO & Co-Chairman Tom Corson, who report direct to WMG CEO Robert Kyncl, effective Oct. 1. Lacy, Nadel and their team will continue to work with Nashville artists co-signed with Atlantic Music Group.

In the course of his nearly three-decade career, Nadel—who most recently served as President of Elektra Entertainment—has signed and/or championed such acclaimed country and roots-based artists as Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Sturgill Simpson, Bailey Zimmerman, and Brittney Spencer, among many other artists across multiple genres.

Bay-Schuck and Corson note: “Gregg grew up at WMG, and over the past three decades, he’s brought his impeccable taste, wisdom, and guidance to an exceptional array of original, powerful voices. He’s an ambidextrous A&R and marketing expert with a global perspective, which will be a tremendous asset at a time when Nashville artists are crossing boundaries and reaching the world stage like never before. Like Gregg, Cris has expanded from her roots as an A&R force into a true multi-dimensional leader, and together, they’ll be a phenomenal team to take Warner Music Nashville into a dynamic future.”

They add, “We’d also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ben Kline. Over his past decade with WMN, his tireless passion for the label’s artists and team has set the company up for continued, expanding success. He leaves with our deepest admiration and best wishes for his next chapter.”

Nadel shares, “I’ve had the honor of working with incredibly talented artists across many sounds and styles, and through it all, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the heartfelt music that comes from Nashville’s rich creative culture. I’m excited to be diving deeper into this brilliant community of musicians and storytellers, and I’m especially excited about working alongside Cris Lacy and the entire team. Thank you to Tom and Aaron for this incredible opportunity.”

Lacy expresses, “Thanks to WMG’s cross-label and cross-genre philosophy, Gregg and I have been collaborating within the company for over a decade. We’re both rooted in a deep love of the music that comes into and out of Nashville. Gregg brings a unique, wide-ranging perspective to what will be a fantastic partnership. He has long invested in the culture and the community of this town, and together, we are fiercely committed to amplifying what makes its music so special. My heartfelt thanks and admiration go out to Ben. It’s been a great ride, and his expertise, leadership, and friendship have made it all the more gratifying. I wish him the very best in all things to come.”

Prior to being named President of Elektra Entertainment in 2017, Nadel served as General Manager of Elektra Records and before that was SVP, A&R and Marketing, for Atlantic Records. A 27-year veteran of WMG, Nadel joined Atlantic straight out of college in 1997. In his marketing capacity, he has spearheaded high-profile campaigns for global superstars such as Ed Sheeran, who he’s worked with since the early days of Sheeran’s career.

BREAKING: UMG Nashville Appoints Robert Kilduff As CFO

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Robert Kilduff

Universal Music Group Nashville has named Robert Kilduff as Chief Financial Officer.

Bringing over 30 years of experience and a wealth of knowledge in financial leadership, strategic financial planning, operations and corporate development to the role, Kilduff joins the label following years as CFO for non-profit organization, the Gary Sinise Foundation. Prior to that he served as CFO of New Form Entertainment, VP of Financial Planning & Analysis for WME, and VP of Financial Planning & Analysis for Universal Music Group North America.

Throughout his career, Kilduff has helmed financial strategy for Broadramp, Inc. as an early tech start up, launched an international software division for the Oscar-winning special effects company Digital Domain, and directed international financial teams and operations integration for Neopets.com (a Viacom subsidiary). Other finance roles have included PricewaterhouseCoopers Strategy Consulting, Warner Bros. Studios, and former Big Six accounting firm, Coopers & Lybrand.

“Having helped lead the financial growth strategy of businesses in music, film/television, and technology sectors, Bob has a wealth of knowledge that will be instrumental in the growth strategy of Universal Music Group Nashville,” shares UMGN Chair & CEO, Cindy Mabe. “He is the unicorn we were looking for to help grow the next era of UMGN. I am so excited for him to join our team.”

Kilduff shares, “I am thrilled to rejoin UMG, a company with such a rich history of creative excellence, and eager to contribute to its ongoing success and future growth.”

Ernest Hits Top Five On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ernest. Photo: Delaney Royer

Ernest has entered the top five on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The charting songs “Cowgirls,” “Guy For That,” “I Had Some Help,” “Losers,” “Nosedive,” “What Don’t Belong To Me,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Wrong Ones” pushed the singer-songwriter into the No. 5 spot.

Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week with “28,” “American Nights” and “Pink Skies.” Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 this week with “Cowgirls,” “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Losers,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “What Don’t Belong To Me,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”

Charlie Handsome (No. 3) and Chris Stapleton (No. 4) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Reyna Roberts Releases ‘The Lost Files’

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Reyna Roberts has released her sophomore album, The Lost Files, via EMPIRE.

Arriving as the artist amasses nearly a million monthly Spotify listeners, the new project seeks to blend country roots with modern, genre-defying elements and showcase her songwriting, while taking listeners on a journey through heartfelt ballads, anthemic numbers and stories of resilience and freedom.

Roberts has had a busy year this year. In March, she was featured on Beyoncé’s acclaimed album, Cowboy Carter, on Billboard Hot 100 tracks “Blackbiird” alongside Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer and Tiera Kennedy as well as “Tyrant” with Dolly Parton. Additionally, Roberts has toured with Reba McEntire, performed on America’s Got Talent, been a part of the Grammy Museum and been named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.

The Lost Files Track Listing:
1. “Fire and Whiskey” (David Messy Mescon, Rachel Wammack, Reigna Roberts)
2. “After Party” (Danny Myrick, Reigna Roberts)
3. “Break A Heart Like This” (Liz Rose, AJ Pruis, Reigna Roberts)
4. “Justify” (Liz Rose, AJ Pruis, Reigna Roberts)
5. “A Hundred” (Danny Myrick, Reigna Roberts)
6. “Back in Time” (Drew Scheuler, Emma Lynn White, Kendall Grayson Brower Goodman)
7. “Driveway” (Jason Manns, Reigna Roberts, Sam SZND)
8. “Girls Like Me” (Cody Quistad, Quint Collins, Reigna Roberts)
9. “Till It Hurts” (Fran Litterski, Kendall Grayson Brower Goodman, Lauren McLamb, Reigna Roberts)
10. “Playgirls” (David Messy Mescon, Kendall Grayson Brower Goodman, Reigna Roberts)
11. “NDA” (David Messy Mescon, Dominique Sanders, Kendall Grayson Brower Goodman, Reigna Roberts)
12. “See Me Win” (David Messy Mescon, Kendall Grayson Brower Goodman, Reigna Roberts)

Blake Shelton Signs With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

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BMG team with Blake Shelton. Photo: Sonny Alvarez/BMG

Blake Shelton has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Shelton is currently climbing the charts with Post Malone collaboration “Pour Me A Drink.” His resume includes 28 No. 1 singles, 11 billion global streams, 52 million singles sold and 13 million albums sold. The country star has also received various accolades, including CMA Entertainer of the Year and five consecutive Male Vocalist of the Year wins.

The signing news follows he and Warner Music Nashville’s amicable decision to part ways earlier this month.

“Blake is one of the biggest personalities and presences in media,” says Jon Loba, President, Frontline Recordings, Americas, BMG. “America first got to know him through incredible, timeless songs and live shows and then fell in love with him and his sense of humor through TV. We are so excited he’s joining the BMG Global family and cannot wait to share his incredible new music with the world. He’s been laser-focused on delivering some of the best of his career and it shows. We have been dancing through the office, literally not just figuratively, since we heard the first couple songs he played for us!”

“A huge thanks to Jon, Peter [Strickland], JoJamie [Hahr], Katie [Kerkhover] and the BMG family for being as excited as me about this new chapter we will write together,” expresses Shelton. “I felt their passion and love for music when I met with them, and I knew I was home. I am READY TO GO!”

Additionally, he plans to kick off his “Live In Las Vegas” residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace as well as his “Friends & Heroes 2025 Tour” in February.

Range Music Publishing Signs Exclusive Global Administration Deal With UMPG

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Range Music Publishing has signed an exclusive global administration deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). The new agreement expands on Range Media Partners’ existing relationships with Universal Music Group (UMG)’s Capitol Music Group and Virgin Music Group.

Established in 2023 and led by Casey Robison, Range Music Publishing has sought to build a curated, full-service, boutique music publishing company to take advantage of synergies within the Range ecosystem with the help of Managing Partners Matt Graham, Jack Minihan, Tyler Henry, Melissa Ruderman, Chris Thomas, Evan Winiker, Cory Litwin and Shawn McSpadden as well as Partners Rachel Douglas, Ace Christian, Joel Zimmerman and Jared Cotter, VP of A&R + Publishing Sam Drake, Director of A&R/Artist Manager Federico Morris and A&R Coordinator Megan Simon.

Its roster includes Sean Cook, Geoff Warburton, Luke Grimes, Dylan Gossett, Grant Averill, Tyler Dopps, Two Fresh, Luke Niccoli, Simon Oscroft and Rudey, the latter six of whom will be included in this deal.

In the past six months, Range Music Publishing has celebrated five top-charting songs across multiple radio formats and genres, including country, rhythmic, hot AC and dance. The signing follows Cook’s 10th-straight week on top of Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart with Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” The publishing divison has also seen success with Cook’s work on Paul Russell’s “Lil Boo Thang” in addition to Warburton’s credits, such as Tyler Hubbard’s “Back Then Right Now” and Luke Bryan’s “But I Got a Beer in My Hand,” and Dopps’ work on Loud Luxury and Charlieonnafriday’s “Young & Foolish.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with our friends at UMPG as we build Range Music Publishing and grow our global footprint,” says Robison. “UMPG’s impressive team will help us maximize creative opportunities while providing first-class administration for our growing roster of artists and songwriters. We couldn’t be more proud to call UMPG our partners.”

Graham adds, “On behalf of our partnership we are thrilled to be formalizing our longstanding relationship with UMPG. The collaboration ensures greater creative support and administration for our writers, producers and artists. Together, we are committed to connecting the dots across our myriad of talent as well as the varying facets of our film, television, sports and gaming relationships.”

“In the short time Range has focused on publishing, they have already made a strong impact in the marketplace,” says Jennifer Knoepfle, UMPG EVP/Co-Head of A&R. “Casey, Sam, Matt and team have a great ethos and vision, and we are happy to be their admin partner on current and future endeavors.”

On The Row: Jordan Fletcher Infuses ‘Classic’ Soft-Rock Sounds Into Sophomore EP

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Jordan Fletcher. Photo: Jacqueline Justice

Jordan Fletcher is one of the talented creators mixing multi-genre flavors into country music. Drawing from influences such as Jack Johnson and Jason Isbell, his acoustic soft rock-country blend is soothing yet upbeat.

Earlier this year, Fletcher released his Cuts & Covers collection featuring popular songs that he co-wrote along with a cover of a favorite by Post Malone while preparing his sophomore EP, Classic. Accompanied by the Triple Tigers team as well as collaborator and producer Austin Nivarel, Fletcher recently swung by the MusicRow office to tell his story and share some tracks from the forthcoming project.

He grew up listening a variety of music, but became truly aware of its healing power after purchasing Johnson’s famous In Between Dreams album while his late father was battling cancer. Fletcher describes wearing the record out during the drives back and forth from his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida to the treatment center in Tampa.

Pictured (L–R): MusicRow‘s Madison Hahnen, Liza Anderson, LB Cantrell, Jordan Fletcher, MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Madison Hahnen and John Nix Arledge

“That project is so peaceful, and it was so medicinal for me because I was in such a weird place,” he notes. “That knowledge of what music can do is something I can reach for when I’m writing something, which is good because it pushes me.”

Fletcher initially moved to Nashville as a drummer and quickly hit the road. He then started selling merchandise and opening for Muscadine Bloodline, going from 15-minute sets to 30–45-minute sets. A year later, Fletcher signed his first publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music.

His agreement had ended, and he had just welcomed his first son, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Fletcher found himself pressing pause on his career and planned to move back to Florida with his family.

While walking his dog with a newborn baby strapped to his chest, the songsmith got a call from J.R. Schumann, who was at SiriusXM’s The Highway at the time, regarding one of Fletcher’s acoustic tracks. With the artist’s blessing, Schumann sent it to Triple Tigers’ George Couri and within a few months, Fletcher had a new management and record deal, and had resigned with Sea Gayle. Since then, he has sought to push the country envelope and define his individual sound with collections like Classic.

Fletcher started developing the EP in Nivarel’s attic. Over a five-year period, he penned tunes that he felt couldn’t be found anywhere else.

“I’ve gotten to see all different eras of Jordan and watch him try different things,” Nivarel expressed. “I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this record. He’s the most positive and uplifting person to work with and you can hear that in the songs, so I just try to bring that energy to life.”

Jordan Fletcher & MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson

When reflecting on the curation of Classic, Fletcher says that as the concepts matured throughout the six songs, so did he. “It’s me in a nutshell in terms of my growth and experience as an artist.”

He kicked off the preview with “No Place Like Home,” which was inspired by the transition period between leaving the place you were raised in and moving to a new place that eventually becomes your home. The song led Fletcher to the realization that he had already made that transition from Florida to Tennessee.

“I always say that my songs are smarter than I am because, when they’re all said and done, they say something that I wasn’t originally intending to say,” he shared. “As you get older, you realize that home isn’t just a ‘where,’ it’s also a ‘when,’ and this song just recognizes that.”

Fletcher moved on the heartbreakingly-clever “About Jill,” which he wrote with Nora Collins. Unveiled last month, the tune tells the story a single mother by depicting the contrast between her lifestyle and the lifestyle of her son’s seemingly-estranged father. He then shared the title track, with a verve reminiscent of the early 2000s, as well as another previously-released number, “Fall In The Summer,” which marked his highest streaming debut to date. The full EP is set for release this Friday (Sept. 27).

Belmont University’s Fisher Center Promotes Gage Baxter To Managing Director

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Gage Baxter

The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University has promoted Gage Baxter to Managing Director. Baxter most recently served as Director of External Affairs and has been with the center since its inception. The Fisher Center aims to serve both the Nashville community and Belmont University through storytelling and the arts.

In his new position, Baxter will oversee marketing, ticketing, patron experience and audience development. He will also focus on cultivating new revenue opportunities, partnerships and cultural alliances. The Nashville native began his career at Belmont in 2019 as a part of the Development team, and has played a significant role in raising funds for the Fisher Center’s Capital Campaign and the school’s College of Music & Performing Arts. Baxter previously held performing arts development positions in Charleston, South Carolina, including at the Charleston Gaillard Center.

“Gage has been an essential part of the Fisher Center’s story,” says Chaz Corzine, Executive Director, Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. “His extensive experience in the arts and deep understanding of our mission have been a vital part of our growth and success. I look forward to seeing how his leadership and commitment to education will continue to elevate the Fisher Center as a cultural hub in Nashville and beyond.”

Morgan Wallen Wraps Record-Breaking, Epic Two-Night Stand At Neyland Stadium

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Morgan Wallen on stage at Neyland Stadium on Friday night (Sept. 20). Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

For Morgan Wallen, there was no place like home this weekend, as he concluded his two-show-run at Neyland Stadium and made history with Knoxville’s largest weekend on record.

Morgan Wallen’s first-of-two nights at Neyland Stadium concludes with fireworks show. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

The two monumental shows totaled 156,161 fans across both nights, surpassing the record previously held by The Jackson 5 across three shows in 1984 (148,407).

Wallen charged down the gauntlet during Friday night’s show (Sept. 20) making his first-of-two weekend walk-outs flanked by the 2024 National Champion Tennessee Volunteers baseball team and Coach Tony Vitello—trophy in hand. The crowd of more than 70,000 enthusiastically welcomed them all home, cheering at a volume that registered 114 decibels.

Eric Church joins Morgan Wallen on night one at Neyland Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

“Before we get any further I want to make sure you make some noise for my band and crew who show up here early in advance to make sure we get to play the music y’all love,” said Wallen.

“I have a lot of people here who mean a lot to me,” he added. “I’ve got my little boy here, both my grandmothers here, my mom, my dad, my sisters, my nieces. I have been very fortunate to do a lot of great things over the last few years, but I know that this right here is going to be extremely hard to top as one of the coolest things I’ve ever gotten to do.”

Along with a bevy of hits, Wallen added his unreleased song “Love Somebody” to the setlist for the night, revealing its release date of Oct. 18 to fans from the stage. 12 songs in, Wallen welcomed the first entertainer he ever saw in concert in his hometown, Eric Church, to the acoustic stage for their Dangerous cut “Quittin’ Time,” before being joined by Hardy and Ernest for “Up Down” and “Flower Shops” and “Cowgirls,” respectively, back on the main stage.

Morgan Wallen and Miranda Lambert on night two at Neyland Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

On Sunday night (Sept. 22), Wallen fired up the crowd during the first opening moments, as two-time Super Bowl champion and former University of Tennessee Knoxville quarterback Peyton Manning joined for the second-of-two weekend walkouts, donning his retired college uniform and flanked by current UTK football coach Josh Heupel, quarterback Nico Iamaleava and wide receiver Bru McCoy—as their alma mater eagerly welcomed the All Vols walk-out back on their turf.

As he transferred to a more intimate B-Stage towards the back of the venue during the show for a stripped-down performance of his four-times Platinum rendition of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up,” Wallen reflected on his career, which was first kindled in local bars throughout Knoxville.

“When me and the boys first started playing shows, we started out playing bars, real small venues. Worked our way up to places like Cotton Eyed Joe. Then we worked our way up to clubs, theaters, arenas and amphitheaters—we pretty much played any kind of venue there is, and all of a sudden you guys went and sold out Neyland today. Thank you. One thing that I miss though about the smaller shows is I could walk out on stage and I could look pretty much everybody in the eyes, so this is my attempt at trying to recreate some of that. To come back here and look some more of y’all in the eyes and say thank you for supporting me and my music.”

Morgan Wallen and Darius Rucker on night two at Neyland Stadium. Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images

After “Cover Me Up,” Wallen welcomed his first surprise guest of the evening, Miranda Lambert, for a live performance of their No. 1 hit “Thought You Should Know,” which Lambert co-wrote alongside Wallen and Nicolle Galyon.

Returning to the main stage, Wallen once again welcomed Hardy and Ernest back again for “Up Down” and “Cowgirls,” respectively, before singing cuts off of Dangerous: The Double Album, including “Talkin’ Tennessee,” an homage to his roots which was added to his setlist only for his Neyland Stadium shows. Near the end of the epic two-night stand, Darius Rucker surprised the crowd, joining Wallen for a joint performance of his Diamond-certified rendition of “Wagon Wheel” to rousing reception.

Wallen has three shows remaining on his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour,” including one night at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on Oct. 4 and two consecutive nights at Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 18-19.