Hunter Hayes Reimagines Tracks On Forthcoming EP

/by

Hunter Hayes is set to release his new three-song EP, Lost & Found, which features remixed and remastered versions of his previously released songs.

The EP includes “In A Song,” which is set to be unveiled on Sept. 20, as well as “Still Fallin'” and “Somebody’s Heartbreak.” Announced on his birthday, the project aims to be a celebration of his musical journey so far. Lost & Found is a glimpse into Hayes’ evolving sound and what fans can expect from his upcoming work. Sticking to the songs’ original DNA and playing every instrument on the tracks, the artist reimagines how the tunes have grown with time and seeks to paint a narrative of transformation.

“Talking about being an independent artist has been liberating, empowering and inspiring,” says Hayes. “I didn’t want it to be about business, I wanted it to be about ownership of one’s life, story and narrative. That is something I have been learning a lot about in the past 10 years. These are songs that carry important messages for me, and it’s a chance for me to go back to the garden and check on things that I planted over 10 years ago so I can see how they are doing now.”

Larry Fleet To Pour ‘Hard Work & Holy Water’ Into 2025 Tour

/by

Larry Fleet will hit the road on his “Hard Work & Holy Water” headlining run in 2025.

This year has proven to be a big one for the Big Loud Records artist, as he has travelled to various cities on “The Earned Tour” and supported Billy Currington, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi and Morgan Wallen on select dates, while notching a No. 1 with Wallen and Eric Church’s “Man Made A Bar.” Joined by duo Everette, he plans to kick off the new 26-show trek in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Feb. 13.

“It’s a special thing to play your music on a stage as big as the ones we’ve been blessed to play opening for the acts we have,” Fleet reflects. “Playing these songs live is where the real magic is for us, and we’re grateful to Everette for joining us on this journey next year. We’ll take you to church for some, sit next to you on the barstool for others, and it’s a sexy show, but family-friendly, so come on out and see us!”

Tickets go sale this Friday (Sept. 13) at 10 a.m. local time, following presales. For more information, click here.

CMHOFM To Host ‘Night Train To Lovenoise: A Generational Journey Of Black Music In Nashville’

/by

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host “Night Train to Lovenoise: A Generational Journey of Black Music in Nashville,” a free concert and conversation exploring the evolution of the city’s Black music scene through the point of view of musicians from different generations, on Oct. 12.

The program will include a panel discussion with music journalist and Nashville Public Radio’s Making Noise Host Jewly Hight, Lovenoise Founder Eric Holt, and musicians Frank Howard, Regina McCrary, Joey Richey and Bryant Taylorr. Following the conversation, Howard, Richey, Levert Allison, Ca$h K, William Davenport and The McCrary Sisters will perform with a house band led by Elijah “DD” Holt.

The museum’s current exhibition “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited,” explores how Middle Tennessee’s pioneering R&B activity played a significant role in building Nashville’s worldwide reputation as Music City in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. For the past two decades, Lovenoise, a Black-owned concert promotion company, has been working to make room for R&B, soul and hip-hop in Nashville’s live music landscape. A four-part series, “Making Noise,” a joint production by WPLN and WNXP, the sister stations of Nashville Public Radio, recently chronicled Lovenoise’s story and impact.

Presented in partnership with Lovenoise and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), the program is free, although seating is limited. For more information, click here.

Spirit Music Nashville Promotes Kennedy Murphy & Andy Hodges

/by

Kennedy Murphy & Andy Hodges. Photos: Natia Cinco

Spirit Music Nashville has promoted Kennedy Murphy and Andy Hodges to Creative Directors.

The two previously served as Creative Coordinators at Spirit, and in their new roles, will focus on writer development and song-plugging. They will report to Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer of Spirit Music Group and Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Music Nashville.

“I am excited to announce the promotions of Kennedy and Andy to Creative Directors at Spirit Music,” says Rogers. “They are both great champions for our songwriters, their music and their careers. I can’t wait to watch them continue to take our writers to new heights.”

A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Murphy made her way to Nashville after earning a Music Business degree from Drexel University and interning at Big Deal Music in New York City. After graduation, she landed her first publishing job as A&R/Creative Coordinator at Back Blocks Music. She joined Spirit Music Nashville in October 2022.

Hodges grew up in Manhattan, Kansas. While attending college at Belmont, he interned at Full Stop Management, Azoff Company and Live Nation. After graduating in 2019, Hodges worked on the revenue operations team at Global Music Rights in Los Angeles. He moved back to Nashville in 2022 and joined Spirit Music Nashville.

“I am honored to enter this new role and continue to grow under Frank’s leadership” says Murphy. “The entire Spirit Music Nashville Team has created an incredible culture to work in and I am looking forward to all the future successes we accomplish together. Huge thank you to each and every songwriter who continuously trusts me to represent them and their songs.”

“The songwriters and staff are what make Spirit such an incredible company to be a part of,” shares Hodges. “I’m honored to work under Frank’s leadership and privileged to represent such an impressive roster of songwriters as we continue to grow and create opportunities for their careers.”

Major Bob Music Signs Anslee Davidson

/by

Pictured (L–R, back row): Oconee Music Foundry’s Eric Dodd, Matt VanZant and Major Bob Music’s Mike Doyle; (L–R, front row): Major Bob Music’s Andy Friday, Emily Hasty, Anslee Davidson, Bob Doyle and Oconee Music Foundry’s David Davidson

Major Bob Music has signed singer-songwriter Anslee Davidson to a publishing deal.

Hailing from Greensboro, Georgia, Davidson earned a golden ticket on American Idol, before testing positive for COVID and having to leave the show. Emerging with renewed dedication, she is currently studying songwriting at Belmont University while regularly performing at The Bluebird Cafe, Whiskey Jam and Eddie’s Attic.

Davidson has shared stages with Eric Dodd, Chuck Cannon, Rivers Rutherford, Kristian Bush, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Rhett Akins, Restless Road, Deana Carter and more. She recently released her new single, “Praying In A Bar,” which she penned alongside Colin Healy, Ben Williams and Nick Boyd.

“Anslee started writing songs as a young girl and that story really stuck out to me, much like her songwriting. I can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear how great of a storyteller she is,” says Andy Friday, Head of Publishing, Major Bob Music. “Emily Hasty has championed Anslee from day one, and we’re excited for Major Bob to join forces in her career!”

CRB Now Accepting Applications For Lisa McKay Women In Radio Scholarship

/by

Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) is currently accepting applications for the Lisa McKay Women in Radio Scholarship.

The scholarship is designed to honor the legacy of McKay, an influential figure in the radio programming industry.

The application window is open now until Sept. 30. Each scholarship recipient will be recognized during Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2025 and awarded a package that includes registration, hotel accommodations and airfare for the event, taking place Feb. 19–21.

For more information, click here.

Michael Bryan Upped To Global Head Of Country Music At Apple

/by

Michael Bryan. Photo: Saami Bloom

Michael Bryan has been promoted to Global Head of Country Music at Apple. In addition to overseeing country music, he will be responsible for supporting the company’s Christian and gospel teams in Nashville.

Bryan joined Apple in 2020 as Director of Apple Music Country Radio before being promoted to Director of Editorial Operations & Audio Production in 2022. Prior to joining the company, he served as Talent Agent/Artist Development Lead at CAA and spent time in radio, including the role of Sr. VP of Programming for iHeartMedia between 2012 and 2016.

“I’m deeply committed to empowering artists and the brilliant people around me, to fostering a culture where every voice matters—the only path to elevating the music that unites us,” Bryan shared in a LinkedIn post about the promotion.

“This is more than a job— it’s a chance to blend my southern roots with a global vision, working with incredible colleagues to help tell stories that resonate with heart and truth. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work with the team to connect, create and help support music that matters to people.”

Tracy Lawrence Sets Date For Annual ‘Mission:Possible Turkey Fry & Benefit Concert’

/by

Tracy Lawrence has announced that his annual “Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert” will return for the 19th year on Nov. 26. The event will take place at the Nashville Fairgrounds in the morning, followed by the benefit concert at Luke Combs’ Category 10 later that night. 

 Since its inception, Lawrence’s Mission:Possible has fried over 10,000 turkeys, provided more than 86,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee, donated over one million dollars to Nashville Rescue Mission and raised over $2.5 million, helping to further its goals, advocate for those in need and expand their ability to support aligned causes. 

The 2024 fundraiser aims to surpass last year‘s record-breaking 1,400 turkeys fried. The 2023 concert featured Lee Brice, Priscilla Block and Halfway to Hazard and raised $250,000 for the second year in a row—the largest sum raised through the event to date. This year’s performers will be announced at a later date.

Tickets to both events will go on sale this Friday (Sept. 13) at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.

Styles Joins UTA Roster

/by

Pictured (L-R): Lance Roberts, Styles and Kris Rochester

UTA has signed country music songwriter and independent recording artist Styles in all areas of representation.

Styles is building a fan base with his authentic storytelling and musical style. He released his self-titled, six-song EP on Aug. 30 via Good Company Records, with distribution by CmdShft.

As a songwriter, Styles has notched a No. 1 hit with “Country On,” recorded by Luke Bryan, as well as cuts from Craig Morgan and Craig Campbell.

Of the signing, UTA’s Lance Roberts shares, “UTA is excited to join Styles, Kris Rochester, and the Good Company team. Styles’ EP connected with us the moment we heard it.”

Russell Dickerson Announces First Round Of ‘RussellMania’ Dates

/by

Russell Dickerson has announced the first round of dates for his “RussellMania” run.

Kicking off in Nashville on March 14, the tour will visit Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver and more. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Sept. 13) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.

“It’s time for RussellMania! 2025 is the year we’re sending it from the top rope. I can’t wait to get back on the road, kicking off with Round One in March,” shares Dickerson.

Additionally, the Triple Tigers recording artist was surprised with a plaque celebrating double-Platinum hit “She Likes It (feat. Jake Scott)” at an event with SiriusXM in downtown Nashville last Friday (Sept. 6). The milestone follows the release of his latest project, Bones The EP.

Pictured (L–R): Triple Tigers’ Kevin Herring, SiriusXM’s Buzz Brainard, Russell Dickerson and Triple Tigers’ Annie Ortmeier. Photo: Ryan Camp