The Braymores Sign With Red Light Management & ROAM Agency

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The Braymores

Indie-rock band The Braymores have signed with Red Light Management Nashville and the ROAM Agency for representation.

Formed in 2022, The Braymores, Matt Tilles (vocals, guitar), Keegan Melaniphy (guitar), Russell Oren (drums), and Connor Kohanzo (bass), have spent the last three years quietly building one of the Midwest’s most promising grassroots success stories. Their 2023 debut EP, Talking to Trees, introduced a sound blending indie rock, folk influences, surf-inspired guitar work, and hook-driven songwriting. The project’s breakout attention on social platforms helped establish an early streaming audience and positioned The Braymores within Chicago’s thriving independent music scene. With the release of their sophomore album When The Lights Went Out on the horizon and a milestone hometown appearance at Lollapalooza ahead, the band continues to emerge as one of Chicago’s fastest-rising independent acts.

“We’re thrilled to welcome The Braymores to Red Light Management, says Neil Mason at Red Light Management. “This is a band that’s done things the right way – 100% independent, building a loyal following in the process. Their new album, When The Lights Go Out, is a standout, and they’ll be hitting the road all summer and fall to support it thanks to the hard work of Brandon and the ROAM Artists team. We’re excited to be a part of their next chapter.

“The Braymores have something really special building in the live space and we are ROAM are so excited to be a part of telling that story,” adds Brandon Hughes at ROAM Artists. “The sky is truly the limit for this band and we’re looking forward to working alongside Neil and the team at Red Light to help this band reach their full potential.”

Nicole Alexis Signs To Hardworking Record Company

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Nicole Alexis.

Nicole Alexis has signed to Hardworking Record Company.

The Nashville-based alternative singer-songwriter first garnered attention with social media covers of New Found Glory, Kelly Clarkson, Smashing Pumpkins and more. She released her debut EP Mirrors & Smoke earlier this year.

In celebration of the announcement, she has released her debut track on the label, “Goodbye.”

“’Goodbye’ is really about mourning an older version of yourself,” she says. “It’s about outgrowing patterns, relationships, and identities that once felt safe, even when they were hurting you. I wanted the song to capture that emotional tension between wanting to move forward while still desperately trying to hold onto what’s familiar.”

Artist Action: Tanya Tucker & Dennis Quaid, Blake Whiten, Brittney Spencer, More

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Tanya Tucker & Dennis Quaid Make Opry History With First-Ever Video World Premiere

Dennis Quaid and Tanya Tucker at the “On My Way to Heaven” after-party at Robert’s Western World. Photo: Caleb Herring

Country Music Hall of Fame member Tanya Tucker and actor and singer-songwriter Dennis Quaid joined fans on June 20 for the first video world premiere event in the Opry’s 100-year history with the debut of the video for “On My Way to Heaven.” The video and audio project was a historic collaboration which featured one of Kris Kristofferson’s final filmed performances before his passing in 2024.

The evening included Quaid singing “Fallen” from his Gaither Music project, Fallen: A Gospel Record for Sinners, and Tucker singing “Texas (When I Die).” Tucker also performed her unreleased version of “Moment of Forever” (written by Kristofferson and Danny Timms) in honor of Kristofferson’s birthday on June 22. In the finale, a performance of Tucker’s signature song, “Delta Dawn,” she was joined on stage by Quaid, T. Graham Brown, and Presley Tanita Tucker. Gaither Music Group and Sun Label Group hosted an after-party event at Robert’s Western World’s Green Room where Quaid and Tucker shared the backstory of the project,  and the vision for this video and song in 2019.

 

Blake Whiten Receives International Gold For ‘Rollin’ Stone’

Pictured (L-R): John Turpin (Management), Lisa Grossi (Director, National Radio and Media Relations, WMC), Dave Stelling (Director, Communications, WMC), Blake Whiten, Ken Boyer (Senior Marketing Manager, WMC) and Madelaine Napoleone (Co-GM, WMC).

Rising country star Blake Whiten was presented with his first international Gold plaque for the hit single “Rollin’ Stone” on June 18 by Warner Music Canada. The presentation followed an exclusive, sold out fan event at the WMC office that drew people from as far as five hours away. Canada remains the first international territory to certify “Rollin’ Stone” Gold.

 

Brittney Spencer Shares ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ For Songs Of The U.S. Series

Brittney Spencer. Photo: Bella Sgarlata

Brittney Spencer has shared a soulful cover of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song” along with an in-depth interview for Salt Lick’s new “Songs of U.S. Series.” She also released a cover of Miranda Lambert’s “The House That Built Me.” followed by a performance of her original song “Bigger Than The Song” on June 24. The trio of performances and her interview reflect on how music reveals the evolving concept of what home and comfort look like in America. “Songs of U.S.” brings together musicians from across genres to reinterpret songs that have shaped the country’s cultural identity while exploring what belongs in the American songbook today.

 

Chandler Walters’ Western Wednesday Returns With Jamey Johnson, Travis Denning, More

Jamey Johnson joins Chandler Walters for Walters Western Wednesday on June 24 at Riley Green’s Duck Blind. Photo: Devin Flanagan

Chandler Walters has brought back his Western Wednesday celebrating honky tonk and western music, and kicked things back off this week at Riley Green’s Duck Blind in Midtown Nashville. He welcomed a plethora of special guests at the event’s return, including Jamey Johnson, Travis Denning, Kenny Whitmire and Dalton Davis.

 

Riley Downing Signs With Oh Boy Records

Riley Downing

Riley Downing is releasing his new album, Landfill Poetry, his second solo LP and first on Oh Boy Records on Aug. 28. When off the road, Downing spent downtime at his Grandparents’ house workshopping what was to become Landfill Poetry. In the home of the same couple who used to drag their young grandson to hear live honky tonk music at rural dance halls and barn parties, Downing spent his nights writing songs rife with influences beginning all the way back then, and bringing them to life. The title track and video from the new project are out today.

Musicians On Call Adds Two, Elevates Eight

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Gabrielle Chapple & Madison Tenney. Photo: Courtesy of MOC

Musicians On Call has added two new team members and elevated eight.

Gabrielle Chapple has joined as Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Madison Tenney was added as Development Coordinator.

In her role, Chapple leads the development and stewardship of corporate partners. Her previous development roles include the Magic Theatre in San Francisco and the Nashville Ballet, where she helped cultivate partnerships that supported artistic programming and community engagement.

Tenney supports the entire development department by managing donor portfolios and supporting the execution of fundraising events, auctions and activations. Her previous roles include working on individual development, events, and accounting for the Community Resource Center in Nashville. Prior to that, she oversaw all marketing, communications and storytelling for Center for Craft in Asheville, North Carolina.

Additionally, MOC team members who received promotions include Kat Weeks to SVP of Marketing & Development, PJ Cowan to Senior Director of Programs, Sasha Arnkoff to Senior Program & Volunteer Recruitment Manager, Kelli Bruno to Senior Manager of Volunteer Cultivation, Emiley Roye to Program Manager, Abby Tannler to Program & Activations Manager, Ella Hunt to Program Manager and Katie Trent to Development Manager.

“As Musicians On Call works to strengthen our partnerships and deepen our community impact, we are delighted to have Gabrielle leading the charge, with Madison joining the development team to provide vital administrative support. Their roots in the arts and philanthropy are exactly what we need to elevate both our corporate partnerships and overall fundraising,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “It’s also an honor to celebrate MOC’s latest promotions, which recognize the heart and soul this team pours into our mission every day. Their dedication is the reason we’re able to bring the healing power of music into more hospitals, providing that critical sense of comfort and connection to patients when they need it most.”

Zach John King Readies Debut Album For August

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Zach John King will release his debut album, I’m What You Get, on Aug. 28 via Sony Music Nashville.

Co-produced by Ryan Wilson and King, the 20-track project serves as an authentic introduction to King. Written alongside Jimmy Robbins, Kyle Sturrock, Tofer Brown, Randy Montana, Sasha Alex Sloan, Steph Jones and more, the project features tracks with Brooks & Dunn and Brent Cobb.

“I wanted to make a project that took all the good and the bad parts of me and just laid it out there,” says King. “I just really wanted to write about exactly who I am — some people might love it, and some people might not and that’s fine. And I’ve gotten more comfortable with that too. I think this project makes a statement of ‘take it or leave it, this is me.’ There’s parts of me that I really love on this record, but there’s also parts of me that I regret. In every song, there’s a piece of my story I wanted to share. When I was in the writing process, my hope was that anyone could listen to this record from start to finish and see that it’s 100% me.”

King has previewed the album today with “Run For Them Hills,” which he wrote alongside Josh Phillips, Jaxon Free and Matt Dragstrem.

“Run For Them Hills is a dead honest song. It started with a phone call to my dad. I’d been living really hard for about eight months, and I was just telling him about it. I couldn’t keep up with where I was, what day of the week it was. I just needed something to ground me again,” King shares. “The next week we wrote a song around the phrase ‘run for them hills,’ which is usually a warning, a negative thing. We flipped it on its head and turned it into something positive, about wanting to get back home, back to what keeps you right.”

King is on Morgan Wallen’s “Still The Problem Tour” this summer before joining Luke Bryan, Riley Green and Thomas Rhett on the road later this year.

I’m What You Get Track List:
1. “I’m What You Get” (Zach John King / Rhett Akins / Jimmy Robbins)
2. “Run For Them Hills” (Zach John King / Josh Phillips / Jaxson Free / Matt Dragstrem)
3. “Whiskey Lying” (Zach John King / Rodney Clawson / Sasha Alex Sloan / Chris LaCorte)
4. “Way To Go (ft. Brooks & Dunn)” (Zach John King / Rodney Clawson / Jimmy Robbins / Sasha Alex Sloan)
5. “How To Not” (Zach John King / Kyle Fishman / Randy Montana / Sasha Alex Sloan)
6. “Get To Drinkin'” (Zach John King / Rhett Akins / Thomas Archer / Kyle Fishman / Kyle Sturrock)
7. “Beneath The Pines” (Zach John King / Rodney Clawson / Michael Lotten)
8. “Shoulda Woulda Coulda” (Zach John King / Josh Kerr / Seth Ennis)
9. “Mama’s Prayin” (Zach John King / Steph Jones / Tofer Brown)
10. “Backwoods” (Zach John King / Rhett Akins / Beau Bailey / Michael Lotten)
11. “Little Bit Stronger” (Zach John King / Randy Montana / Sasha Alex Sloan / Matt Dragstrem)
12. “Choppin Wood (ft. Brent Cobb)” (Zach John King / Matt Roy / Paul Sikes )
13. “Lose You” (Zach John King / Alex Hope / Sasha Sloan)
14. “Homegrown Heaven” (Zach John King / Chris Tompkins / Jimmy Robbins / Josh Miller)
15. “Sunsets In Georgia” (Zach John King / Billy Dawson / Reid Isbell / Rob Pennington)
16. “Life Behind Bars (ft. Bayker Blankenship)” (Zach John King / Jordan Reynolds / Heath Warren)
17. “High Like Her” (Zach John King / Rhett Akins / Jimmy Robbins / Chris Tompkins)
18. “Happy For You” (Zach John King / Chris La Corte / Justin Wilson)
19. “Space” (Zach John King / Michael Lotten / Blake Pendergrass)
20. “What I’m Giving Up” (Zach John King / Brad Rempel / Josh Jenkins / Casey Beathard)

McCoy Moore Releases ‘Sunshine State Deluxe’

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McCoy Moore has released the deluxe version of his debut album, Sunshine State.

The new edition features two new tracks, “Forget We Ever Met” and “Had To Be There.” Moore co-penned both tracks, with Smith Ahnquist and Will Bundy on “Forget We Ever Met” and Thomas Archer, Aaron Eshuis and Nick Walsh on “Had To Be There.” Alongside the new tracks, Moore has also released the official music video for “Forget We Ever Met.”

Youtube video

Moore is currently on tour supporting HARDY, with support dates for Ashley Cooke coming in the fall. He will also make festival appearances at Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Boots On The Bend, Rock The Country and more.

Sunshine State Deluxe Track List:
1. “Sunshine State” (McCoy Moore, Thomas Archer, Johnny Clawson)
2. “Every Single Summer” (McCoy Moore, Thomas Archer, Matt Dragstrem, Michael Tyler)
3. “In Here, Out There” (with Cole Swindell) (McCoy Moore, Jessi Alexander, Sam Ellis, Nick Walsh)
4. “Not Even Close” (McCoy Moore, Sam Ellis, Blake Pendergrass)
5. “Went to the Bar” (McCoy Moore, Aaron Eshuis, Colton Venner, Nick Walsh)
6. “Something to You” (McCoy Moore, Johnny Clawson, Colton Venner, Will Weatherly)
7. “Chesney on a Beach” (McCoy Moore, Brinley Addington, Colton Venner)
8. “Bible and a Bar” (McCoy Moore, Jenn Schott, Jason Saenz)
9. “Memories We Never Made” (McCoy Moore, Blake Bollinger, Colton Venner, Nick Walsh)
10. “Prayin’ For Me” (McCoy Moore, Matt Dragstrem, Seth Ennis)
11. “John Deere Blue” (McCoy Moore, Shane McAnally, Johnny Clawson)
12. “Dyin’ On the Hill” (McCoy Moore, Johnny Clawson, Adam James, Matt McKinney)
13. “Beer I Never Shoulda Bought” (McCoy Moore, Andrew Beason, Adam James, Matt McKinney)
14. “Left Alone” (Nick Walsh)
15. “Forget We Ever Met” (McCoy Moore / Smith Ahnquist / Will Bundy)
16. “Had To Be There” (McCoy Moore / Thomas Archer / Aaron Eshuis / Nick Walsh)

Morgan Wallen Claims A Fourth Week At No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Spidey Smith

Morgan Wallen notches his fourth consecutive week at No.1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with his hit “Don’t We.”

The track comes from his fourth studio album I’m The Problem and was written by Wallen, Rocky Block, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass and Charlie Handsome.

Tommy Wallen, Morgan’s dad, has launched a new faith-based show on SiriusXM’s Morgan Wallen Radio (Ch. 64). The weekly series, “Tommy’s Sunday Seven,” will feature seven-minute devotionals and debuted on June 21.

“Don’t We” currently sits at No. 4 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 4 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Kenny Whitmire Adds Dates To ‘Ain’t Hard Livin’ Tour’

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Kenny Whitmire. Photo: Josef Lloyd

Kenny Whitmire has added six additional dates to his headlining “Ain’t Hard Livin’ Tour.”

The run kicks off in Knoxville on Aug. 27, and the new dates include stops in Atlanta, Louisville, Columbus, Lubbock and San Angelo through Oct. 23.

Earlier this month the rising MCA artist released his seven-song debut EP, Fool In A King Size Bed, and earlier this week Whitmire launched his official merch store as well. Along with his “Ain’t Hard Livin’ Tour,” Whitmire will be on the road throughout 2026 supporting Tracy Lawrence, Billy Currington, Ian Munsick and more.

“Ain’t Hard Livin’ Tour” Newly Added Dates:
8/27: Knoxville, TN – Open Chord
8/28: Atlanta, GA – Eddie’s Attic
9/10: Louisville, KY – PBR Louisville: A Cowboy Bar
9/11: Columbus, OH – The Grainery
10/22: Lubbock, TX – The Blue Light
10/23: San Angelo, TX – Blaine’s Pub

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Midland & Clint Black Team For Disc Of The Day

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Midland & Clint Black

DISClaimer features an invasion of Texans this week.

The listening session featured Angel White, the late Waylon Jennings, La Energia Nortena, Sammy Sauceda, Keith Nieto, and Rico Gonzalez. And then there’s Houston homeboy Clint Black collaborating with Midland on our Disc of the Day, the Lone Star State salute “Up In Texas.”

The DISCovery Award goes to native North Carolinian Blake Proehl. He’s a former NFL player and American Idol contestant who now calls Nashville home.

JASON SCOTT & THE HIGH HEAT / “Shit Show”
Writers: Jason Scott/Taylor Johnson; Producer: Chad Copelin, Jason Scott, Taylor Johnson; Label: Leo33
– Raucous, rowdy and rocking, this record froths and foams like a mad dog on the loose. The wildly energetic Oklahoma City band has a video for this that is most definitely PG rated.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “You Can’t Hurt Me Anymore”
Writers: Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman/Jessi Alexander/Jon Randall/Kenneth B. Edmonds/Tanya Trotter; Producers: Babyface, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, The War And Treaty; Label: War and Treaty/ATL Outpost
– Country heartbreak lyrics masterfully married to an old-school r&b ballad track. Righteous singing, as usual. This couple is the best thing that has happened to roots music in years.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Dear Big City”
Writers: Jamie Paulin/Matt Alderman/Nate Kenyon; Producers: Matt Alderman, Will Weatherly; Label: Curb Records
– A country boy leaves home and heads for the bright lights of town. His folks are worried about what will become of him, so they write a letter asking the big bad world to treat him gently. The letter is signed, “sincerely, Small Town.” Stirring, sweet, and plaintive.

THE JACK WHARFF BAND / “Lowlife”
Writers: Evan Novoa/Jack Wharff/Joe Clemmons/Neil Medley; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Big Machine Records
– Strummy acoustic guitars, sawing fiddle, and jaunty, youthful vocal harmonies. He’s a nobody in love with a hot babe. “I might be a lowlife, but I’m on a high road tonight,” he warbles.

MACKENZIE CARPENTER / “Heart That Don’t Break”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Machine Records
– With all the wonders we have created, why can’t we invent a heart that doesn’t break when he says goodbye? The tune is a juicy one, and she sings the heck out of it. This recent ACM nominee also has a current track called “High Pony” that bops smartly. Stardom awaits.

MIDLAND & CLINT BLACK / “Up in Texas”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Cameron Duddy/Jess Carson/Josh Osborne; Producers: Cameron Duddy, Jess Carson, Mark Wystrach, Trent Willmon; Label: Blue Highway Records
– Now this is what I call country music. Texans love to brag, but it’s hard to argue with the assertion that the Lone Star State has “the best songs, the best bars.” Highly engaging and sung with enormous aplomb.

ANGEL WHITE / “LONESTAR GIRL”
Writers: Angel White/Charlie Heat/Jeffrey East; Producers: Angel White, Joseph Holguin; Label: American Dogwood / EMPIRE
– This fifth-generation Texas cowboy struts his way through this back-to-basics blues stomper. It is the theme song for Wrangler’s new line of shirts, and White stars in the ads. American Dogwood is Shaboozey’s new label.

CARLY PEARCE / “She Don’t”
Writers: Bryan Simpson/Matt Rossi; Producers: Ben West, Carly Pearce; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG
– Her Riley Green duet is still rocking the charts, but Carly’s Honest Woman album-release announcement this week is accompanied by this lilting portrait of a femme free spirit. The upbeat sound of blissful innocence.

EXILE / “Look Out, Heart”
Writer: JP Pennington; Producers: JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire; Label: StarVista
– This veteran band still knows how to craft a hook-y performance. This country rocker  is ridiculously catchy, from the guitar riffs to the harmonized choruses. Tap yer toes and sing along.

BLAKE PROEHL / “She Got It”
Writers: Blake Proehl/Connor McCutcheon/John Spencer Jordan/Joseph Tounge/Lydia Sutherland/Todd Tran; Producer: Todd Tran; Label: MCA
– He can’t put his finger on whatever it is that makes her so lovable. But he’s rocking out while trying. Bopping and summer-flavored.

GABBY BARRETT / “In On It”
Writers: Jimi Bell/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Records Nashville
– Nicely done. It has just the right amount of thump and drive as she conveys hope and perseverance. As it heads into the home stretch, her performance gets kinda triumphant sounding.

WAYLON JENNINGS / “Diamonds”
Writers: Glen Campbell/Waylon Jennings; Producers: Richie Albright, Shooter Jennings, Tony Joe White, Waylon Jennings; Label: Son of Jessi
– This is the title tune of an album of previously unreleased tracks by Country Music Hall of Fame member Jennings. It’s a basic, too-simple country rocker that rumbles along, but pauses for two sizzling guitar solos by Glen Campbell.

LA ENERGIA NORTENA / “Friends in Low Places”
Writers: Dewayne Blackwell/Earl Bud Lee; Producers: Adrian Zamarripa, Carlos H. Alvarez; Label: Azteca Records
– This rollicking norteno production features scampering, sizzling squeezebox licks. The vocals are appropriately hearty and the track is much more peppy than Garth’s original. While you’re exploring this, you might also want to sample “Dios Bendijo Texas (God Blessed Texas)” in a bi-lingual “Texican mix” by Sammy Sauceda, Keith Nieto and Rico Gonzales. Both of these zippy tracks are big fun.

Gibson President/CEO Cesar Gueikian Steps Down, Anne Rohosy Tapped To Lead In Interim

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Cesar Gueikian.

Gibson President and Chief Executive Officer Cesar Gueikian has decided to step back from his current role and transition into a new role as strategic advisor to the Board, effective July 31, 2026. Anne Rohosy, Chief Commercial Officer, will serve as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer while the Board works to identify a permanent successor.

In addition to serving as a member of the Board, Gueikian will remain actively involved at Gibson, focusing on his work with the company’s artist community as global artist ambassador and serving as a strategic thought partner to the leadership team.

“Gibson is part of my DNA. It has been the honor of my life to help lead Gibson and to work alongside the people who bring this company to life every day,” shares Gueikian. “Gibson is something special – to musicians, to fans, to everyone who has ever picked up a guitar and felt that connection. I am incredibly proud of what we have built together: our team, our culture, our artists, and our global community of artists and fans. I hope to have left a legacy that will be remembered in Gibson’s history as a progressive era. I have enormous confidence in Anne and in the future of this company, and I look forward to my next chapter as a shareholder, Board member, and artist ambassador. Gibson’s best years are still ahead, and I’m excited to be part of what this company will go on to achieve.”

Rohosy joined Gibson in 2021 and advanced to Chief Commercial Officer in 2025, where she oversees the company’s global commercial strategy across wholesale, direct‑to‑consumer and retail channels. Previously, she served as Chief Human Resources and Impact Officer and as Managing Director of Gibson Amplifiers. With more than 30 years of experience at global brands including Levi Strauss & Co. and Nike, Inc., she has held President and EVP roles overseeing multi-billion-dollar businesses, driven strategic growth across the Americas and Europe and led global market expansions. She also contributes her expertise through board and advisory positions in consumer products and technology.

“Gibson means so much to musicians and music lovers around the world, and I am honored to step into this role at such an important moment for the company,” adds Rohosy. “I have spent my time here focused on how we connect with our customers and grow the Gibson name — and that focus does not change. I look forward to working closely with Cesar, the Board, and our leadership team to ensure continuity and build on the strong foundation already in place.”