Gavin Adcock To ‘Act Up Again (Again)’ On 2025 Tour

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Gavin Adcock. Photo: Ash Summerford

Gavin Adcock has revealed his plans to hit the road in early 2025 for his “Actin’ Up Again (Again) Tour.”

The tour, presented by Southern String Hat Co., will kick off on Jan. 17 in Richmond, Virginia. The route will include stops in Memphis, Des Moines, Cleveland and more before wrapping with a two-night run on April 12–13 at The Bluestone in Columbus. Presale tickets are available today (Aug. 20) with the code SWEETHEART, and general sales will begin this Friday (Aug. 23). For more information, click here.

Adcock recently released his Actin’ Up Again album, which became the highest streaming major-label country debut from a solo male artist so far this year, and marks 2024’s top streaming major-label debut across the whole genre. The project amassed over 15 million on-demand streams in the U.S. the week of its release. He is also currently on the road for his “Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Gavin Adcock,” which has sold out 31 out of its 34 dates.

“Actin’ Up Again (Again) Tour” Dates:
1/17/25- Richmond, VA- The National
1/23/25- Fort Myers, FL- The Ranch
1/24/25- Tampa, FL- Dallas Bull
2/6/25- Memphis, TN- Minglewood Hall
2/7/25- Fayetteville, AR- JJs Live
2/12/25- Tucson, AZ- Rialto Theatre
2/13/25- Phoenix, AZ- The Van Buren
2/14/25- Anaheim, CA- House of Blues
2/15/25- San Diego, CA- The Observatory
2/17/25- Sacramento, CA- Ace of Spades
2/21/25- Airway Heights, WA- Spokane Live
2/22/25- Seattle, WA- The Showbox
2/23/25- Portland, OR- Crystal Ballroom
2/24/25- Garden City, ID- Revolution Concert House
2/27/25- Denver, CO- Summit
2/28/25- Omaha, NE- Steelhouse Omaha
3/1/25- Des Moines, IA- Val Air Ballroom
3/2/25- Minneapolis, MN- The Fillmore Minneapolis
3/20/25- Silver Spring, MD- The Fillmore Silver Spring
3/21/25- Sayreville, NJ- Starland Ballroom
3/22/25- Boston, MA- House of Blues
3/23/25- Philadelphia, PA- Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
3/27/25- Norfolk, VA- The NorVa
3/28/25- North Myrtle Beach, SC- House of Blues
3/29/25- Raleigh, NC- The Ritz
4/10/25- Cleveland, OH- Agora Theater
4/11/25- Detroit, MI- The Fillmore Detroit
4/12/25- Columbus, OH- The Bluestone
4/13/25- Columbus, OH- The Bluestone

Joe Ragosta Signs With Liz Rose Music

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Pictured (L-R): Gracie Glass, Kate Shirley, Scott Ponce, Liz Rose, Dave Pacula, Joe Ragosta, Dan Killian (FBMM), Guy Evans (FBMM), Matt Cottingham (Lewis Brisbois) and Evyn Mustoe (ASCAP). Photo: Courtesy of Liz Rose Music

Singer-songwriter Joe Ragosta has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Liz Rose Music.

The genre-bending artist splits his time between Long Island and Nashville and most recently partnered with co-writers Austin Nivarel, Robert Ragosta, and Jelly Roll to pen the multi-genre No. 1  “Need A Favor.” The song is the first in the history of the Billboard Music Charts to go No. 1 at both country and rock radio. “Need A Favor” also charted with both top 40 and Hot AC, achieving No. 1 honors in Australia, Canada and Germany.

Ragosta has accumulated more than half of a billion streams with his cuts. He penned the title track to Jon Pardi’s latest album Mr. Saturday Night, and has had songs recorded by Austin Snell, Waterparks, Renee Blair, Brandon Davis and Kyle Clark. An artist in his own right, Ragosta is also a member of the electric duo Ya’Boyz, and is the singer of Long Island pop-rock group Patent Pending.

“Liz Rose Music is pumped to welcome Joe Ragosta to the family,” says Dave Pacula, VP of Creative at Liz Rose Music. “His fresh hooks, vibrant storytelling and endless supply of positive energy have already earned him tremendous accolades and a glowing reputation in Nashville and beyond. Joe has an incredible next chapter of his bright career ahead and we look forward to working and celebrating with him.”

“Honestly, this place is so dope that I’m starting to wonder if it’s just a fever dream I’m having,” says Ragosta of the deal. “I’ve never felt more at home in music than I do right now. Liz Rose is a creative genius and the team she has assembled to run this company with her are brilliant and some of the best people I’ve met in this business. I’m so lucky to be in a place where I can make lifelong memories and songs with such a wonderful and talented group. Every writer, every staff member… it’s almost too good to be true. Long live Liz Rose Music!”

Nate Smith Makes R&R/Mediabase History With No. 1 ‘Bulletproof’

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Nate Smith‘s “Bulletproof” has ranked No. 1 at country radio for the second consecutive week. Written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps, the single marks Smith’s third consecutive multi-week No. 1 record on the Mediabase chart—making him the first artist to start their career with three consecutive multi-week No. 1s in R&R/Mediabase history.

“Bulletproof” follows his record-breaking chart-topper “World On Fire,” which spent 10 consecutive weeks atop Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart and three weeks atop the Mediabase chart. Smith’s first No. 1 single, “Whiskey On You,” held the top slot on the Mediabase chart for two weeks as well as the top slot on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart for one week. His first three singles have spent a combined 14 weeks at No. 1 between the two charts.

“When I write and record music, I genuinely do it for me,” says Smith. “I try to make music that I would want to listen to! Maybe it will connect with other people and maybe it won’t. So you can imagine having three songs that have gone No. 1 truly feels like a massive honor. Radio has really given me a chance and I’m grateful for all the lifelong friendships I have built and continue to foster with them.”

He continues, “There are so many new artists, so I do believe this is a miracle. No. 1s allow me to take better care of my teams and my family! I never thought in a million years this would be a possibility for me, but here we are. I thank God for pulling me out of the wreckage and letting me be a vessel, to bring hopeful songs to the hearts of people. I guess it truly is never too late to follow your dreams especially when it lines up with His will.”

The ACM New Male Artist of the Year will continue to share these hits and more with fans on his “Through The Smoke Tour,” kicking off next month.

‘Nashville’ Stars To Return To The Road For Two Reunion Tour Shows In November

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Pictured (L–R): Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Charles Esten and Clare Bowen

Stars of the hit television series Nashville will return to the road for a pair of shows in Atlanta and Nashville this November.

The “Nashville Reunion Tour” will visit Atlanta’s Coca-Cola Roxy on Nov. 22 and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 23. Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson and Sam Palladio will all take the stage to perform classic songs from the series as well as their own original material on the new dates. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Aug. 23). For more information, click here.

“It’s rare that an actor gets to play a dream role like Scarlett for so long,” says Bowen. “Even rarer to have Nashville’s beautiful catalogue of music that we get to continue celebrating with audiences around the world. The live shows are an evolution of the series. We meet so many new fans of the show on the road, and they’re out there singing right along with those who’ve been with us from the start, and it’s such an honor for us. We have the best fans in the world.”

Esten says, “It’s difficult to describe the depth of feeling I have for the show Nashville, the character Deacon and the amazing people that I got to work with those beautiful six years. That I get to join with some of them, sing these songs and bring them to the people who made it all possible—the fans of Nashville—is a blessing I will never take for granted. I can’t wait to do it again!”

Nashville made its network debut in 2012. Set against the backdrop of the city’s music scene, the show’s popularity grew, instantly reaching over 225 territories worldwide before its final season in 2018. Since its premiere, the show has inspired 22 soundtracks, including a Christmas album, which collectively sold millions of units and single-track downloads around the world. Nashville also received multiple Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award nominations.

Jackson adds, “I am so excited that the musical journey with the Nashville cast is still unfolding. We’ve been digging into the Nashville catalogue and uncovering some tunes we’ve never performed live together. I’m immensely grateful to be able to go on the road and perform these songs with my cast mates and our incredible band, and experience it all together with our amazingly dedicated fans.”

On The Cover: Ashley Cooke Graces Cover Of 2024 MusicRow Awards Issue

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MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2024 MusicRow Awards print issue, with Big Loud/Back Blocks/Mercury/Republic emerging star Ashley Cooke gracing its cover.

Cooke’s July 2023 debut album shot in the dark unfolds as if it was ripped from pages of her personal journal. Fully capturing the essence of a daring twenty-something growing up, chasing her dreams and taking risks, Cooke infuses heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies and raw relatability as she invites listeners to come along for the ride. The striking debut garnered Cooke praise from critics, as well as her first CMT Award for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year at the 2024 CMT Awards. The ACM New Female Artist of the Year nominee recently celebrated her first career No. 1 song at country radio with “your place.”

The MusicRow Awards print issue highlights this year’s MusicRow Awards nominees in a range of categories, including Producer of the Year, Label Group of the Year, Talent Agency of the Year, Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year, Male Songwriter of the Year, Female Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Discovery Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Group/Duo Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

The winners of the 36th annual MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank. This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Award winners, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart during the eligibility period.

“The MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest running music industry trade publication honors, celebrating the achievements of artists, songwriters, producers and more,” says MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “Honors such as the annual MusicRow Awards play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the music industry. These types of accolades serve multiple purposes: they celebrate artistic achievements and recognize emerging talent.”

The 2024 MusicRow Awards print issue also looks into the illustrious career of country music journalist and historian Robert K. Oermann, as well as Opry Photographer Chris Hollo. The MusicRow Awards print issue also contains an informative roundup of all the awards applicable to the Nashville music industry.

Single copies of the 2024 MusicRow Awards print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $25, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

Taylor Phillips Continues To Climb Top Songwriter Chart

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Taylor Phillips

Taylor Phillips continues to climb the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, jumping up two spots to No. 6 this week. His entries on the chart include “I Am Not Okay,” “Liar,” “Love You Again” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us.”

Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the sixth consecutive week with “28,” “American Nights,” “Bass Boat,” “Better Days,” “Nine Ball,” “Oak Island,” “Pink Skies” and “Sandpaper.” Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 this week with “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “Whiskey Whiskey” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.” 

Josh Phillips (No. 3), Chris Stapleton (No. 4) and Jessi Alexander (No. 5) 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.

Jeremy Cowart Opens New Photography Studio Offering 60-Second Photo Shoots

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Jeremy Cowart

Artist and photographer Jeremy Cowart has opened a new photography studio, The Portrait Lab. Located in Franklin, Tennessee, the studio offers 60-second photo shoots.

The high-tech photo sessions use rotating setups that create beauty light, overhead dramatic light, side Rembrandt lighting and backlight mood lighting as well as 200 backdrops, featuring both Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cowart’s own physical artwork, that sync with the lighting on a  state-of-the-art LED backdrop wall.

Cowart has also invented a system that edits the portrait quickly in different formats, such as in black and white, multiple color overlays, contrast or tone. The photo session uses various glass, prisms and foreground elements to give every portrait its own fingerprint so that each portrait is its own work of art.

“It’s always the idea that motivates me,” he shares. “The 60-second photo shoot was an idea to create a process of using patented lighting and state-of-the-art techniques that I have been fine-tuning over the past two decades. My hope is that the public sees my love for art and love for people throughout all of it.”

Cowart has spent the last 20 years shooting portraits of celebrities and humanitarian projects around the world. In November 2022, his portrait work was featured in a PHILLIPS art auction in London among photos shot by Ansel Adams, Annie Leibovitz, Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Diane Arbus and more. Cowart’s past clients include Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Lauren Daigle, Kim Kardashian, Kylie and Kendall Jenner, One Republic, Ryan Tedder, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears, Emma Stone, Sting, Kelly Clarkson, Heidi Klum, Garth Brooks and The Killers, among others.

For more information, click here.

UMPG Nashville Signs Rob Snyder

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Pictured (L–R): UMPG Nashville’s Cyndi Forman, Rob Snyder and UMPG Nashville’s Troy Tomlinson. Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville

UMPG Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Rob Snyder to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.

The West Chester, Pennsylvania native has penned songs recorded by Luke Combs, including four-week Billboard No. 1 “She Got The Best Of Me,” as well as Warren Zeiders, Zac Brown Band and more. In 2013, Snyder founded Revival, a platform spotlighting exceptional songwriters in Nashville.

“I have been a fan of Rob’s songwriting through the years,” says Cyndi Forman, Senior VP, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “I knew he was a great songwriter, but after getting to know him, I’ve come to realize he’s an even better person who is a true student of the craft.”

Snyder shares, “I’m thrilled to have found a home at Universal Music Publishing! They believed in me from the start, and I’m fired up to work with such an awesome group of hardworking, good people!”

Morgan Wallen, Hardy & Ernest To Perform At Gala Honoring Seth England

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Pictured (L–R): Morgan Wallen (Photo: Cameron Baird), Hardy (Photo: Robby Klein) and Ernest (Photo: Delaney Royer)

The T.J. Martell Foundation has announced details regarding its 49th Annual New York Honors Gala, taking place Sept. 17 at Cipriani 42nd Street. The gala serves as the nonprofit’s primary fundraiser supporting cancer research.

Big Loud recording artists Morgan Wallen, Ernest and Hardy will participate in a special writers’ round during event, where the independent music conglomerate’s CEO/Parter Seth England will be honored with the foundation’s Lifetime Music Industry Award.

“We are thrilled to be honoring our distinguished music industry colleague and dear friend Seth England with this year’s Lifetime Music Industry Award to commemorate his deep commitment to the foundation,” says Steve Gawley, Board of Trustees Chairman-Elect, T.J. Martell Foundation. “We are proud to shine a spotlight on Seth’s dedicated efforts towards our cancer research as well as his pioneering work in the music world, and look forward to celebrating Seth and his achievements with an exhilarating night of music!”

The evening will also include a fundraising auction and the announcement of an initiative hoping to continue to raise awareness of early screening and testing made by Def Jam Chief Creative Officer/EVP and 2023 Rising Music Superstar Award recipient Archie Davis.

For more information, click here.

Matt McVaney Inks With Round Hill Music

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Pictured (L-R): Round Hill Music Director of A&R Taylor Antle; Round Hill Music GM/SVP of A&R Mike Whelan; Matt McVaney; Round Hill Music Sr. Director of A&R Lindsay Will

Songwriter and producer Matt McVaney has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Round Hill Music.

The Ohio native first made waves with writing and producing credits on Kane Brown’s “Used To Love You Sober.” He also is credited on Brown’s “I Love That I Hate You” and his debut single “Thunder In The Rain.” Since then, he has worked with Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lainey Wilson, Scotty McCreery, Tim McGraw, Gary LeVox and Dalton Dover.

“I’m thrilled to work with a writer and producer of McV’s caliber,” says Round Hill’s Sr. Director of A&R Lindsay Will. “He has a proven track record of producing and developing some of the best talent in country music and we’re pumped to bring him on board to produce some of our artists at Round Hill. McV is an incredible writer and so much fun to be around; we’re so excited to welcome him to the RHM family!”

“I’m so excited to be signing with Round Hill Music,” adds McVaney. “Lindsay has been such a huge champion of me, and I love the way she thinks outside the box when it comes to the songwriting industry and has a forward-thinking approach to the music industry as a whole. I cannot wait to see what we accomplish together!”