Sicily Rose has inked with Off Road Records.

Raised in Montana and influenced by the sounds of Miranda Lambert, Fleetwood Mac and Reba McEntire, Rose has amassed more than 30 million views across social media platforms.

In celebration of the signing, she has released her first single, “Annabella Mae.” Written by Bonnie Dymond and Nik Lazcano, the track explores loss and its lasting impact.

“Sicily understands the power of honesty in a song,” shares Off Road Records President David Fanning. “‘Annabella Mae’ is a strong introduction to who she is as an artist and reflects the kind of songwriter and storyteller we want to build with at Off Road Records.”

Rose marks the label’s second signing, following Dylan Davidson.

Grammy-winning bluegrass master Billy Strings has announced a string of new headline tour dates through the summer.

Newly confirmed stops include Boston’s Agganis Arena, Portland’s Cross Insurance Arena (two nights), Hartford’s PeoplesBank Arena, Bethel’s Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (two nights) and Ionia’s County Fairgrounds (two nights), among others. Tickets are available now at billystrings.com/tour.

Strings’ most recent full-length album Highway Prayers is nominated for Best Bluegrass Album at the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards. Produced by Strings and Jon Brion, the Reprise Records album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s all-genre Top Album Sales Chart—the first bluegrass album in 22 years to do so.

Newly-Announced Billy Strings Tour Dates:
July 14—Roanoke, VA—Berglund Center
July 17—Portsmouth, VA—Portsmouth Pavilion
July 18—Portsmouth, VA—Portsmouth Pavilion
July 21—Boston, MA—Agganis Arena
July 24—Portland, ME—Cross Insurance Arena
July 25— Portland, ME—Cross Insurance Arena
July 28—Hartford, CT—PeoplesBank Arena
July 31—Bethel, NY—Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
August 1—Bethel, NY—Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Hudson Westbrook Performs At New York City’s Common Country

Hudson Westbrook recently performed a show at New York City’s Common Country. The at-capacity crowd celebrated his new EP, Exclusive, with a 60-minute set featuring some of his biggest hits as well as songs from the new project.

“There’s something so special about watching a room full of New Yorkers fully show up for an artist,” shares Country Swag Founder Stephanie Wagner. “Through these intimate, thoughtfully curated events with Country Swag and Common Country, we’re creating moments and memories that are just as meaningful for the artists as they are for the fans, and continuing to build what country music can look like in New York City.”

 

Chris Burke Joins The Kirby Organization

Chris Burke has joined The Kirby Organization. Burke will focus on private and special event bookings.

“I’m so excited to be working with Andrew Goodfriend, Mike Monterulo and the team of veteran agents at The Kirby Organization,” Buke shares.

Burke began his career in the music business in 1980 with prior stops at Regency Artists, Paradigm and Reliant Talent.

 

Brandyn Steen Named VP, Publishing At Smith Music Group

Brandyn Steen has been named VP, Publishing at Smith Music Group. In this role, Steen will focus on strengthening songwriter and catalog services, optimizing royalty administration, and expanding creative and commercial opportunities.

“Smith Music Group has a powerful legacy and a clear lane in the market,” says Brandyn Steen. “I’m excited to build on that foundation by expanding opportunities for writers and catalogs—protecting the work, maximizing collection, and creating new revenue through smart strategy, relationships, and attention to detail.”

“Brandyn brings the right mix of creative instincts, operational leadership, and modern publishing know-how,” adds Rick Smith, President of Smith Music Group. “We’re thrilled to welcome him into this role as we continue to invest in the future of our publishing business.”

 

Grace Bowers Honors Chaka Khan At 2026 Resonator Awards

Grace Bowers recently honored Chaka Khan alongside Maggie Rogers at the 2026 Resonator Awards.

The Radio Hall Of Fame Nominating Committee is accepting suggestions for 2026 nominees beginning Feb. 1-March 31.

Suggestions for possible honorees for consideration by the Radio Hall of Fame Nominating Committee can be submitted at radiohalloffame.com. The 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held in Chicago at the Fairmont Chicago Hotel on Oct. 8. 24 names will be selected as nominees to be voted upon by industry personnel later this year, leading to the selection of the 2026 Radio Hall of Fame Induction Class.

“We look forward to receiving suggestions from around the country of worthy broadcasters deserving to be nominated for Radio Hall of Fame induction,” says Dennis Green, Co-Chairman of the Radio Hall of Fame. “There are so many deserving candidates worthy of earning the radio industry’s highest honor as we begin the process of inducting this year’s Hall of Fame class in October.”

“We rely on industry and listener input and suggestions in this process,” says Kraig T. Kitchin, Co-Chairman, Radio Hall of Fame. “Our 24-person Nominating Committee gains valuable additional insight and knowledge as a result of the suggestions coming from thousands of individuals each year.”

The Radio Hall of Fame was founded by the Emerson Radio Corporation in 1988. The Museum of Broadcast Communications took over operations of the Hall in 1991.