Machine Gun Kelly & Jelly Roll Unveil New Collaboration

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Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Jelly Roll have unveiled their first-ever collaboration, “Lonely Road,” along with its accompanying video.

Directed by Sam Cahill, the video sees the pair take on the roles of car mechanics enduring financial difficulties while trying to provide for their families. The cautionary tale, featuring both Megan Fox and Bunnie Xo, follows MGK devising a plan to take care of Fox and his family.

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The collaboration debuted on several platforms, including MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop, CMT, CMT Music, CMT Equal Play and the Paramount Times Square billboards.

The two stars continue to make waves in country music, with MGK releasing a video cover of Zach Bryan’s “Sun To Me,” which debuted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and Jelly Roll gearing up for his “Beautifully Broken Tour 2024” next month.

BMI Austin Office Shares In Five-Year Anniversary With Gov. Greg Abbott

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Texas Music Office’s Chip Adams, Executive Director of Economic Development and Tourism Adriana Cruz; (L-R, front row): BMI’s Kristen Townsend, Governor Greg Abbott and BMI’s Mitch Ballard. Photo: Karley Brassell

BMI traveled to Austin on Wednesday (July 24) to celebrate their Texas office’s fifth anniversary and share its accomplishments with Governor Greg Abbott at the Texas State Capitol.

BMI’s Mitch Ballard and Kristen Townsend detailed BMI’s pivotal role in accelerating affiliates careers through exclusive opportunities like Austin City Limits, Saxon Pub Songwriter Series, Sounds at Still Austin showcase, SXSW and more. Joined by Executive Director of Economic Development Adriana Cruz and the Texas Music Office’s Chip Adams, the group also discussed the importance of affiliates understanding their revenue streams and how these contributions economically influence their careers.

“The State of Texas continues to find ways to support, grow and foster its vibrant music scene,” says Ballard, BMI’s Exec. Creative Director, Austin. “We thank Governor Abbott and Adriana Cruz for taking time out of their busy schedules to learn more about the significant impact BMI has on Texas songwriters and the influence of our day-to-day presence in Austin.”

The afternoon concluded with a presentation to Gov. Abbott with a custom BMI Austin five-year anniversary guitar to commemorate the milestone.

BREAKING: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Promotes Two

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Ryan Dokke & Andrew Thoen

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has elevated Ryan Dokke to Senior Vice President and Andrew Thoen to Director of Streaming & Digital Partners / Radio Promotion. Both are already on the job.

The Big Machine Label Group imprint’s artist roster includes Riley Green, Lady A, Brett Young, Chris Janson, Greylan James, Noah Hicks, Shaylen and more.

Dokke, who recently served as Vice President of Promotion and Marketing, joined the label in 2022. He previously served as CEO of Play It Again Music, as well as holding positions at Curb | Word Entertainment (Curb Records) and Sony Music Nashville (Arista Records). As SVP, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, Dokke will continue to oversee radio promotions for the label while expanding his focus to enhancing fan engagement and consumption through innovative marketing strategies.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work alongside Scott and Jimmy these past couple years. I am beyond grateful for their continued confidence in me,” says Dokke. “I believe deeply in our incredible artist roster and passionate team and am so proud of how Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment is developing into such an inspiring and creative home for artists and music to thrive.”

“Throughout his tenure, Ryan has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of industry trends, making him an invaluable asset to our team. We are confident his leadership and innovative thinking moves our company forward,” says Jimmy Harnen, President of Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Regarding Thoen, Harnen continues, “it has been a joy to see Andrew rise through the ranks over the last 10 years here. His unwavering dedication and passion for the industry and our roster as a whole has contributed to many wins for this crew and we’re eager to see him thrive in this new role.”

Thoen transitions from Director of Northeast Promotion & Marketing to Director of Streaming & Digital Partners / Radio Promotion. He will spearhead the label’s streaming initiatives, driving Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s strategy forward amidst the evolving music industry landscape to amplify artist visibility and drive streaming revenue, while continuing to oversee marketing efforts for the label’s artist roster and radio promotion in his region. Thoen will report to Dokke.

“I’m deeply grateful for Jimmy and Ryan’s belief in me over the past decade and have cherished building relationships with our country radio partners,” shares Thoen. “I’m thrilled to now foster connections with our streaming partners and elevate our artists’ music to new heights.”

Dylan Marlowe Will Explore ‘Mid-Twenties Crisis’ On Debut Album

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Dylan Marlowe will release his debut album Mid-Twenties Crisis on Sept. 27 via Sony Music Nashville.

The project will feature Side A and Side B, totaling 15 tracks. Marlowe is featured as a co-writer on every song, while solo writing the title track. Some of his co-writers include Seth Ennis, Jordan Minton and Trannie Anderson, among others. Joe Fox and Mikey Reeves are credited as producers, and the album also features a collaboration with Riley Green.

“Mid-Twenties Crisis is a record I wrote in my mid-twenties, really over the last two or three years,” shares Marlowe. “There’s a bunch of songs that are going to be fun to play live. I also thought it was really important to make sure I had some deeper lyrics as well. ‘Mid-Twenties Crisis’ was actually the last song to make the record. I’m so proud of that song—it’s kind of vulnerable but I hope y’all can relate and that you love the record.”

Along with the news, Marlowe shared a taste of the project by releasing “Devil On My Shoulder” today (July 27). The track tells the story of someone unable to move on from their ex, with a gritty and nostalgia filled sound.

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Of the new song, Marlowe says “I wrote ‘Devil On My Shoulder’ with Kyle Fishman, Beau Bailey and Rocky Block. When I got there that morning, Kyle had a really cool track that needed some words and I had the idea of ‘devil on my shoulder.’ We wanted to find a different angle with the phrase so the song talks about how sometimes you can try everything you can to get over somebody, but you still can’t at the end of the day. I think it’s a fun song and I hope y’all enjoy it.”

Marlowe is currently out on the road with Dan + Shay for the “Heartbreak On The Map” tour, and will appear at Greenville Country Music Festival in October.

Mid-Twenties Crisis Track List:
Side A:
1. “Heaven’s Sake” (Dylan Marlowe / Seth Ennis / Joe Fox)
2. “Deer on the Wall” (Dylan Marlowe / Zach Abend / Seth Ennis)
3. “Mid-Twenties Crisis” (Dylan Marlowe)
4. “Heart Brakes”  (Dylan Marlowe / Jordan Minton / Lindsay Rimes)
5. “Stick to My Guns” (feat. Riley Green) (Dylan Marlowe / Benjy Davis / Abram Dean / Joe Fox / Reid Isbell)
6. “Hungover in a Deer Stand” (Dylan Marlowe / Trannie Anderson / Ryan Beaver / David Garcia)
7. “Hang It Up”  (Dylan Marlowe / Tyler Chambers)

Side B:
1. “Shop Radio” (Dylan Marlowe / Tyler Chambers / Johnny McGuire)
2. “Devil on My Shoulder” (Dylan Marlowe / Beau Bailey / Rocky Block / Kyle Fishman)
3. “I Never Miss” (Dylan Marlowe / Rocky Block / Mark Holman / Blake Pendergrass)
4. “There Goes That” (Dylan Marlowe / Seth Ennis / Joe Fox)
5. “Boys Back Home” (feat. Dylan Scott) (Dylan Marlowe / Seth Ennis / Joe Fox)
6. “You Did It Too” (Dylan Marlowe / Dallas Davidson / Joe Fox)
7. “Bat Outta Hell (With a Boat on the Back)” (Dylan Marlowe / Jessie Jo Dillon / Kyle Fishman)
8. “The Fence” (Dylan Marlowe / Jimi Bell / Tyler Chambers / Benjy Davis / Seth Ennis / Mikey Reeves)

Kacey Musgraves To Go ‘Deeper Into The Well’ On Expanded Album

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Kacey Musgraves will release Deeper Into The Well, the expanded version of her fifth studio album Deeper Well, on Aug. 2 via Interscope/MCA Nashville.

The collection features seven additional tracks, including single “Irish Goodbye,” out now, as well as collaborations with Leon Bridges and Tiny Habits.

To celebrate Deeper Into The Well‘s release, special farmer’s market pop-up shops will be held at Amqui in Nashville, Melrose Place in Los Angeles, Wicker Park in Chicago and Metro NYC at Riverview Jersey City on Aug. 4. New merchandise and an exclusive vinyl will available, and fans will receive a free Deeper Into The Well tote with any purchase (while supplies last).

Additionally, Musgraves will kick off the North American leg of her “Deeper Well World Tour” on Sept. 4 at State College’s Bryce Jordan Center, and visit various cities before wrapping the run in early December with back-to-back nights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

Deeper Into The Well Track Listing:
*New track
1. “Cardinal”
2. “Deeper Well”
3. “Too Good to be True”
4. “Moving Out”
5. “Giver/Taker”
6. “Sway”
7. “Dinner with Friends”
8. “Heart of the Woods”
9. “Jade Green”
10. “The Architect”
11. “Lonely Millionaire”
12. “Heaven Is”
13. “Anime Eyes”
14. “Nothing To be Scared Of”
15. “Ruthless”*
16. “Little Sister”*
17. “Flower Child” *
18. “Superbloom (feat. Leon Bridges)”*
19. “Perfection (feat. Tiny Habits)”*
20. “Arm’s Length”*
21. “Irish Goodbye”*

‘Opry Country Christmas’ Series To Feature Jon Pardi, Scotty McCreery, More

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Jon Pardi kicking off last season’s “Opry Country Christmas” series. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

The “Opry Country Christmas” series, presented by Humana, is set to return to the Grand Ole Opry this holiday season.

Now in its fourth year, the series will run from Dec. 1–23 and feature special performances by Spotlight Artists and  Opry members Jon Pardi (Dec. 4), The Oak Ridge Boys (Dec. 4),  Scotty McCreery (Dec. 5), Chris Young (Dec. 8), Chris Janson (Dec. 11), Trace Adkins (Dec. 16) Steven Curtis Chapman (Dec. 22) and more to be announced soon.

Hosted by Larry Gatlin, “Opry Country Christmas” will also include festive performances by Opry members the Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, Spotlight Artists and special guests including Kathy Mattea (Dec. 2), Priscilla Block (Dec. 8), Chapel Hart (Dec. 11), Mickey Guyton (Dec. 16) and John Berry (Dec. 22), among others, will round out the shows.

Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.

Oak Ridge Boys Honor Joe Bonsall In New ‘Promised Land’ Video

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Photo: Courtesy of The Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys are paying tribute to their beloved longtime bandmate and brother Joe Bonsall with a new music video for “Promised Land,” from their album Front Porch Singin’, released in 2021.

With the sudden news of Bonsall’s passing earlier this month, the Oaks’ legions of fans quickly began posting “Promised Land” in his memory. Written by Ashley Monroe, the song resonated with fans originally, and while also mourning the loss of their friend and 50-year bandmate, the Oaks discussed creating the perfect tribute to their brother. William Lee Golden suggested the music video for “Promised Land.”

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“I called Ashley Monroe and asked her to write a song for our Front Porch Singin’ album,” shares Duane Allen. “We spoke about what we were looking for. Within a few days, Ashley sent ‘Promised Land.’ I loved it immediately and sent it to David Cobb. He wrote back ‘home run!’ When we got into the studio, the magic happened. David voiced Joe in a lower key than normal so he could almost talk this message. I feel that David captured Joe’s heart and soul. Our ‘OOO’s’ are only heard at the end of this masterpiece.”

Bonsall retired from the road in January 2024 and spent the next few months finishing his personal memoir, I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life, which will be released in mid-November. The Oaks continue to tour the country on their “American Made Farewell Tour,” which is still being booked.

Luke Combs Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Twisters’ Track

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Luke Combs tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.”

The track appears on Twisters: The Album from the newly-released film Twisters. The song was written by Combs, Jessi Alexander and Jonathan Singleton.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently unveiled their latest exhibit, “Luke Combs: The Man I Am.” The exhibit, open until June 2025,  explores his life and career with stage wear, tour memorabilia, manuscripts, set lists, instruments, photographs and more.

“Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” currently sits at No. 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 8 on the Mediabase chart.

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

RECORDS Nashville Signs Drew Green [Exclusive]

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Pictured (L–R): Scott Mason Thomas (5eightysix Management), Barry Weiss (Founder, RECORDS), Drew Green, Joe Fisher (EVP A&R, RECORDS), Ben Maddahi (Senior Vice-President of A&R, Columbia Records). Photo: Courtesy of RECORDS Nashville

RECORDS Nashville, the boutique outpost of Barry Weiss’ label RECORDS, has signed country singer-songwriter Drew Green.

The signing follows Green’s recent independent release, “Lotta Bit Of You,” which has garnered more than 25 million streams and over 25 million views on TikTok. Blending country, pop and R&B, he first gained attention as a songwriter before catching the artist spotlight with tracks “Little More Be Alright,” “She Got That,” “Hooch” and the Gold-certified “Good Ol’ Man.”

Over the past two years, Green has continued writing, recording and touring, and amassed a strong catalog that showcases his songwriting prowess.

“We are thrilled to welcome the gifted singer-songwriter Drew Green to the RECORDS Nashville family,” says Weiss. “Green writes from the heart, and his songs have truly resonated with fans and artists alike. We are excited to work together to further expand his career and songwriting canon, and to deliver wonderful new music for fans to enjoy.”

“I’m more than excited to get to work with RECORDS and Columbia!” adds Green. “I can’t thank the fans enough for the love on ‘Lotta Bit Of You,’ which is what got us here. I know a lot of people have been asking about an album, and now with this team we will be able to deliver just that and more! I’ve been writing like crazy and can’t wait to get some of this new music out!”

To celebrate the signing, Green has released his first single with RECORDS Nashville, “Town Drunk.” He is also prepping his next release “Colorado,” a collaboration with Hardy that will lead into a full project early in the fall.

Industry Ink: Ricky Skaggs, Charles Wesley Godwin, CMA, MVP3 Media Group

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Ricky Skaggs Celebrates 70th With Opry Celebration

Ricky Skaggs and wife Sharon White celebrate his 70th birthday backstage at Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo / Grand Ole Opry

Ricky Skaggs celebrated a major life milestone while performing at the Grand Ole Opry on July 19. Skaggs, an Opry member since 1982, gathered with friends and family backstage to eat cake in celebration of his 70th birthday.

On his birthday, July 18, the Country Music Hall of Fame member was surprised with a special video reel featuring messages from artists, family, friends and music business colleagues. Artists appearing in the video include Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Ray Stevens, Jeannie Seely, Josh Turner, Shenandoah’s Marty Raybon, Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band, The Frontmen, Mark Wills, Mac McAnally, Emily Ann Roberts, Skaggs’ band Kentucky Thunder, The Isaacs, TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang.

 

Charles Wesley Godwin Performs On The Late Show With Stephen Colbert

Charles Wesley Godwin performs “Family Ties” on CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Photo: Scott Kowalchyk / Courtesy of CBS

Charles Wesley Godwin performed the title track from his breakout album Family Ties Monday night (July 22) on CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, marking his second late night TV appearance of 2024.

In addition to their own headline shows, Godwin and The High have been supporting Luke Combs on his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” stadium tour. Godwin will also open a handful of shows for Turnpike Troubadours, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, and Jamey Johnson this summer.

 

CMA Hosts MemberSIPS Event On Imposter Syndrome

Janet Walls (Delta Blvd, President and Founder) leads a discussion during a MemberSIPS event focused on imposter syndrome at CMA HQ in Nashville. Photo: Becca Risley/CMA

CMA welcomed members to its Nashville headquarters on July 23 for a MemberSIPS event focused on imposter syndrome.

Many music industry professionals experience imposter syndrome—feelings of self-doubt in abilities and accomplishments—despite evidence to the contrary. Janet Walls (Delta Blvd, President and Founder) hosted a discussion that delved into how future and current industry professionals can tap into their internal and external support systems to control those emotions. The conversation highlighted what imposter syndrome looks like and how to combat and overcome it to celebrate and own skills, accomplishments and abilities.

 

Marie Pizano Launches MVP3 Media Group

Marie Pizano. Photo: Stephanie Norwood

Entrepreneur and author Marie Pizano has launched the Nashville branch of Memphis-based MVP3 Media Group, which is comprised of film and music divisions, MVP3 Network and MVP3 Music Group. Additionally, Pizano has launched the nonprofit arm MVP3 Foundation in Music City.

Pizano is a Memphis resident who is committed to serving Tennesseans through creating opportunities and building bridges in the entertainment space.