Austin Jenkins Named Vice President, A&R At Island Records

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Austin Jenkins

Austin Jenkins has been named Vice President, A&R at Island Records.

Since joining Island in 2023, he has played a key role in the signing and development of artists such as Wyatt Flores and Medium Build, among others. In his new position, Jenkins will continue to lead the label’s Nashville operations while identifying, signing and cultivating talent.

“Austin’s love of music and the creative community is infectious,” state Justin Eshak and Imran Majid, Co-CEOs of Island Records. “He’s a magnet for artists and his presence is critical to the label’s culture and future. We’re thrilled he’ll continue his work at Island in an elevated role representing the label in Nashville and beyond.”

“Justin and Imran have architected an environment where true artistry flourishes and risk-taking isn’t just encouraged; it’s championed,” says Jenkins. “We have the latitude to really make some noise and amplify the voices of incredible and innovative artists. I’m looking forward to what the future holds in this position.”

The Weatherford, Texas native’s industry experience ranges from being a performer and songwriter, to producer and label executive. He founded and served as the guitarist and songwriter for Texas band White Denim. In 2014, Jenkins stepped away from the group and co-founded the Niles City Sound recording studio in Fort Worth with Josh Block and Chris Vivion. He and Block then discovered Leon Bridges and co-produced, recorded and mixed his Platinum-certified full-length debut album, Coming Home, under the Niles City Sound name. Jenkins toured as part of Bridges’ band in addition to playing guitar and bass on the Grammy-nominated collection.

Jon Hume Signs Co-Publishing Agreement With Big Machine Music

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Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar, BABZ Founder/CEO & Big Machine Music Consultant Hannah Babitt, Jon Hume, New Tribe Management’s Kit Hume, Big Machine Music SVP of Publishing Alex Heddle. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Music

Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer Jon Hume has signed an exclusive co-publishing agreement with Big Machine Music.

The Australia native now calls Nashville home while continuing to write for and produce projects in Los Angeles and overseas. As a co-writer and producer of the Dean Lewis hits “Be Alright,” “Half A Man” and the 2024 ASCAP Pop Award-winning song “How Do I Say Goodbye,” Hume has also penned songs for Sofi Tukker, Bebe Rexha, JP Cooper, Needtobreathe and Calum Scott, as well as forthcoming songs with David Kushner and Bishop Briggs.

Hume’s top syncs include the theme song “Don’t Forget” for the hit series Welcome to Wrexham and The Croods as well as placements with Apple, BMW and Smartwater. Most recently, he served as a producer for ABC’s American Idol including the latest season 22 winner, Abi Carter.

“With over eight billion streams worldwide as a songwriter, Jon is a global presence who can seamlessly cross genres and deliver syncs for some of the biggest programs and brands,” says BMM’s President, Mike Molinar. “We are honored and privileged to welcome him to the Big Machine Music family!”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join Big Machine Music,” shares Hume. “Mike Molinar, Alex Heddle, Hannah Babitt and the team have unbridled energy and creativity and the roster they have assembled speaks for itself.”

More Special Guests Set To Join Morgan Wallen At London’s Hyde Park

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More special guests are set to join Morgan Wallen for his show at London’s Hyde Park on July 4.

Alana Springsteen, Alexandra Kay, Zandi Holup, Abbie Mac, The Halfway Kid and Evan Bartels along with previously-announced guests Riley Green, Ernest and Ella Langley will perform during the one-night-only event. For more information, click here.

“Last fall was my first time in the U.K. and man, I loved it,” says Wallen. “I saw so much while I was there, and the people were incredible. To play where legendary artists like Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones have played is a huge honor for me and my band, and we can’t wait to be back.”

Additionally, his latest single with Post Malone, “I Had Some Help,” landed at No. 2 on the Official Charts in the U.K., while simultaneously catapulting to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 all-genre chart where it has remained for four consecutive weeks.

Wallen also released his Abbey Road Sessions project to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his record-setting album, One Thing At A Time, earlier this year. Recorded at London’s Abbey Road Studios in Studio Two, the digital series includes five live recordings from One Thing At A Time, unreleased fan favorite “Lies Lies Lies” and a never-before-recorded cover of Nothing But Thieves’ “Graveyard Whistling.”

Alyssa Johnson Establishes Johnson Law PLLC

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Alyssa Johnson

Attorney Alyssa Johnson has established Johnson Law PLLC, a boutique entertainment law firm based in Nashville. Previously with Safford Motley PLC, Johnson now focuses on advising songwriters, recording artists, producers, authors, influencers, podcasters and more.

“I’m very excited to continue advocating for creators, and very grateful for those in the Music Row community who have already shown me such gracious support in making this new role a reality,” she shares. “My main goal is to remove as much stress (and paperwork) as possible from my clients’ plates so that they can focus on creating.”

Johnson Law PLLC specializes in transactional entertainment matters, supporting creatives through the entire process. The firm works to protect its clients’ creations and proactively position them for long-term creative and commercial success.

Luke Combs & American Greetings Join Forces For New Father’s Day Card Collection

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Luke Combs and American Greetings have joined forces to develop a Creatacard collection of six Father’s Day greetings that will feature the country star’s new music.

To customize the cards, senders can include a preview of one of five tracks on Comb’s forthcoming Fathers & Sons album, including “Huntin’ By Yourself,” “Plant A Seed,” “Remember Him That Way,” “The Man He Sees In Me” and “Whoever You Turn Out To Be.”  The virtual greetings can also be personalized with photos as well as a video, personalized message, liner, stamp and gift card.

“Luke’s lyrics are genuine and emotional, and so many people can relate to the stories he tells through his music,” says Rob Matousek, Executive Director, Direct To Consumer Business, American Greetings. “Luke’s songs in our new Father’s Day greetings help elevate the meaning experienced by those who receive them, and we have no doubt these cards will leave a lasting impression.”

Combs’ Father’s Day cards join the lineup of collections curated by fellow country hitmakers like Dolly Parton, who has a variety of Creatacards with American Greetings, and Lainey Wilson, who recently debuted her series with the brand. For more information, click here.

Stagecoach 2025 Advance Passes On Sale This Friday

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Iconic country music festival Stagecoach has revealed advance passes for its 2025 festival will be available beginning this Friday (June 14). The festival will take place April 25-27 in Indio, California.

Produced by Goldenvoice, the weekend will mark Stagecoach’s 17th year. The 2025 lineup will be announced in the coming months. 2024’s festival saw performances from Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Wyatt Flores, Carin León, Nickelback, Leon Bridges, Wiz Khalifa and more.

Advance passes will be available beginning at 1 p.m. CST on June 14. These passes will be the lowest price point offered.

Russell Dickerson Recognized With 12 BMI Millionaire Certificates

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Pictured (L–R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Russell Dickerson and BMI’s Mason Hunter. Photo: Erika Goldring

Russell Dickerson was recognized with 12 BMI Millionaire Certificates during his “Good Day Cafe” event with Raising Canes on Thursday (June 6) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

The new certifications follow the multi-Platinum artist’s previous chart success with “God Gave Me A Girl” (one million airplays), “Home Sweet” (one million airplays), “Every Little Thing” (two million airplays), “Love You Like I Use To” (three million airplays) and “Blue Tacoma” (three million airplays).

Inspired by his latest single, “Good Day To Have A Great Day,” the event featured exclusive merchandise, a meet-and-greet opportunity and a food truck. Dickerson wrote the new tune with Jesse Frasure, Justin Tranter and Eren Cannata as an ode to his positive outlook on life and to spread the message that every day is worth celebrating.

This summer, he plans to visit the United Kingdom and Europe on his “Good Day To Have A Great Tour” in addition to traveling across the country as a special guest on Sam Hunt’s “Locked Up Tour.”

Industry Ink: Eddie Montgomery, Cody Johnson, Riley Green, More

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Eddie Montgomery Presented With Gold & Platinum Certifications

Pictured (L-R): Eddie Montgomery, Erin D. D. Burr, Angie Gentry, Bryan Frasher, Jackie Jones & Fletcher Lyon. Photo: TenSight Media

Last week, the Recording Industry Association of America surprised Eddie Montgomery with plaques in honor of his Platinum “Something To Be Proud Of,” and Gold “Hell Yeah” and “My Town.” The awards were presented by RIAA’s Erin D. D. Burr and Jackie Jones along with Gentry’s wife Angie and Red Light Management’s Bryan Frasher and Fletcher Lyon.

The honor took place during a special event at 3rd & Lindsley, “Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery: Celebrating 25 Years,” with special guests Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Allie Colleen and Ira Dean.

 

Cody Johnson Headlines Gulf Coast Jam

Pictured (L-R): Kylen Sharpe, Rendy Lovelady, Cody Johnson, Mark Sheldon and Chris Burrus. Photo: Elizabeth Cox

Cody Johnson headlined the third night of the sold-out Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam last Saturday.

 

Riley Green Donates To Folds Of Honor

Pictured (L-R, back row): Brad Kaman, Riley Green, Taylor Lewan, Summer Rae, Ashley Cooke, Chris Kirkpatrick, John Crist, Brenna Honey and Dan Chappell “Lunchbox;” (L-R, front row): Will Compton, Breland, Conner Smith and Chris Lane

Riley Green led Team First Responders to victory as captain in Folds of Honor Tennessee’s Jock N Rock Celebrity Softball Game. Celebrating his team’s victory, Green surprised everyone with a $50,000 donation to Folds of Honor from his Buford Bonds Charitable Fund.

Folds of Honor provides life-changing scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military members and First Responders.

 

SiriusXM’s The Highway Names Ryan And Rory Next ‘Highway Find’

Pictured (L-R): Rory John Zak, Buzz Brainard and Ryan Follesé

New country music duo Ryan and Rory have been named the latest “Highway Find” by SiriusXM’s The Highway. The show’s host, Buzz Brainard, surprised the duo during their appearance at the SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy Hour.

Ryan Follesé, a Nashville native and double-Platinum No. 1 hit singer-songwriter, along with Rory John Zak, a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter from Raleigh, North Carolina, join the ranks of notable “Highway Finds” such as Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett and Parker McCollum.

 

Connor Hicks Signs With Marathon Talent

Pictured (L-R): Peter Strickland, Connor Hicks, Craig Campbell and Dennis Lord

Singer-songwriter Connor Hicks has signed an exclusive management agreement with Marathon Talent.

“I’ve gotten to Connor over the past couple of years, and his talent, attitude, and drive showed us everything we needed to see to jump on board,” says Marathon’s Craig Campbell. “His performance at Gulf Coast Jam last weekend solidified everything for us.”

Originally from Louisville, Hicks began his journey at Western Kentucky University, where he started performing and writing songs. After moving to Nashville in 2021, he quickly became a part of the city’s songwriting community, collaborating with some of Nashville’s best songwriters and performing across Middle Tennessee.

Zach Bryan Heads Back To No. 1 Spot On Top Songwriter Chart

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Zach Bryan. Photo: Andrew Maclean

Zach Bryan has returned to top of the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. “Pink Skies,” “I Remember Everything,” “Nine Ball” and “The Good I’ll Do” all pushed the singer-songwriter to the top.

Ashley Gorley sits at No. 2 this week with “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “I Had Some Help,” “Cowgirls,” “Bulletproof,” “Young Love & Saturday Nights” and “Hell Or High Water.” As the sole writer of “Dirt Cheap,” Josh Phillips takes the No. 3 spot.

Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Chris Stapleton (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.

CMA Fest 2024 Concludes With Slew Of Daytime Performances

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Kameron Marlowe performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

CMA Fest 2024 came to a close yesterday (June 9), but not before a multitude of daytime performances.

Opening up the Chevy Riverfront Stage was Anne Wilson, followed by performances from Avery Anna, Adam Doleac, Kameron Marlowe, Tanner Adell, Tyler Farr, Wyatt Flores, LoCash and Dillon Carmichael. Megan Moroney closed the stage down to a full-capacity crowd before heading over to Nissan Stadium.

Avery Anna performs at the Chevy Riverfront Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Over at the Chevy Vibes Stage, fans were able to catch performances from BoomTown Saints, Tigirlily Gold, Zach Top and more. Lighting up the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage was Alli Walker, Dalton Dover, Lauren Watkins and others.

Sets that kept the vibes going at the Good Molecules Reverb stage included Madeline Merlo, Payton Smith, Redferrin and more. The Hard Rock Stage featured Ashland Craft, Grace Tyler, Flat River Band and others.

Inside Music City Center, fans were bustling with all the activities going on. Lainey Wilson was the artist of the day on the CMA Close Up Stage. Carly Pearce, Mickey Guyton, Nate Smith, Willie Jones, Denitia, Jett Holden, Carmen Dianne and Aaron Vance also spent some time on the Close Up Stage. Over on the Spotlight Stage, attendees enjoyed performances from Adam Mac, Kayley Green, Sasha McVeigh and more.

Lainey Wilson on the CMA Close Up Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Taking the party over to Margaritaville, SiriusXM The Highway hosted performances from Shaboozey, Mackenzie Carpenter, Josh Ross and others.

Wrapping up their four-day Skydeck takeover, UMG Nashville held performances from several of their artists including Travis Denning, Mark Willis, Terri Clark and more.

CMA Fest 2025 will take place June 5-8, 2025.

Dalton Dover performs at the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 09: Mackenzie Carpenter performs onstage during Day 4 of SiriusXM’s The Music Row Happy Hour Live on The Highway at Margaritaville on June 09, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Pictured (L-R): Anna Pittman (VP Artist Development, WMN), Mike Dupree (SVP Creative Director, WMN), Ben Kline (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Redferrin, Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Will Dzombak (Taylor Gang Ent.), Rohan Kohli (VP A&R, WMN). Photo: Courtesy of WMN

Payton Smith performs at the Good Molecules Reverb Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Zach Top performs at the Chevy Vibes Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Carmen Dianne on the CMA Close Up Stage on Sunday, June 9 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Terri Clark performs at the UMG Nashville Takeover at Skydeck. Photo: Chris Hollo