MusicRow Releases 2024 InCharge Issue, Kelsea Ballerini Graces The Cover

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MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication, is proud to announce the 2024 release of its flagship print directory, InCharge.

This annual guide highlights some of the most influential industry executives in the Nashville music business. This year’s edition includes 374 profiles which are accompanied by contact information, career biographies and detailed board and organizational membership affiliations.

The guide also includes a record label staff index, a company appendix and a professional categories appendix, which lists executives by their areas of expertise, including label, talent agency, management, music publishing, legal, finance, performing rights organizations and more.

“In the tightly-knit community of the Nashville music industry, those who wear various hats are deeply appreciated for their expertise and experience. With decades of collective experience and with leadership that represents and guides many other team members in the industry, these individuals have played a central role in shaping and preserving the city’s most valued export,” says MusicRow Owner/Publisher, Sherod Robertson. “Within these pages, you’ll find a celebration of our industry champions, each of whom has rightfully earned the esteemed title of InCharge.”

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini graces the cover of the 2024 InCharge issue.

Black River’s Kelsea Ballerini consistently makes history. With the release of her debut album, The First Time, she became the only female country artist to hit No. 1 with the first three consecutive singles from a debut album. Since then, she’s notched seven No. 1 singles and five back-to-back top 10 entries on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

Among dozens of accolades, she’s garnered four Grammy Award nominations, won two ACM Awards, Billboard Awards and CMA Awards; an iHeartRadio Music Awards honor and received multiple career nominations from the ACM, CMA, Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, CMT and People’s Choice Awards. Notably, she snagged her first nomination as an artist/producer for the ACM Awards’ Music Event of the Year in 2022 for “Half Of My Hometown.”

Ballerini recently returned to host the 2024 CMT Music Awards for the fourth year, this time as a solo host, and led the field in nominations. The Grand Ole Opry member was named the newest face of COVERGIRL in 2022 and later built on her multi-year partnership by launching a cosmetic collaboration with the brand. Expanding her sphere of influence, she authored her first original poetry book, Feel Your Way Through, and Dolly Parton tapped her to star in the audiobook of Run, Rose, Run.

Ballerini’s fourth album, Subject To Change, was released in 2022. Five months later, she surprised fans with Rolling Up the Welcome Mat and the accompanying short film. This led to her Saturday Night Live debut, universal acclaim from critics including The New York Times, Variety and Rolling Stone, and the honor of gracing the cover of TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Next Gen issue. With these accolades, it is no wonder NPR proclaimed, “Kelsea Ballerini is definitely one of the most influential women in country right now…she’s defining the sound of the genre.”

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2024 InCharge issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $115, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

MusicRow’s 2024 InCharge Issue, featuring Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: John Shearer

Darren Kiely Joins Endurance Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Rich Mgmt’s Brendan Rich, EMG’s Mark Ahlberg and Lauren Funk, Kiely, EMG’s Michael Martin and Courtney Kruckeberg, and Rich Mgmt’s Sarah Paravia

Endurance Music Group has signed Irish singer-songwriter and Free Flight Records flagship artist Darren Kiely.

Hailing from a small town in County Cork, Ireland, Kiely delivers folk-infused pop that originates from traditional Irish music intertwined with modern influences such as The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons and Noah Kahan.

He released his debut EP Lost last fall, which contained hits “Mom & Dad” and “Sunrise.” Kiely also recently wrapped an extensive North American tour and is set to tour Europe later this spring. He will make his Ryman Auditorium debut in September in support of Mat Kearney.

“I am excited to work with the whole team at Endurance. From early on they have shown a keen interest and passion in my music and songwriting. I’m looking forward to the next chapter together with EMG,” he shares of the deal.

Josh Turner Extends Deal With MCA Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Renee Behrman (Modern Management), Cindy Mabe (UMG Nashville), Josh Turner, Ted Greene (Modern Management), Kelsey McMahan Williams (Modern Management). Photo: Chris Hollo.

Josh Turner has extended his deal with MCA Nashville.

Turner has been at the label for over two decades now, where he has earned five No. 1 singles, multiple RIAA Platinum certifications, over 3.5 billion streams and many awards. Some of his hit songs include “Long Black Train,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Your Man” and “Would You Go With Me.” Along with seven studio albums, Turner has also released three passion projects on the label, including Country State of Mine, I Serve A Savior and King Size Manger.

“Josh Turner has one of the most identifiable voices in country music,” says Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville Chair and CEO. “His music has touched generations of fans with his rich, deep voice paired with his deep connection to country music, family, faith and his fans. From his journey of ‘Long Black Train’ to his newest album, Josh has built an iconic career with some of the biggest hits in country music history. We are so proud to continue to represent Josh Turner as a member of MCA Nashville roster.”

To celebrate the news, Turner will be releasing his new single “Heatin’ Things Up” this Friday (April 26). He will also be inducted into the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame later this week.

Mötley Crüe Signs With Big Machine Records

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Mötley Crüe. Photo: Ross Halfin

Multi-Platinum rock band Mötley Crüe has signed with Big Machine Records. The group’s debut single with the label, “Dogs of War,” will drop this Friday (April 26), marking their first release since 2019.

“Mötley Crüe on Big Machine! Growing up in Southern California, I was in Hollywood when these new sheriffs showed up and took over the city. It was loud. It was powerful. It was game changing,” says Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “Vince [Neil], Nikki [Sixx] and Tommy [Lee], along with new guitarist John 5, have reignited the flame with ferocious new Crüe music. Fans will unite… SHOUT!”

The deal brings the band and Big Machine Records back together after making the 2014 project, Nashville Outlaws: A Tribute to Mötley Crüe, which featured Crüe tracks covered by country stars Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker and more.

The album debuted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top 200, No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and featured the top 30 hit, “Home Sweet Home,” performed by Justin Moore and Neil. Big Machine also partnered with Mötley Crüe guitarist John 5 for the release of his 2021 album, Sinner.

“We are thrilled to announce the forthcoming release of our new music through Big Machine Records,” shares the band. “Scott’s been a friend and supporter of the band for a long time, and we loved collaborating on the Nashville Outlaws album in 2014. We’re very happy to know our new music will be in the best of hands with Scott and his exceptional team at Big Machine.”

Cody Johnson, Koe Wetzel & More Among 2024 Born & Raised Festival Lineup

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Cody Johnson, Hank Williams Jr., Koe Wetzel and more are set to perform at this year’s Born & Raised Festival, taking place Sept. 13-15 in Pryor, Oklahoma.

Other performers include Dwight Yoakam, Midland, Red Clay Strays, Shane Smith & The Saints, Paul Cauthen, Treaty Oak Revival, The Cadillac Three, William Clark Green, Wade Bowen, Cody Canada & The Departed, Kolby Cooper, Jack Ingram, Colby Acuff, J.R. Carroll, Brent Cobb, The Band of Heathens, Stephen Wilson Jr., Ole 60, Pony Bradshaw, Tyler Halverson, Jamie Lin Wilson, The Wilder Blue, Maggie Antone, Reid Haughton, Clayton Mullen, Kin Faux, Django Walker, Zandi Holup, Harper O’Neill, Lance Roark, Josh Weathers, Jason Scott & The High Heat and Blaine Bailey.

Three-day passes of various tiers and offerings go on sale this Friday (April 26) at 10 a.m. CT. Single day passes will be released in the coming months. New for 2024 is College Town, a designated area for college students within festival campgrounds. Students with a valid ID will be able to purchase general admission festival passes at a reduced rate and secure their campsite. Also, Born & Raised Festival will feature a leaderboard on its website to showcase which college campuses are repping the festival the hardest, with the top campus winning a special section for campers within College Town. For more information, click here.

Additionally, Born & Raised Festival has been acquired by independent live event producer Danny Wimmer Presents. Danny Wimmer Presents plans to continue to work with the original Born & Raised creators, Pryor Creek Music Festivals, as well as its key stakeholders.

Michael Wayne Wilkes Inks With Peermusic Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Michael Knox (President, peermusic Nashville), Michael Wayne Wilkes, Matt Michiels (Sr. Creative Director, peermusic Nashville), Kendall Lettow (Creative Director, peermusic Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Black Market Creative

Songwriter and producer Michael Wayne Wilkes has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with peermusic Nashville.

Wilkes’ cuts include Michael Ray‘s “Hold,” Stephen Wilson Jr.‘s “Calico Creek,” Carson Beyer‘s “In The Dust,” and many more.

“Michael Wayne Wilkes is an exciting songwriter, musician and producer who has everything we look for – originality, work ethic and talent.” says Michael Knox, President, peermusic Nashville. “I love what his tracks sound like and we can’t wait to be a part of his team in this next stage of his career. Michael will be a great addition to the peermusic family and we couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to work together.”

“I want to thank Michael Knox for this opportunity and I am so excited to work with Matt Michiels, Kendall Lettow and the rest of this amazing team. peermusic has such a rich history in country music and such a positive atmosphere. I couldn’t ask for a better home for the next chapter of my musical journey. Let’s Go,” shares Wilkes.

Brad Paisley, Nationwide And More Raise Over $200,000 For The Store

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Pictured (L-R): Dusty Slay, Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, John Crist

The second-annual benefit show “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” raised more than $200,000 for The Store. Hosted by country music star Brad Paisley and best-selling author Kimberly Williams-Paisley alongside Nationwide, the benefit featured performances from John Crist, Dusty Slay and Paisley.

The event doubled last year’s total and went to support The Store’s new initiative to double the number of households served in 2024.

Co-founded by Paisley and Williams-Paisley, The Store is a nonprofit organization that operates a free-referral-based grocery store that allows low-income individuals and families to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope. The Store currently works with nearly 25 referral agencies in Nashville to help families in securing food assistance while accessing other support services. There is no charge to those referred or to those who send them.

All food at The Store is purchased, except for locally grown produce and in-kind donations, which are obtained through licensed vendors. For more information, click here.

Miranda Lambert Signs A New Record Deal

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Pictured (L–R): Republic’s EVP & CFO Joe Schmidt, Founder & Vice Chairman Avery Lipman, President & COO Jim Roppo; Miranda Lambert; Republic’s Founder & Chairman Monte Lipman, Big Loud Records’ CEO Seth England. Photo: Julia Drummond

Miranda Lambert has signed a record deal with Republic Records in partnership with Big Loud, who will add support on country radio promotion as well as other marketing efforts. Her first release under the new deal will be the single “Wranglers,” arriving May 3.

“Miranda Lambert’s legacy as both a consummate storyteller and legendary performer speaks for itself. Her new music is spectacular and we are thrilled and honored to welcome her to Republic Records in partnership with Big Loud,” says Republic Founder and Chairman, Monte Lipman.

“We’re honored Miranda Lambert has entrusted us with this next chapter of her career,” adds Republic President and Chief Operating Officer, Jim Roppo. “As she puts the final touches on her fantastic new body of work, it has all the hallmarks of her signature sound, yet she continues to push herself as a songwriter, producer and performer. We’re all at the beginning of a very special moment, and we’re grateful to be on this journey with her.”

The label deal expands on Lambert’s relationship with Big Loud. Last November, she and Jon Randall partnered with Seth England and the company to launch the imprint Big Loud Texas.

“Being in Texas with Jon, recording where I cut my teeth as a young artist, felt like coming home. I thought about the women—and men—who’ve lived, loved and found power in my music, and I wanted to get back to the root of those spaces,” Lambert says. “Talking to Monte, Avery Lipman and the team at Republic, as well as Seth and the Big Loud folks who are leaning in, everyone understood my desires and vision for this next era of my music. Aligning like that is empowering; it gives you a license to really chase it. Signing with Republic has inspired me to find the sweet spot for me and all the people like me. I can’t wait for everyone to hear ‘Wranglers,’ and the rest of this record.”

“Wranglers” will mark Lambert’s first new solo music since 2022’s critically acclaimed, Grammy-, ACM- and CMA-nominated Palomino.

“‘Wranglers’ is a tale of a woman taking her power back,” shares the three-time Grammy winner. “I think we can all identify with the character in this song, because we have all had a time in our life that we needed to find a way to find our strength and also get a little revenge on someone that did us wrong or hurt us.”

Lambert will headline Stagecoach this weekend (April 27). She also recently announced a return to the road, including a three-night stand at New Braunfels, Texas’ iconic Whitewater Amphitheater, as well as concerts from coast to coast.

Jordan Minton Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jordan Minton

Hit songwriter Jordan Minton has moved into the top 10 on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Bigger Houses,” “Dance With You,” “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” and “Your Place” all pushed Minton into the No. 8 spot.

Beyoncé remains in the No. 1 spot this week with “16 Carriages,” “Alliigator Tears,” “Ameriican Requiem,” “Daughter,” “Just For Fun,” “Levii’s Jeans,” “ll Most Wanted,” “My Rose,” “Protector,” “Riiverdance,” “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “Tyrant,” all off her Cowboy Carter album. Josh Phillips takes the No. 2 spot with “Dirt Cheap.”

Ashley Gorley (No. 3), Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Jessie Jo Dillon (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.

Scott Stepakoff Extends Partnership With SMACKSongs

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Pictured (L-R): Jeremy Groves, Robin Palmer, Chip Petree, Scott Stepakoff, Lee Krabel, Sam Sarno and Carly Sater

Singer-songwriter Scott Stepakoff has extended his partnership with SMACKSongs.

Stepakoff first signed with the company in 2019. He has collaborated with fellow established songwriters Josh Osborne, Alex Kline, Jason Gantt and Lori McKenna, among others. Stepakoff’s credits include Kip Moore‘s “She’s Mine,” Brandy Clark‘s Grammy-nominated “Love Can Go To Hell” and Kelsey Hart‘s “Life With You,” which is currently climbing the Billboard charts.

“Scott is one of the most prolific and hard-working songwriters in Nashville. SMACK is excited to continue working with Scott and watch his career take off,” says Lee Krabel, Senior Vice President of Publishing, SMACK.

“It’s a no-brainer for me to keep building my career with SMACK,” shares Stepakoff. “Good people who believe in what I do and great writers operating at the top of their game all trying to get better. There is no place I’d rather call home!”