Kaylin Roberson Renews Worldwide Publishing Deal With Peermusic Nashville

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Kaylin Roberson. Photo: photosbykalanii

Kaylin Roberson has renewed her global publishing deal with Peermusic Nashville.

“I’m beyond excited and grateful to continue this next chapter of my career with Peermusic,” shares Roberson. “They’ve believed in my songs since day one and I can’t wait to share some big wins in the coming years.”

“I’m very excited that Kaylin is re-upping with Peermusic,” adds Michael Knox, President, Peermusic Nashville. “She is a true singer/songwriter and one of my favorite female artists in town.”

Roberson penned Bailey Zimmerman’s “Comin’ In Cold,” Hannah McFarland’s “Hey Highway” and Michael Ray’s “Hate This Town.” She has also earned cuts with Emily Ann Roberts, David J, Walker Montgomery and others. Her songs have landed sync placements on the Netflix series Hunting Wives and Hallmark Channel’s A Grand Ole Opry Christmas.

The Raleigh native moved to Nashville at 19. In 2020, she released her first single “Out of My Town,” which earned a top 10 spot in the NSAI Songwriter’s Contest. She has since accumulated millions of streams and is slated to release new music later this year.

Luke Bryan Announces Special Bridgestone Arena Concert For September

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Luke Bryan will return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for a “Luke Bryan & Friends” concert on Sept. 24.

The one-of-a-kind show will be a celebration of his Signs album, due out on Sept. 18. Bryan has sold out Bridgestone Arena six consecutive times, including back-to-back nights in 2013 and 2017, as well as shows in 2021 and 2023. Tickets go on sale May 15, at LukeBryan.com. Bryan’s fan club, The Nuthouse pre-sale will run May 13 through May 14 at 5 p.m. CT.

Last night, Bryan wrapped his ninth season as a celebrity judge on American Idol and performed “Fish Hunt Golf Drink” from his upcoming new album Signs, which is available now on all digital platforms. Later this week, he’ll return for the second consecutive year to play “Farm Tour” dates in California on May 15-16, and will launch the “Word On The Street Tour” at the end of this month.

Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum Adds Lacey Criss

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Lacey Criss.

The Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum has added Lacey Criss as the Pre-Opening Project Manager and Manager of Guest Experience.

In her new role, Criss will lead guest services and operational readiness.

Most recently, she worked with All In Events supporting access and inclusion initiatives for major live events. She previously served as a project manager at Animax Designs and spent seven years at Nashville’s Adventure Science Center.

The museum plans to open to the public later this year and is currently expanding its team.

Luke Bryan Readies New Album Due In September

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Luke Bryan will release his new album, Signs, on Sept. 18 via MCA.

“It is always a great day when I get the chance to release new music,” he shares. “I’ve been working on this album for the past year, and I just love how it turned out. I was able to co-write a few, then turn to the writers in Nashville to round them out. I feel like my fans have always let me record songs that make you feel good, so I went into this album wanting everyone to just have fun.”

Bryan shared the news exclusively last night (May 11) on American Idol as he wrapped his ninth season as a judge.

During the show, Bryan performed and released a new track from the record titled “Fish Golf Hunt Drink.” He wrote the new track alongside Chase McGill and Matt Dragstrem, and it was produced by Jeff Stevens and Jody Stevens.

The new release marks the third preview of the album, following “Word On The Street” and “Country And She Knows It.”

Bryan will kick off his “Word On The Street Tour” later this month. He recently announced a run of co-headlining shows with Jason Aldean following their sold-out UGA Sanford Stadium show. Later this week, Bryan will return for a second consecutive year to play Farm Tour dates in California.

‘Souvenirs: 80 Years Of John Prine’ Set For October

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John Prine. Photo: Rett Rogers

“Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine,” a show commemorating Prine’s life and legacy, is set for Oct. 8 at The Chicago Theatre.

The Prine Family and the Hello in There Foundation are inviting fans to celebrate alongside a community of artists performing their favorite Prine songs, paying tribute to the immortal body of work that has inspired, comforted and connected generations. The initial lineup of performers backed by Prine’s longtime band includes host/performer John C. Reilly, Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff, Amos Lee, Andrew Sa, Briscoe, Jon Langford, Josh Ritter, Joy Oladokun, Kathleen Edwards, Margo Price, Noeline Hofmann, Ratboys, Shemekia Copeland, Steve Earle, The Cactus Blossoms, The Sullivan Sisters, and a host of others yet to be announced.

All proceeds benefit The Hello in There Foundation and grant-making in Prine’s memory, and ticket pre-sale begins tomorrow (May 13.) Additional events over October 8-11 will be revealed in the coming weeks and months.

On May 29 Fiona Prine and the Prine Family will host a virtual premiere of You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine, the star-studded tribute concert film captured in October 2022 at the Ryman. Following its debut in select theaters across the country, the virtual screening will feature a live chat with Fiona Prine and other members of the family, and will be available on-demand through May 31. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Kenny Chesney Achieves Biggest Add Day Ever With New Single ‘Carry On’

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney‘s first single in two years and first for the new indie label Hey Now Records, Carry On, has achieved a pair of firsts: his highest ever add day, and all 158 panel stations adding the single on the first week.

“Carry On” locking the panel on week one marks only the third time in Mediabase history this has happened. Garth Brooks achieved the feat back in 1997, and Post Malone with Morgan Wallen delivered 100% of the reporters out of the gate in 2024. Chesney has definitely struck a chord with the feel good tune filled with bartender wisdom that packs bits of reggae undertow, bluegrass harmonies and a summer anthem chorus that sparks people to turn it up, drive faster, laugh louder, stay a little longer and then get up and seize the day the morning after.

“Some songs just hit you in the heart,” recalls Chesney, “and when I heard it, I was right there at the end of the bar at Schooner Wharf, which is such old Key West. I could see it, hear it, taste it – and the more I listened to songs, and I’ve heard some unbelievable songs this time around, the more I knew I wanted to find a song that would not just make people happy, but give them permission to live their life so in the moment and free.

“The world’s overwhelming, between our phones and the news, it’s a lot. But the truth is: our lives are right now, and we need to remember – no matter what – that we gotta find the joy and happiness wherever, however, because that’s the only thing we can control.”

Lauren Watkins Renews Publishing Deal With Big Loud Publishing

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud), Lauren Watkins and Katie Flynn (Creative Director, Big Loud Publishing). (L-R, back row): Kimberly Gleason (SVP, Big Loud Publishing), Bethany Mako (A&R Manager, Warner Chappell Music) and Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records). Photo: Jessie Addleman

Lauren Watkins has renewed her publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing.

“When I walked into Big Loud for the first time five years ago, I instantly felt they were the right team for me. What started in that room has turned into years of encouragement, challenge, support, and of course, hundreds of songs that were waiting to be written,” shares Watkins. “I’m so grateful to be signing a new publishing deal with Big Loud and to start this brand-new chapter with the same hardworking, song-loving folks who believed in me from the very beginning. I feel so blessed to keep writing songs under this roof.”

“Lauren is such a brilliant songwriter and, we feel incredibly fortunate to continue working with her. She consistently writes some of the most compelling songs coming out of Nashville, and she’s only getting started. Her creativity, storytelling and energy are propelling her into a really exciting new chapter and we can’t wait for what’s next,” adds Katie Flynn, Big Loud Publishing Creative Director.

Watkins will release her first song of 2026 this Friday (May 15), “Heartbreakaholic.” Co-penned alongside Will Bundy, Nicolle Galyon and Rodney Clawson, the track showcases her honest, self-aware storytelling. Watkins will join Dylan Scott and Luke Bryan on select tour dates throughout the year, as well as make festival appearances at Winstock Country Music Festival, Under the Big Sky Festival, Cabo Country Splash and more.

Industry Ink: Eric Church, ACM, Grammy, ‘Gateway,’ Jimmy Bowen & Friends

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Eric Church Gives UNC Chapel Hill Commencement Speech

Eric Church. Photo: Courtesy of UNC-Chapel Hill

Eric Church served as the keynote speaker at UNC Chapel Hill’s Spring Commencement ceremony on Saturday. The North Carolina native spoke of family, faith, community, resilience and perseverance in relation to the six strings of his guitar. He ended the address with a rendition of “Carolina.”

 

Academy Of Country Music Unveils 61st ACM Awards Radio Special

Pictured (L-R): Damon Whiteside, Becca Walls, Dan Smyers, Shay Mooney, Libby Gardner, Matt Brum-Taylor. Photo: Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music is offering a non-exclusive radio special hosted by Dan + Shay in the lead up to the 61st ACM Awards.

“Countdown to the ACM Awards” is a two-hour special featuring Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Zach Top, Shania Twain, Lainey Wilson and more, with no national spots, 14 minutes of local avails per hour, and a broadcast window of May 11 to May 17. A brown bag version will also be made available.

The special is available here.

 

Music Industry Members To Mentor Nashville Students In Grammy In The Schools Program

The Grammy Museum’s Grammy In The Schools Program, a regional music career day presented in partnership with the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter, will host an event in Nashville on Wednesday (May 13).

Industry participants will include Eleonore Denig, Mike Elizondo, JoJamie Hahr, Morgan “MORGXN” Karr, Josh “Sci-FY” Smith, Emoni Wilkins, Franklin Willis, Arin Canbolat, Schyler O’Neal, Sydney Verge, Alicia Warwick and Sydney Verge.

 

Dana Richie Hosts ‘Gateway’ Premiere

Pictured (L-R): Patrick Custer, Debbie Carroll, Dana Richie, Ty Herndon and Leslie Fram. Photo: Mackenzie Boyd

Music and media leaders recently gathered at the Soho House premiere of the award-winning documentary Gateway. Sponsored by the Nashville Film Festival and written, produced and directed by Dana Richie of Backlot Productions, the film features three families impacted by opioid addiction and their journeys of heartbreak and hope.

Following the screening, FEMco’s Leslie Fram moderated a panel discussion featuring Debbie Carroll, Ty Herndon, Patrick Custer and Richie. Both Herndon and Custer shared their personal stories of addiction and recovery.

 

Jimmy Bowen & Friends To Return For Season 12

Jimmy Bowen & Friends will return for season 12 with appearances from Belles, Casey James, Emmy Russell, Eric Blankenship, Frank Myers, Hilljack, Jeff Bates, Kelly Lang, Midlife Crisis, Morgan Myles, Olivia Jo and Onoleigh.

Filming will take place at The Troubadour Nashville on May 19-21. The shows are free and open to the public.

Patrick Droney Unveils New Project Due In July

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Patrick Droney has unveiled his new project, Made You Look, set for release July 24 via Warner Records.

The album will feature a collaboration with Kelsea Ballerini on “Math of Us.” The 12-track project was produced largely in Nashville in collaboration with Konrad Snyder, and it also features contributions from producers Collin Pastore and Jake Finch, drummer Bryan Devendorf and string arranger Davide Rossi. The album was mixed by Jon Low.

“I wanted to get extremely intimate with the lyrics,” says Droney. “There was no way I couldn’t go there musically and artistically at this time in my life. I wanted people to look with me. Not at me.”

He has previewed the album with “Back In My Body,” released last week, which explores rediscovery of true self and was written while Droney was sequestered alone in an attic.

Made You Look Track List:
1. “Manhattan”
2. “Coming of a Certain Age”
3. “Back In My Body”
4. “Fear of Missing You”
5. “Math of Us”
6. “Perfect If You Ask Me”
7. “Cigarette Break”
8. “Maybe This Time Around”
9. “Growing a Garden”
10. “For The Ending”
11. “Life’s a Party”
12. “Made You Look”

Austin Goodloe Leaps Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Austin Goodloe

Austin Goodloe has jumped into the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Ella Langley‘s “Broken,” “Dandelion” and “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” Corey Kent’s “Empty Words” and “Rocky Mountain Low,” and Kameron Marlowe’s “No Need For Leavin'” all push the songwriter to No. 3 this week.

Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot for the third consecutive week with “Be Her,” “Bottom Of Your Boots,” “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Loving Life Again,” “Low Lights,” “Somethin’ Simple,” “We Know Us” and “You & Me Time.” Joybeth Taylor remains at No. 2 with “Broken,” “Butterfly Season,” “Choosin’ Texas,” “Dandelion,” “Empty Words,” “I Can’t Love You Anymore,” “Low Lights,” “Somethin’ Simple,” “Speaking Terms,” “We Know Us” and “You & Me Time.”

Randy Montana (No. 4) and HARDY (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.