Leadership Music has started accepting applications from established music industry leaders for the Class of 2025, which will be the organization’s 35th class. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Feb. 29.

Based in Nashville, the national program is designed to educate participants in various music industry facets as well as support dialogue and understanding among leaders while exploring the challenges facing the business.

Leadership Music takes place in-person over the course of eight months. Class participants attend the Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions, meeting once a month, which focus on key areas including Songwriting & Publishing, Artist, Live Music, Production, Record Company and Media. The program then ends with graduation at the Closing Retreat in May 2025.

“Members of the class are leaders in their field, and the program exposes them to all segments of the music industry, expanding their knowledge beyond their area of expertise,” says Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn. “But Leadership Music is so much more than an educational program—it’s a transformative experience. One of the most gratifying aspects is witnessing the genuine relationships forged by the class during the eight-month program.”

To apply and for more information, click here.

Singer-songwriter Peytan Porter is gearing up for the release of her brand new project Grown, on March 1. A new video for the track “Lemonade” from the project is out today (Feb. 1).

The gritty, six-song EP—all co-penned by Porter—features a collection of thought-provoking lyrics that illuminate the places where she stands apart as she comes into her own as an artist.

“I’m not apologizing for or watering down the colors of who I am anymore,” Porter shares. “I’m getting in tune with a sound and style that’s all mine and stepping into being more transparent with the way I think and see the world and it really feels like I’m setting myself free. It’s definitely a coming of age for me.”

The silky slink of “God’s Hotel,” co-written with Faren Rachels and Jeff Garrison, offers a first glimpse of both the project’s sound and headspace, showcasing a weathered sunburst of Americana and a theme of making room for oneself. Likewise, the title track “Grown” is all about finding peace and pride in the lives we build, even when they’re not what we expected, and finding beauty in the silver linings. “High Road” features a swampy Delta-blues swagger, and the wistful “Speaking of Georgia” finds Porter musing on what might have been. “Run the Radio,” written alongside Greg Bates and Trent Dabbs, is filled with nostalgia and pride, drawing listeners into Porter’s story.

Fresh off the heels of her acclaimed debut project In My Head earning 10 million streams across her platforms, Porter has garnered a substantial following in recent years, with 330,000 followers across all platforms and 50 million views on TikTok. The emerging artist has already earned a number of accolades including being a TikTok Songwriter of the Year Nominee at the 2022 iHeart Radio Awards, and she was named a CMT’s Next Up Now Artist.

Porter is managed by Red Light Management and published by Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.

Grown Track List:
1. Lemonade – Written by Peytan Porter, Ian Christian, Matt Willis
2. God’s Hotel – Written by Peytan Porter, Faren Rachels, Jeff Garrison
3. High Road – Written by Peytan Porter, Brinley Addington, Matt Morrisey
4. Speaking of Georgia – Written by Peytan Porter, Billy Montana, Mark Trussell
5. Grown – Written by Peytan Porter, Steve Moakler, Mark Trussell
6. Run The Radio – Written by Peytan Porter, Greg Bates, Trent Dabbs

Photo: Robby Klein

Gabby Barrett is inviting fans to “Gabby Barrett: The Chapter & Verse Experience” at Nashville’s Fifth + Broadway and the Plaza at the Grand Ole Opry House today (Feb. 1) and tomorrow (Feb. 2).

The new, free, immersive event will offer fans a backstage look into Barrett’s life on the road and into her new album, Chapter & Verse, with memorabilia and a tour bus on-site in both locations. In addition, fans will be able to listen to Chapter & Verse during the event with an album listening party on Feb. 2, the day of the album’s release.

“It’s album release week! We have so many fun things to show y’all, giving an exclusive peek behind the curtain of the album and my life the past few years. I won’t be able to be there in person because my baby will be here any second now,” Barrett shared on Instagram. “Tag me in your pictures and videos so I can share them and feel like I’m right there with y’all! Enjoy!”

Superstar Kane Brown has been named the recipient of the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024 Artist Humanitarian Award.

The Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the Country Radio Broadcasters’ (CRB) Board to honor a country artist whose philanthropic efforts have significantly improved the effectiveness and impact of the causes they support. This individual not only lends their name and influence but also dedicates their time, talent and resources.

Brown’s philanthropic endeavors have focused on improving the lives of underprivileged youth. His contributions include supporting the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA). Brown has personally funded opportunities for 16 youth and four adults from the local BGCA chapter, providing backstage access, sharing his story, arranging dinner and gifting tickets to his shows. He even continued these efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering a safe suite experience for the children and their chaperones.

Brown also donated a dollar from each ticket sold on his NBA arena tour to the renovation of a BGCA gym in Cleveland, Ohio, and collaborated with Lowe’s for the rebuilding of a BGCA in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Additionally, the proceeds from his single “Worldwide Beautiful” and his Kane Krunch cereal were also donated to the BGCA.

In October 2022, Brown was awarded the BGCA’s Champion of Youth accolade in recognition of his significant contributions.

“CRS is proud to recognize Kane Brown with our highest Artist Humanitarian honor. Kane ‘walks the walk’ in supporting underprivileged youth in the U.S. through a deep commitment to the Boys & Girls Club national organization. We are inspired by his year-round generosity of time, effort and resources. Kane continues to be a daily difference-maker in the lives of youths,” says Beverlee Brannigan, CRS/CRB Awards Committee Chair.

He will be recognized during CRS Honors on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 3 p.m. during CRS 2024.

Midland, Shakey Graves, Young the Giant and Cory Wong will headline the inaugural Landlock Festival, taking place May 3-5 at Waco Surf in Waco, Texas.

Presented by Noise Frontier, co-founders of the Luck Reunion and Waco Surf, the artificial wave and water park in Waco, Landlock Festival will offer attendees a three-day experience celebrating music and surf culture.

The weekend will bring music and surf enthusiasts alike for performances from over 20 artists across three stages, including Cannons, Arcy Drive, Colony House, The Inkcaps, Jupiter & Okwess, LA LOM, Lily Meola, Pachyman, Matthew Logan Vasquez, Durry, The McCharmlys and The Nude Party, professional surf competitions from some of the biggest names in surf, destination-inspired culinary offerings alongside notable chefs, mixology activations, retail experiences and more.

“We’re excited to bring Landlock Fest to life at Waco Surf, which has already cemented itself as a mainstay in both Texas and the greater surf community, and celebrate this unique intersection of culture,” says Matthew Bizer, Landlock Festival Partner and Luck Reunion Co-Founder. “Surf isn’t necessarily the first thought people associate with Texas, but it’s felt across the state and not just along the coast. There was no better place for Landlock Festival to call home than Waco Surf.”

Pro surfers from across the country will battle it out in various contest formats throughout the weekend. Ivy Miller, Matt Meola, Balaram Stack, Cam Richards, Eithan Osborne, Brianna Cope, Albee Layer, Emma Stone and more will join the inaugural surf lineup, with additional details to follow.

Three-Day General Admission Passes ($350+ fees), Three-Day Premium Passes ($750+ fees), along with unique experience and accommodation packages will be available tomorrow (Feb. 1). For more information, click here.