JUST IN: Jamie Younger Joins Big Loud Records As Vice President Of Marketing

Jamie Younger. Photo: Jessie Addleman

Jamie Younger has joined Big Loud Records as Vice President of Marketing.

Through the role, Younger will spearhead marketing strategy and execution for select artists on Big Loud Records’ roster, including album and single campaigns, fan engagement initiatives and cross-platform marketing projects. She will be based out of Big Loud’s Nashville office and report to Brianne Deslippe, SVP/Head of Marketing.

“Jamie is a proven, artist-first marketing executive with a track record of delivering culturally impactful campaigns across both emerging and established artists,” shares Deslippe. “Her depth of experience and strategic leadership make her a strong addition to our team, and we’re excited to have her help drive the next phase of growth for our roster.”

“I’m beyond thrilled to join Big Loud Records at such an exciting time,” adds Younger. “Their fearless approach to artist development has redefined modern country music and I’m eager to help amplify these world-class stories, drive artist marketing campaigns, and further champion our incredible roster on the global stage.”

Previously named a Variety Hitmaker and a HITS Magazine Noisemaker, Younger has worked on album release campaigns for Zac Brown Band, Ashley McBryde, Gabby Barrett, The Castellows, Sheryl Crow, Charlie Worsham and others. Prior to Big Loud, Younger led Release Strategy and Artist Development at The Core Records, where she worked with Brandon Wisham, Hannah McFarland and more, and projects including the iHeart Award-nominated Nobody Wants This Season 2: The Soundtrack.

Prior to that, Younger was at Warner Music Nashville for 12 years, spearheading the rise of Bailey Zimmerman, including overseeing planning, creation and execution of the marketing strategy for his record-breaking debut album, Religiously. The Album. She also spent time at American Songwriter as Marketing Director. Younger is a former GrammyNEXT member, served on the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter MusiCares Fundraising Committee and is a GrammyU mentor.

Whiskey Myers & The Black Crowes To Embark On Co-Headlining Tour

Whiskey Myers & The Black Crowes.

Whiskey Myers and The Black Crowes will hit the road this summer on the co-headlining “Southern Hospitality Tour.” Southall will join as support.

Ticket pre-sales begin Feb. 3 and general on-sale will start Feb. 6.

The tour kicks off May 17 in Austin, Texas, and will hit Nashville, Hollywood, Charlotte, New York, Indianapolis, and more across its over 40-date run. Additionally, for the first time ever, The Black Crowes, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Whiskey Myers will headline the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on Aug. 17.

Whiskey Myers live show will showcase fan favorites from their catalog alongside their latest record, Whomp Whack Thunder. The multi-Platinum independent band will hosts its eighth annual Wiggy Thump Festival ahead of the tour on April 25 in Palestine, Texas.

Before hitting the road, The Black Crowes will release their new album, A Pound of Feathers on March 13.

Southern Hospitality Tour North American Dates:
May 17 – Austin, TX – Moody Center^
May 19 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP^
May 21 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena^
May 23 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheater^
May 24 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amp^
May 26 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater^
May 27 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
May 30 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live^
May 31 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre^
June 2 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre*~
June 4 – Augusta, GA – Bell Auditorium*~
June 6 – Charlotte, NC – Truliant Amphitheater^
June 7 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park^
June 9 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center^
June 10 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center^
June 12 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion^
June 13 – New York, NY – Forest Hills Stadium^
June 16 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion^
June 17 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheatre^
June 19 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center^
June 20 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center^~
July 17 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center^
July 18 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theater^
July 21 – Toronto, ON – RBC Amphitheatre^
July 22 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater^
July 24 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre^
July 25 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater^
July 28 – Shakopee, MN – Mystic Lake Amphitheater^
July 30 – Kansas City, MO – MORTON Amphitheater^
August 1 – Colorado Springs, CO – Ford Amphitheater^~
August 2 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre^~
August 4 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater*~
August 8 – Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion^
August 9 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion*
August 12 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater^
August 13 – Salt Lake City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre^
August 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Mortgage Matchup Center^
August 17– Hollywood, CA – Hollywood Bowl-
August 19 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre^
August 20 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre^

^ With The Black Crowes, Whiskey Myers & Southall
* With The Black Crowes & Southall only
– Co-headlining show with The Black Crowes, Tedeschi Trucks & Whiskey Myers
~ Not a Live Nation Date

Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, More To Headline Inaugural Braves Country Fest

The inaugural Braves Country Fest presented by Truist is set to take place June 13.

Presented by the Atlanta Braves and Live Nation, the day-long festival will feature free activations and performances at The Battery Atlanta, followed by a concert inside Truist Park featuring headliners Cody Johnson, Ella Langley, Ernest and Mackenzie Carpenter. 

Prior to the show inside Truist Park, Braves fans will be introduced to some emerging acts in country with the Braves Country Hot Prospects showcase on the Whiskey Jam stage at the Georgia Power Pavilion at The Battery Atlanta. The Braves Country Hot Prospects showcase, which is a non-ticketed, free event, will include appearances from rising country artists from across the Southeast including Zach John King, Scoot Teasley and Colton Bowlin. 

“It has been our goal to create Atlanta Braves experiences that extend beyond the game of baseball, and Braves Country Fest presented by Truist will be an incredible celebration of the rich country music culture that permeates throughout Braves Country,” says Braves President and Chief Executive Officer Derek Schiller. “We designed The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park for events like this, allowing us to engage fans and showcase celebrated artists in an environment unlike any other. We believe this will become a destination event for fans across Braves Country while helping support the incredible work of the Atlanta Braves Foundation.”

Events taking place in The Battery Atlanta will be free of charge and open to all fans. Tickets for the Truist Park concert, including individual tickets, group and VIP packages, will go on sale to the general public Jan. 30 here. A portion of all proceeds from the event will go to support the Atlanta Braves Foundation.

Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony Taps Darren Criss To Host

First-time Grammy nominee Darren Criss will host the 2026 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony, live from Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Feb. 1.

Presenters for the ceremony include Dave Koz, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Edgar Barrera, Jesse Welles, Sierra Hull, Trombone Shorty, and five-time Grammy winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and former Recording Academy Board of Trustees Chair Jimmy Jam.

The ceremony’s opening number will feature a performance by current nominees Grace Potter, Israel Houghton, Lila Iké, Maggie Rose, and Trombone Shorty. Other artists scheduled to perform include current nominees Criss and Helen J Shen, Spiritbox, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, and Zara Larsson. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. and Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Chelsey Green will provide opening remarks.

“The Premiere Ceremony is one of the most exciting parts of Grammy weekend,” says Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. “Witnessing the ceremony, you see the wide range of genres and crafts that make up our music community, and all the people who push music forward. I can’t wait to see this year’s lineup of presenters and performers kick off Grammy Sunday and help celebrate as we present the first awards of the day.”

The 2026 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will stream live at 2:30 p.m. CT on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and on live.GRAMMY.com. The 2026 Grammys will broadcast live following the Premiere Ceremony on CBS and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+

Minnesota Country Club Sets Inaugural Festival

The Red Clay Strays & Treaty Oak Revival

The Red Clay Strays and Treaty Oak Revival are set to headline the inaugural Minnesota Country Club Festival, taking place July 10-11 at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul.

Along the Mississippi River, the festival will have performances from over 15 artists across two stages. Additional acts include Charley Crockett, Jessie Murph, Stephen Wilson Jr., Trampled By Turtles, Charles Wesley Godwin, Jesse Welles, Richy Mitch and the Coal Miners, Paul Cauthen, Chance Peña, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Buffalo Traffic Jam, The Last Revel, Elizabeth Nichols, Sons of Habit, Boy Golden, Next of Kin and Nico WelshThe Beach Boys will also appear as special guests.

Minnesota Country Club Festival will be the city’s second festival from C3 Presents, following two editions of Minnesota Yacht Club Festival.

Presale will begin this Friday (Jan. 30) at 10 a.m. CST, with any remaining tickets on sale to the public following the presale.

Willow Avalon Signs With Electric Feel Management

Willow Avalon. Photo: Silken Weinberg

Willow Avalon has signed with Electric Feel Management. Electric Feel will co-manage Avalon alongside Mark Shami.

A Georgia native, Avalon began playing piano in church and taught herself guitar at age 12, as well as quickly turning to songwriting.

Her debut EP, Stranger, has racked up over 30 million streams. Avalon has shared stages with artists including Charles Wesley Godwin, Paul Cauthen, Cage the Elephant and more. In January 2025 she released her debut album, Southern Belle Raising’ Hell.

“So excited to be working with everyone in the EF family,” she shares.

“I am very excited to work with the incredibly talented Willow Avalon, whose artistry brings a strong mix of vulnerability and fearlessness. Working alongside Mark Shami to further champion her vision and long-term success is a natural partnership” says Austin Rosen, CEO/Founder of Electric Feel.

“EF has been a strong yet diverse player in the industry and it was a very natural fit, we’re excited to elevate Willow’s career together,” adds Shami, Founder of Moral Distaste.

Avalon will kick off 2026 with a headlining tour across Europe beginning in February, then will take the stage performing at Stagecoach in April.

Max King Inks With Lady Luck Songs

Pictured (L-R): Bob Squance, Max King, Kim Penz and Cliff Audretch. Photo: Marcella Fiorenzi

Singer-songwriter Max King has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Lady Luck Songs.

Originally from Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, King began writing songs while attending Belmont University, where he earned a degree in Music Business. Influenced by country’s story-driven approach and the energy of rock, King crafts songs with memorable hooks and relatable stories that straddle genre lines. His songwriting credits include songs recorded by Lecade, Eddie and The Getaway, Callie Prince, Paxton Peay, Sam Stoane, and more.

“Max King is someone we’ve believed in for a long time—his voice, his writing, and his work ethic all point straight to what’s next,” says Lady Luck Founder Kim Penz. “We’re proud to officially welcome him to Lady Luck Songs and couldn’t be more excited about the future we’re building together.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to start this next chapter at Lady Luck,” adds King. “From day one, it felt like we were chasing the same vision. It’s rare to find a team that truly believes in where you’re going, and I’m all in on what we’re creating together.”

Tenille Townes Extends ‘The Living Room Tour’

Tenille Townes. Photo: Madison-Rensing

Tenille Townes has expanded her run of dates for “The Living Room Tour,” adding stops in Nashville, Seattle, Portland, Cleveland, Newport, Regina and more. Tickets are on sale now.

Terra Lightfoot, Corrina and Chris Buck Band will join as special guests on select dates.

Billed as “an acoustic evening with a girl and her guitar,” “The Living Room Tour” will feature Townes alone on stage, performing in theaters and intimate venues.

Among the newly announced dates are special performances in Calgary on April 23 and April 25, where Townes will be joined by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra for two unique evenings. The shows will be Townes’ first ever performance joined by a full symphony orchestra.

Tenille Townes Tour Dates:
Mar 6 – Beaumont, TX – Jefferson Theatre #
Mar 7 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theatre #
Mar 18 – Richmond Hill, ON – Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts
Mar 19 – Chatham, ON – Chatham Capitol Theatre
Mar 20 – North Bay, ON – The Capitol Centre
Mar 21 – Kingston, ON – Kingston Grand Theatre
Mar 22 – Oakville, ON – The Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts
Mar 24 – Brantford, ON – The Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts
Mar 25 – St. Catharines, ON – FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre
Mar 26 – Brampton, ON – The Rose Brampton
Apr 9 – Nashville, TN – City Winery *&
Apr 16 – Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic *&
Apr 17 – Chattanooga, TN – Walker Theatre *&
Apr 18 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre *
Apr 21 – Regina, SK – Casino Regina *&
Apr 23 – Calgary, AB – Jack Singer Concert Hall * @
Apr 25 – Calgary, AB – Jack Singer Concert Hall * @
Apr 27 – Vernon, BC – Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre ^
Apr 28 – Kamloops, BC – Sagebrush Theatre ^
May 2 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre * &
May 3 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall *&
May 14 – Evanston, IL – SPACE *&
May 15 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom *&
May 16 – Newport, KY – Southgate House Revival *&
#On tour with Muscadine Bloodline
* Newly announced dates
& w/Corrina
^ w/ Chris Buck Band
@ Special evenings with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra

Jenna Paulette Signs With The Erv Woolsey Company

Pictured (L-R): The Erv Woolsey Company’s (EWC) CEO Clinton Woolsey, Paulette & EWC President Allen Mitchell. Photo: Courtesy of Erv Woolsey Co.

Jenna Paulette has signed with The Erv Woolsey Company for management.

“Jenna is a rare, multifaceted talent in music and beyond,” says President Allen Mitchell. “Her songwriting paints vignettes that reflect her life and, coupled with her marketing savvy, she has the ability to deliver a message in a way that’s authentic and an extension of her West Texas lifestyle. It’s been a joy forging and expanding her connection on and off stage through meaningful partnerships with Justin Boots, Ely Cattleman and American Hat. Clinton, myself and everyone at The Erv Woolsey Co are honored to support her on this journey.”

“I’m so grateful Allen took my call when I was searching for management,” adds Paulette “We’ve known each other for a long time, and I was calling for advice from a friend and ended up finding the answer to a prayer for the right partner on the management side. It was good timing! It’s been fun working together, and I cannot wait to see what becomes of teaming with Clinton, Allen and the entire Erv Woolsey Co. family.”

Paulette will release Horseback (Deluxe) on Friday (Jan. 30), featuring 20 tracks.

Cameron Whitcomb, Josh Ross, Meghan Patrick Among JUNO Award Nominees

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) has unveiled the nominees for the 55th Annual JUNO Awards. The winners will be revealed on stage in Hamilton, Ontario at The JUNO Awards Gala Presented by Music Canada on March 28, and The JUNO Awards Broadcast at TD Coliseum on March 29.

Cameron Whitcomb is making his JUNO Awards debut, earning five nominations, including a nod for Country Album of the Year alongside Josh Ross, Meghan Patrick, James Barker Band and Brett Kissel.

“The JUNO Awards showcase the best of Canada’s music and the powerful role culture plays in driving tourism and economic growth,” says Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Ontario is proud to support events that celebrate our artists, attract visitors and highlight our province as a leading destination for live entertainment and cultural experiences.”

Awards span pop, R&B, rock, and country categories. Justin Bieber and Tate McRae lead nominations this year with six nods each. A full list of nominees can be found here.