Reminder: Nomination Period For MusicRow’s Rising Women On The Row Closes TOMORROW

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Nominations for MusicRow‘s 11th annual Rising Women on the Row will close TOMORROW, Wednesday, Jan. 17 at 5 p.m. CT.

Nominations for the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2024 are now closed.

Submissions will be considered only through the official nomination process. Candidates nominated in previous years will need to be resubmitted. Multiple nominations do not increase likelihood of being selected, but you may nominate as many individuals as you’d like with separate forms. Self-nominations are welcome.

The 2024 Class of Rising Women on the Row will be announced in the coming weeks, along with event details. The annual breakfast will take place on March 19 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Tickets will open in the coming weeks as well.

Past honorees include—2023: Stacy Blythe, Martha Earls, Beth Hamilton, Jackie Jones, Brittany Schaffer, Anna Weisband; 2020/2022: Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Mandy Morrison, Missy Roberts, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright; 2019: Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Jennifer Turnbow; 2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Virginia Bunetta, Kerri Edwards, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Atwood, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.

In Pictures: Wild Horses Festival Holds Third Event In San Diego

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Wild Horses Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia

The Wild Horses Festival returned to San Diego’s Petco Park Stadium for its third event on Dec. 30.

Zach Bryan headlining Wild Horses Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia

Hit singer-songwriter Zach Bryan served as the headlining act. A U.S. Navy veteran who was honorably discharged in 2021, Bryan has released over 40 songs in the last year and continued to secure top chart slots, while simultaneously earning a college degree.

Accompanying him on the bill was Trampled by Turtles, a band known for their bluegrass, folk and rock blend, along with Americana quartet The Silent Comedy and artist and musician Sierra Ferrell, who combines country, gypsy jazz, folk and Latin styles.

The Wild Horses Festival seeks to showcase the classic sounds of the modern West on the shores of the Pacific. Previous performers include Paul Cauthen, Midland, Cody Jinks, LeAnn Rimes and Yellowstone actor Ryan Bingham.

Trampled by Turtles performing at Wild Horses Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia

The Silent Comedy performing at Wild Horses Festival 2023. Photo: Rachael Polack

Sierra Ferrell performing at Wild Horses Festival 2023. Photo: Rachael Polack

Zach Bryan performing with Sierra Ferrell at Wild Horses Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia

Chris Young To Share Ninth Studio Album This Spring

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Chris Young is gearing up for the spring release of his ninth studio album, Young Love & Saturday Nights, on March 22 via Sony Music Nashville.

Led by the Billboard and Mediabase top 40 title track written by Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Josh Thompson with a posthumous songwriting credit to David Bowie, the project is Young’s first new album since 2021’s Famous Friends. The record also includes previously-released singles, “Looking for You” and “All Dogs Go to Heaven.”

Among the new tracks on the project is “Right Now,” out today (Jan. 12). Co-written by Young, Chris DeStefano and Josh Hoge, “Right Now” imagines a couple trying define the path of their relationship. The artist is credited as a writer on 15 of Young Love & Saturday Nights‘ 18 tunes and the sole producer on three. He shares co-producer credits with longtime creative partners DeStefano and Corey Crowder.

“This is what this album felt like it needed to be for me,” Young says. “It’s a little louder, a little more raw. Even the stripped-down songs are heavier. I love creating music and I love making it and the fact that I get to do that for a living is a pretty incredible thing.”

Young Love & Saturday Nights Track Listing: 
1. “Looking for You”
2. “All Dogs Go to Heaven”
3. “Young Love & Saturday Nights”
4. “Don’t Call Me”
5. “What She Sees in Me”
6. “Country Boy’s Prayer”
7. “Double Down”
8. “Call It a Day”
9. “Drink to Remember”
10. “Don’t Stop Now”
11. “Fall Out”
12. “Fire”
13. “Gettin’ Older”
14. “Right Now”
15. “Million Miles”
16. “Everybody Grew Up”
17. “Knee Deep in Neon”
18. “Down”

Chase McDaniel Signs With Big Machine Records

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Chase McDaniel and Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta; (L-R, back row): Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, Big Machine Label Group’s Carly Strickland, WME’s Kevin Neal, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, Big Machine Label Group’s Meghan Joyce, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt and Big Machine Label Group’s Darielle Schroeder. Photo: Sean Sorensen

Singer-songwriter Chase McDaniel has signed with Big Machine Records.

Raised in Greensburg, Kentucky by his grandparents, McDaniel has overcome all of the obstacles life has thrown at him and chased his dream relentlessly. His song “Project” landed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Digital Sales and iTunes Country charts, and he plans to release Blame It All On Country Music, his first collection with Big Machine Records, on Jan. 26.

“Chase is not only talented and smart but is truly someone who makes his own luck. He has a determination that inspires our entire team to dig even deeper,” shares Scott Borchetta, CEO & Chairman, Big Machine Label Group. “He has a clear vision, and we can’t wait help make that vision a reality.”

“Scott and the team over at Big Machine Records have understood what fuels me and my dreams from the first meeting. It just clicked,” says McDaniel. “I can’t express how grateful and excited I am to work with them, learn from them and grow this thing together.”

Aaron Lewis Readies New Album ‘The Hill’

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Aaron Lewis. Photo: Jim Wright

Aaron Lewis is set to release his new album The Hill, due March 29 via The Valory Music Co.

A deeply personal set written from a lifetime of highs and lows, it pairs Lewis’ iconic vocal rasp with a bare-bones acoustic sound, and features 10 tracks penned solo or with a tight circle of collaborators. The set speaks to a time of upheaval, both in the wider world and within, and was produced by Lewis alongside Ira Dean.

Often backed by just a guitar, dobro and mandolin, Lewis offers up an honest take on his views through songs penned with Dean, Bobby Pinson, Matt McGinn and Jeffrey Steele. On the opening track, “Let’s Go Fishing,” he shares his take on the country’s problems in a lightly-coded protest anthem with a let-it-be theme.

“Music has always been my escape, my way of expressing the things that I don’t express very well in life,” Lewis explains. “I’m coming up on 52 years old, and I’m on the hill I’m going to stand on. Nobody’s going to change me now. This record is a snapshot of my life and how I’m feeling and where my head is at—and that’s what my records have always been. It’s another record that’s just really stripped down to the guts. I like raw. I like life’s imperfections showing through. I’m not perfect, nobody is. And I don’t want the music I’m putting out to be either.”

The Hill Track List:
1. “Let’s Go Fishing” | Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson
2. “Over The Hill” | Aaron Lewis, Matt McGinn, Bobby Pinson
3. “Made In China” | Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson
4. “Spinnin’” | Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele
5. “Over Me” | Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele
6. “Outlaw” | Aaron Lewis, Matt McGinn, Bobby Pinson
7. “Up To Me” | Aaron Lewis, Bobby Pinson
8. “That’s My Life” | Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele
9. “Only In My Mind” | Aaron Lewis, Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele
10. “Little More Mine” | Aaron Lewis, Matt McGinn, Bobby Pinson

Futureshirts Promotes Corey Neal To CEO, Jon Ekker Becomes Chairman

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Pictured (L-R): Corey Neal & Jon Ekker

Entertainment merchandising company Futureshirts has appointed former COO Corey Neal to CEO, effective Jan. 11. Former Founder and CEO Jon Ekker will now be Chairman of the company.

Based in Nashville, Futureshirts offers product development, touring and on-site, e-commerce and retail licensing services. They serve a full range of clients from all different music genres, as well as comedy performers. Notable clients include Journey, Kane Brown, Bert Kreischer, Foreigner, Sam Hunt, Laufey, Carly Pearce, TobyMac and many more.

Neal first started his career at Futureshirts in 2008, coming on as an Account Executive. After three years in the position, he was promoted to COO in 2011.

“I am truly honored and excited about the opportunity to step into this role,” Neal says. “Over the past 16 years I have had the privilege of experiencing the evolution of Futureshirts, and I look forward to building upon the impressive foundation that Jon has established. I am thankful for our incredible team, and I look forward to maintaining the outstanding service our clients expect.”

Since opening Futureshirts 28 years ago, Ekker has been leading the charge in pioneering merchandising. With the slogan “merch made easy,” the company has provided a reliable and easy experience for their clients, and the fans.

“I’m incredibly proud of all that we have been able to achieve over the last 28 years and all that I am confident Futureshirts will achieve in the years to come. From our humble beginnings in Billings, Montana in 1996, we set out to provide our clients with an easy and reliable merchandising experience and that remains our primary focus as we move forward,” Ekker explains.

“For the last 16-years, Corey has lived and breathed the ‘Futureshirts way’ and is the perfect person to actively support and grow our vision and legacy in the years to come,” Ekker adds. “His tenure in the business, trusted relationships, and vision for the future partnered with our deeply committed team, will poise Futureshirts to provide a world class experience to our clients and fans. Our tremendous team and clients, old and new, have made my last 28 years at the helm of Futureshirts a joy and privilege and I am excited to continue forward as Chairman.”

2024 RodeoHouston Entertainment Lineup Announced

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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced the RodeoHouston entertainment lineup for the 2024 Rodeo season, taking place for Feb. 27-March 17.

This year’s lineup includes Brad Paisley, Hank Williams Jr., Zac Brown Band and For King + Country, among others.

The Jonas Brothers will return to RodeoHouston for the first time in over a decade. Los Tigres Del Norte will also return to perform during Go Tejano Day on March 10, and Luke Bryan will be back on the stage in NRG Stadium. Lainey Wilson and Hardy are set to perform before they both begin their own tours later this year. They will take the RodeoHouston stage for the first time along with Carly Pearce, 50 Cent, Ivan Cornejo, Nickelback, Oliver Anthony, Jelly Roll, Major Lazer and Whiskey Myers. Eric Church will close out the season on March 17.

“The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is proud to bring such a wide range of musical genres to the RodeoHouston stage,” says Chris Boleman, RodeoHouston President & CEO. “We’re welcoming 10 new entertainers who will make their debut on the star stage as well as many fan favorites from a variety of genres from our country roots, to EDM and hip-hop.”

Tickets go on sale this Thursday (Jan. 18) in two waves, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The first wave of tickets will be for Feb. 27-March 7 performances, and the second wave of tickets for March 8-17 performances. For more information, click here.

Brittney Spencer Inks Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music

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Center Photo (L-R): Matt Cottingham, Alexa Morris (WCM), Spencer Nohe (WCM), Anna Kolander (Activist), Matt Maher (Activist), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Caitlin Stone Jasper (Activist), Brittney Spencer. Photo: Gina Di Maio

Rising singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

“Signing my first publishing deal in my 10th year of living in Nashville has to be the biggest cliche and I wear it like a badge of honor.. haha! As an artist, building out the publishing piece of my career with thoughtful, innovative, and capable partners feels both vital and creatively igniting. Warner Chappell has already played such a hand in projects that I’m really proud to have made and been a part of, which makes me all the happier to officially partner together in this next chapter of my musical journey,” shares Spencer.

Spencer has already accumulated millions of streams with her single “Sober & Skinny,” which the singer release independently in 2021. She has been on the stage with Willie Nelson, Jason Isbell, The Highwomen, Reba, Bobby Weir, Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris and more, and is set to release her debut album My Stupid Life on Jan. 19 via Elektra.

Of the deal, Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville, says “Brittney is the type of person who, when you first meet her, leaves a lasting impression. And then, when you hear her voice and experience the insightful way she writes songs—wow! We’re very proud that she has placed her trust in our team and look forward to supporting her on her journey.”

“Brittney is a one-in-a-million talent making a major impact in country music and beyond. She is an incredible songwriter and artist who carries herself with humility, kindness, and joy. We are grateful that she chose Warner Chappell to partner with in this next chapter of her career,” shares Spencer Nohe, Senior Director, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

‘Where The Wild Things Are’ Notches Second Week At No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Luke Combs maintains his spot at the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Where The Wild Things Are.”

Written by Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull, the song is about a set of brothers who, despite their differences, share a deep connection. The track appears on Combs’ Gettin’ Old album.

Next month, Combs will compete for Best Country Solo Performance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards for his version of Tracy Chapman’s song “Fast Car.” In April, he will return to the road with his “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” U.S. stadium tour, which sold over a million tickets in the first weekend on-sale.

“Where The Wild Things Are” currently sits at No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Hardy Slates 15-Date ‘Quit!! Tour’ For Summer

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Hardy. Photo: Tanner Gallagher

Hardy will hit the road on his 15-date “Quit!! Tour” this summer, kicking off May 30 in Rogers, Arkansas and running through July 27. Kip Moore, Travis Denning, Ella Langley and Stephen Wilson Jr. will join him at amphitheaters and arenas across North America on the headlining trek.

The tour makes stops in St. Louis, Toronto, Charlotte, Cincinnati and more. Tickets for the dates go on sale Jan. 19, with select fan presales starting Jan. 16. For more information, click here.

The run is named for the Big Loud Records/Big Loud Rock heavy-hitter’s new track “Quit!!,” an autobiographical and referential spoken word track that recaps his journey and is out today. Calling back to his infamous 2022 ACM Honors speech accepting his first-ever ACM Songwriter of the Year award, “Quit!!” continues to push the boundaries wide on his genreless and wide-reaching appeal.

“Thank you for inspiring me to be great,” Hardy says. “I guess sometimes holding a grudge is a good thing.”

YouTube video

A five-time ACM Award winner and two-time CMA Award winner, Hardy has also won three CMA Triple Play Awards, was named the 2022 BMI Country Songwriter of the Year and is a three-time AIMP Songwriter of the Year. He has penned 13 No. 1s including his own two-time Platinum No. 1 “One Beer” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson; the chart-topping, Platinum Dierks Bentley and Breland collaboration “Beers On Me” and the double Platinum duet “Wait In The Truck” featuring Lainey Wilson. He also commanded the rock radio charts with “Jack” and top five single “Sold Out.”

“Quit!!” Tour Dates:
May 30 – Rogers, Ark. – Walmart AMP ♠*◎
May 31 – St. Louis, Mo. – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre ♠*◎
June 1 – Noblesville, Ind. – Ruoff Music Center ♠*◎
June 6 – Toronto, Ont. – Budweiser Stage ♠*◎
June 7 – Saratoga Springs, N.Y. – Broadview Stage at SPAC ♠*◎
June 8 – Buffalo, N.Y. – Darien Lake Amphitheater ♠*
June 14 – Charlotte, N.C. – PNC Music Pavilion ♠*✭
June 15 – Raleigh, N.C. – Coastal Credit Union Music Park ♠*✭
June 20 – Holmdel, N.J. – PNC Bank Arts Center ♠*✭
June 21 – Mansfield, Mass. – Xfinity Center ♠*✭
June 22 – Gilford, N.H. – BankNH Pavilion ♠*✭
June 27 – Camden, N.J. – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion ♠*✭
June 28 – Bristow, Va. – Jiffy Lube Live ♠*✭
July 25 – Cincinnati, Ohio – Riverbend Music Center ♠*
July 27 – Tinley Park, Ill. – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre ♠*

♠ Kip Moore
* Travis Denning
✭ Ella Langley
◎ Stephen Wilson Jr.