CMA Unveils New Class Of Women’s Leadership Academy

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CMA Women’s Leadership Academy Class of 2026. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA

The Country Music Association has announced its newest class of participants for its 12-week Women’s Leadership Academy.

“Every new class of the Women’s Leadership Academy reminds me how much talent and heart exist in this industry,” says Tiffany Kerns, Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Philanthropy. “This program was built to outlast its 12 weeks. The relationships, confidence and perspective these women gain stay with them well beyond the program. Watching this cohort step into the program with such openness and ambition has been inspiring, and I know they’ll carry that same spirit forward as they help define what’s next for our business.”

Over the next 12 weeks, the cohort-based program will guide 16 high-performing, high-potential women through weekly group coaching, peer connection and hands-on leadership training led by executive coaches Lisa Gamble of Gamble Coaching & Consulting LLC and Nicole Provonchee of Bright Blue Consulting. This year, CMA has also launched the WLA Alumni Network, bringing together members of the past cohorts to foster continued mentorship, collaboration and professional development.

Now in its fifth year, the academy kicked off with an opening reception yesterday (Aug. 2) at The Chloe Nashville, where Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, and Kerns delivered opening remarks. The first official session followed today (Aug. 3).

CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy Class Members:
Elisabeth Ashley (Manager)
Kelly Bolton (Vice President, A&R, Warner Records)
Victoria Cappelli Greiner (Senior Director of Digital Marketing, Global Touring, AEG Presents)
Annie Flook (Vice President, Artist Relations, AXS)
Hannah Galluzzi (Vice President, A&R, MCA)
Claire Heinichen (Senior Editor, Country, Spotify)
Lindsay Hyslop (Director of Recorded Music, Canada, BMG)
Lucia Kaminsky (President, The Sandbox)
Marne McLyman (Manager, Maverick Nashville)
Kelsey Middleton (Head of Marketing & Digital Strategy, TRACK mgmt)
Amanda Quinton (President, Quinton Digital)
Alexis Rosenberg (Head of External Relations, WME)
Jamie Sudhalter (Head of A&R, The Core Entertainment)
Randi Tolbert (Senior Artist Manager, Q Prime South)
Margaret Tomlin (Vice President, A&R, Sony Music Nashville)
Jamie Younger (Vice President, Marketing, Big Loud)

JJ Farrell Exits Jump.global

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JJ Farrell. Photo: Hannah Drake

JJ Farrell has exited as Managing Director of jump.global, a global community for the music industry focused on personal and professional growth.

At jump.global, he led the company’s marketing agency, securing hundreds of conference, event, academic and press placements for dozens of executives and multiple nine-figure enterprises. In addition to leading the marketing agency, Farrell co-led the company’s event initiatives, from sponsorships and design to venue logistics and operations.

Farrell also helped launch and scale Hits Home, jump.global’s flagship music business conference in Nashville, and ran Volumes, the free virtual summit for music business students which brought together more than 1,000 students from more than 10 countries and 200+ universities worldwide. In addition, he helped launch the jump.global Summit, the company’s end-of-year retreat, featuring intimate conversations with award-winning entertainment executives and institutions.

Farrell’s last day at the company is Aug. 7. He can be reached at  jjfarrellmusic@gmail.com after that time.

Shantaia Signs With Walk Off Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Gianluca Maffei (Digital Manager), Kyra Tillotson (Manager), Shantaia and Chris Ruediger (CEO). Photo: Stephanie Siau

Shantaia has signed with Walk Off Entertainment for management.

Originally from Spiritwood, Saskatchewan and now based in Nashville, Shantaia is a five-time SCMA Award winner with more than six million career streams and a Top 35 single at Canadian country radio. She has performed on major festival stages and shared bills with artists including John Mayer, Kane Brown, Tyler Childers and Midland. This past June, she was selected from more than 500 applicants as one of three finalists in SoFi’s Amplify Your Ambitions Contest, created in partnership with Kelsea Ballerini and the CMA.

“I’m so excited to officially announce this partnership,” says Shantaia. “I’ve been working with the team for over a year, building toward this moment. It’s been extremely refreshing to work with people who see and hear my vision and aren’t afraid to jump and take a risk with me. That’s rare to find these days!”

“It’s incredibly rewarding to work with an artist who has such a clear vision and unwavering sense of who she is,” says Artist Manager Kyra Tillotson. “Shantaia has found a lane that’s entirely her own, blending soulful influences with country in a way that feels fresh but completely authentic. We’re so excited to officially welcome her to the Walk Off Entertainment family and can’t wait to share everything we’ve been building together.”

Additionally, Shantaia will release her eight-track album, One Trick Pony, on Oct. 16. She has previewed the project with the title track, “Faster Horses,” “Rose Colored Glasses,” “Why On Earth” and her latest release, “Risk You Run.”

“I’ve never been someone who wanted to be put in a box when it comes to my sound, but a few years ago I found myself playing the game in Nashville,” says Shantaia. “‘Risk You Run’ is the first song on this project that really leans into the soul and R&B influences that have always felt the most natural for my voice — and the music that truly lights me up as an artist. I’ve honestly never been more excited about creating music, and getting to work with incredible writers and producers like Curt Chambers, Brad Hill, Ryan Sorestad and Clayton Shay has made it even easier to develop this direction. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to keep taking the risks.”

Garth Brooks’ ‘Blame It All On My Roots Tour’ Adds Chicago Shows

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Garth Brooks

Garth Brooks has unveiled Chicago will be the third stop on his “Blame It All On My Roots Arena Tour.”

Holding the record for most shows played at Allstate Arena (23 shows), Brooks will return to the venue for the first time in 12 years to perform back-to-back nights on Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12.

General on sale begins Aug. 7 here.

The tour kicks off Aug. 20 with a four-night stand in Indianapolis at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, and will also include the previously announced four nights in Denver Sept. 4-6. The new shows will also serve as the foundation for Killer Live, a new upcoming album project that continues Brooks’ tradition of capturing history in real time.

MusicRow Weekly (Borchetta Entertainment Group, News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with notable executive appointments, artist signings and career milestones from across the country music industry. Click here to see the full edition.

Borchetta Entertainment Group has strengthened its leadership team, naming Kevin Spellman and Henley Halem as Co-Vice Presidents. WSM Radio also announced a new chapter for its morning programming with the launch of The Kelly Sutton Show, debuting Aug. 10 and airing weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Meanwhile, K-LOVE has appointed Andrew Lambeth as its new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, effective Sept. 1, and Allison Pilotti has joined Ten Ten Music Group as Head of Creative.

Several artists and creatives also made major business moves this week. Josh Ross has signed with CAA for representation in all areas, while Ryan Bingham and Rhiannon Giddens have both inked with WME. Alli Walker has signed with Huff Co. and ONErpm, Caldwell has entered a global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Cornman Music, Izzy Mahoubi has joined 3686 Records, and Jackson Wendell has signed with Sony Music Nashville.

Management company G Major Mgmt continues to grow, expanding both its artist roster and internal team. The company has welcomed artists Mae Estes and Clayton Mullen, along with new team members Taylor Venis and Kenzie Couch.

The week also brought a memorable career milestone for rock band Switchfoot, who made their Grand Ole Opry debut on July 23.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Kenny Chesney takes the No. 1 spot with “Carry On.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

K. Michelle Readies First-Ever Country Album For October

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K. Michelle will release her first country album, Jesus & Whiskey, on Oct. 16 via Real Outlawz Records, Inc. under exclusive license to This Is Hit, Inc. d/b/a BBR Music Group.

Produced by Kristian Bush, the project marks the first full-length exploration of her deep-seated country roots, exploring faith, heartbreak, redemption, and love lost and found through its nine tracks. Michelle wrote eight of the songs alongside David “Messy” Mescon, Emily Landis, George Birge, Lalo Guzman and more. She has previewed the album with the title track, which she wrote with ERNEST, Jordan Dozzi and Rocky Block.

Raised on the sounds of Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, The Judds and Lee Ann Womack, she earned a music scholarship to Florida A&M University. The Memphis native made her full-length debut with the GOLD-certified, chart-topping Rebellious Soul in 2013. Her catalog now includes five consecutive R&B Billboard-charting LPs. With more than 12 million social media followers, she recently joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

Jesus & Whiskey Track List:
1. “Intro” (K. Michelle)
2. “Yodel” (K. Michelle, Tomy Gé, Kelly Sheehan, David “Messy” Mescon, Thomas Edwards)
3. “Blame Tennessee” (K. Michelle, Ernest Keith Smith, Felly, Kristian Bush)
4. “Damn Good Friend” (Justin Wilson, George Birge, Lalo Guzman)
5. “Jesus & Whiskey” (K. Michelle, Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Dozzi, Rocky Block)
6. “Anything (feat. Blush)” (K. Michelle, Ant Clemons, Felly, Kristian Bush)
7. “Handle On It” (K. Michelle, Tomy Gé, Kelly Sheehan, David “Messy” Mescon, Thomas Edwards)
8. “Jack Daniels’” (K. Michelle, Ernest Keith Smith, Jordan Dozzi, Rocky Block)
9. “If It Ain’t Broke” (K. Michelle, Justin Wilson, Emily Landis, Jamie Moore, Kameron Glasper)

BELLES Gears Up For October Release Of Debut Album ‘Midwestern’

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BELLES will release her debut album Midwestern via East Music Row Records on Oct. 16. She dropped a new track from the project, “Hell I Won’t,” today (July 31).

“‘Hell I Won’t’ is about finally learning your lesson and refusing to go back to the kind of guy who only brings heartbreak. It’s a sassy, tongue-in-cheek prayer to make it out of the bar—and go home alone,” says BELLES of the new single.

Midwestern is a collection of stories about chasing dreams, falling in and out of love, and staying grounded in your roots. Songs on the new project include her viral hit “Son of Jolene,” which is currently impacting country radio, “Halfway to the Opry,” a deeply personal anthem about perseverance, pursuing a dream, and the journey to finding her place on the iconic stage, and “I Think You Like My Boyfriend (a little too much).”

The album announcement followed BELLES’ Grand Ole Opry debut, where, according to Opry records, she became the first woman from Nebraska to step into the circle. BELLES is currently on the road for her 45-city “Songs & Stories Tour.”

The Erv Woolsey Company Bids Farewell After 40 Years

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Pictured (L-R): Connie Woolsey, Clint Woolsey, Tom Cheney, Erv Woolsey, Dottie Oelhafen, Eddie Tidwell, Felicity Tidwell and Allen Mitchell. Photo: Courtesy of The Erv Woolsey Company

The Erv Woolsey Company has officially closed its doors after 40 years in business.

The company was founded in 1983 by the late Erv Woolsey, who guided the career of George Strait for more than four decades in one of the longest and most successful artist-manager relationships in entertainment history. Together they celebrated record-breaking tours, 60 No. 1 hits, sold-out stadiums, industry awards and unforgettable moments that helped shape the landscape of country music. The company also guided the careers of Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, Clay Walker and Ronnie Milsap.

“For our family, The Erv Woolsey Company was never just a business – it was a reflection of who my dad was. Our family is deeply grateful to the artists who placed their trust in him, the employees who dedicated so much of their lives to this company, and the countless friends throughout the industry who became part of our extended family,” shares Erv’s son and EWC CEO, Clinton Woolsey. “While it is difficult to say goodbye to the company, we are incredibly proud of the legacy my father leaves behind. His influence will continue to live on through the people he mentored, the careers he helped shape, and the example he set for all of us. We will always be grateful for the love and support shown to our family and to The Erv Woolsey Company.”

Looking to the future, Clinton Woolsey, lead singer of Stone Senate, is concentrating on his passion for music with plans to record new material ahead of his European Tour. Longtime team representative and artist advocate Dottie Oelhafen has founded The Artist Desk Co. and continues to work with Strait and Woolsey independently. EWC’s tenured Allen Mitchell plans to announce details surrounding his next chapter in the coming days maintaining representation of Michael Ray, Jenna Paulette, Tyler Booth, Adam Hood, Stone Senate and the Davisson Brothers through newly established Reverie Ranch Music Group.

Moving forward, contact Woolsey at clint@ervwoolsey.com, Oelhafen at dottie@theartistdeskco.com and Mitchell at allen@reverieranchmusic.com.

‘Mickey Guyton & Friends Holiday Tour’ To Kick Off In November

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Mickey Guyton. Photo: Ford Fairchild

Mickey Guyton is celebrating the holiday season this year with her first-ever “Mickey Guyton & Friends Holiday Tour” kicking off Nov. 29 in Atlanta.

The 12-city run will include stops in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston, Palm Desert and more, with a Nashville show on Nov. 30, and will feature an unforgettable evening of holiday favorites, songs from Guyton’s album Feels Like Christmas, and special guest performances celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.

Tickets are on sale now.

Guyton’s album Feels Like Christmas was released last year and featured fan favorites “Sugar Cookie,” “Feels Like Christmas,” and “Mistletoe Kisses,” alongside timeless classics like “O Holy Night” and “Do You Want To Build A Snowman.” Most recently, Guyton performed at the NYC Pride Parade for the first time, and earlier this year the NBA tapped her to perform the national anthem ahead of Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.

“Mickey Guyton & Friends Holiday Tour” Dates:
Nov. 29 – Atlanta, GA
Nov. 30 – Nashville, TN
Dec. 2 – Chicago, IL
Dec. 6 – Houston, TX
Dec. 8 – Pittsburgh, PA
Dec. 9 – Annapolis, MD
Dec. 11 – New York, NY
Dec. 13 – Philadelphia, PA
Dec. 14 – Boston, MA
Dec. 15 – Ridgefield, CT
Dec. 21 – Mesa, AZ
Dec. 22 – Palm Desert, CA

Kurt Stevens Celebrates The Coastal Life On Upcoming New LP ‘Better With A Breeze’

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Kurt Stevens will release his debut album Better with a Breeze on Sept. 4. He’s previewing the new project with the release of new track “Cast Away,” about a therapeutic day on a sandbar where he’s in no rush to be found.

Inspired by his love of the coastal life, Stevens’ new project is a glimpse into where he came from and the path that inspired his music.

“To me, life is all about the journey. Better with a Breeze is just that; a journey that winds from the coast I grew up on to the places and people I’ve come to love along the way. Every song on this record is a song that I’ve lived,” says Stevens.

“I’ve always loved music that can take you somewhere, music where you close your eyes and you’re instantly transported to another place, another time, somewhere the breeze off the ocean cools you down in just the right way,” he continues. “Somewhere the craziness of the world was left behind at the dock, even just for a little while. Music that can take you away or maybe even help you find love somewhere in the stars.”

Stevens draws inspiration from artists like Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney, and has previously opened for Luke Combs, Jake Owen, Maren Morris and The Band Perry, among others. His most recent releases include “Already Alright”, “Warmer Days,” “Flamingo,” “Smooth,” “Everglades,” and “Bigger Boat.” Stevens will perform at the annual Island Hopper Music Festival in Fort Myers this September.

Better with a Breeze Track List:
1. “Already Alright” (Kurt Stevens, Mike Burke, Tyler Bank)
2. “The Rain” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
3. “Better With a Breeze” (Kurt Stevens, Brian Alexander) 
4. “Cast Away” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino) 
5. “Smooth” (Kurt Stevens, Bradley Collins, Brian Alexander, Kent Jenkins)
6. “Bigger Boat” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
7. “Over & Out” (Kurt Stevens)
8. “Learning to Be Patient” (Kurt Stevens) 
9. “Might Collect Rocks” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino) 
10. “Everglades” (Kurt Stevens, Adam Sickler, Tyler Bank) 
11. “Somewhere in the Stars” (Kurt Stevens, Adam Sickler, Tyler Bank) 
12. “Flamingo” (Kurt Stevens) 
13. “When the Wind Blows” (Kurt Stevens, John Frank, Tom Pino)
14. “Where Pelicans Fly” (Kurt Stevens)