Pictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Carla Wallace, Kerry O’Neil
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has acquired independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD), effective immediately. With the agreement, the company now owns and administers Big Yellow Dog’s catalog of songs and serves as full-service publisher for its roster of songwriters.
Founded in 1998 by Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace and based in Nashville, Big Yellow Dog Music’s catalog includes Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” “Dear Future Husband,” “No” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” Maren Morris’ “The Bones,” “My Church,” “80’s Mercedes” and “I Could Use A Love Song,” songs from the Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Leon Bridges, MUNA, The Black Keys, Aminé, Leon Thomas and more. The company has earned 41 No. 1 songs, Grammy awards and nominations, and honors across BMI, ASCAP, SESAC and ACM awards.
“These last 26 years have been a once in a lifetime journey full of amazing songs, including some worldwide hits,” shares O’Neil. “Now it’s time for a new chapter and Carla and I are so pleased to have our friends at Sony carry the torch from here. We know our writers and their great catalog are in sure hands. Thank you to Jon, Rusty, Cam and Brian. Most of all, I want to thank Carla for her unique and bold creative leadership over all these years.”
“There’s no way to capture 26 years of dancing, creating, and pure joy at Big Yellow Dog Music,” says Wallace. “Sharing each day with an endlessly talented, passionate, and hilarious team has been an unforgettable gift. Championing extraordinary artists, hearing future hits before the world, and watching dreams take flight has been nothing short of magical. It has been a true privilege to partner with one of the most brilliant minds in Nashville, Kerry O’Neil. l know our legacy will continue to thrive in the very best hands with Rusty Gaston and the Sony team.”
“Big Yellow Dog has been a Music Row institution for more than a quarter century,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “Carla and Kerry are two of the most respected publishers in this business, and they have set the bar for independent success in Nashville and beyond. Their catalog contains some of the most performed songs over the past two decades – songs that haven’t just been hits but have defined careers. It’s an honor to represent this amazing collection of songs and to continue Big Yellow Dog’s legacy with future cuts coming from the catalog and new music from their standout roster.”
Ty Myers To Get ‘Heavy On The Soul’ This March
/by Madison HahnenTy Myers will release his new album, Heavy On The Soul, March 27 via RECORDS Nashville/Columbia.
Pictured (L–R): Narvel Blackstock – Starstruck Entertainment; Barry Weiss – President & Co-Founder, Records; Ty Myers; Andrew Saltman – VP, Marketing & Digital, Records; Joe Fisher – EVP, A&R
The project was recorded at Alabama’s FAME Recording Studios, where Myers’ inspirations Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding also recorded. Myers solo-penned 11 out of 17 tunes on the record, with additional writing credits from Scooter Carusoe, Harper O’Neill, Marcus King and more. Brandon Hood served as the sole producer for the album. Session players include guitarist Tom Bukovac and steel guitarist Bruce Bouton.
On Friday (Jan. 16), Myers will release “Message To You.” This follows four previously released songs from the album, including “Leaving Carolina,” “Through a Screen,” “Come On Over, Baby,” and “Two Trains (feat. Marcus King).”
Myers also made his late night television debut yesterday (Jan. 12) on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with a performance of “Thought It Was Love.” Backstage, Myers was given two plaques from RIAA for his debut album The Select’s Gold certification, and Platinum certification of “Thought It Was Love.”
Heavy On The Soul Track List:
1. “Morning Comes” (Ty Myers, Scooter Carusoe)
2. “Me Neither” (Ty Myers)
3. “Pedestal” (Ty Myers)
4. “Don’t You Know” (Ty Myers)
5. “Message to You” (Ty Myers)
6. “Run, Run, Run” (Ty Myers, Harper O’Neill, Jason Nix, Andy Austin)
7. “Game Called Love” (Ty Myers)
8. “Leaving Carolina” (Ty Myers, Braydon Watts)
9. “Come On Over, Baby” (Ty Myers)
10. “Woman” (Ty Myers)
11. “Through a Screen” (Ty Myers)
12. “Two Trains” (feat. Marcus King) (Lowell George)
13. “Southbound” (Ty Myers)
14. “Songs for You” (Ty Myers, Marcus King)
15. “Gone Too Long” (Ty Myers, Braydon Watts)
16. “Bad Guy” (Ty Myers)
17. “Good Morning Paris” (Ty Myers)
Spotify Releases Playlists Of Artists & Songwriters To Watch In 2026
/by Lorie HollabaughSpotify has released its 2026 Artists to Watch list and Songwriters to Watch 2026 class, spotlighting the emerging voices about to make a serious impact in pop, dance, country, R&B and more. The group of standout songwriters and artists are chosen by Spotify as being poised to define the sound of the year ahead.
On its Artists to Watch 2026 playlist, Spotify highlights the artists who are turning heads on playlists, gaining momentum around the world, and pushing their genres into new territory. The genre-spanning, culture-driven collection of what’s around the corner features several country artists, including Vincent Mason (Essential track: “Damned If I Do”); Zach John King (Essential track: “Happy For You”); Laci Kaye Booth (Essential track: “Luck Of The Draw”); and Max McNown (Essential track: “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)”).
Spotify selected two essential cuts from each songwriter (or team) for its Songwriters to Watch 2026 playlist. Country songwriters chosen for the list include Travis Wood, (Essential track: “I Ain’t Sayin’” by Jordan Davis); Joe Fox (Essential track: “Skoal, Chevy, and Browning” by Morgan Wallen); and Sam Westhoff (Essential track: “Blink Twice” by Shaboozey and Myles Smith).
“Songwriters are the architects of the songs we fall in love with, and too often their stories stay behind the scenes,” says Jacqueline Ankner, Head of Songwriter & Publisher Partnerships at Spotify. “With Songwriters to Watch 2026, we are spotlighting the creators shaping culture across genres, from Nashville hitmakers to global pop builders and producer-writers pushing sound forward. Our goal is to help these writers reach new audiences, deepen industry recognition, and celebrate the craft at the heart of every great song.”
BREAKING: Sony Music Publishing Acquires Big Yellow Dog Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Rusty Gaston, Carla Wallace, Kerry O’Neil
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has acquired independent publishing and artist development company Big Yellow Dog Music (BYD), effective immediately. With the agreement, the company now owns and administers Big Yellow Dog’s catalog of songs and serves as full-service publisher for its roster of songwriters.
Founded in 1998 by Kerry O’Neil and Carla Wallace and based in Nashville, Big Yellow Dog Music’s catalog includes Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass,” “Dear Future Husband,” “No” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You,” Maren Morris’ “The Bones,” “My Church,” “80’s Mercedes” and “I Could Use A Love Song,” songs from the Kacey Musgraves, Chris Stapleton, Sabrina Carpenter, Hozier, Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Leon Bridges, MUNA, The Black Keys, Aminé, Leon Thomas and more. The company has earned 41 No. 1 songs, Grammy awards and nominations, and honors across BMI, ASCAP, SESAC and ACM awards.
“These last 26 years have been a once in a lifetime journey full of amazing songs, including some worldwide hits,” shares O’Neil. “Now it’s time for a new chapter and Carla and I are so pleased to have our friends at Sony carry the torch from here. We know our writers and their great catalog are in sure hands. Thank you to Jon, Rusty, Cam and Brian. Most of all, I want to thank Carla for her unique and bold creative leadership over all these years.”
“There’s no way to capture 26 years of dancing, creating, and pure joy at Big Yellow Dog Music,” says Wallace. “Sharing each day with an endlessly talented, passionate, and hilarious team has been an unforgettable gift. Championing extraordinary artists, hearing future hits before the world, and watching dreams take flight has been nothing short of magical. It has been a true privilege to partner with one of the most brilliant minds in Nashville, Kerry O’Neil. l know our legacy will continue to thrive in the very best hands with Rusty Gaston and the Sony team.”
“Big Yellow Dog has been a Music Row institution for more than a quarter century,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “Carla and Kerry are two of the most respected publishers in this business, and they have set the bar for independent success in Nashville and beyond. Their catalog contains some of the most performed songs over the past two decades – songs that haven’t just been hits but have defined careers. It’s an honor to represent this amazing collection of songs and to continue Big Yellow Dog’s legacy with future cuts coming from the catalog and new music from their standout roster.”
Syntax Creative Elevates Two, Adds One
/by Lauryn SinkErin Moorman, Tremon Matlock and Chelsea Owens. Photo: Courtesy of Syntax Creative
Syntax Creative has elevated Erin Moorman to Vice President of Marketing and Tremon Matlock to Marketing Manager, and has added Chelsea Owens as Executive Assistant.
Moorman joined Syntax Creative in 2022 as a Marketing Coordinator and most recently served as Senior Director of Marketing. In her current role, Moorman oversees release strategy and marketing operations for all labels represented by Syntax Creative, managing campaigns across a roster of more than 150 independent record labels. Moorman holds a Bachelors degree in entertainment industry studies from Delta State University and a Masters degree in leadership in music business from Visible Music College.
“Erin earned this,” says Syntax Creative CEO Timothy Trudeau. “She’s clear-headed, accountable, and not afraid of responsibility. We spend a lot of time developing artists in this industry, but we’re just as committed to developing people. Erin is exactly the kind of leader we want growing here.”
“I’m grateful for the trust that comes with this role,” adds Moorman. “There’s a lot of responsibility here, and I take that seriously. My focus is on building systems that work, supporting our team and serving our clients well as we keep growing.”
In his new role, Matlock will continue supporting release campaigns while taking on broader responsibility for coordinating marketing efforts across the roster. He reports to Moorman.
“Tremon is steady and dependable, which matters more than people realize,” shares Moorman. “He pays attention to detail, follows through, and brings consistency to the team. This promotion reflects the trust we have in him and the value he brings to our work.”
Owens holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from California State University, Long Beach, with a background in administrative support, education and music.
Vince Gill To Launch ’50 Years From Home Tour’ This Summer
/by Lorie HollabaughVince Gill. Photo: David McClister
Vince Gill has announced he’ll kick off his “50 Years From Home Tour” beginning in June.
The 22-time Grammy winner will embark on the new summer tour June 18 in Orlando, and visit Clearwater, Athens, Syracuse and more on the initial 14-market run, which will also include a six-night residency in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium beginning July 30. Additional cities will be announced soon. As always, Musicians Hall of Fame member Gill will be joined on stage by a top notch cast of fellow musicians.
Gill has spent the majority of the last nine years as a touring member of the Eagles, and the band is currently in the midst of a lengthy run of performances before sellout crowds at Sphere in Las Vegas.
To honor his 50-year career milestone of leaving home in Oklahoma to begin his career as a performer, Gill is also curating a series of EPs that will be released over the course of the year, titled 50 Years from Home. He has already released three EPs from the series, each featuring six brand-new songs and one previous hit: I Gave You Everything I Had (Oct. 17), Secondhand Smoke (Nov. 14) and Brown’s Diner Bar (Jan. 9).
Tour Dates:
June 18 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center
June 19 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
June 20 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center
June 22 – Montgomery, AL – Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
June 23 – Athens, GA – The Classic Center
June 25 – Fort Myers, FL – Barbara B. Mann PAH @ FSW
June 26 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel PAH
June 27 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre
July 9 – Syracuse, NY – The Oncenter
July 10 – Hershey, PA – Hershey Theatre ****
July 11 – Schenectady, NY – Proctors Theatre ****
July 18 – Battle Creek, MI – FireKeepers Casino **
July 23 – Charleston, WV – Clay Center ****
July 30, 31 & August 1, 6, 7, 8 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium ***
All dates on sale 1/16 with these exceptions:
** (on sale 1/17) *** (on sale 1/23) **** (on sale 1/30)
Rob Williford Launches Wildcard Productions
/by Lauryn SinkRob Williford. Photo: Kurt Ozan
Rob Williford has launched Wildcard Productions alongside Spencer Coats, studio manager and head engineer at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, and Dan Massey, who brings executive experience to the founding team.
“Today marks a significant moment for us,” says Williford. “In a world where originality is rare, our mission is to foster a community built on authentic art. We’re excited to introduce our collective vision and the first projects that represent what this team stands for.”
Based in Nashville and working across genres, the first release is slated for Friday (Jan. 16) with Aniston Pate’s “Kickin’ It.” Additional releases include Julia Kate Snow’s “Tour Bus Man” (Jan. 16) and Austin Bohannon’s Family Name EP Jan. 23.
Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Lauren Alaina Among iHeartCountry Festival Lineup
/by Lauryn SinkParker McCollum, Riley Green & Lauren Alaina.
iHeartCountry Festival has unveiled its 2026 lineup. The festival, set for May 2 at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, will feature performances from Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, Shaboozey, Dylan Scott, Russell Dickerson, Gretchen Wilson, Chase Matthew and Lauren Alaina.
Hosted by Bobby Bones, the event will broadcast across iHeartCountry stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.
“We can’t wait for fans to experience this year’s incredible lineup, all coming together for one unforgettable night at Moody Center in Austin,” says Rod Phillips, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartCountry. “It’s always amazing to see the energy and excitement in the crowd when so many great artists share the iHeartCountry stage.”
Presale for eligible Capital One cardholders will begin January 20 at 10 a.m CST. Capital One cardholders can add a Capital One Access Pass to their purchase to enjoy a private pre-show party featuring a special performance by McCollum. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Jan. 23 at 12 p.m. CST.
Adam Doleac Signs With Peermusic Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Michael Knox, President, peermusic Nashville; Adam Doleac; Jenny Hall, Sr Creative Director, peermusic Nashville and Matt Michiels, Vice President Creative, peermusic Nashville. Photo: Cameron Stutts
Adam Doleac has inked an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Peermusic Nashville. The deal includes a selection of his current catalog and future works.
Doleac first moved to Nashville from Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 2010 and has since had cuts by Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Dan + Shay, Nate Smith, Gabby Barrett, Darius Rucker, Hootie & the Blowfish, and more. Among those cuts are Darius Rucker’s “Don’t,” Hootie & The Blowfish’s “Rollin,” Kane Brown’s “Pull It Off,” and Gabby Barrett’s “Hall of Fame.”
As an artist, Doleac has opened on the road for Scotty McCreery, Ryan Hurd and Mitchell Tenpenny, and recently wrapped his own “Dream House Tour.” His artist catalog includes half a billion on-demand audio and video streams to date. His most recent album Dream House features fan favorites “Bye Heart,” “Dream House,” and “Bar Named Jesus” feat. Thomas Rhett. His 2017 debut EP features the RIAA Gold-certified “Famous,” co-written with Andy Skib and Bobby Hamrick.
“Adam is one of the hottest independent artists out there and him also being a great songwriter and collaborator is just icing on the cake,” says Michael Knox, President, Peermusic Nashville. “We’re fired up to be working with Adam and to welcome him to the Peermusic family.”
“Finding a team that truly believes in who you are and where you’re headed is rare, and that’s exactly what I’ve found with Peermusic,” adds Doleac. “This partnership feels like the start of something really special. Their team brings an unmatched level of belief and excitement for the songs I’m writing, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”
Brit Taylor Slates New Album ‘Land Of The Forgotten’
/by Lauryn SinkBrit Taylor is set to release her new album, Land of the Forgotten, on March 6th via RidgeTone Records and Thirty Tigers.
The 11-track project was produced by Adam Chaffins. Taylor co-wrote every track on the record alongside Adam Wright, Jon Decious and Jeremy Bussey, among others.
“I think it puts a light-hearted spin on some of the tougher things about life,” says Taylor. “Not to make light of difficult times, but to remind us two things can exist at one time, and not to forget to take a look at the bright side too, and to not take it all so seriously.”
Her latest single, “Warning You Whiskey” was inspired by the stories told to the Kentucky native of Appalachian women.
“She’s willing to fight her man’s demons for him at all costs,” says Taylor. “I’m not sure if it’s healthy, and a therapist probably wouldn’t recommend it, but that’s what these Appalachian women did. It’s what my mamaw did.”
Land of the Forgotten Track List:
1. “Broke No More” (Jon Decious, Brit Taylor, Adam Wright)
2. “All For Sale” (Adam Chaffins, Brit Taylor, Adam Wright)
3. “Warning You Whiskey” (Adam Chaffins, Brit Taylor, Adam Wright)
4. “Done Pretending” (Jon Decious, Brit Taylor, Adam Wright)
5. “Land of the Forgotten” (Adam Chaffins, Brit Taylor, Adam Wright)
6. “Lately I’ve Been Thinkin’” (Adam Chaffins, Brit Taylor, Adam Wright)
7. “Queen Of Fools” (Pat McLaughlin, Brit Taylor)
8. “Around and Around” (Adam Chaffins, Brit Taylor, Adam Wright)
9. “Crazy Leaf” (Adam Chaffins, Jeremy Bussey, Brit Taylor)
10. “Bars Closing” (Adam Chaffins, Clint Daniels, Brit Taylor)
11. “Bird Of Prey” (Brit Taylor, Adam Wright)
AudioMasters Nashville Benefit Golf Tournament To Be Held In May
/by Lauryn SinkThe Audio Engineering Society Nashville Section will host its 28th Annual AudioMasters Nashville Benefit Golf Tournament May 14–15 at the Harpeth Hills Golf Course. The event will benefit the Nashville Engineer Relief Fund (NERF).
“For more than twenty-five years, the Nashville Engineer Relief Fund has built a legacy that continues to strengthen and support the community,” states Jim Kaiser, NERF Board Chair. “The AudioMasters isn’t just about having an enormous amount of fun – its primary focus illustrates the way our community shows up for one another. Each year, we see professionals from every corner of the industry come together to support colleagues in times of real need, and that sense of camaraderie is what keeps this event so meaningful.”
Thursday (May 14) is designated as the “DiGiCo AudioMasters Live,” focused on the live sound community, and Friday (May 15) is the “API AudioMasters,” focused on the studio community.
Single-player and foursome registration, along with sponsorship opportunities can be found here.