Coleman Jennings Drops Debut EP ‘Ride On’

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Lone Star singer-songwriter Coleman Jennings has released his debut EP, Ride On, via Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records.

Produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, Ride On features three new songs as well as the already-released “Head Spinning.” Jennings explores Western, folk, honky tonk, outlaw and Americana, old time and bluegrass on Ride On, and as a student of music, Jennings counts Townes Van Zandt, The Eagles, Blaze Foley, John Hartford and Lynyrd Skynyrd as inspirations.

“I just love what I love. I don’t care [about genre] and I have no guardrails on what I do,” Jennings explains. “My favorite artists are open to writing things that challenge – stuff that makes people think – and my dream is to take that all the way.”

The Texas native will host a residency at Austin’s Sagebrush every second and fourth Monday of the month in addition to supporting Dwight Yoakam throughout February and into March.

Ride On Track List: 
1. “Ride On”
2. “Jamie”
3. “Head Spinning”
4. “Marianaville”
5. “First Born Home”

All songs solo-penned by Coleman Jennings

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly delivers a wide-ranging snapshot of the current country music landscape, from chart-topping songwriters and emerging artists to significant industry moves and heartfelt remembrances. Click here to see the full edition.

Leading the headlines is MusicRow’s unveiling of its Top 100 Songwriters of 2025, a list that ultimately includes 119 names due to tied scores. At the pinnacle of this year’s rankings is Charlie Handsome, who amassed the highest number of points on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart to claim the No. 1 position. Riley Green follows at No. 2, while Morgan Wallen secures the No. 3 spot. Rounding out the top five are Ashley Gorley at No. 4 and Blake Pendergrass at No. 5. While the list highlights an impressive breadth of hitmaking talent, it also underscores an ongoing imbalance, with just 12 female songwriters represented among the top 100 this year.

Looking ahead to the future of the format, Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has revealed the lineup for the New Faces of Country Music Show at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2026. The highly anticipated showcase will feature performances from Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross.

On the digital front, SoundExchange released its annual lists of Top Tracks and Breakout Creators of 2025, drawing from a full year of non-interactive streaming data spanning December 1, 2024, through November 30, 2025. Among the notable country-related placements, Shaboozey landed at No. 7 on the top tracks list with “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” while Kane Brown claimed the No. 19 spot with his Marshmello collaboration, “Miles On It.” The breakout creators list also featured a strong showing from emerging country and Americana talent, including Zach Top, Hudson Westbrook, Ty Myers, Max McNown, Lanie Gardner and Graham Barham.

The industry also paused to remember a revered songwriter this week. Jim McBride, a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame passed away Tuesday morning (Jan. 6) at the age of 78, leaving behind a lasting legacy of influential songwriting and mentorship within the Nashville community.

In business news, Kimberly Holcombe has joined CTM Outlander as Vice President, Copyright & Administration. Publishing deals were also announced, with Josh Weathers signing with Sea Gayle Music, and Emma Lynn White inking a new publishing agreement with Ten Ten Music.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Wrensong Entertainment’s Ree Guyer.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Ella Langley remains in the No. 1 spot with “Choosin’ Texas.” 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.

Megan Moroney Shares Track List For New Album ‘Cloud 9’

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Megan Moroney has unveiled the track list for her upcoming new album Cloud 9, due out on Feb. 20 via Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records.

Cloud 9 features songs including hits like the Gold-certified “6 Months Later”(currently at No. 5 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Airplay chart and No. 6 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart) and “Beautiful Things,” as well as surprises like collabs with Ed Sheeran (on “I Only Miss You”) and Kacey Musgraves (on “Bells & Whistles”).

Cloud 9 will also include longtime fan favorite “Wedding Dress,” and in a bold step forward, the project also finds Moroney taking the helm as co-producer on “Wedding Dress” and “Table for Two.” Writers contributing to the album include Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon, Mackenzie Carpenter, Jessi Alexander and more.

Moroney will support the album with “The Cloud 9 Tour” in May, a 49-date international headline run which sold over 450,000 U.S. tickets instantly. The expansive tour will feature stops at major arenas throughout North America, Europe and the UK, with stops in Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, New York City and more, with two Bridgestone Arena dates in Nashville set for Aug. 21-22.

Moroney has also announced a new vinyl variant for the album, the Tiger Cloud – BTS Edition: a special-edition vinyl featuring exclusive alternative cover art, a gatefold with more than 50 never-before-seen behind-the-scenes images, and an exclusive insert from Moroney’s album shoot.

Cloud 9 Track List:
1. “Cloud 9” (Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Ernest Keith Smith)*
2. “Medicine” (Megan Moroney, Connie Harrington, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Jessi Alexander)*
3. “6 Months Later” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, Rob Hatch, and David “Messy” Mescon)*
4. “Stupid” (Megan Moroney, Amy Allen, and David “Messy” Mescon)*
5. “Beautiful Things” (Megan Moroney, Connie Harrington, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Jessi Alexander)*
6. “Convincing” (Megan Moroney, Connie Harrington, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Jessi Alexander)*
7. “Liars & Tigers & Bears” (Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, and Jessie Jo Dillon)*
8. “I Only Miss You (ft. Ed Sheeran)” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter, Micah Carpenter, and Ed Sheeran)*
9. “Wedding Dress” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, and Colin Healy)+
10. “Change of Heart” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Micah Carpenter)*
11. “Bells & Whistles (ft. Kacey Musgraves)” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Micah Carpenter)*
12. “Table for Two” (Megan Moroney, Ben Williams, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Micah Carpenter)^
13. “Wish I Didn’t” (Megan Moroney, Emily Weisband, Hillary Lindsey, and Luke Laird)*
14. “Who Hurt You?” (Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, and Jessie Jo Dillon)*
15. “Waiting on the Rain” (Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, and Jessie Jo Dillon)*

* Produced by Kristian Bush
+ Produced by Luke Laird and Megan Moroney, additional production by Kristian Bush
^ Produced by Luke Laird and Megan Moroney

Industry Ink: MusiCares, Care de Graaf, Tim Easton, Jubilate Music Group

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MusiCares Donates More Than $15 million To Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts


One year after the wildfires in Los Angeles communities, MusiCares has directed more than $15 million toward fire relief efforts. This includes $7 million deployed in the immediate aftermath of the fires to address urgent needs, along with ongoing recovery support. In total, over 3,200 music professionals have been reached through direct financial assistance, health and wellness services and long-term recovery throughout the region.

“Recovery does not happen on a fixed schedule,” says Theresa Wolters, Executive Director of MusiCares. “We continue to hear from people who have been in survival mode for nearly a year, rebuilding homes, juggling displacement, trying to keep working, and only now able to focus on their own health and stability. That delayed need is a very real part of disaster recovery.”

Additional information about MusiCares’ impact and details on available resources can be found here.

 

Tennessee Performing Arts Center Elevates Care de Graaf

Care de Graaf.

Care de Graaf has been promoted to Director of Programming at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

In this role, she will oversee commercial programming strategy across Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s four venues with a primary focus on year-round Broadway touring productions and popular large scale live entertainment.

 

Tim Easton Signs With Truly Handmade Records

Tim Easton. Photo: Tommy Scifres

Tim Easton has signed with Truly Handmade Records to release his 14th studio album, fIREHORSE.

The album will be released physically on Easton’s own label, Campfire Propaganda and digitally via Guy Clark’s Truly Handmade Records on Feb. 20.

Production from multi-instrumentalist Kevin Nolan and featuring contributions from the rhythm section of Lainey Wilson’s touring band, the album explores a near-fatal rafting accident, personal reflection, roadside memories and more.

 

Jubilate Music Group Celebrates 10th Anniversary Year


Jubilate Music Group is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year with three special anniversary initiatives.

“Joy in the Journey: The Jubilate Music Group Story” is an anniversary video that traces the vision, people and moments that have shaped the company from its founding to today. “Songs Everlasting: A Jubilate Anniversary Virtual Concert” will feature videotaped performances of bestsellers and classics from the Jubilate catalog. “Craft, Calling & Community: The Jubilate Writer’s Workshop” will be hosted by acclaimed composer/arranger/editor Lloyd Larson, featuring special guest editors and presenters to be announced. More information on all events can be found here.

“All of us at Jubilate Music Group are deeply grateful for this milestone,” shares Mark Cabaniss, Founder, President and CEO of Jubilate Music Group. “Our journey would not be possible – first and foremost – without the extraordinary talent and dedication of our writer contributors, past and present, and the trust and support of our customers. Just as importantly, it reflects the commitment of an exceptional team who works every day behind the scenes to serve composers, churches, educators, and musicians worldwide with care and excellence.”

Noah Silver Releases ‘Desert Stars: Volume 2’ EP

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Noah Silver has released the second and final installment of his sophomore project, Desert Stars: Volume 2.

“This release feels like the conclusion of a really exciting chapter in my career,” says Silver. “The love and support for Volume 1 and the singles from Volume 2 has been overwhelming, and I’m thrilled to finally share the full project with the world. I poured my heart into this music, and I hope fans connect with it as deeply as I do.”

Silver co-wrote the four tracks on the Tone Def-produced project alongside Landon Wall, Bryson Cooper, Niner Nyenhuis and Aaron Simmons. Recorded at Nashville’s Farmland Studios, featured musicians include Jenee Fleenor, Tim Galloway, Justin Schipper, David Dorn and Matt King.

Desert Stars: Volume 2 Track List:
1. “Burnin’” (Noah Silver, Landon Wall)
2. “Made In Arizona” (Noah Silver, Bryson Cooper)
3. “Flowers Were Dying (feat. Emma Caroline)”(Noah Silver, Niner Nyenhuis)
4. “Etched In Stone” (Noah Silver, Aaron Simmons)

More Performers Slated For Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley

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CRS has revealed the second round of performers for Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley, including Rhett Akins, Jim Beavers, and The Warren Brothers. They will join previously announced performers Clint Black, Steve Wariner, and Paul Overstreet.

Akins started his professional career in the mid-90s by signing with Decca Records and releasing his debut album, A Thousand Memories, in 1995. The project contained four charted tracks, including his first No. 1, “That Ain’t My Truck.” He followed that with the release of Somebody New, scoring his second No. 1 “Don’t Get Me Started.” As a songwriter, Akins has amassed 36 No. 1 singles, with cuts by Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, Chris Young, LOCASH and Brantley Gilbert, among others. A Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Akins has earned multiple BMI Songwriter of the Year honors, eight CMA Triple Play Awards, ACM Songwriter of the Decade, and NMPA Non-Performing Songwriter Icon.

Beavers moved to Nashville in 1991 to pursue a career on the business side of the industry. He served as Director of Marketing at Capitol Records, touring with Lee Ann Womack, and working as a college professor. In 2002, Beavers switched his focus to songwriting, building a catalog of cuts by Chris Stapleton, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Tim McGraw, Hootie & the Blowfish, Toby Keith, Blake Shelton, Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley and Faith Hill. He is a multi CMA, ACM, BMI, and NSAI award winner. Beavers has notched nine No. 1 hits and served as CMA Chairman in 2022.

Brothers Brett and Brad Warren, The Warren Brothers, have written chart-toppers for Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Dierks Bentley and more. They have garnered several Grammy nominations and widespread industry respect.

Hosted by Fitz of Country Top 40, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley will celebrate the craft of songwriting with stripped-down performances and storytelling. The program is sponsored by Country Top 40 with Fitz, Skyview Networks, and First Horizon Bank, with the bar sponsored by ASCAP.

Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley will take place on March 19 at 6:30 p.m, and is included with CRS 2026 registration.

Zach Bryan Kicks Off New Year With New Album ‘With Heaven On Top’

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Zach Bryan‘s sixth studio album With Heaven On Top is out today (Jan. 9) via Warner Records.

The 25-song set was written, recorded and produced by Bryan over the last several months in Tulsa. The project features long-teased tracks like “Santa Fe,'” “Skin,” “Bad News” and “Sundown Girls,” Bryan and his band will embark on an extensive world tour in support of the new album beginning in March, and tickets for the new tour are on sale now.

Bryan recently announced on socials he’ll release an acoustic version of With Heaven On Top as well in a few days to silence the critics who might say the original version is overproduced. During the holidays he got married in Spain to girlfriend Samantha Leonard.

With Heaven On Top Track List:
1. “Down, Down, Stream”
2. “Runny Eggs”
3. “Appetite”
4. “DeAnn’s Denim”
5. “Say Why”
6. “Drowning”
7. “Santa Fe”
8. “Skin”
9. “Dry Deserts”
10. “Bad News”
11. “South and Pine”
12. “Cannonball”
13. “Slicked Back”
14. “Anyways”
15. “If They Come Lookin’”
16. “Rivers and Creeks”
17. “Plastic Cigarette”
18. “You Can Still Come Home”
19. “Aeroplane”
20. “Always Willin’”
21. “Miles”
22. “All Good Things Past”
23. “Camper”
24. “Sundown Girls”
25. “With Heaven On Top”

Peachtree Entertainment Adds Two

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Brian Lowe & Candice Baker.

Peachtree Entertainment has added Brian Lowe as Talent Buyer and Candice Baker as Director of Touring.

“Candice and Brian each bring a level of experience, judgment, and artist-first thinking that is critical as we continue to grow,” says Dustin Labbe, Senior Vice President of Booking at Peachtree Entertainment. “They’ve both built careers rooted in collaboration and long-term relationships, and that aligns directly with how we approach buying, touring, and developing talent at Peachtree. We’re excited to have them on the team and confident they’ll make an immediate impact.”

Baker joins Peachtree Entertainment after 11 years at Messina Touring Group, where she worked across all departments. During her time at the company, she was a part of Kenny Chesney’s touring team, as well as the head of touring operations for Old Dominion from 2020-2025. Baker is a graduate of Sam Houston State University with a degree in International Business.

Lowe began his 24-year career in marketing before working in various booking and talent buying roles working across marketing, ticketing, finance and production teams. He held his first role at House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, and has since held roles across South Carolina, Ohio and Texas. Lowe joins Peachtree Entertainment from Live Nation, where he worked in marketing and booking. Lowe has a degree in Communications with a minor in Journalism from Coastal Carolina University.

Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Megan Moroney Among RodeoHouston 2026 Lineup

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Megan Moroney, Luke Bryan and Lainey Wilson

RodeoHouston has announced its 2026 artist lineup set to perform at NRG Stadium March 2–22.

Luke Bryan and Tim McGraw are among the longtime returning performers, marking McGraw’s 11th performance and Bryan’s 13th, after receiving a distinguished Star Trail of Fame induction in 2025. Three entertainers are returning this year for the first time in over 20 years: Dwight Yoakam (last appeared in 2004), Kelly Clarkson (2004), and Cross Canadian Ragweed (2006). Riley Green returns for his second consecutive year, and female artists performing in 2026 include Lizzo, Megan Moroney, Clarkson and Lainey Wilson.

Latin artists J Balvin and Pepe Aguilar. are also on this year’s bill, and Aguilar will take the star stage on Go Tejano Day immediately after the Go Tejano Mariachi Invitational Championship. Nine artists will also make their star stage debut in 2026, including Russell Dickerson, Lizzo, Forrest Frank, Megan Moroney, Creed, Shaboozey, Aguilar, Red Clay Strays and Koe Wetzel. Dickerson surprised fans earlier this week with a pop-up performance in Times Square, performing with a full band in front of thousands of people at the iconic Manhattan location at the RodeoHouston Times Square takeover.

Cody Johnson will perform on the 21st with openers Jon Pardi and Randy Houser. Johnson’s concert-only performance is set for March 22, and marks the fourth concert-only performance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. There is no rodeo scheduled before the Cody Johnson concert, but all activities including carnival, livestock and horse show competitions and other exhibits/attractions will be open on March 22. Tickets for this concert-only evening are on sale now through the Rodeo’s official ticket provider, AXS, at rodeohouston.com/tickets/.

Meels Inks With Lost Highway Records

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Pictured (L-R): Megan McCaffrey, Lee Einhorn, Casey Thomas, Jake Gear, Meels, Robert Knotts, Jake Heinitz, Vincent Masino. Photo: Courtesy of Lost Highway.

Meels has signed with Nashville-based Lost Highway Records.

Born Amelia Einhorn and raised in Mill Valley, California, Meels picked up the piano at age five and began songwriting soon after. After studying Recorded Music at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, she began recording original music, a sound she has dubbed “Critter Country.”

She is set to release her new EP, Across The Raccoon Strait, on Jan. 30. The seven-track project was written by Meels, and she produced them alongside Peter Groenwald and Mark Campbell. The EP features previously released tracks “The Wizard,” “Willow Song” and “Vultures.”

“Lost Highway has a legacy that means so much to me, both as a listener and a songwriter,” shares Meels. “I’m incredibly thankful to be working with such a dedicated team and to release music through the same label that once carried so many of my idols.”

“At the heart of her artistry, Meels paints a vivid picture with her music through a lens that simultaneously feels familiar yet uniquely her own,” adds Robert Knotts and Jake Gear, Executive Vice Presidents and Co-Heads of Lost Highway. “With her upcoming project, Across the Raccoon Strait, she invites the listener into a world she has created that feels lived in and at home, and we are excited to help build upon that world and her vision together. Championing unique and artistic voices is paramount to the foundation of Lost Highway and in that spirit, we are honored Meels has agreed to join the Lost Highway family. We cannot wait to bring her songs and artistic voice to the world!”

Following two headline shows, she will open for Margo Price in late February and early March. In April, Meels will join Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on their “All The Good Times: The Farewell Tour.”