MusicRow is proud to reveal the honorees for the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2026. These six female executives are making a significant impact on Nashville’s country music industry, including: Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone and Elisa Vazzana.
City National Bank is Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Rising Women on the Row, which will take place at Nashville’s JW Marriott at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
Tickets for Rising Women on the Row are now closed. They will not be sold at the door.
Now in its 13th year, MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women on the Row event has honored over 60 women in the Nashville music industry.
For any questions regarding the event, contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com. For advertising and sponsorship inquiries, reach out to Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com.
This year’s honorees include:
Courtney Allen
Courtney Allen – Senior Director, A&R – Concord Music Publishing
Courtney Allen joined Concord’s Nashville team in October 2021 as Director, A&R and was promoted to Senior Director in 2023. Allen serves as an A&R for Concord’s publishing roster that has grown and expanded immensely in the Nashville and country market. She is committed to rounding out Concord’s Nashville roster with top-notch talent and continues to be a force in developing high-level signings across the company including breakout artist Russell Dickerson and top country music songwriter/producer Corey Crowder as well as rising stars like Grace Tyler, Cole Goodwin, Clayton Mullen, Lauren Hungate and more. Additionally, Allen serves an integral role in liaising with Hang Your Hat, a Concord creative venture founded by two-time ACM Songwriter of the Year, Hillary Lindsey including notable signings such as Chris LaCorte. Prior to Concord, Allen served as Creative Director at BMG, where she worked with their roster of songwriters and developed new talent. Prior to her time at BMG, she was the Creative Director of publishing at Starstruck Entertainment, where she worked with developing artists on the management roster. Allen is active in the country music and Nashville scene both for music and philanthropically. She works with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital raising money with their annual “This T Shirt Saves Lives” campaign, encouraging the music community’s involvement. She was also a part of the 2023 class of CMA Women’s Leadership Academy, and was named Song Champion of the Year at the 2025 AIMP Nashville Country Awards.
Jackie Augustus
Jackie Augustus – Lead, Country & Folk, Artist Partnerships – Spotify
Jackie Augustus is a seasoned music industry executive who currently leads Country & Folk Artist Partnerships at Spotify. In this role, she oversees global strategy for both genres, building trusted relationships with artists, managers and key industry collaborators. Based in Nashville, Augustus serves as a core creative and cultural advisor across Spotify’s cross-functional teams, shaping innovative campaigns and genre-defining moments that extend well beyond traditional release cycles. Augustus began her career at Scooter Braun’s SB Projects, where she rose to become Head of Digital Marketing and led global digital strategy for more than 23 artists, including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. Augustus’ unique career trajectory began in 2009 when she launched the Justin Bieber fan account @BieberArmy on Twitter, rapidly gaining worldwide recognition from millions of fans and eventually catching the attention of Braun and Bieber. She then began collaborating with Braun on communicating Bieber updates to his fans, and in 2012 Braun recruited her to join the SB Projects team in Los Angeles, where she lived for six years. Augustus also spent time as a Strategic Partner Manager on Meta’s Music Partnerships team, where she developed large-scale immersive experiences, launched a content funding program for emerging artists, and onboarded global superstars to Reels. Augustus was named a 2025 Variety Nashville Power of Women honoree, a 2022 and 2025 Billboard Country Power Player, and the recipient of multiple Webby and Clio Awards.
Sara Knabe
Sara Knabe – SVP of A&R – Big Loud Records
An industry veteran and song champion, Big Loud Records SVP, A&R Sara Knabe plays an integral role leading both the Records and Big Loud Publishing A&R teams. With a meticulous ear and collaborative mindset, she brings a unique perspective to the forward-thinking teams, providing invaluable insights on talent discovery and placements after over 20 years in the music industry. Credited with signing country supernova Lainey Wilson and representing the catalogs of genre-shaping songwriters like Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna, she continues to sign and shepherd red-hot risers like 2025 Grammy Artist To Watch Kashus Culpepper. Prior to joining the Big Loud staff in the spring of 2023, Knabe founded her own venture, Cake Maker Music, a publishing, artist development and A&R consultancy whose name alludes to the idiom about having your cake and eating it too—more literally for Knabe, mutually inclusive motherhood and career. Before Cake Maker, she spent over a decade at BMG, starting in 2011 as Senior Director of Creative in the company’s publishing sector and later upped to VP, before transitioning to the label side as VP of A&R at BBR Music Group in 2017. Prior stops for the Belmont University alum include Bug Music, Windswept Holdings, LLC and Harlan Howard Songs. Knabe also currently serves on the boards for the AMCs and CMAs.
Victoria Mason
Victoria Mason – SVP, Marketing – Warner Records Nashville
Warner Records Nashville’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Victoria Mason, continues to lead Nashville’s charge in optimizing audience, fan development and fan engagement in country music. She joined the Warner Music ranks in 2011 after a three-year tenure working with audience and data giant Nielsen and became the driving force behind Warner Music Nashville’s implementation of analytics for the next six years. In 2017, Mason was promoted to VP, Research & Analytics, where she increased the label’s focus on broader industry and genre-level trends, as well as deepening her oversight of ROI and marketing spend analysis. WRN expanded Mason’s duties in October 2019 into artist development, while also leading in-house analytics, and overseeing the day-to-day functions of the digital and strategic partnerships teams. She then moved from VP, Strategic Marketing to SVP Marketing & Analytics, where she merged and rebranded the Artist Development team into the comprehensive Marketing department, which encompasses Artist Marketing, Digital Marketing, Analytics, Brand Partnerships, and Industry + Fan Events, all reporting to Mason. Mason is a current member of the Leadership Music Board of Directors (2022-2026) and has been named a Billboard Country Power Player, Nashville Briefing Power Player and a Billboard Woman In Music.
Sophia Sansone
Sophia Sansone – Managing Partner, Artist Manager, Make Wake Artists
In less than a decade, Sophia Sansone has risen from an assistant role to become one of Nashville’s most respected young executives, now serving as a Managing Partner at Make Wake Artists. Since joining the company in 2017 as assistant to founder Chris Kappy, Sansone has distinguished herself through sharp strategic instincts, deep artist advocacy, and an exceptional understanding of long-term career building. A key member of Luke Combs’ management team during a period of historic growth, Sansone has played an integral role in helping guide one of the most successful careers in modern country music. She also manages Nicole Combs, serving as a trusted advisor across brand, business, and philanthropic initiatives. In 2025, Sansone expanded her roster by taking on Grammy Award–winning trio The Band Perry, leading their highly anticipated return to country music while honoring the legacy that made them one of the genre’s most influential acts. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Sansone credits much of her leadership style to growing up as one of ten siblings, an unconventional training ground that shaped her collaborative mindset, adaptability and decisiveness. Her impact has been consistently recognized by the industry. She was named to Nashville Briefing’s 30 Under 30 in 2021 and went on to earn repeated honors including Billboard Women in Music (2023, 2024, 2025), MusicRow’s Next Big Thing (N.B.T.) (2023), Variety’s Hitmakers (2023, 2024), Billboard’s Country Power Players (2023, 2024, 2025) and Billboard’s 40 Under 40 (2024).
Elisa Vazzana
Elisa Vazzana – Agent – UTA
Elisa Vazzana is a Music Agent at leading global talent, entertainment, sports, and advisory company United Talent Agency. Based in Nashville, she represents a diverse roster of artists including Megan Moroney, Chayce Beckham and Buffalo Traffic Jam. Leading with integrity, strategic clarity, and an artist-first philosophy, Vazzana has played a central role in building Moroney’s career and was among the first to recognize her exceptional talent. Under her guidance, Moroney has emerged as one of modern country music’s most in-demand artists, driven by sustained growth and increased demand. Moroney’s first arena headline run, “The Cloud 9 Tour,” sold more than 450,000 tickets at the on-sale, an impressive follow up to her 2025 50-date “AM I OKAY?” tour, which sold over 365,000 tickets in under 15 minutes—together ranking among the most in-demand tours across all genres. Vazzana began her career at CAA in 2008. In 2012, she was promoted to the trainee program in Los Angeles. In 2013, her sharp attention to detail and tenacity led her to being promoted to agent. After her nearly 14-year tenure at CAA, she became the Head of Fairs and Festivals at UTA in 2021. Elsewhere, Vazzana is on the Board of Directors at International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).
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.
Riley Green Continues No. 1 Reign On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenRiley Green. Photo: David Higgs
Riley Green continues to hold the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart with “Change My Mind” and “Don’t Mind If I Do.” This marks Green’s 12th consecutive week at No. 1.
Chase McGill sits at No. 2 with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Happen To Me,” “I Got Better,” “It Won’t Be Long” and “the hell you are.” At No. 3 is Blake Pendergrass with “20 Cigarettes,” “Ain’t A Bad Life,” “Brunette,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case” and “Wish You Well.”
Ty Myers (No. 4) and Charlie Handsome (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Jackie Martinez Marushka Releases ‘The PR Playbook’
/by Lorie HollabaughJackie Martinez Marushka
Jackie Martinez Marushka of Marushka Media has written a new book, The PR Playbook, a guide to personal branding and public relations, which is out today (Jan. 12.)
In the new book she shares templates, pro-tips and campaign roadmaps from her 30+ years of experience in the music industry. The book was put together with the help of a team that included Amber Weigand-Buckley, Steve Rohr, Craig Shelburne, Madison Smith, Chad Collins, Alan Kates and Jesse Flohr.
The new book is available here and Marushka will be presenting her workshop at several conferences throughout 2026.
Marushka founded Marushka Media, a boutique PR and Branding agency, in 2016, where she and her team create and execute career-enhancing PR and marketing campaigns for clients in the entertainment and nonprofit arenas.
Prior to launching her on company, Marushka started and led Shore Fire Media’s Nashville office (known for Bruce Springsteen, Lana Del Rey and others) as GM from 2013 to 2016. Prior to that, she led a division of Sony Music Entertainment as one of its youngest Vice Presidents and its first divisional VP of Public Relations, handling PR for the division’s distribution company, more than 40 recording artists across five record labels, a publishing company, a film company and corporate communications.
Chris Stapleton’s ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ Becomes First Country Song Certified RIAA Double-Diamond
/by Lauryn SinkChris Stapleton. Photo: David McClister
Chris Stapleton’s version of “Tennessee Whiskey” has been certified RIAA Double-Diamond, selling over 20 million units and becoming the first country song to reach this milestone.
“Chris Stapleton’s undeniable vocal grit and storytelling have connected deeply – driving chart successes, earning major awards, and most importantly, resonating with fans,” shares RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier. “RIAA is proud to celebrate him alongside MCA as “Tennessee Whiskey” today makes history, becoming the first country single ever to earn a Double Diamond certification with twenty million units in the U.S. alone. It’s a remarkable achievement and another defining moment in Stapleton’s career.”
Stapleton is set to continue his “All-American Road Show” through this fall with stops at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, Detroit’s Ford Field, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Toronto’s Rogers Stadium and Boston’s Fenway Park, among many others. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Jan. 16).
Music City Roots Returns To Harken Hall
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Music City Roots showcase returns to Harken Hall in Madison, Tennessee on Jan. 28 featuring John McEuen, Gary Nicholson and Dani-Rae Clark.
Jim Lauderdale will serve as host, with Keith Bilbrey returning as announcer and Ranger Doug Green of Riders in the Sky interviewing each artist. Music City Roots partner WMOT Roots Radio, the region’s source for Americana music, will air the concert live.
“Our reintroduction of Music City Roots in late November was so well received we immediately began work on this second show with artists who are asking to be part of one of the greatest Americana experiences today,” shares Jamie Amos, president of Harken Hall and Executive Producer of Music City Roots. “Guests will see country, blues, rock, folk, bluegrass and Americana at its best. This show directly inspired the creation of Harken Hall which is a state-of-the-art live event venue, soundstage and video production facility.”
Tickets are on sale now at harkenhall.com.
Avery Anna’s ‘Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour’ Set For March
/by Lorie HollabaughAvery Anna. Photo: Ben Humphrey
Avery Anna will kick off her headlining “Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour” this spring beginning March 12.
The eight-date run kicks off in Cincinnati and will also visit St. Louis, Tulsa, Chattanooga and more through March 28. Tickets go on sale to the general public today (Jan. 12), with more stops to be announced soon. The tour is named after Avery’s emotional spin on the song “Girl of Constant Sorrow.”
The rising star recently showcased her vocal power with her critically acclaimed cover of Ozzy Osbourne’s “No More Tears.” In 2025, she released her sophomore album let go letters, which was named one of Billboard’s 50 Best Albums of 2025. She also reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with Sam Barber for their Platinum viral duet “Indigo” and spent the summer on the road opening for Luke Bryan’s “Country Song Came On Tour” and Brad Paisley’s “Truck Still Works World Tour,” wrapping up her own nearly sold-out headlining “Let Go Letters Tour” this winter.
“Girl Of Constant Sorrow Tour” Dates:
3.12 — Cincinnati, OH — Bogart’s
3.13 — St. Louis, MO — Ballpark Village
3.14 — Tulsa, OK — Cain’s Ballroom
3.19 — Portland, ME — Aura
3.20 — Uncasville, CT — Mohegan Sun – Wolf Den
3.21 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom
3.27 — Rosemont, IL — Joe’s Live
3.28 — Chattanooga, TN — The Signal
Zach Bryan Releases ‘With Heaven On Top Acoustic’
/by Lauryn SinkZach Bryan has released an acoustic version of his With Heaven On Top album, out via Warner Records.
The project features 24 tracks with just vocals and guitar along with alternative cover art. The digital set is broken down into two parts with the acoustic version as “Disc 1” and “Disc 2” comprised of the original 25 track album totaling 49 tracks in all.
With Heaven On Top was released January 9, via Warner Records. The complete set of songs was written, recorded and produced by Bryan in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Tickets for Bryan’s 2026 With Heaven On Tour are on sale now.
BREAKING: MusicRow Reveals 2026 Rising Women On The Row Honorees
/by MusicRow StaffMusicRow is proud to reveal the honorees for the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2026. These six female executives are making a significant impact on Nashville’s country music industry, including: Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone and Elisa Vazzana.
City National Bank is Presenting Sponsor for the 2026 Rising Women on the Row, which will take place at Nashville’s JW Marriott at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
Tickets for Rising Women on the Row are now closed. They will not be sold at the door.
Now in its 13th year, MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women on the Row event has honored over 60 women in the Nashville music industry.
For any questions regarding the event, contact LB Cantrell at lbcantrell@musicrow.com. For advertising and sponsorship inquiries, reach out to Sherod Robertson at srobertson@musicrow.com.
This year’s honorees include:
Courtney Allen
Courtney Allen – Senior Director, A&R – Concord Music Publishing
Courtney Allen joined Concord’s Nashville team in October 2021 as Director, A&R and was promoted to Senior Director in 2023. Allen serves as an A&R for Concord’s publishing roster that has grown and expanded immensely in the Nashville and country market. She is committed to rounding out Concord’s Nashville roster with top-notch talent and continues to be a force in developing high-level signings across the company including breakout artist Russell Dickerson and top country music songwriter/producer Corey Crowder as well as rising stars like Grace Tyler, Cole Goodwin, Clayton Mullen, Lauren Hungate and more. Additionally, Allen serves an integral role in liaising with Hang Your Hat, a Concord creative venture founded by two-time ACM Songwriter of the Year, Hillary Lindsey including notable signings such as Chris LaCorte. Prior to Concord, Allen served as Creative Director at BMG, where she worked with their roster of songwriters and developed new talent. Prior to her time at BMG, she was the Creative Director of publishing at Starstruck Entertainment, where she worked with developing artists on the management roster. Allen is active in the country music and Nashville scene both for music and philanthropically. She works with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital raising money with their annual “This T Shirt Saves Lives” campaign, encouraging the music community’s involvement. She was also a part of the 2023 class of CMA Women’s Leadership Academy, and was named Song Champion of the Year at the 2025 AIMP Nashville Country Awards.
Jackie Augustus
Jackie Augustus – Lead, Country & Folk, Artist Partnerships – Spotify
Jackie Augustus is a seasoned music industry executive who currently leads Country & Folk Artist Partnerships at Spotify. In this role, she oversees global strategy for both genres, building trusted relationships with artists, managers and key industry collaborators. Based in Nashville, Augustus serves as a core creative and cultural advisor across Spotify’s cross-functional teams, shaping innovative campaigns and genre-defining moments that extend well beyond traditional release cycles. Augustus began her career at Scooter Braun’s SB Projects, where she rose to become Head of Digital Marketing and led global digital strategy for more than 23 artists, including Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. Augustus’ unique career trajectory began in 2009 when she launched the Justin Bieber fan account @BieberArmy on Twitter, rapidly gaining worldwide recognition from millions of fans and eventually catching the attention of Braun and Bieber. She then began collaborating with Braun on communicating Bieber updates to his fans, and in 2012 Braun recruited her to join the SB Projects team in Los Angeles, where she lived for six years. Augustus also spent time as a Strategic Partner Manager on Meta’s Music Partnerships team, where she developed large-scale immersive experiences, launched a content funding program for emerging artists, and onboarded global superstars to Reels. Augustus was named a 2025 Variety Nashville Power of Women honoree, a 2022 and 2025 Billboard Country Power Player, and the recipient of multiple Webby and Clio Awards.
Sara Knabe
Sara Knabe – SVP of A&R – Big Loud Records
An industry veteran and song champion, Big Loud Records SVP, A&R Sara Knabe plays an integral role leading both the Records and Big Loud Publishing A&R teams. With a meticulous ear and collaborative mindset, she brings a unique perspective to the forward-thinking teams, providing invaluable insights on talent discovery and placements after over 20 years in the music industry. Credited with signing country supernova Lainey Wilson and representing the catalogs of genre-shaping songwriters like Hillary Lindsey and Lori McKenna, she continues to sign and shepherd red-hot risers like 2025 Grammy Artist To Watch Kashus Culpepper. Prior to joining the Big Loud staff in the spring of 2023, Knabe founded her own venture, Cake Maker Music, a publishing, artist development and A&R consultancy whose name alludes to the idiom about having your cake and eating it too—more literally for Knabe, mutually inclusive motherhood and career. Before Cake Maker, she spent over a decade at BMG, starting in 2011 as Senior Director of Creative in the company’s publishing sector and later upped to VP, before transitioning to the label side as VP of A&R at BBR Music Group in 2017. Prior stops for the Belmont University alum include Bug Music, Windswept Holdings, LLC and Harlan Howard Songs. Knabe also currently serves on the boards for the AMCs and CMAs.
Victoria Mason
Victoria Mason – SVP, Marketing – Warner Records Nashville
Warner Records Nashville’s Senior Vice President of Marketing, Victoria Mason, continues to lead Nashville’s charge in optimizing audience, fan development and fan engagement in country music. She joined the Warner Music ranks in 2011 after a three-year tenure working with audience and data giant Nielsen and became the driving force behind Warner Music Nashville’s implementation of analytics for the next six years. In 2017, Mason was promoted to VP, Research & Analytics, where she increased the label’s focus on broader industry and genre-level trends, as well as deepening her oversight of ROI and marketing spend analysis. WRN expanded Mason’s duties in October 2019 into artist development, while also leading in-house analytics, and overseeing the day-to-day functions of the digital and strategic partnerships teams. She then moved from VP, Strategic Marketing to SVP Marketing & Analytics, where she merged and rebranded the Artist Development team into the comprehensive Marketing department, which encompasses Artist Marketing, Digital Marketing, Analytics, Brand Partnerships, and Industry + Fan Events, all reporting to Mason. Mason is a current member of the Leadership Music Board of Directors (2022-2026) and has been named a Billboard Country Power Player, Nashville Briefing Power Player and a Billboard Woman In Music.
Sophia Sansone
Sophia Sansone – Managing Partner, Artist Manager, Make Wake Artists
In less than a decade, Sophia Sansone has risen from an assistant role to become one of Nashville’s most respected young executives, now serving as a Managing Partner at Make Wake Artists. Since joining the company in 2017 as assistant to founder Chris Kappy, Sansone has distinguished herself through sharp strategic instincts, deep artist advocacy, and an exceptional understanding of long-term career building. A key member of Luke Combs’ management team during a period of historic growth, Sansone has played an integral role in helping guide one of the most successful careers in modern country music. She also manages Nicole Combs, serving as a trusted advisor across brand, business, and philanthropic initiatives. In 2025, Sansone expanded her roster by taking on Grammy Award–winning trio The Band Perry, leading their highly anticipated return to country music while honoring the legacy that made them one of the genre’s most influential acts. A graduate of Vanderbilt University, Sansone credits much of her leadership style to growing up as one of ten siblings, an unconventional training ground that shaped her collaborative mindset, adaptability and decisiveness. Her impact has been consistently recognized by the industry. She was named to Nashville Briefing’s 30 Under 30 in 2021 and went on to earn repeated honors including Billboard Women in Music (2023, 2024, 2025), MusicRow’s Next Big Thing (N.B.T.) (2023), Variety’s Hitmakers (2023, 2024), Billboard’s Country Power Players (2023, 2024, 2025) and Billboard’s 40 Under 40 (2024).
Elisa Vazzana
Elisa Vazzana – Agent – UTA
Elisa Vazzana is a Music Agent at leading global talent, entertainment, sports, and advisory company United Talent Agency. Based in Nashville, she represents a diverse roster of artists including Megan Moroney, Chayce Beckham and Buffalo Traffic Jam. Leading with integrity, strategic clarity, and an artist-first philosophy, Vazzana has played a central role in building Moroney’s career and was among the first to recognize her exceptional talent. Under her guidance, Moroney has emerged as one of modern country music’s most in-demand artists, driven by sustained growth and increased demand. Moroney’s first arena headline run, “The Cloud 9 Tour,” sold more than 450,000 tickets at the on-sale, an impressive follow up to her 2025 50-date “AM I OKAY?” tour, which sold over 365,000 tickets in under 15 minutes—together ranking among the most in-demand tours across all genres. Vazzana began her career at CAA in 2008. In 2012, she was promoted to the trainee program in Los Angeles. In 2013, her sharp attention to detail and tenacity led her to being promoted to agent. After her nearly 14-year tenure at CAA, she became the Head of Fairs and Festivals at UTA in 2021. Elsewhere, Vazzana is on the Board of Directors at International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).