Artist & Industry News

With the 2023 release of his sophomore album White Buffalo, Wyoming native Ian Munsick spread the Rocky Mountain gospel with his raw, untamed depiction of the American West. Expanding on the concepts of the land, people, culture and stories that inspire him, Munsick is readying the project’s follow-up, announcing his 20-track third studio album, Eagle Feather, due on April 18, 2025 via Warner Music...

ACM New Male Artist of the Year Nate Smith and country rock superstar HARDY release their highly anticipated new single and music video for “Nobody Likes Your Girlfriend.”  The track was written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Michael Hardy, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps while the video was directed by Spidey Smith and features actor and comedian Kevin James and digital...

The annual Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI announced the first details behind the five-day event, set to take place April 30th through May 4th. In its 29th year, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Rams Head Presents will welcome more than 150 BMI creators as the island transforms into Music City. Multi-day offerings of free and ticketed...

As part of its ongoing Opry 100 celebration, the Grand Ole Opry has announced the newest group of artists for its Opry NextStage program, presented by Tecovas, which spotlights country music’s rising talent on the Opry stage and across Opry Entertainment Group platforms. The Opry NextStage class of 2025 includes seven acts: Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold and Tucker Wetmore. “For 100 years, the Grand...

Riser House Records singer-songwriter Meghan Patrick announces The Rollin' Stoned Tour which she'll co-headline with Ashland Craft. These powerhouse artists are proudly bringing their brand of country music to six cities across the country. All tickets are on sale now here. “When I first moved to Nashville I was so lucky to quickly find an incredibly talented group of women...

Dylan Guthro has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs. Guthro is a musician from Nova Scotia, Canada. With his songs being recorded by artists like Walker Hayes, Dan + Shay, Dixie D’Amelio, Brian Kelley, BANNERS, Austin Snell, and Erin Kinsey, Guthro has proven himself to be a highly versatile songwriter and producer, quickly becoming a sought-after collaborator for both up-and-coming...

Sony Music Nashville has announced the signing of artist Kat Luna. “I'm so excited and grateful to start my journey as a solo artist with Sony Music Nashville," shares Luna. "I'm thankful for them believing in me and my music.” Latina Country artist Kat Luna, formerly of Kat & Alex, is embarking on a new chapter as a solo artist, already earning praise for how she “keeps...

Today, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) announced ticket on-sale information for the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards which will take place Thursday, May 8, live from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. The 60th ACM Awards will stream LIVE exclusively on Prime Video. Hosted by entertainment icon Reba McEntire,...

Multi-platinum entertainer Dierks Bentley announced today his 2025 BROKEN BRANCHES TOUR, will kick off in Austin, TX and roll through over 30 U.S. cities nationwide. Produced by Live Nation, Bentley has enlisted rising star Zach Top and new Warner Music duo The Band Loula to join him this summer. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am local time at...

Multi-platinum selling artist Cody Johnson performed back-to-back sold-out concerts in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena this weekend. Over 30,000 fans attended the shows. At last year’s tour stop in the venue Cody's appearance became the most tickets sold by a male country artist in their Bridgestone debut. Cody welcomed a few of his good friends to the stage during the two-night...

George Strait continues to prove why he’s been dubbed the King of Country, setting a recordfor the largest single ticketed concert in U.S. History and a new record for Texas A&M Kyle Field for a single event with 110,905 fans in attendance for George Strait: The King at Kyle Field. The record-breaking performance was one of only 10 live shows from...

Sony Music Nashville {SMN} appoints Dennis Reese as Senior Vice President, Radio Marketing & Promotion.  Reese will oversee the development and execution of the strategic radio promotional plans for both the RCA Nashville and Columbia Nashville imprints. He will report to Chair and CEO, Taylor Lindsey and President and COO Ken Robold and will start at the company on February...

GRAMMY® Award-nominated singer/songwriter Ryan Hurd has signed with The Core Entertainment for management, marking an exciting new chapter in his career. Known for his distinct blend of modern country storytelling and rock-infused production, the Nashville-based Big Machine Records recording artist has accumulated more than one billion on-demand career streams, received numerous award nominations (CMA Awards, ACM Awards, CMT Music Awards,...

As Tape Room Music continues to reach new heights, including topping both Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase Most-Heard Songs of 2024 chart, Katherine Godwin joins Tape Room Music as Manager, A&R. As a passionate advocate for songwriters and their creative endeavors, Godwin is focused on maximizing catalog constructs and managing calendars for the Tape Room Music roster. “I am incredibly fortunate to...

Following his latest single “Winter Wyoming You,” independent singer-songwriter Jordan Smith released “Dark Horses" today. Opening with strong vocals amongst a quiet, yet captivating melody, the track will surely grab your attention through its entirety. Solo-penned by the Wyoming native, the single paints a love story in a way all of its own. “It's somewhat of an underdog love story,” shares Smith....

On new single “It's The Little Things,” Charles Wesley Godwin has written an ode to the simple joys in life. The first sip of coffee in the morning. Taking the extra second to hold the door for someone. Driving around town listening to the radio. Even a quick smile and wave. The types of things so often overlooked in our busy...

Kameron Marlowe has released a timeless new track, “How’s The Leaving Going,” exploring the inescapable feeling of wondering what one’s ex-lover is up to after a breakup. Stream the track HERE. Marlowe penned the track with country legend Vince Gill and powerhouse songwriter Lee Thomas Miller. Produced by Ben West, the heartbreak song showcases Marlowe’s effortless vocals framed by a lonely steel guitar and stripped-down production....

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced Julie Adam, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Universal Music Canada (UMC), has been promoted to President & CEO of UMC based in Toronto. Following a decade of outstanding leadership as Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Canada, Jeffrey Remedios has been appointed President, Strategic Development, for REPUBLIC...

Warner Music Group and Spotify have announced a new, multi-year agreement today. They hope to strengthen their commitment to artists, songwriters, fans and to growth in the industry. The agreement will help deliver new fan experiences, a more expansive music catalog, more paid subscription tiers and differentiated content bundles. It builds upon the companies’ alignment around artist centric royalty models...

Josh Turner recently played a sold-out headline show at the Ryman Auditorium. Before the show, he was presented with three plaques celebrating RIAA certifications. The plaques commemorate Turner’s hits “Why Don’t We Just Dance” being certified three-times Platinum, “Long Black Train” being certified double-Platinum and his album "Haywire", which is also certified Platinum.

BMI revitalized its longstanding BMI Buzz showcase last night (2/03) at its new location, Bobby’s Idle Hour Tavern, featuring Gloria Anderson, Jack McKeon and Aniston Pate. The series puts promising up-and-coming songwriters who are prime for a publishing deal on display with three-song sets. Launched in 2008, the renowned series continues BMI’s commitment to nurture and develop songwriters at the...

Capitol Records recording artist Christian Hayes made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, Feb. 1. Donning a Schott leather jacket designed by Dixon and Jack, embroidered with artwork inspired by his debut EP, Last I Love You, released last September, and inscripted with his nickname "The Lullaby Kid," Hayes performed two songs from the hallowed circle: "Home Sweet Home" and "LILY."...

Willie Nelson, Mark Rothbaum, Keith Wortman, Blackbird Presents, and Live Nation are thrilled to announce the Outlaw Music Festival 10th Anniversary Tour! The 2025 tour is the biggest Outlaw tour to date, featuring an unparalleled lineup of legends and superstars, including Willie Nelson & Family, Bob Dylan, Billy Strings, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Sheryl Crow, Turnpike Troubadours, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, The...

Big Yellow Dog Music has signed Ethan Garner to their artist and songwriting roster.The rising country artist has gained traction on social media and earned a slot opening for Travis Denning. Garner will be releasing new music later this year. “From the second I saw Ethan, I knew he was something special,” says Carla Wallace, Co-Owner and CEO of Big Yellow...