Artist & Industry News

MCA, a division of Universal Music Group, has promoted Miranda McDonald and Jimmy Rector to Senior Vice President, Promotion & Regional Marketing. Both executives will report directly to Damon Moberly, Senior Vice President of Promotion & Touring. In their expanded roles, McDonald and Rector will continue leading national country radio strategy while overseeing regional marketing initiatives that connect artists with...

Ethan Garner has signed a label deal with RECORDS Nashville in partnership with RCA Records. Additionally, today, he announced his debut single, “Red Wine Stains,” is slated for release on March 20th. “I'm very thankful to RECORDS Nashville/RCA for believing in me and helping me chase my dreams of making memorable music that leaves a legacy," shares Garner. "We are...

Following last month’s reacquisition of Big Machine Records, Founder and Chairman Scott Borchetta announces a new management division of the newly launched Borchetta Entertainment Group — signing Carly Pearce. Mike Blong, formerly of Starstruck Entertainment, joins as manager. Borchetta Entertainment Group will operate as a full-service management division focused on artist development, touring strategy, brand partnerships and long-term career growth,...

Multi-Grammy® Award winner Jelly Roll has officially joined the Grand Ole Opry family and was inducted by his close friend and fellow Opry member Lainey Wilson. Also joining in Jelly Roll’s Opry induction celebration included his friend and mentor, Opry member Craig Morgan, as well as friends Leanne Morgan and ERNEST. Prior to his performance, he had a conversation with Opry host Kelly Sutton with media in attendance. He...

Jacob Hackworth has signed with The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking. The West Plains, Missouri native, who has become known for his rough-hewn honesty and raw storytelling, caught the attention of the industry with his releases, “When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t” and “Bad As I Do." “I couldn’t be happier to have The Neal Agency as part of my team. I’ve watched...

Originally from the UK, artist Bellah Mae has signed with Sony Music Nashville and released her brand-new track, “Love Me Less," which she co-wrote with Brigetta Truitt and Brett Truitt. "I couldn’t be happier to have joined the Sony Nashville family," shares Mae. "With the devoted ethos of the entire team there, I knew instantly they were the perfect home for me and my music. I’m...

Nashville’s top country touring expert, Brian O’Connell, received the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award tonight at a sold-out event at the Opry House. The evening supports the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund. As President of Country Music Touring and Festivals at Live Nation, O’Connell is an avid fan. His passion for the artist, live performances, and fan experience remains deeply...

Following its inaugural year that marked the largest gathering of songwriters in the city’s history, Las Vegas Songwriters Festival (LVSF) will return to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Thursday, Aug. 20 through Saturday, Aug. 22. Presented by MGM Resorts International, Entersong Entertainment and Mountain Dew, and co-founded by Rob Hatch, Mike Every and Matt Warren, this year’s LVSF event will,...

Georgia native Ethan Garner has signed with Champ Management, led by Matt Musacchio under the Red Light Management umbrella, along with securing global booking representation at WME, a defining milestone that signals the next phase of his fast-rising career. “My favorite part about music, without a doubt, is playing live shows. I feel like what I do really comes to...

Red Light Management has signed fast-rising country artist Myles Morgan. “We are thrilled to welcome Myles to Red Light,” shares Ben Kline, executive at Red Light Management. “The amount of early success and momentum that he has built up makes this partnership with Gaines and the entire RLM team perfectly timed.” "I'm incredibly grateful and excited to be joining Red...

Bailey Zimmerman has achieved eight new certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), further solidifying his status as one of country music’s most dominant hitmakers. Last night, Zimmerman celebrated the milestone backstage at his sold-out arena show of the Different Night Same Rodeo Tour in Boston, MA at the TD Garden. In addition to the eight new certifications,...

Boutique agency, The Neal Agency (TNA), has expanded their roster with the signing of country singer/songwriter Will Terry for booking. The news comes as the 21 year old from Rome, Georgia prepares to enter the studio to record new music with producer Will Bundy. "I couldn’t be more grateful to be working with The Neal Agency,” Terry shares. “Brian and...

The Country Music Association has announced the recipients of the 2026 CMA Triple Play Awards, honoring the songwriters behind some of the format’s biggest No. 1 hits. Hosted by composer and CMA Board member Jim Beavers, the awards ceremony will take place Monday, April 13 in Nashville. This year’s 16 CMA Triple Play Award recipients are Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin,...

Sony Music Publishing (SMP) has announced the promotion of Michael Riggs to Senior Vice President, Licensing and Income Tracking, effective immediately. Based out of SMP’s Nashville office, Riggs will continue to report to Sony Music Publishing’s Executive Vice President, Worldwide Administration, Dale Esworthy. In this elevated position, Michael will focus on strengthening tracking operations and enhancing matching capabilities for digital deals in the U.S. and globally. He will also...

Rock The Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival, produced in partnership with Live Nation, has unveiled its daily lineup for the festival’s highly anticipated return to the sandy shores of Fort Lauderdale, April 10–12, 2026. Headlined by Post Malone on Friday, April 10; Riley Green on Saturday, April 11; and Florida favorite Kenny Chesney closing out the festival on Sunday, April 12,...

G Major Mgmt announces the signing of singer/songwriter Ella Gibson. Hailing from a small town in central Illinois, Gibson was raised on the legends of country music, and her voice carries the weight of tradition with her own unique sound. Currently studying songwriting at Belmont University, she recently won Belmont’s Spring Songwriter’s Showcase Presented by BMI. “I am so honored...

Gavin Adcock has announced a forthcoming project 'Country Never Dies,' set to release Friday, March 13th. Adcock’s vision for the body of work is multi-faceted. As a fan of classic Country music himself, he wanted the project to be a reminder of where the genre came from and honor those who paved the way for him and other artists. “I...

In celebration of her 26th birthday, Dasha gifted something deeply personal: a live recording of her most vulnerable song to date, “Oh, Anna!” captured at the Grand Ole Opry. Already regarded as one of her most honest and emotionally raw releases, “Oh, Anna!” finds Dasha at her most unfiltered, wrestling with identity, growth, and the complicated relationship we have with...

Longtime Warner Chappell Music senior A&R executive and songwriter champion Alicia Pruitt joins independent publishing leader Tape Room Music as Chief Creative Officer and President, A&R, reporting directly to CEO and Founder, Ashley Gorley. Pruitt joins COO and President, Business Affairs’ Blain Rhodes, who continues to steer Tape Room Music's strategic growth as the publishing and artist development company ushers...

Rising country artist Bryan Andrews has signed with WME for global representation across all areas. The singer-songwriter blends traditional country roots with a modern perspective and over the last several months, Andrews’ momentum has surged. “I’m truly honored to be part of the WME roster. I’m thankful for the chance to tell my story with a team that shares my...

Yesterday, February 24, the Grand Ole Opry brought together legendary performers, A-list artists, and the stars of tomorrow on its stage to honor Ronnie Milsap’s 50th Opry anniversary and to welcome a new wave of talent as the Opry NextStage class of 2026, presented by Tecovas. The Opry NextStage Class of 2026, presented by Tecovas, includes Willow Avalon, Graham Barham,...

CMA Fest presented by SoFi will return to Nashville June 4–7. Hosted by the Country Music Association, the four-day celebration will once again culminate each night at Nissan Stadium with unforgettable performances from some of the genre’s biggest stars and breakout talent. SoFi returns as the festival’s presenting sponsor, continuing its multi-year partnership as the official bank and financial services partner of CMA...

BMI welcomed Tucker Wetmore, creatives and industry members to celebrate his chart-topping single “3,2,1” at its Nashville office yesterday, February 24. Penned by Josh Miller, Summer Overstreet and Jordan Reynolds and produced by Chris LaCorte, the hit marks Wetmore’s second career #1 from his debut album What Not To, making him the 14th artist in chart history to land his...

Big Loud Publishing has announced the signing of up-and-coming songwriter Matt McCartney. Before landing a publishing deal, McCartney started as personnel in record-breaking producer and Big Loud Co-Founder / Partner Joey Moi's studio, responsible for some of culture's biggest records. “This whole journey started with the Big Loud Beauties hockey team which eventually led me to signing with Big Loud...