INDUSTRY NEWS

Country music’s past, present, and future were all under one Nashville roof Wednesday night. The 19th Academy of Country Music Honors, presented by TennPop, Seltzer of the South, took over The Pinnacle in Nashville on August 19, bringing together an all-star lineup to celebrate the artists, songwriters, industry trailblazers, and champions who continue to move country music forward. Four-time ACM Award winner Carly Pearce returned for her sixth year as host, this time teaming

The Country Music Association is investing in the next generation of music business leadership with the announcement of the newest class of its Women’s Leadership Academy, a program that has steadily become one of the organization’s most meaningful professional development initiatives. CMA Women’s Leadership Academy Class of 2026 Now entering its fifth year, the academy will welcome 16 women from across management, labels, touring, streaming, agencies and digital strategy f

Country music’s self-proclaimed favorite night is preparing for one of its biggest celebrations yet. The Academy of Country Music has unveiled the all-star lineup for the 19th ACM Honors, bringing together legends, hitmakers and some of the genre’s most exciting rising voices for an evening dedicated to the people shaping country music from every corner of the industry. Avery Anna, Big Kenny, Carly Pearce, Carter Faith, Dierks Bentley, Dylan Scott, Gabriella Rose, Gavin Adcoc

River House Artists is celebrating its 10th anniversary in a big way. The Nashville powerhouse has officially launched The House Management, a brand-new artist management division that already boasts one of country music's most exciting rising rosters. If you've been keeping an eye on the next generation of stars, chances are you'll recognize a few names. Co-Founders of The House, Zebb Luster (L) and Lynn Oliver-Cline (R), Photo credit: Libby Danforth Meet the Artists Calling

Restless Road is hitting the gas on its next chapter. L-R: Zak Waters (EMPIRE Nashville), Martha Earls (Neon Coast), Jen Way (EMPIRE Nashville), Tyler Corrado (Neon Coast), Eric Hurt (EMPIRE Nashville), Restless Road The country trio has officially signed with EMPIRE Nashville, joining forces with the independent music powerhouse as they prepare to kick off a brand-new era. The partnership, led by Jen Way, Executive Vice President of EMPIRE Nashville, sets the stage for th

Fast-rising country trio Highway Home are officially entering a new chapter. Today, the harmony-driven band announced their signing with Warner Records, marking a major milestone for one of Nashville's most promising young acts. Alongside the news, Highway Home is celebrating the release of their major-label debut single, "No More Drinkin' Songs," a fan-favorite anthem that perfectly showcases the group's signature blend of rich harmonies, heartfelt songwriting, and modern co

Jacob Hackworth just made one thing clear: he’s not here to ease into Country radio, he’s here to take it over. Pictured L-R: Damon Moberly (SVP, Promotion & Touring, MCA), Jacob Hackworth, Jimmy Rector (SVP Promotion, Mercury Nashville) The breakout singer-songwriter exploded onto the scene this week with his debut single “What Took You So Long,” landing a staggering 128 first-week stations, including a record-breaking 96 adds on impact. That’s not just impressive… it’s hist

Miranda Lambert has never been one to stand still, and now, she’s turning the page once again. Photo credit: Tyler Conrad Photo ID (L-R): Stephanie Wright (EVP/Head of A&R, MCA), Mike Harris (President & CEO, MCA), Miranda Lambert, Katie McCartney (EVP/General Manager, MCA), Rob Femia (COO/EVP Business & Legal Affairs, MCA), Damon Moberly (SVP Promotion, MCA) In a move that signals both evolution and intention, the three-time GRAMMY Award winner is officially stepping into a

In a city built on songs, Blue Harbor Music is quickly proving it knows how to make them matter. Just two years into its journey, the Nashville-based publishing company is already carving out a reputation as one of Music Row’s most forward-thinking creative hubs, balancing sharp instincts for talent with a clear vision for where country music is headed next. Left To Right: Anthony Olympia, Nick Donley, Miller Arant, Trey Pendley, Will Jones, Alex Hall, Jacob Bryant, Meg McRee

In a town built on big swings and even bigger rosters, a quiet rebellion is taking shape, one that trades scale for soul, and volume for vision. This week, Nashville’s music row welcomed the arrival of HEY NOW Records, a boutique label founded by industry heavyweights Clint Higham, John Esposito, and Kris Lamb. But this isn’t just another imprint entering an already crowded field. It’s a deliberate recalibration, an attempt to return to something the business may have outgrow

The heartbeat of Music City doesn’t always roar from the biggest stages, it often hums quietly behind closed doors, where songwriters chase truth line by line and independent publishers bet on instinct over industry. That spirit will take center stage this spring. The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has unveiled the nominees for the 2026 AIMP Nashville Awards, an annual celebration that doesn’t just recognize hits, it honors the architects behind them. Set

In this town, a No. 1 hit is a reason to celebrate. Three in a single year? That’s legacy territory. On Monday, April 13 in Nashville, the Country Music Association will shine a spotlight on the writers who didn’t just visit the top of the charts in 2026, they practically built a summer home there. Hosted by composer and CMA Board member Jim Beavers, the CMA Triple Play Awards will honor 16 songwriters who each scored three No. 1 hits within a 12-month period, the kind of str

Hayden Coffman just checked off a major career milestone, and he did it in front of a sold-out hometown-style crowd. The rising country singer-songwriter was officially presented with an RIAA Gold plaque for his breakout single “Better Off” during a packed show at Nashville’s iconic Nashville Palace. The moment came as a surprise reveal from Chase Matthew, who joined Coffman onstage to help celebrate the achievement, sending the already-electric room into a roar. The Gold cer

EMPIRE Nashville is growing in a big way. The independent record label, publisher, and distributor founded by Ghazi in 2010, has announced two exciting new hires who will help shape the next chapter of its Nashville presence. Bri Small steps in as Vice President of Digital, while Zak Waters steps in as Director of A&R where they will both bring fresh energy and major experience to the team. L: Bri Small (Photo Credit: David Bradley) R: Zak Waters (Photo Credit: Zak Cas

3x GRAMMY winners Dan + Shay have signed with The Core Entertainment, teaming up with co-founders Simon Tikhman and Kevin “Chief” Zaruk. Known for hits like “Tequila,” “Speechless,” and “10,000 Hours” (with Justin Bieber), the duo has built a global fanbase with billions of streams and multiple No. 1 singles. “We’ve always admired The Core’s ‘music-first’ mentality,” said Dan + Shay. “The best is yet to come.” The Core, founded in 2020, combines management, label, and media v

Country music has always been built on straight shooters. Three chords, the truth, and someone brave enough to sing it. Now that philosophy is getting its own venue. Live Nation just pulled the curtain back on The Truth , a 4,400-capacity indoor room opening fall 2026 in Nashville’s ever-buzzing Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. It promises a home for the city’s heartbeat: live music that plays loud, proud, and up close. Sally Williams, President of Nashville Music & Business S

Rising country artist Joey Green has joined forces with Rise Music Group for management and The Kirby Organization (TKO) for booking representation, marking an exciting new chapter in his fast-growing career.

MCA Records has announced a lifetime recording agreement with Grammy-winning musician Vince Gill