Music News (3/4/26)

MusicRow Magazine Honors Six At 13th Annual Rising Women On The Row

Pictured (L-R): Rising Women on the Row honorees Victoria Mason, Courtney Allen, Sophia Sansone, Elisa Vazzana, Sara Knabe and Jackie Augustus. Photo: Sara Katherine Mills

MusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, proudly recognized six Nashville music industry executives during its 13th annual Rising Women on the Row honors this morning (March 3) at the JW Marriott. City National Bank served as Presenting Sponsor.

This year’s honorees included Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone and Elisa Vazzana, each recognized for their impact and leadership within the Nashville music business.

Ebie McFarland, Publicist/Owner of Essential Broadcast Media, served as this year’s featured speaker. She shared insights from her two-decade long career guiding some of country music’s most enduring careers.

Since its inception in 2012, MusicRow’s annual Rising Women on the Row event has honored more than 60 women, continuing its tradition of recognizing and uplifting the next generation of industry leaders.

MusicRow Magazine Releases 2026 Women Of Music Row Issue

MusicRow Magazine proudly unveils its second-ever Women of Music Row Issue, a special edition dedicated to the women shaping Nashville’s music industry. This year, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Alexandra Kay graces the cover.

Inside MusicRow’s Women of Music Row Issue, industry leaders and artists share their insights and experiences. Alexandra Kay, Emily Ann Roberts, Kassi Ashton, Lauren Watkins and MacKenzie Carpenter join forces for a roundtable discussion that reflects on their experience in the music business. Industry veteran Lou Taylor shares insights on the recently appointed all-female c-suite of Tri Star Sports & Entertainment Group.

Also in this issue, Tucker Wetmore and his female-led team reflect on the impact of the women behind his rapid rise to stardom. Juanita Copeland talks leading Sound Emporium and her 30-year tenure with the company, and Ebie McFarland shares insights from her two decades guiding some of country music’s most enduring careers

This issue also recognizes the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2026: Courtney Allen, Jackie Augustus, Sara Knabe, Victoria Mason, Sophia Sansone and Elisa Vazzana.

“For decades, Music Row has been built by women whose influence reaches far beyond titles or job descriptions,” says MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson. “They are the strategists, the storytellers, the risk-takers, the leaders who shape the culture, commerce and creative soul of this industry every day. Their impact is woven into every corner of Nashville’s music community, and this print issue is our opportunity to honor that truth.”

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2026 Women of Music Row Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $25, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

Tape Room Music Taps Alicia Pruitt As CCO/President, A&R

Alicia Pruitt

Tape Room Music has tapped Alicia Pruitt as Chief Creative Officer and President, A&R, reporting directly to CEO and Founder, Ashley Gorley.

Pruitt is a longtime Warner Chappell Music senior A&R executive. She joins COO and President, Business Affairs’ Blain Rhodes.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be joining Tape Room Music,” she shares. “This opportunity, with a family environment already in place, feels God-sent. After working in this business for years, I think we all realize how important it is to align with people that make you laugh, challenge you, and simply make you feel a part of something bigger. My career has been built on continuing to challenge myself, and with this winning team of staff and songwriters, it brings an entirely new excitement about what’s to come.”

“I’ve known Alicia since my first writing deal, and I’ve seen firsthand the passion and integrity she brings to her work with songwriters,” says Gorley. “Tape Room has experienced incredible success and growth thanks to our goal of bringing in the very best writers and surrounding them with the very best team. Alicia strengthens that mission, and she’ll help us continue to raise the bar as we build what’s next.”

“Alicia is a fierce champion for songwriters and one of the best humans I know,” adds Rhodes. “We are thrilled to have her join the team at Tape Room. As we continue to grow, her experience and commitment to songwriters will help us continue to develop a home where writers thrive.”

John Powenski Joins BMI As SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer

John Powenski

John Powenski has joined BMI as Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, effective immediately. He will lead Human Resources across the organization, focused on supporting BMI’s continued growth and organizational performance, including the company’s HR Business Partners, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Total Rewards, People Operations and more.

Reporting to President & Chief Operating Officer, Todd Horvath, Powenski will be based in BMI’s Nashville office.

“We’re thrilled to welcome John to BMI,” says Horvath. “John’s extensive HR experience and innovative leadership style will support our continued growth and workforce development. His commitment to cultivating talent, elevating employee engagement, and fostering an inclusive culture aligns with BMI’s core values and mission to serve our music creators and business partners. I look forward to working with John and seeing his impact across the company.”

Prior to joining BMI, Powenski served as SVP, Human Resources at Asurion, Inc., where he led enterprise-wide people strategy and global HR operations. Over more than a decade, he held leadership roles across every major HR discipline, partnering closely with executive leadership to drive transformation and build scalable people capabilities across global markets.

Powenski, a Cornell University graduate, also spent a decade at Capital One during its early growth and rapid scaling, partnering with senior leaders through major acquisitions, expansion and complex integration efforts. He began his career in manufacturing HR at Frito-Lay PepsiCo, partnering closely with plant leadership and frontline teams in highly operational environments.

“What drew me to BMI is its rare blend of deep heritage, enduring leadership and distinct sense of purpose in serving its affiliated songwriters, composers and music publishers,” says Powenski. “There’s something powerful about an organization that has shaped so much creative history and yet continues to grow and evolve towards the future. I’m excited to partner with this talented team and help shape what comes next.”

Delaney Ramsdell Inks With One Riot Music & Reservoir Media

Pictured (L-R, back row): Greg Gallo (Reservoir Media), Halle Bartlett (One Riot), Holly Lowman (One Riot) and Dan Rowe (One Riot). (L-R, front row): Beth St. Jean (Reservoir Media), Delaney Ramsdell, Sarah McDaniels (Reservoir Media) and John Ozier (Reservoir Media). Photo: Courtesy of One Riot Music

Singer-songwriter Delaney Ramsdell has signed a joint publishing deal with One Riot Music and Reservoir Media, Inc.

Based in Nashville, Ramsdell brings her West Texas edge to Music City. Her recent cuts include Lukas Nelson’s “Make You Happy,” Solon Holt’s “East Texas and You,” and Paul Cauthen’s “Thankful.” Other credits include Zoe Clark, Trey Pendley, Taylor Austin Dye, Ian Harrison, Lola Kirke, and Aniston Pate.

As an artist, she has opened for The Castellows, Tanner Usrey, William Beckmann, and Paul Cauthen, and her recent track “Withdrawal” was featured on Fire Country. She will be featured on Paul Cauthen’s “Chain Smoking,” releasing this Friday (Feb. 27), and will release her own EP soon.

“Delaney Ramsdell is a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose artistry is equally as strong as her writing,” says John Ozier, Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative. “Her songs paint pictures of West Texas culture that translates to the rest of the world. The success she brings into this deal is remarkable; and we look forward to taking her songs and artist career to the next level.”

“Delaney Ramsdell has a rare ability to lift others while carving out a voice that’s unmistakably her own,” shares Halle Bartlett, Creative Director of One Riot Music. “Her perspective is refreshing, and I love seeing the world through her lens. The authenticity she brings to her work inspires me daily, raising the creative bar for everyone around her.”

“I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work with the teams at Reservoir and One Riot,” adds Ramsdell. “Their support, strategy, and dedication to my career speaks volumes. I’m additionally thankful for my cowriters, my family, the Lord, and for the chance to do what I love every day.”

Lillie Kolich Signs With 507 Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Teri Nelson Carpenter, Lillie Kolich, Madison Policastri, Cooper Carr. Photo: Studio TM

Lillie Kolich has signed an exclusive publishing deal with 507 Publishing.

“507 Publishing isn’t just a team — they truly champion me and every song I bring to the table,” says Kolich. “It’s incredibly refreshing to work with people who are just as excited about the music as I am, and to have publishers who are eager about young writers and artists who will make a lasting impact on the music industry.”

The New Mexico native has penned songs with writers and producers such as Jackson Nance, Scott Hoying, Josh Ronen, Sierra Carson, Nick Pingree, Elli Rowe, Michael Farren and more.

“It’s so easy to believe in someone like Lillie Kolich. She’s the kind of writer that shows up even when it’s hard, won’t settle for anything less than perfect, and always serves the song,” shares Madison Policastri, A&R Manager at 507 Publishing. “Her talent is undeniable and her drive is inspiring – failure isn’t an option for Lillie.”

“It is so exciting to welcome Lillie to our 507 Publishing family,” adds Teri Nelson Carpenter, CEO. “Her writing feels unique and familiar all at once and her creative style is the perfect addition to our roster. We look forward to championing her writing and artistry.”

Kolich’s debut EP, Lorraine, is slated for release on March 6.