Music News (6/17/26)
MusicRow Releases 2026 Artist Roster Issue, Shaboozey Graces The Cover
MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2026 Artist Roster print issue, featuring ASCAP songwriter and American Dogwood/EMPIRE artist Shaboozey on the cover.
This year’s Artist Roster edition includes a range of exclusive editorial features, including a look at the recent evolution of Nashville label groups, and a behind-the-scenes look at Nashville’s newest venue, The Truth. Also in this issue, TK Kimbrell discusses estate management, and Dwight Wiles talks about financial stability in the music industry.
The 2026 Artist Roster print issue also features Morris Higham’s Will Hitchcock, Neon Coast’s Nikki Boon, Range Media Partners’ Jared Cotter and Shopkeeper Management’s Crystal Dishmon in a roundtable conversation about modern day artist management.
As always, the Artist Roster issue includes a six-part company directory, listing client rosters across categories including Label, Label Services/Distribution, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity and Artist Services (spanning Banking, Business Management, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing and Radio Promotion). Media and organizational resources—such as industry charities, trade associations and rights organizations—are also featured.
Rounding out the issue is the indispensable Artist Grid, a quick-reference guide connecting artists with their core team members in the Label, Management, Talent Agency and Publicity sectors.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2026 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly subscriptions.
Riley Green Named NSAI’s 2026 Songwriter-Artist of the Year
Riley Green. Photo: David Higgs
Riley Green has been named the 2026 NSAI Songwriter-Artist of the Year ahead of the 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards.
The award recognizes a Nashville-affiliated recording artist with the most success on the Billboard Airplay charts in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres during the eligibility period of May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026 with songs they penned and recorded.
Green recently notched his fifth ACM win for Music Event of the Year for “Don’t Mind If I Do,” featuring Ella Langley. He also earned his seventh No. 1 with “Change My Mind” earlier this month.
The 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards will be held on Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium. Previously announced honorees include Blake Pendergrass (Songwriter of the Year Award), Vince Gill (Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award) and Paul Williams (NSAI President’s Keystone Award). Additional award recipients that will be honored night-of for the ‘Song of the Year’ winner(s) and the songwriters for each of the ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards.
Blake Pendergrass Named NSAI’s 2026 Songwriter of the Year
Blake Pendergrass. Photo: Hayley Gjertsen
Blake Pendergrass has been named the 2026 NSAI Songwriter of the Year ahead of the 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards.
The award recognizes a Nashville-affiliated songwriter with the most success on the Billboard Airplay charts in the Christian, Country, Mainstream Top 40, and/or Rock genres during the eligibility period of May 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.
His career has grown rapidly, beginning with his first No. 1 hit, “Just In Case” by Morgan Wallen, in July 2025. He followed that achievement with three more No. 1 songs within the year, reached No. 1 on the MusicRow Magazine Top Songwriter Chart on March 2, 2026, and earned his first CMA Triple Play Award on April 13, 2026.
The 9th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards will be held on Sept. 22 at the Ryman Auditorium. Previously announced honorees include Riley Green (Songwriter-Artist of the Year Award), Vince Gill (Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award) and Paul Williams (NSAI President’s Keystone Award). Additional award recipients that will be honored night-of for the ‘Song of the Year’ winner(s) and the songwriters for each of the ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’ awards.
Kierra Sheard To Be Honored With BMI Impact Award
Award-winning artist and songwriter Kierra Sheard will receive the BMI Impact Award at the 2026 Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards at BMI’s Nashville office on July 21.
Sheard will receive the award in recognition of her impressive career and impact on the future of gospel music. An acclaimed artist, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur whose voice and innovative sound have made her one of the most influential figures in contemporary Gospel music, Sheard was born into Gospel royalty as the daughter of Grammy-winning singer and pastor Karen Clark Sheard and Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Sr., pastor of Greater Emmanuel Institutional Church of God in Christ. Known for blending traditional gospel with contemporary R&B influences, she has expanded the reach of gospel to a new generation of listeners.
Since making her debut as a solo artist in 2004 with I Owe You, Sheard has gone on to release multiple chart-topping albums and singles. Five of her albums have reached the top spot on Billboard‘s Top Gospel Albums chart, with several singles having reached the Billboard Gospel Airplay and Hot Gospel Songs charts. Her album KIERRA earned widespread praise and contributed to her growing list of industry accolades, and subsequent releases have further solidified her standing as a leading voice in gospel music. In addition to her solo success, she has collaborated with some of the most respected artists in gospel music, showcasing her versatility and influence across the genre.
Throughout her career, Sheard has received numerous honors, including four Grammy nominations, seven Stellar Awards, three Dove Awards, four BMI Awards, and she was named BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year in 2022.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville Launches Season Two Of ‘Thank A Songwriter’ Podcast
Pictured (L-R): Brett Warren, Rusty Gaston and Brad Warren. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has launched the second season of its Thank a Songwriter podcast, available on all major streaming platforms.
Hosted by Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston, the first episode of season two debuts today, featuring a conversation with GRAMMY, CMA and Emmy-nominated songwriting duo The Warren Brothers.
“Thank a Songwriter was created to shine a light on the incredible people behind the songs we all know and love,” Gaston shares with MusicRow. “Songwriters are at the heart of our industry, and this podcast gives them the opportunity to share the stories, experiences, and creative moments that shaped their careers. It felt only right to kick things off with The Warren Brothers. As two of Nashville’s most iconic hitmakers who have been at the heart of country music for years, their perspective sets the tone and truly encapsulates what this series is all about, and we look forward to carrying that momentum throughout the season.”
Upcoming episodes will spotlight Kix Brooks, Bobby Braddock, Josh Osborne and Luke Laird.
NMPA Unveils AI Music Deals At Annual Meeting
The National Music Publishers’ Association held is Annual Meeting at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall June 10.
During the event, David Israelite unveiled two groundbreaking deals with AI music companies, Udio and Klay. Israelite confirmed the Udio deal is not only the first ever industry-wide licensing deal with a major AI music company, but it is also the first that will value songs and sound recordings equally when it comes to AI training. Additionally, Klay is one of very few companies to secure licenses prior to launching its platform. Klay’s Large Music Model will be trained entirely on licensed music and the deal with NMPA will launch later this summer.
“The challenges posed by AI are massive and evolving,” explained Israelite. “However, we are taking a holistic approach to confronting them… great music will never be mass produced by machines. We are here to fight for what makes art meaningful – authentic human inspiration.”
To further address other critical AI-related issues, NMPA will host an AI Songs Summit in Nashville this fall.
The event also honored P!NK with the NMPA Songwriter Icon Award, and Julian Bunetta with the NMPA Non-Performing Songwriter Icon Award. Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. received NMPA’s Industry Legacy Award.
Austin Taylor Smith Inks With Peacock Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Mary Lauren Teague (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Katherine Smith, Austin Taylor Smith,
Emily Peacock (Peacock Publishing) and Alyssa Johnson (Johnson Law PLLC). Photo: Ike Everard
Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Austin Taylor Smith has signed with Peacock Publishing.
Texas native and Belmont University graduate Smith began his career as a touring musician, performing with The Brummies and Devin Dawson. He played guitar, sang background vocals, and co-wrote four songs on Dawson’s debut album Dark Horse and The Pink Slip EP, including the 2x Platinum hit “All On Me.”
Since then, Smith has written songs recorded by a wide range of artists. His credits include Cody Johnson’s “People In The Back,” Warren Zeiders’ “West Texas Weather,” and songs released by Braxton Keith, Kat Luna, Kasey Tyndall, Kat & Alex, Brett Kissel, Julia Cole and Jordana Bryant.
“Austin and I first met as classmates at Belmont University so I have truly been a longtime fan of his! It’s such a wonderful, full-circle moment to be able to announce him as the first writer at Peacock Publishing,” Founder of Peacock Publishing Emily Peacock says. “I am thankful for his trust in me for this next chapter of his career. I truly believe the best is yet to come!”
“This deal feels like a natural fit,” adds Smith. “I’ve known Emily for a long time, and her reputation for championing great songs and great writers speaks for itself. Her excitement about my music was incredibly encouraging, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with someone I trust and respect as we begin this next chapter.”
Kyle Fishman Signs With Ern’s Cadillac Music Via Big Loud Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Dane Schmidt, Jude Warren, Kimberly Gleason, Lauren Lieu, Kyle Fishman, ERNEST, Jordan Marcus and Mike Giangreco. Photo: Jessie Addleman
Kyle Fishman has signed a publishing deal with Ern’s Cadillac Music via Big Loud Publishing.
“I’ve always felt like Big Loud was home base since moving to Nashville,” Fishman shares. “It’s where ERN and I first met and wrote songs together. Feels full circle to join Cadillac/Big Loud and I’m stoked to be a part of it.”
Fishman’s credits include Dustin Lynch’s “Small Town Boy,” Luke Bryan’s “Down To One” and “Thank God” by Kane Brown featuring Katelyn Brown. He’s also behind Zach John King’s debut radio single, “Get To Drinkin’,” and additional tracks with Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney, Teddy Swims, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Lainey Wilson, Dan + Shay, and more. The Sacramento, California native has also earned rock and alt-leaning collaborations that include Underoath, Nickelback, Wage War, Story Of The Year, The Used and Said The Sky.
“I love Kyle. He was one of my first writes in this town…,” ERN’s Cadillac Music Founder and CEO ERNEST shares. “It’s full circle to get to work with him in this capacity! He is so musical and one of the hardest workers I know. ALWAYS turning out songs. He has hit power, and I’m stoked he’s a part of the Cadillac crew.”
Jon Stark Extends Publishing Deal With Dream 3 Publishing & Kobalt
Pictured (L-R): Greg Hill, Dream 3 Publishing, Ashley Nite, Kobalt, Jon Stark, Emily Olson, Dream 3 Publshing and Laurel Kittleson-Cobb, Dream 3 Publishing
Jon Stark has extended his exclusive publishing agreement with Dream 3 Publishing and Kobalt.
Since signing with Dream 3 in 2023, Stark has become one of Nashville’s up-and-coming songwriters, earning cuts with Cody Johnson, Laci Kaye Booth, Patrick Droney, Drew Green, Trevor Snider, Chase Wright and Scoot Teasley. His songwriting credits include “C’mon Cowgirl,” “We Got Old This Year,” “The Loneliest Girl In The World,” “Whiskey on Whiskey,” “Spending My Money,” “Take My Word For It,” “I’ve Been Through It All,” “Runnin’ Outta Summer,” “Whiskey Burns” and “The Good News Is.”
“Jon has been everything we hoped he would be and more,” says Emily Olson, Partner at Dream 3 Publishing. “His talent as both a songwriter and producer is undeniable, but what has impressed us most is his work ethic, character, and commitment to growth. We’re incredibly proud of everything he’s accomplished over the last three years and are excited to continue building alongside him.”
Dream 3 partners Greg Hill, Olson, Laurel Kittleson-Cobb and Ashley Nite also surprised Stark with a Gold Record for “C’mon Cowgirl,” featured on Johnson’s Leather Deluxe album.
“Dream 3 has been an incredible partner from day one,” adds Stark. “Greg, Laurel, Emily, and the Kobalt creative team have continually challenged and encouraged me to become a better writer, producer, and creative. I’m grateful for everything we’ve accomplished together and excited for what’s ahead. It means a lot to continue this journey with a team that believes in me and my vision.”
Sam Banks Inks With Universal Music Publishing Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Don Glista (UMPG Nashville), Sam Banks, Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville), and Matt Cottingham (Hunter Cottingham PLLC). Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville
Sam Banks has signed with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.
Banks co-wrote Luke Combs’ single “Be By You” alongside Dan Alley and Nick Walsh.
“I’m incredibly proud to welcome Sam to the UMPG family,” says Cyndi Forman, SVP, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “He has a deep respect for country music – not just the sound, but the tradition of honest storytelling that has always been at the heart of this genre.”
“I’m honored to work with Cyndi and Troy and to be part of the Universal Music Publishing team,” adds Banks. “I’m incredibly grateful for Cyndi and the team’s belief in me, and I’m excited to continue growing my career alongside them. I truly love writing songs and singing country music, and we share the same vision for everything I’m excited to accomplish moving forward.”
Emmy Moyen Inks With SMACKSongs
Pictured (L-R): Jeremy Groves, Robin Palmer, Carly Sater, Emmy Moyen, Lee Krabel, Sam Sarno and Chloe Clevenger
Singer-songwriter Emmy Moyen has signed with SMACKSongs.
The 22 year-old was raised between Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee, with influences ranging from Patsy Cline and Miranda Lambert to U2 and The Killers. After catching the SMACK team’s attention early, she spent more than a year as a writing intern at SMACKSongs.
Moyen is a 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame Scholarship recipient and a Belmont University Fall Writers Showcase winner. She has also earned reposts from Eric Church and Miranda Lambert. Moyen has shared the stage with The Oak Ridge Boys, Avery Anna and Caylee Hammack, and is set to perform at Rock the South and Rock the Country this summer.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Emmy as a writer at Smack. From her very first day as an intern, she made herself an integral part of the culture and team. Her talent, work ethic and positive energy have left a lasting impact, and we’re incredibly proud to be part of her journey,” says Lee Krabel, VP Publishing, SMACKSongs.
Category: Music News
