Music News (8/5/26)
MusicRow Reveals Nominees For 38th Annual MusicRow Awards
MusicRow Magazine is proud to reveal the nominees for the 2026 MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank. Determined by MusicRow subscribers, this year’s winners will be revealed on all online MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 2.
MusicRow subscribers will receive their ballots via email on Wednesday, August 5. The Ballot Voting Period runs through Friday, Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. To become a MusicRow subscriber and become eligible to vote, sign up here.
Click here to view the digital “Nominator” newsletter for a complete list of all nominees.
Now in its 38th year, the MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest running music industry trade publication honors and celebrate the achievements of songwriters, artists, producers and more.
The final nominees revealed in this announcement are determined by a committee. For the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer, outside nominations are also considered. For the Male and Female Songwriter of the Year categories, nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart.
All nominations are based on projects that were active between the period of June 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026. Continuing MusicRow’s tradition of recognizing talent behind the scenes, the Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards will be presented in conjunction with the MusicRow Awards. These honors salute Nashville’s most in-demand studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.
Allison Pilotti Joins Ten Ten Music Group
Allison Pilotti
Allison Pilotti has joined Ten Ten Music Group as Head of Creative.
In this role, Pilotti will lead all creative initiatives while actively supporting A&R efforts for the company.
The Belmont University graduate most recently spent time at Riser House Entertainment, where she worked closely with acclaimed songwriters including Dallas Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Michael Whitworth and Jake Mitchell. In addition to her publishing work, she worked with Riser House’s recording artists, including The Wldlfe, Stephen Day, Dillon Carmichael, Ash Ruder and others.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Ten Ten Music Group and becoming part of a team that has earned such tremendous respect throughout the songwriting community,” she shares. “I’m excited to support and advocate for our writers as they pursue their creative goals and continue building meaningful, lasting careers.”
“We are so glad to welcome Allison. Her broad knowledge, commitment and awareness will create fresh opportunities for our writers and the great collection of songs we represent,” adds Barry Coburn, President, Ten Ten Music.
Matt McVaney Inks With Back Row Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Michael Kozelj, Matt McVaney, Lindsay Will and Taylor Antle. Photo: Courtesy of Back Row Publishing
Matt McVaney has signed with Back Row Publishing.
McVaney penned and produced Kane Brown’s “Used to Love You Sober” and “I Love That I Hate You,” and wrote “Thunder in the Rain,” the debut single from Brown’s 2016 self-titled album. Since then, as a producer, he has worked with Dalton Dover, Tayler Holder and David J. As a writer, he’s landed cuts with Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lainey Wilson, Chris Young, Chase Matthew, Zach John King and Tim McGraw.
“McV is a world-class writer and producer and I’m so excited to continue working with him in this new chapter at Back Row,” says Lindsay Will, VP A&R, Back Row Publishing. “His musical instincts are unmatched and his vision and passion for music aligned perfectly with our team and I can’t wait to see what we build together!”
“I can tell Back Row Publishing is building something different,” says McVaney. “Lindsay is an absolute champion who is creative, strategic, and pushes the boundaries with every writer. Mike [Kozelj] balances a great business mind with creativity to make sure everyone wins along the way, and Taylor [Antle] has a gift for connecting the dots and always doing what’s best for the writer and company. I truly believe Back Row is creating an unstoppable model, and I’m honored to be a part of what’s ahead.”
Back Row Publishing launched earlier this year, signing Christian Yancey as its flagship writer.
Kevin Monahan Inks With Eclipse Music Publishing & Ebach Entertainment
Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis (Eclipse Music Group, Partner), Anna Thiel (Eclipse Music Group, Creative Manager), Kevin Monahan, Janine Ebach (Ebach Entertainment, GM/Owner) and Courtney Crist (Eclipse Music Publishing, Vice President, Publishing).
Kevin Monahan has signed with Eclipse Music Publishing in partnership with Ebach Entertainment.
Monahan moved to Nashville in 2014 to attend Belmont University, where he studied Commercial Guitar and Digital Musicianship. As a touring guitarist, he has shared the stage with artists including Tiera Kennedy, Levi Hummon, Madeline Merlo, Hannah Ellis, Roman Alexander and Anna Vaus. As a songwriter and producer, recent credits include Anna Vaus’ debut album Downhill From Here, Colin Stough’s “20 Bucks” and Ashley Anne’s Generational Heartbreak EP.
“Kevin is exactly the kind of songwriter and producer we’re passionate about partnering with” says Courtney Crist, Vice President of Publishing at Eclipse Music Group. “He brings exceptional musicianship, incredible instincts in the writing room, and a genuine commitment to serving the artist and the song. We believe he’s only scratching the surface of what’s ahead, and we’re excited to help build the next chapter of his career. Getting to work alongside Janine Ebach, who is close friend and one of the best publishers I’ve been around, is just icing on the cake.”
“From the first time we worked with Kevin, it was clear he possesses both tremendous talent and an incredible work ethic,” shares Janine Ebach, GM/Owner of Ebach Entertainment. “He’s built meaningful relationships throughout Nashville because people trust him—not only as a producer and songwriter, but as a collaborator. We’re thrilled to partner with Eclipse Music Group to support his continued growth.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Eclipse Music Publishing & Ebach Entertainment Families,” adds Monahan. “Courtney, Penny [Gattis], Janine, and the entire team have created something special—an environment built around great songs, great people, and long-term relationships. Their passion and vision were clear from day one, and their commitment to songwriters makes this an exciting place to call home. I can’t wait to see what we build together.”
Category: Music News
