On 10/16, Range Media Partners/Mercury Nashville's Luke Grimes took over Nashville’s Old Glory to celebrate the forthcoming release of his debut EP, Pain Pills or Pews. Gathered with friends, family and industry folks, the up-and-comer performed tracks from the Dave Cobb-produced album, which is due 10/20. Pictured above actively ignoring our emails are (l-r) RMP Managing Partner/Head of Music Matt Graham, UMGN EVP/COO Mike Harris and EVP of Marketing Lori Christian, Grimes, UMGN’s EVP of Business & Legal Affairs Rob Femia, RMP/Range Music’s SVP Strategic Marketing & Content Innovation Cameron Lutz and Range’s Jordy Dettmer.

Photo credit: Chris Hollo

Sony Nashville/Columbia’s Megan Moroney is celebrating a week of career firsts.

The platinum country star hit L.A. on 10/10 for an appearance at the Grammy Museum as part of its Spotlight series, which saw her participate in a Q&A moderated by her producer Kristian Bush and perform a six-song set, followed by her late-night debut on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! on 10/11 where she sang her #1 single, “Tennessee Orange.”

Moroney wrapped the week with a show at L.A.’s Troubadour on 10/13 as part of her sold-out Lucky Tour, performing every song off her debut album, Lucky, including chart-rising single “I’m Not Pretty” and “Nothin’ Crazy” from the album’s deluxe edition. Peep Moroney’s remaining tour dates here.

“This is my first show in L.A. and you all show up like this,” said Moroney on stage. “You are making a Georgia girl feel real loved.”

With the 57th Annual CMA Awards just weeks away, Moroney is also a first-time nominee this year; she’s up for New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Tennessee Orange.” Co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, the show airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on 11/8 at 8/7c on ABC.

Pictured above at the Grammy Museum feeling extra lucky that we weren’t allowed in are (l-r) Bush and Moroney.

Photo credit: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for the Recording Academy

Brandy Clark has unveiled the music video for "Dear Insecurity" f/Brandi Carlile. Directed by Trey Fanjoy (Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert), the visual explores personal struggles and self-doubt.

“I think this video brings this song to life better and bigger than I could have imagined. Trey really had an amazing vision and executed it so well. We all have insecurities and I really feel like this video and all of the characters in it show such a great cross section of all of us,” said Clark.

“Dear Insecurity” is from the 11x Grammy-nominee’s self-titled album, which was produced by 9x Grammy-winner Carlile and released earlier this year via Warner.

Following the album’s release, Clark has appeared on CBS Saturday Morning as part of its Saturday Sessions series to perform “Northwest,” “Tell Her You Don’t Love Her” and “Ain’t Enough Rocks,” as well as returned to NBC’s TODAYto perform “Come Back To Me.”

Currently touring throughout the fall, Clark will also make her headline debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on 10/25 with special guests SistaStrings and Tattletale Saints. Additional stops along the headline trek include sold-out shows at Seattle’s Washington Hall, L.A.’s Troubadour and more.

Peep her tour dates here and watch the vid below.

Amazon Music has kicked off Country Music Month with its new Neon Stars playlist and an array of exclusive programming.

Throughout October, fans can listen to the playlist, updated weekly, which features artists whose careers launched on social media and showcases the future voices of the genre. Stream it here.

“Neon Stars brings together artists who have made impressive imprints on both social media and culture,” said Amazon Music’s Principal Music Curator, Emily Cohen Belote. “The playlist is designed to go even bigger with both the country genre and a younger demographic.”

Listeners can also expect new Country Heat Weekly podcast episodes co-hosted by Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton. The podcast recently kicked off its fourth season with Tim McGraw. Next up is Darius Rucker on 10/5, Riley Green on 10/12), Restless Road on 10/19 and Ingrid Andress on 10/26.

Additionally, Amazon Music will present a “City Sessions” livestream with Bailey Zimmerman on 10/13, while Green will star in the Breakthrough Live Takeover livestream on 10/17 ​​via the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.

Meanwhile, Megan Moroney will drop a new Amazon Music Original of her take on Chris Stapleton’s “What Are You Listening To?” on 10/6.

For more info and merch, click here. Peep the programming for the rest of the month here.

Ahead his performance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to close out Thomas Rhett’s Home Team Tour, Warner Music Nashville’s Cole Swindell was surprised with plaques to commemorate the RIAA Gold certification of his fourth studio album, Stereotype, the three-time platinum certification of his chart-topping smash, “She Had Me at Heads Carolina.”

The plaques add to a banner 2023 for the multi-platinum-selling star, who took home ACM Single and Song of the Year and was recently nominated for CMA’s Event of the Year for “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” with Jo DeeMessina.

Following the release of his deluxe album, Stereotype Broken, in May, Swindell also won Country Song of the Year at the iHeart Music Awards, earned a pair of noms at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, plus more.

Additionally, his most recent Top 10 single, “Drinkaby,” follows three platinum, multi-week #1s from Stereotype, including “Never Say Never” w/Lainey Wilson, “Single Saturday Night” and “She Had Me at Heads Carolina,” which was Top 5 for 23 consecutive weeks.

Having just wrapped touring with Rhett, the Georgia native is now gearing up to launch his own headlining Twelve Tour on 10/12 in Fargo, ND.

For tour dates, click here.

Seen above are hoping this wouldn’t land in our inbox are (l-r) KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, WMN SVP of Radio Kristen Williams, Swindell and WMN’s Co-Chair/Co-President Cris Lacy.

Photo Credit: Alan Poizner

BMLG and Hard 8 Working Group’s The Hard Working Record Company has inked Lillian Hepler.

The L.A.-based artist is the second to join the new joint venture, which launched in May as a Nashville-based, pop-focused imprint. "Call Me Yours," Hepler’s debut single on the label, is due on 10/20 and can be pre-ordered here.

“Simply stated, Lillian has all the right stuff," said BMLG President/CEO/Founder, Scott Borchetta. "She’s an incredibly talented singer and songwriter with a massive online following who uniquely connects with her peer group.”

"Lillian is an absolutely gifted songwriter, singer, and performer," added H8WG's Co-CEO/Co-Founder, Dirk Hemsath. "I’m honored to be expanding our relationship, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what she’s been creating."

“I’m so grateful to Scott and Big Machine for giving me the opportunity to work alongside them in building this next chapter of my career," Hepler states. "I’m super excited to be with a team that shares my anticipation of what the future holds and supports me and my vision.”

Hailing from Utah, 22-year-old Hepler first began uploading covers at the age of 13 and penning original songs by 15. She’s since amassed millions of streams across singles like "Nightmare" and "Easy,” as well as garnered 2m+ TikTok followers.

Pictured above wondering if we're ever working hard or always hardly working are (l-r) back row—H8WG's Aimee Beren and Mike Bachta, The Hard Working Record Company’s LJ Stoll, BMLG's Andrew Kautz; front row—H8WG’s Dirk Hemsath, Hepler, BMLG’s Borchetta and H8WG’s Rich Egan.

MacKenzie Porter is the newest ambassador for the American Cancer Society. To mark the occasion, the Big Loud artist is hosting her inaugural benefit concert, MacKenzie Porter + Friends Present: Country vs. Cancer, on 11/20. The event takes place at Nashville's Brooklyn Bowl with support from Dustin Lynch, Nate Smith, Walker Hayes and Lily Rose, among others.

“This really means a lot to me,” Porter remarked. “Several members of my family have been affected by cancer, so I know first-hand how important the American Cancer Society's work is. I want to be a part of supporting ACS every chance I get, and I'm excited to have my friends joining me for such a special night! We've got a really fun show ready for y'all, don't miss it!”

Fans can purchase tickets here starting this Friday (9/29) at 10am CT. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.

Big Machine Music has upped Michelle Attardi to senior director, publishing, effective immediately.

Since joining BMM seven years ago, Attardi has been part of the creative team representing BMM’s roster and catalog, which has grown to 14,000+ songs and more than 50 #1’s across radio formats.

She’s also been key in signing acts like Daniel Ross, Matt Roy, Troy Cartwright and Geoff Warburton, and has secured cuts with the likes of Jon Pardi, Lady A, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen and Mitchell Tenpenny, among others.

“Michelle has great ears and a passion for her songwriters. I’m happy to see her take this hard-earned next step in her career at Big Machine Music,” said BMM President, Mike Molinar.

“I have the privilege of working with incredible talent and I’m excited to continue fostering these exceptional songwriters and artists,” added Attardi. “I’m grateful for the support and mentorship of Scott Borchetta and Mike Molinar and look forward to contributing to the continued success of our publishing roster.”

Attardi is also a Berklee College of Music graduate is currently on the board of Wags and Walks Nashville.