Blab Music
CMA Fest 2026, Industry Moves, and Key Signings Shape Nashvilles Music Scene
The 53rd Country Music Association (CMA) Fest returned to Nashville on June 4‑7, 2026, filling Nissan Stadium with thousands of fans and delivering a four‑day celebration of country music’s diversity. Presented by SoFi, the festival featured a mix of emerging voices and seasoned performers, while daytime stages across Broadway and downtown Nashville kept the city alive after the main shows. Organizers confirmed that the 54th CMA Fest will take place June 10‑13, 2027.
The week also marked the loss of longtime WSM broadcaster Bill Cody, who died June 9 at age 67. His distinctive voice had been a staple on country radio for decades, and the community’s reaction underscored the impact of his passing.
Florida Georgia Line announced a new management partnership with The Core Entertainment, a firm that also represents Dan + Shay and Nickelback. The duo, who reunited at CMA Fest, did not sign a new record‑label contract but added The Core to its roster. The move follows Tyler Hubbard’s earlier solo agreement with the same agency.
Singer‑songwriter Carly Pearce entered a new phase of her career by signing with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Pearce, a multiple CMA and ACM award‑winner, joined the label’s roster after a successful run with her own releases.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) presented Garth Brooks with its inaugural Artist of a Lifetime Award. The honor recognizes Brooks as the only artist to achieve ten Diamond‑certified albums, underscoring his enduring influence on country music.
In the bluegrass sector, Ken White stepped down as Executive Director of the International Bluegrass Music Association. The organization did not disclose a successor.
HEY NOW Records expanded its executive team, adding Danny Bess as Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations, Rachel Brown as Manager of Operations, and Troy Scott as Vice President of Commerce & Consumer Products.
Other industry appointments included Allison Bostrom’s promotion to Senior Vice President of Marketing at Triple 8 Management, Cassie Petty’s elevation to Vice President at TKO Artist Management, and Cheyana Weekley’s appointment as Head of Marketing at BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
The publishing arm of the industry saw several new signings. Christian Stalnecker joined Curb | Word Music Publishing, Kyle Fishman entered a publishing agreement with Ern’s Cadillac Music via Big Loud Publishing, and Austin Taylor Smith signed with Peacock Publishing.
Girlilla Marketing announced staff promotions: Lindsey Feinstein and Conley Sweeney moved from Account Director to Senior Account Director, and Gigi Morrison was promoted to Creative Director. The company also welcomed Esther Kuperus as Creative Coordinator.
On the artist and songwriter front, Blake Proehl signed with MCA, Emmy Moyen joined SMACKSongs, Hunter Flynn secured global representation with WME, and Luke Stevens signed with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville and Cornman Music.
The latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart shows Morgan Wallen holding the No. 1 spot with “Don’t We.” The chart reflects ongoing radio support for the artist.
These developments illustrate a dynamic Nashville music ecosystem, with major festivals, leadership changes, and new artist‑label partnerships shaping the industry’s trajectory for the coming year.
The week also marked the loss of longtime WSM broadcaster Bill Cody, who died June 9 at age 67. His distinctive voice had been a staple on country radio for decades, and the community’s reaction underscored the impact of his passing.
Florida Georgia Line announced a new management partnership with The Core Entertainment, a firm that also represents Dan + Shay and Nickelback. The duo, who reunited at CMA Fest, did not sign a new record‑label contract but added The Core to its roster. The move follows Tyler Hubbard’s earlier solo agreement with the same agency.
Singer‑songwriter Carly Pearce entered a new phase of her career by signing with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Pearce, a multiple CMA and ACM award‑winner, joined the label’s roster after a successful run with her own releases.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) presented Garth Brooks with its inaugural Artist of a Lifetime Award. The honor recognizes Brooks as the only artist to achieve ten Diamond‑certified albums, underscoring his enduring influence on country music.
In the bluegrass sector, Ken White stepped down as Executive Director of the International Bluegrass Music Association. The organization did not disclose a successor.
HEY NOW Records expanded its executive team, adding Danny Bess as Senior Vice President of Finance & Operations, Rachel Brown as Manager of Operations, and Troy Scott as Vice President of Commerce & Consumer Products.
Other industry appointments included Allison Bostrom’s promotion to Senior Vice President of Marketing at Triple 8 Management, Cassie Petty’s elevation to Vice President at TKO Artist Management, and Cheyana Weekley’s appointment as Head of Marketing at BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.
The publishing arm of the industry saw several new signings. Christian Stalnecker joined Curb | Word Music Publishing, Kyle Fishman entered a publishing agreement with Ern’s Cadillac Music via Big Loud Publishing, and Austin Taylor Smith signed with Peacock Publishing.
Girlilla Marketing announced staff promotions: Lindsey Feinstein and Conley Sweeney moved from Account Director to Senior Account Director, and Gigi Morrison was promoted to Creative Director. The company also welcomed Esther Kuperus as Creative Coordinator.
On the artist and songwriter front, Blake Proehl signed with MCA, Emmy Moyen joined SMACKSongs, Hunter Flynn secured global representation with WME, and Luke Stevens signed with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville and Cornman Music.
The latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart shows Morgan Wallen holding the No. 1 spot with “Don’t We.” The chart reflects ongoing radio support for the artist.
These developments illustrate a dynamic Nashville music ecosystem, with major festivals, leadership changes, and new artist‑label partnerships shaping the industry’s trajectory for the coming year.
