featured news
Big Loud To Host AMERICANAFEST Event
On September 15, Big Loud will hold an AMERICANAFEST showcase in partnership with Aviator Nation Dreamland. Beginning at 4 PM, the event will feature performances by Kashus Culpepper, Thelma & James, Coleman Jennings, Alex Lambert, Nathan Bess and Waylon Payne and admission is free on a first-come first-served basis.
Ben Farber Departs From Warner Records, Joins VERSION III Full Time
Independent label and management company VERSION III has announced its next chapter, with co-founder Ben Farber joining the company full time alongside co-founder Josh Epple. Farber has departed from Warner Records, where he served as Vice President of Streaming Strategy & Revenue, to dedicate his full attention to VERSION III and its growing roster of artists.
Koe Wetzel Sells Out Bridgestone Arena, “Jaded” Is Most Added At Country Radio
Koe Wetzel’s new single, “Jaded,” featuring Ella Langley, is off to a massive start. Released Friday, the collaboration is today’s most added song at Country radio, with 107 stations adding the track. Meanwhile, its first-day streaming performance marked a new career high for Wetzel, outpacing “High Road,” which went on to hold the No. 1 spot for five weeks enroute to becoming the most-played song of 2025.
Charlie Worsham Invited To Become Grand Ole Opry Member
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Worsham, Academy of Country Music award-winner for Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, Country Music Association award-winner for Musician of the Year, and a CMA Touring Award-winner for Touring Musician of the Year, was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, August 8, by his friend, mentor and Opry member, Vince Gill, while on stage at the Ryman Auditorium.
Lucas Ball Inks Global Publishing Deal
Rising singer-songwriter Lucas Ball has inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville and Twelve6 Entertainment. The signing comes on the heels of his breakout single, “You Only Call When It’s Raining.” “I’m so happy to be a part of the fantastic Warner Chappell and Twelve6 teams. I never thought I’d be in this position in life. Everyone has been so welcoming to me, and I’m excited to see where this road leads,” shares Ball. “God Bless Country Music.”
Johnno Keetels Launches New Australian Company, True South
After more than 25 years working across Australia's music and media scene, former Big Loud executive Johnno Keetels has announced the launch of True South, an artist and label services company dedicated to helping artists, managers and record labels build meaningful, sustainable careers in Australia and beyond.
CMA Announces New Class Of Women’s Leadership Academy
The Country Music Association has welcomed the newest class of participants into its Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA). Now in its fifth year, the program has expanded beyond professional development into an ongoing network of women continuing to drive and shape the music business. As interest in the academy continues to grow, a record number of women applied for this year’s cohort, reflecting the depth of leadership talent across the country music industry.
WME Welcomes Ryan Bingham
Ryan Bingham has signed with WME for worldwide representation in music. He continues to be represented by Jack Whigham at Range Media Partners for film and television. On the heels of his headline tour, the singer-songwriter is set to head on the road with Zach Bryan later this month.
WSM Radio To Launch The Kelly Sutton Show
WSM Radio will launch The Kelly Sutton Show on August 10 on weekdays from 6 AM - 10 AM, where longtime WSM Radio personality and Grand Ole Opry host, Charlie Mattos, will join Sutton as producer and co-host, alongside WSM Studio Director Annie Ney. WSM personality and Kelly’s Amazon Music co-host Amber Anderson will also contribute to the show regularly.
Emma Smalley’s “Too Far Gone” Amasses 1M Streams
Since its release on June 19, “Too Far Gone” by quickly rising artist Emma Smalley has already amassed 1M streams. “Music has always been a huge part of my life, but it wasn’t until I had my heart broken and hit rock bottom in December of ‘24 that I finally decided to just take the risk and move to Nashville
Deep Cuts Management Signs Alli Leighann
Deep Cuts Management has announced the signing of singer-songwriter Alli Leighann to an exclusive management agreement. “From the first time I heard Alli, it was clear that she has something special,” said Liam Sullivan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Deep Cuts Management. “Her voice, her songwriting, and the authenticity she brings to everything she does represent exactly what we
Back Row Publishing Signs Matt McVaney
Songwriter and producer Matt McVaney has signed an exclusive publishing and production deal with Back Row Publishing. McVaney penned and produced Kane Brown's viral hit "Used to Love You Sober" and "I Love That I Hate You," and also wrote "Thunder in the Rain." Since then, Matt has continued to make a name for himself and has written songs for
Henley Halem & Kevin Spellman Join Borchetta Entertainment Group
Borchetta Entertainment Group, the full-service management division launched by Big Machine Records Founder and Chairman Scott Borchetta in March of 2026, has announced leadership expansion, welcoming Kevin Spellman and Henley Halem to the company as Co-Vice Presidents. “The addition of Kevin and Henley to the Borchetta Entertainment Group Management division shows the level of service and commitment we are making
Jackson Wendell Inks Publishing Deal
Rising artist Jackson Wendell has signed with Sony Music Nashville. "Signing with Sony is an incredible honor and a dream come true," he shares. "I’m thankful to everyone who has believed in me, worked alongside me, and supported this journey but it is also just the beginning. I can’t wait to share what’s next in this partnership with Sony Music
Big Loud To Host AMERICANAFEST Event
On September 15, Big Loud will hold an AMERICANAFEST showcase in partnership with Aviator Nation Dreamland. Beginning at 4 PM, the event will feature performances by Kashus Culpepper, Thelma & James, Coleman Jennings, Alex Lambert, Nathan Bess and Waylon Payne and admission is free on a first-come first-served basis.
Ben Farber Departs From Warner Records, Joins VERSION III Full Time
Independent label and management company VERSION III has announced its next chapter, with co-founder Ben Farber joining the company full time alongside co-founder Josh Epple. Farber has departed from Warner Records, where he served as Vice President of Streaming Strategy & Revenue, to dedicate his full attention to VERSION III and its growing roster of artists.
Koe Wetzel Sells Out Bridgestone Arena, “Jaded” Is Most Added At Country Radio
Koe Wetzel’s new single, “Jaded,” featuring Ella Langley, is off to a massive start. Released Friday, the collaboration is today’s most added song at Country radio, with 107 stations adding the track. Meanwhile, its first-day streaming performance marked a new career high for Wetzel, outpacing “High Road,” which went on to hold the No. 1 spot for five weeks enroute to becoming the most-played song of 2025.
Charlie Worsham Invited To Become Grand Ole Opry Member
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Charlie Worsham, Academy of Country Music award-winner for Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year, Country Music Association award-winner for Musician of the Year, and a CMA Touring Award-winner for Touring Musician of the Year, was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, August 8, by his friend, mentor and Opry member, Vince Gill, while on stage at the Ryman Auditorium.

