Artist & Industry News

Concord announced that it has promoted Fred Gillham to the newly created position of Chief Operating Officer, Concord Label Group. Reporting to Tom Becci, Chief Executive, Concord Label Group, Gillham serves as an integral part of the group’s senior executive team. In his new role, Gillham is directly responsible for Concord’s unrivaled label services teams. Concord Label Group’s services team...

River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, have signed multi-genre songwriter Spencer Jordan to a global publishing agreement. Jordan has quickly established himself as a dynamic force in the songwriting world, achieving success across a variety of genres and collaborating with talent including Shaboozey, Austin Snell, gavn!, Blake Proehl, Zach Seabaugh, Sara Kays, Taylor Acorn and Arrows In...

With band members Mark “Taco” Annino (Drums/MD), Luke Rice (Bass/Guitar), Dominic Frost (Guitar/BGV), Tyler Tomlinson (Guitar/BGV), Chris Gladden (Utility) and Tony Aichele (Utility) by his side, Morgan Wallen made his final walkout of the 2025 I'm The Problem Tour in Edmonton, Alberta on Saturday night (Sep. 13). After bursting onto the stage performing his upbeat, rock-inspired “Ain't That Some,” Wallen thanked...

Leo33 proudly announces the signing of fast-rising band Clay Street Unit, further solidifying the label's commitment to championing innovative voices within the country and roots space. Hailing from Denver, Colorado, Clay Street Unit blends the country-folk traditions of the Appalachians with the bluegrass spirit of the Rocky Mountains, creating a modern, electrified take on American roots music — fueled by...

HARDY has signed a go-forward exclusive songwriting agreement with Spirit Music Nashville. “I’m pumped to be joining the Spirit Music family,” shares the singer-songwriter. “They believe in the songs I write and that means a lot to me. I’m excited to see what we can build together.” Spirit Music has also acquired select compositions from his music publishing catalog. A...

BMI hosted the final installment of its signature Rooftop On The Row series, presented by George Dickel, last night (September 10) with more than 900 industry players and Americana music fans. Serving as the official kickoff party to the 26th annual AMERICANAFEST, attendees were treated to performances from Ken Pomeroy, The Droptines and Briscoe to end the seventh season of...

As Midwest native and Warner Chappell Music singer-songwriter Schmitty prepares to release his debut six-song EP, Office With A View, available everywhere this Friday, he’s signed with The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking. "I couldn’t think of a better home for my booking than The Neal Agency. Jake, Ryan, and the team feel like family and share the same values I grew up...

Zack Dyer has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville. The Minnesota native recently received his first RIAA-certified Platinum single for Tyler Braden’s “Devil You Know," and has also penned songs cut by Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Max McNown Graham Barham and more. “Zack is a truly special talent whose songs connect the moment you hear them,”...

Chart-topping songwriter Jaxson Free has returned to his artist roots with the release of his new single  “Get Go.” With a galloping beat, soothing acoustic guitar and southern inflections, Free captures the feeling of a situationship that never stood a chance. The North Carolina native's raw and soulful vocals are at the front and center of the song, giving it an...

The Recording Industry Association of America® (RIAA) today released its Mid-Year 2025 US Recorded Music Revenue Report, reflecting a high of $5.6 billion across all formats as music continues to captivate American fans. Paid subscriptions continued to proliferate, with units growing 6.4% to end the period with 105 million accounts, and subscription revenues up 5.7% to $3.2 billion.  Beginning this year,...

Messina Touring Group (MTG) has elevated Rachel Powers from Vice President of Marketing to Vice President, reflecting her expanding role within the company and her continued impact on the live entertainment industry. “It’s an absolute honor to continue growing with a company known for its unwavering commitment to artists, always putting them and their best interests first,” shares Powers. “I’m...

Nominees for “The 59th Annual CMA Awards” and finalists for the CMA Broadcast Awards will be revealed Monday, Sept. 8 at 12:00 PM/CT via livestream on CMA’s official Facebook and YouTube channels. This annual milestone in CMA Awards season recognizes the artists, songwriters, musicians, producers, engineers, directors and industry professionals whose work has defined the past year, while setting the...

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville has renewed its global publishing deal with eight-time GRAMMY award-winning superstar Kacey Musgraves. Known for pushing boundaries with her original sound that transcends genre, the highly acclaimed singer-songwriter was recently honored with the prestigious Songwriter Icon Award at the National Music Publishers' Association’s annual meeting. Her newest album, Deeper Well (2024), also became her fifth...

The Academy of Country Music® announces new hires across two departments. Lauren Burchett has joined as Head of Partnerships & Revenue. The Industry Relations & Awards team adds Kylie Goudreau as Manager and Helena Capps as Project Manager. “Strategic partnerships play a vital role in bringing value to our members, artists, and fans through unique programs that engage our audiences...

BMI and Sony Music Nashville/RCA Nashville’s Kane Brown celebrated, “Backseat Driver," his 13th career No. One, with its writers and producer, alongside industry professionals, on the rooftop of BMI Nashville on Wednesday (September 3). Written by Jordan Walker and Jacob Davis and produced by Dann Huff, the introspective single from his album The High Road continues Brown’s hitmaker streak as...

GRAMMY®-nominated multi-instrumental singer-songwriter Chandler Walters has signed with The Neal Agency for booking representation. Walters will join global country star Josh Ross on his Later Tonight Tour at the top of next year, announced today. “Chandler is a an amazingly talented artist with a truly authentic sound, and we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome him to the Neal family,” shares The Neal...

Zach John King today releases a new track, “Space.” King penned the track alongside Michael Lotten and Blake Pendergrass, with the trio incorporating themes such as the idea of missing home as well as how King finds solace by unplugging in nature. The upbeat, rock-inspired song features King’s signature gritty, emotional vocals and vivid lyrics. "I wrote ‘Space’ after a month-long stretch...

Cemented in authenticity, singer-songwriter Hayden Redwine has released “The Quiet (Southbound Sessions)” today. The single is a live take of an original song that reflects his deep emotion regarding a personal tragedy. In the aftermath of the Central Texas floods, Redwine's only hope is that it may resonate with those who have felt immense loss as well. Never thought I...

Today, 17-year-old singer/songwriter Baylee Lynn makes her highly awaited debut with “Cautiously Optimistic” — a wildly fun but bravely honest anthem straight from the Tennessee native’s heart. Accompanied by an equally feel-good video, the massively catchy track offers a magnetic introduction to one of country’s most exciting new artists. Go HERE to listen to “Cautiously Optimistic” now, and check out...

HARDY debuts a new song “Bro Country” today with longtime friend, collaborator and labelmate ERNEST. “There's a whole new crew in Nashville that's bringing a whole new different sound and this song is simply an observation of that,” says HARDY. “I hope you all enjoy 'Bro Country.'” “HARDY is such a clever writer—one of the best to ever do it,” says ERNEST....

Graham Barham has revealed new details behind his upcoming WHISKEY RAIN EP today, including the project tracklist and cover art. Pre-save/pre-add HERE. With four brand-new songs,WHISKEY RAIN was produced by Sam Bergeson with additional production collaborators including Sam Martinez, Gabe Foust, Seth Mosley, Mark Holman, 6AM, and Zach Abend. The title track features multi-Platinum hitmaker Tyler Hubbard, who welcomed Barham as a surprise...

Sony Music Publishing Nashville announced the signing of rising singer-songwriter Aniston Pate to a global publishing agreement. Known for her heartfelt storytelling and Texas-born grit, Aniston Pate is quickly emerging as one of country music’s most promising new voices. A recent graduate of Belmont University, Pate capped off her collegiate career with a major win as the 2025 Country Showcase...

Emily Ann Roberts has signed with RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville, the labels announced today. Her new track and first release at her new label home, “Jack & Jill Daniel’s,” will be released September 5. “They say Nashville is a 10-year town, and that would add up since I got into the music business back in 2015. While this is a massive accomplishment,...

Middle Tennessee State University has renamed its world-renowned College of Media and Entertainment in honor of Founder, Chairman & CEO of Big Machine Label Group, Scott Borchetta. Effective today (August 26), the college is now called the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment. “I can’t overestimate how important this is to the life and history of the college,” said...