Artist & Industry News

The Academy of Country Music® announced today the recipients of the Special Awards for the 59TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™. Honorees Walt Aldridge, Tony Brown, Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson, Shannon Sanders, Lainey Wilson, and Trisha Yearwood will be celebrated during the 17TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC HONORS™, frequently described as the “Country Music Industry’s favorite night,” during an unforgettable...

The Academy of Country Music® announced the winners of the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards™ through video announcements featuring Kelsea Ballerini,Dierks Bentley, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett, Tigirlily Gold, and Keith Urban, as well as local media personalities from around...

HAYLO Music, an independent music company founded by Tyler Hubbard, has announced the signing of Canaan Smith to an exclusive co-publishing deal, administered by Endurance Music Group. A Williamsburg, Virginia native, Smith joins HAYLO with a seasoned history of artist and songwriting successes, including the platinum single “Love You Like That”, as well as cuts by Tyler Hubbard, Cody Johnson,...

Singer-songwriter Ashland Craft has signed with independent record label Leo33. The CMT Next Women of Country alum’s recent releases include viral song “Hooker,” which debuted on SiriusXM The Highway, as well as “Night Owl,” which was co-written with Lainey Wilson and Shane Minor, and her latest single “Wrong Kind of Keepin’ Me Up,” which was co-written by Jordan Dozzi, Rocky...

Big Loud Records adds to its chart-topping, independent roster today with the signing of Alabama-born country crooner, Kashus Culpepper. Raised in east central Alabama's Alexander City, Culpepper is a reverent purveyor of Southern music, a student of country, soul, blues, folk, and rock with an imitable, growling delivery. Finding his voice in church early in his life, Culpepper quietly built...

Warner Chappell Music has promoted A&R executive Jessi Vaughn Stevenson to Vice President, A&R and Digital. Stevenson has worked with some of country music’s most influential songwriters and she will continue reporting to Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, as she strategizes around new and innovative opportunities for writers. “The past eight years at Warner Chappell have...

Tucker Wetmore has inked a major label record deal with UMG Nashville in partnership with Back Blocks Music. Approaching 200 million career streams out of the gate, Wetmore has released three back-to-back chart-climbing tracks: “Wine Into Whiskey,” “Wind Up Missin’ You” and “What Would You Do?” available now. “Wind Up Missin’ You” will hit Country Radio airwaves with an impact date of June...

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has hired TC Courtney as Manager, A&R. “We are so excited to have TC join our A&R team,” UMPG Nashville Chair and CEO Troy Tomlinson shares. “He brings publishing experience, a fresh perspective, and energy that will complement our A&R staff. His love and appreciation for songwriters make him the perfect fit for us.” At UMPG,...

Big Loud Records proudly promotes Patch Culbertson to EVP / GM, effective immediately. Culbertson becomes the company’s first-ever Executive Vice President, elevating and empowering a new class of leaders who will report directly to the Big Loud partners – Seth England, Joey Moi, and Craig Wiseman. “Patch has been a critical part of Big Loud’s success for over seven years now,” England says. “He’s a...

Ketch Secor has signed a global publishing administration deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “I’m mighty proud to be joining Rusty Gaston and the hardworking, fun-loving Sony Music Publishing family,” shares Secor. “Since its earliest days on Music Row as historic Acuff-Rose, Sony Music Publishing has become the steward of country’s most iconic catalog. What an honor to bring my...

Singer-songwriter Ashley Ryan has signed with record label and distribution company ONErpm. The California native moved to Nashville in 2018, and has spent the last six years polishing her songwriting skills and performing at local events. She had caught the ear of country star Keith Urban and was invited to sing with him on his hit song “Without You” during...

Mike Walker has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Lady Luck Songs. Born in Clarksville, Tennessee and raised on a farm in Hartselle, Alabama, Walker moved to Nashville in 2006 to attend Belmont University. He started writing songs and playing mandolin in a bluegrass band in 2007, and signed his first publishing deal with HoriPro Entertainment Group in 2013. Since...

Country duo Ryan and Rory has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Comprised of Ryan Follesé and Rory John Zak, the two released the track “Pour Decisions” today, May 24th. The song will be featured on their self-titled debut EP, which will be released July 26. “Filling a much-needed space in the format, country duo Ryan and Rory are introducing themselves...

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and CAM Creative have signed Ryan Larkins to a global publishing deal. Larkins recently achieved chart success with his work on Cody Johnson’s “The Painter,” which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The song also earned a Song of the Year nomination at this year’s ACM Awards, marking the songwriter's first-ever nomination. In addition to making a name...

Before Billy Currington took the stage at Ascend Amphitheate in Nashville on Saturday, May 18, the singer was presented with a plaque by his UMG Nashville/Mercury Nashville and Dennis Entertainment teams to commemorate his Doin’ Somethin’ Right album achieving a double-Platinum certification, along with his singles “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” and “Good Directions” reaching four-times Platinum status.

Emma Kiefer has been named Director of A&R at Group Projects. Kiefer most recently served as A&R Manager at Boom Music Group. In her new position, she will lead the development of Group Projects Publishing, as well as integrate across core functions within the company’s established artist management business, working closely with co-founders Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett. “It is...

Matt Stell has renewed his worldwide publishing deal with Endurance Music Group. Stell has had two No. 1 hits with "Prayed For You" and "Everywhere But On," both he co-wrote. His debut album, Born Lonely, will be dropping on June 7. He also co-wrote all ten tracks on the project, including lead single “Built By Broken Hearts.” “It has been a privilege to...

The YNOT Wednesdays songwriter series has moved to a new location at Tin Roof on Demonbreun in Nashville. The first round at its new venue will take place on Wednesday, May 29. Launched in January of 2017 by River House Artists VP/GM Zebb Luster, the series was conceived as a platform for songwriters and artists to showcase their talents and...

Rising newcomer Vincent Mason has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Hang Your Hat Music and Concord Music Publishing. Mason's exciting storytelling charisma and already strong songwriting abilities will allow his career to expand exponentially by taking this next step with a great team. Hang Your Hat Music was founded by two-time ACM Songwriter of the Year, Hillary Lindsey, and...

The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) is thrilled to announce Scott Borchetta as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 CRB President’s Award. The CRB President’s Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and played a vital role in shaping the success of the Country Radio Seminar and its mission to advance the country radio format. CRB/CRS Board...

Brendon Anthony has been named Vice President of Big Loud Texas. Based in Austin, he will oversee the label imprint across its functions, working hand in hand with Big Loud Texas' Co-Founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall, as well as key members of the Big Loud Records team. “I am very proud to join the amazing team at Big Loud...

Singer-songwriter Jackson Nance has signed a global publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group and Electric Feel Publishing. “Jackson is a rare talent and a triple threat,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “His vocals, guitar playing and writing seamlessly transcend genres while remaining uniquely his own. Partnering with Electric Feel on this was an organic fit, and I’m eager to witness...

WME has signed singer-songwriter Maddox Batson. The agency will represent him across departments including touring, brand partnerships, television, film and digital. Born in Hermitage, Tennessee and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, the 14-year-old is known for blending country with southern rock and pop. He has amassed more than 200 million views in under five months and over three million followers across social...

Rising artist Zach John King has signed with The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking. The firm joins King’s existing team that includes Matt Reed at Hyphen Media Group for management and artist development, Boom Music Group for publishing and Cmdshft for distribution. With over five million career streams accumulated across only five singles released so far, the Georgia native’s music...