Artist & Industry News

With an impressive track record that includes chart-topping hits and collaborations with some of country music's biggest stars, Jenn Schott brings a wealth of talent and experience to SMACKSongs. Among her notable cuts are "7500 OBO" and "Two Lanes Of Freedom" by Tim McGraw, "Better Than You Left Me" by Mickey Guyton, and "Feel It In The Morning" by Rascal...

Rising singer-songwriter Derek Austin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) and a management deal with Why&How. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with Ben [Vaughn], Benji [Amaefule], and the entire Warner Chappell family. It means the world that the Warner Chappell team believes in me and sees the vision for my music,” Austin shares....

Concord has hired Brad Clark as Senior Vice President of Streaming and Data Analysis and Kristen Reed as Vice President of Data Analytics and Research. In their new positions, Clark and Reed will focus on leveraging data to increase revenue and amplify the voices of artists on their roster. Both are based in Nashville, Tennessee. “I am excited to have...

Ace High Music, formerly known as SoNash Publishing, is embarking on an exciting new chapter as it undergoes a rebranding initiative. Alongside this transformation comes the announcement of Chris Poole joining the company as a partner. Poole's new title as the Vice President of Publishing & Artist Development further solidifies Ace High Music's commitment to nurturing songwriting talent and fostering...

Rising up-and-comer Vincent Mason has signed with WME for global representation in all areas. The breakout artist will be represented by departments across the agency, including touring, brand partnerships, TV, film and digital. “The first time I met the team at WME, I felt their belief in me and knew they were ready to get to work. Since then I've...

Frank Romano signed a new deal with Reach Music Publishing. The company has also acquired his back catalog, which includes his recent collaboration on Bailey Zimmerman‘s No. 1 single “Religiously”. The Nashville-based songwriter and guitarist first signed an administration agreement with Reach Music in 2004, and over the last 20 years he has extended and expanded the publishing relationship. With...

Singer-songwriter Hannah McFarland has signed a joint global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and The Core Entertainment. “We are so excited to work with Hannah McFarland and represent her unique talent,” says Bryce Sherlow, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “Hannah is an incredibly insightful and talented songwriter that has already accomplished numerous major milestones. Her storytelling and emotion drew me...

Brown Sellers Brown has hired Diana Garcia as Director of Streaming Relations and Director of Marketing. In her new role, Garcia will manage marketing campaigns and DSP relations for all artists on their two label imprints, Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records, including Joe Nichols, Easton Corbin, Runaway June, Thompson Square, Nate Barnes, Ben Gallaher, Annie Bosko and Dusty...

Cornman Music has hired Chris Owen as Creative Director. Owen is a native of Buffalo, New York and has worked at WYRK-FM/Townsquare Media for the last six years, rising to Assistant Brand Manager and on-air talent for the station before his exit. Additionally, he also has grown a following on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) with his country music content....

Clay Walker was honored as a Pandora Billionaire, recognizing his career achievements with 11 No. 1 hits, 40 charted singles and six Platinum or Gold records. During a SiriusXM Prime Country music event at the new Nashville studios, Walker was presented with a plaque from SiriusXM Pandora’s Associate Director of Talent & Industry Relations Bekah Digby, which commemorates Walker’s music...

Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn, the grandchildren of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, have joined together to form the new country duo Twitty & Lynn and follow in the footsteps of their legendary relatives. The two released their first full-length album, Cookin’ Up Lovin’, on Saturday, April 20. Produced by Scott Baggett, the 12-song compilation includes covers of three of Conway and Loretta’s...

Randall King has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. The West Texas native has amassed over 300 million streams with singles like “You In A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl” and “Mirror, Mirror.” King released his sophomore album Into The Neon earlier this year, with inspiration drawn from the hues of neon that backlit his career, including the glowing skies...

Miranda Lambert signed a record deal with Republic Records in partnership with Big Loud, who will add support on country radio promotion as well as other marketing efforts. Her first release under this new deal will be the single “Wranglers,” arriving May 3. “Miranda Lambert’s legacy as both a consummate storyteller and legendary performer speaks for itself. Her new music...

Leah Blevins has signed a publishing and management deal with Major Bob Music. The Kentucky native released her debut album, First Time Feeling, in 2021, and has toured with Lainey Wilson, Marcus King, Flatland Cavalry, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and The War And Treaty, amongst others. “Leah is the artist that everyone hopes to have the opportunity to work with in their...

Jerry Flowers has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment. Flowers’ catalog of penned hits includes Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris‘ “Chasing After You,” Sam Hunt’s “House Party,” and Billy Currington’s “Do I Make You Wanna,” amongst many more. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jerry Flowers over the years. Beyond his undeniable talent as a...

Caroline Hodson has been promoted to Director, A&R at Tape Room Music. Hodson joined Tape Room as an intern in 2020 and has risen through the ranks to her current position, collaborating with the team in order to cultivate a motivating and fulfilling environment for the company’s roster of writers. In her new role, she will expand her creative position...

Curb | Word Music Publishing has signed singer-songwriter Josh Melton. Melton has worked with notable songwriters and producers including Justin Ebach, Zach Abend, Matt Alderman, Dallas Wilson and more. Last year, he earned his first #1 with Dylan Scott’s Platinum single "Can't Have Mine." “Watching Josh continue to grow as a person, musician and songwriter over the last few years...

The Country Music Association has promoted Michelle Kirk to Senior Director, Integrated Marketing and Mary Overend to Senior Director, Marketing. Kirk previously held the position of Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships at CMA before she became a Brand Partnerships Agent at WME. In 2019, the Illinois State University graduate returned to the organization as Director, Integrated Marketing. In her new role,...

Drew Baldridge gathered with friends, family and industry supporters at Sony Music Publishing on April 16 to celebrate the RIAA GOLD-certification of his hit single “She’s Somebody’s Daughter.” This is Baldridge’s first GOLD-certified record and first Top 40 song as this week it is No. 32 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 33 on the Country Aircheck/Mediabase chart....

Big Loud Records has promoted Tyler Waugh to VP, Radio Promotion, effective May 1. Current VP, Radio Promotion Ali Matkosky will exit the company for a new role with Relative Music Group starting this summer and her last day with Big Loud will be May 14. “Ali has been an integral part of this team and her contribution over the...

The Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Whiskey Jam partnered for a live show on April 15. The show, which was part of Whiskey Jam’s outdoor concert series, took place at Skydeck on Broadway, and featured performances from Tyler Braden, Benjamin Joseph, Tiera Kennedy, Matt Koziol, LANCO, Meghan Patrick and Chase Rice. Gavin DeGraw and Colbie Caillat also gave surprise performances and the show broke an attendance...

Carson Wallace has signed with WME for global booking representation. The rising country artist released his first singles “Lonely Look Like” and “Ghost In My Chevy” last year, and has amassed more than a million streams. Produced by Brett Truitt, his new song “Sun Sets,” which he wrote alongside Sara Bares and Reid Sorrel, is set for release on May...

Red Clay Strays have signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. Lead singer Brandon Coleman, electric guitarist Zach Rishel, guitarist/vocalist Drew Nix, bassist Andrew Bishop and drummer John Hall, as well as the band’s main songwriting partner and videographer Matthew Coleman, have all been making music together since 2016. They independently released their album Moment of Truth in 2022 featuring the breakout song “Wondering Why,” which landed on...

Country artist Timothy Wayne has signed with UMG Nashville. The Franklin, Tennessee native is slated to perform at this year's CMA Fest and is currently serving as support on Tim McGraw's "Standing Room Only Tour." “Timothy Wayne has been honing his craft, his songs and his sound around the students and college scene of LSU,” says Cindy Mabe, Chair &...