Artist & Industry News

Big Machine Records / Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has signed Kentucky-born singer-songwriter Hunter Flynn, in partnership with Appalachian Soul Music. “Hunter Flynn, with his ‘Appalachian Soul’ and Kentucky roots, brings a unique artistic vision to his music and his art”, says Big Machine Chairman Scott Borchetta.”In the time we’ve been working together, I’m continually amazed by his creativity, [...]

The Americana Music Association has announced the nominees for its 25th annual Americana Honors & Awards. The winners will be announced during the Americana Honors & Awards on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The celebrated program is the hallmark event of AMERICANAFEST, which returns for its 26th year on September 15-19, 2026. Tickets to the Americana...

Newly formed HEY NOW Records has announced its marketing team, consisting of Melissa McGreevy as Sr. Director Digital Marketing, Samantha Kane as Director, Marketing and Aidan Brown as Digital Marketing Coordinator. “Reaching people in ways that are meaningful is critical at this juncture,” says President and Co-Founder, Kris Lamb. “Melissa, Samantha and Aidan all believe in the power of [...]

Alex Torrez and Emily Vincent have partnered to launch Vincent Torrez Management (VTM) - the company’s current roster includes Natalie Del Carmen, Mario Flores, Sophie Gault, Braxton Keith, Gabe Lee and Zach Meadows. “With 40 years in the music business and 14 years of growth and success in producing records and developing artists at Torrez Music Group, it became clear...

On the heels of announcing his seven-track debut EP, Fool In A King Size Bed, arriving June 12, Georgia native Kenny Whitmire has signed with The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking. “Kenny is one of those talents that stops you in your tracks, with an incredible ‘old-school’ sound that remains completely authentic to who he is,” shares TNA Agent, Evan Kantor. “We’re...

Singer-songwriter Faith Schueler has signed with 3686 Records, the newly launched independent label founded by Levi Hummonand Eric Arjes. Distributed by The Orchard/Sony, 3686 Records was built on a mission to empower artists through creative freedom, strategic brand development and long-term career sustainability. “I’ve known Faith for years, and it’s been incredible watching her grow into an artist with such...

On the heels of a 13-show run with Larry Fleet and the release of “Tennessee (Front Porch Version)," brother-sister duo Dasher The Band - comprised of Max and Laela Dasher - dropped their latest release today, Friday, May 15. “Ouachita Woods” is compelling and unforgettable - a powerful showcase not only of their artistry, but also of the upbringing [...]

BMI and the Ryman Auditorium have announced this year's lineup for the fifth annual Ryman & BMI Block Party, returning June 4th–June 6th. The three-day free event curated by BMI will feature performances from 16 prominent newcomers at the outdoor stage on PNC Plaza. Tenille Arts, Leah Blevins, Colton Bowlin, Sela Campbell, Colton Dawson, Tyce Delk, Mary Kutter, Steve Ray...

After turning heads with his recent release "West on 34," notable up-and-comer Scott Wolverton returned with new music last week, delivering a double-release, dropping two singles at once. Both “Stormchaser” and “I Wish I Had Someone I Could Write a Love Song To” displays the Midwest native's signature Country-Americana sound and keeps the listener immersed throughout. Written by Wolverton, Brian...

River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, have announced the renewal of their global publishing agreement with country hitmaker Neil Medley. With a track record of chart-topping country songs such as Luke Bryan’s #1 hit “Country Song Came On,” Hudson Westbrook’s #1 single “House Again,” and Jake Owen’s #1 single “Made For You,” Nashville-based singer-songwriter Neil Medley has built a reputation as a trusted collaborator across the country music scene. Throughout his...

Moody Center unveiled a new backstage lounge dedicated to George Strait at a private ceremony during his historic final weekend at the arena. Dubbed  “The Troubadour” in homage to Strait’s GRAMMY-winning album and title track, the lounge reflects both the spirit of his music and his enduring legacy as one of Texas’ most prolific and influential musicians, songwriters and entertainers....

Announced today, dynamic artist-writer and producer Brock Phillips has joined Big Loud Records and Local Hay Records. Coinciding with the news, Phillips released a new single, "Rich Man." “I'm beyond excited to be joining the team at Big Loud and Local Hay,” shares Phillips. ”Working with Scott Cooke, and watching the career Dallas Smith has built as a Canadian artist...

Zach John King has announced his first-ever headline tour. The 'Get To Drinkin’ Tour' will kick off on October 1 in Indianapolis, IN and will include stops in New York, Nashville and Toronto, amongst other cities. King plans to announce additional dates as well as openers for the tour later this year. "I've had some amazing opportunities supporting some of the biggest artists in country music,...

Quickly emerging artist Colton Dawson has signed with Warner Records Nashville and TKO Artist Management. “As soon as I first met the folks over at Warner Records Nashville, I knew it was the team I wanted to work with to make the music I love,” says Dawson. “Getting to work with one of the finest labels in the genre is a privilege...

Lauren Watkins has renewed her publishing deal with powerhouse independent publisher Big Loud Publishing. “When I walked into Big Loud for the first time five years ago, I instantly felt they were the right team for me. What started in that room has turned into years of encouragement, challenge, support, and of course, hundreds of songs that were waiting to...

Amid a surge of momentum, Andrew Martinez has dropped his latest release, “Fragile Man,” today, Friday, May 8. Rooted in the sound that's defined him so far, the track stands on its own as a must-listen and has a way of staying with you long after it ends. Built on simple, yet ear-catching instrumentation, the track reflects on the feelings...

Rising artist Kenny Whitmire has signed with MCA, unveiled his new track “One Foot In The Grave,” and announced his debut EP, Fool In A King Size Bed, will arrive on June 12. “Signing with MCA is one of those moments you dream about as a kid,” shares Whitmire. “To finally be here, putting out ‘One Foot In The Grave’...

FNGRPRNT has signed rising artist Big Mo, who also joins Independent Artist Group for worldwide representation, working with agents Joshua Rittenhouse and Kyle Carter. Focused on developing culturally relevant artists beyond country alone, FNGRPRNT’s roster also includes Graham Barham, Adrien Nunez and Matt Schuster. Raised in Augusta, Georgia, Big Mo blends country and rap into a sound rooted in the...

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville has renewed its global publishing deal with Riley Green. This comes on the heels of a standout year for Green, who took home Single, Song, and Music Video of the Year for his hit collaboration with Ella Langley, “you look like you love me,” at the 2025 CMA Awards. Green is also up for four...

On Friday, May 1, New Mexico-born troubadour Tyce Delk dropped his latest release “Mind If I Smoke," which was penned by Dan Alley, Drake Milligan and Neil Medley. “I've been trying to expand my catalog of songs to experiences that maybe I'm not going through, but listeners can relate to," shares Delk. "When I heard 'Mind If I Smoke' for the first...

The annual Key West Songwriters Festival presented by BMI celebrated its 30th anniversary this past week, hosting more than 250 creatives across various genres and offering more than 80 shows in five days. The Key West Songwriters Festival has served as a place of discovery since its inception as BMI continues to nurture and maintain relationships with music creators at every...

Today, April 29, Big Machine Records announces the signing of Country and Americana singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Naomi Carman. “From the moment I met Naomi, I felt I’d met a timeless artist,” said Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Scott Borchetta. “Her depth and knowledge of her craft, her deep understanding of the roots of Country, Rockabilly and Rock ’n’ Roll,...

BMG and Concord have announced a definitive agreement to combine their businesses. Operating under the BMG name, the combined company will bring together two highly complementary businesses to establish a scaled, global company delivering superior service to artists, songwriters, and partners – firmly grounded in an independent, artist-first model. The combination comes amid significant transformation in the global music market,...

Jacob Hackworth officially made his Country radio debut with his single “What Took You So Long,” which he co-wrote with Jaxson Free, Steph Jones and Daniel Ross. The singer-songwriter came face to face with a record-breaking 96 adds on impact and 131 total first week stations, marking the highest one-week total for a new artist’s debut single at Country radio. “This is one of...