Artist & Industry News

Today, April 6, Cody Johnson has released a cover of Merle Haggard’s “Footlights." As an avid Haggard fan, Cody has paid tribute to him numerous times, acknowledging that he was one of his biggest musical influences. “Merle was a poet,” shares Cody. “When I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm frustrated, and everything in between, he has sung the soundtrack...

Today, April 6, Justin Moore achieved his 14th career No. 1 single with "Time's Ticking." From his latest album, This Is My Dirt, the track was written by Moore alongside celebrated songwriters Will Bundy, Randy Montana and Jeremy Stover, and marks Moore’s second No. 1 song off the 2024 record. “It’s beyond exciting, and humbling, to celebrate our 14th number...

Blue Harbor Music is celebrating its two-year anniversary, marking a period of growth and and meaningful impact in Nashville and beyond. Founded with a mission to cultivate unique voices and build a forward-thinking catalog, Blue Harbor Music has quickly established itself as an influential presence on Music Row. In just two years, the company has built a roster of 10...

As Morgan Wallen readies his return to the road with his upcoming 23-date Still The Problem Tour, the RIAA’s highest-certified country artist of all time partnered with SiriusXM for a 16-song, intimate show to a crowd of nearly 4,000 SiriusXM subscribers and industry professionals at The Pinnacle in Nashville, TN. The show commemorated the launch of his new exclusive year-round channel, Morgan...

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville has signed a global publishing deal with ERNEST. Known as one of Nashville’s most prolific creators, he has penned 13 No. 1 hits and his third full-length album, DEEP BLUE, is set for release this summer. A GRAMMY, ACM, CMA Award nominee, and two-time Variety Hitmakers honoree, ERNEST continues to shape the sound of modern...

With the announcement of HEY NOW Records, a streamlined independent label built around the premise of super-serving singularly talented artists, President and Co-Founder Kris Lamb is pleased to announce key promotion executives VP Brooke Diaz, plus National Directors for the West and East Coasts Bill Lubitz and Jane Staszak. The seasoned industry leaders bring decades of hands-on experience from both...

The eighth season of BMI’s Rooftop On The Row® series, presented by George Dickel Whisky, returns on April 21st with headliners Zach John King and Aniston Pate, emceed by Love On The Spectrum’s Tyler White. The exclusive invitation-only event, hosted on the rooftop of BMI's Nashville office, offers industry professionals an exclusive first look at in-demand talent. In addition to...

Manhead has appointed Jennifer Pirch as Vice President of Retail & Licensing, as the company continues to expand its retail and licensing business and prepares to exhibit at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas for the first time. Manhead represents a growing roster of artists including Deftones, Alice In Chains, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, and Joan Jett, and is building its...

Sony Music Nashville and Kane Brown are celebrating 10 years of success with a renewed commitment: the multi-platinum-selling artist has signed a new multi-album, worldwide deal with the label, extending their longstanding partnership for years to come. “I’m really excited about my partnership with Sony Music,” says Brown. “We’ve built something special together over the years, and I’ve got so...

On March 17, BMI hosted Ella Langley at their Nashville office for a double #1 party, celebrating “weren’t for the wind” and “Choosin’ Texas.” Langley was reunited with those she co-wrote the tracks with, Johnny Clawson, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor, as more than 400 industry professionals filled the lobby to join in the celebration. Langley, Johnny Clawson...

Triple 8 Management has announced the promotion of Aaron Sawyer from artist manager to partner. Sawyer joined the Triple 8 team in 2023, alongside longtime colleague and artist manager Hannah Boren. Under the Triple 8 banner, Sawyer, Boren and management coordinator Evy Daunic represent Sierra Ferrell, I’m With Her, Julian Lage, Madison Cunningham, Nickel Creek, Vincent Lima, Watkins Family Hour,...

Chart-topping singer-songwriter Jacob Hackworth has released a new single “What Took You So Long” along with announcing the signing of his first major label deal with MCA, in collaboration with Goat Island Sound. Slated to go to radio this spring, the aching ballad was written by Hackworth, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones and Daniel Ross and was inspired by the breakup that was the catalyst...

Today, March 20, Big Loud Texas Publishing and Sony Music Publishing announced the signing of Big Loud Texas artist Julianna Rankin. Alongside the announce, Rankin released her second song via Big Loud Texas “Little Miss Behavin'” produced by Big Loud Texas co-founders, Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall. “We're thrilled to welcome Julianna to the Big Loud Texas Publishing family,” shares...

TikTok and Apple Music have announced 'Play Full Song', a new music discovery experience which will make it easier than ever for fans to engage with the music that they discover on TikTok, launching exclusively through Apple Music. With the new 'Play Full Song' feature, Apple Music subscribers can now enjoy full-length tracks that they discover on TikTok, without ever leaving...

Yesterday, March 17, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum celebrated the opening of its newest exhibition American Currents: State of the Music. Presented annually, American Currents takes a broad view of the genre over the past year to explore musical developments, artist achievements and notable events, as determined by the museum’s curators and editorial staff. The exhibit runs...

Creativity, individuality, small batch and responsive, Clint Higham, John Esposito and Kris Lamb announce the formation of HEY NOW Records, a boutique label devoted to recognizing unique talent and identifying the best path of connecting artists with their fans. HEY NOW Records creates a space that recognizes each artist’s story uniquely and develops specific marketing plans that are designed around...

SiriusXM and Morgan Wallen announced today the launch of Morgan Wallen Radio, a new exclusive year-round country music channel debuting April 7th on SiriusXM's channel 64 and on the SiriusXM app. To celebrate the new channel, SiriusXM will host a special intimate live performance by Morgan Wallen at The Pinnacle in Nashville on April 2. Additionally, Morgan Wallen Radio will be available...

MCA, a division of Universal Music Group, has promoted Miranda McDonald and Jimmy Rector to Senior Vice President, Promotion & Regional Marketing. Both executives will report directly to Damon Moberly, Senior Vice President of Promotion & Touring. In their expanded roles, McDonald and Rector will continue leading national country radio strategy while overseeing regional marketing initiatives that connect artists with...

Ethan Garner has signed a label deal with RECORDS Nashville in partnership with RCA Records. Additionally, today, he announced his debut single, “Red Wine Stains,” is slated for release on March 20th. “I'm very thankful to RECORDS Nashville/RCA for believing in me and helping me chase my dreams of making memorable music that leaves a legacy," shares Garner. "We are...

Following last month’s reacquisition of Big Machine Records, Founder and Chairman Scott Borchetta announces a new management division of the newly launched Borchetta Entertainment Group — signing Carly Pearce. Mike Blong, formerly of Starstruck Entertainment, joins as manager. Borchetta Entertainment Group will operate as a full-service management division focused on artist development, touring strategy, brand partnerships and long-term career growth,...

Multi-Grammy® Award winner Jelly Roll has officially joined the Grand Ole Opry family and was inducted by his close friend and fellow Opry member Lainey Wilson. Also joining in Jelly Roll’s Opry induction celebration included his friend and mentor, Opry member Craig Morgan, as well as friends Leanne Morgan and ERNEST. Prior to his performance, he had a conversation with Opry host Kelly Sutton with media in attendance. He...

Jacob Hackworth has signed with The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking. The West Plains, Missouri native, who has become known for his rough-hewn honesty and raw storytelling, caught the attention of the industry with his releases, “When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t” and “Bad As I Do." “I couldn’t be happier to have The Neal Agency as part of my team. I’ve watched...

Originally from the UK, artist Bellah Mae has signed with Sony Music Nashville and released her brand-new track, “Love Me Less," which she co-wrote with Brigetta Truitt and Brett Truitt. "I couldn’t be happier to have joined the Sony Nashville family," shares Mae. "With the devoted ethos of the entire team there, I knew instantly they were the perfect home for me and my music. I’m...

Nashville’s top country touring expert, Brian O’Connell, received the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award tonight at a sold-out event at the Opry House. The evening supports the Grand Ole Opry Trust Fund. As President of Country Music Touring and Festivals at Live Nation, O’Connell is an avid fan. His passion for the artist, live performances, and fan experience remains deeply...