Industry Ink: Niko Moon, Safe Tracks, Natalie Layne, More

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Niko Moon Enjoys Triple Platinum “Good Time”

Pictured: Staff from RCA Nashville/Sony Music Nashville and Make Wake Artists surprise Niko Moon with news his debut single “Good Time” earned triple Platinum status. Photo: Corey Miler

Niko Moon recently celebrated his first RIAA triple-Platinum certification for his No. 1 debut single, “Good Time.” Staff from RCA Nashville/Sony Music Nashville and Make Wake Artists presented Moon with the news ahead of his sold-out show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl (Feb. 9).

Moon’s “Ain’t No Better Place Tour” continues this weekend with shows in Missouri and Arkansas.

 

CMA Hosts Safe Tracks Launch Party

Photo: Courtesy of Safe Tracks

Safe Tracks, a sexual assault prevention bystander intervention training program designed specifically for the music industry, held its official launch party at CMA’s headquarters on Jan. 25. The goal of the event was to raise awareness about the bystander intervention training program and grow the Safe Tracks advocate community.

Originally, the Safe Tracks program was the creation of husband-wife duo Haley & Michaels and their two Belmont University interns with the goal of making Nashville the safest place to make music and chase dreams free from sexual harassment and violence. The program was officially adopted by the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) in 2022, and endorsed by the CMA with the support of one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, activist Tarana Burke.

To learn more about Safe Tracks, click here.

 

Natalie Layne Signs With Centricity Music

Layne also takes a celebratory photo with Centricity Music staff and manager Marcus Rixon

Natalie Layne has signed a worldwide recording and publishing contract with Centricity Music. Layne’s latest independent single, “Love Me Back to Life,” has gained millions of views on socials, where she has 2.8 million likes on her videos. The single follows her 2021 Castles EP and 2020 independent debut Be Human. She has opened for Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin and We the Kingdom, and shared stages at festivals with Steven Curtis Chapman, Mandisa and Crowder.

“I’ve been telling our team for a long time that Natalie was an absolute force of talent and one of the most gifted artists I’ve come across,” says John Mays, Centricity Music’s Senior Vice President, A&R. “At our recent indie artist retreat, we discovered that her level of talent is exceeded only by her heart for God and love for people. We’re fortunate to be able to partner with Natalie and are excited to play our role in getting her music to the world.”

 

Carter Vintage Guitars To Relocate To Paseo South Gulch

Paseo South Gulch

Nashville guitar store Carter Vintage Guitars has signed a lease for 13,000 square feet encompassing the entire second floor of the revitalized antiques building found within SomeraRoad’s mixed-use district, Paseo South Gulch.

“We’re excited to continue Carter Vintage in the neighborhood where it all began,” shares Ben Montague, CEO of The North American Guitar, which merged with Carter Vintage Guitars in 2022. “Combining the legacy that Walter and Christie Carter built at their legendary location on 8th Avenue with the historic Antiques building next door feels like the perfect match. We want to ensure Carter Vintage remains just as convenient of a stop on 8th Avenue as it always has been, and the additional showroom space will help us to better serve our customers across the globe and the local vintage guitar market that Music City is known and loved for.”

Walter Carter, co-founder of Carter Vintage Guitars, adds, “The historic Antique building has a great vintage vibe, plus the space to accommodate a growing business, which makes it the perfect future home for Carter Vintage Guitars.”

Christie and Walter Carter founded Carter Vintage Guitars in November 2012 with the vision of providing a comfortable place for fine fretted instruments and the people who appreciate them. When the company was founded, both had more than 25 years of experience in the guitar and music industry.

 

Carly Evans Joins Marathon Music Group

Marathon Music Group’s Carly Evans & Chuck Sweeney at the 2022 Texas Country Music Awards

Carly Evans has joined Marathon Music Group as a booking agent. A veteran radio personality and programmer, Evans has received award nominations from both the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association, in addition to capturing the award for Texas Regional Radio Personality of the Year six times. She also carved out a home behind the mic with her podcast, The Troubadour Podcast, which aired on stations in Kansas, Texas, Colorado, South Dakota and Virginia.

Marathon Music Group’s team was also among the nominees for the 2023 Texas Country Music Industry Awards. Owner and CEO Chuck Sweeney is nominated for Artist Manager of the Year and Evans earned a nomination for Texas Country Podcast of the Year for her work alongside Jared “Pete” Gile on The Troubadour Podcast.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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