Industry Ink: Kane Brown, Warner Music Group, MNJR, More

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Kane Brown Celebrates Major Milestones Ahead of CMT Awards

Pictured (L-R): Randy Goodman (Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville), Kane Brown, Katelyn Jae Brown and Ken Robold (EVP & COOEVP & COO of Sony Music Nashville). Photo: John Shearer/Getty Images for Kane Brown

Kane Brown played his first ever headlining date at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with a sold out show on Friday (March 31) before heading to Austin to co-host the 2023 CMT Awards on Sunday (April 2).

Brown debuted a new set list and production as part of his “Drunk or Dreaming Tour,” and brought his wife, Katelyn Brown, out to perform “Thank God.” Earlier in the evening, Kane and Katelyn were surprised with plaques to celebrate their newly Platinum-certified single, and Kane’s newly Gold-certified album, Different Man.

The returning host arrived to this year’s CMT Awards as a three-time nominee while his wife, Katelyn Brown, earned her first CMT nomination. Both took home the biggest award of the night, Video Of The Year, for “Thank God.” Together, they made history as the first married couple to win the award.

 

Warner Music Group Hosts HBCU Summit 

Warner Music Nashville, in collaboration with Warner Chappell and Warner Music Group’s Nashville Center of Excellence, hosted a one-day HBCU summit on Friday (March 31).

Students from Fisk University and Tennessee State University attended to learn about different career paths pertaining to Warner Music Group in Nashville at the WMN office alongside WMN staff.

 

The Mavericks’ Managers Launch MNJR

Pictured (L-R): Norman Jacob, Mike Reynolds

Managers Mike Reynolds and Norman Jacob have launched MNJR, a new full-service artist and label management group in Nashville. The firm opens with a roster including The Mavericks, Raul Malo, 49 Winchester and McKinley James.

Reynolds and Jacob first joined forces in 2019 for The Mavericks’ special 30th anniversary tour and then continued their work through the pandemic-era livestream performances. Their management helped secure the Americana Music Associations’ Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award, PBS appearances and a NPR Tiny Desk performance. The management team has also expanded the iconic band’s annual end-of-the-year Ryman Auditorium appearances, and tirelessly worked to continue growing the extensive domestic bookings and return to international routing of The Mavericks.

With their vision also focused on new artist development, the duo also signed alt-country’s rising new stars 49 Winchester, who recently released their album, Fortune Favors The Bold. Rudy Newman is also on the MNJR team as Operations Manager.

 

The Dryes Sign With Wasserman Music

Pictured (L-R): Michael Betterton, Derek Drye, Katelyn Drye, Mollie Jones, Nate Ritches

Acclaimed country duo The Dryes, comprised of Katelyn and Derek Drye, have signed with Wasserman Music for exclusive worldwide booking representation.

“We are very excited about working with the Wasserman Music team,” share The Dryes. “Their drive and culture feels like a great fit for us, and we’re excited to expand our footprint on the road. We’re honored to have Mike, Nate, Mollie and their entire team in our corner!”

Wasserman’s Mollie Jones shares, “We are honored to welcome The Dryes to Wasserman Music. We believe that the husband and wife duo has something special to offer the country music space and look forward to offering our resources in bringing their artistic vision to life.”

The Dryes will be hitting the road this year as direct support for Jo Dee Messina on her “Heads Carolina, Tails California Tour” and will be making their debut performance at CMA Fest on June 10 at The Hard Rock Stage.

 

Tejano Country Artist Veronique Medrano Signs to BMI

Pictured: Shannon Sanders (BMI’s Executive Director, Creative, Nashville) and Veronique Medrano

Veronique Medrano, celebrated Tejano country artist, songwriter, and performer, rounded out her week at Country Radio Seminar in Nashville last month with a formal signing to BMI.

”We were thrilled to have Veronique come by BMI’s Nashville office to officially sign and give us a preview of her music, which is a blend of Tejano and country,” says Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Executive Director, Creative, Nashville. “By blending these two genres, she’s introducing her unique sound to new audiences from Texas to Nashville and beyond while staying authentic to her heritage. We’re proud to welcome Veronique to the BMI family and look forward to watching this talented songwriter’s career develop.”

Medrano adds, “Walking through the hallways at BMI Nashville, I see all the incredible artists and couldn’t help but think, ‘Wow, I’m here!’ I am thankful to have a home alongside the family of creators and have people like Shannon and Clay Bradley in my corner. Thank you, BMI. I’m so excited to be here!”

Caela Griffin
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