Industry Ink: ACM, Song Suffragettes, Perkins Publicity, More
ACM’s Damon Whiteside Leads ‘Future Of Country’ Panel At Club CMO Fall Summit

Pictured (L-R): ACM CEO Damon Whiteside, Capitol Nashville’s Mickey Guyton, mtheory CEO Cameo Carlson. Photo: Courtesy of Brand Innovators and Lucy Brumberger
Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside hosted a panel about the future of country at the Club CMO Fall Summit at Conrad Nashville on Oct. 24, joined by mtheory CEO Cameo Carlson and Capitol Nashville’s Mickey Guyton. Club CMO is a community for senior marketing executives with a membership of more than 900 Chief Marketing Executives representing both B2B and B2C brands.
Whiteside highlighted the record-breaking success country has seen this year and brought out Carlson for a look at trends across the industry and impactful efforts to make the business more inclusive and diverse, including the ACM’s successful LEVel Up and OnRamp professional development programs. Guyton then took the stage for a live performance before joining the panel for a discussion about her experience in the industry, career highlights and what she’s looking forward to in the year ahead.
Song Suffragettes Perform At London’s Bush Hall

Pictured (L-R): Song Suffragettes’ Founder Todd Cassetty, performers Catherine McGrath, Brooke Eden, Harper Grace, Simeon Hammond Dallas, AEG Presents UK’s Rachel Lloyd. Photo: Phoebe Seston
All-female singer-songwriter collective Song Suffragettes celebrated their return to Britain’s Country Music Week with a show on Saturday night (Oct. 21) at London’s Bush Hall. The sold-out show included performances from BMG Nashville’s Brooke Eden and Curb Records’ Harper Grace along with respected U.K. artists Catherine McGrath and Simeon Hammond Dallas.
Produced by AEG Presents UK and presented by C2C (Country to Country), the Song Suffragettes show was their 15th performance in the U.K. to date.
Carissa Bauman Joins Perkins Publicity As Director
Carissa Bauman has joined Perkins Publicity as Director of Publicity. In this newly appointed role, Bauman will lead the strategic development of publicity campaigns, media relations and promotional opportunities for the firm’s clients. Proir to joining Perkins, Bauman spent the last 10 years in management working with artist Dylan Jakobsen.
“We are excited to welcome Carissa Bauman to our team as the new Publicity Director,” shares Trevor Perkins, CEO of Perkins Publicity. “Her impressive track record and passion for the industry align perfectly with our commitment to providing top-tier publicity services to our clients. With Carissa leading our publicity efforts, we are confident that we will continue to deliver exceptional results and expand our presence.”
Johnny Gates Extends Publishing Deal With Deluge Music
Singer-songwriter Johnny Gates has extended his exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Deluge Music. Gates signed his original deal with Deluge in May 2020, releasing his LP East Music Row in 2021.
He recently released his indie-rock EP Nervous Wreck under the alt-name Johnny Was Here. In addition to his writing and performing, Gates hosts a monthly residence at Soho House Nashville, where he provides live show opportunities for up-and-coming artists. His solo-penned song “Loretta Lynn” will be released this week by Average Joe’s artist Sam Grow.
Jake Bush Inks With Four17 For Management
Jake Bush has signed an exclusive management deal with Four17. The U.S. Army Veteran has seen six of his songs rise to number one on the Texas Radio Chart since 2020. The Pasadena, Texas native’s upcoming single “My Country,” featuring Glen Templeton and Jesse Raub Jr., will be released to all streaming platforms on Nov. 10.
In addition to his new management deal, he has released a new cover of the Keith Whitley song, “Kentucky Bluebird,” featuring Lorrie Morgan. An acoustic version will be released to all streaming platforms on Nov. 3.
“I have been following Jake and his music for quite some time now and am excited to add him to the Four17 roster,” says Four17’s Brandyn Steen.
Hunter Metts Signs Label Deal With Position Music

Pictured (L-R): J Scavo (GM, Recorded Music), Joe Brooks (Position Music), James Robinson (Manager, Shelter Music Group), Hunter Metts, Jackson Stubner, Manager, Shelter Music Group), Tyler Bacon (President & CEO), Mark Chipello (Partner, Head of A&R). Photo: Delia Bush
Hunter Metts has signed a label deal with Position Music. Metts has previously released tracks such as ”The River,” “Open” and “Paper Moon,” and will release his next single “Thread” in early December. He will be releasing more tracks eventually leading up to his first full-length LP in 2024.
“In Hunter, we have a true artist in every sense of the word; a writer, producer, and performer of the highest caliber. I’m honored to be able to play a part in the next chapter of his career. When I first heard Hunter’s voice, I was instantly captivated and put the work in motion to sign him as I knew he would be a great fit for Position Music,” says Position Music’s Joe Brooks.
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