Briana Calhoun Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Kix Brooks

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston, David Hawkins and Cam Caldwell; (L-R, front row): Briana Calhoun and Kix Brooks. Photo: Amy Allmand

Briana Calhoun has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Kix Brooks.

“I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity to do what I love for a living,” says Calhoun. “I had all but given up on my dream of becoming a songwriter, and shifted my focus to growing Hope on the Inside. But, with that came an outpouring of love and support from the Nashville community, and I think people began to notice. I’m living proof that walking in-purpose can lead to your dream. I’m so grateful to everyone who has joined me on this journey and I am especially grateful to Kix [Brooks] for believing in me and pushing me to use my gifts for good, and for Rusty [Gaston] for giving me this opportunity and encouraging me along the way.”

Calhoun has already began making a mark on the Music City songwriting scene with her unique and authentic sound. The singer-songwriter has collaborated and shared stages with Don Cook, Terri Clark, David Lee Murphy, Randy Houser, Dallas Davidson, Steve Wariner, Bob DiPiero, Tim Nichols, Rafe Van Hoy, Marv Green, Brett Tyler, Greg Barnhill and more.

Outside of songwriting, Calhoun also serves as the Executive Director and Founder of Hope on the Inside (HOTI), with Brooks serving as Partner and President. Founded in 2023, HOTI is a nonprofit dedicated to providing tools and skills to those formerly incarcerated.

A former inmate herself, Calhoun has used the foundation and songwriting to show her story of inner strength and hope. She will release two new singles in August, “Hope on the Inside,” co-penned with DiPiero and Van Hoy, as well as “Bustin’ Out,” co-written alongside Brooks and Chancie Neal. She also has plans to release an acoustic album later in the year.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Briana on this collaboration with Sony,” shares Brooks. “I’ve been writing songs there for almost my entire career, and I’m confident it’s going to be a great home for her, too. She’s not just writing really good and unique songs, she’s also changing lives with the work she’s doing to help inmates through her nonprofit. I’m proud to be associated with her, and I have no doubt she’s got a great future with the music she’s got coming. Congratulations Briana!”

“We couldn’t be more excited to join forces with Kix to support Briana’s journey,” adds Gaston. “She’s making an incredible impact as both a songwriter and as a champion for her community, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.”

Madison Hahnen
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