Industry Ink: BMI, Marty Stuart, Molly Tuttle, Madeline Merlo, More

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BMI Kicks Off Acoustic Lounge 2026 Series At Bluebird Café For 2026 Series

Pictured (L-R, back row): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, BMI’s Claire Dodelin and BMI’s Clay Bradley. (L-R, front row): Thomas Edwards, KC Bruner, Eddie And The Getaway and Ricky Manning. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI

BMI kicked off its monthly series, BMI Acoustic Lounge, earlier this week (Jan. 20) at The Bluebird Café. Hosted by BMI’s Exec. Director of Creative, Nashville, Shannon Sanders, the showcase featured BMI/Electric Feel Entertainment songwriters KC Bruner, Eddie And The Getaway, Thomas Edwards and Ricky Manning.

“BMI Acoustic Lounge reinforces our commitment to creating meaningful spaces where our songwriters can be heard, and we are fortunate to pair the series with one of the most rooted venues in Nashville’s songwriting history,” Sanders said. “Erika Wollam Nichols and her team at the Bluebird have originated an intentional environment where our songwriters can authentically connect with an audience that is there to listen.”

The next BMI Acoustic Lounge show is scheduled for Feb. 24.

 

Marty Stuart’s Congress Of Country Music Dedicates Cynthia Lake Building

Artist Green Room. Photo: Courtesy of Congress of Country Music

Marty Stuart‘s Congress Of Country Music recently dedicated the Cynthia Lake Building, which will house administrative offices for Congress of Country Music staff and provides a green room for visiting artists.

“I’m so thankful to Cynthia for her vision and generosity,” shares Stuart. “This building is more than a space– it’s a home for artists, staff and for the heart of country music.”

 

Martin Guitar & Molly Tuttle Launch Two New Signature Models


Martin Guitar has partnered with Molly Tuttle to launch the D-18 Molly Tuttle and D-X2E Molly Tuttle. Unveiled at The 2026 NAMM Show, the models follow Martin’s recently refreshed Road Series and the launches of the Super D-18, Super HD-28, Martin O’ahu K-42 Hibiscus, and Custom Shop M Paisley Ember Burst.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing Martin guitars ever since I started playing the guitar,” Tuttle says. “To see my name on this Martin guitar and to have had a hand in designing it, it was just a huge moment for me.”

Both instruments will be available online and through authorized Martin dealers.

 

Madeline Merlo Earns Canadian Gold Certification

Pictured (L-R): Bryan Columbus, BMG’s VP, Recorded Music, Canada, Madeline Merlo, Lindsay Hyslop, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Director, Recorded Music, Canada.

Madeline Merlo has earned a Gold certification in Canada for her single “Broken Heart Thing” featuring Dustin Lynch. The track recently won the 2025 CCMA Award for Musical Collaboration of the Year.

BMG’s VP, Recorded Music, Canada, Bryan Columbus and BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s Director, Recorded Music, Canada Lindsay Hyslop recently surprised her in Nashville with the plaque.

 

Bayker Blankenship Earns RIAA Platinum Certification For ‘Maxed Out’

Pictured (L-R): Trevor Daniels (co-writer), Bayker Blankenship, Jackie Jones (RIAA).

Bayker Blankenship has earned his first RIAA Platinum Certification for his single “Maxed Out.” Released in 2024, the track was written by Blankenship and Trevor Daniels, and produced by Joe Costa.

“Thank you to RIAA for taking the time to come out to band practice and present the platinum plaque yesterday. Really means a lot to me and the whole team!” shares Blankenship.

 

Bri Bagwell Named Deep Ellum Brewing Company Brand Ambassador

Bri Bagwell.

Bri Bagwell has been named lead brand ambassador for Deep Ellum Brewing Company.

“Bri represents everything Deep Ellum Brewing stands for— creativity and Texas pride,” shares Kolby Cowart, Digital Marketing Manager at Deep Ellum Brewing Company. “She’s original, hardworking, and unafraid to stand out, which makes her an ideal partner for our brand.”

Lauryn Sink
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