Industry Ink: ASCAP, The Archives Nashville, Midland, Shawnee Kish, Jerry Salley
ASCAP Hosts Songwriters Round At Bluebird
Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Ryan O’Grady, JB Somers, ASCAP’s Emilia James, Smith Ahnquist, Trinity Lake, Jerry Jacobs and Anna Vaus.
ASCAP hosted a songwriters round on Wednesday (July 15) as part of their monthly showcase series dedicated to supporting emerging storytellers. ASCAP members JB Somers, Anna Vaus, Smith Ahnquist and Trinity Lake took the stage at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe for the monthly series show.
The Archives Nashville Raises Funds For CMA Foundation At 3rd Annual Artist Closet Sale
Pictured (L-R): Victoria Rutledge (CMA Foundation, Director, Development) Tiffany Gifford (The Archives Nashville, Founder/Owner and Celebrity Stylist), Lindsey Morrison (CMA Foundation, Senior Manager, Community Engagement), Alexandra Karalash (The Archives Nashville, Studio Director) and Michelle Kirk (CMA Foundation, Senior Director). Photo: Britney Buckwalter for CMA
The Archives Nashville digital archiving and storage company specializing in musicians’ wardrobes raised nearly $45,000 as the final fundraising total from its third annual Artist Closet Sale during this year’s CMA Fest. Fans enjoyed an exclusive opportunity to shop from their favorite artists’ closets, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the CMA Foundation’s mission to provide students with access to music education and equip educators with the resources to sustain programs.
The Artist Closet Sale enabled fans to purchase wardrobe items from artists including Ashley McBryde, Bailey Zimmerman, BunnieXO, Ella Langley, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Little Big Town, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Wetmore and more. Held at Fan Fair X in Nashville’s Music City Center, the activation featured a record number of 23 artist participants.
Midland Brings ‘Stages’ To Grammy Museum Crowd In Los Angeles
Midland at Grammy Museum on July 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Following the release of their new album, Stages, last month, Midland continued the celebration with a sold-out appearance at the Grammy Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace in Los Angeles. Moderated by Entertainment Tonight correspondent Cassie DiLaura, the event featured an in-depth conversation with Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy and Jess Carson on the making of Stages, their enduring commitment to traditional country music, and the singular sound that has helped place them at the forefront of country music’s current traditional revival.
The conversation was followed by a performance featuring their 6x Platinum No. 1 “Drinkin’ Problem,” alongside Stages highlights “Shooting Memories With Tequila,” “Walk A Mile,” “I Wish You Would,” “Marlboro Man” and “Vaquero.” This weekend Midland will appear on CBS Saturday Morning as part of the show’s Saturday Sessions series.
Shawnee Kish Signs Global Distribution Deal With ADA/Warner Music Canada
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Howard, Manager, Label & Product Management, ADA Canada, Shawnee Kish and Jen Kish
Four-time JUNO-nominated country artist Shawnee Kish has signed a global distribution deal with ADA/Warner Music Canada. The signing announcement coincides with today’s release of the anthemic “Ride At Dawn,” a bold rally cry for resilience, unity, and facing life’s storms head-on.
“Shawnee Kish is building on impressive momentum right now,” says Eric Wong, President of Warner Music Canada. “Her live performances and powerful songwriting have already earned her incredible independent success, and our team at ADA Canada is proud to work alongside her to amplify her voice worldwide.”
Veteran Songwriter And Bluegrass Artist Jerry Salley Signs With Tall Oaks Music
Veteran songwriter and bluegrass artist Jerry Salley has signed a publishing deal with Tall Oaks Music. Tall Oaks Music was launched earlier this year by Doyle Lawson and Donna Ulisse alongside Keith Barnecastle of Turnberry Records and The Bluegrass Standard. Salley operates as Creative/A&R Director for Billy Blue Records, the bluegrass label he founded in 2018 with Ed Leonard and Dottie Leonard Miller, produces records like Dolly Parton’s Dove Award-winning “In The Sweet By and By,” and wins countless awards, the latest a Grammy for co-writing “It Takes A Woman,” made popular by Chris Stapleton. This is all in addition to putting out his own solo projects, touring and performing, and teaching songwriting through the Little House Songwriting Workshops.
“I’ve known Jerry Salley for at least 30 years, and once when I was needing a vocalist, I tried to hire him, but wouldn’t you know, as a songwriter, he was very much in demand and travel was not in the picture for him at the time,” says Lawson. “So goes the passing of time, and I finally have him on board as a part of the Tall Oaks Music team. Keith, Donna, and I are extremely happy to have the talents of all of our writers.”
