Danny Bess, Rachel Brown & Troy Scott

HEY NOW Records has added three new team members.

Danny Bess has joined as SVP Finance & Operations. Bess joins the label from his firm, DFB Consulting, where he advised several companies. He brings extensive music industry experience, having served as CFO of Warner Music Nashville for seven years and Vice President of Finance at Universal Music Group Nashville for 25 years. A graduate of Vanderbilt University with an MBA from Tulane University’s A.B. Freeman School of Business, Bess began his career at RCA Records/BMG.

Rachel Brown has joined as Manager of Operations. Brown brings experience in project management, marketing and merchandising. She previously worked at Aroluxe Marketing, where she led cross-functional campaigns for a range of clients. Brown earned her MBA from Pepperdine University and developed her expertise in the fashion industry, supporting product strategy and merchandising efforts for Kendra Scott. She will use her background in business strategy and brand development to help drive the label’s growth.

Troy Scott joins as Vice President of Commerce & Consumer Products. Scott brings more than 25 years of experience across record labels, radio and digital media. He began his career managing operations and marketing campaigns for BMG artists in the Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Boston markets before joining Universal Music Group in New York as Sales Account Director, where he led major brand partnerships for a range of artists. He later moved into radio as Sales Manager at Alpha Media in Richmond, Virginia, overseeing more than 300 local and national accounts. In 2014, Scott joined Universal Music Group Nashville as Director of Commercial Development and eventually advanced to Senior Director of E-Commerce & Retail. In that role, he led direct-to-consumer strategies and campaigns that drove significant growth in fan engagement for many of country music’s top artists including Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt, Reba, Luke Bryan and Little Big Town.

“As the label expands its reach, it’s critical to have systems in place to support the work being done by the various teams,” says President and Co-Founder Kris Lamb. “To be able to engage executive talent that includes Danny Bess and Rachel Brown on the business side, and Troy Scott for commerce and consumer products, we’re going to be able to move twice as fast, knowing our needs will be supported by a strong foundation.”

1916 Enterprises has acquired a new office and studio property at 648 West Iris Drive in Nashville as part of its continued expansion.

The entertainment company spanning artist management, publishing, records, technology, film & television and strategic investments is expanding following a period of significant growth for 1916’s music division, including the launch and rapid expansion of its management business, continued growth across its publishing operations, and an increasing presence in the country music space.

Recent successes include producer James Maddocks’ contributions to Morgan Wallen’s Platinum hit “Superman” and album I’m The Problem, alongside additional work with Post Malone, Marshmello and Thomas Rhett. Producer and songwriter Jack Riley has also continued his breakout run with contributions on projects from Cameron Whitcomb, Jenna Raine and Ike Dweck.

The company also recently expanded its publishing roster with the joint signing of Nashville-based producer David Kerchkoff with Grammy-winning songwriter Nija Charles’ Anomaly Music. 1916 also recently welcomed the addition of established Nashville-based producers Nick Bailey and Kevin Bard, an ASCAP award-winner and No. 1 country songwriter, to its management roster in partnership with longtime 1916 collaborators Ozone Entertainment. 

“Nashville is already such an important part of our business, and we’re excited to continue growing our footprint there,” says Jonathan Gordon, Founder and CEO of 1916 Enterprises. “We have a strong roster across management, publishing and label, incredible creative partners in the city and see so much opportunity to continue building in and around Nashville. This new office and studio gives us a place to collaborate, host creatives and continue investing in the city’s music community.”

The Buckeye Country Superfest returns to Columbus, Ohio this weekend on June 13 at Ohio Stadium.

Tyler Childers will headline the event with additional performances from The Red Clay Strays, Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, Flatland Cavalry and Kaitlin Butts.

The annual Tailgate Fanfest, also on June 13, will feature Noah Rinker, Willi Carlisle, Annie Bosko and William Matheny. Tailgate Fanfest is free to attend and takes place across from Ohio Stadium before the annual main event.

Buckeye Country Superfest is also hosting two previously announced Special Friday Night events on June 12. Sierra Ferrell kicks off the jam-packed weekend at The Bluestone with a sold-out show that also features special guest The Brudi Brothers, while singer-songwriter Evan Honer headlines the pre-party at Newport Music Hall with special guest Leon Majcen. 

The 2025 event drew fans from all 50 states, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Colombia, Germany, and France and generated over $20 million in economic impact to central Ohio.

Limited tickets are available here.

Pictured (L-R): Mary Lauren Teague (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Katherine Smith, Austin Taylor Smith,
Emily Peacock (Peacock Publishing) and Alyssa Johnson (Johnson Law PLLC). Photo: Ike Everard

Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Austin Taylor Smith has signed with Peacock Publishing.

Texas native and Belmont University graduate Smith began his career as a touring musician, performing with The Brummies and Devin Dawson. He played guitar, sang background vocals, and co-wrote four songs on Dawson’s debut album Dark Horse and The Pink Slip EP, including the 2x Platinum hit “All On Me.”

Since then, Smith has written songs recorded by a wide range of artists. His credits include Cody Johnson’s “People In The Back,” Warren Zeiders’ “West Texas Weather,” and songs released by Braxton Keith, Kat Luna, Kasey Tyndall, Kat & Alex, Brett Kissel, Julia Cole and Jordana Bryant.

“Austin and I first met as classmates at Belmont University so I have truly been a longtime fan of his! It’s such a wonderful, full-circle moment to be able to announce him as the first writer at Peacock Publishing,” Founder of Peacock Publishing Emily Peacock says. “I am thankful for his trust in me for this next chapter of his career. I truly believe the best is yet to come!”

“This deal feels like a natural fit,” adds Smith. “I’ve known Emily for a long time, and her reputation for championing great songs and great writers speaks for itself. Her excitement about my music was incredibly encouraging, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with someone I trust and respect as we begin this next chapter.”

Josie Hardin and Reagan Hughes

Provident Entertainment has elevated Josie Hardin and Reagan Hughes to director-level roles within the company.

Hardin has been promoted to Director, Digital Strategy. Hardin joined Provident Entertainment in 2024 as Associate Director of Digital Marketing, overseeing digital strategy and audience development for artists including Brandon Lake, Zach Williams, Leanna Crawford and more. She previously served as Digital Marketing Manager at Big Machine Label Group for three and a half years, leading campaigns for artists such as Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Midland, Rascal Flatts, and Jackson Dean. Hardin began her career at WME supporting booking and touring efforts.

“Since joining Provident, Josie has made a tremendous impact on our team and the artists she serves,” shares Todd Stepp, SVP, Provident Entertainment. “She has a great instinct for digital strategy and audience engagement, and she approaches every opportunity with creativity, excellence, and a desire to keep learning. What stands out most is her ability to turn ideas into results while building strong relationships along the way. This promotion is well earned, and I’m excited to see her continue to grow and lead in this new role.”

Hughes will serve as Director, Marketing. Hughes’ roster will include Seph Schlueter, KB, bodie, Aaron Cole, Charles Weems, Michael Gabriel Monroe, Molly Kate Kestner and The Band JAREN. She began her professional career at Capitol CMG supporting label priorities at DSPs including Spotify and Apple Music. In 2021, she moved into a Digital Marketing Manager role, managing strategy for more than 20 artists, including TobyMac, Crowder, Passion and Tye Tribbett. Hughes joined Provident Entertainment in February 2024 as Associate Director of Digital Marketing, managing digital strategy for Seph Schlueter, Ben Fuller, SEU Worship, CAIN and more.

“Reagan brings a unique combination of strategic thinking, marketing expertise, and genuine passion for both our artists and industry,” Stepp adds. “She has played a vital role in helping expand the reach of our roster and consistently looks for new ways to connect music with audiences. Her leadership, work ethic, and commitment to serving both our artists and our team have made a significant difference, and I couldn’t be more excited to see her step into this new role.”