DISClaimer Single Reviews: Billy Currington Wins Disc Of The Day With ‘Enchanting’ Tune

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Billy Currington

Music veterans keep pace with the youngsters today in DISClaimer.

Little Anthony, Michael Martin Murphey, Eddy Raven and Jackson Browne are all on tap, matching their still-vital voices with another generation of music makers. Of the solo tracks, Kashus Culpepper, Dylan Marlowe and Dasha are stand outs.

The Disc of the Day belongs to Billy Currington.

Brendan Walter takes home a DisCovery Award.

BRENDAN WALTER / “Back on Deseret”
Writers: Brendan Walter/Colton Venner; Producer: Grady Smith; Label: Sony
– This is a highly attractive country rocker with a nostalgic lyric recalling the street he grew up on. Walter sings with earnest charm, and the track is delightfully punchy.

HARDY / “Bottomland”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Jessie Jo Dillon/Michael Hardy/Smith Ahnquist/Zach Abend; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Big Loud
– The ballad is starkly produced with a cool, funeral-parlor organ and extended a cappella vocal passages. The hook about being buried in his native soil is repeated a few too many times.

DELTONA / “Heartbreak Fix”
Writers: Allison Veltz Cruz/Caleb Miller/Chris Deaton/Jason Massey/Ned Abernathy; Producer: Jason Massey; Label: Capitol/The Core Records
– This is a trio comprised of Chris Deaton, Caleb Miller and Ned Abernathy. They met at a writers’ round at The Bluebird, but don’t listen for anything acoustic on this single. The sound is pop-country, electronically processed and auto tuned within an inch of its life.

STEVE MARTIN, ALISON BROWN & JACKSON BROWNE / “Dear Time”
Writers: Steve Martin/Alison Brown; Producers: Alison Brown, Garry West; Label: Compass
– Browne sings lead with Martin and Brown’s banjos providing rippling accompaniment and elegantly tasteful solos on this gentle, folkie song of memories. The Dirt Band’s Jeff Hanna provides vocal harmonies.

DASHA / “Like It Like That”
Writers: Dasha/David Garcia/JKash/Gian Stone; Producers: avid Garcia, Gian Stone; Label: Warner
– This bops along like crazy with merry handclaps and beats dropping left and right. The sprightly tempo tune is all about s-e-x.

BILLY CURRINGTON / “One Thing I Ain’t Been”
Writers: Chase McDaniel, Johnny Clawson, Steve Moakler; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: MCA
– The groove is enchanting, a rolling ride on a calm sea of sound. Amid the swaying atmosphere is Currington’s softly yearning invitation to romance. Very listenable.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Coming Home Tomorrow”
Writers: Joe Fox/Dylan Marlowe/Johnny Clawson; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony
– He’s leaving the road behind to find heaven at home. The super energetic, country-rock production surrounds his delivery with fiery electric guitar work and furious drumming. Nice work.

SOUL CIRCUS COWBOYS & EDDY RAVEN / “I Got Mexico”
Writers: Frank J. Myers/Eddy Raven; Producer: Frank Myers; Label: SSC
– This is a breezy, rollicking update of the 1984 Raven hit. The veteran country star easily keeps up with the young country rockers, swapping hearty vocals and harmonies with lead singer Billy McKnight. Stay tuned with the uber cool guitar solo. Timeless. Recommended.

LITTLE ANTHONY & BROOKE MORIBER / “Hurts So Bad”
Writers: Bobby Hart/Teddy Randazzo/Bob Weinstein; Producer: Fred Mollin; Label: Reviver
– The track begins starkly with acoustic piano and Moriber’s lustrously aching soprano. The duet builds in intensity, much like the 1965 iconic pop original. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Little Anthony (Jerome Anthony Gourdine) still sounds amazing at age 85. Vocal powerhouse Brooke Moriber is a Broadway veteran (Les Miserables) who has become a country mainstay in New York City.

KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Believe”
Writers: Kashus Culpepper/Foy Vance; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud
– Steeped in soul and recorded in Muscle Shoals, this is a stately anthem that reaches for faith and inspiration. Love the ghostly angelic background voices. Gripping listening.

CODY JOHNSON & MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY / “Wildfire”
Writers: Larry Cansler/Michael Martin Murphey; Producers: Trent Willmon & Ryan Murphey; Label: MMM
– What’s not to love? A brilliant, classic song. A country superstar. A match made in music marketing heaven.

AMANDA SHIRES / “Piece of Mind”
Writer: Amanda Shires; Producer: Lawrence Rothman; Label: ATO
– The multi-instrumentalist troubadour treads the line between rock and Americana in this dramatic outing. A grinding electric guitar and a deep-groove rhythm section thunder behind her light-soprano vocal.

BREAKING: Taylor Wolf Promoted To Executive Director Of ACM Lifting Lives

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Taylor Wolf. Photo: Steve Mekler

The Academy of Country Music has promoted Taylor Wolf to Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives, the Academy’s philanthropic arm. In her new role, Wolf will continue to expand ACM Lifting Lives’ fundraising initiatives, deepen partnerships across the country music industry and beyond, and oversee a diverse portfolio of programs that provide support for music therapy, disaster relief and community outreach.

“Taylor has proven herself time and again to be an innovative, compassionate, and tireless advocate for using music as a force for good,” says Fletcher Foster, Chair of ACM Lifting Lives’ Board of Directors and President of F2 Entertainment Group. “The Board is thrilled to see her step into this well-deserved role. With leaders like Taylor, and with the generosity of artists and other changemakers in this community, ACM Lifting Lives is poised to make an even greater impact in the years ahead.”

“ACM Lifting Lives is built on the belief that music has the power to heal, unite, and transform lives, and it has been the honor of my career to help advance that mission,” says Wolf. “I am humbled by this opportunity and deeply grateful for the trust of the Board, the Academy, and our partners. Together, we will continue to grow our impact and ensure that Country Music’s spirit of generosity touches as many lives as possible.”

Wolf has risen through the ranks of ACM Lifting Lives since joining as Coordinator in 2019, filling the roles of Manager, Senior Manager, Director and now Executive Director in her six years at the organization.

The Brentwood, Tennessee native and Pepperdine University grad played a critical role in producing high-profile benefit events, stewarding multi-million-dollar fundraising efforts, and overseeing the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund, which provided vital relief to members of the country music community during the pandemic. She has also been a driving force behind the beloved ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp, as well as the organization’s charitable giving and grant-making.

BREAKING: Katie Studley Joins Spotify As Head Of Nashville Editorial

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Katie Studley

Spotify has hired Katie Studley as its new Head of Nashville Editorial.

Studley joins Spotify from her most recent role as Nashville VP at distribution leader The Orchard, where she led a team that delivered release campaigns for artists including Kelsea Ballerini, Max McNown and Russell Dickerson.

Prior to The Orchard, Studley spent 10 years at Jack White’s Third Man Records, serving as VP of Operations and Marketing Director. There, she built a record-breaking label team, spearheaded the diversification of Third Man’s business and oversaw major releases for Jack White, The Raconteurs, Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Margo Price, Coldplay, and others—earning three No. 1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200.

Studley began her career in artist development and marketing at Thirty Tigers, where she contributed to the rapid rise of artists like the Avett Brothers, Jason Isbell and more. She earned a degree in Musicology in 2005.

SOURCE Nashville Hall Of Fame Inducts Six More ‘Women Behind The Music’

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Lori Badgett, Pam Russell, Kay West, Gina Keltner and Mary Self; (L-R, bottom row): Co-Host Kelly Sutton, Cheryl Harris and Co-Host Mandy Barnett. Photo: Moments by Moser

SOURCE Nashville hosted its annual SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards last night at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum inside Nashville’s historic Municipal Auditorium, gathering industry insiders, songwriters, artists, producers, family and friends for the beloved event.

Six “women behind the music” were inducted into the prestigious hall: Lori Badgett, Cheryl Harris, Gina Keltner, Pam Russell, Mary Self and Kay West. They were honored throughout the sold-out evening, hosted by Grand Ole Opry star Mandy Barnett and radio/TV personality Kelly Sutton.

This year’s ceremony carried a reverent tone following the recent passing of longtime host and past inductee Jeannie Seely. Seely, along with co-host Brenda Lee—unable to attend this year—had long been a cornerstone of the event. Their warmth, humor and enduring friendship were remembered fondly, with Barnett and Sutton stepping in to lead the night with grace.

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is Nashville’s longest-running organization for women in the music industry, dedicated to fostering relationships, education, networking and community service. The SOURCE Awards, created by Kay Smith in 2003, honor the “women behind the music” who have shaped Nashville’s music business.

Each August, the event serves as a powerful reminder of the women whose work built and continues to sustain Music Row—and this year was no exception.

After welcoming remarks from SOURCE Awards chair Erica Rosa and dinner, SOURCE President Kari Barnhart introduced the hosts, who thanked sponsors and guests before beginning the presentations—starting with Cheryl Harris.

Harris, a fixture at Music Row business management firm O’Neil Hagaman, was celebrated by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The superstar couple praised her steadiness and kindness through pivotal career and personal moments. Harris spoke about her deep relationships in the business, and told stories about building O-Neil Hagaman with Kerry O’Neil and Al Hagaman.

“For someone who loves being behind the scenes, I’m overwhelmed standing here in front of you,” Harris said. “God has truly guided me through my entire life, bringing so many special people and unexpected opportunities my way.”

Next up was longtime publicist and journalist Kay West. West was honored with a video message from George Strait, who she worked with for a long time. He thanked her for her hard work, saying she had the tricky task of coming up with a lot of ways to say no to the media.

West reflected on her journey from a New York editor to Nashville publicist to writer once again. She shared humorous stories from her career but also spoke earnestly about mentorship from industry legends like Frances Preston.

“Frances, from our very first meeting, started putting me on committees and boards and things like that that really shaped my life. I emulated everything she did. I tried to be like her,” West said. “It is our privilege to pay that forward to other women. SOURCE has been doing that now since it was founded.”

Grand Ole Opry booker Gina Keltner followed, honored by a video from Opry executive Dan Rogers and the Opry staff decked out in Elvis costumes. Rogers spoke about her commitment to both the Opry and her family.

“One of my very first memories as a child was sitting in the back of my family car and watching my dad turn the radio dial. His ears perked up when music came through the speakers, and I can still hear him saying, ‘that’s the Grand Ole Opry coming all the way from Nashville, Tennessee,’” Keltner shared. “That little girl has been blessed to work at the Opry for 26 years.”

Pam Russell, a celebrated sales executive, received a video tribute from Reba McEntire, who congratulated her and the other honorees. Russell recalled years of working with artists and buyers, from backstage at George Strait shows to industry gatherings at Reba’s home during Fan Fair.

“My job over the years took me to a lot of places. Amarillo, Texas, Bentonville, Arkansas and Minneapolis—in the dead of winter,” Russell said. “Countless concerts and endless in-stores. It gave me moments I will never forget.”

ASCAP’s Mary Self was honored next, with ASCAP President Paul Williams praising her decades of dedication to songwriters and her generosity of spirit. Self will mark 40 years with the PRO in January.

“I’ve been fortunate to work at ASCAP for four decades. I’ve worked in three different buildings and have had five bosses, all of which I’ve learned something from,” Self said. “An essential part of my journey have been the friendships I’ve made along the way. I’ve worked with some incredible people who have become much more than co-workers.”

The evening concluded with City National Bank’s Lori Badgett, honored by country legend Gene Watson, who has known her since childhood through her late father, Ed Stone.

Badgett reflected on her path in entertainment banking and expressed gratitude to her partner Diane Pearson, the CNB team and her family.

“There’s so much love and history in this room. I hope you feel the love and support from City National Bank. We want to take good care of you,” she said. “Thank you for my SOURCE Award. I’m so honored.”

MTSU Renames Media College In Honor Of Scott Borchetta

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Scott Borchetta. Photo: John Shearer

Middle Tennessee State University has renamed its world-renowned College of Media and Entertainment in honor of Founder, Chairman & CEO of Big Machine Label Group, Scott Borchetta.

Effective today (Aug. 26), the college is now called the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.

“I am humbled and profoundly grateful to have MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment bear my name,” Borchetta shared with Billboard. “The opportunity that this school affords to its students didn’t exist for me through college education in the 1980s, so it is an honor to now be part of building those bridges for young minds. My goal is to inspire others and give back, betting on the creativity of students who dedicate themselves to the entertainment field. The Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment represents the next generation of innovators and creators, whose bold ideas will transform the media landscape.”

The news was shared this morning in the atrium of the Bragg Media and Entertainment Building at MTSU, with Scott and wife Sandi, executives from Big Machine Label Group and the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix, members of Nashville’s music community, students, faculty, staff and supporters in attendance.

“We are here to publicly recognize what happens when one’s vision and passion combine with dedication and hard work,” shared MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee. “As one of Music City’s leading entrepreneurs and visionaries, Scott Borchetta has earned the reputation as one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and forward-thinking leaders.”

“I can’t overestimate how important this is to the life and history of the college,” said Media and Entertainment Dean Beverly Keel, a former record label executive herself. “This propels us to international acclaim because Scott’s name is recognized and respected around the world. By partnering with Scott, we are exposing our students to cutting-edge ideas and perspectives.

“Because of Scott’s contributions, we have been able to make the upgrades you see in this building, create new student scholarship, and take students to the GRAMMYs, an esports conference and Bonnaroo,” Keel added. ““Scott has made it possible for the College to hire a strategic communications specialist and sponsor the Southern Oasis Film Festival for students and our MT Imagine showcase for digital animation students. And these are just a few of the wonderful student and college opportunities that Scott has made possible”

Zach Top Graces Cover Of 2025 MusicRow Awards Issue

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MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2025 MusicRow Awards print issue, with Leo33 breakout star Zach Top gracing its cover.

Hailed as “the future of country music” (Billboard), Zach Top will release his highly-anticipated new album, Ain’t In It For My Health, on August 29 (Leo33). The project features Top’s acclaimed new single, “Good Times & Tan Lines,” which the Los Angeles Times recently selected as one of the “Best Songs of 2025 so far” calling it, “as crisp as country music gets.”

The release adds to an already breakout year for Top, who recently earned his first No. 1 at country radio with “I Never Lie” and was named New Male Artist of the Year at the 2025 ACM Awards. These accomplishments follow the release of Top’s breakthrough 2024 debut album, Cold Beer & Country Music, which garnered over 3.5 million streams in just its first week and landed on several “Best of” lists, including Rolling Stone, Billboard and The New York Times, who praised, “the music is airtight and fluent—a demonstration of vivid coloring within hard lines.”

The MusicRow Awards print issue highlights the 2025 MusicRow Awards nominees in a range of categories, including Producer of the Year, Studio of the Year, Label Group of the Year, Talent Agency of the Year, Publishing Company of the Year, Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year, Male Songwriter of the Year, Female Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year, Discovery Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Group/Duo Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year.

“What makes the MusicRow Awards special is that they are chosen by the very people who live and breathe this industry every day: our subscribers. These awards reflect the insight and respect of Nashville’s music decision-makers—an authentic peer-to-peer recognition of excellence over the past year,” shares MusicRow Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson. “It’s our privilege to shine this well-deserved spotlight on all of these outstanding talents.”

The winners of the 37th annual MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among all MusicRow platforms on Wednesday, Sept. 3. Presenting Sponsor of the 2025 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank. This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Award winners, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart during the eligibility period.

The 2025 MusicRow Awards print issue also looks into the new country category at the Grammy Awards, as well as the success and ethos of The Core Entertainment, helmed by Kevin “Chief” Zaruk and Simon Tikhman. The issue also contains an informative roundup of all the awards applicable to the Nashville music industry.

Single copies of the 2025 MusicRow Awards print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $25, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

Photo: Citizen Kane Wayne

Jelly Roll Jumps Into Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jelly Roll. Photo: Jacob Distasio

Jelly Roll has moved into the top 20 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His collaborations with Shaboozey (“Amen”), Brandon Lake (“Hard Fought Hallelujah”) and Marshmello (“Holy Water”), as well as his solo “Heart Of Stone” all push the singer-songwriter to No. 17 this week.

Charlie Handsome remains in the No. 1 spot for the 13th consecutive week with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Hell At Night,” “Holy Water,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN” and “What I Want.” Blake Pendergrass moves into the No. 2 spot with “20 Cigarettes,” “Brunette,” “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “Heart Of Stone,” “I Got Better,” “Just In Case,” “Miami,” “Superman” and “Wish You Well.”

Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Chase McGill (No. 4) and John Byron (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with major moves, milestone achievements and exciting developments across Nashville’s music industry. From executive appointments to artist accolades, here’s a closer look at what’s making headlines. Click here to see the full edition.

Stephanie Wright is returning to familiar territory, rejoining MCA Nashville as EVP/Head of A&R. In this role, Wright will not only lead the A&R team in talent scouting, but also steer the label’s broader creative direction and artist development strategies.

Over at Big Loud Records, several key personnel changes signal a strategic growth phase for the label’s marketing division. Effective immediately, the company has promoted Brianne Deslippe to SVP of Marketing, Amy Beard to VP of Marketing, and Morgan Sweat to VP of Creative Services. Joining Big Loud’s team are newly appointed department heads Corey Brewer (VP of Media & PR), Jen Danielson (VP of Streaming) and Alex Henderson (VP of Global Marketing).

In the digital music space, Amazon Music has announced pivotal promotions within its country division. Michelle Tigard Kammerer has been elevated to Global Head of Country Music, while Emily Cohen Belote steps into the role of Global Lead for Country Music Programming.

Leadership Music has named its new executive team for the 2025-26 term. Neal Spielberg of Spielberg Entertainment has been elected President of the Board, with Diane Pearson of City National Bank set to serve as President-Elect. Other officers include Past President Scott Gerow, Treasurer Steve Eggart, and Secretary Brad Bissell. The Executive Committee also welcomes Catherine Moore, Andrew Kautz, Manuel Delgado, Jackie Patillo, and Rondal Richardson. In addition, six new board members have been appointed.

Country superstar Jason Aldean has been honored by SoundExchange with the prestigious Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his place among the most-streamed artists in the platform’s history. The award coincides with Aldean’s 30th career No. 1 single.

In publishing news, chart-topping songwriter Jimi Bell has renewed his deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Worktape Music, solidifying a continued partnership. Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter Michael White has inked a new publishing agreement with Major Bob Music.

On the booking side, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Matthew West has joined The Neal Agency for representation.

Warner Music Nashville is undergoing a strategic restructuring of its radio department. The new framework introduces two specialized teams—Team WMN and Team WAR—supported by a centralized radio executive group. Among the leadership updates, Andy Flick has been promoted to Senior Director, Syndication and Market Strategy, while Paige Elliott has been named National Director of Radio for Team WMN.

Emerging artist Atlus has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Finally, RED Creative Group has welcomed Kaileen Smith as its new Director of A&R.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Big Loud’s Sara Knabe.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Scotty McCreery and Hootie & the Blowfish maintain the No. 1 spot with “Bottle Rockets.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

BigXthaPlug Embraced By Country Community On Bold New Project [Interview]

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BigXthaPlug. Photo: Daniel Prakopcyk

When Texas rapper BigXthaPlug released his breakout single “Texas,” he didn’t expect it to shift the trajectory of his career. What began as a playful nod to stereotypes about his home state quickly opened unexpected doors — including a new creative chapter rooted in country storytelling.

Jelly Roll and BigX

“I didn’t even want to do the ‘Texas’ song,” he admits with a laugh. “I thought it was cliche and kind of corny. But when it blew up, it opened up those doors for me — doors I didn’t even realize were there.”

Today, BigX released I Hope You’re Happy, a country project that blends his unmistakable voice and storytelling with the spirit of the genre. While he isn’t pivoting into country for good, he’s clear this body of work came from a genuine place. “I’m an artist. I might go pop after this — you never know. But I want to be the best artist I can possibly be. And to do that, you’ve gotta conquer different levels.”

Long before BigX committed to making a country project, the community welcomed him. Heavy-hitters like Luke Combs and Jelly Roll showed support early, and collaborations with Shaboozey, Jessie Murph, Teddy Swims and others became a natural extension of that embrace. He remembers meeting Combs after a sold-out Houston show: “He just told me, ‘Man, I really like what you’ve got going. We should do something.’ Then he called me his favorite rapper. That right there was like — whoa.”

BigX also laughs about their unlikely bonding point: watches. “He’s the reason I bought plain watches. His collection inspired me,” he says, still surprised at the connection. That kind of camaraderie became the throughline of the project.

BigX and Ella Langley

Once word spread that he was making a full body of country-inspired work, demos started rolling in. “Everybody already knew I had the Jelly Rolls, the Combs, the Shaboozeys. But people wanted to be a part of it. The ones I chose were the ones I really felt at the time. You could tell they were going through something too.”

For BigX, I Hope You’re Happy was never about trend-chasing. It was about honesty. Early in the process, a friend told him country music was “just heartbreak and whiskey.” At first, he didn’t get it — but then life caught up. “The heartbreak happened in the middle of me making the project. That’s when I understood. And it helped me finish it.”

The album carries that weight, balancing moments of pain with loyalty, pride and resilience. Tracks like “All the Way” (with Bailey Zimmerman), “Pray Hard” (with Combs) and “Home” (with Shaboozey) highlight his ability to fold country’s storytelling tradition into his own voice without losing what makes him distinct. And while his hip-hop fans might have raised an eyebrow at first, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. “They’re supporting it 100%,” he says of his fans. “Because I’m not changing what I do. The inspiration might be different, but my voice and my storytelling are still there.”

YouTube video

BigX is careful not to frame this as a permanent reinvention. Instead, he sees I Hope You’re Happy as a creative chapter — a chance to expand his artistry without boxing himself into a new genre label. “Fans shouldn’t expect a ‘country era,’” he says. “Just more music that’s true to whatever story I’m living next.”

For now, the story is one of bridges — not just the iconic Dallas Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge that inspired the “Home” video, but also the bridge between two genres and two communities. In country, BigX found not only collaborators but also acceptance.

“Way more than I thought I would,” he says when asked if he’s felt embraced. “Way more.”

MCA & Jessie Jo Dillon Launch Gatsby Records

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Pictured (L-R): MCA’s Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb, Gatsby Records’ Founder & President Jessie Jo Dillon, MCA’s President & CEO Mike Harris. Photo: Libby Danforth

MCA and lauded songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon have partnered to launch Gatsby Records, a new imprint under MCA. Rising country artist Carter Faith is the imprint’s first signed act, with her debut album Cherry Valley set to be the first release on the imprint on Oct. 3.

“Like Fitzgerald’s Jay Gatsby, I believe in the ‘green light’ – the unwavering hope of a dream coming true. This imprint is a home for artists who aren’t afraid to be themselves, sound different and transform. If it’s raw, if it’s beautiful and if it even scares you a little, then it belongs at Gatsby Records,” shares Jessie Jo Dillon, Founder & President of Gatsby Records. “Carter Faith isn’t just a rising voice in country music – she is a unique storyteller who blends vulnerability with edge. We share a strong creative synergy and vision and I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside her to bring the world of Cherry Valley to life. I’m so excited for this new venture and deeply grateful to Dave Cobb, Mike Harris and MCA for collaborating with me to bring my lifelong aspiration of Gatsby Records to fruition.”

“Cherry Valley is an album that is deeply personal to me and I’m so grateful to be working with Jessie Jo Dillon and MCA to launch this music on Gatsby Records,” says Faith. “Jessie Jo is building this label with heart and with soul – she has a true passion and talent for making sure artists get heard. I’m proud to be working with her and so honored to be the first artist on Gatsby Records.”

Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA, comments, “At MCA, we pride ourselves on not just signing artists but truly building long-lasting, meaningful careers. The creation of Gatsby Records is an extension of that vision. We’re honored to work with an incredible talent like Jessie Jo Dillon, who is not only one of the premiere songwriters in country music but also a visionary who will push the creative talents of the artists she works with. We’re equally thrilled to have Carter Faith as the first artist to join the imprint – she is truly an immensely talented artist who has an amazing future.”

MCA Chief Creative Officer Dave Cobb adds, “I’m beyond excited for the launch and the future of Gatsby Records!!! Working with Jessie Jo has been an absolute dream, she has the incredible ability to get right down to the heart of a song and really dig deep to protect the artist and their vision.”