Pictured (L-R, back row): Brad Kennard, Rusty Gaston, Kent Earls, Mason Hunter, Sam Shelton, Steve Hodges, Kos Weaver; (L-R, front row): Gabe Foust, Kane Brown, Jaxson Free, Ron Cox, Kele Currier Photo: Larry McCormack

Kane Brown and his team gathered Tuesday (June 4) to celebrate his latest chart-topper, “I Can Feel It.” The track, sampling Phil Collins’ classic song, “In The Air Tonight,” marks Brown’s 11th No. 1 hit.

Excitement and pride filled the air in the BMI lobby on Tuesday afternoon as friends, family and industry members gathered to celebrate another impressive track. The event’s emcee, BMI’s Mason Hunter, kicked things off by inviting Brown and co-writers Jaxson Free and Gabe Foust to the stage.

Hunter shared a few words about BMI affiliates Brown and Free. He spoke about the first time he saw Brown perform back in 2015, and highlighted the multi-Platinum artist’s exponential growth to becoming an Entertainer of the Year nominee. He also acknowledged Free’s impressive second No. 1, his first being Brown’s “Thank God.”

Hunter then gave way to ASCAP’s Kele Currier to speak about Foust.

“Gabe is a musician, songwriter and producer from Terra Hope, Indiana. His songwriting contribution to Kane Brown’s ‘I Can Feel It,’ resulted in his first No. 1 and we are so excited about that,” said Currier. “In 2018, with the support of his parents and encouragement from a co-writer friend, Gabe embarked on a journey to Nashville to chase his dream. His ability to adapt and thrive is a testament to his talent, resilience and determination.”

Next up, to speak on behalf of the rock icon Collins, Brad Kennard stepped to the mic. “A couple of years ago, Concord was blessed with the opportunity to acquire the incredible and legendary catalog of Phil Collins and Genesis,” explained Kennard, adding that a year and a half after the acquisition, he got a phone call about “I Can Feel It.”

“I was absolutely blown away by what you guys did with this—you really honored the song,” Kennard added. “I want to point out that ‘In The Air Tonight’ came out in 1981, nearly 43 years ago, and Phil Collins has never had a country No. 1 until you guys made it happen. Creating a first for Collins is pretty incredible from my point of view.”

Goat Island Bay Music’s Sam Shelton took the stage next to say a few words about Free. “I live by the motto ‘iron sharpens iron’ and it’s about who you surround yourself with. Jaxson’s work ethic is amazing, and it makes me a better publisher. To see what he does is really inspirational.”

Other industry members present to speak about the song and its writers were Verse 2 Music’s Kent Earls, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox and Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges.

Finally, it was time for the writers to share their thoughts. Free was the first to take the mic, reflecting on his experiences with Brown, Foust and, jokingly, Collins. “It was amazing how it all came together. Phil came in that day with the idea and,” but was interrupted by a wave of laughter from the audience. Free continued, “I am truly excited for what the future holds. Thank you to everyone.”

Foust took the opportunity to thank his team, co-writers, family and friends. “I want to thank my parents for driving all the way from Indiana to be here. I know when I was younger I gave you guys more hell than you probably could take, and I appreciate you more than I can say. Lastly, I always said that when I got my first No. 1 that I would dedicate it to my brother, Isaac, and I think if he was here today, he would think this was pretty cool.”

Brown closed things out by thanking everyone who supports him and sharing how rewarding it is to be a part of his friends’ special moments.

“I love the fact that I got to be Jaxson’s first No. 1, and now I get to be Gabe’s first No. 1,” Brown said. “That’s what I like—being a part of peoples’ firsts because I remember the feeling of having my first. It’s exciting to get to relive that moment with these guys.”

Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Big Loud’s Austen Adams, Warner Chappell Music’s Christina Wiltshire, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Tape Room Music’s Blain Rhodes, Relative Music Group’s Jesse Matkosky, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, BMI’s Leslie Roberts; (L-R, front row): Renee Blair, Jordan Schmidt, Lainey Wilson, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Joey Moi. Photo: Larry McCormack

Hardy brought his trusted collaborators and industry members to the BMI rooftop Monday afternoon (June 3) to celebrate the genre-bending artist’s most recent hits “Wait In The Truck” and “Truck Bed.”

The celebration began with the multi-award winning “Wait In The Truck,” written by Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt and Renee Blair. The track also features powerhouse vocals from Lainey Wilson, and was produced by Hardy, Schmidt, Derek Wells and Joey Moi. 

Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Loud’s Austen Adams, Warner Chappell Music’s Christina Wiltshire, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Tape Room Music’s Blain Rhodes, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Relative Music Group’s Jesse Matkosky; (L-R, front row): Hunter Phelps, Ashley Gorley,  Michael Hardy, Ben Johnson, Joey Moi; Photo: Larry McCormack

BMI’s Leslie Roberts kicked off the celebration, praising the song’s storytelling and ACM and CMA award wins. She then handed it off to her BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, who took time to commend Blair for her first No. 1 song. Keen highlighted Blair’s “tenacity, emotional honesty, boldness and endurance,” and the crowd nodded in agreement. She also presented her with a custom Taylor guitar to commemorate the special moment, as per BMI tradition.

Next to take the mic was ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, who congratulated writers Phelps and Schmidt, along with the whole crew. “This song was storytelling at its best. It pulls you in and makes you think,” Hobson said. 

After also hearing from Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Round Hill Music’s Lindsay Will and Warner Chappell Music’s Christina Wiltshire, it was time to hear from Hardy, Wilson, the writers and producers. Phelps was up first. He gave a shout out to the “dream team” of collaborators, and thanked Big Loud and BBR for their support on the song. 

Schmidt then recalled when Hardy and Phelps brought up the idea for “Wait In The Truck.”

“They had the title. When they said it to me, I was [intrigued]. The more we talked it out, the more I realized this was a big song,” Schmidt said. “Truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for bringing me in on that.”

He then turned the attention to their co-writer and his wife Blair, giving her credit for adding the layer to the song that pushed it to the top. Blair sang the female vocal on the demo of “Wait In The Truck” and added the hair-raising “Have mercy, have mercy, have mercy” part.

Blair then gave a heartfelt, emotional speech to celebrate her first No. 1 hit. She spoke about her journey in Nashville, adding her part to the song and Hardy’s generosity for her giving her writing credits although she didn’t ask for them. 

Wilson then wrapped up the “Wait In The Truck” celebration by sharing how she felt when she first heard the song.

“When I heard it, it took me back to why I fell in love with country music to begin with. It reminded me of songs from the ’90s like ‘Whiskey Lullaby,’ ‘Thunder Rolls’ and ‘Goodbye Earl.’ Those songs that really tell a story,” she said. “[Domestic violence] is something that a lot of people don’t want to talk about, it’s hidden behind closed doors. But I made a promise to myself a long time ago that I would only be a part of songs that I felt like made a difference.”

Next, it was time to celebrate “Truck Bed,” written by Hardy, Phelps, Ashley Gorley and Ben Johnson and produced by Hardy, Johnson, Moi and Wells. BMI’s Roberts first took to the mic to praise the song’s cleverness and production, before handing it over to ASCAP’s Hobson who gave a nod to Gorley and Phelps for their recent Triple Play Award wins, which included this track.

Relative’s Matkosky then returned to the stage to speak about Hardy’s knack for bending genres. “From the very beginning, he’s broken boundaries. When I heard ‘Wait In The Truck,’ I felt the same way Lainey did. Now, with ‘Jim Bob,’ ‘Psycho’ and his new rock stuff, he’s breaking boundaries and he’s doing it in a non-deliberate way. He’s doing what he wants to do, what he hears and what he feels.” 

Tape Room’s Blaine Rhodes and Warner Chappell’s Wiltshire each said a few words before Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston took the mic to speak about Gorley.

Gaston joked about how this is “all new to Gorley,” nodding to his unprecedented 75 No. 1 songs, which he has already exceeded. “Ashley studies people. He gets to know people, he asks questions and he’s interested about what’s going on [in his co-writers’ lives],” Gaston shared, noting that although Gorley can’t personally relate to everything he writes, his songs connect because of his true interest in people.

Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart was then invited up to the stage for a special presentation, where she announced that the bank would be donating to Second Harvest Food Bank to celebrate the achievement. 

Big Loud’s Candice Watkins then closed out the speeches from industry members before handing the mic over to the “Truck Bed” group. Moi and Wells each said a few words about producing the song, both recalling the magic they felt when they first heard the demo. 

When Phelps took the mic, he echoed the sentiments about Hardy’s unique artistry. “It’s amazing when you feel like you’re breaking rules, and then you decide to go with that for the single—it’s a unique thing. I’m very proud of that.”

It was time for some nostalgia as Johnson recalled the first time he met Hardy and Phelps seven years ago at an ASCAP showcase held at The Basement. The group started writing together shortly after. Johnson also had an extra reason to celebrate as this was his first No. 1 as a producer. Gorley shared a few words about his time writing on the song, and expressed his gratitude about getting to write with the group.

To wrap up the lunch-time party, it was time for the man of the hour to speak about both tracks.

“I’ve probably written 50 songs with the word ‘truck’ in the title and the two that went No. 1 couldn’t be further apart from each other,” Hardy said, drawing a laugh from the crowd. 

He hammered home the point of how important collaboration was with both songs. “Whether it’s ‘Wait In The Truck’ or ‘Truck Bed,’ everybody that has sat in one of these chairs today made the song better. There’s times when people can get in the way or hold back creative freedoms in the room, and I can truly tell you between producers and songwriters, every person here—whether it was somebody’s idea or Renee throwing in the best part of ‘Wait In The Truck’—made both songs better. That is so important.”

Pictured (L-R, front row): UMG Nashville’s Rob Femia and Cindy Mabe, Carter Faith and Range Music’s Cameron Lutz; (L-R, middle row): UMG Nashville’s Hannah Wilson, Range Music’s Jack Minihan and UMG Nashville’s Chelsea Blythe; (L-R, back row): UMG Nashville’s Lori Christian, Range Music’s Ash Wolk, Pound It Out Loud’s Margaret Valentine, Range Music’s Shawn McSpadden and UMG Nashville’s Mike Harris. Photo: Lily Nelson

Rising star Carter Faith has signed with Universal Music Group Nashville, marking her first major label record deal.

Faith has independently amassed over 110 million global streams, recently turning heads with releases “Late Bloomer,” “Strong Stuff” and “’Til I Can Make It On My Own,” a duet with UMG artist Sam Williams. The North Carolina native is currently working on new music that is expected to release later this year.

“Carter is not only a masterful storyteller, but her vocals are distinctive, delicate, feminine, and powerful. There’s such a clear fingerprint and country tone in her voice,” says UMGN Chair & CEO, Cindy Mabe. “Carter’s music can transport you through past decades of country music while it paints a picture of a strong woman who knows who she is. I’m so excited that Carter is joining the UMGN roster and the next era of country music.”

“It is a dream come true to sign my first record deal with UMG Nashville,” shares Faith. “Country music is a part of who I am, and I am grateful that my team at Universal is passionate about my writing and artistry. Cindy Mabe and everyone at UMG has made me feel seen and respected and I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.”

Faith will play at CMA Fest at the UMG Nashville Takeover at Skydeck in Nashville. She will also serve as support for Jon Pardi in Des Moines, as well as appear at Kickoff Jam in Panama City Beach and GoldenSky Festival in Sacramento.

Leigh Holt & Kelli Haywood

Industry veterans Kelli Haywood and Leigh Holt have united to launch Hsquared Management.

Having met originally as executives at Warner Music Nashville, Haywood and Holt have developed a strong bond as female entrepreneurs over the years. Together, they bring more than 25 years of industry experience to their new Nashville-based company.

With a focus on transcending genres, the two have combined the clients from their respective businesses, KCH Entertainment and maddjett, to create a diverse roster consisting of Lauren Daigle, Megan Danielle, Annie F. Downs, Lizzie Morgan, Demi Tebow, David Thomas and Sissy Goff and Carlos Whittaker as well as their latest signee, Capitol Christian Music Group singer-songwriter Riley Clemmons.

“We’ve leaned on each other a lot over the years, so this partnership was a very natural, easy step to take,” shares Haywood. “Neither of us needed to change what we were doing, but it became apparent that we’re even better working together, and that our combined experience and talents would be beneficial to all of our clients.”

“I am excited to launch Hsquared with Kelli because it signifies two strong teams coming together to provide amazing service to our artists and authors,” echoes Holt. “The symbolism of H2 [Hsquared] for hydrogen was meaningful to us because hydrogen is the main ingredient in rocket fuel, which is how we power our artists careers and growth paths. And the number two signifies two strong leaders joining forces, to build a formidable management company that can service the full breadth of the needs our clients have–from brand development, product launches, marketing strategies, touring, record and book deals, merchandise, podcasts, digital and more–we are situated to build for the future.”

During her time at Warner Music Nashville, Haywood worked with artists such as Blake Shelton, Big & Rich, Faith Hill, The Wreckers, Gloriana, Dwight Yoakam and Brett Eldredge across radio promotion and digital media. After rising to VP of Brand Management, she joined Starstruck Management Group as the VP of Marketing and Partnerships in 2013, where she was responsible for creating and expanding revenue streams for the company’s roster of artists. In 2019, Haywood ventured into a new focus in the entertainment space with KCH Entertainment, where she took on management duties for Downs and continued to grow her roster.

Holt left her role as VP of Strategic Partnerships at Warner Music Nashville in 2013 to start maddjett. The company’s roster of clients and projects has included Hunter Hayes breaking the Guinness World Record for playing the most live concerts in 24 hours, Oprah’s “The Life You Want Weekend,” Pepsi MidAmerica, PixMob, Sony Music Nashville, Harper Collins Publishers, the Museum of the Bible and more. In 2015, she launched the artist management arm of maddjett to continue influencing the entertainment industry, including two-time Grammy winner Daigle.

For more information, click here.