Brooklyn Basement Records Expands With New Management Division

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Pictured (top row, L-R): Blair Clark, Ron Pope; (bottom row, L-R): Miko Marks, Emily Scott Robinson

Nashville-based record label and marketing agency, Brooklyn Basement Records, has expanded their newly formed management division roster, which will be led by CEO Blair Clark.

Brooklyn Basement Records will manage the careers of Ron Pope, Miko Marks (Redtone Records), and Emily Scott Robinson (Oh Boy Records).

“I am thrilled to be expanding Brooklyn Basement once again,” says Clark. “It feels like a natural evolution to work with Miko and Emily on a more consistent basis. The manager/artist relationship is so personal and I am extremely passionate about doing all I can to help these amazing women in their careers. After managing Ron Pope for a decade, I’m excited to round out my roster and take everyone to the next level.”

The Brooklyn Basement roster has a busy season ahead. Robinson’s upcoming Oh Boy debut, American Siren, will be available on Oct. 29; Marks is currently recording the follow up to her critically acclaimed Our Country; and Pope will be releasing new music starting in January 2022.

Clark co-founded Brooklyn Basement Records in 2015 after a decade-long career in the independent music space.

Luke Combs Takes “Cold As You” To No. 1 For The Second Time On MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart

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After already reaching No. 1 in August, Luke Combs’ single “Cold As You” makes a triumphant return to the top spot this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The single has earned a cumulative 21,180 spins in 16 weeks on the chart. This is his second two-week No. 1 following “Forever After All.”

“Cold As You” was co-written by Combs, Shane Minor, Randy Montana, and Jonathan Singleton. Singleton is at No. 8 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for his credit on this single as well as last week’s No. 1 “Same Boat” by Zac Brown Band. Combs appears at No. 14, Montana at No. 53 and Minor at No. 54.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Lady A Shows The Power Of Music Through New Album, ‘What A Song Can Do’ [Interview]

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Lady A

Multi-Platinum and 5x Grammy-winning band Lady A has released their eighth studio album, What A Song Can Do, today (Oct. 22) through BMLG Records.

The 14-song project showcases a refined snapshot of what the highly decorated trio of Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Dave Haywood have experienced since their 2019 album, Ocean, and throughout the turbulent times of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The record also finds the 3x consecutive CMA Vocal Group of the Year flexing their songwriting muscle with at least one of them credited on all but one of the tracks. Also present on the record is some of Nashville’s songwriting royalty as well as some of the city’s hottest rising writers, including Ashley Gorley, Nicolle Galyon, Ryan Hurd, Laura Veltz, Jesse Frasure, Natalie Hemby, Alysa Vanderheym, Martin Johnson and Corey Crowder, among others.

“After the first two or three months of the pandemic, it became brutally obvious that it wasn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” Kelley tells MusicRow. “To keep ourselves semi-productive, we decided to just start working on writing for our next project. We didn’t necessarily have a timeline, and it’s always nice to write without any specific pressure of a release date.”

Lady A. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

“Songwriting was the real healing part as we were all going through the collective uncertainty of how long the pandemic would last and how long we’d be at home. Even if it was just on Zoom, songwriting was what gave us hope, purpose, and healing,” Haywood explains. “The songwriting felt sort of therapeutic at the time because we could take what we were all going through and throw it into these songs, whether it was serious or exciting.” He adds, “It was really the one thing that helped us stay connected as a trio and helped us really heal during that time.”

Once again produced by Dann Huff, What A Song Can Do shows Lady A’s most well-rounded collection of songs yet. With vulnerable songs like “Worship What I Hate,” heartfelt ones like “Things He Handed Down,” upbeat tracks like their current radio single “Like A Lady,” and empowering anthems like “Fire,” the trio take fans through a sonic expedition that displays numerous aspects of the human condition and truly shows what a song can do.

“My favorite records always took you through a journey and showed you a bunch of different emotions, and that’s who we are,” Kelley says. “There’s a lot of lighthearted moments on this record and then some moments that make you think or feel a little bit more. The material just feels a little bit stronger this time around. I don’t know if it’s just where we are in our career and our confidence in our sound or if it was because we had written so much for this project and we didn’t rush it at all.”

“Our gratitude’s at an all time high right now because of the catalog of material we’ve built. Those songs have taken us around the world and they have meant a lot to a lot of people,” Haywood offers. “We don’t take that lightly, so [‘What A Song Can Do’] felt like a great summation of where our hearts are right now, the power of music, and how much we all need music right now for healing and hope.”

YouTube video

Within the album’s 14 songs, Lady A takes their first stab at a proper star-studded collaboration, with Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce, and Darius Rucker making an appearance on “Friends Don’t Let Friends.” The track, masked by a fun, party-filled production, brings attention to the importance of friendship and having people that you can lean on, especially over the last 16 months.

“[The song explains] how important it is to lean on each other when we’re going through anything in life, whether it be a breakup or when you just don’t want to drink alone. You want a friend to come alongside you and sit with you in your feelings… It still rings true, no matter what the circumstances, to how much we really do need each other to get through life,” Scott elaborates. “It’s obviously a really lighthearted and fun take on it, and we get to just sing. I can’t wait until we can perform it live all together at some point.”

“Thomas, our co-writers, and I were at the beach hanging out, and Thomas threw that title out and it wrote itself so fast. We had the chorus written just sitting out there watching our kids play,” Kelley adds. “Later that night we got together with Ashley Gorley and Julian Bunetta and finished the verses up. Once I played it for Darius, he was like, ‘Dude, I’m all in on this.’ Then we needed another strong female to balance out all of the testosterone.”

Lady A. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

He continues, “Those are truly our closest friends in the industry, and it felt like a good, fun song that balanced out the rest of the record.”

What A Song Can Do also marks Haywood’s first crack at the lead vocal on “Workin’ On This Love.” As the track’s sole writer, Haywood wrote the song for his wife for Mother’s Day in May of 2021.

“We were in the last few weeks of making the record with Dann Huff and I sent this song to Charles and Hillary. I said, ‘If you don’t like it, forget I ever had this idea. But what about me taking the lead on one for a different texture and a different character for the album?'” Haywood recalls. “I thought it might be a different flavor to round out the end of the record… We had fun in the studio working out different harmony parts, and I’m honored for people to hear it.”

Though just wrapping up their “What A Song Can Do Tour,” the trio exudes much excitement as they prepare for this next era of new music for Lady A.

“I love being able to envision these songs, getting to put them into our live show and hearing and seeing the response and the songs that people gravitate towards. Sometimes there’s these outliers on the record that really connect in a deep way, and that information is always really exciting for us to take in once the record is out,” Scott shares.

After 15 years, 18 million albums sold, 11 No. 1 songs, and over five billion digital streams, Lady A aims to bring fans hope and healing through What A Song Can Do as the world continues to move through COVID.

“I hope that [the people who listen to this album] find their own story within it and find some songs that can say how they’re feeling better than they can themselves,” Kelley says. “I hope this record meets people right where they are and that it’s something they needed.”

“We’ve all gone through a crazy time,” Haywood adds. “I hope that the songs and the material meets people and gives them some excitement and joy.” He sums, “I also hope that through it they don’t feel alone with the things that they went through and that they feel that we went through it too. We felt it too, and we were all collectively in that together.”

Lady A’s eighth studio album, What A Song Can Do, is available everywhere now.

Gary Morris Honored With State-Wide Day Of Recognition On Oct. 23

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Gary Morris. Photo: David Abbott

In honor of October’s Red Ribbon Week, Tennessee’s Governor Bill Lee has declared Oct. 23 a day of recognition for country artist and Broadway performer Gary Morris.

Morris has used his platform to shed light on and uplift underprivileged, vulnerable communities. His recent partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Educational Foundation provides younger generations with the tools and education to help prevent drug use.

Morris recently anchored the organization’s first virtual fundraisers, which raised over $150,000 in donations to promote and support their arts, sports and extracurricular outreach educational campaigns.

“We honor Gary’s career and his work in the drug prevention education fields by marking Oct. 23, the first day of Red Ribbon Week, as Gary Morris Day here in Tennessee. So, for all of your hard work Gary, I present to you the proclamation from the governor and wish you thanks for your work and congratulations on this honor,” says CMA CEO Sarah Trahern.

Morris has earned five No. 1s, 16 Top 10 singles, a CMA and ACM Song of the Year award, a role in the New York production of Broadway’s La Bohéme and Les Misérables, as well as sold-out shows and stadium performances.

“I am both humbled and surprised by this honor from my adopted state of Tennessee. I have seen the ravages of drugs and have always been happy to donate my time to drug awareness and prevention. Thank you so much,” says Morris.

Industry Ink: Ryan Hurd, Paul Martin, Habitat For Humanity, Natalie Grant

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Ryan Hurd’s “Chasing After You” Earns Platinum Certification

Pictured (L-R): Helena Akhtar (Sony Music Nashville Manager Content & National Promo), Meghan Reich (SMN Coordinator Digital Strategy), Jessica Valiyi (SMN Director Digital Strategy), Janet Weir (House of 42/Red Light Management), Ryan Hurd, Randy Goodman (SMN Chairman/CEO), Liz Cost (SMN VP Marketing), Nicole Marinake (SMN Sr. Director Partnership Marketing), Ali O’Connell (Director Regional Promotion, Arista Nashville), Alaina Vehec (SMN Senior Director Digital Sales & Streaming), Caryl Atwood (SMN SVP Sales & Streaming), Ryan Sanders (Specialist, Arista Nashville), Dallas McVey (House of 42/Red Light Management) and Avery Hannon (House of 42/Red Light Management). Photo: Rachel Deeb

Arista Nashville’s Ryan Hurd recently celebrated the release of his debut album, Pelago, as well as the RIAA Platinum certification of his Top 5 and climbing hit “Chasing After You” with Maren Morris. The album was inspired by Hurd’s upbringing on the shores of Lake Michigan, and was produced with childhood friend and longtime creative partner Aaron Eshuis, with further contributions from Jesse Frasure and Teddy Reimer.

The track reached the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart on Oct. 1, 2021.

Hurd is nominated for two trophies at next month’s CMA Awards–Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year for “Chasing After You.” He kicks off his “Tour de Pelago” headline run in January with dates including Chicago’s The Vic, New York’s Irving Plaza, Nashville’s Marathon Music Works and more.

 

 

Grammy Winning Musician Paul Martin Honored With Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame Exhibit

Paul Martin. Photo: Marty Stuart

Paul Martin, the former lead singer of country/pop group Exile and a Grammy award–winning artist, will be honored in a new exhibit at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Martin’s exhibit features a large shadow box that will showcase highlights of his career with Exile, Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives, and Rockland Road, including stage clothes and one of Martin’s go-to guitars played on all the Exile hits throughout the ’90s.

The exhibit unveiling will be held Friday, Oct. 22, followed by an acoustic performance by Martin’s current band, Rockland Road. The event is free and open to the public, and will also be livestreamed on the museum’s Facebook page.

“When I was a little boy my mom and dad played in a country band, and their guitar player, Dave Reffet, would leave his Gretsch Chet Atkins guitar at my dad’s studio and would encourage me to play it,”recalls Martin. “It was literally the guitar I learned to play on. Seven years ago his family gave me that guitar! I never once thought while I was learning to play, that my love and obsession with music would bring me to the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum today. I’m so thankful for my career and everyone that played a part in getting me here.”

 

 

Bob DiPiero, Ronnie Bowman & Payton Smith Play The Bluebird To Support Habitat for Humanity

Pictured (L-R): Mark Brown (Round Hill Music/Habitat for Humanity Music Row Build), Jamie Bruno (Eclipse Music Group/Being Bob Music) Bob DiPiero, Payton Smith, Ronnie Bowman, Penny Gattis (Eclipse Music Group)

Bob DiPiero, Ronnie Bowman and Payton Smith performed at the Bluebird Cafe on Tuesday (Oct. 26) to a sold out crowd and raised money for the Habitat for Humanity Music Row build.

Music Row Build began in 2003 and helped eight local families purchase affordable homes before it ended in 2012. Habitat’s Music Row build reignited in 2020 when Mark Brown, senior vice president and GM of Round Hill Music, decided he wanted to do more to help hardworking Nashville residents have equal opportunities to live in the city in which they work.

Donations are still being accepted here to help meet the fundraising goal.

 

 

Natalie Grant’s “Your Great Name” Goes Gold

Pictured (L-R): Dennis Disney (Maximum Artist Management), Kristi Brazell (Maximum Artist Management), Giovanna Randolph (Curb | Word Entertainment), Jeff Tuerff (Curb | Word Entertainment), Natalie Grant, Bernie Herms (Producer), Bryan Stewart (Curb | Word Entertainment), Mitchell Solarek (Maximum Artist Management), John Clore (Curb | Word Entertainment)

Curb | Word Entertainment and Maximum Artist Management recently celebrated Natalie Grant’s RIAA Gold certification for “Your Great Name.” Members of Grant’s team commemorated the milestone with a plaque presentation at the Grand Ole Opry House.

Grant is an eight-time Grammy winner and has remained one of Christian music’s top-selling artists since her 2005 breakout RIAA Gold-certified album, Awaken. Having been named Female Vocalist of the Year by the Gospel Music Association five times, Grant has propelled multiple singles and records to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard album charts.

Grant was nominated for two awards at the 52nd Annual GMA Dove Awards. Winners will be revealed tomorrow (Oct. 22).

Jaclyn D. Carter Rises To Vice President At Shore Fire Media

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Jaclyn D. Carter

Shore Fire Media has promoted Jaclyn D. Carter to Vice President. Carter, who heads Shore Fire’s Nashville office, previously served as a Director.

A native of Lafayette, Tennessee and a University of Tennessee College of Communications graduate, Carter began her career at Shore Fire as a Publicity Coordinator in 2013. She is responsible for artist and industry relations in Nashville, in addition to leading campaigns for artists Brittney Spencer, Justin Moore, Willie Jones, Natalie Hemby; content curator talent Nabela Noor and Scotty Sire; athletes Shawn Johnson East and Chris Bosh; venues Brooklyn Bowl and The Factory St. Louis; Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest, CreatiVets and more.

She has also spearheaded business development in the influencer arena and was recognized as one of the Top 18 PR Pros and Publicists for Influencers on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok by Business Insider in March 2021.

“Jaclyn is a determined and dedicated professional who always strives for excellence. Over her eight years at Shore Fire, she has led countless successful media campaigns, developed a strong leadership position within the company and led us into new areas of growth. We are delighted to announce her promotion to Vice President,” says Shore Fire Senior Vice President Mark Satlof.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue to evolve with Shore Fire and Dolphin and for the collaboration and learning opportunities within our teams daily,” adds Carter. “Having the ability to flex creativity on a variety of topics — from inspiring personal stories, music and celebrity talent to nonprofits, podcasts and NFTs — is inspiring and motivating, and I am grateful to work with our teams across the country on a variety of topics, genres and perspectives to continue to grow.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Miranda Lambert, Hannah Ellis, Walker Hayes

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There’s an awful lot of pop music in this week’s “country” round-up edition of DISClaimer.

Holding down the fort and standing firmly on country ground are Chase Rice, Brett Young, Ryan Hurd and our Disc of the Day winner, queen Miranda Lambert.

The DISCovery Award also goes to a female artist, Curb newcomer Hannah Ellis.

HANNAH ELLIS / “Us”
Writers: Hannah Ellis/Jason Massey/Travis Wood; Producer: Jason Massey; Label: Curb Records
— Bubbling and boiling, this churning, rhythm-happy number comes across like a female version of Keith Urban’s catchy, pop-country sound. Highly listenable.

WALKER HAYES / “U Gurl”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Dylan Guthro/Jodi Guthro; Producer: Dylan Guthro; Label: Monument Records
— While “Fancy Like” continues to dominate, Hayes issues this new track. It’s more pop, white-boy hip-hop, and has even less to do with country music than his mega hit.

SHY CARTER / “The Rest of Us”
Writers: Shy Carter/Bryan Simpson/Josh Kerr; Producer: none listed; Label: Warner
— The title tune of Carter’s debut EP is a lovely pop love ode wafting with heartfelt tenor vocals, brushed percussion and sweet lyrics. Enchanting. Swoon worthy. Stick with his “Beer With My Friends” banger, but keep this in your back pocket as proof of the depth of his talent.

LEE BRICE / “Soul”
Writers: Kevin Kadish/Tony Ferrari; Producer: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs; Label: Curb Records
— In the wake of four straight No. 1 country hits, Brice motors down a pop side street with this wildly attractive, bouncy bopper. Deliciously hooky.

THE WILD FEATHERS / “Ain’t Lookin’”
Writers: Jeffrey Steele/Joel King/Ricky Young/Taylor Burns; Producer: The Wild Feathers; Label: New West
— I loved ‘em when they were a pop/rock band, and I loved ‘em just as much as country music makers. Now they are rocking again. Whatever….

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “If I Was a Cowboy”
Writers: Miranda Lambert/Jesse Frasure; Producer: Luke Dick/Jon Randall; Label: RCA/Vanner Records
— Breezy and beautiful, this is the sound of freedom and high spirits. A bases-loaded home run. Massive airplay, please.

YOLA / “Be My Friend”
Writers: Yola/Dan Auerbach/Ruby Amanfu; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: Easy Eye/Concord
— This British-born, Nashville-based artist seamlessly blends soul, Americana and country. She’s this month’s OpryNext artist and is touring with Chris Stapleton. Her commanding voice is center stage in this stately ballad. That’s Americana queen Brandi Carlile on the twin-like harmony vocals.

BRETT YOUNG / “You Didn’t”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Brett Young/Jimmy Robbins/Jon Nite; Producer: Dann Huff/Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG
— Mr. Romance cuddles up next to you while crooning a ballad about accepting a breakup without casting blame or recriminations. Tender and affecting. A heart-tugging lyric that will pierce anyone who has lived the line, “I fell in love, and you didn’t.”

RUTHIE COLLINS / “Hypocrite”
Writers: Ruthie Collins/Natalie Stovall; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Sidewalk
— Ruthie’s breakup isn’t going so well. In this ballad, she’s putting on a good face, but is actually shattered because she’s still in love with him. The pounding surrounding track is very pop.

CHASE RICE / “If I Were Rock & Roll”
Writers: Chase Rice; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
— Charmingly written. It’s a jaunty ditty about love and fidelity that brings a smile to your face. The shuffling, bright, light-hearted production is mighty endearing, too.

MORGAN EVANS/ “Love Is Real”
Writers: Jordan Reynolds/Morgan Evans/Parker Welling; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Warner Music Nashville
— Relentlessly optimistic. The burbling, percussive track and sunshine-y melody are more than a little reminiscent of the style of his fellow Oz import Keith Urban. Which is to say: toe-tapping, catchy, rocking and shiny.

RYAN HURD / “Pass It On”
Writers: Ryan James Hurd/Maren Morris/Jordan Schmidt/Michael Hardy; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: Arista Nashville
— Do you have good fortune? Don’t keep it to yourself. Pass it on to someone else, says Ryan in this ear-tickling pleaser. Hand claps. Gang sing-along. Rolling tempo. What’s not to like?

Hill Entertainment Group Promotes Grace Jones, Adds Kodi Chandler

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Pictured (L-R): Director of Business Development Kodi Chandler and Creative Director Grace Jones

Hill Entertainment Group, founded in 2013 by President and CEO Greg Hill, has hired Kodi Chandler as Director of Business Development and promoted longtime staffer Grace Jones to Creative Director.

Chandler joins the Nashville-based management and brand strategies company following his seven-year tenure at WME, where he was a booking agent in the country music department. In his new role, Chandler will strategize innovative opportunities for management clients, facilitate brand partnerships, and coordinate and direct touring efforts.

In her new role, Jones, who has been with Hill Entertainment Group for nearly five years, will oversee the clients’ marketing campaigns and develop and manage social media for their roster. She will continue coordinating photo and video shoots for clients, in addition to managing music distribution and relationships with streaming platforms. Before joining Hill Entertainment Group, Jones interned at Channel Greatness, Sony Music and Red Distribution.

Hill Entertainment is the current home to Rodney Atkins, Naomi Judd and The Judds, Canaan Smith, Mark Wills, Jennifer Smestad, Drew Baldridge, and Emily Earle.

Brent Cobb Pays Tribute To Gospel Roots With Upcoming Album

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Brent Cobb. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Brent Cobb is releasing his debut gospel album, And Now, Let’s Turn To Page…, on Jan. 28 via his own label, Ol’ Buddy Records. Ahead of the release, the track “We Shall Rise” is available everywhere now.

The album, which was produced by Dave Cobb and recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, includes new renditions of eight traditional gospel favorites, as well as one original track, “When It’s My Time,” penned by Cobb, his wife Layne and Mike Harmeier. Through the songs, Cobb pays homage to the community and values of his hometown while incorporating his signature sound of country, blues and southern rock.

The project came to fruition in part due to a near-death experience in July 2020, when the vehicle that Cobb was driving with his young son inside got T-boned at a rural four-way stop.

“You just start piecing together how everything is sort of intentional… I’d always had it in the back of my mind to make a gospel album. That moment of clarity, of almost getting killed, made me think I should just make the gospel album now,” shares Cobb. “I’ve always wanted to make a southern gospel album because it’s what I come from, but also it used to seem like a rite of passage for country singers to make a gospel album. I’m just trying to carry on that torch.”

The album was also a family affair of sorts for Cobb, who enlisted the help of his wife, his mother Renee Cobb, his sister Alecia Grant, his father Patrick Cobb and his cousin Dave on the closing track, “Blessed Be The Tie That Binds.” Also featured on the project are backing vocals from Anderson East, Caylee Hammack, and members of Antioch, a Georgia-based gospel group led by Cobb’s father.

And Now, Let’s Turn To Page... Track List:
1. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
2. When It’s My Time
3. In The Garden
4. Are You Washed in the Blood?
5. Softly and Tenderly
6. Old Rugged Cross
7. We Shall Rise
8. Old Country Church
9. Blessed Be The Tie That Binds

Songwriter Melanie Meriney Launches Steel Fox Entertainment Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Melanie Meriney, Michael Funk, Shane Barrett

Country singer-songwriter Melanie Meriney has launched her own Nashville publishing company, Steel Fox Entertainment Publishing. The company was originally formed in 2020 alongside her partner Michael Funk of Funk Studio.

“My years as a staff writer taught me a lot about the publishing side of the music business,” says Meriney. “Songwriting has always been a great passion of mine, so it was always a dream to form my own company. Steel Fox has been an idea for a long time and I’m so excited it’s finally getting officially introduced to the world.”

After working in songwriter circles for 10 years, Funk brings a wealth of experience in production from his time running a full-time studio. “[Funk’s] back catalog is incredible and I’ve been dying for years to get some of these songs heard,” Meriney shares. “Michael brings a lot to the table in terms of creativity and collaboration and is the natural next step for us.”

Steel Fox also has the support of industry veteran Shane Barrett, who has over 20 years of song-plugging experience. He has pitched and secured cuts with ​country music icons including George Strait, Reba McEntire, Trisha Yearwood and many more. He will work with the Steel Fox roster.

In addition to song-plugging, the company will provide a majority of its production in-house.