Jordan Smith, The Voice season 9 winner, has signed a deal with Provident Label Group/Sony Music. He’s releasing his first single with the label today (Feb. 1), “Great You Are.”

As the highest-selling artist to ever emerge from The Voice, Smith shot three performance singles to the top of the charts while competing on the show: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” which he performed as a tribute to the lives lost during the Paris bombing in 2015; a Christmas single, “Mary Did You Know?;” and a powerful cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” His full-length debut, Something Beautiful, entered the Billboard 200 at No. 2, and was followed by his Christmas album, ’Tis The Season, and his second acclaimed studio LP, Only Love, on which he co-penned six of the project’s dozen tracks.

As a writer signed to Universal Music Publishing Group, Smith has written with Glen Ballard, Steve Booker, Sam Ellis, Blair Daly, Jordan Reynolds, Jonas Myrin, MoZella, Dave Barnes, and Bernie Herms, among other esteemed lyricists. He’s also written songs and toured extensively with Michael W. Smith, and holds co-writing credit on “Ashes,” the theme song for Deadpool 2 recorded by Celine Dion. Smith also performed “Feel Good,” the theme song for ABC’s GMA Day.

Co-written by Smith with Jeff Sojka and Matt Armstrong, the lyrics to “Great You Are” recall Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey as people greeted Him with palm branches. “I was just so moved by the idea that if I’m silent, the Lord will still find a way to be worshipped,” Smith says. “He won’t miss out on anything because we don’t give Him the glory or the recognition or the worship He deserves. But I want so badly to be a part of that. I’m really excited that this is the first single, and people get to hear that statement from me, and then people get to sing that statement as a commitment to God.”

Dan Auerbach. Photo: Laura Partain

Concord has entered into a long-term, exclusive joint venture with Easy Eye Sound, the label founded by The Black Keys’ frontman Dan Auerbach.

Under this worldwide partnership, Concord will release all new recordings made for Easy Eye Sound and will distribute all catalog albums that have reverted or will revert to the label during the course of the venture. There are plans to release 12 albums this year, all under the Easy Eye Sound label name and logo.

Founded in 2017, the Easy Eye Sound label has an eclectic roster and has released over 20 albums to critical acclaim, garnering seven Grammy nominations including four for Yola’s breakout album Walk Through Fire and one for Bentonia bluesman Jimmy “Duck” Holmes album Cypress Grove. Easy Eyes’ roster also includes country legend John Anderson and Bay Area rockers Shannon and the Clams.

An eight-time Grammy winner himself, Auerbach earned nominations in the last two years for work on projects by Marcus King and Yola.

“When I founded Easy Eye Sound [studio] a decade ago, it was meant as home base for my musical vision and as a way to discover and support artists I believe in,” commented Auerbach. “It’s exciting to see the record label and recording studio evolve and begin a worldwide partnership with the fine folks at Concord.”

“I’m thrilled to partner with Dan and his label Easy Eye Sound,” said Tom Whalley, Concord’s Chief Label Executive. “Dan’s passion runs through Easy Eye’s in-house songwriting, production and the overall cohesive vision of the label. He brings a stellar roster and a committed staff under the leadership of Tom Osborn. Easy Eye Sound will be a great addition to Concord Recorded Music’s group of labels, and the partnership will give Dan and his artists a global platform of opportunity. I look forward to great things.”

The Coda Collection, a new multimedia company, has announced an Amazon Prime Video channel offering programming for music fans, including world premiere films, a curated library of legendary performances and documentaries.

At the helm is successful entrepreneur and CEO Jim Spinello, director/producer John McDermott, Janie Hendrix of Experience Hendrix, Yoko Ono and the Estate of John Lennon, and veteran entertainment lawyer Jonas Herbsman. Sony Music Entertainment is an equity partner in the new company.

The Coda Collection will become available via Prime Video Channels in the U.S. on Feb. 18, 2021, and will roll out globally throughout the rest of the year.

Among the titles being offered at launch include the streaming premieres of Music, Money, Madness…Jimi Hendrix In Maui, The Rolling Stones On The Air, Johnny Cash At San Quentin, Miranda Lambert: Revolution Live By Candlelight, as well as newly filmed, exclusive performances by such artists as Jane’s Addiction and Stone Temple Pilots.

Fans will be able to see the streaming premieres of Bob Dylan’s Trouble No More, the forthcoming authorized Dave Grohl documentary, and performances by Dead & Company.

Additionally, Coda is planning a rich editorial destination on its desktop and mobile sites.

The Coda Collection has noteworthy content partners, including Rhino Entertainment, Concord Music, Mercury Studios, Reelin’ In The Years Productions, CREEM Magazine, and many others.

At launch, Amazon Prime members will be able to access over 150 titles streamed exclusively on The Coda Collection for $4.99 per month, with a free 7-day trial.

Outback Presents Hires Amy Helberg

Amy Helberg

Outback Presents, based in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced the hiring of Amy Helberg as Director of Atlanta Operations. Helberg began her career at Concert/Southern Promotions under Alex Cooley and Peter Conlon. Starting as house manager at the iconic Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Helberg’s most recent position was Vice President of Booking for Live Nation in Atlanta. Among the many highlights as a concert promoter, Helberg also booked the highly successful Music Midtown Festival for its first 10 years.

“We are so lucky to find someone with Amy’s booking experience and history in the industry,” said Outback Presents President Mike Smardak. “Especially someone who’s worked hand in hand with Peter Conlon, Alex Cooley, Wilson Howard, Charlie Brusco, and the likes of such great promoters. Really looking forward to working with her.”

Portair Signs Long Term Deal with Nettwerk Records

Portair

Portair, also known as Drew Southwell, has signed a long team deal to Nettwerk Music. He first caught the attention of Nettwerk when he joined current label-mate and fellow Australian Harrison Storm for a livestream lockdown concert in the summer of 2020. Nettwerk CEO Terry McBride tuned in from his office, where the music caught the attention of co-founder Ric Arboit.

“I heard a song playing in Terry’s office and wandered in as the vocals were mesmerizing. I just fell in love with his voice and was determined to sign him.” Portair is the latest addition to Nettwerk’s label roster, which also includes SYML, Fletcher Reed, LEISURE, Neil Frances, Mallrat, OSKA, Hollow Coves, and more.

James Levy Signs with Side Hustle Records

James Levy. Photo: Jimmy Giannopoulos

Nashville-based singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, James Levy has signed to Side Hustle Records / The Orchard, with a new album, Solider, due out on March 12, 2021. Solider follows Levy’s debut solo record, Somebody, which came out in 2019 and was produced by Paul Defiglia (The Avett Brothers).

Founded in 2019, Side Hustle Records is a digital label comprised of the music industry veterans at Big Hassle Media.