Dave Kelly & Bekah Digby Form New Digital & Streaming Consulting Co-Venture

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Dave Kelly & Bekah Digby

Industry veterans Dave Kelly and Bekah Digby have launched a new strategic digital and streaming consulting co-venture.

Leveraging their expertise across the digital music landscape, the pair partners with artists and teams across multi-genres to optimize their presence on major DSPs—continuing their shared mission to champion artists and their music. Their comprehensive services include developing and executing tailored streaming strategies for both frontline releases and catalog, delivering analytics-driven insights to guide performance improvements, and driving sustained audience growth in listenership, engagement and visibility across all key streaming platforms.

With over 25 years in radio programming on local and corporate levels, Kelly spent more than a decade at Big Machine Label Group where he led the label’s streaming and strategic research efforts as Vice President, Digital Consumption. In 2023, he began consulting for artists across country, rock, pop,  alternative, indie and urban.

Digby, whose career includes stints at companies such as Big Machine Label Group, Universal Music Group Nashville (now MCA) and Capitol CMG, most recently served as Head of Country & Christian Artist & Industry Relations at SiriusXM Pandora.

“I’ve had the privilege of working with Bekah over the years, both as a teammate and as a client,” says Kelly. “I love her passion for helping artists grow their brands and reach wider audiences.  She has an in-depth understanding of DSP algorithms and the tools artists can leverage to expand their fanbases. I’m thrilled to collaborate with her as we develop long-term strategies that drive meaningful results for our clients.”

“Developing strategic ways to amplify artists and share their music is what first ignited my passion for this industry,” adds Digby. “I’m excited to renew my focus on connecting artists with new audiences and honored to collaborate with Dave Kelly, a renowned authority in this field.

Kelly can be reached via davekellyllc@icloud.com and Digby via bekahdigbyconsulting@gmail.com.

Joe Luff Named Head Of Creative At Ten Ten Music Group

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Joe Luff

Joe Luff has been appointed Head of Creative at Ten Ten Music Group.

The University of Mississippi graduate previously spent time at FlyteVu and the Country Music Association while also working as a music media consultant during his time in college.

Luff will lead all creative and digital initiatives while actively supporting A&R efforts for the company, which features an extensive publishing catalog with works recorded by Alan Jackson, Kelsea Ballerini, Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire and Papa Roach, as well as songs written by Dan Tyminski, Bobby Huff, Harley Allen, and Scott Stepakoff. Ten Ten also represents the catalog of Boudleaux and Felice Bryant.

“I am pleased to welcome Joe, and I’m excited by the creative energy he puts out every day,” says Barry Coburn, President of Ten Ten Music Group. “We are going to have a lot of fun working on many great upcoming projects.”

Luff can be reach at joe@tentenmusic.com.

The Ward Organization And Encore Elevates Amanda Stophel To COO

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Amanda Stophel

The Ward Organization, the parent company to Encore Luxury Coach Leasing, Encore Music Group and its affiliate companies, has elevated Amanda Stophel to Chief Operating Officer. After previously serving as President of Encore Luxury Coach Leasing, Stophel will now oversee the day-to-day operations and execution of all Encore and Ward-affiliated companies.

“Amanda is an absolute force and instrumentally shaped the culture and service standards that have defined what Encore is today,” says The Ward Organizations Founder and CEO, Justin Ward. “Her transition to COO marks a natural next step as we continue to scale our operations and deepen our commitment to delivering a premium and serving music.”

The company’s fleet of over 175 luxury coaches serves a confidential list of many major names in music with three offices across the nation.

Kenny Chesney Honored By RIAA For 105 Million Certifications

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Pictured (L-R): Jackie Jones, RIAA SVP, Artist & Industry Relations, Kenny Chesney and Michele Ballantyne, RIAA COO/President. Photo: Jill Trunnell

Kenny Chesney recently celebrated 105 million units certified from the Recording Industry Association of America, including 22 new certifications.

“These kinds of numbers almost don’t exist,” says Chesney of the feat. “Who counts that high? But seeing all the discs and the size of the plaque, it hits you how big this really is. What I know is what I hear when the band and I are on stage. You can tell when you hear people cheering and singing these songs with every bit of joy they’ve got, this isn’t just a song they like, these songs are something that hits them in the heart. To me, even more than Platinum or Gold, it’s the sound of those voices that tells me how much this music means.”

Among the new certifications are “American Kids” and “You and Tequila” featuring Grace Potter, which earned five-times and four-times Platinum status, respectively. Five songs—“Summertime,” “When The Sun Goes Down” featuring Uncle Kracker, “Come Over,” “Don’t Blink” and “Get Along”—received triple-Platinum certification, joining previous triple-Platinum certified hit “Somewhere With You.”

“I Go Back,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems,” “All The Pretty Girls,” “The Good Stuff” and “The Boys of Fall” join previous double-Platinums “There Goes My Life,” “Setting The World on Fire” featuring P!nk and “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy,” not to mention five new Platinum certifications and three new Gold certifications, contributing to his overall total of 51 RIAA-certified singles.

“Buddy [Cannon] and I have really tried to push what we were doing in terms of the songs and how we recorded them; I wanted to say the stuff people never said for kids like me—and find the sweet spot where melody and lyric reflect each other in a way that made each song even more than any one moment,” adds Chesney. “I wanted songs that I hoped would always be true.”

Brandon Wisham Named SiriusXM The Highway’s Next Highway Find

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Pictured (L-R): Brandon Wisham and Cody Alan

Brandon Wisham has been tapped as the next “Highway Find” for SiriusXM’s The Highway. The program spotlights new voices in country music by backing them with XM radio airplay. Host Cody Alan surprised Wisham with the news live on air from the SiriusXM studio in Nashville.

“I had a few things on my list to do today and being a Highway Find wasn’t one I was expecting,” Wisham shared after being surprised with the news. “Thank you so much to the The Highway family for believing in my music and making me feel at home. This is unbelievable. Thank you to everyone who has been listening on The Highway!”

Wisham first caught the attention of Warner Chappell Music and The Core Entertainment after writing his first song, “Pain Won’t Last,” which was later cut by Bailey Zimmerman. His recent single, “Growing Up,” has garnered over 220K streams since its June 20 release. After wrapping his opening slot for Zimmerman in 2024, Wisham will join Tyler Hubbard and Lakeview on the road throughout the rest of the year.

Derrick Southerland Inks With Kobalt

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Pictured (L-R): Kevin Lane, Derrick Southerland and Stephanie Cox. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Grammy and CMA nominated songwriter Derrick Southerland has inked a global publishing deal with Kobalt. As part of the deal, Kobalt has acquired a portion of Southerland’s extensive song catalog.

Known for penning songs like Ingrid Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine,” which became the 2020 MusicRow Song of the Year, “Lady Like” and “Seeing Someone Else,” Southerland has also written songs with and for Carrie Underwood, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Fletcher, Laci Kaye Booth, Hunter Hayes, Breland, Charlotte Sands, High Valley, Charles Kelley, Muscadine Bloodline, Tanner Adell, Blair Davie and Dallas Smith, among others.

Additionally, he has worked on Kane Brown’s Hot 100 certified gold single “Like A Rodeo” and Joshua Bassett’s “Crisis.” Southerland’s recent cut with Mitchell Tenpenny, “Same Moon,” is currently moving up the radio charts.

“I’m so excited to be partnering with Kobalt,” says Southerland. “When I met with Laurent Hubert, Jeannette Perez, Stephanie Cox, Rani Hancock, Kenny McGoff and so many others of the creative team, I knew this was where I needed to be. Their enthusiasm not only about my writing and songs, but my dreams and vision for the future made this the perfect partnership to help me accomplish my goals. Huge thanks to Kevin [Lane], who was with me for my first major label outside cut and brought me to this amazing team. I’m looking forward to what’s coming in this next chapter of our careers.”

“Derrick is one of the most gifted, prolific songwriters working in Nashville today,” shares Cox, General Manager/Senior Vice President of Creative at Kobalt Nashville. “He has the incredibly unique ability to write across genres which makes him a perfect fit for Kobalt’s global ecosystem.”

Lane, Senior Creative Director at Kobalt adds, “Derrick and I had the opportunity to work together early in our careers, and I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with him again. His ability to craft songs that permeate the Nashville community while having multi-genre impact is rare. Combine that with his relentless work ethic, and you have a true creative force to be reckoned with. The sky is the limit for what we can accomplish together, and I’m so excited to see where this partnership takes us.”

Chuck Morris To Be Inducted Into IEBA Hall Of Fame

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Chuck Morris

Concert promoter and music executive Chuck Morris will be inducted into the IEBA Hall of Fame during the 2025 Honors & Awards Ceremony set for Oct. 7 at the Grand Hyatt Nashville.

A pioneering force in the Colorado music scene and beyond, Morris is Chairman Emeritus and President & CEO of AEG Presents Rocky Mountains. His contributions to the live entertainment industry span more than five decades and include a legacy of artist development, venue innovation, and industry mentorship. In the mid-1970s, Morris made his mark with the famed Denver nightclub Ebbets Field. His keen ear and curatorial spirit helped launch countless careers, and his passion for artists and fans alike continues to define his work.

As Executive Producer of Will the Circle Be Unbroken, Volume Two by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Morris earned a Grammy, further cementing his place in music history. Throughout his storied career, Morris has played a key role in elevating iconic venues such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre to international renown. In addition to his work as a promoter and executive, he is widely respected as a mentor, educator, and tireless advocate for the music industry.

“Chuck Morris is a true original whose vision, tenacity, and generosity have shaped the modern live music landscape,” says IEBA Executive Director Brian Wagner. “We are proud to recognize his extraordinary legacy with induction into the IEBA Hall of Fame.”

The 2025 Honors & Awards Ceremony is part of IEBA’s 55th Annual Conference, taking place Oct. 5–7. Additional 2025 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced in the coming weeks.

FlyteVu Acquired By Driftwood Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): Ally Venable (VP of Talent Partnerships), Linda Knight (Chief Creative Officer), Brooks Parker (VP of Business
Development), Laura Hutfless (CEO), Sina Seger (COO), Scott Bennett (VP of Finance), Miriam Singer (Chief of Staff) Photo: Robby Klein

FlyteVu, a Nashville-based agency, has been acquired by Driftwood Music Group. The company is expanding its offerings, with the addition of corporate bookings and music licensing.

Co-founded by former CAA executive Laura Hutfless and former Warner Music Group executive Jeremy Holley, FlyteVu is expected to grow its team by thirty-percent by the end of the year, and staffing changes have already begun. Hutfless remains CEO and Holley, Co-Founder, is exiting the organization. Linda Knight has been tapped as Chief Creative Officer with Sina Seger promoted to Chief Operations Officer, Miriam Singer to Chief of Staff and Adeniz Villar as Senior Director of Talent.

“This partnership enables us to scale rapidly, broaden our service offerings to better support our clients, and pursue strategic acquisitions that keep us ahead in a constantly evolving industry—all while preserving our culture of generosity and purpose-driven work,” says Hutfless. “It empowers us to take on work we’re passionate about and to build an agency as forward-thinking as the clients we represent.”

Now in its tenth year, the company has adopted the philosophy that “Safe Doesn’t Fly.”

“We’re nimble, able to change direction quickly in the face of headwinds. If you want to fly high, you’ve got to break away from the flock and lead.” says Hutfless. “You don’t soar with eagles by playing it safe on the perch.”

Rascal Flatts’ Hometown Show To Stream Globally Via Veeps

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Rascal Flatts’ hometown show in Columbus, Ohio will now be available to fans across the world during a special global streaming event July 27 at 7 p.m. CT via VEEPS.

The band celebrated their return to the Buckeye State with a surprise appearance by Carly Pearce on their track “My Wish.” Also joined by Lauren Alaina and Chris Lane across the 21-stop tour, the trio wrapped their sold-out “Life Is A Highway Tour” last month, with crowds singing along to their two decades-spanning catalog of hits.

Additionally, the group also released their Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets collaboration album this summer featuring nine reimagined hits including “What Hurts The Most” with the Backstreet Boys as well as their record-breaking new track, “I Dare You” with the Jonas Brothers.

Tickets to the streaming event can be purchased here, or watched for free by Veeps All Access members. All tickets will include a three-day rewatch window and are available through the Veeps app on Roku, Apple TV, iOS and Android.

River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing Sign Kenny Whitmire

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Pictured (L-R): Zebb Luster, Kayla Adkins, Kenny Whitmire, Lauren Lieu and Hailey Rama

River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, have signed rising country singer-songwriter Kenny Whitmire to a global publishing agreement.

Upon moving to Nashville in 2022, Whitmire began to collaborate with emerging artist Austin Snell, leading to his first paid gig in town as a touring guitarist in Snell’s band.

Since then, he has been able to share the stage with prominent talent including Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Chase Matthew and more. As a songwriter, he has landed cuts such as Austin Snell’s “Some Things Just Stick” and “Considering,” Cole Goodwin’s “Fast Track Back,” Avery Roberson’s “Never Die,” Colin Stough’s “White Trash” and many others.

Of the deal, Whitmire says, “I’m very excited to be a part of such a creative and hard-working team. The River House crew were some of the first people I connected with after moving to Nashville, and it’s a great feeling to be surrounded by a team of talented people who have believed in your songwriting from the start. God bless country music!”

“Kenny brings an infectious energy and warmth into our building which has made him feel like family from day one at River House,” shares EVP of River House Artists Zebb Luster. “His unwavering work ethic and genuine passion for creating great songs consistently shines through every session. We’re thrilled to welcome Kenny to our songwriting roster and are eager to support him in his journey, we know he has the drive and talent to succeed in a big way!”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston adds, “Kenny is a natural – he writes with heart and instinct, and his passion will take him far. We’re proud to be in his corner alongside our partners at River House as his story unfolds.”