Cole Swindell Teams With Mountain Dew To Fight Thirst July 4th Weekend

Cole Swindell is helping Mountain Dew launch its new “Thirst Guards” campaign this weekend which aims to bring cold drinks directly to fans at key lake destinations nationwide.

The campaign kicks off 0ver the July 4th weekend and features on-demand delivery services and pop-up stations at popular outdoor destinations. Mountain Dew will deploy Sea-Doos to bring drinks directly to boaters and lake-goers at Lake of the Ozarks, MO. On July 5-6, visitors can text (803)-MTN-DEWS with their location and request a cooler refill, while supplies last.

Swindell is scheduled to make appearances on July 6 near MarineMax Osage Beach, helping the Thirst Guard hand out drinks and merch. In addition to Missouri, the Thirst Guards campaign will set up shop at Lake Travis, Texas, Miller Beach, Indiana and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with on-land activations aimed at reaching beachgoers.

Additionally, Mountain Dew is launching a limited-edition sunglasses collaboration with Pit Viper. The custom-designed colorway shades will be available starting July 16 exclusively on TikTok Shop.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Mountain Dew, so I’m hyped to lead the Mountain Dew Thirst Guards and help keep the party going July 4th weekend,” says Swindell. “Catch me at Lake of the Ozarks filling up coolers, passing out Pit Vipers and blasting my new music — an ideal summer day!”

“Nothing kills the vibe faster than an empty cooler – that’s why the Mountain Dew Thirst Guards are here to save the summer, keeping you stocked up and the good times rolling,” adds Michael Smith, VP Flavored CSD Marketing, PepsiCo Beverages U.S. “We’ve tapped one of our biggest fans, country music superstar, Cole Swindell to lead the Thirst Guards and surprise fans at Lake of the Ozarks July 4th weekend with ice cold DEW, Pit Vipers and more.”

Daily Lineups Unveiled For Marcus King Band Family Reunion

The Marcus King Band Family Reunion has unveiled lineups for the two-day festival set for Aug. 23 and 24 at Firefly Distillery in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Saturday will feature performances from Jamey Johnson, Molly Tuttle, Marcus King & Friends, Leah Blevins and Pearl while Sunday features Marcus King Band, Stephen Wilson, Jr., Hiss Golden Messenger, Joshua Ray Walker and Henry’s Pocket.

A variety of single-day and weekend ticket options are available now. One dollar from every ticket sold will go to the Curfew Fellowship Fund, King’s Charity, which provides for and assists those struggling with sobriety and addiction and helps fund music education.

Discover Sooner Taps Emma Kiefer As Next Publisher Writer Experience Mentor

Emma Kiefer

Discover Sooner has announced the next round of its Publisher Writer Experience featuring Emma Kiefer, Director of A&R at Group Projects, a music publishing and artist management joint venture between Warner Chappell and Red Light Management.

The Publisher Writer Experience is a three-month interactive mentoring program that gives rising artists and songwriters exclusive one-on-one access to top music professionals. Designed to fast-track industry relationships and unlock meaningful career opportunities, the program has helped past participants go on to write at major publishers.

Kiefer holds an honors dual degree from Boston College and Berklee College of Music. Prior to joining Group Projects in 2024, she was A&R Manager at Boom Music Group, where she worked with writers such as Jacob Hackworth, Micah Carpenter, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins  and Jimmy Robbins. Her work helped land major cuts with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman and Tucker Wetmore.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Emma as our next mentor for the Publisher Writer Experience,” says Nancy Deckant, Founder and CEO of Discover Sooner. “She brings not only deep industry knowledge but genuine passion. Her work with writers has shaped her just as much as she’s helped shape theirs.”

Applications are open now for the program, and early bird deadline is July 6, with the final deadline July 13. More information is available here.

3G Productions Expands With Nashville Location

West Coast-based live event production services and systems integration provider 3G Productions LLC has acquired Main Light’s 70,000-square-foot location in Nashville.

“The Nashville market has been a key focus as we execute our strategy of growing into a national full-service production company,” says 3G Productions CEO Keith Conrad. “With the acquisition of Main Light’s Tennessee branch, we get a world-class production warehouse, an experienced team of experts in the local market and a wealth of best-in-class lighting equipment. This move enables us to better support our budding client base in the region while adding new clients looking for high-quality, one-stop-shop production services.”

3G Productions has taken over Main Light’s Antioch neighborhood building, its full inventory and all seven employees. Main Light still maintains ownership and operations of its three locations in Wilmington, Delaware, Teterboro, New Jersey, and headquarters in Las Vegas, all of which will continue to operate with a sole focus on dry-hire lighting rentals. 3G will continue to support Nashville’s local dry-hire clients, with the added benefit of also being able to furnish them with video, audio and rigging gear.

Post Malone Opens Bar On Lower Broadway

Photo: Sam Calderon

Post Malone’s Bar, Posty’s, is officially open on lower Broadway in partnership with TC Restaurant Group. The 26,000-square-foot venue boasts six bars and three stages and will offer a variety of experiences across its three floors.

Posty’s main floor features three bars, a VIP lounge, live music stage and a gift shop. An entrance to Posty’s on 3rd Avenue focuses on quick stop counter dining, while its lower-level artist lounge offers karaoke and privacy. The rooftop patio offers views of Nashville’s skyline.

The full-service dining room will offer guests a variety of dishes from sandwiches, salads, BBQ ribs and more. The Roadside entrance off 3rd Avenue, will feature a late-night dine-in counter for quick handhelds like a Hot Chicken Sandwich, grilled cheese and late night snacks.

Most recently, Malone released his debut country album, F-1 Trillion, which landed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. This spring, he headlined Coachella before hitting the road on his “Big Ass Stadium Tour”, following his record-breaking “F-1 Trillion Tour” last fall.

For more information on the bar, click here. 

SOURCE Hosts Panel On AI, Music & Creator Rights

Pictured (L-R): Lili McGrady, President of Humanable; Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI); Ashley Hertzog Embry, SOURCE Nashville Program Chair; Aileen Crowley, Co-President of Sureel and Ken Gay, Co-Founder of Monarrch.

SOURCE Nashville brought together music industry leaders, members of the tech world and legal experts for a “Real Talk on Artificial Intelligence: The Music Industry’s Response to AI” panel at the CMA offices on June 26.

The sold-out event addressed one of the most pressing issues facing the creative community today: the rise of generative AI and how it impacts ownership, attribution and compensation for music creators.

The panel was moderated by Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and featured innovators at the forefront of AI rights management including Lili McGrady, President of Humanable, a new certification company offering a trademark seal for music created without the use of generative AI; Aileen Crowley, Co-President of Sureel, an AI attribution platform helping creators control how their intellectual property is used and monetized by AI systems; and Ken Gay, Co-Founder of Monarrch, a generative rights management company pioneering real-time AI royalties for style and likeness usage.

Herbison opened with insight into Tennessee’s ELVIS Act, the landmark legislation passed in 2024 that now protects voice, likeness and image against unauthorized AI use. He also discussed federal efforts like the proposed NO FAKES Act, aimed at ensuring nationwide protections for artists. With AI-generated songs now produced at a rate of over 800,000 per day, the panel was a timely and necessary conversation that not only educated attendees but equipped them with tools to act.

“This is not about ‘picking a side’ that you think is wholly right or wrong,” said SOURCE Nashville Program Chair Ashley Hertzog Embry. “It’s about acknowledging the nuance of this very complicated matter, and having choices about how to respond.”

Additional, SOURCE has announced that tickets are on sale now here for the upcoming 22nd SOURCE Nashville Hall of Fame Awards hosted by Brenda Lee and Jeannie Seely with Mandy Barnett at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum on Aug. 26.

Johnny Dailey Performs At GM Spring Hill’s Manufacturing Celebration

Johnny Dailey

Endurance Music Group artist Johnny Dailey performed at GM Spring Hill Manufacturing in a celebration recognizing the plant’s advancements in electric vehicle production and honoring its 4,000 dedicated employees and contractors.

Dailey paid tribute to the hardworking audience with his new song, “Factory Man,” an anthem to the blue-collar men and women who represent his roots as a craftsman and former steelworker. The track will be featured on Dailey’s upcoming album, Name On My Shirt, produced by Frank Liddell and Eric Masse.

“​It was an honor to share ​songs from my new record with the GM factory​ employees in Spring Hill,” says Dailey. “I grew up in the trades, so it​ really hits home ​to play in front of the people who keep this country running and ​to offer something back​ to them through ​my music. I’m excited to continue sharing these songs with the hardworking men and women all across our country.”

The celebration marked the launch of two new electric Cadillacs to the made-in-Tennessee lineup: the Cadillac VISTIQ, affectionately known as the “baby Escalade,” and the Cadillac LYRIQ-V, touted as the fastest Cadillac ever. GM Spring Hill is the only auto plant in the U.S. building gas and electric vehicles side-by-side on the same assembly line. The site has gained national exposure for its manufacturing flexibility and agility due to its ability to flex to market demand.

Industry Ink: Sam Hunt, Erin Enderlin, MŌRIAH, More

Sam Hunt Plays Boots In The Park Festival

Steve Thacher, Sam Hunt.

Ahead of his performance at Boots In The Park Norco on June 28th, Sam Hunt met up with Steve Thacher, CEO of Activated Events.

 

Erin Enderlin Debuts New SongwritingWith:Soldiers Song At The Opry

Pictured (L-R): veteran co-writers, Brent Fogleman and Tanja Struyck-Fogleman, Erin Enderlin, Jay Clementi (Music Director, Songwriting With:Soldiers. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo

Erin Enderlin debuted a powerful new song live at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on June 28 with her veteran co-writers in attendance. Co-written by veteran couple Tanja Struyck-Fogleman and Brent Fogleman at a SongwritingWith:Soldiers and Boulder Crest Foundation couples retreat, “When You Look At Me” offers an honest look at the invisible struggles that go on inside people, in this instance a couple who are both combat veterans.

“When You Look At Me,” performed by Enderlin featuring Randy Houser, will be available on YouTube on July 4 as part of SongwritingWith:Soldiers’ new music programming.

“Writing ‘When You Look at Me’ through SongwritingWith:Soldiers wasn’t just about music—it was about being seen and heard in a way we hadn’t been before,” share veterans Tanja Struyck-Fogleman and Brent Fogleman. “Behind the smiles we wear is a struggle most can’t see, but Erin helped us give it a voice. She didn’t just write with us—she truly listened. That song became part of our healing. It didn’t take away the pain, but it helped us carry it with more strength, more pride, and a little less silence. We hope it reminds others that it’s okay not to be okay—and that even in the hardest moments, there’s a better way to struggle.”

 

Mōriah Performs National Anthem, Prior to Jake Paul v. Julio César Chávez Jr Fight

Pictured: Ana Bárbara and MŌRIAH.

Mōriah performed the national anthem before Jake Paul v. Julio César Chávez Jr fight on June 28. She stood beside Ana Bárbara who sang Mexico’s National Anthem.

In a show of love and unity, Mōriah invited Bárbara to stand with as she sang the last line in the U.S National Anthem: “home of the brave.”

 

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Names Nine New Board Members


Nine business leaders from diverse industry sectors have joined the Board of Directors of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce for Fiscal Year 2025. C. Wright Pinson, MD, President, Vanderbilt Health Affiliated Network, will serve another term as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

New board members are Seth Bernstein, President and CEO of AllianceBernstein, Victor Berrios, President of Jani-King of Nashville & Memphis, Dr. Agenia Clark, President of Fisk University, Max Goldberg, Co-Founder of Strategic Hospitality, Paul Lawson, Vice President and General Manager for Turner Construction Company, Cary Mack, Managing Partner at Southwest Value Partners, Fahad Tahir, President & CEO of Ascension St. Thomas, Bob Valentine, CEO of Concord Music Group, and Carol Yochem, President of First Horizon Bank, Central Region. The newly elected Board Officers include Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Vanderbilt University, as Vice Chair and Lee Blank, Regions Bank, as Secretary.

Retiring board members include Missy Acosta, Senior Vice President of Brand Experience, Delta Dental, Tim Adams, Regional Operating Officer and Senior Vice President, Ascension Saint Thomas, Lucinda “Cindy” Baier, former President and CEO, Brookdale Senior Living, Jeff Drummonds, CPA, CEO (retired), LBMC, PC, Terry Hardesty, Managing Partner (retired), Deloitte, Kolin Holladay, Shareholder, Polsinelli PC, Ken Levitan, Founder and Co-President, Vector Management, Barry Vandevier, Chief Operating Officer, Datacor.

“As Chairman, I’m honored to work alongside such a dynamic and forward-thinking group of leaders,” says Pinson. “This board will help position our region for long-term success by investing in innovation, advancing critical infrastructure, and supporting the kind of smart, sustainable growth that benefits both business and community.”

 

StarVista Live Presents $233,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Pictured (L-R): Scott Hinshelwood, St. Jude Director of Partner Support, Music and Audio Team; Benjamin Clark, St. Jude VP Finance; Craig Campbell, Campbell Entertainment; Mike Jason, President of StarVista LIVE.

StarVista Live’s recent sold-out 70s Rock & Romance Cruise raised a record $233,000 through live auctions for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on the March voyage. Executives traveled to Memphis last week to present a check to the hospital.

Two acoustic guitars autographed by the artists performing on the seven-day cruise and two custom electric guitars autographed by members of the Night Ranger band were included in the auction. Additionally, the company shared messaging about St. Jude with music fans onboard via announcements from stage, a channel dedicated to St. Jude on in-cabin televisions and more.

Kinfolk Nashville Writers Camp Celebrates Black Music Month With Inaugural Songwriter Camp

Kinfolk Nashville Writers Camp.

Kinfolk, an Employee Resource Group of Warner Music Group, hosted its inaugural Kinfolk Nashville Writers Camp, a three-day songwriting and industry intensive designed to amplify Black voices.

Held June 24–26 primarily at Warner Chappell on Music Row, the camp brought together more than 50 artists, songwriters and producers across genres.

The guest lineup featured leading creatives and mentors, including Willie Jones, Ron Gilmore Jr., Shannon Sanders, Yung Lan, Derek Minor and Mimi McCarley.

Educational sessions included “Shifting Sounds,” a panel on Nashville’s evolving music scene, moderated by Joe Major (101.1 The Beat), with Benji Amaefule, Thalia Ewing and Shannon Sanders; “Master Class with Ron Gilmore Jr.,” the acclaimed producer and musician known for work with J. Cole and Lauryn Hill; “Music Publishing 101,” led by Oronde Jenkins (WMG), covering copyright law, publishing deals and royalties; and “Sync Licensing 101,” moderated by Chandel Shanklin (WMG), with panelists Derek Minor, John “JMo” Moses, John Mero, Ben Short and Mimi McCarley, diving into music for film, TV and games.

The camp invited hand-selected students from local HBCUs Tennessee State University and Fisk University to participate alongside industry professionals.

Summer Joy Roberts, Kyleigh Jehlicka. Photo: Samad Dimbie Jr

Shifting Sounds Industry Panel 1 (Benji Amaefule, Shannon Sanders, Thalia Ewing, Joe Major)

Sam Hayes. Photo: Samad Dimbie Jr.

Pictured (L-R): Oronde Jenkins, Jalen Miller, Johnny Reynolds, Chandel Shanklin, Jada Wilson, Benji Amaefule. Photo: Samad Dimbie Jr.

Hendrix Frankenreiter Signs with Group Projects, Red Light, Arrival Artists

Hendrix Frankenreiter.

Hendrix Frankenreiter has signed with Group Projects, in partnership with Red Light Management, for management and with Arrival Artists for booking representation.

The 22-year-old artist and surfer from Kauai, Hawaii, is set to release his debut EP this fall ahead of his 11-track solo-written and self-produced album that he is currently working on in Kauai. His debut single, “Wise Beyond Words,” is available now, offering an introspective glimpse into his musical journey. Frankenreiter is gearing up for a 2025 tour across Australia and Brazil, followed by extensive dates throughout Europe and the United States in early 2026.

“We always look for that undeniable spark of inspiration and excitement when discovering a new artist, and with Hendrix, we felt it immediately,” said Group Projects/Red Light Management’s Artist Manager Cooper Anstett. “His lyrics carry a deep wisdom, and his natural creative instinct shines through, resulting in music that feels both refreshing and original. We couldn’t be more excited and honored to partner with Hendrix to build a lifelong career.”

Arrival Artists Agent Maxx Lesnick shared, “From the first listen, it was obvious Hendrix has something unique. His authenticity comes through in every note, and his music is a true reflection of the culture and lifestyle he lives. We’re excited to be part of his journey to build something truly special.”

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