WieRok Entertainment Acquires Amplo Records; Launches Wie3 Records

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WieRok Entertainment, the Franklin, Tennessee-based multi-genre recording, publishing and artist development conglomerate, is expanding with the acquisition of Amplo Records and the reveal of a new general market imprint, Wie3 Records.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone for WieRok and reflects the natural evolution of our vision and partnership,” says Lance Wieland, Co-Founder of WieRok Entertainment Group. “In Latin, ‘amplo’ means ‘to amplify,’ and this definition underscores our purpose: to increase impact for all our artists. We are deeply grateful to Marcus and Jay for their invaluable contributions to Amplo, and we are excited to continue collaborating with them in new ways.”

The company’s flagship label, WieRok Records, launched in January with the signing of chart-topping singer-songwriter Sean Rodriguez and recently welcomed husband/wife duo Grace + Max. The label has also inked exclusive publishing agreements with songwriters Karin Simmons and Madaline Garcia, as well as writers/producers Greg “Gregatron” Williams, Daniel Macal (Sidewalk Prophets) and Tyler Moody.

The acquisition of Amplo Records brings acclaimed singer-songwriter Nathan Sheridan, noted songwriters Phoebe Scott and Kolby Koloff, and songwriters/producers Andrew Barlow and Cole Tague under the sole purview of WieRok Entertainment.

WieRok Entertainment’s new imprint, Wie3 Records, has signed Nashville-based “popera” vocalist David Ask, whose first single with the label is set to be released Friday (April 25).

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Cody Johnson Is ‘Philosophical, Moody & Super Compelling’

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Cody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas

I’m not hearing a lot of playlist essentials among this week’s DISClaimer candidates.

The highlights of the listening session included Runaway June, Bryce Leatherwood, Hardy, Dierks Bentley and our excellent Disc of the Day award winner, Cody Johnson.

The DISCovery Award winner is the aptly named Pynk Beard.

HARDY / “Favorite Country Song”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Beau Bailey/Michael Hardy/Zach Abend; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He hears everything around him, but nothing sounds as good as the sounds of nature back home. Written with finesse and sung with fire. Hardy stages his Grand Ole Opry debut next Tuesday (April 29).

CHASE MATTHEW & LAUREN ALAINA / “Heart Half Empty”
Writers: Austin Shawn/Bailey Manns/Chase Matthew/Matt McVaney/Noah West/Shaylen; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– These two really tear it up on this power ballad. “With a glass half full, but a heart half empty,” alcohol is ravaging a relationship as he struggles to make things right. Nicely done.

PYNK BEARD / “I Lived”
Writers: Coleridge Tillman/Jeff Gitelman; Producers: Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Pynk Beard; Label: Red Bull Records
– He’s a hit songwriter with a punk-pink beard, hence his billing. Fortunately, his music is as memorable as his image. The gospel-bred native of Birmingham expertly blends soul and country in this stirring meditation. There’s something about Cole’s confident, powerful, gripping delivery that makes me think he’s probably a really charismatic pulpit performer.

DIERKS BENTLEY / “Well Well Whiskey”
Writers: Devin Dawson/Jordan Reynolds/Seth Ennis; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– He stares down a bottle in this frothing, driving stomper. Rising from the boiling stew of sound are his growly vocal and a hair-raising Bryan Sutton guitar solo. Excitement in the grooves.

BRYCE LEATHERWOOD / “Shenandoah”
Writers: Bryce Leatherwood/Jeffrey East/Josh Kelley; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: UMG Nashville
– He brings a burnished baritone voice to this soaring, melodic country love ballad. Strings, steel, harmony vocalists and percussion bolster a brilliantly wistful performance. I’m in.

CODY JOHNSON / “The Fall”
Writers: Bobby Pinson/Jeremy Stover/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville
– Philosophical, moody and super compelling. “The ride was worth the fall/The fall was worth the smile/Smiles were worth the tears…Life is worth the fall.” A superb song in the throat of a master stylist. Essential.

LANIE GARDNER / “Concrete Cowboy”
Writers: Chris Ganoudis/Katie Cecil/Lanie Gardner; Producers: Chris Ganoudis, Katie Cecil; Label: BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
– She has a cool, husky, drawled delivery that is perfect for this saga of a country gal whose heart is broken by a city boy. Smooth honey mixed with burning whiskey.

LITTLE FEAT / “Too High to Cut My Hair”
Writers: Fred Tackett/Scott Sharrard; Producers: Bill Payne, Scott Sharrard, Vance Powell; Label: Hot Tomato Productions
– I have always loved this band. Reunited and reinvigorated, their Nashville recorded comeback features blues-funk rhythms and stuttering horns. Plus a video shot at Eastside Bowl. Rock and Americana programmers take note.

KELSEY WALDON / “Commanche”
Writer: Kelsey Waldon; Producers: Justin Francis, Kelsey Waldon; Label: Oh Boy Records
– The Kentucky singer-songwriter explores solitude and finds solace in her Jeep Commanche while guitars and fiddles sparkle around her.

RUNAWAY JUNE / “New Kind of Emotion”
Writers: Jennifer Wayne/Natalie Stovall/Paul Sikes/Stevie Woodward; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Gorgeously produced. Flawless triplet harmonies seduce the ears as you enter this dreamy, swoon-worthy track. What a delicious dessert dish.

AVERY ANNA / “Danny Don’t”
Writer: Avery Anna; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Anna’s upcoming album is based on letters she’s received from fans who unburdened themselves of their problems. On this stripped-down acoustic ballad, she tells the tale of a child begging her dad not to be suicidal and to press ahead instead.

SAM BARBER / “Man of the Year”
Writer: Sam Barber; Producers: Joe Becker, Ryan Hewitt; Label: Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records
– Cool and rootsy, with a deep-twang guitar and an echo on the chorus vocals. Kinda downbeat and doom-y, but undeniably compelling. This social-media star also has a duet out now with Avery Anna titled “Indigo.”

THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Whiskey Does”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/John Frank/Tom Pino; Producers: David Mescon, Tom Pino; Label: River House Artists
– A choppy groove, unison singing and a stinging electric guitar are the hallmarks of this bare-bones production. The twin-brother duo will drop its debut album, the 16-track Rhinestone Revolution, on June 6.

SOLID & IEBA Host Fourth Annual University Scholarship Competition

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Pictured (L-R): TC Courtney (SOLID), Lori Bowman (IEBA), Thomas Crabtree, Becky Parsons (SOLID), Jim Grenn, Madeline Edwards, Kayleigh Allen, Brian Wagner (IEBA) and Jason Conner (IEBA). Photo: Morgan Jerkins

The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) hosted its Fourth Annual Student Scholarship Competition on April 12-13.

Hosted by the International Entertainment Buyers Association and held at the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), this year’s competition featured guest artist Madeline Edwards. Spearheaded by SOLID Ambassadorship Chair Becky Parsons and Co-Chair TC Courtney, students from Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University were challenged with creating a detailed marketing campaign tailored to Edwards’ upcoming album release. They then showcased these campaigns to Edwards and members of her team, and each student walked away with scholarship funds and a professional development toolkit.

“Getting to work with SOLID, IEBA, and the students in this competition was truly inspiring,” says Edwards. “These students brought so much creativity, intention, and thoughtfulness to the table. It’s exciting to see the next generation of music industry leaders rising up with so much passion and perspective.”

IEBA’s Executive Director Brian Wagner, Director of Operations Jason Conner and Director of Events Lori Bowman educated students on the resources IEBA has to offer in the live entertainment space, and engaged in a networking lunch along with SOLID alumni.

“This competition is one of the most meaningful initiatives we offer,” says SOLID President Zach Green. “Watching these students gain confidence and apply what they’ve learned in such a real, impactful way speaks volumes about where our industry is headed.”

Dusty Miller Joins FirstBank As Sr. VP, Senior Relationship Manager

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Dusty Miller

Dusty Miller has joined FirstBank’s Nashville team as Senior Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager, bringing with him over 25 years of financial services experience.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dusty to the team and tap into his expertise in the entertainment industry to better serve the unique needs of these clients across Middle Tennessee and beyond,” says Brad Peterson, SVP who oversees FirstBank’s Music and Entertainment Group. “In a city like Nashville, where music, entertainment and sports are at the heart of our culture, having someone who understands that world is essential.”

Miller joins FirstBank after a 13-year tenure as a wealth advisor with SunTrust Bank, and over the past year, he most recently served as President of his own wealth management firm, Miller Wealth Sports & Entertainment. He graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in business marketing and obtained his Certificate in Accountancy from Lipscomb University. Miller also holds his Series 7 and 66 licenses, along with a Tennessee Life & Health Insurance license.

“FirstBank’s sustained growth, both in assets and footprint, combined with its unwavering commitment to a local, personalized approach to banking is what attracted me to this role, and I’m committed to carrying that mission forward,” says Miller. “With a deep understanding of the financial goals and needs of entertainment and sports professionals, I’m here to be a strategic partner who can help them build wealth and further their legacy.”

ACM Awards Reveals Additional Performers

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The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has unveiled the latest round of performers for its 60th annual ACM Awards, taking place May 8 in Frisco, Texas.

The new round of performers includes Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Chris Stapleton, Clint Black, Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini, LeAnn Rimes, Miranda Lambert, Rascal Flatts and Wynonna Judd. They join previously announced performers Blake Shelton, Eric Church and Lainey Wilson.

Hosted by Reba McEntire, the 60th annual ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on May 8 at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT/5 p.m. PT.

The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by Dick Clark Productions (DCP). Raj Kapoor is Executive Producer and Showrunner, with Patrick Menton as Co-Executive Producer. Damon Whiteside serves as Executive Producer for the Academy of Country Music, and Jay Penske and Barry Adelman serve as Executive Producers for DCP. John Saade will also serve as Consulting Producer for Amazon MGM Studios.

Mark Chesnutt Assembles New Team Members

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Mark Chesnutt. Photo: David “Doc” Abbott

Mark Chesnutt has signed with Conway Entertainment Group / Ontourage Management for management. He has also signed with Absolute Publicity for PR representation.

Nineties hitmaker Chesnutt earned 14 No. 1s and 23 top 10s with songs like “Bubba Shot the Jukebox,” “Too Cold at Home,” “Brother Jukebox” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” and sold more than 12 million albums. He was a CMA Horizon Award Winner, and also won CMA Vocal Event of the Year in 1993 for his participation on the legendary George Jones’ “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair.” Billboard named him one of the most-played country artists of the decade.

“I was Mark’s first agent at Buddy Lee up until the time I left after 33 years,” says Conway Entertainment Group Ontourage Management President Tony Conway. “He’s one of the true great male vocalists of country music. After all he’s been through, we wanted to help him get back on the road and in the studio. We’re thrilled to be working with him on his new adventure in life.”

“I’m looking forward to working with the great Mark Chesnutt,” adds Don Murry Grubbs, president of Absolute Publicity. “The next chapter of his career will be a big one, and we can’t wait to help tell his story. It’s truly an honor to welcome him to our roster.”

Chesnutt is represented by the Nashville division of WME (responsible agent Risha Rodgers) for booking.

Ethan Escue Signs Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music & Ignition Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): BJ Hill (WCM), Chase Matthew, Ethan Escue, Lloyd Potts (Ignition) and Christie Walls (Ignition). Photo: Courtesy of Ignition Nashville

Singer-songwriter Ethan Escue has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville and Ignition Nashville.

A native of White House, Tennessee, Escue’s musical talent first caught the attention of artists like Hayden Coffman and Austin Williams while he was working at a car dealership. His songwriting quickly gained recognition, and he landed cuts including Williams’ latest single, “Between Us” and Coffman’s “Better Off.” Escue recently made the leap to pursue songwriting full time, and with over 100 million streams as a songwriter, has been steadily building his name on Music Row, collaborating with Chase Matthew and Brandt Carmichael, among others. He penned five tracks on Coffman’s Love And A Heartbreak album, including “Only Smoke When I Drink,” “Another Girl, Another Bar” and “Woke Up Drunk (Again).”

“Ethan paints stories in a way that’s both familiar and memorable,” says BJ Hill, SVP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “He’s an incredible songwriter—and even more so, an excellent human being. We’re excited to support his growth alongside our amazing partners at Ignition Nashville.”

“It’s always a pleasure to work with someone as dedicated and talented as Ethan Escue,” says Christie Walls, Head of Publishing, Ignition Nashville. “Not only is he a phenomenal songwriter, but he’s also an incredible person outside the room. Ethan has a remarkable gift for top-lining and crafting unforgettable melodies and hooks that truly resonate. His work ethic, attitude, and creativity set him apart in every way.”

“Growing up just 25 minutes from Nashville, I always dreamed of writing songs on Music Row,” says Escue. “It was an even bigger dream of mine to be a part of such a staple in the scene like Warner Chappell. I’ve admired so many writers over the years from there and have always wanted to be a part of that creativity. I also couldn’t ask for a better group to partner with than the team at Ignition. They are some of the hardest-working people in Nashville and I know with them they are going to make even bigger waves in Nashville than they already have. Between Snap, Ken, Chase, Christie, BJ, Julie, and everyone else behind me, I know I’ve got champions in my corner to help me grow and succeed as a songwriter. I want to thank everyone at both Ignition and WCM for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get to work. It’s just now getting started.”

Milk & Honey Launches Publishing Arm, Signs Gabriella Scotto [Exclusive]

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Gabriella Scotto. Photo: Lily Nelson

Milk & Honey Music + Sports has officially launched a new Nashville-based publishing division, with rising songwriter Gabriella Scotto as its first signing. The publishing venture, administered by Kobalt, marks the company’s first standalone entry into the publishing space after years of partnerships tied to its clients.

The new venture has been in the works for over a year, with the team taking time to find the right songwriter who could move seamlessly between Nashville and Los Angeles and understand the creative culture of both markets. Milk & Honey’s Nashville head Jeff Skaggs met Scotto years ago while she interned for him at Creative Nation, and brought her into the fold when the search began.

“When we set out down the publishing road it was important to find a writer who was someone we believed in from a creative perspective but also someone who could forge real relationships in the industry,” shares Milk & Honey’s GM & Partner Nic Warner. “Gabriella filled those roles perfectly and we’re all excited to continue to build upon what she started on her own!”

“We’ve been patiently waiting to find the right songwriter to get Milk & Honey Publishing off the ground with, and Gabriella is without a doubt that writer,” adds Skaggs. “Her talent is matched only by her drive, and we’re excited to work with her and watch her have hits across multiple genres.”

Scotto, a New York native, has spent the majority of her writing career in Nashville, building her skills as both a conceptual and lyric-driven songwriter. Her background in pop has opened the door to cross-genre opportunities, especially in the dance and LA pop scenes, where she’s developed a growing network of collaborators.

Her recent collaborators include Dylan Conrique, Anna Hamilton, Kyndal Inskeep, Bizzy, Georgia Webster, Sydney Cubit, Lauren Weintraub, Sam Backoff, KTLN, Zoe Clark, Sam Derosa, Hank Compton and more. Now spending time in the LA songwriter scene, she’s been working closely with Hoskins, Joe Reeves, Y2K, Mags Duvall, Sophie Cates, Jordan Riley, Lil Aaron, Seb Kole, Lauren LaRue and Nolan Lambroza, among others. She’s recently had cuts with BIZZY, Zoe Clark and Gary Robinson.

“I’m incredibly grateful to be the first signing on Milk & Honey Publishing,” says Scotto. “The relationship built with this team over the past year has made me so confident in this partnership, and truly excited for what the future holds. I’m humbled by the opportunity to be surrounded by some of the most talented and driven songwriters in the industry. I’m looking forward to the success in the years to come, and doing it with a team who will be in my corner every step of the way. With Jeff, Nic and Lucas [Keller, Founder and President of Milk & Honey Music + Sports] by my side, the sky is the limit!?”

Mary Chapin Carpenter To Share Her Story On New Album ‘Personal History,’ Due In June

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Mary Chapin Carpenter’s new album Personal History is slated for release on June 6.

The eleven track collection, produced by Josh Kaufman and recorded live at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios in Bath, England, is more autobiographical for the singer than any project she’s released before.

“A novel that I’ve loved for years is My Name is Lucy Barton, written by Elizabeth Strout,” says Carpenter. “There’s this moment where the main character is taking a creative writing course, and her teacher says to her, ‘You will only have one story. You will write your one story in many ways.’ I remember reading that line and taking an audible breath. In that moment, I said out loud to no one, ‘Oh, that’s what the songs are.’”

On the heels of the album’s release, Carpenter will join forces with fellow Grammy-winning artist and songwriter Brandy Clark for a special tour this summer and fall. In addition to her work as a musician, last fall Carpenter unveiled her new podcast, Hope is a Muscle, which finds her in conversation with people from all walks of life including Joan Baez, Adriene Mishler, John Darnielle and U.S. CongressmanJamie Raskin. During its run, the podcast was in the top five music podcasts on both Apple and Spotify Platforms.

Personal History Track List:
1. “What Did You Miss”
2. “Paint + Turpentine”
3. “New Religion”
4. “Girl And Her Dog”
5. “The Saving Things”
6. “Hello My Name Is”
7. “Bitter Ender”
8. “The Night We Never Met”
9. “Home Is A Song” (feat. Anäis Mitchell)
10. “Say It Anyway”
11. “Coda”

Lineup Of Events Announced For The 60th ACM Awards Week

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The Academy of Country Music has revealed a full schedule of events set for ACM Awards Week in Frisco, Texas, leading up to the 60th ACM Awards on Thursday, May 8 at Ford Center at The Star. From fan-facing concerts and charity fundraisers to industry gatherings, the week will spotlight a wide range of talent and honor the Academy’s six-decade legacy.

ACM Country Kickoff at The Star

Returning for its third year, the free, two-day ACM Country Kickoff will take over Tostitos Championship Plaza at The Star beginning Tuesday, May 6. Performances on the outdoor Carhartt Stage will feature ACM nominees Kassi Ashton, Ashley Cooke, Dasha, Restless Road and Tucker Wetmore, alongside Josh Abbott Band, Maggie Antone, Drew Baldridge, William Beckmann, George Birge and The Wilder Blue. The event will be hosted by Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson of Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly and streamed live on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch from 8–10 p.m. CT. Tickets for Tuesday are available here and Wednesday are available here.

ACM Edition of Whiskey Jam at Sidecar Social

On Tuesday, May 6 at 4 p.m., Nashville’s fan-favorite Whiskey Jam makes its way to Frisco for a free, high-energy show at Sidecar Social in The Star District. Hosted by singer and comedian Danae Hays, the event will feature sets by Russell Dickerson, John Morgan and The Wilder Blue, with more artists to be announced.

Jelly Roll & Friends at Billy Bob’s Texas

That same night, ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee Jelly Roll will return to Billy Bob’s for Jelly Roll & Friends, a special benefit concert for ACM Lifting Lives. This marks the second year for the sold-out event, with surprise guests expected. Tickets go on sale Friday (April 25) and will be available here.

ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Tee-Off

The annual Topgolf Tee-Off returns Wednesday, May 7 to Topgolf The Colony. The industry-only event includes an afternoon of golf and acoustic performances from rising artists, with proceeds supporting ACM Lifting Lives’ mental health initiatives. For more info or to purchase a bay, email liftinglives@acmcountry.com.

Opry NextStage Live from Texas

The Grand Ole Opry’s NextStage Live returns for its third year at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 at the Lexus Box Garden at Legacy Hall in Plano. Hosted by Jelly Roll, the event will showcase performances from Riley Green and 2025 NextStage artists Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold and Tucker Wetmore. Tickets are available now here.

“Play Something Country” Gala Honoring Brooks & Dunn

On Wednesday evening, May 7, ACM and ACM Lifting Lives will host an exclusive gala at Omni PGA Frisco, celebrating the achievements of 25-time ACM Award winners Brooks & Dunn. The night will include a cocktail hour presented by Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, a seated dinner, silent auction, and tribute performances by Eric Church, Cody Johnson, Megan Moroney, Zach Top, Keith Urban and Lainey Wilson. Bobby Bones will host the event, with Shawn Parr presenting the pre-show and live auction. Table packages begin at $15,000. For more information, email liftinglives@acmcountry.com.

ACM Awards Official After Party

Following the main event on May 8, the ACM Awards Official After Party at the Omni Frisco Hotel will feature performances from legendary artists spanning the Academy’s 60-year history. Presented by Amazon Music, the invite-only celebration will honor this year’s winners and milestones.