Emma Eyre, Tyler Phillips and Carly Scognamiglio

The Richlynn Group has promoted Tyler Phillips, Emma Eyre and Carly Scognamiglio to Account Manager roles at the Nashville-based digital marketing and public relations firm.

Phillips, who joined the company in 2023, now leads Digital Distribution and Creative Strategy initiatives, overseeing multi-platform marketing campaigns and release rollouts. A graduate of Georgia Southern University with dual degrees in Public Relations and Communication Studies, Phillips brings expertise in digital distribution, advertising, campaign strategy, and festival and film promotion to her new role.

Eyre joined The Richlynn Group in March 2024 and advanced from part-time assistant to full-time coordinator before her promotion to Account Manager. A Murray State University graduate with a degree in Marketing, she supports clients through public relations, strategic marketing, tour press and digital content execution.

Scognamiglio, a Belmont University graduate in Creative and Entertainment Industries and Public Relations, joined the firm in June 2024 as a Digital Coordinator and now serves as Account Manager. She supports clients across public relations, social media strategy and digital marketing initiatives.

“Developing and implementing intelligent digital strategies for our artists and brands is at the forefront of our campaigns,” says Richlynn partner Kate Richardson. ”As we continue to grow in this dynamic space, we are proud to elevate three exceptionally talented women whose leadership and creativity are shaping our future.”

The Country Music Association has unveiled 16 CMA Triple Play Award recipients for its 2026 Awards, taking place April 13 in Nashville. The ceremony will be hosted by Jim Beavers.

This year’s 16 CMA Triple Play Award honorees are Andy Albert, Louis Bell, John Byron, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Riley Green, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, Ella Langley, Chase McGill, John Morgan, Blake Pendergrass, Taylor Phillips, Austin Post, Ernest Keith Smith and Morgan Wallen. CMA will also celebrate over 40 songwriters who earned their first No. 1 Country hit since the last ceremony.

Additionally, Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), will receive the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.

“I am humbled at this recognition by the Country Music Association,” shares Herbison. “And I want to use this opportunity to thank the hundreds and hundreds of writers, particularly anyone who served on the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) Board of Directors during my tenure, who have all been integral to our advocacy efforts.”

The CMA Songwriter Advocate Award recognizes individuals who have championed the art and careers of songwriters, leaving a lasting impact on Country Music and the songwriting community. Herbison has been a leading advocate for songwriters, spearheading major industry advancements including the Music Modernization Act and long-term capital gains protections that have returned millions to creators. He spearheaded efforts that produced a historic 44% increase in mechanical royalties and helped establish the Mechanical Licensing Collective. Through strategic investments like the Bluebird Café and Music Mill studios, Herbison has strengthened the songwriting community while developing its future.

“Songwriters are the heartbeat of Country Music, and the CMA Triple Play Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the creativity and hard work it takes to land three No. 1 songs in a single year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It’s just as special to recognize Bart with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, as well as honor those celebrating their very first No. 1 — a milestone that is often the start of an extraordinary career. Bringing our songwriting community together to recognize these achievements is one of the most meaningful ways CMA supports the people behind the music and the continued growth of the genre.”

The CMA Triple Play Award celebrates songwriters who achieve three No. 1 hits within a 12-month period, as measured by the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. The honor spotlights their essential influence on defining the sound and success of the genre.

Celebrating their first CMA Triple Play Award this year is Albert, Bell, Green, Kasher Hindlin, Langley, Morgan, Pendergrass and Post. Gorley remains the most decorated recipient, receiving his 27th CMA Triple Play Award at this year’s ceremony.

Pictured (L-R): Matt Turner (Concord), Nathan Wallace and Brad Kennard (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman for Concord

Nathan Wallace has signed with Concord Music Publishing.

Wallace’s work has secured a multitude of sync placements across Love Is Blind, Love Island USA, Teen Mom, 90 Day Fiancée, All American, Married At First Sight and Found as well as in the film This Is The Year (2020).

Wallace frequently collaborates with Grammy-nominated Gospel and Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter, Blessing Offor, co-writing and producing Offor’s 2025 Christmas album, To All A Good Night. Other production credits and collaborations include work with artists such as Honest Man, Lee Brice and Desmond Child, among others.

“Nathan came highly recommended by mutual friends, and it didn’t take long to understand why,” shares Matt Turner, VP A&R at Concord Music Publishing. “His infectious energy fills the room, his production is fresh and unique, and his personality is one that makes collaboration feel effortless and inspiring! We at Concord, are super excited to see what the next few years holds for Nathan Wallace!”

“Joining Concord feels like the start of a really exciting chapter,” adds Wallace. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the belief they’ve shown in me. They’ve built a thriving home for songwriters, and I’m proud to be part of the family. I’m excited to keep pushing creatively and build something lasting alongside an outstanding team.”

The Country Music Association is hosting two events at SXSW 2026 on March 13: a panel discussion around mental health and touring, and its signature CMA Songwriters Series round, presented in partnership with Amber Health.

The panel will take place at Downright Austin in Capitol Ballroom E, and will explore how Wyatt Flores, Flores’ manager William Dyer, and clinical psychologist and Co-Founder of Amber Health Dr. Chayim Newman joined forces to reimagine tour support and pioneer a new, replicable model for artist care in country music. Joined by Tiffany Kerns, CMA Senior Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy, the conversation will spotlight CMA’s collaboration behind the initiative and how it embeds sustainable mental health resources directly within the touring ecosystem, enabling care and support to be accessible year-round.

The CMA Songwriters Series will take place at Central Presbyterian Church at 8 p.m. CT with a special opening performance by Georgia Webster. The evening will feature Chase McDaniel, Ingrid Andress, Tiera Kennedy and Flores in a traditional writers round, with each songwriter sharing the stories behind their songs and offering audiences an up-close look at the craft of songwriting as they perform.

“Country music has always been rooted in real stories and real emotion,” says Kerns. “Bringing an empowering conversation and a CMA Songwriters Series to SXSW gives us the opportunity to showcase that tradition in its most authentic form, while reinforcing our commitment to the wellbeing of the artists and industry professionals who make this music possible. Just as important, we’re looking forward to connecting with Austin’s dynamic music community, celebrating the creativity that defines the city and building lasting relationships rooted in a shared passion for great music.”

“Our partnership with CMA has put country music at the forefront of the efforts to better support the mental health of artists and their crews on tour, especially for early-career and emerging artists,” adds Newman. “We’re excited to share these efforts and their real-world impact with the audience at SXSW this year, hopefully inspiring attendees and the Austin community to find ways to participate in this shared mission.”

Both events underscore CMA’s broader investment in mental health and well-being across the music industry. CMA significantly expanded its financial commitment to that in 2024, with further growth in 2025, deepening its investment not only in the music, but in the long-term health, sustainability and future of the artists, songwriters and professionals who power country music forward.