Industry Ink: Taylor Vaughn, Lena Stone, Hayefield

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Taylor Vaughn Joins Full Coverage Communications As Vice President

Taylor Vaughn. Photo: Courtesy of Full Coverage Communications

Full Coverage Communications has hired Taylor Vaughn as Vice President. Vaughn brings 15 years of music and entertainment industry experience with her to the new role. She has worked on campaigns for artists such as Stephen Sanchez, Greta Van Fleet and more, as well as film soundtracks for Spider-Man: Across The Spiderverse, Space Jam: A New Legacy and more. Based in Los Angeles, Vaughn will be working with the company’s full roster in her new role, including Tim McGraw and Carly Pearce.

“We are so pleased to welcome Taylor to our team. She has extraordinary PR vision and leadership skills that will be a driving force as our business evolves and grows,” says Full Coverage Communications President Kristen Foster.

 

Lena Stone Launches Catalyst Co.

Lena Stone. Photo: Lydia Gritters

Lena Stone has launched a boutique artist development firm, Catalyst Co. The company intends to help artists, creators and brands establish their identity and offer innovative problem-solving. Catalyst Co. has already worked with Peyton Gilliland, Bobby Watson, Remy Garrison, Dan Harrison and Onoleigh.

Stone’s background includes time as a recording artist as well as roles with Song Suffragettes and Song Factory Music Publishing.

“I am so proud to officially share Catalyst Co. with the Nashville community. I have always been passionate about independent artists, and I am deeply grateful to the artists who have trusted me to help them on their journeys since I founded Catalyst Co. last February. I believe there has never been a better time to make music, and I’m excited to see what the future holds,” shares Stone.

 

Hayefield Signs With Rise Music Group

Hayefield. Photo: Courtesy of Perk PR

Genre-bending band Hayefield has signed with Rise Music Group for exclusive management representation.

The group’s debut EP Trees was produced by Adam Ernst and Austin Shawn, who has worked with Bailey Zimmerman and Chase Matthew. Hayefield has spent time on the road with Austin Meade, Riley Green, Muscadine Bloodline, Hayden Coffman, Trey Lewis and more.

“I’ve been a genuine fan of these guys for years,” shares Tanner Louis, CEO/Artist Manager, Rise Music Group. “The band’s authentic blend of country and pop-punk influences ignites an infectious energy at every show… Hayefield is going to make some NOISE in music city, no doubt about that!”

The Neal Agency Signs Zach John King

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Pictured (L-R): Hyphen Media Group’s Matt Reed, TNA’s Ryan Beuschel, Zach John King, TNA’s Evan Kantor and TNA’s Kolby Vetter. Photo: Kelly Littlefield

Rising artist Zach John King has signed with The Neal Agency (TNA) for booking. The firm joins King’s existing team that includes Matt Reed at Hyphen Media Group for management and artist development, Boom Music Group for publishing and Cmdshft for distribution.

With over five million career streams accumulated across only five singles released so far, the Fayetteville, Georgia native’s music fuses country, Americana and indie rock. King garnered three million views on demos and work tapes on TikTok before his first official release, showing true interest from fans. He is set to release his first EP, Wannabe Cowboy, on May 24.

“It was evident from our initial meeting with Zach that the music he’s creating, his drive to succeed and his overall artistic vision are the perfect match for the type of artistry we strive to represent at The Neal Agency,” share TNA’s Ryan Beuschel, Evan Kantor and Kolby Vetter. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with Zach and continue building his career.”

“I’m incredibly honored to be a part of such a powerhouse team. I feel like the size and intentionality of TNA matches my vision for building an artistic foundation that will last,” shares King. “It’s inspiring to see my name amongst some of the biggest artists in the world, and pushes me to work even harder at building my career.”

In addition to King, TNA’s roster also includes Palmer Anthony, Cory Asbury, Cameron Sacky Band, Aidan Canfield, Ashland Craft, Ernest, Riley Green, Hardy, Preston James, Ella Langley, John Morgan, Chase Rice, Josh Ross, Seaforth, Nate Smith, Morgan Wallen, Ole 60, Lauren Watkins, Anne Wilson, Jake Worthington and Bailey Zimmerman, along with the entertainment brand Whiskey Jam.

Weekly Register: Shaboozey Stays Atop The Country Streaming Songs Chart

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Shaboozey. Photo: Daniel Prakopcy

Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” stays atop the country streaming songs chart this week with 32 million new streams, adding to 66 million ATD, according to Luminate data.

Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” remains at No. 2 with 16 million streams, adding to 706 million ATD, while Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” ascends to No. 3 with 11.6 million new streams, adding to 1.35 billion ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” sits at No. 4 with 11.5 million streams, adding to 1.37 billion ATD, and Beyoncé‘s “Texas Hold ‘Em” tumbles down to No. 5 with 11 million new streams, adding to 222 million ATD.

On the country albums chart, Wallen’s One Thing At A Time returns to No. 1 with 69K in total consumption (1.3K album only/87 million song streams). Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter slides down to No. 2 with 52K (6.7K album only/56 million song streams), followed by Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album at No. 3 with 40K (348 album only/52 million song streams). Bryan’s self-titled collection claims No. 4 again with 36K (2.4K album only/44 million song streams), as his American Heartbreak rests at No. 5 with 29K (718 album only/37 million song streams).

Terri Clark To Celebrate 20 Years As An Opry Member

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Terri Clark. Photo: Phil Crozier

Terri Clark will celebrate her 20th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member on June 7 with a special performance as a part of “Opry Celebrates CMA Fest.”

She’ll step into the circle on June 7 alongside Meg McRee, fellow Opry member Mark Wills and more for a special night of celebration following the release of her duets album Terri Clark: Take Two and Greatest Hits vinyl, both arriving May 31. Clark’s Greatest Hits vinyl also celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

“Becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry was a dream come true and celebrating 20 years fills me with overwhelming gratitude,” shares Clark. “The Opry isn’t just a stage, it’s a sacred home for generations of artists and fans who love country music. Being part of this incredible family is an honor beyond my wildest dreams. Here’s to the Opry, the fans, and the music that binds us all together.”

The evening will also honor Clark’s trailblazing achievement as the only female Canadian member of the prestigious institution. She’ll extend the celebration on the road with her first-ever headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium on Aug. 29.

Tanya Tucker Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Tequila Cantina At Nudie’s Honky Tonk

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Tanya Tucker performs during the grand opening of her new Tequila Cantina at Nudie’s Honky Tonk. Photo: Icon Entertainment & Hospitality

Tanya Tucker celebrated the grand opening of her new Tequila Cantina at Nudie’s Honky Tonk on Nashville’s lower Broadway on Thursday (May 2).

Tanya Tucker with her Friesian stallion Lauw at the grand opening of her new Tequila Cantina at Nudie’s Honky Tonk. Photo: Jessica Candage

Dressed in a custom Double D Ranch periwinkle suit embellished with rhinestones, Tucker galloped down Broadway on the back of her striking black Friesian stallion Lauw, who was adorned with fresh flowers, right to the front door of Nudie’s Honky Tonk.

The event provided an exclusive, advanced look at the second floor of Nudie’s that has been transformed into a lively cantina-style bar that reflects the country star’s spirit. The immersive experience seeks to capture Tucker’s unique personality, and features a number of her most iconic costumes and memorabilia from her career thus far. 

Attendees sipped on a variety of cocktails made with Tucker’s own tequila brand, Cosa Salvaje, and the artist herself got behind the bar to serve up some shots. In addition to getting on top of the bar to dance and sing along with the band, Tucker performed onstage with  T. Graham Brown. Later, The Oak Ridge Boys joined her to close out the evening with her classic hit “Delta Dawn.”

Empire Nashville Ups Heather Vassar & Sarah Beth Gerlecz, Adds Hannah Galluzzi

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Heather Vassar, Sarah-Beth Gerlecz and Hannah Galluzzi

Independent record label, publisher and distributor Empire has appointed Heather Vassar to Senior Vice President of Operations and Sarah Beth Gerlecz as Director of Business and Legal Affairs.

Additionally, the company has hired Hannah Galluzzi as Director of A&R. She arrives at Empire after a six-year stint in the A&R department at Universal Music Group Nashville, where she worked with Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum, Priscilla Block and Jordan Davis.

Vassar will continue to spearhead Empire Nashville releases and expand its roster. Gerlecz remains the key dealmaker for Empire Nashville’s Label and Publishing divisions. Galluzzi will play a key role in the relationships and development of artists and release strategy.

“I’m really excited to continue spearheading & growing the team with EMPIRE,” Vassar shares. “We have been investing in Nashville for several years in creating a more synergistic ecosystem that is artist led and globally focused. To see the benefits of this approach on such a monumental level with Beyoncé choosing to work with our artists on four tracks and continuing the rise with Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ entering Billboard‘s Hot 100 at No. 3 is so rewarding to the patience, persistence and teamwork across the globe from our team.

“We are at the forefront of breaking down barriers and making history in country music, it’s in our DNA,” she adds. “Adding Hannah to our team has only solidified our position with her expertise and experience with high caliber talent.”

Over the past year, Vassar has led Empire Nashville to exponential growth, adding 10 artists to the label roster. Most recently, the company celebrated two rising acts, Shaboozey and Reyna Roberts, being featured on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album. Shaboozey also shared his latest single “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which cracked 3 million streams in just 24 hours and now boasts 65 million streams globally. The company recently partnered with Magnolia Music Group for the promotion of “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” to country radio.

Empire Nashville has also signed Texas native and rising recording artist Don Louis to its label and publishing division and will release the first project from Willie Jones—another rising country artist featured on Cowboy Carter.

SMACKSongs Signs Jenn Schott To Publishing Deal

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Pictured (L-R): Carly Sater, Lee Krabel, Jenn Schott, Robin Palmer, Jeremy Groves and Sam Sarno

Renowned songwriter Jenn Schott has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

Schott’s track record includes hits such as Tim McGraw‘s “7500 OBO” and “Two Lanes Of Freedom,” Mickey Guyton‘s “Better Than You Left Me” and Rascal Flatts‘ “Feel It In The Morning.” Previous stops include Dreamworks, UMPG, Big Loud and Red Creative.

“Jenn has always been a talented, hardworking and positive force in this songwriting community,” shares Robin Palmer, Chief Creative Officer at SMACK. “We’re really excited to finally get to welcome her to our family!”

In addition to her songwriting talents, Schott sits on the Board of Directors as Vice President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) alongside fellow SMACK writer and President of NSAI, Lee Thomas Miller.

Of the deal, Schott shares, “I’m so honored to be joining the SMACK family. I’ve known and admired Robin and Lee [Krabel] for many years, and to get to work with them alongside Jeremy [Groves], Sam [Sarno], Carly [Sater], Emily [Carignan], and the rest of the SMACK team feels like I hit the songwriter jackpot. I’m excited to get to work and see what we can accomplish together!”

Keith Urban To Play 10 Shows At Fontainebleau Las Vegas

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Grammy-winning country artist Keith Urban will head to Las Vegas to play 10 shows on the strip’s newest luxury resort and casino, the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. “Keith Urban’s HIGH in Vegas” will run in October 2024 and February 2025.

The exclusive performances will feature tracks from his upcoming album releasing this fall, including singles “Messed Up As Me,” “Straight Line” and his newest collaboration with Lainey Wilson “Go Home W U.” Attendees will also hear Urban’s classic hit such as “Somewhere In My Car,” “Somebody Like You,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” “Wasted Time” and more.

Tickets to all 10 shows will go on sale this Friday (May 10) at 10 a.m. PST.

“Keith Urban’s HIGH in Vegas” Dates:
October 4
October 5
October 9
October 11
October 12
February 14
February 15
February 19
February 21
February 22

Ashley McBryde, Maddie & Tae, More Among Third Annual VetFest Lineup

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Ashley McBryde, Maddie & Tae, Michael Warren and Lucinda Williams are set to perform at the Bob Woodruff Foundation VetFest at Nashville’s Skydeck on Broadway on June 22.

The third annual celebration will also feature raffles, games and activities as well as Nashville-style food. VetFest will also connect attendees with local organizations that are part of the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s Got Your 6 Network—giving them the opportunity to learn more about the resources and programs dedicated to supporting veterans, service members and their families in the Nashville area.

Participating organizations include CreatiVets, Memories of Honor, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Operation Song, Operation Stand Down Tennessee and Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Centerstone. Partners featured at the event offer services that are accessible to over 500,000 veterans and uniformed service members in the state of Tennessee.

“I can’t believe we’re already on the third year of VetFest in Nashville,” says Woodruff, Co-Founder of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “Live music has been an important part of the foundation since we started this work 18 years ago, so it’s fitting that we’re celebrating and supporting veterans and military families in Music City. And don’t forget–the support doesn’t stop after the show. We’re working year-round to ensure the military community has everything they need to thrive.”

Entry is free for all veterans, service members and military families. Tickets are available now and must be reserved in advance. For more information, click here.

GMA Hosts Celebration To Kick Off Christian & Gospel Music Museum Construction

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GMA Board members, GMA Foundation, GMA staff and artists in attendance with GMA President Jackie Patillo, Governor Bill Lee and Mayor Freddie O’Connell. Photo: Adam Sanner

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) hosted a celebration to kick off the construction of the new Christian & Gospel Music Museum at The Dove Center last week.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell made special remarks, and award-winning artists Michael W. Smith and Jekalyn Carr performed live during the event to show their support for the historic moment.

Located at 400 Commerce Street in downtown Nashville, the museum is set to open in the fall of 2025. Just steps away from the famous Ryman Auditorium, the 11,000 square foot space will feature state-of-the-art interactive displays that aim to recognize today’s artists while looking for tomorrow’s leaders in addition to preserving the legacies of Christian and gospel music trailblazers.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to break ground on the new home for Christian and gospel music right in the heart of Music City,” said Jackie Patillo, GMA President. “The opportunity to be a beacon of light here in Nashville and offer a place to fulfill our mission to expose, promote, and celebrate the gospel is a big step forward.”