Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Label Group’s Megan Joyce, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Plaid Flag Music’s Kendall Warren; (L-R, front row): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Mae Estes

Singer-songwriter Mae Estes has signed with Big Machine Records and WME. Estes has also released her new single, “Thinkin’ ‘Bout Cheatin’ (Recycled)” today (Nov. 17) as she begins her next chapter, and is also celebrating her 30th birthday.

The Hope, Arkansas native got her start at age seven, performing the national anthem at a rodeo, and subsequently every rodeo and sporting event she competed in after that. Finally moving to Nashville in 2015, she eventually landed a publishing deal with Plaid Flag Music.

“Thinkin’ ‘Bout Cheatin’ (Recycled)” re-introduces the theme of temptation in a fresh style—portraying even more raw emotion than its earlier studio version. A nod to a sentimental track, “Recycled,” Estes is releasing updated versions of her previously-released tracks along with signing to Big Machine Records. She recently released the “Die In A Bar (Acoustic)” and “Die In A Bar (Recycled),” with “Run (Recycled)” and “Town Left Me (Recycled)” set for release Dec. 1.

“In much the same way that Carly Pearce and Lainey Wilson put in an incredible amount of time, effort, and perseverance to find their way to the top, Mae Estes has been doing the same, following in a lot of those same footsteps,” says Scott Borchetta, CEO & Chairman, Big Machine Label Group. “I’m so excited for her hard work to pay off and for the world to discover Mae!”

“I believe I have a God-given purpose to create music for complete strangers, making us both feel seen and like we belong to something bigger than ourselves. The opportunity to work with an absolute powerhouse like BMLG and getting my music to as many people as possible is a dream come true to say the least,” shares Estes. “I’ve always believed that hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard and I’m unbelievably grateful to have joined BMLG—a team that not only supports and believes in what I do (exactly as I authentically do it), but will also match the work ethic and passion. I was often told to ‘find my champions’ in this industry and after years of searching, I’m incredibly grateful to have found champions in Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones.”

Estes will close out the year with a host of performances at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas before joining Jackson Dean on his “Head Full Of Noise Tour” that kicks off Jan. 12.

The Frontmen, (Richie McDonald, Tim Rushlow and Larry Stewart) have released a new six-song compilation, Familiar Faces, via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

“We’re excited to finally get to share our new music with the world,” says McDonald. “Seems we’ve been working towards this moment for the better part of fifteen years. I guess good things do come to those who wait.”

Produced by Mickey Jack Cones, the new collection includes features three originals, as well as three Lonestar, Little Texas and Restless Heart No. 1s, re-recorded Frontmen-style. The trio tag-team lead vocals throughout the EP. The original songs on the project include the new track “I Need You,” alongside previously-released songs “It Was Always You” and “Left Their Mark.” Classic tunes on the EP include Lonestar’s “Amazed (The Frontmen Edition),” Little Texas’ “God Blessed Texas (The Frontmen Edition)” and Restless Heart’s “I’ll Still Be Loving You (The Frontmen Edition).”

“Since our first Navy / USO shows over 12 years ago, I’ve always felt there was something special about the three of our voices together,” says Rushlow. “Getting the chance to finally show what we sound like collectively is a thrill. I love the authenticity and honesty in this music. Mickey Jack climbed aboard and became the fourth member as we all collaborated on this project. These songs have been impacting audiences in concert for a while, so we’re very excited to see it released.”

“To have this opportunity to share brand new music with music fans all over the world is just amazing,” adds Stewart. “Tim, Richie and I have created a bond in music that we can’t wait to share with country music fans of all ages. These new songs mean a lot to us and hope fans everywhere enjoy our latest new single release ‘I Need You’ along with the new re-records of our big hits on the Familiar Faces EP.”

The trio will appear on iHeartRadio’s Bobby Bones Show on Monday, Nov. 20 to discuss the project with Bones and his crew.

Familiar Faces Track Listing:
1. I Need You
2. I’ll Still Be Loving You (The Frontmen Edition)
3. It Was Always You
4. God Blessed Texas (The Frontmen Edition)
5. Left Their Mark
6. Amazed (The Frontmen Edition)

The Country Music Association and CMA Foundation have hired new staffers in newly-created positions across the CMA Event Operations, Insights and CMA Foundation teams as well as promoted several team members.

Ryan Nelson joins CMA as Senior Director, Event Operations; LeighAnn Rodd joins as Director, Insights; and Victoria Rutledge joins the CMA Foundation as Director, Major Gifts. CMA has also announced the promotion of Justin Randall to Senior Director, Information Technology and Megan Wise to Senior Director, Brand Partnerships.

Nelson was previously Senior Director, Global Recording & Concert/Event Production at Yamaha Corporation, where he oversaw onsite execution of events and streamlined worldwide recording and concert production. As Senior Director, Event Operations, he leads the CMA Event Operations team in planning and executing events including CMA Fest, CMA Awards and CMA Touring Awards. Nelson serves as the primary liaison between production, security, operations and staff leads for all events. He reports to Emily Evans, CMA Vice President, Business Strategy & Operations. Nelson can be reached at rnelson@cmaworld.com.

Rodd comes to CMA from her position as a Senior Associate Manager for Cracker Barrel, where she designed and executed strategic research initiatives to enhance the customer experience. In her role as Director, Insights, she leads projects that examine and report audience behaviors as well as identifies trends and key insights to inform decisions and articulate actionable recommendations. Rodd reports to Michael Farris, CMA Senior Director, Business Strategy & Insights. She can be reached at lrodd@cmaworld.com.

Prior to joining CMA, Rutledge was the Director of Development at NAMI Tennessee, where she worked with staff and development contractors to promote fundraising events as well as enhanced and sustained NAMI Tennessee operations. As Director, Major Gifts, she will oversee the nonprofit’s development and fundraising strategy, managing responsibility for building and advancing strong personal and professional relationships with the industry, partners and friends of CMA and the CMA Foundation that result in philanthropic support. Rutledge reports to Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. She can be reached at vrutledge@cmaworld.com.

Randall has been promoted to Senior Director, Information Technology after having been with CMA since 2014. In his new position, he will lead and mentor CMA’s Technology team, and drive the overall vision, strategy and execution to help shape the innovative technological direction of the organization. Randall reports to Amy Smartt, CMA Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration. Randall can be reached at jrandall@cmaworld.com.

Wise has risen to Senior Director, Brand Partnerships in her fifth year with the company. As Senior Director, she generates new long-term corporate alliances and sponsorships while also maintaining existing partner relationships for CMA’s primary events. Wise is also responsible for securing sponsor support for CMA’s ancillary events, campaigns and custom content. She reports to Kelly Striewski, CMA Senior Vice President, Marketing, Content & Communications Strategy. Wise can be reached at mwise@cmaworld.com.

Pictured (L-R): Troy Johnson, Hardy manager/Big Loud Management; Chris Lisle, Owner, CLLD & TCW Co-Creator; Zito, Green Day Production Manager; David ‘5-1’ Norman, Tour Forensics Co-Founder; Curt Jenkins, Miranda Lambert Tour Manager. Photo: Jason Davis for TCW

On Tuesday evening (Nov. 14), 400 members of the live music touring industry attended the 12th Annual Touring Career Workshop at Soundcheck Annex in Nashville.

Pictured (L-R): Curt Jenkins, Miranda Lambert Tour Manager; Zito, Green Day Production Manager; Troy Johnson, Hardy manager; David Norman, Tour Forensics. Photo: Jason Davis for TCW

Established to provide support, education, resources and networking opportunities to the men and women who make live music events possible, this year’s event featured breakout sessions on topics including mental health self-care, financial planning, health insurance options, event safety, job hunting and more.

The Touring Career Workshop was created in 2011 by Chris Lisle and Erik Parker to educate their colleagues in the touring music industry on key professional and personal topics including financial planning, health insurance, home ownership, and mental and physical health self-care. To date, the event has attracted more than 3,000 attendees and has featured 150 guest speakers. TCW’s All Access Program offers four free counseling sessions with an accredited therapist.

Pictured (L-R, front row): Joey Moi (Partner/Producer/President of A&R, Big Loud), Seth England (CEO/Partner, Big Loud), Miranda Lambert (Partner, Big Loud Texas), Dylan Gossett, Jon Randall (President of A&R, Big Loud Texas), Tyler Arnold (President, Mercury Records) and Alex Coslov (EVP, Republic Marketing Strategy/Head of Marketing, Mercury Records); (L-R, back row): Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Patch Culbertson (SVP/GM, Big Loud Records), Stacy Blythe (SVP of Radio Promotion, Big Loud Records), Matt Buser (Entertainment Attorney, Buser Legal), Federico Morris (Director A&R, Range Media Partners), Matt Graham (Managing Partner, Range Media Partners), Sam Katz (Manager, Homebase Management), Shawn McSpadden (Managing Partner, Range Media Partners Nashville), Jake Levensohn (Manager A&R, Mercury Records) and Lucy Bartozzi (VP of Marketing, Big Loud Records). Photo: Brayln Kelly

Texas singer-songwriter Dylan Gossett has signed with Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records in collaboration with Range Media Partners.

The announcement follows the recent release of his debut EP No Better Time last month, and the release of his single “Coal,” which has gathered over 50 million streams to date. “Coal” recently climbed to No. 35 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart and No. 24 on Billboard‘s Country Digital Song Sales chart, cracked the top 5 on Spotify’s Global and U.S. Viral 50 Charts, and peaked at No. 14 on the iTunes Country Chart and No. 36 on the All Genres Chart shortly after its release.

Written, recorded, produced and mixed by Gossett himself in his bedroom, No Better Time showcases the breadth of the Austin native’s talents. It debuted at No. 7 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Albums chart this week, and also features fan favorites “Beneath Oak Trees” and “Flip A Coin.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Dylan into the Mercury family,” says Tyler Arnold, President of Mercury Records. “He’s an incredible artist and songwriter, and it’s been a really memorable process getting to know him over the last few months. We truly believe he’s going to be a game changing artist for this generation.”

Miranda Lambert, Partner, Big Loud Texas says, “When I first heard Dylan’s song ‘Coal,’ I played it a few times because I wanted to catch all the ways he was sharing his life with us. To write and deliver something that is complex yet elegant lyrically and to also make it vulnerable is an art. After Jon [Randall] and I spent time with Dylan, we both agreed he is an artist Big Loud Texas was created to champion and support.”

“Dylan’s the kind of artist we are passionate about developing and investing in at Big Loud—a songwriter’s songwriter and incredible vocal talent who’s got something compelling to say through his music,” says Seth England, CEO/ Partner, Big Loud. “Thrilled to have him as the flagship artist launching our newest venture, Big Loud Texas, and honored to be part of telling his story.”

“After releasing ‘Coal,’ Sam Katz, Federico Morris and I quickly realized we wanted to find the right kind of partner to jump in and help amplify the velocity of the song and clear a path for a unique artist who clearly draws his inspiration from his Texas country roots, but showed a clear desire to cross genres and have global appeal,” says Matt Graham, Managing Partner, Range Media Partners. “Mercury and Big Loud have both shown an ability to do this with their clients. The idea really appealed to Dylan, particularly when the opportunity to be the first artist on Big Loud Texas was put forward as a possibility. We couldn’t be happier with how it’s come together, and look forward to a tremendous partnership on a genre breaking artist.”

Gossett grew up in Austin and taught himself guitar in middle school. In between listening to classics from Alan Jackson, George Strait, Journey, The Eagles, Scorpions and Boston, he immersed himself in the records by Turnpike Troubadours, Flatland Cavalry and Cody Johnson. Throughout this college days at Texas A&M University, he never stopped playing and singing. In spring 2023, Gossett began posting his music online, eventually gaining traction with a cover of Flatland Cavalry. He first caught fire with his debut single “To Be Free,” which exploded on TikTok and amassed nearly six million Spotify streams to date.