Nick LaPointe and Jay Sudarma. Photo: Courtesy of Music Services

Music Services, a division of SESAC Music Group, has added Nick LaPointe as Senior Director of Business Development, and elevated Jay Sudarma to Vice President of Marketing for Music Services and CCLI Group.

In this role, LaPointe will focus on bringing new clients into the division with an emphasis on YouTube administration, publishing and label administration, and distribution for artists and labels who own their masters. Most recently, LaPointe served as Senior Director, Business Development at FUGA AVS, where he led the signing of major and independent music publishers and expanded the company’s presence in Nashville. He previously held the same title at AdRev following nearly two decades at Warner Chappell Music.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nick to the team. Throughout his career, he has earned the trust of independent publishers and labels by helping them turn their rights into meaningful revenue,” says Rose Cook, Chief Operating Officer, Music Services. “He brings a relationship-driven approach that aligns perfectly with our commitment to delivering best-in-class service to our clients.”

Sudarma steps into a new role as Vice President of Marketing for Music Services, alongside a promotion to Vice President of Marketing at CCLI Group, where he previously served as Director of Marketing. In this expanded capacity, he will lead global marketing strategy across both businesses, and guide the division’s forthcoming rebrand and roll-out of its shared services platform. He brings experience in brand development, digital marketing, content strategy, website modernization and cross-functional partnerships.

“During his tenure at CCLI, Jay has proven the value of a disciplined, data-driven approach to marketing, and this expanded role is a natural next step,” says Cook. “He will work across brands in the Music Services portfolio, including AudioSalad, Audiam, Music Services Inc., The Harry Fox Agency, HAAWK, and CCLI, bringing a unified voice to a growing collection of brands while preserving the qualities that make each one unique.”

Pictured (L-R): CAA’s Rachel Brittain, Enchntmnt’s John Turpin, CAA’s Cam Jensen, Enchntmnt’s Benny Negrin, CAA’s Jeff Krones, Blake Whiten, CAA’s Bennett Beckner, Enchntmnt’s Reid Daroff and Enchntmnt’s Alix Negrin. Photo: Sydney Chance

Blake Whiten has inked with CAA for worldwide booking representation.

Raised in Six Mile, South Carolina, Whiten started writing songs as a teenager and built an early following by posting covers online, first garnering attention for a Morgan Wallen cover that amassed more than 9 million views. His debut single, “Rollin’ Stone,” which he wrote on his own, recently received an RIAA Gold certification as his music surpasses 400 million global streams.

This year, Whiten made his Grand Ole Opry debut and released his first album, Something To Say, which debuted on the Billboard 200. Produced by Austin Shawn, the 12-song project combines Whiten’s gritty vocals and personal songwriting with an alternative-leaning country sound.

“Bet On That” became Whiten’s first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a second No. 1 on SiriusXM The Highway. The track was also the most-added song at country radio when it was released, going to 46 stations and recently entering the top 40. In August, Billboard named Whiten an Up & Comer.

Whiten spent the summer opening for Morgan Wallen before launching his own “Something To Say Tour” this fall, with stops in Chicago, New York and Nashville. He is also scheduled to perform at Stagecoach in 2027.

John Morgan. Photo: Matthew Berinato

John Morgan is adding ten headlining shows to his fall schedule, kicking off Nov. 12 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and ending on Dec. 5 in Starkville, Mississippi.

The run will also include stops in North Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. Erin Kinsey and Chris Ryan will join as support. Tickets are on sale now.

Morgan will also join Brantley Gilbert’s “Real American Tour” this fall. He recently released a new single, “Cry Baby.” The track was written alongside Lydia Vaughn, Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy.

John Morgan Fall Tour Dates:
9/25 Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena*
9/26 Verona, NY – Turning Stone Resort Casino*
10/1 Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at The Heights*
10/2 Rockford, IL – BMO Center*
10/8 Savannah, GA – VyStar Pavilion
10/9 Roanoke Rapids, NC – Carolina Crossroads Amphitheatre*
10/15 Youngstown, OH – Covelli Center*
10/16 Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion*
10/17 Toledo, OH – Huntington Center*
11/5 Macon, GA – Atrium Health Amphitheater*
11/6 Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum*
11/7 Corinth, MS – Crossroads Arena*
11/12 Myrtle Beach, SC – The Boathouse
11/13 Wilmington, NC – Bowstring
11/14 Isle of Palms, SC – The Windjammer
11/15 Jacksonville, FL – Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair^
11/19 Nashville, TN – Odies
11/20 Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend
11/21 Winston-Salem, NC – The Ramkat
12/3 Chattanooga, TN – Barrelhouse Ballroom
12/4 Birmingham, AL – WorkPlay Soundstage
12/5 Starkville, MS – Rick’s Cafe
* Brantley Gilbert’s “Real American Tour” Date
^ Support for LOCASH

Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert is inviting fans inside her sold-out, one-night-only performance opening Nashville’s newest venue, The Truth, through a special Amazon Music Songline Live broadcast, premiering Oct. 7 on Amazon Music, Prime Video and Twitch.

Recording live at The Truth on Oct. 1, the special Songline Live episode will offer fans who couldn’t be in the room an opportunity to experience Lambert’s performance of select tracks from her new album Crisco tracks and her catalog of hits, all accompanied by a 12-piece string section.

The Oct. 1 concert marks the first of two special album-release celebrations for Lambert, who will follow the Nashville show with a home state performance at the legendary Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth on Oct. 6. Both venues will host free pre-show parties open to the public from 4-8 p.m., giving fans the chance to celebrate Crisco ahead of each show with a variety of activations, including a photo booth, chain stitching and early access to merchandise. Fans can also support MuttNation’s “Fill the Little Red Wagon” campaign by bringing a pet supply donation for a chance to win a signed Crisco CD.

Crisco weaves together heartbreak and hope, highways and honky-tonks, rhinestones and roller skates. The album features previously-released tracks “A Song To Sing” with Chris Stapleton, the title track, “Till The Going’s Gone,” “Sunset Marquis” “Two Things Can Be True,” and opening track and forthcoming radio single “Snakeskin Boots” with Ella Langley.

Pictured (L-R, top row): Dayna Bourgoin, Alex Hannaby and Bob Harris. (L-R, bottom row): Rachel Lloyd, James Johnston, Lainey Wilson

The Country Music Association has unveiled the winners of the 2026 CMA International Awards, recognizing individuals who have helped bring country music to audiences around the world. The honorees will be celebrated at a reception in downtown Nashville on Nov. 17 and recognized during the pre-telecast ceremony for The 60th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 18.

This year’s honorees received the news through a series of surprises. On Sept. 23, Darius Rucker surprised four recipients on a Zoom call: Dayna Bourgoin, National Music Director & Industry Relations at iHeartRadio Canada/Pure Country Radio, Alex Hannaby, SVP of International Marketing and Operations at HYBE Global Label Services, BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Bob Harris, and AEG Presents U.K. promoter Rachel Lloyd.

The following day, Ashley McBryde surprised Australian Country artist James Johnston with the news at the Grand Ole Opry. On Sept. 28, CMA Incoming CEO Brittany Schaffer surprised Lainey Wilson during a Zoom call.

“Some of my favorite moments in this job have been standing in a crowd overseas and experiencing how deeply fans connect with Country Music,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “That kind of connection doesn’t happen without people who believe in this music and put in the work to share it. The Country Music community is global, and we are proud to celebrate them.”

Bourgoin will receive the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award, honoring her contributions to country music media outside the U.S.

A 27-year veteran of the music and broadcasting industry, Bourgoin leads music programming and national content development for Pure Country Radio. She has supported Canadian country music throughout her career, helping develop artists including Dean Brody, High Valley and The Road Hammers during her time at CMT Canada. She also helped launch Dallas Smith’s country career at 604 Records and was part of the team that rebranded 16 Canadian stations as Pure Country, the country’s first national country radio brand. Bourgoin also serves as Vice Chair of the CMA Canadian Task Force.

Hannaby will receive the CMA Jo Walker-Meador International Award, recognizing her work supporting and expanding country music in markets outside the U.S.

She has spent more than a decade working in international music marketing, with experience at Universal Music, Big Machine and now HYBE Global Label Services. As SVP of International Marketing and Operations, she works with the Blue Highway Records roster, including Thomas Rhett, Midland and Jackson Dean, while also supporting international campaigns for Riley Green and Dolly Parton. She serves as Vice Chair of the CMA U.K. Task Force, sits on the BPI Council and helped launch the U.K.’s first official country music radio chart.

Harris will receive the International Country Broadcaster Award for his contributions to the growth of country music outside the U.S.

He has spent more than five decades in broadcasting and joined the BBC in 1970. He became widely known as the host of The Old Grey Whistle Test and later launched the BBC Radio 2 Country Show, helping connect U.K. audiences with Nashville and country music. A four-time CMA International Broadcaster of the Year, Harris also received the Wesley Rose International Media Achievement Award in 2012. He was named an OBE in 2011 for his contributions to British music and culture.

Johnston will receive the Jeff Walker Global Country Artist Award, honoring an internationally based country artist for outstanding global achievements.

The Australian artist has expanded his reach with sold-out shows across the U.K. and a growing audience in North America and Europe. A three-time Golden Guitar Award winner and ARIA Award nominee, Johnston has earned more than 165 million global streams. His debut album, RAISED LIKE THAT, spent 35 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the ARIA Australian Country Albums Chart.

Lloyd will receive the Rob Potts International Live Music Advancement Award for her work expanding country music’s live audience and performance opportunities outside the U.S.

She has helped grow country music’s presence in the U.K. throughout her career. She has been a promoter with AEG Presents U.K. since 2021, where she works on C2C Festival and oversees a touring roster that includes club, academy, theater and arena shows. Before joining AEG, she worked in WME’s London music department and at Warner Records.

Wilson will receive the International Artist Achievement Award, recognizing a U.S.-based artist for her creative growth and support of country music internationally.

She has taken her music around the world with her sold-out “Whirlwind World Tour” across Europe and North America. The 12-time CMA Award winner and reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year will host The 60th Annual CMA Awards for the third consecutive year. She was also inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2024. Her latest album, Whirlwind, received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album and reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 and No. 13 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart.