ARC Business Management Appoints Katie West As Managing Director

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Katie West. Photo: Hannah Drake

ARC Business Management has appointed Katie West as Managing Director.

In this role, the Nashville-based executive will lead creator relations and support the company’s continued growth across the entertainment industry.

With more than a decade of experience across finance, operations and client relations, she most recently spent three years in London as Financial Controller for Red Light Management. Prior to that, West co-founded a technology startup focused on helping artists monetize video content and create premium fan engagement experiences. She also held financial operations roles with Bridgestone Americas, Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Tri Star Sports & Entertainment, among others.

“Katie’s combination of hands-on financial expertise, international market knowledge, and genuine passion for creators makes her the perfect fit for ARC at exactly the right time,” says Tate Henshaw, Co-Founder of ARC. “We’re excited to grow alongside her as we continue expanding our services and deepening the intentional, client-first approach we’re known for.”

“ARC is one of the few agencies in this space rapidly evolving alongside what creators and the entertainment industry genuinely need – agile advisors who care about both the details and the long-term sustainability of their clients’ careers,” says West. “I’m truly excited to be joining a team that’s building with the same creative and entrepreneurial energy as the roster they serve.”

Gabe Walsh Signs With North Chapel Records

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Gabe Walsh.

Gabe Walsh has signed with North Chapel Records.

The Blue Rapids, Kansas native was recently named a 2026 recipient of the prestigious NSAI Milestone Award. He will release his debut single “Goodyears,” on June 19.

“It’s a dream come true for me to get to work with a legend like Benny Brown and the rest of the staff at North Chapel Music,” says Walsh. “I’ve been busting my tail for 13 years in this town, and this means the world. I’ve never had a plan B, so I’m very grateful and blessed to see the hard work starting to pay off.”

Walsh will appear as part of the Field & Stream-sponsored songwriter event tomorrow (May 29) in celebration of Cracker Barrel 400 weekend at Nashville Superspeedway.

JUST IN: MCA Aligns With Brian Wright, Coran Capshaw & ONE4 Records

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Pictured (L-R): Mike Haris, MCA President and CEO, Brian Wright, Managing Partner and Co-Founder ONE4 Records and Coran Capshaw, Co-Founder ONE4 Records. Photo: Evan Harney

MCA has formed a new partnership with ONE4 Records, the Nashville-based label founded by industry veteran Brian Wright and Red Light Management’s Coran Capshaw, which is focused on artist development and long-term career building.

Built to support emerging artists, the partnership shares a focus on artist-first development, songwriting and building lasting careers.

“At MCA, we believe the future of this business belongs to companies that are willing to invest deeply in artists, songwriting, and long-term creative development,” says Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA. “Brian has one of the strongest creative instincts in the business, and alongside Coran and the ONE4 team, we’re creating an environment where artists can develop authentically and sustainably with the support and infrastructure of MCA behind them.”

First beginning his career 25 years ago at Universal Music Group, Wright held the title of Exec. VP of A&R prior to his departure in 2023. In his role, he led A&R initiatives for Capitol Records Nashville, EMI Records Nashville, Mercury Nashville and MCA Nashville. Wright’s leadership helped shape some of country music’s biggest albums of the past decade, including the GRAMMY-winning Traveller from Chris Stapleton and Jon Pardi’s California Sunrise. Wright has also worked with artists including Jamey Johnson and George Strait.

“A&R is the driving force behind what we’re building,” shares Wright, ONE4 Managing Partner and Co-Founder. “With the support and resources of the partners invested in this venture, we have the flexibility to follow whatever path best serves the artist and their music.”

“It’s exciting to be a part of a model centered on artist and music development that has a more personal, hands-on approach,” adds Co-Founder Capshaw.

Katherine Godwin will also join Wright and Capshaw as ONE4’s Creative Director.

Named after the mantra “one for all,” ONE4 Records plans to keep growing its creative and operational team, with more announcements expected in the coming months.

The Chicks Announce ‘Taking The Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour’

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The Chicks will launch their new “Taking the Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour” this fall in celebration of their record-breaking album Taking the Long Way.

Kicking off at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on Sept. 30, The Chicks will visit theaters across the U.S. on the new tour with stops in Chicago, New York City, Nashville, San Antonio, Austin, Seattle and San Francisco, before wrapping with two nights in Hollywood at Dolby Theatre on Nov. 1-2. Tickets will be available starting with an artist pre-sale beginning on June 3, with general on sale beginning June 4 at Thechicks.com/tour.

The “Taking the Long Way Tour” will commemorate two decades of the album that topped the Billboard 200 chart and earned The Chicks five Grammys, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Originally released in 2006, Taking the Long Way showcased The Chicks at their most fearless and vulnerable. Lead single “Not Ready to Make Nice” remains an anthem of artistic freedom and personal autonomy 20 years later. Throughout the new run, the trio will perform the groundbreaking album in its entirety for the first time, before closing each night with fan-favorite hits spanning their award-winning catalog.

The Chicks – “Taking The Long Way 20th Anniversary Tour” Dates:
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theatre
Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Chicago, IL – The Auditorium
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
Monday, October 12, 2026 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre
Thursday, October 15, 2026 – Nashville, TN – The Truth
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
Sunday, October 18, 2026 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic Theatre
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert Hall
Sunday, October 25, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall
Monday, October 26, 2026 – Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall
Thursday, October 29, 2026 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Friday, October 30, 2026 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Sunday, November 1, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre
Monday, November 2, 2026 – Hollywood, CA – Dolby Theatre

David Nail Readies ‘Flowers’ Due In August

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David Nail will release first full-length project in ten years, Flowers, on Aug. 21.

Nail wrote the 10-track project alongside Anderson East, Lori McKenna, Trent Dabbs and Melissa Fuller.

“I think what makes this album special is that I never intended to make one,” shares Nail. “It started with a song, which then became 3, then 5, and eventually 12, 14. These are 10 of those songs, written over the course of a year and a half. I never once went in thinking about anything other than writing the best song possible, something I’d be excited to play my wife when I got back home. It was unlike any process I’d used in the past, and Anderson’s studio is not only the most inspiring place I’ve ever been creative in, but his laid-back personality was the perfect contrast to my chaotic, anxious, always-in-a-rush way that I’d been known for throughout my career. With the exception of Lori McKenna, I’d never worked with any of the other songwriters or musicians, and their fresh outlook contributed to what I believe is one of the more honest and original things I’ve ever been able to be part of.”

Since exiting his major label deal in 2017, Nail has released five EP projects and many singles.

Nail first shared the announcement last night (May 26) at the Grand Ole Opry. During his performance, MCA EVP/Head of A&R Stephanie Wright surprised him onstage with five new RIAA certifications for “Whatever She’s Got,” now triple Platinum, “Nights on Fire,” “Red Light,” “Let It Rain,” all Certified Platinum, and “Kiss You Tonight,” now Gold.

Flowers Track Listing:
1. “Skyline” (David Nail, Lori McKenna, Anderson East)
2. “The Crown” (David Nail, Anderson East)
3. “Broken In” (David Nail, Trent Dabbs, Anderson East)
4. “Time Ran Out” (David Nail, Anderson East)
5. “Book Of Us” (David Nail, Lori McKenna)
6. “I’ll Break Yours Too” (David Nail, Anderson East)
7. “Fare Thee Well” (David Nail, Anderson East, Trent Dabbs)
8. “She Knows” (David Nail, Anderson East)
9. “I Bought The Flowers” (David Nail, Anderson East, Melissa Fuller)
10. “Riverbank” (feat. Lori McKenna) (David Nail, Lori McKenna, Anderson East)

Charles Kelley Launches New SiriusXM Show

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Charles Kelley has launched his new radio show, Y’all Aboard Hosted by Charles Kelley, airing on SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio (ch. 15). The first episode will release today (May 27) at 5 p.m. CT with Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook as his first guests. Upcoming guests will also include Russell Dickerson, Dustin Lynch, Richard Marx, Trisha Yearwood and more.

“‘80s music always hits, but it’s the best time of the year to turn up some Yacht Rock,” shares Kelley. “I’ve been having such a good time kicking back with my friends and vibing out to some of my favorite songs ever released.”

Each week, guests will join Kelley in the studio to share stories and play their favorite Yacht Rock songs. To celebrate the show, Kelley will also join a special episode of SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour live from Nashville on July 24.

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop Officially Set To Open In June

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Dolly Parton’s Tennessean Travel Stop is officially set to welcome guests on June 24, introducing a travel experience built around the idea that every stop on the highway should feel a little more like home.

Located at exit 22 off of I-65 in Cornersville, Tennessee, approximately one hour south of Nashville and one hour northwest of Huntsville, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop is built on the belief that every traveler deserves comfort, good food and a genuine welcome. Guests can stop by to relax, shop for merch and eat, including standout barbecue offerings from DLY BBQ, a fresh cup of Dolly’s Cup of Ambition Coffee and a full-service sit-down cafe and restaurant.

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop will also feature an original mural commissioned as a permanent love letter to Cornersville, making this flagship location one-of-a-kind. A tour bus inspired by the one Dolly has traveled in for years will also be on-site, providing a fun, photo-worthy way for guests to connect with her life on the highway.

The travel stop is the first of many planned locations, born from the partnership between Parton, her manager Danny Nozell, and Gregory H. Sachs, who has owned and operated the trusted Tennessean Travel Stop brand since 2017. Inspired by Dolly’s lifelong connection to the open road, from her childhood in the hills of East Tennessee to decades spent touring the world by bus, the venture reimagines what a roadside stop can be.

The grand opening event will be a large-scale celebration, with all welcome to attend and experience the travel stop firsthand. Additional details on the grand opening festivities will be revealed in the coming weeks. Live music will be at the heart of Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, and local musicians and bands interested in being considered for booking at the flagship Cornersville location for Grand Opening Week and beyond are encouraged to submit their information here.

Tyla Rodrigues Signs With Vincent Torrez Management

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Pictured (L-R): Emily Vincent (Vincent Torrez Management), Tyla Rodrigues and Alex Torrez (Vincent Torrez Management).

International singer-songwriter Tyla Rodrigues has signed with Vincent Torrez Management.

The Australian singer has steadily grown her fanbase with powerful vocals and modern country style. She got her start performing in bars around Brisbane before gaining attention with her early releases. This spring, she released her EP Hold On Tight, featuring the singles “Hot & Heavy” and “By The Time It’s Over,” both of which reached the Australian top 20 country airplay chart. In March, she teamed up with Braxton Keith for an Amazon Music Original version of the country classic “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.” The song has already earned more than seven million streams and will be released on all platforms on June 19.

She has also appeared at major events including CMC Rocks QLD, Groundwater Country Music Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, and made her C2C Festival debut this spring in London and Germany. Rodrigues continue touring internationally and will make her CMA Fest debut next week.

“What a true gem, Tyla is…as a person and professional,” shares Emily Vincent, Co-Founder of VTM. “She represents everything we believe in as a management company — undeniable raw talent, creative authenticity and an artistry that speaks for itself. What separates her is not just her voice or her songwriting, but the honesty and depth she brings to her music. She’s the kind of artist you build with for the long term, and we’re beyond excited to help shape that journey.”

“I knew from the moment that I met Alex and Emily that they would be incredible people to grow with, they understand the vision and encourage my individuality as an artist. Their passion for long term development whilst upholding the ‘artist-first’ mentality is what makes me so incredibly excited to be part of the Vincent Torrez Management group,” adds Rodrigues. “I am over the moon to be stepping into this next chapter of my career with them.”

Jo Dee Messina Inks With CAA & mtheory

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Pictured (L-R): Julie Sturdivant (CAA), Kylen Sharpe (CAA), Jo Dee Messina and Cameo Carlson (mtheory)

Jo Dee Messina has signed with CAA for talent representation and mtheory for management.

CAA’s Kylen Sharpe will serve as her responsible booking agent and mtheory’s Cameo Carlson will serve as her manager.

“Jo Dee is entering one of the most exciting creative moments of her career,” says Carlson. “Between her first new album in over a decade, some of the strongest music she’s ever made, and a live show that feels bigger, freer, and more connected than ever, there’s a real energy building around this next chapter. As she celebrates 30 years of an incredible career, we see enormous opportunity to expand what the Jo Dee Messina brand can be — across touring, media, and fan experiences. We’re thrilled to officially step into this partnership and help build something very special around what comes next.”

Messina’s new album, Bridges, is set for release June 5 and marks her first full-length album in over a decade. She will play at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest before kicking off her headlining Bridges Tour on June 11 in Columbus, Ohio.

3686 Records Makes Strategic Expansion

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Murray Decock and Frank Door; (L-R, bottom row): Alexandra Gilbert and Chad White

3686 Records has expanded its leadership and creative teams, welcoming Murray Decock as Director of Business Development, Alexandra Gilbert as Label Manager, Frank Door as Creative Director, and Chad White as Social Media Manager.

“This expansion represents a major step forward for 3686 Records and the artists we serve,” says 3686 Records Co-Founders Levi Hummon and Eric Arjes in a joint statement. “Every person joining the team shares our passion for artist development and our belief that independent artists deserve both creative support and sustainable career opportunities. We’re building something intentionally artist-first, and this team helps strengthen that vision.”

Decock joins the label as Director of Business Development, bringing more than 35 years of experience in organizational leadership, fundraising, and the arts. A performing artist, musician and composer himself, Decock has played a key role in helping shape the label’s long-term infrastructure and growth strategy.

“Levi and Eric brought me on board to help grow 3686 Records,” says Decock. “I have thirty-five years of experience running organizations and raising money, as well as a deep background as a performing artist, musician and composer. I was immediately drawn to Levi and Eric’s combined passion and mission for 3686 Records.

As Label Manager, Gilbert will oversee artist relations, project coordination, and day-to-day label operations while helping foster the artist-centered culture at the core of the company.

“3686 Records presents a unique opportunity to work as an artist, with artists, for artists,” says Gilbert. “One of the many wonderful things about this label is the passion we all share for making good music and the commitment we have to stand behind our creatives. Every day is a collaboration, and I’m constantly inspired by all the heart that Levi and Eric put into making this label something truly special, along with the love and soul each of our artists have for their craft. The sky’s the limit!”

Door has joined as Creative Director, bringing extensive experience in visual storytelling and creative branding to help shape the label’s visual identity and artist campaigns.

“Great music deserves great visuals,” says Door. “I’ve spent my career building worlds through visual storytelling, and joining 3686 is a chance to do that alongside artists who are shaping the sound from the ground up. That energy is rare, and that’s where the best work happens.”

New Social Media Manager White will focus on digital engagement, fan community growth and artist storytelling across platforms.

“Joining the 3686 team has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my career journey so far,” says White. “Beyond the professional opportunities, it’s the passion, creativity, and sense of community within the team that truly makes it special. Being surrounded by people who genuinely believe in the artists and the vision behind the music has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally!”