Brandon Manley. Photo: Jovon Wilson
Producer and songwriter Brandon Manley has inked with Drumatized and EMPIRE Publishing, led by Al “Butter” Mclean and Vinny Kumar. EMPIRE A&R Eric Hurt helped secure the deal.
“I’ve always admired Brandon’s ability to move effortlessly across genres. We are excited to partner with Tay Keith’s Drumatized to amplify his sound to audiences worldwide,” says Kumar, EMPIRE Publishing SVP, Head of Global Business
“Brandon is an exceptionally talented, multi-genre producer & songwriter who EMPIRE has worked a lot with,” adds Hurt. “We’re thrilled to partner with Drumatized on this deal as we combine efforts to build on Brandon’s successes and strengthen EMPIRE’s Nashville publishing division.”
Based in Nashville, Manley has collaborated with Chase Matthew, Billy Ray Cyrus, David Morris, Austin Williams, Rvshvd and more. He is known in music city for making tracks that combine Southern storytelling with modern sound, also while blending genres. He has drawn influence from Guns N’ Roses, Jamey Johnson and Nas.
As a writer, Manley pens tunes that have themes of love, struggle, redemption and small-town grit. On the production side, he combines country soul, Southern rock, hip-hop and energetic modern pop.
“Brandon is exactly the type of visionary we want to align with as Drumatized grows,” says Tay Keith, Founder of Drumatized. “Country music has always been rooted in real stories, and Brandon’s sound carries that tradition forward while pushing boundaries. He’s going to be a major part of this next chapter for us.”
“Partnering with Ghazi, Vinny Kumar & Eric Hurt of EMPIRE in Nashville on Brandon was a successful move for our label, brand and the future of Nashville’s culture,” shares Nicholas Brownlow, Drumatized Head of A&R.
“I’m excited to be part of something groundbreaking,” adds Manley. “Country music and hip-hop share more in common than people realize—both are rooted in truth and storytelling. With Drumatized and EMPIRE, we’re creating music for a global audience.”
Cindy Finke Exits MCA
/by LB CantrellCindy Finke
MCA’s Cindy Finke, Director of Media Marketing, has exited the position.
Finke joined UMG/MCA in 2021 and led publicity efforts for a diverse roster including Brenda Lee, Tyler Hubbard, Luke Grimes, Ringo Starr and more. She is looking for her next opportunity.
Finke can be reached at cmcfinke07@gmail.com.
Brantley Gilbert Signs With BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s VP, A&R Camille Kenny, Brantley Gilbert’s Tour Manager Corey Roberson, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s EVP, Recorded Music JoJamie Hahr, BMG Americas President, Frontline Recordings Jon Loba, Brantley Gilbert, Red Light Management’s Aaron Keiser, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s General Manager Peter Strickland, BMG’s VP, Global Content & Creative Jen Morgan & Red Light Management’s Tom Lord. Photo: Brian Vaughan
Multi-Platinum artist Brantley Gilbert has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Led by Jon Loba, BMG Americas President of Frontline Records, Gilbert’s new label team joined Gilbert on stage at his recent Nashville stop of the “Tattoos Tour” to celebrate the news.
“I’m fired up to kick off this next chapter with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville,” shares Gilbert. “They support their artists in ways that really move the needle, and it means a lot that they believe in what we’re building and want to be a part of it. We’ve got some big things on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to having this crew in my corner as we take it to the next level.”
“I’ll never forget years ago when JoJamie Hahr came into my office on fire about an independent artist named Brantley Gilbert,” says Loba. “From my first listen, it was easy to hear what she was so excited about. He proved her right, exploding into the mainstream of country music. He continues to be one of the most exceptional writers of today with the live show to match. We saw the rabid connection he’s built with his audience again Friday night at FirstBank Amphitheatre. JoJamie and I dreamed of one day working again with Brantley. Luckily for us and BMG, dreams come true!”
Gilbert has garnered over 8.3 billion career streams, boasts back-to-back Platinum-selling albums and seven chart-topping hits including the RIAA 7x Platinum “Bottoms Up;” 2x Platinum “Country Must Be Country Wide;” 2x Platinum “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do;” 2x Platinum “One Hell of An Amen;” and the Platinum-certified “What Happens In A Small Town.” He also wrote ACM Artist of the Decade and now labelmate Jason Aldean’s No. 1 smashes “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kinda Party.”
Talent Announced For ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’
/by LB CantrellPictured (clockwise): Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, CeCe Winans and Bailey Zimmerman
Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman will help Music City ring in 2026 as headliners of New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. The country superstars will perform live at Nashville’s very own Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, airing live on Wednesday, Dec. 31 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT, 10:30 PM-1:30 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+.
Gospel music legend CeCe Winans will also take the stage as a special guest, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the night’s festivities alongside the acclaimed Fisk Jubilee Singers. The collaboration will add a soulful note to the star-studded lineup that Music City locals and visitors can enjoy for free at Bicentennial Park’s main stage. The festivities will be capped off by the iconic Music Note drop at midnight.
Last year’s event marked an all-time high for attendance, with 220,000 people attending.
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash is executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with Music City Inc., the foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. The special will be directed by Sandra Restrepo.
Brinley Addington Inks With SMACK
/by Lauryn SinkBrinely Addington with the SMACK team.
Brinley Addington has inked a publishing deal with SMACK.
A Tennessee native, Addington moved to Nashville in 2008. In 2021, Addington earned his first No. 1 as a writer with Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris’ Grammy and CMA-nominated “Chasing After You,” and was named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Standout Songwriters of the Year.
He has earned cuts with Darius Rucker, Chris Janson, Brantley Gilbert, Parmalee, Tyler Farr, Kameron Marlowe and more, and released several albums of his own.
“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to write for a company as well respected as SMACK,” says Addington. “The writers and staff have built a culture and community that I’ve admired for a long time and I’m grateful that I get to be a part of it. When it comes to songs and the winning situations they create for their writers, their track record speaks for itself and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.”
“We’ve known and admired Brinley for years, and it’s been a joy to watch his growth and success,” shares Carly Sater, Creative Manager at SMACK. “He brings a good-hearted nature and positive energy to everything he does—and to everyone around him. SMACK is grateful he’s putting his trust in us, and we’re excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
Hendersonville To Name Bridge In Honor Of Oak Ridge Boys
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Oak Ridge Boys
A dedication ceremony will be hosted by the city of Hendersonville, Tennessee on Oct. 21 at Memorial Park to name the bridge that crosses Drakes Creek along Johnny Cash Parkway in honor of longtime Hendersonville residents and Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys.
During the Spring 2024 Session of the Tennessee Legislature, Senate Bill No. 1594 and House Bill No. 1607 was passed designating the bridge on Highway 31E as “The Oak Ridge Boys Bridge.” State Representative William Lamberth sponsored the bill.
“The Oaks have been Hendersonville’s spotlight for decades,” says Jamie Clary, Hendersonville Mayor. “They have bragged on Hendersonville from the stage, in the White House, and everywhere they go. At the same time, they have been quick to support families in our community. Having their bridge in the center of the city will remind drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians that the Oaks have been central to Hendersonville. Proudly we proclaim our love for them, similar to the way they have been proclaiming their love for Hendersonville.”
“When I joined The Oak Ridge Boys in 1966, there were less than 500 people in our little town,” says Duane Allen, The Oak Ridge Boys. “Now, we are probably 65,000. Today, I made the statement that I don’t need to leave our little city for almost anything I wish to buy, sell, or do. To have a bridge named after The Oak Ridge Boys is a huge honor to our group. I hope our little City of Hendersonville means as much to those who see our Oak Ridge Boys bridge as it does to me. Thank you, my neighbors!”
“There is no greater honor than to be honored by your hometown,” says Richard Sterban, The Oak Ridge Boys. “For over fifty years we have lived in Hendersonville. We have worked here. We have played here and more importantly we have raised our families here. Every time we cross this bridge, we will be reminded that Hendersonville is a very special place. We are so glad to call it our home.”
“I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the City of Hendersonville for paying tribute to The Oak Ridge Boys with this bridge dedication,” says William Lee Golden, The Oak Ridge Boys. “As a resident of Hendersonville since 1965, I have found joy in photographing the serene beauty of Old Hickory Lake at sunset and the rolling hills that surround us. It’s also where I raised all four of my sons. This town has been so good to us.”
HYBE America Launches HYBE Label Service, Appoints Mike Rittberg President Of Global Distribution
/by Madison HahnenMike Rittberg
HYBE America has established HYBE Label Service, the company’s first global label service, according to Billboard. The new division will support HYBE artists in international markets. Big Machine Label Group COO Mike Rittberg will serve as President of Global Distribution. In his new role, Rittberg will plan releases and manage the company’s catalog. Continuing to support BMLG in his new position, he will remain based at the company’s Nashville office.
Ryan Hyeong Woo Noh will serve as Chief Business Officer where he will lead core business operations. Noh previously served as HYBE America’s Chief Strategy Officer. Mark Flaherty will join the company as President of Global M&P where he will oversee global marketing strategies. Flaherty’s previous career stops include Warner Records, Interscope, Sony Music and Fanatical Music & Marketing.
“By centralizing our essential global support functions and bringing in top-tier leaders like Mike Rittberg and Mark Flaherty, we are providing our artists with an unparalleled platform for continued worldwide success,” HYBE America Chairman and CEO Isaac Lee told Billboard.
Tim McGraw Announces Special Vegas Shows During National Finals Rodeo In December
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw will headline a limited run of shows, “Tim McGraw: Live in Vegas,” at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Dec. 4, 6, 12 and 13 during National Finals Rodeo.
These special, only-in-Vegas shows will offer fans a rare chance to experience McGraw performing in an intimate setting, featuring his chart-topping hits and fan favorites spanning more than 30 years of his celebrated career. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.
A longtime Rodeo supporter, McGraw recently brought the first-ever rodeo to Nashville with the inaugural Music City Rodeo and released a heartfelt single performed live at the event, “King Rodeo (Live from the Inaugural Music City Rodeo)” which received critical praise. Throughout his career McGraw has had 49 No. 1 singles and 19 No. 1 albums, and ranks second in chart-topping albums in the U.S. behind only George Strait.
Travis Wood Extends Deal With Creative Nation
/by Madison HahnenPictured: (L-R, back row): Luke Laird, Cole Brown and Abigail Bruner. (L-R, front row): Abby Holcomb, Beth Laird, Travis Wood, Emily Furman, Alex Albanese and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns
Hit songwriter and producer Travis Wood has extended his deal with Creative Nation.
He first signed with Creative Nation in 2019, two years after moving to Nashville. Since joining the roster, he has penned cuts by Morgan Wallen, Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell, Ella Langley, Russell Dickerson, Corey Kent, Jake Owen, Matt Stell, Scotty McCreery and more.
Wood has collected two No. 1 radio hits with Davis’ “I Ain’t Sayin'” and Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine.” Additionally he also has 11 Canadian No. 1 songs.
“It never ceases to amaze me how Travis turns in hit after hit but each song is so well crafted and comes from a perspective that’s uniquely his,” says Creative Nation VP of Creative, Emily Furman. “His work ethic is second to none and it’s been so rewarding to see it pay off — we couldn’t be more excited to keep building in this next chapter with him!”
“I’m grateful to Luke [Laird], Beth [Laird], as well as everyone on the Creative Nation team, for their continued belief in me as a songwriter,” adds Wood. “I’m excited to keep pushing forward and add to what we’ve built together.”
JUST IN: Luke Combs Becomes Highest RIAA Certified Country Artist Ever
/by Lauryn SinkLuke Combs. Photo: David Bergman
Luke Combs has officially been named the highest RIAA certified country artist in history, with 168 million units sold.
“When my team first told me about this, my initial reaction was, ‘Are you sure? There’s no way.’ It was only 8 years ago that I got my first plaque for ‘Hurricane’ going Gold,” shares Combs. “I knew then, without a doubt, I had the best fans in the world. The song had gone Platinum before they could even give me the Gold plaque. I’m super humbled by the fans’ belief in me and support of my music today and over the years. I know this does not happen without them. This achievement is more so theirs than it is mine. All I ever hoped and dreamed of from the beginning of this crazy ride was to make music that made people feel something and I can’t wait to continue making country music for the rest of my life.”
Combs has earned 19 No. 1 songs and his current single, “Back In The Saddle,” is top 10 at radio right now. He was recently nominated for three awards at the 2025 CMA Awards including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year for “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.” A Grand Ole Opry member and 11-time CMA, four-time ACM and six-time Billboard Music Award-winner, Combs has recently collaborated with artists such as Post Malone, Bailey Zimmerman, Jon Bellion and Alex Warren, and partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to open his bar in downtown Nashville, Category 10.
Combs released The Prequel last week, a new 3-song collection featuring “My Kinda Saturday Night,” “15 Minutes” and “Days Like These.”
Brandon Manley Signs With Drumatized & EMPIRE Publishing [Exclusive]
/by Madison HahnenBrandon Manley. Photo: Jovon Wilson
Producer and songwriter Brandon Manley has inked with Drumatized and EMPIRE Publishing, led by Al “Butter” Mclean and Vinny Kumar. EMPIRE A&R Eric Hurt helped secure the deal.
“I’ve always admired Brandon’s ability to move effortlessly across genres. We are excited to partner with Tay Keith’s Drumatized to amplify his sound to audiences worldwide,” says Kumar, EMPIRE Publishing SVP, Head of Global Business
“Brandon is an exceptionally talented, multi-genre producer & songwriter who EMPIRE has worked a lot with,” adds Hurt. “We’re thrilled to partner with Drumatized on this deal as we combine efforts to build on Brandon’s successes and strengthen EMPIRE’s Nashville publishing division.”
Based in Nashville, Manley has collaborated with Chase Matthew, Billy Ray Cyrus, David Morris, Austin Williams, Rvshvd and more. He is known in music city for making tracks that combine Southern storytelling with modern sound, also while blending genres. He has drawn influence from Guns N’ Roses, Jamey Johnson and Nas.
As a writer, Manley pens tunes that have themes of love, struggle, redemption and small-town grit. On the production side, he combines country soul, Southern rock, hip-hop and energetic modern pop.
“Brandon is exactly the type of visionary we want to align with as Drumatized grows,” says Tay Keith, Founder of Drumatized. “Country music has always been rooted in real stories, and Brandon’s sound carries that tradition forward while pushing boundaries. He’s going to be a major part of this next chapter for us.”
“Partnering with Ghazi, Vinny Kumar & Eric Hurt of EMPIRE in Nashville on Brandon was a successful move for our label, brand and the future of Nashville’s culture,” shares Nicholas Brownlow, Drumatized Head of A&R.
“I’m excited to be part of something groundbreaking,” adds Manley. “Country music and hip-hop share more in common than people realize—both are rooted in truth and storytelling. With Drumatized and EMPIRE, we’re creating music for a global audience.”