Kuke Music Holding Limited, a classical music services platform in China, has acquired a controlling interest in Naxos Music Group, one of the world’s largest independent classical music companies. Naxos Music Group is based in Nashville and is the label of The Nashville Symphony.

Under the terms of the agreement, Kuke acquired a controlling interest in Naxos Music Group through two transactions involving Naxos One Holding Limited (“Naxos One”) and Desun Holding Limited (“Desun”), one of the two existing shareholders of Naxos One.

Kuke firstly subscribed for 17,500 newly issued Class B ordinary shares of Naxos One for a total worth of US$105 million. Kuke secondly acquired 108 Class A ordinary shares of Naxos One from Desun, which automatically converted into 108 Class B ordinary shares of Naxos One upon transfer for a total of $1.35 million. The deal was settled entirely through the issuance of Kuke’s Class A ordinary shares as consideration.

“This strategic acquisition of Naxos Music Group represents a landmark transaction that will significantly enhance our position as a leading classical music services platform,” says Peixian Tan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kuke. “Naxos’s world-class content library, combined with its proven global distribution capabilities, creates compelling synergies with our existing music education and technology platforms.”

Jason Aldean, Kane Brown & Bailey Zimmerman

Jason Aldean, Kane Brown and Bailey Zimmerman will headline Hoofbeat Festival in Cadott, Wisconsin June 25-27.

Other artists on the bill include Aaron Tippin, Adrien Nunez, Ashley Cooke, Atlus, Austin Brown, Chandler Walters, Chase Matthew, Chase McDaniel, Clay Walker, Crossroads, Dalton Davis, Dasha, Derek Jones & The 50 South, Dirty Prescott Kids, Elizabeth Nichols, Emily Ann Roberts, Gundo, If Nothing Else, Jake Birdseye, Josh Gallagher, Josh Ross, Katie May, Lara Bell, Lassos & Lace, Maiden Dixie, Mary Kutter, Nate Smith, Naughty Northern, Neal McCoy, Rafe Carlson, Rick Monroe & The Hitmen, Russell Dickerson, Six Figure Sunrise, Slamabama, Something Familiar, Terri Clark, Tigirlily Gold, Timothy Wayne and Tucker Wetmore.

“Hoofbeat has always been about tradition—friends, family, and music in the hayfield,” festival promoter Wade Asher says. “Year after year, our loyal fans return, and new fans join the party. This lineup carries that spirit forward, honoring the roots of country while celebrating the next wave of artists our fans will be talking about for years.”

Festival tickets, camping, and glamping are on sale now, along with pit passes. Tickets and more information are available here.

Lamont Landers has dropped his debut EP Introducing… Lamont Landers today (Sept. 26) via Lucille Records.

Produced by Dave Cobb, the seven tracks capture life in America and the joys of love. Lori McKenna co-penned a track with Landers, “Devil Is Alive And Well,” on the new collection, which also features cuts by Oscar Charles, Madeline Edwards, Philip Towns and more.

“I’m beyond excited to finally share this EP with everyone,” shares Landers. “Each song is a piece of my story, and I poured everything I’ve felt and lived into this music. I hope fans connect with it, feel the emotion behind each track, and enjoy the journey as much as I did creating it.”

Hailing from Decatur, Alabama, Landers’ journey began when a viral cover of Ray Charles’ “Hit The Road Jack” earned over half a million views overnight, leading to performances on America’s Got Talent and Showtime at the Apollo. His social media presence, including a repost by Questlove of his rendition of “Rubber Band Man”, caught the attention of Cobb and ultimately led to a deal with Cobb’s MCA imprint, Lucille.

Landers recently took the stage alongside Yola and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the King of Soul Music Festival which benefits the Otis Redding Center for the Arts in Macon, Georgia. He is currently touring across the U.S. as a headliner as well as direct support for St. Paul & The Broken Bones.

Introducing… Lamont Landers Track List:
1. “America” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb)
2. “Oh Shit! (I’m In Love)” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb, Aaron Raitiere)
3. “Golden Skies” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb, Philip Towns)
4. “Lotta Love” (Madeline Edwards, Klare Essad, Oscar Charles)
5. “Devil Is Alive And Well” (Lamont Landers, Lori McKenna)
6. “Love’s Got The Best Of Us” (Madeline Edwards, Dan Fernandez, Emily Falvey)
7. “How Long (Until The Rain Is Gone)” (Lamont Landers, Dave Cobb, Philip Towns)

Logan Crosby and Ben Williams have launched their new venture, the Nobody Asked For This podcast. The first episode, “Hear Ye, Hear Ye!,” is available now.

The first season consists of seven episodes featuring guests that range from artists and comedians to athletes and family of the hosts.

Crosby is a Georgia-born singer and songwriter. His debut EP 23 Days In L.A. and follow-up album 2019 has landed him on tours with Megan Moroney, Kameron Marlowe, Alexandra Kay and the Jonas Brothers, and he will join Cole Swindell on tour this fall. Crosby was also featured on ABC’s Claim to Fame, where his appearances introduced him to a national audience.

Williams is a multi-Platinum, CMA and ACM Nominated Song of The Year songwriter, People’s Choice Country Awards Song of The Year, MusicRow’s Breakout Songwriter of The Year, AIMP’s “Rising Songwriter of the Year”, and Two Time NSAI’s “Ten Songs I’ve Wish I’ve Written” winner. He has penned 22 songs for Megan Moroney including the RIAA Certified Gold Single “Indifferent,” RIAA Certified Platinum single “I’m Not Pretty,” and the RIAA Certified 4x Platinum chart-topper “Tennessee Orange”. Williams’ songs have been recorded by Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green and many more.

“Since I met Ben Williams, we’ve talked about starting a podcast together,” shares Crosby. “So to finally see almost three years of ideas, stories, songs and life experiences come together like this is awesome. I’m looking forward to our guest, our discussions and lots of laughs on the podcast!”

“Logan and I like to talk to everybody, don’t give me wrong, we like to talk to each other the most! But the fact that we get to talk to some of the most interesting people in the world and ask them the questions that nobody has asked is such a blessing, and we’re so excited to get this thing started,” adds Williams.