Pictured (L-R): Kayla Adkins, Spencer Jordan, Jessica Strassman and Lauren Lieu. Photo: Catherine Powell

Multi-genre songwriter Spencer Jordan has inked a worldwide publishing deal with River House Artists and Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Based in Nashville, Jordan has co-penned Shaboozey’s “Fire and Gasoline,” LØLØ’s “The Devil Wears Converse,” Alex Coles & Mary Jo’s “Sick of Me,” and Blake Proehl’s “Miss Carolina.” He also co-wrote several song’s on Knox’s Going, Going, Gone album and has had additional cuts with Austin Snell, gavn!, Zach Seabaugh, Sara Kays, Livingston, Taylor Acorn and Arrows In Action, showcasing his dynamic cross-genre talent. Last year, Jordan saw his first Top 40 radio cut with Knox’s “Not The 1975.” The tune also went on to crack the Top 10 on Mediabase’s Hot AC chart.

“River House has been family to me well before I ever signed there, now it’s just official,” says Jordan. “I’ve seen firsthand that no one works harder than this crew, and I couldn’t feel more blessed and excited to be on this team.”

“Spencer’s songwriting consistently raises the bar, with an unmatched ability to craft stories full of emotion and heart that set him apart in every room he enters,” adds EVP of River House Artists Zebb Luster. “Beyond his remarkable writing talent, Spencer’s energy and infectious personality make him a true creative force. We’re thrilled to officially welcome him to the River House family, and with the solid foundation we’ve already built together, we’re ready to hit the ground running.”

Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Dierks Bentley and HARDY are set to headline the 2026 Extra Innings Festival, returning for its third year to Arizona’s Tempe Beach Park & Arts Park on Feb. 27-28.

The lineup will also include Brothers Osborne, Shaboozey, Jessie Murph, Muscadine Bloodline, Bret Michaels, 49 Winchester, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors and more across three stages with no overlapping sets. Fans can also enjoy interactive baseball activities all weekend plus appearances by Major League Baseball legends Darryl Strawberry, Jermaine Dye, Bret Boone, Jonny Gomes, and Kerry Wood, among others, and the return of Off the Mound with Ryan Dempster featuring live interviews and special performances from a mix of surprise guests including artists from the festival lineup.

Fans may sign up now for the festival SMS list at InningsFestival.com/Extra to receive an access code for the presale that will begin tomorrow (Sept. 18). Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public following the presale at visit InningsFestival.com/Extra/Tickets.

Ailie Birchfield & Connor Hunt

MCA has tapped Ailie Birchfield as Vice President, Media Strategy and Communications. In this newly developed role, Birchfield will lead media strategy and communications for MCA and the label’s artists by driving awareness through creative storytelling, press campaigns, and strategic partnerships across traditional and digital platforms.

Birchfield comes to MCA from leading her own consulting firm, The Birchfield Group, providing strategic counsel to clients including Tribeca Festival, Sony Music, Outback Presents, One Country, Leo33 and RJ Young. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California and completed her MBA at Cornell University. She began her career in Los Angeles working at film and television studios, such as Paramount Pictures, before transitioning to personal publicity at Viewpoint and Slate PR. She later joined UMG Nashville, working with Kacey Musgraves, Reba McEntire, Brothers Osborne and more.

“I’m so excited to join MCA and work alongside such a talented team,” shares Birchfield. “This is an amazing opportunity to help our artists share their stories in creative, authentic ways and to develop media campaigns that connect with fans while supporting MCA’s legacy of shaping the future of country music.”

Additionally, Connor Hunt has also joined MCA as Senior Director, Media. Hunt previously served as Director of Media & Strategic Development at Warner Records, where he led media campaigns for artists across country, pop, rock, and K-pop. He also brings experience from Anheuser-Busch, managing communications and marketing in the Beyond Beer portfolio, and represented various clients at DC-based strategic advisory firm Smith & Company.

“I am thrilled to welcome Ailie to MCA,” adds Katie McCartney, MCA EVP/GM. “Her expertise, creativity, and strategic vision are unmatched, and her impact on our marketing strategies and elevation of our artist’s stories are already being felt broadly. Connor brings incredible experience and talent to the team that will be invaluable as our media efforts continue to evolve.”

Birchfield can be reached at ailie.birchfield@umusic.com and Hunt can be reached at connor.hunt@umusic.com.

SESAC Hosts AmericanaFest Showcase

Pictured (L-R): Sammy Brue, Andrew Combs, Keifer Thompson, SESAC’s ET Brown, and Shawna Thompson

SESAC celebrated AmericanaFest with a showcase at the Bluebird Cafe on Saturday, September 13. The event featured Sammy Brue, Andrew Combs, and Keifer Thompson and Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square.

Riley Green Tops UK Country Music Radio Airplay Chart

Pictured (L-R): Iren Coutiel (BMLG INTL), Alex Hannaby (BMLG INTL). Riley Green, Jimmy Harnen (NHR&E), Flo Myerscough-Harris (BMLG INTL), Cary Dal Lago (BMLG INTL)

Riley Green recently topped the UK country radio charts with “Change My Mind,” from his recently released album Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe). The song garnered one million impressions between Sept. 5-11.

Green is currently midway through his sold-out headline tour of the UK and Ireland which included three nights at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town, plus stops in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin.

‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ Earns Platinum Certification

Photo: Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images for EMPIRE

Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was recently certified Platinum by the RIAA. The track became the longest running No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart of all time at 19 weeks.

EMPIRE Founder and CEO, Ghazi, surprised Shaboozey with his plaque on stage at EMPIRE’s 15th anniversary show over the weekend.

Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner Raises Over $600,000 To Support U.S. Veterans

David Corlew, Co-Founder and President of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project; Greg Doherty, brother of Glen “Bub” Doherty (GRS Operator in Tripoli, Libya); Mark “Oz” Geist, member of the Annex Security Team who fought in the Battle of Benghazi and was profiled in 13 Hours, with his service dog “Rone”; Cheryl Woods, mother of Tyrone “Rone” Woods (GRS Operator for the Annex Security Team in Benghazi); and Kris “Tanto” Paronto and John “Tig” Tiegen, both Annex Security Team members who fought in the Battle of Benghazi and were profiled in 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. Photo: Kayla Schoen

The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP), returned to Nashville’s City Winery, raising more than $600,000 to fund programs for U.S. veterans, first responders and their families.

Founded in 2014 by the late Charlie Daniels and longtime manager and friend David Corlew, TCDJHP provides resources to help veterans return, rehabilitate and reintegrate into civilian life. This year marked the 11th anniversary of the Patriot Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who embody the nonprofit’s mission of service and support.

“The Patriot Awards are about more than one night—they’re about continuing Charlie’s mission to fight for the men and women who have fought for us,” shared Corlew. “We are honored by the generosity of our supporters and remain committed to ensuring every dollar raised goes directly to programs that provide hope and healing for our veterans.”

She Is The Music & FEMco Announce October Anzie Blue Showcase Lineup

She Is The Music, FEMco and Anzie Blue have unveiled the lineup for their upcoming showcase on Oct. 1. The multi-genre line-up includes Ruby Amanfu, Jessie Baylin, Corrina, Angie K and Eliana. Admission to the show is free and open to the public, with limited capacity.

Hosted by FEMco’s Leslie Fram and Anzie Blue’s Marcie Allen, each artist will engage in a brief discussion and perform one song, followed by a post-show mixer.

Monarrch Announces AI Royalty Operating System (AIR-OS)

Pictured (L-R): Ken Gay, Monarrch Chief Business Officer & co-founder; Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing; Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Grammy Award-Winning Producer & Songwriter; John Pisciotta, Monarrch COO & co-founder

Monarrch has launched a new AI royalty operating system (AIR-OS). AIR-OS works through verification and fingerprinting, transparent real-time usage tracking across the AI ecosystem, consent with artist-approved licensing and automated royalty payments.

“AIR-OS is built WITH artists, not just for them,” says Ken Gay, Founder of Monarrch. “And it extends that protection globally, helping defend U.S. creative property from foreign exploitation, including large-scale IP theft from China.”

“When a new AI work is made, the royalty gets paid. AIR-OS operationalizes the intent of landmark measures like the ELVIS Act and the NO FAKES Act,” Monarrch Founder John Pisciotta adds. “We don’t have to become China to beat China. We just have to build better systems—ones that protect creativity, reward innovation, and uphold the rights of those who inspire the future.”

VOTH Launches The Soundup Club

Oklahoma-based sibling trio VOTH has launched The Soundup Club, an organization based in Tulsa dedicated to fostering community and creating a real industry infrastructure for the talent coming out of the state. Their goal is to create a space where creators can come together to create ideas that evolve from song to studio to stage.

The Soundup Club is hosting its first songwriter’s round, The Soundup Roundup, featuring Audra Mae, Natalie Reed and Voth on Sept. 25th at The Church Studio in Tulsa.