Riser House Entertainment has added Paul Grosser as Director of Regional Promotion.

A graduate of Belmont University’s Entrepreneurship program, Grosser began his career with an internship at Sony Music Nashville before advancing through the ranks in promotion and artist development. During his tenure, he served as Specialist of Promotion & Artist Development, Manager of National Promotion, and most recently, Associate Director of National Promotion.

“I’m extremely excited to welcome Paul to the Riser House family,” shares Shane Allen, EVP of Promotion & Artist Brand Strategy. “His broad skill set, creativity, authenticity and passion make him the perfect fit for our strategic vision moving forward.”

“I’m incredibly grateful to Jennifer Johnson and Shane Allen for the opportunity to join the Riser House team,” adds Grosser. “I’m excited to be part of such a forward-thinking company and to help grow the careers of an incredibly talented and hardworking roster of artists.”

Evan Bartels has inked with Joan Of Arc Records.

Hailing from Nebraska, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter is known for his rich baritone voice and honest storytelling. He pens songs inspired by rural life, faith, hope and redemption. His music tells heartfelt stories about everyday people with warmth, depth and authenticity. Bartels began writing songs, playing guitar and performing at age 13, developing his craft in a backyard studio his father built called Coop Studio.

He gained national attention with his 2017 debut album, The Devil, God & Me, followed by Promised Land (2019), Lonesome (2021), and his 2025 EP, To Make You Cry. Recorded live in his handmade cabin outside Nashville with just acoustic guitar and vocals, the EP reflects the raw, personal style that defines his music.

Bartels has toured with Charles Wesley Godwin, Brothers Osborne and Paul Cauthen, and has performed at festivals including AmericanaFest, Mile of Music, C2C: Country to Country, BST Hyde Park and The Long Road Festival.

“The minute I heard Evan Bartels perform, I felt every lyric he sang, and I wanted to join his journey,” says Cindy Mabe, Founder and CEO of Joan of Arc Music. “He is such a needed artist. He paints portraits of yearning for something more, deep rooted in American rural grit and his lyrics connect to the spirit of the journey of being a human.  I am so proud to welcome him to the Joan of Arc Music family, and I can’t wait to see the impact he will continue to make with his music.”

“Cindy Mabe is a champion of songs and stories,” adds Bartels. “With her guidance along with the entire Joan of Arc Music team, I truly am standing among giants that I’m inspired by and immensely grateful to work with. I believe to have a lasting and impactful career in this business one of the most important things is being in the right place at the right time. There is no better time than now and there is no better place than Joan of Arc Music.”

Bartels will release his first single with the label, “Thunder” on August 14.

ASCAP Hosts Songwriters Round At Bluebird

ASCAP hosted a songwriters round on Wednesday (July 15) as part of their monthly showcase series dedicated to supporting emerging storytellers. ASCAP members JB Somers, Anna Vaus, Smith Ahnquist and Trinity Lake took the stage at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Cafe for the monthly series show.

 

The Archives Nashville Raises Funds For CMA Foundation At 3rd Annual Artist Closet Sale

The Archives Nashville digital archiving and storage company specializing in musicians’ wardrobes raised nearly $45,000 as the final fundraising total from its third annual Artist Closet Sale during this year’s CMA Fest. Fans enjoyed an exclusive opportunity to shop from their favorite artists’ closets, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the CMA Foundation’s mission to provide students with access to music education and equip educators with the resources to sustain programs.

The Artist Closet Sale enabled fans to purchase wardrobe items from artists including Ashley McBryde, Bailey Zimmerman, BunnieXO, Ella Langley, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Little Big Town, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Miranda Lambert, Riley Green, Russell Dickerson, Tucker Wetmore and more. Held at Fan Fair X in Nashville’s Music City Center, the activation featured a record number of 23 artist participants.

 

Midland Brings ‘Stages’ To Grammy Museum Crowd In Los Angeles

Following the release of their new album, Stages, last month, Midland continued the celebration with a sold-out appearance at the Grammy Museum’s Ray Charles Rooftop Terrace in Los Angeles. Moderated by Entertainment Tonight correspondent Cassie DiLaura, the event featured an in-depth conversation with Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy and Jess Carson on the making of Stages, their enduring commitment to traditional country music, and the singular sound that has helped place them at the forefront of country music’s current traditional revival.

The conversation was followed by a performance featuring their 6x Platinum No. 1 “Drinkin’ Problem,” alongside Stages highlights “Shooting Memories With Tequila,” “Walk A Mile,” “I Wish You Would,” “Marlboro Man” and “Vaquero.” This weekend Midland will appear on CBS Saturday Morning as part of the show’s Saturday Sessions series.

 

Shawnee Kish Signs Global Distribution Deal With ADA/Warner Music Canada

Four-time JUNO-nominated country artist Shawnee Kish has signed a global distribution deal with ADA/Warner Music Canada. The signing announcement coincides with today’s release of the anthemic “Ride At Dawn,” a bold rally cry for resilience, unity, and facing life’s storms head-on.

“Shawnee Kish is building on impressive momentum right now,” says Eric Wong, President of Warner Music Canada. “Her live performances and powerful songwriting have already earned her incredible independent success, and our team at ADA Canada is proud to work alongside her to amplify her voice worldwide.”

 

Veteran Songwriter And Bluegrass Artist Jerry Salley Signs With Tall Oaks Music

Veteran songwriter and bluegrass artist Jerry Salley has signed a publishing deal with Tall Oaks Music. Tall Oaks Music was launched earlier this year by Doyle Lawson and Donna Ulisse alongside Keith Barnecastle of Turnberry Records and The Bluegrass Standard. Salley operates as Creative/A&R Director for Billy Blue Records, the bluegrass label he founded in 2018 with Ed Leonard and Dottie Leonard Miller, produces records like Dolly Parton’s Dove Award-winning “In The Sweet By and By,” and wins countless awards, the latest a Grammy for co-writing “It Takes A Woman,” made popular by Chris Stapleton. This is all in addition to putting out his own solo projects, touring and performing, and teaching songwriting through the Little House Songwriting Workshops.

“I’ve known Jerry Salley for at least 30 years, and once when I was needing a vocalist, I tried to hire him, but wouldn’t you know, as a songwriter, he was very much in demand and travel was not in the picture for him at the time,” says Lawson. “So goes the passing of time, and I finally have him on board as a part of the Tall Oaks Music team. Keith, Donna, and I are extremely happy to have the talents of all of our writers.”

Artist Legacy Group has revealed it will represent the Estate of Raul Malo, singer-songwriter and founding frontman of the Grammy-winning group The Mavericks.

ALG will oversee the estate’s intellectual property rights, business interests and archival assets, and secure opportunities for media projects, brand partnerships and consumer products that celebrate his life, music and enduring influence, ensuring that Malo’s artistry continues to connect with longtime fans and future generations.

“We are so grateful to the Malo Family for allowing us to be part of this next chapter,” says ALG Founder and CEO Ashley Austin. “Raul had that once-in-a-generation voice, but what made him truly extraordinary was his ability to bridge styles, cultures, and generations. Our role is to protect that legacy while developing authentic, enduring ways to keep his music in conversation with the world.”

Betty Malo, Executrix of the Estate of Raul Malo adds, “When an artist leaves behind a lifetime of music, creativity, and influence, preserving that legacy becomes more than a personal responsibility – it becomes a duty. That’s why I engaged Ashley Austin as our estate manager: to professionally protect Raul’s intellectual property, oversee opportunities that honor his wishes, and ensure that every decision reflects the extraordinary artist and man he was.”

As the driving force behind The Mavericks, Malo helped redefine Americana music with songs including “Dance the Night Away,” “All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down,” and “Here Comes My Baby.” Throughout his career, he earned critical acclaim for both his songwriting and musicianship, leaving behind a catalog that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Little Big Town is returning to the Ryman Auditorium this holiday season once again for a three-night residency in December following a run of holiday performances there in 2025.

Taking place Dec. 8-10, “The Christmas Shows” Ryman Residency will feature a mix of holiday classics and fan favorites from the chart-topping group. Little Big Town has a long-standing connection to the Ryman, including their historic 2017 residency, which marked the venue’s first time hosting a year-long artist residency.

Tickets for all dates are on sale now.

The band is also gearing up for the release of their 12th studio album It’s A Dying Art via MCA on Aug. 28. They first previewed the project with the poignant “Hey There Sunshine,” which debuted at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, and followed that up with “Over and Over,” and their most recent “Sucker For A Sad Song,” which features Ashley Monroe.