Gilles Godard has been named the 2024 Stan Klees Builder inductee for the Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame.

A native of Cornwall, Ontario, Godard has over five decades of music industry experience, and currently serves as the President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. He began his career with Anthem (formerly known as ole) as a writer, working his way up through key positions including Chief Creative Officer, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Senior Vice President Publishing.

Throughout his tenure, Godard facilitated acquisitions such as Jody Williams Music, which includes Taylor Swift cuts; the Blacktop Catalog featuring Rascal Flatts and Blake Shelton and the Better Angels Catalog, which includes Cody Johnson’s 2022 Grammy-winning No. 1 single “Til You Can’t.” He was also instrumental in signing Jordan Davis and initiating a Timbaland deal that encompassed works by Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, along with the acquisition of catalogs from Paul Cardall, Carl Falk, Rami Yacoub and the Old Gringo catalog, which contains Sam Hunt songs including “Take Your Time,” “House Party” and “Break Up In A Small Town.”

An accomplished writer, publisher, artist and producer, Godard has received two CCMA Awards, two BMI Awards, four SOCAN Awards including an International Songwriter Achievement Award, a Felix Award and multiple JUNO nominations. Over 400 of his songs have been recorded by artists including Terri Clark, Patty Loveless, Anne Murray, Ricky Skaggs, Blackhawk, Tracy Byrd, The Road Hammers and more.

“Inducting Gilles Godard into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame is a tribute to his exceptional achievements, remarkable business acumen, and long-standing career,” says Amy Jeninga, President of CCMA. “His contributions continue to shape and inspire the country music industry as he works to build an enduring legacy and a vibrant future for generations of artists and songwriters.”

“When Amy Jeninga reached out to let me know that I was going to be inducted in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, I felt surprised, very humbled, and truly honored,” shares Godard. “And then I started to think about all the incredible people who paved the way and opened the doors; the teachers, the mentors, the music that inspired me, the writers, the artists, the musicians, every single person who helped me find my way in this incredibly magical world of music. Someone once told me that there are only two types of people who belong in the music industry; the dreamers, and the believers; and I am happy to be a little bit of both. Thank you to the CCMA, I am proud and honored to be inducted in the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2024!”

Both Godard and recently-announced 2024 Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame Artist inductee K.D. Lang will be celebrated in an exclusive induction ceremony during Country Music Week 2024, taking place in Edmonton, Alberta over Sept. 11–14.

Kylie Taylor

Kylie Taylor has joined the Black River Entertainment creative department as Graphic Designer.

A graduate of Nashville’s Nōssi College of Art & Design in 2023, Taylor has demonstrated her artistic ability and creativity in various ventures including book design, logo design, layout design, website design and card design. Most notably, Taylor was tapped to design the cover of Nashville Scene‘s 2023 “Hey, Thanks” issue.

“I am thrilled to have Kylie complete our in-house creative team! She is an impactful visual storyteller who brings a collaborative spirit to this role,” comments Black River’s Vice President, Marketing Tanya Schrage. “I am looking forward with great expectation to all she will bring to Black River and our roster.”

“I’m thrilled to join Black River Entertainment as a graphic designer,” shares Taylor. “I look forward to bringing my passion and creativity to visually convey and complement the incredible music that Black River Entertainment’s artists are producing. I can’t wait for all that is to come!”

Taylor works out of Black River’s Nashville location on Music Row and can be reached at ktaylor@blackriverent.com.

Beth Tyson & Brian Gordner

Entertainment business management firm FBMM has promoted both Beth Tyson and Brian Gordner to Associate Business Manager, the firm’s second-highest position.

“The future of FBMM and business management is bright with talented individuals like Beth and Brian joining our next generation of leaders,” says FBMM Owner and Vice President Carmen Romano. “They are trusted advisers to their clients and incredibly deserving of this promotion. The other owners and I look forward to seeing Brian and Beth continue to grow.”

Since joining FBMM 17 years ago, Tyson has garnered a wealth of experience in touring, risk management, budgets, finances and more. She currently serves as the programs co-chair for SOURCE Nashville’s board of directors.

“I learned early on that you have to work doing something you love, and I am passionate about music and helping my clients achieve their financial goals,” explains Tyson. “At FBMM, we work behind the scenes to provide our clients with the resources and expertise needed for financially secure futures and I’m excited to continue to do so in this new role.”

Gordner, based in the company’s New York City office, also has over 17 years of experience in the music industry. After nearly a decade as a tour manager, Gordner knows the challenges of life on the road, which allows him to better understand his clients’ needs. He is a member of the Institute of Management Accountants and is a Certified Management Accountant.

“I worked closely with FBMM during my time as a tour manager and always had a great deal of respect for the firm,” says Gordner. “I’m proud to have spent the last 12 years using my touring expertise to help our clients. I look forward to continuing to serve my clients and support my growing team and their careers.”

Pictured (L–R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Relative Music Group’s Caroline Clark; (L–R, front row): Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Michael Hardy, Kyle Clark and Relative Music Group’s Jesse Matkosky. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Relative Music Group has signed singer-songwriter and producer Kyle Clark in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

The 26-year-old was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in Jefferson, Georgia. After winning a song competition through a radio station in Atlanta two years in row, Clark’s original songs caught the attention of award-winning songwriter Jordan Schmidt and his brother, Dane. Their relationship with Clark eventually led him to his first publishing deal in 2019.

Within his first year living and writing in Nashville, he co-wrote Lily Rose’s Gold-certified single “Villain.” As the global pandemic impacted in-person writing sessions, Clark began to focus on learning how to produce music, leaning on Schmidt and his roommate, producer Jacob Durrett, to soak up every bit of knowledge he could. He has since landed cuts with Jon Pardi, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chayce Beckham, Mackenzie Carpenter, Erin Kinsey, Restless Road and more.

In 2022, a video of Clark performing his own tune, “Hope It’s Hot Out,” gained traction on TikTok. The song was released on May 27 that same year, and earned a million streams during its first week. Since then, “Hope It’s Hot Out” has amassed more than 35 million streams. The creator is currently in partnership with WME and Stem, and has continued to release music independently.

“I’ve had the chance to write with Kyle a handful of times now, and I can honestly say his natural instincts are spot on–right down the gut,” says Michael Hardy, Partner, Relative Music Group. “Kyle is a great songwriter and a great human being. He works hard, and I can’t wait to see what happens with his time here at Relative.”

“From the moment I met with Jesse [Matkosky], Dennis [Matkosky] and Hardy, they made me feel like I was already a part of the Relative family,” shares Clark. “I feel more inspired than I’ve ever been; I’m surrounded by people who truly care about the songs I write, and that’s everything a songwriter can ask for. What better person to be mentored by, as both an artist and a songwriter, than Hardy himself? I’ve always looked up to him as one of the best in the industry at balancing both aspects of his career. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside the RMG team in this next chapter.”