Pictured (L-R): Michael Lau, Marc Caruso, John Ozier, Tony D. Alexander

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) wrapped a successful Global Music Publishing Summit earlier this week at the 3 West Club in New York City.

Highlights include a keynote from the iconic rapper and producer Doug E. Fresh and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee David Porter, a legislative update from the leaders of the NMPA and RIAA, and panels on AI, queer trends in sync, the global success of independent publishers, and much more.

AIMP National Chair and New York Chapter President Michael Lau, former Nashville Chapter President John Ozier, Los Angeles Chapter President Marc Caruso, and Atlanta Chapter President Tony D. Alexander kicked off the event with an update on their Chapters and the national organization.

In addition, AIMP Leadership also announced their stance on AI as part of the Human Artistry Campaign.

AIMP leaders state, “As publishers and songwriters, we are concerned about ensuring the value of the human voice, the human heart and emotion, and that any technology is used as a positive tool for ideation and not to attempt to replicate or replace that which a human songwriter is instrumental in creating. The AIMP stands with our industry counterparts in supporting the Human Artistry Campaign, a coalition of voices dedicated to keeping humans at the center of musical expression and artistry. We encourage all of you to join us and lend your support to this coalition so that as technology advances, we can ensure the future of the human creator.”

Video recordings of each panel will also be available shortly at aimp.org for AIMP members only. More information regarding next year’s event will be announced soon.

Bryan Martin

Bryan Martin has announced his headlining “Goin For Broke Tour” and released the tour’s namesake single.

The single—written by Martin, Gary Garris and Josh Mirenda—reflects on Martin’s relentless pursuit of his dreams, fueled by a resilient spirit and a burning desire to leave it all on the line. The track arrives as his first release following his full-length album, Poets & Old Souls, which has amassed more than 60 million worldwide streams.

The upcoming North American journey will include shows in Tulsa, Baltimore, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and more with additional dates to come. For more information, click here.

Country singer-songwriter and rapper C’ing Jerome has signed with Average Joes Entertainment.

The 27-year-old Texan has already garnered over two million streams worldwide during his independent career. He’s enjoyed success from hits like “Barn Don’t Close,” “Beautiful Day” and “Funky Town Lullaby,” and his talent was quickly noticed by artist and Average Joes Co-Owner Colt Ford, who offered him a deal with the label. Jerome’s debut single, the aptly titled “Average Joe,” is available now on major streaming platforms.

“When we first met C’ing Jerome, we knew he was special. His talent and work ethic are something to behold,” says Average Joes’ President, Forrest Latta. “We’re excited to welcome him to the Average Joes family, and look forward to a bright future.”

“‘Average Joe’ captures and explains my everyday life,” shares Jerome. “In other words, what you see is what you get with me. I wake up in the morning with my little girl, run my businesses, make music and end my night at the ranch with my horses. Even though my audience knows me through my music, I am truly just your everyday ‘Average Joe.'”

Country music superstar Brad Paisley, actress and best-selling author Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Zanies will hold “Groceries with Dignity & Comedy Without” on Wednesday, July 5 at Zanies in Nashville.

The evening will include Grammy-nominated comedian and Nashville native Nate Bargatze and will feature a night of improv with Brad, Saturday Night Live alum Kevin Nealon and Groundlings Alumni, an improvisation and sketch comedy group that is Hollywood’s foremost comedy training ground and a springboard for countless careers.

Proceeds from the event will go to The Store. Founded by Brad and Kimberly, The Store is a free, referral-based grocery store, which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area. The Store operates with the mission of allowing people to shop for their basic needs in a way that protects dignity and fosters hope.

Tickets are available now through Zanie’s website.

The night of comedy will follow Brad’s headline concert, Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, in the heart of downtown Nashville. The event will present one of the country’s largest July 4th fireworks show synchronized to live music from the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony, and will feature charitable partner The Store. This is the second time Brad has headlined the July 4 concert for the city.

Pictured (L-R): EWC’s Clint Woolsey and Erv Woolsey, Triston Marez, EWC’s Allen Mitchell

Texas artist Triston Marez has signed with Erv Woolsey Co. for management. The rising artist is gearing up for the release of his brand new six-song EP, produced by Jake Gear.

Marez first began playing guitar at age six, performing a Buck Owens song at his first grade talent show. His love of the genre grew from there, and he continued to craft his sound, infusing modern country with a timeless swagger. Marez released his self-titled album in 2021, collaborating with Ronnie Dunn on the track “Where The Neon Lies.” Fans will get a first taste of Marez’ upcoming latest project with the Jon Pardi-penned “Too Soon For Goodbye,” out now.

L.A.-based Cinq Music Group and Boom Music Group in Nashville will release Marez’s new music through a marketing and distribution partnership to further amplify the 60-million plus global streams the Houston native has already amassed independently.

“Triston puts in the hard work it takes in this business, from the grind of playing the honky tonks on Broadway when he first arrived in Nashville at 17 years old, to burning up the highways across the country touring the last few years,” shares Woolsey. “It’s his time to shine and I’m excited for his future!”

“Being a part of a team as notable as the Erv Woolsey Co. is truly an honor,” says Marez. “I can’t thank them enough for believing in my music and the vision. I feel extremely blessed to be able to work alongside the team. To announce that I have signed with The Erv Woolsey Co. for management, along with releasing new music and partnering with Cinq Music Group and Boom Music Group, is truly amazing and a blessing.”