Tyla Rodrigues Signs With Vincent Torrez Management

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Pictured (L-R): Emily Vincent (Vincent Torrez Management), Tyla Rodrigues and Alex Torrez (Vincent Torrez Management).

International singer-songwriter Tyla Rodrigues has signed with Vincent Torrez Management.

The Australian singer has steadily grown her fanbase with powerful vocals and modern country style. She got her start performing in bars around Brisbane before gaining attention with her early releases. This spring, she released her EP Hold On Tight, featuring the singles “Hot & Heavy” and “By The Time It’s Over,” both of which reached the Australian top 20 country airplay chart. In March, she teamed up with Braxton Keith for an Amazon Music Original version of the country classic “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.” The song has already earned more than seven million streams and will be released on all platforms on June 19.

She has also appeared at major events including CMC Rocks QLD, Groundwater Country Music Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, and made her C2C Festival debut this spring in London and Germany. Rodrigues continue touring internationally and will make her CMA Fest debut next week.

“What a true gem, Tyla is…as a person and professional,” shares Emily Vincent, Co-Founder of VTM. “She represents everything we believe in as a management company — undeniable raw talent, creative authenticity and an artistry that speaks for itself. What separates her is not just her voice or her songwriting, but the honesty and depth she brings to her music. She’s the kind of artist you build with for the long term, and we’re beyond excited to help shape that journey.”

“I knew from the moment that I met Alex and Emily that they would be incredible people to grow with, they understand the vision and encourage my individuality as an artist. Their passion for long term development whilst upholding the ‘artist-first’ mentality is what makes me so incredibly excited to be part of the Vincent Torrez Management group,” adds Rodrigues. “I am over the moon to be stepping into this next chapter of my career with them.”

Jo Dee Messina Inks With CAA & mtheory

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Pictured (L-R): Julie Sturdivant (CAA), Kylen Sharpe (CAA), Jo Dee Messina and Cameo Carlson (mtheory)

Jo Dee Messina has signed with CAA for talent representation and mtheory for management.

CAA’s Kylen Sharpe will serve as her responsible booking agent and mtheory’s Cameo Carlson will serve as her manager.

“Jo Dee is entering one of the most exciting creative moments of her career,” says Carlson. “Between her first new album in over a decade, some of the strongest music she’s ever made, and a live show that feels bigger, freer, and more connected than ever, there’s a real energy building around this next chapter. As she celebrates 30 years of an incredible career, we see enormous opportunity to expand what the Jo Dee Messina brand can be — across touring, media, and fan experiences. We’re thrilled to officially step into this partnership and help build something very special around what comes next.”

Messina’s new album, Bridges, is set for release June 5 and marks her first full-length album in over a decade. She will play at Nissan Stadium during CMA Fest before kicking off her headlining Bridges Tour on June 11 in Columbus, Ohio.

3686 Records Makes Strategic Expansion

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Murray Decock and Frank Door; (L-R, bottom row): Alexandra Gilbert and Chad White

3686 Records has expanded its leadership and creative teams, welcoming Murray Decock as Director of Business Development, Alexandra Gilbert as Label Manager, Frank Door as Creative Director, and Chad White as Social Media Manager.

“This expansion represents a major step forward for 3686 Records and the artists we serve,” says 3686 Records Co-Founders Levi Hummon and Eric Arjes in a joint statement. “Every person joining the team shares our passion for artist development and our belief that independent artists deserve both creative support and sustainable career opportunities. We’re building something intentionally artist-first, and this team helps strengthen that vision.”

Decock joins the label as Director of Business Development, bringing more than 35 years of experience in organizational leadership, fundraising, and the arts. A performing artist, musician and composer himself, Decock has played a key role in helping shape the label’s long-term infrastructure and growth strategy.

“Levi and Eric brought me on board to help grow 3686 Records,” says Decock. “I have thirty-five years of experience running organizations and raising money, as well as a deep background as a performing artist, musician and composer. I was immediately drawn to Levi and Eric’s combined passion and mission for 3686 Records.

As Label Manager, Gilbert will oversee artist relations, project coordination, and day-to-day label operations while helping foster the artist-centered culture at the core of the company.

“3686 Records presents a unique opportunity to work as an artist, with artists, for artists,” says Gilbert. “One of the many wonderful things about this label is the passion we all share for making good music and the commitment we have to stand behind our creatives. Every day is a collaboration, and I’m constantly inspired by all the heart that Levi and Eric put into making this label something truly special, along with the love and soul each of our artists have for their craft. The sky’s the limit!”

Door has joined as Creative Director, bringing extensive experience in visual storytelling and creative branding to help shape the label’s visual identity and artist campaigns.

“Great music deserves great visuals,” says Door. “I’ve spent my career building worlds through visual storytelling, and joining 3686 is a chance to do that alongside artists who are shaping the sound from the ground up. That energy is rare, and that’s where the best work happens.”

New Social Media Manager White will focus on digital engagement, fan community growth and artist storytelling across platforms.

“Joining the 3686 team has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my career journey so far,” says White. “Beyond the professional opportunities, it’s the passion, creativity, and sense of community within the team that truly makes it special. Being surrounded by people who genuinely believe in the artists and the vision behind the music has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally!”

Industry Ink: Luke Bryan, Russell Dickerson, Clint Black, Ashley McBryde, Tim Biskup

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Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour Brings Hunger Relief To California’s Central Valley

Pictured (L-R, front row): DJ Rock, Priscilla Block, KP Entertainment’s Jacoby Plyler and Kerri Edwards, Luke Bryan; (L-R, back row): Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip. Photo: Zack Dougan

Luke Bryan held his spring Farm Tour concerts in Clovis and Elk Grove, California over the weekend. Tour sponsor Bayer and Bryan supported food security in California’s Central Valley by mobilizing thousands of concert goers to donate to local families. Through on-site collections, generous fans contributed hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food, which will directly provide meals to regional hunger-relief organizations, including Central California Food Bank and Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services. Future Farmers of America chapters from across California also partnered with Bayer and Farm Tour in the 2026 “Spirit of 1776” CAN DO Challenge, creating patriotic displays from canned food donations to mark America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. All donations were given to local food banks, totaling more than 9,000 cans to support communities statewide.

 

Russell Dickerson Celebrates Platinum For “She Likes It” (Feat. Jake Scott) At Greek Theatre

Pictured (L-R): Matt Graham (Managing Partner & Head of Music at Range Media Partners), Stephanie Marks (Range Management), Hope Garrison (Triple Tigers), Russell Dickerson, Laura Hostelley (Triple Tigers) and Dave Collins (Triple Tigers). Photo: Thomas Heney

Russell Dickerson continued his “Russellmania Tour” with a stop at the Greek Theatre on May 20. Dickerson kept fans on their feet all night with hit after hit including “Yours,” “Blue Tacoma,” “Love You Like I Used To,” “Happen To Me” and his latest release “BOOTS” (featuring Fetty Wap.) Adding to the celebration, Dickerson also marked a major career milestone during the special evening as he was presented with a plaque commemorating the triple Platinum certification of his hit “She Likes It” (feat. Jake Scott).

 

Clint Black Talks New Memoir With Lorianne Crook At CMHOFM

Clint Black and Lorianne Crook at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Clint Black marked the publication of his memoir Killin’ Time: My Life and Music with a conversation led by radio and television host Lorianne Crook at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum last weekend. The two chatted about Black’s journey from a kid with a dream on the outskirts of Houston to country star. From his near-death experiences as a young boy and his decision to drop out of high school to pursue music, to countless years struggling as an unknown young artist, playing at any nightclub or hotel bar that would have him, Black’s path to success had plenty of twists.

The book is filled with vivid, deeply personal stories as he recounts how his steadfast dedication to his beliefs and his passion for music led him to success and through storm after storm. Black is also the subject of a new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, “Clint Black: The Hard Way On Purpose.”

 

Ashley McBryde Performs ‘Bottle Tells Me So’ On ‘Later… with Jools Holland’

Youtube video

Ashley McBryde performed her brutal truth teller “Bottle Tells Me So” from her new album, Wild, on Later… with Jools Holland on Sunday (May 24). McBryde returned to the show alongside musical talents like James Bay, Sekou, Joe Bonamassa, Mandy, Indiana and Jocelyn Brown.

 

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrates Opening of Art Exhibit by Tim Biskupx

Tim Biskup and Haley Gallery Director Daniel Lonow at the Haley Gallery. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Haley Gallery, a contemporary art gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, recently celebrated the opening of Drifting Agency, an exhibit showcasing graphite drawings by American visual artist and designer Tim Biskup. The exhibit is free and open to the public through July 10, and features 60 of Biskup’s graphite drawings, also known as his “Graphite Memory” pieces. Videos of Biskup’s graphite drawing technique have garnered hundreds of millions of views on social media and culminated in a series of live drawing events, including a session at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles in February of 2025.

Leadership Music Reveals Class Of 2027

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Leadership Music has unveiled 48 new members for its class of 2027.

The eight-month program begins in October and offers an immersive exploration of the music business. Since its founding in 1989, Leadership Music has graduated over 1,500 industry executives.

“Our selection committee works hard to identify outstanding professionals who bring both excellence and a true cross-section of the music industry’s diversity to the table. The Class of 2027 embodies exactly that, and we are proud and excited to welcome them into the Leadership Music community this fall,” says Scott Gerow, Leadership Music Past President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee.

“The selection process is never taken lightly — every candidate is thoughtfully considered for their professional achievements, their capacity to lead, and the difference they’re making beyond their careers. And just as important is ensuring the class we build truly mirrors the breadth and diversity of this industry,” shares Neal Spielberg, Leadership Music Board President and Co-Chair of the Selection Committee. “We are so proud of the remarkable people who make up our 37th class and cannot wait to watch the Leadership Music Class of 2027 find their rhythm together and leave their mark.”

Leadership Music Class Of 2027:
1. Scott Appleton, VP, Rock Nashville
2. Sean David Ardoin, Artist, Producer, Songwriter, Kreole Rock and Soul (Lake Charles, LA)
3. Mitch Ballard, Executive Director – Creative, BMI (Austin, TX)
4. Jon Blass, Mixer
5. Raffaella Braun, VP, Promotion, Triple Tigers Records
6. Nina Burghard, EVP, Finances and Operations, The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
7. Erin D.D. Burr, SVP, Media Relations + Gold & Platinum Program, RIAA (Washington, DC)
8. Sarah Buxton, Songwriter, Smack Songs
9. Chad Carlson, Music Producer/Engineer, Carlson Audio
10. ArinMichelle Casey, Entertainment Consulting, Lead, SeatGeek (Brooklyn, NY)
11. Chase Chapman, Wealth Advisor, Vice President of Entertainment, Regions Bank
12. Mark Claassen, Partner, WME
13. Erin Collins, SVP, Film & TV, SESAC (West Hills, CA)
14. Casey Conway, SVP, Artist and Client Relations, CMS Nashville
15. Joyce Dollinger, Partner, Alter, Kendrick & Baron, LLP (New York, NY)
16. Mike DuCharme, Regional Vice President, AEG Presents
17. Leo Ferrante, Head of Music, Creative Audio, Meta (Cranbury, NJ)
18. Nicole Flammia, SVP, Creative, Blue Highway Records
19. K. Chuck Fletcher, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of Otolaryngology – The Robert Ossoff Endowed Director of Music Engagement
20. Catherine Frizzell, VP, Marketing, CMA
21. Katie Germano, Agent, CAA
22. Sarah Hamner, SVP, Wiatr & Associates
23. Ryan Henry, COO, Marathon Live
24. Jewly Hight, Senior Music Writer, Nashville Public Radio
25. Alexia Kauffman, Associate Director of Support, Customer Services, SoundExchange (Arlington, VA)
26. Justin Luffman, VP, Marketing, Warner Records Nashville
27. Sarah Madalinski, Sr. Marketing Director, NS2
28. Lindsey Major, Chief Member Experience Officer, The MLC
29. Jalyce E. Mangum, Assistant General Counsel, U.S. Copyright Office (Arlington, VA)
30. Jaime Marconette, VP, Music Insights & Industry Relations, Luminate
31. Eric Marcum, WSM General Manager, WSM – Opry Entertainment Group
32. Chamie McCurry, GM/CMO, Danny Wimmer Presents (Leawood, KS)
33. Miranda McDonald, SVP, Promotion and Regional Marketing, MCA Nashville
34. Gemma McInturff, Label Partnerships Lead, Spotify
35. Ali Miller, CEO, Furnace Record Pressing (Falls Church, VA)
36. Morgan Mills, CMO, CmdShft
37. Rissi Palmer, Artist/Host, Color Me Country Foundation/Color Me Country Radio (Durham, NC)
38. Kelley Purcell, SVP, Membership & Industry Relations, Recording Academy (Sherman Oaks, CA)
39. Beth Rasnick, Chief of Staff, Gibson, Inc.
40. Phil Shay, Senior Director of Development, Belmont University, Curb College
41. Melissa Spillman, VP, A&R, Concord
42. Laura Spinelli, Digital Marketing/Day-to-Day Manager, ShopKeeper Management
43. Stephanie Li Sullivan, VP, Membership & Partnerships, National Music Publishers’ Association (Washington, DC)
44. Eric Tobin, EVP, A&R and Business Development, Hopeless Records (Encino, CA)
45. Jeff Tuerff, SVP, Marketing & Creative, Curb Records
46. Elisa Vazzana, Partner/Agent, United Talent Agency
47. Trey Wilson, Founder, The Gray Slate
48. Taylor Wolf, Executive Director, ACM Lifting Lives

Riley Green & Lara Spencer To Host ‘CMA Fest Presented By SoFi’

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Riley Green & Lara Spencer.

Riley Green and Good Morning America host Lara Spencer will make their debut as hosts of the CMA Fest Presented By SoFi television special, which will air June 25 on ABC and stream the next day on Hulu.

CMA Fest presented by SoFi is a production of the Country Music Association, executive produced and written by Robert Deaton and directed by Alan Carter. With the 2026 airing, CMA celebrates 23 straight years of producing a summer concert TV special.

Additionally, Lainey Wilson has joined the CMA Fest lineup. She is set to perform at Nissan Stadium on Saturday, June 6. She joins performers including Bailey Zimmerman, Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson, Deana Carter, Ella Langley, Gretchen Wilson, HARDY, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis and more.

Zach John King Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Zach John King. Photo: Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

Zach John King made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday (May 23).

During the debut, he performed his current radio single “Get To Drinkin’” as well the unreleased “Beneath The Pines,” which will release this Friday (May 29).

 

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“As somebody who’s versed in the history of country music and being a country musician myself, this is a top moment for me,” shared King from the stage. “The legacy of this place is something I grew up with. There’s this whole lineage of performers who came out of the Opry, and I’ve had so much respect for it my whole life. To be able to stand in that circle with the people who came before me is just insane. My whole family was also there. We had about 90 friends and family make the trip up from Georgia, so it was just an incredibly special night.”

Pictured (L-R): Audrey McGrady (Grand Ole Opry), Lexi Lampkin (Grand Ole Opry), Fred Rubenstein (Sony Music Nashville, Lauren Kilgore (Sony Music Nashville), Lauren Taylor (Sony Music Nashville), Kayla Hoffman (Hyphen Media Group), Zach John King, Matt Reed (Hyphen Media Group), Drake Kennedy (Hyphen Media Group), Liz Cost (Sony Music Nashville), Nathan Thomas (Sony Music Nashville) and Christy Garbinski, (Sony Music Nashville)

Jimmy Robbins Inks Worldwide Administration Deal With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R, front row): BJ Hill (WCM), Jimmy Robbins and Bethany Mako (WCM). (L-R, back row): Matt Cottingham (Hunter Cottingham PLLC), Sarah Robbins (Mailbox Money Music), Austen Adams (WCM), Sophie Moll Ziegler (Mailbox Money Music), Julie Hess (WCM), Katy Wolaver (WCM) and Austin Wells (Hunter Cottingham PLLC). Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music Nashville

Jimmy Robbins has signed a worldwide administration deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Across his career, Robbins has earned 14 top 10 hits, including 10 No. 1 singles as a songwriter, four No. 1 singles as a producer, and a Billboard No. 1 album as a producer.

“I couldn’t be more excited about this partnership with Warner Chappell. They are an amazing team that I am lucky to be a part of,” shares Robbins.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be part of this next chapter with Jimmy,” says Warner Chappell Music Nashville’s BJ Hill. “He is a mainstay in country music and beyond. We are honored to continue championing his songs around the world and can’t wait to hear what he writes next.”

Among Robbins’ most celebrated works is Maren Morris’ “The Bones,” which earned ACM Song of the Year, CMA Song of the Year and AIMP Song of the Year honors, as well as being nominated for Song of the Year at The Grammys. The track topped multiple radio formats and spent 19 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. In May 2025, Billboard recognized the song on its Top Hot Country Songs of the 21st Century list.

Robbins also co-produced Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney’s “half of my hometown,” which earned CMA Musical Event of the Year honors and a CMA Single of the Year nomination.

Managed by Mailbox Money Music, he has also contributed to projects from artists including Morgan Wallen, Dan + Shay, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Ashley Cooke, Maddie & Tae, Colbie Caillat, Eli Young Band, Jason Aldean, Brett Young and LANY, among many others.

Halie Ridge Signs With Eclipse Records

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Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis (Partner, Eclipse Music Group), Halie Ridge and Anna Thiel (Creative Manager, Eclipse Records).

Singer-songwriter Halie Ridge has signed an exclusive label and artist development deal with Eclipse Records.

The 25 year old grew up in Thayer, Missouri, in a family that loved music. Inspired by country, pop and soul, she found her voice and style at a young age. She is best known for writing “Girls Like Me,” which was recorded by Martina McBride after Ridge won Season 2 of Songland.

“We are thrilled to welcome Halie Ridge to the Eclipse Music Group family and are excited for the world to hear what she’s been creating,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “When Anna [Thiel] first brought her to us, it was a no-brainer—she and Halie have already formed an incredible creative partnership. Halie’s work ethic is unmatched, and paired with her talent and vision, she’s unstoppable.”

“After eight years of being independent, it means everything to finally find a family in Nashville,” adds Ridge. “I’m proud of the road that got me here, but I know the real work is just beginning. I truly trust Penny, Anna, and Courtney with my music, my vision, and the brand we’re building together. It hasn’t always been easy to find people who understand what I’m trying to do, but I know they see me and believe in me.”

Ridge’s debut single “All That” will be released this Friday (May 29).

Todd Stepp Returns To Provident Entertainment As Senior Vice President

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Todd Stepp

Todd Stepp has returned to Provident Entertainment as Senior Vice President, where he will oversee all marketing, digital marketing, creative and label services activities for the company.

Stepp previously served as Vice President of Marketing for Provident Entertainment before joining TPR., where he most recently held the role of Senior Vice President of Global Marketing. At TPR., Stepp joined the leadership team that launched the company in September 2024. He unified marketing and ticketing teams from three companies, led leadership development and team growth, helped build TPR.’s global brand through industry campaigns, and oversaw tour marketing for artists including Brandon Lake, Elevation Worship, Forrest Frank, Phil Wickham and CeCe Winans.

“We are excited to welcome Todd Stepp back to the Provident family,” says Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “Todd is a proven leader who has earned the respect of this industry over the course of 19 years of exceptional work and genuine relationships. His understanding of the Christian music landscape, creatively, commercially, and culturally, runs deep. Todd was an integral part of building what Provident is today, and we are incredibly excited to have him back to help lead what comes next.”

“I’m honored to return to Provident Entertainment and step into this new role during such an exciting season,” says Stepp. “Provident has been foundational to my career and my family, and the opportunity to serve alongside a team and roster I believe in so deeply is incredibly meaningful. This company has a remarkable legacy of championing artists and songs that make a real impact around the world, and I’m thrilled to help lead and shape what’s ahead alongside this exceptional team.”