Pictured (L-R): Rick and Irma Rodriquez, Angie K, Andrea Vasquez, Alyssia Dominguez, Miguel Cancino, Sammy Arriaga, Arcelia Cisneros and Family and Jackie Marushka.

The Country Latin Association (CLA), an organization dedicated to amplifying Latin voices and representation in country music, partnered with the Grand Ole Opry to offer an exclusive backstage tour and show experience for its members.

“One of my favorite things to say is that country music may not be for everyone, but we are everywhere,” says Angie K, Co-Founder of CLA.

Co-founder Andrea Vasquez shares, “Bringing our members to the heart of country’s most iconic stage is a powerful reminder that our stories belong here too. The Opry’s willingness to partner with us speaks volumes about their commitment to inclusion and making this moment possible.”

CLA will host their next showcase at Anzie Blue on Nov. 16. More information on the organization is available here.

Bridget Herrmann, Dexter Bensman, and Christina Hunt.

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has added three to their team. Bridget Herrmann has joined as Senior Director of Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as Head of Digital Marketing and Christina Hunt as Label Coordinator.

Based in Chicago, Herrmann will optimize airplay, strengthen marketing impact and elevate artist exposure across the globe. Herrmann joins Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment from Red Street Records where she served as Director, Regional Promotion. Prior to that, she spent six years as Manager of Regional Promotion at Warner Music Nashville where she oversaw 50 stations and worked with artists such as Cody Johnson, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell and more. Other career stops include Crush Music Management, Megaforce Records and A&M/Octone Records.

“As Andrew Thoen transitions fully into his role as Director of Streaming & Digital Partnerships, Bridget Herrmann’s name was consistently mentioned as a professional and experienced label promotion executive,” says Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment SVP, Ryan Dokke. “We are excited for Bridget to join our team, bringing her passion and knowledge to serve both our incredible artist roster and radio partners at the highest level. Additionally, we are pleased to welcome Dexter and Christina to the NHRE team.”

Bensman joins the team after serving as Senior Director, Digital Marketing for parent company Big Machine Label Group. In his role, he will spearhead digital marketing strategy and increase online presence for artists. Before BMLG, Bensman held roles at Brown Sellers Brown Management and Innovo Management.

In her new role, Hunt will support Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment President/CEO Jimmy Harnen and team, coordinating day-to-day operations across release planning, artist relations, marketing and more. She graduated earlier this year from the University of Alabama, where she held internships with Universal Music Group, CMA, Make Wake Artists and more.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Bridget Herrmann as our new Senior Director, Promotion & Marketing, Dexter Bensman as our Head of Digital Marketing, and Christina Hunt as our new Label Coordinator,” shares Harnen. “All three are talented professionals who bring great energy and expertise, and we’re excited to have them on our team.”

All three are already on the job.

Erin Kirby runs the gamut of a relationship on her upcoming debut EP, In and Out of Love, set for release on Nov. 7.

The Georgia singer-songwriter recently released a new track from the project, “Make A Move,” out now on all streaming platforms. Co-written by Kirby with Andrew Beason and Joe Clemmons, and produced by Aaron Eshuis, “Make a Move” tells the story of a woman ready to close the chapter on a broken relationship—urging her ex to “make a move on somebody new” so she can finally be free. The song’s mix of heartbreak and empowerment offers one of the most relatable, cathartic moments off of the upcoming EP. 

“This project is a full love story and ‘Make A Move’ comes after the breaking point,” Kirby shares. “It’s about finding the courage to let go – even when part of you doesn’t want to. This song was easy to write because it’s a place I’ve been in through relationships, friendships, work, and more. I tried my best to put myself and my heart into this song, making it one of the most important songs on this project for me.”

The EP traces an entire relationship from first spark to final goodbye, and the songs on the collection showcase Kirby’s versatility, from the butterflies of attraction to the devastation of heartbreak. “Make A Move” joins her previously-released single, “Nowhere Everywhere” on the upcoming new EP.

“In and Out of Love is my first EP release and it is a scary but exhilarating step in my career,” Kirby says. “This project encompasses a full walk-through of a relationship. It floats through the highs and lows of love, ending with full closure and not a single regret. I have been working up to this moment for a few years and I am beyond excited to share it with the world.”

In and Out of Love Track List:
1. “Nowhere Everywhere” (Erin Kirby, Aaron Armstrong, Sydney Cubit, Mitch Crego)
2. “I Think I’m in Love Again” (Erin Kirby, Ryan Kohn, Davis Loose)
3. “Whiskey Does” (Erin Kirby, Ryan Kohn, Davis Loose)
4. “Make a Move” (Erin Kirby, Andrew Beason, Joe Clemmons)
5. “Regretting You” (Erin Kirby, Sydney Cubit, Gabe Foust)

Lil Man J with the UTA team.

Lil Man J has signed with UTA.

“Matthew Morgan, Curt Motley, Lauren Holland, Nick Barnes, Justin Hill and the whole crew at UTA have shown they understand my music, my brand, and my commitment to becoming a huge live artist. I’m so excited to get out on the road with my band and give my fans an amazing show,” he says.

The 20 year old Charlotte, North Carolina based artist has surpassed 100 million streams. Known for his tracks “Cap Freestyle” and “Whiskey For The Wine,” Kidd G and Paul Wall were featured on remixes of his summer single, “Sippin Country.” He has since released two more tracks, “Stuck In The Middle” and “Life Is Good.”

Lil Man J will make his acting debut in the upcoming independent film Last Shot starring Jamie Pressly, Michael Rapaport, Baron Davis and Laraine Newman.

Clint Black. Photo: Russ Harrington

BMI will honor Clint Black with the BMI Icon Award during their 73rd annual BMI Country Awards on Nov. 18 at the BMI Nashville office. The invite-only ceremony will be hosted by BMI President and CEO, Mike O’Neill, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, Mike Steinberg and BMI Nashville VP of Creative, Clay Bradley.

The event will also celebrate the Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Song of the Year and Country Publisher of the Year, and also honor the songwriters and music publishers behind this year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music.

“Clint Black’s career is a testament to the power of songwriting, and he is a true trailblazer whose artistry continues to leave an indelible mark on country music,” says Bradley. “He set a new standard for storytelling in song that defined an era. His ability to craft songs that resonate across decades has made him a true BMI Icon.”

Black first became affiliated with BMI in 1993. Since then, he has earned 22 No. 1 singles, all of which he has writing credits on. He has sold over 20 million albums, and has toured for three decades. His debut album, Killin’ Time, consisted of five consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Black has earned awards from the GRAMMY’s, the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the American Music Awards. Outside of music, Black has also acted in various film and television projects.

The BMI Icon Award recognizes exceptional songwriters for their unique and indelible influence on music. Previous honorees include Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Toby Keith, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon, Vince Gill and Hank Williams, Jr., as well as multi-genre creative/songwriting royalty Stevie Nicks, Little Richard, Carole King, Patti LaBelle, Brian Wilson, James Brown, Janet Jackson, Bo Diddley, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Peter Gabriel, Al Green, Van Morrison, Sting, Bryan Ferry, Carlos Santana, Los Lobos, and more.