Shane Profitt will release his new EP, Population Me, on Oct. 10 via Triple Tigers Records.

The collection includes “Penny to my Name,” his current single and fan favorite, “Long Live Country,”and three new tracks, including “Whistlin’ Dixie” featuring one of Profitt’s country heroes, Randy Houser. Writers contributing to the project include Dan Tyminski, Lindsay Rimes, McCoy Moore, Phil O’Donnell, and more.

“This EP is a snapshot of who I am and what I stand for – along with a celebration of the fine folks who’ve shaped my life. It celebrates some of my highest highs, along with some good old fashioned country heartache,” says Profitt. “But the biggest compliment I can get is when someone finds my songs are about their life, too.”

Profitt has been out on the road throughout the summer playing festivals and appearing on select tour dates with Scotty McCreery, Darius Rucker and Jason Aldean.

Population Me Track List:
1. “Population Me” (Shane Profitt, Matt McKinney, Dan Tyminski)
2. “Long Live Country” (Shane Profitt, Matt Rogers, Lindsay Rimes)
3. “Penny to My Name” (Shane Profitt, McCoy Moore, Phil O’Donnell)
4. “This Old House” (Shane Profitt, Joey Hyde, Ben Hayslip, James McNair)
5. “Whistlin’ Dixie” (feat. Randy Houser) (Randy Houser, Kim Tribble)

BMI hosted a No. 1 party on Wednesday celebrating first-time chart-topper Zach Top and his hit-making co-writers Carson Chamberlain and Tim Nichols for their double-Platinum certified smash “I Never Lie.” The song, from the Leo33 artist’s debut album Cold Beer & Country Music produced by Chamberlain, is currently nominated for Single and Song of the Year at the 2025 CMA Music Awards.

The event, hosted by BMI’s Mitch Ballard, featured remarks from Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Major Bob’s Mike Doyle, Leo33’s Katie Dean and Country Aircheck‘s Chuck Aly, who each spoke to the power of a great song and its ability to launch a career like Top’s.

Each songwriter was presented with a custom BMI Taylor 210e DLX guitar, and Top also got to celebrate his 28th birthday early with a Coors Banquet–themed cake.

Nichols reflected on his long history with Chamberlain and his first impression of Top.

“It takes a matter of minutes in a room with [him], hearing him play and sing, to realize, ‘holy crap, this guy is gifted and special,'” Nichols said.

Chamberlain, who first began working with Top in 2018, shared his pride in the young artist and their close relationship.

“He made me feel like [I was experiencing] a young Keith Whitley,” Chamberlain said of their first meeting. “We’ve been together ever since, and it’s been special. I think of him as another son.”

Top expressed gratitude to his team and co-writers.

“Tim, a lot of the songs you’ve written are reasons why I fell in love with country music as a young kid. It’s pretty surreal to get to write with you now,” Top said. “Carson has been an extra father figure to me—his wife Rita is my Nashville mama… You were the first one that made me feel like my little pipe dream may mean something.”

The Listening Room Hosts AIMP State of the Union for Music Publishing

The Listening Room hosted the AIMP State of the Union for Music Publishing with David Israelite on Tuesday (Sept. 23).

 

CAA Honored For Philanthropic Support Of Education

Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) recently recognized Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and the Scarlett Family Foundation for their longstanding support at its “All in For Kids” fundraising breakfast.

CAA received the “All in For Kids Award,” which recognizes a CISTN supporter or organization that has given significant time and resources to ensure support for school-aged children. John Huie, Music Agent and Founding Partner of CAA Nashville, accepted the award on behalf of the agency.

“20 years ago, our CAA Nashville founders not only recognized but acted upon the importance of leading and providing support for initiatives aimed at creating a more resilient and equitable public education system in Nashville,” says Colby Gallahar, Manager, CAA Foundation. “Through our partnership with CISTN, we remain committed to volunteering time and resources to ensure students are provided with the best education possible, protecting their dreams of becoming future community leaders, educators, first responders, and more!”

 

‘On The Bus With Troy Vollhoffer’ Returns For Season Three

On the Bus with Troy Vollhoffer, the podcast hosted by the CEO of Country Thunder, is returning for its third season. The opening episode features Tyler Hubbard, who shares memories of his college days and late father.

 

Syntax Creative Partners With Hoopla Digital

Syntax Creative has partnered with Hoopla Digital to bring its catalog of independent music to public library systems across the country. Starting this month, library patrons nationwide can stream Syntax-distributed titles on Hoopla with a library card.

“Hoopla makes it easy for people to hear the music we believe in,” says Syntax CEO Timothy Trudeau. “If you have a library card, you can discover every artist we stand behind.”

“At Hoopla, we’re committed to helping libraries connect their communities with meaningful content,” adds Catherine Zappa, VP of Digital Acquisitions at Hoopla Digital. “Partnering with Syntax allows us to bring even more independent music to our users.”

 

Chris Blue Signs With The Artist Element For Management

Chris Blue has signed with Q and Dani Phillips of The Artist Element. Blue first garnered the attention of fans around the world as the season 12 winner of NBC’s The Voice.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Chris Blue into our family of artists,” shares Q Phillips. “He is a rare talent with incredible vision, and more than that, just a genuinely good man with a pure heart focused on how to best use his talents for the Lord. I firmly believe that his future is very bright, and we are proud to come alongside him in his efforts.”

“Dani and Q are visionary leaders and industry powerhouses whose passion, integrity, and strategic brilliance are already elevating everything we touch,” adds Blue. “I’m excited to work alongside Dani and Q through this next season. They’re both wise, engaging, and proactive in their approach, which is what I love! With their deep understanding of music, branding, and purpose-driven artistry, I’m honored to have them steering the ship alongside me as we expand into new levels of influence and impact.”

 

Holly Brand Signs With Music City Management

The Voice semi-finalist Holly Brand has signed with Music City Management. MCM founder Josh Petersen will handle day-to-day management for Brand.

“Holly’s songs caught my attention from the first time I put her demos on in my pickup truck — secular country melodies with gospel-centered lyrics. She has a powerful, unique voice that reminds me of why I have always loved country music. Then I heard her sing live and was hooked,” Petersen shares. “As an artist manager, you look for an artist to work with who sounds as good on stage as they do in the studio. Holly has a bright future, and I believe she can quickly be a leading voice in the Christian/Country marketplace.”

“I knew from my first meeting with Josh that we would make a great team. I have a deep respect for his tenacity, drive, and wisdom, and I couldn’t have chosen anyone better to partner with and to help build my career,” Brand adds. “I am so excited to see what the future holds and honored to say my team feels complete with Josh Petersen and Music City Management.”