Sierra Hull joins The Earls of Leicester for a spirited Sunday set at the 2025 Earl Scruggs Music Festival. Photo: Cora Wagoner for Loch & Key Productions

The Earl Scruggs Music Festival wrapped its fourth annual event this weekend, drawing more than double in attendance since last year.

The annual gathering was held on the grounds of Tryon International in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Standout moments included Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band serving as the headliners. Joining them was Del McCoury Band, Sam Bush, Watchhouse, The Wood Brothers, The War And Treaty, The Earls of Leicester, Sierra Hull and more.

Outside of the music, fans were treated to seminars, youth showcases, horseback trail rides, bourbon tasting, dance workshops, family-friendly activities, jam sessions and much more.

The festival will return to Tryon International during for Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 4-6) 2026.

Eden Joel. Photo: Luke M Rogers

Eden Joel has inked a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing in partnership with independent label, publishing and management company Big Family Music, led by Damon and Julian Bunetta, and Ben and Daniel Parmar. The deal includes Joel’s full catalog and future works.

A Nashville native, Joel’s sound combines indie coastal pop with the Southern music he grew up on. The last three years, Joel traveled around the world as a touring musician, playing Stephen Sanchez, Annie DiRusso, Mercury, Venus and the Fly Traps, Hannah Cole, Briston Maroney and more. In May, he opened for The Greeting Committee before opening for In Color in July.

“I feel extremely lucky to be joining the Big Family and Concord teams! They are, without a doubt, some of the most passionate and genuine people, who truly care about helping grow and develop creatives sustainably.” says Joel.

In March, Joel produced and co-wrote on Annie DiRusso’s debut album Superpedestrian, as well as releasing his own debut single “Deadweight” in May. The track fuses infectious indie pop melodies and clever lyricism. Before the release, the teaser clip on Joel’s socials had racked up over 600,000 views. Upon its release “Deadweight” was featured on Spotify’s “Fresh Finds Indie” playlist with Eden Joel as the featured artist for ‘Fresh Finds’.

This past year has been busy for Eden Joel. In March, he produced and wrote on Annie DiRusso’s debut album Superpedestrian, and released his own debut single, “Deadweight,” in May. This single showcases Joel’s infectious indie pop melodies and clever lyricism, a clear product of years of honing his craft and soaking up his surrounding Music City influences. Prior to the song’s release, Joel had been teasing his unique sound on Instagram Reels, racking up over 600,000 views of his unreleased music. When it debuted, “Deadweight” was featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Indie playlist, as well as finding Joel as the featured artist for Fresh Finds.

“It’s an indescribable feeling when you find an artist who reminds you why you started,” says Lily Bunta, A&R Manager at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “Eden Joel is truly one of a kind. His vision, spirit, and artistry embody a bold new generation of creatives. To champion his music, alongside our talented friends at Big Family, is the start of a story I will be celebrating forever.”

“I’ve been a massive fan of Eden for years,” Wes Geiken, Head of Creative at Big Family, adds. “His personality and storytelling ability stood out to me from the start – honest, dynamic, and wise beyond his years. He writes with an emotional depth that’s truly rare. Eden is exactly the kind of writer who will bring value to both the Nashville and LA songwriting communities. I speak on behalf of the whole team at Big Family when I say we’re incredibly excited for what’s ahead and deeply grateful to be part of his publishing team, alongside Lily and the rest of the incredible crew at Concord.”

Joel released his latest single “Used To” on Aug. 20, which serves as the first single from his debut EP coming in 2026. The track explores themes of purging self-doubt, shame and negativity and regaining different and more objective perspectives on life

Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Jody Williams (Founder Jody Williams Songs), Tom Luteran (VP, Creative, SMP Nashville), Cam Caldwell (SVP, Business Affairs, SMP Nashville), Taylor Ratkovich (A&R Creative Coordinator, SMP Nashville) and Chelsea Kent (Marketing and Studio Director, SMP Nashville). (L-R, front row): Tenasie Courtright (Creative Director, Jody Williams Songs), Nina Jenkins Fisher (VP/GM, Jody Williams Songs), Peytan Porter and Synnovea Halsel (Manager of Creative A&R, SMP Nashville). Photo: Savannah Spencer

Peytan Porter has inked a global publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs and Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

“I’m incredibly excited to begin this next chapter of my artistry and songwriting career with Jody Williams Songs and Sony Music Publishing,” shares Porter. “For the past five years, JWS has been a safe, inspiring space for me to grow and create, so I’m deeply grateful to continue evolving with them while also stepping into new possibilities by joining the powerhouse that is SMP. Like the best art, this partnership lives at the intersection of familiarity and forward momentum. I can’t wait to see what we build together.”

“I’ve been a fan of Peytan for years now. She’s an incredibly talented vocalist who knows exactly who she is as an artist and a songwriter. I have so much respect for the Jody Williams Songs team and the talent they’ve been fostering – I couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with them as we champion Peytan and her music,” says Synnovea Halsel, Manager of Creative A&R, Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

“Partnering with Synnovea on this next chapter in Peytan’s career was such an obvious choice,” adds Nina Jenkins Fisher, JWS Vice President/General Manager. “She has an incredible ear and is laser focused. Alongside Rusty, she hypes up her roster like no one else. They see the vision for this next season with Peytan, and we couldn’t be more excited.”

A genre-blending artist, Porter combines her Appalachian country roots with her passion for songwriting. The Georgia native’s breakout In My Head has amassed over 10 million streams, and her recently released EP Grown featured fan favorites such as “God’s Hotel,” “Speaking of Georgia” and “Lemonade.” She has opened for Tim McGraw and has shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Ian Munsick, Hailey Whitters, Brett Eldredge and Jon Pardi. Across her social media platforms, Porter has grown her platforms with 330k followers across various channels and has 50 million TikTok views.