Pictured (L-R, back row): North Chapel Music’s Jason Sellers and Wendy Buckner. (L-R, front row): North Chapel Music’s Benny Brown and Paul Compton. Photo: Courtesy of North Chapel Music
Music industry veteran Benny Brown has acquired Wide Open Music Publishing and launched a new publishing venture, North Chapel Music.
North Chapel Music is now home to Wide Open Music’s entire song catalog, including Billboard No. 1 hits such as Brett Young’s RIAA Diamond-certified “In Case You Didn’t Know,” Matt Stell’s double-Platinum “Prayed For You,” and George Birge’s recent chart-topper, “Cowboy Songs,” as well as Birge’s Mediabase country No. 1 “Mind On You.”
Brown has signed five new writers to publishing deals with North Chapel Music: genre-blending country artist Matt Cooper, modern country traditionalist Spencer Hatcher, Hatcher’s brother and bandmate Connor Hatcher, hit country songwriter Jason Sellers, and Runaway June founding member Jennifer Wayne.
Former Wide Open Music executive Paul Compton has been tapped to serve as Executive Vice President for North Chapel Music. In his new role, Compton will be responsible for all day-to-day creative and administrative management duties. With more than 30 years of publishing experience, Compton founded the companies Music Highway Writer Services and The Songwriter Agency.
“I’m grateful to Benny for entrusting me to lead his vision of the newly formed North Chapel Music,” says Compton. “With our growing roster of established writers and developing artist writers, North Chapel will serve as a direct source of music and artistry for Benny’s QHMG record labels, as well as servicing career-elevating music and talent for the global music market.”
In addition to signing Jason Sellers as a songwriter, Brown has appointed him as North Chapel Music’s Senior Creative Director. Sellers has been in music his entire life, working as a musician, vocalist and producer since he was 18. As a songwriter, he has numerous awards and No. 1s to his credit. Sellers will continue in his role as a Partner at sister company Quartz Hill Music Group.
“Since the day we launched Brown Sellers Brown, now QHMG, I suspected Benny would wanna get back deeper into publishing,” says Sellers. “He loves our artists, he loves our teams, but he LOVES great songs. And I do too. So, whether it’s writing, or broader strategy, I’m very excited to support him in this new venture.”
Brown has also appointed Wendy Buckner as Creative Director for North Chapel Music, reporting to Compton. She brings more than 20 years of experience in publishing, music and TV production, and artist management. Her most recent role has been at BSB Management, as Day-to-Day Manager for multiple artists.
North Chapel Music is now also home to Wide Open Music’s roster of writers, including Jaron Boyer, Neal Coty, Matt Gorman, Joe Hanson, Joe Haydel, Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Chris Ray, Aaron Scherz, John Stephens and Nathan Woodard.
Wide Open Music was founded in 2013 by music industry executives Steve Williams and Ash Bowers. The launch of North Chapel Music does not affect Bowers’ role as Executive Vice President at sister company QHMG.
Industry veteran Brown’s legacy includes founding BBR Music Group (including Magic Mustang Music), which is now part of BMG, and current venture Quartz Hill Music Group, which includes Quartz Hill Records, Stone Country Records and BSB Management. North Chapel Music is not part of QHMG, but rather a sister company.
PYNK BEARD Inks With Red Bull Records, Reveals Debut EP
/by Lauryn SinkPynk Beard. Photo: Dez Wilson
PYNK BEARD has inked with Red Bull Records. Alongside the deal, he has released “Sip,” the third track off his upcoming debut EP, Red Dirt Diaries.
Prior to his current work as a solo artist, PYNK BEARD (Sebastian Kole), wrote for six Grammy winning or nominated projects. He penned Alessia Cara’s No. 1 singles “Scars to Your Beautiful” and “Here,” as well as standout tracks for Alicia Keys, John Legend, Halle Bailey, Ariana Grande and Jennifer Lopez, among others.
“PYNK BEARD effortlessly blends his traditional Southern roots with culturally resonant lyrics, creating a sound that is truly original,” shares Greg Hammer, Managing Director of Red Bull Records. “To watch him build a loyal following before releasing any music officially has been incredibly impressive and speaks to how special he is. We’re thrilled to welcome him to Red Bull Records and we’re confident he has a bright future ahead of him that we’re proud to champion.”
“I’m so grateful to be a part of the Red Bull Records family!” PYNK BEARD adds. “They have been nothing short of amazing in supporting me in the release of my first two singles ‘I Lived’ and ‘Mine Lord Willing’ and their genuine interest and care for me as an artist has shown in every action. The future here is bright and Pynk.”
Red Dirt Diaries EP Track List:
1. “I Lived”
2. “2 Rich For My Blood”
3. “Mine, Lord Willing”
4. “One More Slow Dance”
5. “Sip”
Rose Palermo Announces Association With Son & Fellow Attorney Andrew Cheatham
/by Lorie HollabaughAndrew Cheatham
Cheatham & Palermo Founder and longtime Nashville family attorney Rose Palermo has announced that after 52 years of continuous practice, she is joining professional forces with her son, Washington, D.C.-based attorney Andrew Cheatham.
A graduate of Nashville’s Hillsboro High School, Cheatham is a seasoned international lawyer and the founder of Pragmatic Panic Legal and Social Services, a nonprofit firm offering pro bono legal aid in housing, immigration, and family law. A former Senior Advisor at the United States Institute of Peace, Cheatham previously served with the United Nations in Iraq, Somalia, and Libya, helping stabilize conflict-affected regions through reconciliation and governance programs.
At Cheatham & Palermo, Cheatham will collaborate on matters intersecting with international and complex family law issues in Washington, D.C. and New York. As part of this new association, Cheatham will continue to practice independently as a solo practitioner in Washington, D.C., with active bar admissions in both D.C. and New York. His work will support Cheatham & Palermo on high-profile cases that span state, federal, and international jurisdictions.
“I’ve had the great fortune of practicing law alongside my husband for over 50 years,” says Palermo. “And now, to formally work with my son — who brings a global view and such strong principles — is one of the greatest joys of my professional life.”
Palermo, who first opened her law office in 1973 with her husband Denty Cheatham, has spent five decades building a reputation as one of Tennessee’s preeminent family lawyers. Palermo’s practice has represented high-profile clients across the country and helped shape the legal landscape of family law in the state. Her name became legal precedent when she successfully fought for her right to retain her maiden name after marriage, resulting in the landmark Tennessee Supreme Court decision in Dunn v. Palermo.
Sticks Management Adds Gavin Adcock To Roster, Saxon Curry Joins As Manager
/by Madison HahnenGavin Adcock & Saxon Curry
Sticks Management has added Gavin Adcock to its artist roster. Adcock’s manager, Saxon Curry, has also officially joined the company.
Curry hails from Augusta, Georgia and attended Georgia Southern University for two years, the same university Adcock attended. Curry transferred to Belmont his junior year where he completed his Music Business degree. As a senior, Curry interned at Make Wake Artists, where he assisted management coordinators across the company’s roster.
Curry and Adcock were first introduced through Adcock’s guitar player, Bennett Bosewell, who Curry knew from high school. Curry drove down to Georgia to watch Adcock perform at a small bar in Statesboro, and the two kept in touch afterwards. After graduating from Belmont in 2022, Curry began his full-time career at WME, where he was an agent assistant. In August of 2023, Adcock hired Curry as his Manager, while Curry was still working at WME, where Adcock signed his booking deal in Fall 2023.
Adcock’s sophomore album Own Worst Enemy releases this Friday (Aug. 15). He will open up for fellow Sticks Management client Morgan Wallen this weekend in Cleveland as part of Wallen’s 2025 “I’m The Problem” stadium tour, before beginning his own headlining “Need To Tour” on Aug. 21.
Adcock is represented by WME for booking, Kella Farris with Farris, Self & Moore for business management and is signed to Warner Music Nashville.
Big Loud To Take Over SkyDeck During AmericanaFest
/by Lauryn SinkBig Loud will take over the SkyDeck on Broadway during AmericanaFest with performances from Charles Wesley Godwin, Stephen Wilson Jr., Thelma & James, Zandi Holup and Coleman Jennings. Set for Wednesday, Sept. 10, doors open for AmericanaFest pass holders at 11 a.m. and at 11:30 a.m for the general public. The event is open to all ages and admission is free on a first-come first served basis.
West Virginia native Wesley Godwin is a country and Americana artist known for his 19-track album Family Ties (2023) and his recent seven-song EP Lonely Mountain Town. Indiana-born, Nashville-based Wilson Jr. released his debut album søn of dad and has toured extensively, including upcoming shows at the Ryman Auditorium. Thelma & James is a Nashville-based husband-and-wife duo MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge who have released songs such as “Happy Ever After You,” which has over 20 million streams. Pennsylvania-born Holup released her debut album Wildflower, produced by Ryan Hadlock, and has shared the stage with artists like Steve Earle and Amanda Shires. Austin-based Jennings combines traditional outlaw country with rock, folk, and blues influences, developing a distinct sound through narrative-driven songwriting.
BREAKING: Kinkead Entertainment Agency Elevates Julie Devereux & Greg Scott
/by Madison HahnenPhoto: Courtesy of The Kinkead Entertainment Agency
For the celebration of their 10th anniversary as a full-service booking agency, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency has promoted Julie Devereux to CEO and Greg Scott to President of the agency.
Devereux utilizes her advertising and management expertise at the agency, having lead campaigns for mega brands Pepsi and Taco Bell, as well as management clients Tracy Nelson and Sammy Kershaw. At Kinkead, she helms overall development of the agency including film and television opportunities for the roster. Her previous career stops include companies in Dallas, Los Angeles and Nashville.
Scott holds a dual degree in music business and production, and has over 20 years of live touring experience as an artist, as well as is Co-Owner of his own record label under the Sony umbrella. Scott has been with Kinkead since its 2015 inception, and has spearheaded the company’s growth. In his new role, he will lead all live performance bookings for the agency and oversee key signings and development.
Founded by Bob Kinkead in 2015, Kinkead Entertainment has booked more than 7500 concerts nationwide since its inception. The agency’s current roster includes Lorrie Morgan, T Graham Brown, Exile, Canaan Smith, Chevel Shepherd, Cowboy Troy, Craig Campbell, Emerson Drive, Jamie O’Neal, Jerrod Niemann, Josh Gracin, Love and Theft, Skip Ewing, Taylor Hicks, Ty Herndon, Bill Engvall, Cliff Cash, Frankie Moreno, Lance Burton, Broadways Rock of Ages Band, Ranch Hands Cowboylesque, Alli Walker, Bay Simpson, BoomTown Saints, Britnee Kellogg, Casey Chesnutt, CJ Solar, Flat River Band, Hannah Ellis, Jacquie Roar, Kaylee Rose, Levi Hummon, Lewis Brice, MAYCE, Presley & Taylor, William Michael Morgan, The Band Light, New Hollow and more.
“We are proud to represent country music icons, as well as brand new emerging talent who have joined our exclusive roster here at The Kinkead Entertainment Agency,” shares Bob Kinkead, Co-CEO of The Kinkead Entertainment Agency.
Benny Brown Acquires Wide Open Music Publishing, Forms North Chapel Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): North Chapel Music’s Jason Sellers and Wendy Buckner. (L-R, front row): North Chapel Music’s Benny Brown and Paul Compton. Photo: Courtesy of North Chapel Music
Music industry veteran Benny Brown has acquired Wide Open Music Publishing and launched a new publishing venture, North Chapel Music.
North Chapel Music is now home to Wide Open Music’s entire song catalog, including Billboard No. 1 hits such as Brett Young’s RIAA Diamond-certified “In Case You Didn’t Know,” Matt Stell’s double-Platinum “Prayed For You,” and George Birge’s recent chart-topper, “Cowboy Songs,” as well as Birge’s Mediabase country No. 1 “Mind On You.”
Brown has signed five new writers to publishing deals with North Chapel Music: genre-blending country artist Matt Cooper, modern country traditionalist Spencer Hatcher, Hatcher’s brother and bandmate Connor Hatcher, hit country songwriter Jason Sellers, and Runaway June founding member Jennifer Wayne.
Former Wide Open Music executive Paul Compton has been tapped to serve as Executive Vice President for North Chapel Music. In his new role, Compton will be responsible for all day-to-day creative and administrative management duties. With more than 30 years of publishing experience, Compton founded the companies Music Highway Writer Services and The Songwriter Agency.
“I’m grateful to Benny for entrusting me to lead his vision of the newly formed North Chapel Music,” says Compton. “With our growing roster of established writers and developing artist writers, North Chapel will serve as a direct source of music and artistry for Benny’s QHMG record labels, as well as servicing career-elevating music and talent for the global music market.”
In addition to signing Jason Sellers as a songwriter, Brown has appointed him as North Chapel Music’s Senior Creative Director. Sellers has been in music his entire life, working as a musician, vocalist and producer since he was 18. As a songwriter, he has numerous awards and No. 1s to his credit. Sellers will continue in his role as a Partner at sister company Quartz Hill Music Group.
“Since the day we launched Brown Sellers Brown, now QHMG, I suspected Benny would wanna get back deeper into publishing,” says Sellers. “He loves our artists, he loves our teams, but he LOVES great songs. And I do too. So, whether it’s writing, or broader strategy, I’m very excited to support him in this new venture.”
Brown has also appointed Wendy Buckner as Creative Director for North Chapel Music, reporting to Compton. She brings more than 20 years of experience in publishing, music and TV production, and artist management. Her most recent role has been at BSB Management, as Day-to-Day Manager for multiple artists.
North Chapel Music is now also home to Wide Open Music’s roster of writers, including Jaron Boyer, Neal Coty, Matt Gorman, Joe Hanson, Joe Haydel, Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Chris Ray, Aaron Scherz, John Stephens and Nathan Woodard.
Wide Open Music was founded in 2013 by music industry executives Steve Williams and Ash Bowers. The launch of North Chapel Music does not affect Bowers’ role as Executive Vice President at sister company QHMG.
Industry veteran Brown’s legacy includes founding BBR Music Group (including Magic Mustang Music), which is now part of BMG, and current venture Quartz Hill Music Group, which includes Quartz Hill Records, Stone Country Records and BSB Management. North Chapel Music is not part of QHMG, but rather a sister company.
CMHOFM Opens Ed Rode Photography Exhibit
/by Madison HahnenThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has revealed their new photography exhibit, Writers, Pickers and Stars: The Photography of Ed Rode. The new section features photographs from Rode’s 2024 book, Songwriter Musician: Behind the Curtain with Nashville’s Iconic Storytellers and Players.
The book combines decades of stories through Rode’s photography lense, from playing snooker with John Prine, celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans with Brad Paisley, to traversing Tennessee with Ketch Secor and more. Inspiration for the book struck Rode after taking a photo of Hall of Fame member Chet Atkins in 1991.
Select photographs on display include:
– Country Music Hall of Fame member Chet Atkins in his Nashville office (1991)
– John Prine at Nashville’s Melrose Billiard Parlor (1994)
– Country Music Hall of Fame member Willie Nelson on his tour bus outside Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House (1995)
– The Chicks at Nashville’s Westwood Studios (1999)
– Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown onstage at Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse (2005)
– Country Music Hall of Fame members Cowboy Jack Clement and Kris Kristofferson in Nashville’s Green Hills neighborhood (2011)
– Country Music Hall of Fame member Loretta Lynn on Nashville’s Music Row (2018)
– Keb’ Mo’ in his Nashville home studio (2021)
– Rhiannon Giddens at Nashville’s Noelle hotel (2023)
– Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill at his Nashville home studio (2023)
The exhibit is free and will be open to the public through July 2026 in the museum’s first-floor gallery.
Chase McGill Moves Into Top Five On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenChase McGill
Chase McGill has entered the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. His current cuts on the chart include Morgan Wallen‘s “20 Cigarettes,” “I Got Better,” “Miami” and “TN,” Tucker Wetmore’s “Brunette,” Russell Dickerson’s “Happen To Me,” George Birge’s “It Won’t Be Long,” Dierks Bentley’s “She Hates Me” and Keith Urban’s “Straight Line,” all placing him at the No. 3 spot this week.
Charlie Handsome remains in the No. 1 spot for the 11th consecutive week with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Kiss Her In Front Of You,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.” Wallen himself stays at No. 2 with “Don’t We,” “Eyes Are Closed,” “I Ain’t Comin’ Back,” “I Got Better,” “I’m The Problem,” “Just In Case,” “Kick Myself,” “Miami,” “Superman,” “TN,” “What I Want” and “Where’d That Girl Go.”
Blake Pendergrass (No. 4) and Ashley Gorley (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Artist Action: Kane Brown, Russell Dickerson, White House, Tyler Rich, ‘The Christmas Ring’
/by Lauryn SinkKane Brown To Guest Star On 9-1-1 Nashville
Kane Brown will guest star on ABC’s new show, 9-1-1 Nashville. The show is currently filming and is set to premier on Oct. 9.
The show is the newest entry in ABC’s 9-1-1 franchise and will feature series regulars Chris O’Donnell, Jessica Capshaw, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Hailey Kilgore, Michael Provost, Juani Feliz and Hunter McVey.
Russell Dickerson Appears On The Line Item Podcast
Russell Dickerson joined The Line Item as the first guest on the new Spotify podcast, which focuses on how streaming goes beyond numbers. With over a decade of music and singles topping over 100 million streams, in this episode, Dickerson shares how those plays have translated into real-life purchases, most notably his Chevy Blazer.
White House Hosts Country Music Bowling Night
Pictured (L-R): Chad Warrix, Deborah Allen, John Berry, Neal McCoy, Janie Fricke, T. Graham Brown, Kelly Lang, Bryan White, T.G. Sheppard. Photo: Austin Smith
The White House recently hosted the first ever Country Music Bowling Night in the Truman Bowling Alley within the White House compound. Participants included Neal McCoy, John Berry, Bryan White, T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang, T. Graham Brown, Janie Fricke, Halfway to Hazard’s Chad Warrix and Deborah Allen.
“I had no idea that there was a bowling alley in The White House,” says Brown. “To get invited in the first group of country music artists to bowl was awesome! It was something that memories are made of.”
Tyler Rich Releases First Children’s Book
Tyler Rich has released his first children’s book, Dogs Don’t Die. The book, and Rich’s song of the same name, was written in the wake of saying goodbye to his own dog, Abby. The text was written by Rich and illustrated by Robby F.
“This book came from one of the hardest goodbyes of my life,” says Rich. “But I wanted to create something that could bring comfort, especially to kids who are experiencing that kind of loss for the first time. Dogs give us so much joy and unconditional love — this is my way of honoring that.”
The book is available now in hardback, paperback and Kindle editions.
Jessie James Decker & Debbie Winans To Join ‘The Christmas Ring’ Cast
Jessie James Decker and Debbie Winans
Jessie James Decker and Debbie Winans will join the cast of Karen Kingsbury’s The Christmas Ring, joining previously announced actors Kelsey Grammer, Benjamin Hollingsworth and Jana Kramer. The film will be released in theaters only starting Nov. 6 via Fathom Entertainment. The book version of the story will be released on Oct. 21.
“This film is inspired by the unforgettable Christmas movies from decades ago,” Kingsbury says. “Movies like While You Were Sleeping, You’ve Got Mail, Serendipity, and Miracle on 34th Street. I love those movies. Our family watches these old Christmas films every year. I wanted to make a movie like that.”
Tiny Vinyl Launches Nationwide With Pocket-Sized Records From Top Artists
/by LB CantrellTiny Vinyl. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Tiny Vinyl, a new miniature vinyl format combining the resurgence of records with the popularity of collectible culture, will launch nationally in August 2025 with releases from some of music’s biggest names.
Tiny Vinyl. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Measuring just four inches in size, each Tiny Vinyl holds two singles—one per side—at four minutes each, and is playable on 33rpm turntables. The numbered, limited-edition discs will be available through partnerships with Target and other retailers, as well as directly from exclusive artist partners. Initial releases include Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Post Malone, Lainey Wilson, Kacey Musgraves, Bruno Mars, Rolling Stones and more.
Co-founded by Neil Kohler and Jesse Mann in Nashville, Tiny Vinyl grew from Kohler’s 25-year career in toys and collectibles and a meeting with Nashville Record Pressing (NRP). “In June 2023, after a 25 year career in toys + collectibles, I was introduced to the team at Nashville Record Press (NRP),” Kohler says. “I wondered if the trend for miniatures & collectibles could be combined with the resurgence in the vinyl market.” Mann, bringing a long career in live music, joined the venture, and after months of research and testing with NRP, the first Tiny Vinyl was introduced in June 2024 with artist Daniel Donato. Early tests with Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Dexter and the Moonrocks and ERNEST helped refine the product.
Tiny Vinyl. Photo: Nathan Zucker
Neil’s background in collectibles, including work with Funko Pops, informed the format’s design and appeal. “100% playable on 33rpm turntables, Tiny Vinyls are highly covetable,” Kohler notes. “And, taking a page from Funko, each is numbered by edition, so they are highly collectible.”
Artists and labels retain complete control over track selection, artwork, and release timing, while Tiny Vinyl oversees manufacturing and assigns each release a unique “TV #” printed on the spine and etched into the disc. “This individual numbering system is key for collectors and fans,” says Mann. “Since each number is specific to the release, there is a ‘collect them all’ mentality for fans accustomed to numbered products.”
Produced from 100% bio-attributed vinyl and using roughly one-tenth the material of a standard LP, Tiny Vinyl offers a more sustainable take on physical music while tapping into the growing demand for tangible fan experiences.