This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is brimming with notable career moves, strategic promotions and exciting milestones across the music industry. Click here to see the full edition.
A major leadership transition is on the horizon as industry executive Austen Adams has been named President of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. Adams, who officially begins his new role on Sept. 15, will report to WCM Co-Chairs and CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall. He brings with him a deep well of experience, having spent the past six years as COO of Big Loud’s Publishing and Records divisions. His leadership at Big Loud helped shape the careers of standout artists like Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Ernest and Stephen Wilson Jr.
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency has announced two promotions. Julie Devereux has been elevated to CEO, while Greg Scott has been named President. Devereux, whose background includes high-level advertising campaigns for brands like Pepsi and Taco Bell and management of artists like Tracy Nelson and Sammy Kershaw, will continue to oversee agency development, including its film and television ventures. Scott, who joined Kinkead at its founding in 2015, brings a dual degree in music business and production, and decades of experience as both a touring artist and label owner. He’ll now lead all live performance bookings and talent development efforts for the agency.
At Big Machine Label Group, Justin Ford has been promoted to Vice President, Creative Design & Branding. Ford, previously Senior Creative Director, has been an integral part of BMLG’s visual identity for a decade, contributing award-winning work for artists such as Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce and Sheryl Crow. His efforts have been recognized with numerous honors including Davey, Communicator and PRINT Awards. Ford, a Murray State University alum, continues to lead design strategy across the label’s roster.
Meanwhile, the Grand Ole Opry stage was the site of a touching moment this week. On Saturday night (Aug. 9), country music icon Kathy Mattea received a surprise invitation from Opry member Charlie McCoy to become the newest member of the esteemed institution.
Rising artist Lanie Gardner made her Opry debut on Aug. 6, performing her songs “Hills Have Eyes” and “Faded Polaroids,” the title track of her forthcoming sophomore album.
In artist representation news, LOCASH, the duo of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, has signed with CAA for exclusive representation in all areas. Sticks Management has expanded its roster with the addition of Gavin Adcock. At the same time, Adcock’s manager, Saxon Curry, has officially joined the company.
River House Artists continues to bolster its team with the addition of Helena Akhtar as Director of Digital Marketing & Artist Development.
Veteran music executive Benny Brown has made waves with the acquisition of Wide Open Music Publishing and the launch of a new venture: North Chapel Music. The new company inherits the full Wide Open catalog, including several country chart-toppers such as Brett Young’s Diamond-certified hit “In Case You Didn’t Know,” Matt Stell’s “Prayed For You,” and George Birge’s “Cowboy Songs” and “Mind On You.”
Lastly, Relative Music Group has announced a global publishing deal with Jeb Gipson, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Scotty McCreery and Hootie & the Blowfish return to the No. 1 spot with “Bottle Rockets.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Applications Now Open: MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Company Directory
/by MusicRow StaffApplications are now open for the company directory in MusicRow‘s upcoming Publisher Issue. Companies can apply for inclusion through Friday, Aug. 29. Previously included companies will be solicited separately.
Along with the directory with contact information for Nashville’s publishing community, the issue also features exclusive editorial content focused on this essential segment of the music business.
Applications are now closed.
For questions, please contact the MusicRow team at directory@musicrow.com.
To reserve ad space in the 2025 Publisher issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.
Subscribe to MusicRow here to make sure you don’t miss the annual Publisher Issue.
Jeannie Seely Honored During Star-Studded Opry Memorial Show
/by Lorie HollabaughJeannie Seely’s 5,398th Opry show. Photo: Grand Ole Opry / Chris Hollo
Longtime beloved Opry member Jeannie Seely was honored at a special public service, “Jeannie Seely’s 5,398th Opry Show,” on Aug. 14 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
The service was a nod to Seely’s record-setting 5,397 Opry performances throughout her career after her passing on Aug. 1 at 85. Hosted by 650 AM WSM and Grand Ole Opry personalities Mike Terry, Bill Cody, Charlie Mattos and Kelly Sutton, the tribute show featured performances from Ricky Skaggs with Sharon and Cheryl White of The Whites, Larry Gatlin, Darryl Worley, Jamie Dailey of Dailey & Vincent, Louise Mandrell, Steve Wariner, The War and Treaty, T. Graham Brown and Seely’s favorite bluegrass act, Cutter & Cash. Seely’s band accompanied several of the performances.
Victoria Shaw, Charles Esten, Bobby Tomberlin, Buddy Cannon and Erin Enderlin paid tribute to Seely in a writers’ round during the special farewell show, while Seely’s friends Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Wendy Moten and Linda Davis sang “Leavin’ and Sayin’ Goodbye” as well as her hit, “Don’t Touch Me,” which began with Seely’s very own pre-recorded vocals. It earned a standing ovation from attendees.
Seely was also honored in video tributes from Dolly Parton, Jimmy Fortune and Keith Bilbrey. Speakers included Opry’s Senior VP and Executive Producer Dan Rogers; Opry Associate Producer Talent Gina Keltner; Robert Bailey, who served with Seely on the local SAG-AFTRA board; Springer Mountain Farms President Gus Arrendale; and Seely’s pastor Hubert Cunningham.
The service concluded with all of the artists and Opry members in attendance gathering on stage to perform “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” The finale also included Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, John Conlee, Rudy Gatlin, Riders in the Sky, Old Crow Medicine Show, Dailey & Vincent, The Isaacs, Billy Dean, Deborah Allen and Tim Atwood.
LOCASH’s Galaxy Label Group Expands With Promotion, Staff Addition
/by Lorie HollabaughCheryl Broz, Mitch Mills
LOCASH’s Galaxy Label Group, founded by the duo’s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, has announced a promotion and a staff addition to the company.
Cheryl Broz has been promoted to Galaxy VP of Operations and the company welcomes Mitch Mills as its new National Director of Promotion.
Brust and Lucas have worked hand-in-hand with Broz to facilitate a string of wins over the last year. In her new role, her responsibilities will also encompass digital initiatives and overall marketing strategy. Broz previously worked as an independent radio consultant for Crave Records, Columbia Records, Arista Records, EMI, Island-Def Jam and Curb Records before joining the Galaxy Label Group team in 2024.
“Cheryl continues to be an emerging industry leader with her keen vision of today’s music marketplace,” Brust says. “Her decades of resume and relationships combined with her modern understanding of discovery make her a slam dunk for leadership on the Galaxy rocket ship!”
Mills most recently spent 15 years at Atlantic Records/Elektra where he helmed releases for everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Bailey Zimmerman and Twenty One Pilots. Prior to Atlantic, he worked as Vice President of Adult Top 40 at Motown Records where he ignited campaigns for the likes of Nelly, Ingrid Michaelson, and more. Early in his career, Mills was a cornerstone of Vanguard Records, leading all promotion efforts and landing hits for the likes of Matt Nathanson. At Galaxy Label Group, his purview will include all formats, spanning Hot AC, pop, country and beyond.
“Mitch came to us from a vast resume of major labels and will head up the Galaxy Label Group New York office,” shares Lucas. “He has a natural ability for crossing music from format to format and knows the paths to finding new fans through innovative exposure strategies. Mitch’s level of energy and positivity is infectious.”
LOCASH just celebrated their multi-week No. 1 smash “Hometown Home” with a special party at BMI’s rooftop in Nashville, the first for Galaxy Label Group. Their current single “Wrong Hearts” also achieved the biggest country radio impact of their career upon its release.
Reach Broz at cheryl@galaxylabelgroup.net and Mills at mitch@galaxylabelgroup.net.
Warner Music Nashville Restructures Radio Team
/by Lauryn SinkPaige Elliott & Andy Flick.
Warner Music Nashville’s radio department is restructuring to include two distinct teams.
The two teams, Team WMN and Team WAR, will be supported by a centralized radio executive team who will work on behalf of the entire roster.
As part of the restructuring, Andy Flick has been elevated to Senior Director, Syndication and Market Strategy. In his new role, Andy will be overseeing airplay, marketing and content strategy for all Warner Music Nashville artists and will report directly to Tom Martens.
Additionally, Paige Elliott will be taking the reins of Team WMN as National Director, Radio. She will continue reporting into Anna Cage.
BREAKING: Big Loud Records Bolsters Executive Marketing Team
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Corey Brewer, Alex Henderson and Jen Danielson; (L-R, bottom row): Brianne Deslippe, Amy Beard and Morgan Sweat
Big Loud Records has made key hires and promotions to its marketing team, effective immediately.
Core members of Big Loud’s executive team have been elevated, including; Brianne Deslippe to SVP of Marketing, Amy Beard to VP of Marketing and Morgan Sweat to VP of Creative Services. Joining Big Loud are new department heads: Corey Brewer, VP of Media & PR; Jen Danielson, VP of Streaming; and Alex Henderson, VP of Global Marketing.
The executive marketing team is rounded out by Lucy Bartozzi (VP, Marketing), H. Read Davis (VP, Digital), Hillary Lambert (Director, Marketing), Rachel Heatherly (Director, Media & PR), Caitlin Erramouspe (Director, Digital), Caleb Donato (Sr. Director, Creative & Video), Isabella Rosalen (Sr. Director, Image), and Justin Clough (Video Director).
“This marks an exciting new chapter for Big Loud Records,” says Co-Founder and CEO Seth England. “These well-earned announcements reflect the dedication and talent of our team, and this exceptional group of leaders is poised to drive the next era of artist development, innovation and generational impact.”
In her new role, Deslippe will oversee Big Loud’s marketing, creative, digital, publicity, streaming and international departments. Most recently, she was SVP of International, spearheading global campaigns for Big Loud artists and imprints. Deslippe has been recognized via 2025 Billboard Global Power Players, 2025 Billboard Indie Power Players, 2024 Billboard Women in Music, 2024 Billboard International Power Players, 2024 Billboard Canada Power Players, and is a two-time winner of the CCMA’s Industry Person of the Year Award. Prior to her 10 years at Big Loud, Deslippe held music marketing and promotion roles within Canada.
Sweat leads the label’s in-house creative team, overseeing music videos, visual design, photography and overall brand creative for a chart-topping, genre-defining roster. A Big Loud team member since 2014, Sweat has helped to shape the visual identity of the label and its artists from the ground up. Coming onboard in 2022, Beard previously held marketing roles at MCA Nashville, where she led campaigns for Alan Jackson, Sam Hunt, Maddie & Tae, Parker McCollum, Dierks Bentley and more. In her new role at Big Loud, Beard will continue to sharpen her edge as the marketing force behind some of country’s brightest stars like Stephen Wilson Jr., Charles Wesley Godwin and rising duo Thelma & James.
Brewer joins the team from Atlantic Records where he spearheaded award-winning media campaigns for chart-topping artists like Burna Boy, Kehlani and Wallows. Danielson brings twenty years of experience to her position with prior stops at Warner Music Group, Pandora and CMT, and was selected as the Label Streaming Specialist of the Year at the CRS/Country Aircheck Awards in February. Henderson has worked across both major and independent sectors and most recently in his role at EMI proved integral in Morgan Wallen’s first ever UK No. 1 album as well as delivering standout results for Bastille, The Chemical Brothers, Bon Jovi and more.
Wyatt Ellis Inks With Limited Edition Music Publishing [Exclusive]
/by Lauryn SinkPictured (L-R): Greg Sowders, Wyatt Ellis and Neil Mason.
Wyatt Ellis has inked a global publishing administration deal with Los Angeles-based Limited Edition Music Publishing in conjunction with Warner Chappell Music.
The deal will cover Ellis’ full catalog, including recent releases and upcoming original compositions. Known for blending elements of bluegrass, Americana, folk and country, the east Tennessee native’s debut album, Happy Valley, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart
“We are thrilled to welcome Wyatt Ellis to the Limited Edition family,” says Greg Sowders and Marc Wilson, Co-Founders/Co-Presidents of Limited Edition. “His playing is as deeply soulful as it is technically brilliant, and his songwriting reflects wisdom well beyond his years. Wyatt represents the future of bluegrass and country music, and we’re honored to be part of his journey.”
“Wyatt’s partnership with Limited Edition/Warner Chappell marks the perfect next step in his career,” adds Ellis’ manager Neil Mason of Red Light. “The partnership unlocks opportunities in Nashville, Los Angeles and beyond, connecting him with top-tier co-writes and creative collaborations. Since first picking up a mandolin, Wyatt’s growth as a songwriter, artist, and instrumentalist has been nothing short of remarkable. With the Limited Edition and Warner Chappell teams curating sessions for his upcoming solo album, Wyatt is poised for his most impactful chapter yet.”
Michelle Tigard Kammerer & Emily Cohen Belote Upped At Amazon Music
/by LB CantrellMichelle Tigard Kammerer & Emily Cohen Belote
Amazon Music has promoted Michelle Tigard Kammerer to Global Head of Country Music and Emily Cohen Belote has been promoted to Global Lead, Country Music Programming, expanding their reach worldwide.
“There’s been a lot of growth for country music in the U.S., but also ex-U.S.,” Kammerer told Country Aircheck. “This change helps us streamline support for all of these growth territories.” Cohen Belote added, “We always want to be global, but also stay hyperlocal. Yes, a lot of country is programmed out of the U.S. and veneered locally, but this also allows us to lift up territories that have their own versions of country music.”
Kammerer has led the growth and evolution of the genre on the service since joining the Amazon Music team in 2021. She leads all efforts to continue growing country music listening on Amazon Music, inclusive of marketing and artist and label relations through new initiatives and collaborations with a wide range of artists. Kammerer and her team oversee one of country’s most influential brands—Country Heat.
Under her leadership, Amazon Music has significantly expanded its country music footprint through innovative partnerships and initiatives. She leads the Amazon Music livestream work with Stagecoach Festival and has overseen major artist collaborations, including Jelly Roll’s performance on Amazon Music Live after Thursday Night Football. She was instrumental in the Academy of Country Music Awards’ streaming deal with Prime Video. She also develops the service’s Country Music Month programming, which has featured livestreams and exclusive content from artists like Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson and Nate Smith.
Belote is the Global Lead of Country Music Programming at Amazon Music, where she has been shaping the streaming service’s country music strategy since 2016. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing and overseeing several of Amazon Music’s most successful initiatives, including the Country Heat playlist, which has generated billions of streams since its launch.
In 2024, Belote launched the innovative Bonfire playlist, a genre-blending collection that brings together storyteller artists across country, indie, and alternative music. Her work extends to curating specialized playlists like “Brushland” for Americana and left-of-center country music, and Neon Stars, which spotlights country artists who have made significant impacts on both social media and culture.
Beyond playlist curation, Belote has been crucial in identifying and elevating new talent through initiatives like the Breakthrough playlist and Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch program.
‘Opry 100 Honors’ Pays Tribute To Porter Wagoner
/by Lorie HollabaughTuesday night’s “Opry 100 Honors Porter Wagoner” finale of performers singing “Y’All Come.” Photo: © Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry continued its “Opry 100 Honors” series Tuesday night (Aug. 12) by honoring legendary Opry member Porter Wagoner.
Opry members Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, The Isaacs, Mandy Barnett and Old Crow Medicine Show’s Ketch Secor, plus Rhett Akins, Chuck Mead, Gordon Mote and more paid tribute to Wagoner during the special “Opry 100 Honors Porter Wagoner” show.
Marty Stuart unveils his specially-designed Opry 100 themed mic stand on Tuesday night’s show “Opry 100 Honors Porter Wagoner.” Photo: © Grand Ole Opry, photo by Chris Hollo
During the tribute, Stuart unveil his specially-designed Opry 100 themed mic stand that was designed in the same iconic style worn by not only him but by longtime friend Porter Wagoner, whose style he emulated. The retro-styled stage wear both Stuart and Wagoner wore were designed by master designer Manuel Cuevas. The custom mic stand was inspired by Stuart’s style, reflecting his iconic wardrobe and specifically the look he wore on the night of his Opry induction, Nov. 28, 1992. The mic stand will be used for special performances throughout the Opry’s centennial celebration and was commissioned exclusively to celebrate Marty Stuart for the Opry’s 100th year.
Upcoming “Opry 100 Honors” shows will include “Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe” (Sept. 16) featuring Opry members Ricky Skaggs, Del McCoury Band, Carly Pearce, Riders In The Sky as well as The Kentucky Headhunters, The Brothers Comotose and more, and “Opry 100 Honors Minnie Pearl and Roy Acuff” (Oct. 18) featuring performances by Opry members Vince Gill, Bill Anderson, Gary Mule Deer, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Wariner, plus Chonda Pierce, and more.
FEMco To Host Conversation With Megan Moroney & Diane Warren
/by Lauryn SinkFEMco will host its first interview-based series on Sept. 2 at Anzie Blue. The event will feature Diane Warren in conversation with Megan Moroney. The event will be moderated by FEMco’s Leslie Fram portions of the proceeds benefit local animal rescue organizations via MuttNation..
“Having the incomparable Diane Warren and Megan Moroney in the same room, meeting in person for the very first time, and having the privilege of listening to the experiences and perspectives of these two compelling and accomplished women is PERFECTION,” says Fram. “This one-of-a-kind FEMco Presents experience is the type of event that the music community here lives and breathes for, and I could not be more excited to launch this series with these two extraordinary women.”
The one-hour, ticketed event is sponsored by MTSU’s College of Media & Entertainment and tickets to the event are available now.
MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is brimming with notable career moves, strategic promotions and exciting milestones across the music industry. Click here to see the full edition.
A major leadership transition is on the horizon as industry executive Austen Adams has been named President of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. Adams, who officially begins his new role on Sept. 15, will report to WCM Co-Chairs and CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall. He brings with him a deep well of experience, having spent the past six years as COO of Big Loud’s Publishing and Records divisions. His leadership at Big Loud helped shape the careers of standout artists like Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Ernest and Stephen Wilson Jr.
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency has announced two promotions. Julie Devereux has been elevated to CEO, while Greg Scott has been named President. Devereux, whose background includes high-level advertising campaigns for brands like Pepsi and Taco Bell and management of artists like Tracy Nelson and Sammy Kershaw, will continue to oversee agency development, including its film and television ventures. Scott, who joined Kinkead at its founding in 2015, brings a dual degree in music business and production, and decades of experience as both a touring artist and label owner. He’ll now lead all live performance bookings and talent development efforts for the agency.
At Big Machine Label Group, Justin Ford has been promoted to Vice President, Creative Design & Branding. Ford, previously Senior Creative Director, has been an integral part of BMLG’s visual identity for a decade, contributing award-winning work for artists such as Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce and Sheryl Crow. His efforts have been recognized with numerous honors including Davey, Communicator and PRINT Awards. Ford, a Murray State University alum, continues to lead design strategy across the label’s roster.
Meanwhile, the Grand Ole Opry stage was the site of a touching moment this week. On Saturday night (Aug. 9), country music icon Kathy Mattea received a surprise invitation from Opry member Charlie McCoy to become the newest member of the esteemed institution.
Rising artist Lanie Gardner made her Opry debut on Aug. 6, performing her songs “Hills Have Eyes” and “Faded Polaroids,” the title track of her forthcoming sophomore album.
In artist representation news, LOCASH, the duo of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, has signed with CAA for exclusive representation in all areas. Sticks Management has expanded its roster with the addition of Gavin Adcock. At the same time, Adcock’s manager, Saxon Curry, has officially joined the company.
River House Artists continues to bolster its team with the addition of Helena Akhtar as Director of Digital Marketing & Artist Development.
Veteran music executive Benny Brown has made waves with the acquisition of Wide Open Music Publishing and the launch of a new venture: North Chapel Music. The new company inherits the full Wide Open catalog, including several country chart-toppers such as Brett Young’s Diamond-certified hit “In Case You Didn’t Know,” Matt Stell’s “Prayed For You,” and George Birge’s “Cowboy Songs” and “Mind On You.”
Lastly, Relative Music Group has announced a global publishing deal with Jeb Gipson, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Scotty McCreery and Hootie & the Blowfish return to the No. 1 spot with “Bottle Rockets.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.