Following seven years of experience in artist management, A&R and digital marketing, Kohl Almire has launched a new artist management company called Under Color. His roster includes Kobalt singer-songwriter Maddie Medley and Charlie Holt, former bassist of Rainbow Kitten Surprise.

As one of the few transgender artist managers in the music industry, Almire is passionate about building a home for artists that celebrates identity and protects creative freedom, a unique viewpoint that earned him a spot in the highly competitive 2025 Equal Access cohort, an accelerator program led by mtheory.

“Under Color translates to ‘under belly’ – aka the underbelly of an animal. To me it means practicing the ‘soft side’ of artist management,” Almire explains. “The projects I do best on are the ones where the artist has a strong creative vision and pulls me in to supplement it. It’s about meeting artists where they are, helping them orchestrate dream projects, and finding meaningful ways to connect with their audience.”

“Kohl brings seven years of deep, varied experience in the music industry—and with Under Color, he’s channeling that knowledge into something powerful,” says mtheory’s CEO, Cameo Carlson. “As a trans man and a strategic, creative force, he’s redefining what leadership looks like in Nashville. His perspective isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. mtheory is proud to be part of his journey through the Equal Access program and beyond, and we believe his voice will help shape a more dynamic and forward-thinking future for our entire industry. Under Color reflects the future of artist management: fearless, visionary and unapologetically original.”

Prior to launching his own company, Almire spent over six years at Red Light Management, where he served as a day-to-day manager and helped shape digital campaigns for major artists including Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Brent Cobb, Moon Taxi, Jessy Wilson, Grouplove, 99 Neighbors and Maddie Medley.

Evie Grace Fowler has joined Black River Publishing as Creative Coordinator.

“Evie brings an amazing energy to our creative team,” shares Black River Publishing’s Vice President of Publishing, Rebekah Gordon. “Over the past year, she’s truly proven herself to be a valuable asset during her time as an intern. She’s well connected and deeply involved in the Nashville music community, and her passion and drive make her such a great fit for Black River and our incredibly talented roster of writers.”

A Belmont University alum, Fowler previously interned at Black River Publishing. During her time at Belmont, she served as Co-President of the Belmont University Songwriters Association, and participated in BMI’s 2024 Catalog Cast.

“I am thrilled to officially join the Black River Publishing team and to have the opportunity to champion such an amazing roster of songwriters,” adds Fowler. “Rebekah and Sarah [Hudspeth] have been so kind to take me under their wings, and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from and work alongside them.”

Fowler is already on the job, based in the company’s Nashville office reporting to Gordon. She can be reached at efowler@blackriverent.com.

Old Dominion Hosts Blues Brothers Reunion At Windy City Smokeout

Old Dominion was joined by Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi on-stage at Windy City Smokeout for a special reunion of the cult classic film, The Blues Brothers. Taking the form of their characters Jake and Elwood Blues, the duo sat in with the band for a special performance of “Hotel Key.”

“We got a special little treat for you…” Matthew Ramsey of the band said from the stage. “It’s kind of a big deal… we got some American icons for you…We got legends coming out on the stage…All the way from Calumet City, Illinois… the Bluuuuuuuuuuues Brothers!”

 

Shenandoah Performs On Fox & Friends

Shenandoah performed its iconic No. 1 hit “Two Dozen Roses” on Fox & Friends over the weekend. Originally scheduled to appear earlier in the week, the band’s performance was delayed due to the flooding in Texas.

“We want to thank Emily Compagno and all of our friends at Fox for making this wonderful appearance possible,” explained Marty Raybon, founding member of the band. “Fandango! Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to everyone in Texas who were affected by the terrible floods. God Bless Texas!”

 

NSAI Hosts FBI Personnel For Cyber Security Briefing

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) recently hosted personnel from the FBI Nashville Field Office for a music industry briefing about cyber security and threats, focusing on both preventive measures and what to do if you are the victim of such attacks.

 

Tiera Kennedy Visits CMHOFM Songwriting Camp

Tiera Kennedy visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s intermediate-to-advanced songwriting camp as a guest artist, where she answered questions about her career and songwriting and performed her song “Found It in You.” Songwriting camp at the museum offers budding songwriters from ages 11 to 18 an opportunity to hone their craft, learn from professionals and meet likeminded peers.

 

Grace Bowers Signs With IMG Models

Grace Bowers, award-winning guitarist, singer/songwriter and bandleader, has signed with IMG Models to secure opportunities in the fashion and beauty space.

Gaining traction during the pandemic, Bowers has performed at the Grammy Awards, CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live and more as well as spent the last year touring with The Red Clay Strays, Gary Clark Jr., Slash, and The Roots. She continues to be represented by WME and managed by Scooter Weintraub, Pam Wertheimer and Pam Adams at W Management.

Braxton Keith is set to embark on his “This Ain’t My First Tour Tour” in July. The tour will stop in Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma and many more through November. Additionally, he will join Cody Johnson, Gavin Adcock and Luke Bryan on select dates between his headlining shows.

Additionally, he is set to release his latest track, “Baby You Do,” this Friday (July 18).

“‘Baby You Do’ is about the memory of a past love,” Keith says. “It haunts you when you sleep and then again when you wake up. It sticks with you. It’s about the ghost of a person whose love you wish you still had, but know you can never get back.”

“This Ain’t My First Tour Tour” Dates:
Sep. 19 – Pasadena, TX – Pasadena Livestock and Rodeo
Sep. 20 – Mission, TX – Las Palmas Race Park
Sep. 27 – Shreveport, LA – Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
Oct. 2 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre
Oct. 11 – Angelton, TX – Brazoria County Fair
Oct. 16 – Midland, TX – Braden Joplin Memorial Concert
Oct. 24 – Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Amphitheater
Nov. 7 – Waco, TX – Camp FIMFO

Anne Wilson will return to her home state for a benefit concert at Corbin Arena in Corbin, Kentucky on Aug. 11, raising funds for families and communities impacted by the deadly tornado that struck Eastern Kentucky in May.

All proceeds from the show will benefit tornado recovery efforts in the region, supporting both The Sheppard Family Foundation’s direct work with families in London and Laurel County and the region-wide Appalachian Tornado Relief Fund. Tickets are on sale now.

“Kentucky is my home, and both the London and Somerset areas hold such dear memories for me,” shares Wilson. “When I found out about the tornadoes that hit in May and the devastation they caused, I knew I wanted to host a night that could bring hope and raise money for those in need. I’m so excited to be playing Corbin Arena for the very first time — the same venue where I saw so many concerts growing up. I’m praying this night of music brings healing, comfort and strength to those in need. I can’t wait to be back in my home state.”