Whiskey Jam and Family Alliance in Music (FAM) are joining forces for the first-ever Juice Box Jam, a family-friendly edition of the long-running concert series, set for April 6 at 2 p.m. on SkyDeck at 5th & Broadway.

The event will feature performances from Charlie Worsham, Thelma & James, Jaden Michaels, Mickey Guyton, Daniel Tashian, Runaway June, Ryan Griffin, Alex Hall and Lanco, while supporting the work FAM is doing to create a more family-inclusive music industry.

In addition to live music, Juice Box Jam will offer a variety of activities for kids and families, including the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, a face painting station, a photobooth and more.

FAM is dedicated to transforming the music industry into a space where professional ambition and family life can thrive together. The organization has made significant progress in providing resources, building awareness and fostering a supportive community for music professionals balancing career and family responsibilities.

This marks a new chapter for Whiskey Jam, bringing its signature energy to a family-friendly setting for the first time. With live performances, interactive activities and a mission-driven focus, Juice Box Jam offers a fresh take on the beloved concert series—creating an afternoon of music, community and fun for all ages.

Universal Music Canada (UMC) has named Amanda Kingsland and Shawn Marino as co-heads of A&R for the label. As VP of A&R and VP of A&R Operations, respectively, Kingsland and Marino are tasked with leading the department to sign, develop and break the next generation of Canadian artists on the world stage.

UMC’s domestically signed acts continue to make significant impact in Canada and international markets. In the country space, breakout star Josh Ross continues to climb the charts in the US and beyond and rising act Owen Riegling completed his first headline tour. Other recent signings include award-winning songwriter Lindsay Ell, country act James Barker Band and plenty of artists across pop, R&B, dance music and more.

“Music – and the artists who create it – are our driving force. We focus our hustle, passion, care, creativity, and abundance of forward-thinking ideas on helping the artists we work with achieve personal, artistic, and commercial success. And at the centre of our mission to sign, develop, and break artists is our industry-leading A&R team,” says Julie Adam, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada.

“They are tastemakers and genre experts who scout, sign, and cultivate talent, bringing deep international connections, musicality, skills, and insights to a range of musical projects. I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Amanda and Shawn lead A&R efforts out of Canada as we continue to support, elevate, and invest in artistic voices.”

Since joining UMC in 2021, Kingsland rebuilt UMC’s award-winning country music roster and reinvigorated A&R across multiple projects. In her new role, she’ll bring her passion, sharp ear, creative insights and big picture strategic thinking to UMC’s full artist roster. Marino, a 30-year industry veteran, continues to oversee 80A Studios, The Academy (UMC’s dynamic performance and event space), A&R operations and technology and leads A&R for artists creatively approaching ways to revitalize their vast catalogues, from The Tragically Hip to Anne Murray.

Kingsland and Marino will work in lockstep with UMC’s A&R team Kwaku Agyemang, Widney Bonfils, Natassha Cuachon-Cruz, Ivan Evidente, Morgan “MJ” James, Shirley Ichkhanian and Shannen Serrano, supported by UMC’s venue and studio team Don Kitchen, Lisa Lorenz and sound engineer Phil Hotz.

Reporting directly to Adam, Kingsland, Marino and their teams are actively scouting and signing new prospects, developing UMC’s existing roster and building new partnerships with artists, songwriters, producers, publishers and partners industry wide.

Rising pop-rock group The Band Light kicks off a new chapter with “All I Need,” their debut single out now via Red Van Records. The track marks their first release since signing with Red Van Records, Jonas Publishing Group, and Jonas Group Entertainment in late 2024—offering the first glimpse of a larger project set to arrive later this year.

Produced by multi-platinum writer, producer and mixer John Fields—known for his work with Switchfoot, Jonas Brothers, Jimmy Eat World and Demi Lovato—”All I Need” fuses timeless rock influences with fresh, modern energy.

Formed in Spring Hill, Tennessee, The Band Light—Konnor Dolberry (lead vocals), Jack Glenn (bass/vocals), Garrett Goodrich (lead guitar/vocals) and Trevor Young (drums/vocals)—came together through a high school music production class, quickly finding chemistry both on and off stage. Since then, they’ve racked up over a million streams on their independently released music and spent early 2024 on the road, opening for breakout acts Quarters of Change and New Hope Club.

Written backstage during a high school theater production by Young, “All I Need” channels the tension and introspection of growing up in a hyperconnected world, offering a personal yet universally relatable take on the relationship between youth and technology.

“Excited, determined, and grateful don’t begin to describe how I feel about this release,” says Young. “There’s a magic in this song that’s connected with our fans from day one. ‘All I Need’ was born out of a moment of real emotion and change, and we hope listeners feel that too. It represents a new chapter for us.”

Songwriters Olivia DaPonte and Chris McKenna have both inked worldwide publishing deals with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Group Projects Music.

A Knoxville native and University of Tennessee graduate, DaPonte initially moved to New York City to pursue a career as a Business Analyst. After a year in the corporate world, she discovered her true passion in songwriting, prompting her return to Nashville to focus on her craft. Known for her lyrical and melodic style, she quickly became a favorite among fellow songwriters, with her distinct talents making her a standout in any writing room, including country ballads and upbeat pop-infused tracks.

“I’m incredibly honored to be joining such talented and hardworking teams,” she shares. “Emma [Kiefer], Cooper [Anstett], and Anthony [Manker] quickly felt like family, and I’m so thankful for their belief in me. Now it’s time to get to work!”

Hailing from Boston, McKenna relocated to Nashville in 2019, quickly connecting with local songwriters and artists. Initially known as a skilled producer, he has since earned a reputation as a genuine storyteller and lyricist, with a keen ear for crafting memorable melodies.

“Joining the Group Projects and Warner Chappell teams is a dream come true,” he says. “They instantly felt like family. Their passion for what I’m doing gets me so excited for what we’re going to be able to achieve together.”

“I’m so excited to expand our partnership with Group Projects by signing these two incredible writers, Chris McKenna and Olivia DaPonte,” shares Spencer Nohe, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “This is a great opportunity to expand upon their established foundations as writers and serve Group Projects as they build out their roster and culture.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Olivia and Chris to the Group Projects Publishing family,” adds Kiefer, Director of Publishing, A&R, Group Projects Music. “Getting the opportunity to sign Olivia to her first publishing deal was an absolute no-brainer. You can send her into any room with confidence she’ll show up and be asked back. When it comes to Chris, we can’t wait to build off of the momentum that he’s already established and elevate his next chapter. His authentic story-telling reminds us all why we want to work in a songwriting town.”

Country singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and band member of the Zac Brown Band, Caroline Jones, released her debut label single “No Tellin'” today (March 28) after signing with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.

The track was co-written and co-produced by Jones, and signifies a new chapter of music for her. It follows her third, full-length studio album, Homesite, released in October 2023 with star-studded features including Zac Brown Band and Vince Gill.

“I’m thrilled about this next chapter! This partnership feels like a natural, organic step forward in my evolution as an artist. The team is fantastic to work with and create alongside. I’m so proud of the sound that Julian Raymond, Ric Wake and I are crafting,” Jones says.

“Caroline is such an impressive talent, from her songwriting to her first-rate musicality,” shares Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “She fits perfectly among the groundbreaking, unique artists at Nashville Harbor and we are so proud to have her join the family.”

“Scott and I have been big fans of Caroline for a long time,” adds Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment CEO Jimmy Harnen. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome her to Nashville Harbor!”