Brittany Hambrick

Dead Horse Branding has promoted Brittany Hambrick to President of Operations & Branding.

Hambrick joined the company in 2021, after 10 years in the industry. Her previous roles include Global Brand Manager at Sony Music Entertainment where she led major artist campaigns, managed release strategies, digital marketing and brand development. At Universal Music Group, she served as Brand Management Specialist, executing marketing initiatives that strengthened brand visibility. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Wardrobe Stylist at The Label Nashville, designing looks for high-profile artists, TV productions and media campaigns.

Since joining Dead Horse Branding, Hambrick has played a key role in refining the company’s seven Formulas of Branding, spearheading artist development efforts, managing content production and cultivating strategic brand partnerships.

In her new position as President of Operations & Branding, she will continue to drive innovation, oversee client success and further expand the organization’s global presence. She will also manage the daily brand operations for clients, with a focus on developing new artists, and refine brand positioning, while leading the creation of engaging content, including photography, graphic design and music video concept, and oversee social media strategies to enhance engagement and extend reach.

“Working with Dead Horse Branding over the past three years has been an incredible experience,” shares Hambrick. “I’ve learned so much about branding, growth, and how to build meaningful connections with clients. One of the things that sets DHB apart is the opportunity to work directly with the client, gaining firsthand experience and insight into their needs and vision. This is something you can’t achieve in a company that doesn’t give you that personal connection. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to continue growing with such a talented and innovative team. Together, we’ll keep pushing boundaries.”

“We’ve known Brittany since 2012, and even then, she stood out to us as both an incredible person and a remarkable business talent,” says Melissa Core-Caballo, CEO and Co-Founder of Dead Horse Branding. “To think that just three years ago, we reunited unexpectedly, and in such a short time, Brittany has become more than just a part of Dead Horse Branding—she’s truly a partner. Her contributions have been integral to the success of our company and the clients we serve. This title and promotion are a perfect reflection of her impact, and we’re beyond excited to watch her continue to shape and lead the vision we’ve built. She is, without a doubt, Dead Horse Branding.”

“A true one-in-a-million! We’ve spent years searching for someone like Brittany, and she’s the perfect addition to both our team and our inner circle,” adds Rick Caballo, CCO. “Not only is she an incredible person, but she’s also absolutely brilliant at what she does. We’re all better for having her in our lives.”

Additionally, Dead Horse Branding had added Sergio Valenzuela as Assistant Creative Director, who will report directly to Hambrick and Rick Caballo.

The Oak Ridge Boys

The Oak Ridge Boys have added a series of dates to their “American Made Farewell Tour.”

They’ll kick off the next leg Jan. 24 with four Grand Ole Opry dates through Mar. 1, then head to South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio and more through the end of the year. The tour, named after one of their most beloved hits, celebrates the Oaks’ decades-long career and supports their latest album, Mama’s Boys, which was released in November of last year via Lightning Rod/Thirty Tigers.

The group will head back into the studio later this year to record a new album, continuing their legacy of creating music that resonates with fans old and new.

“We’ve had so much fun touring from city to city and getting to see everyone,”shares William Lee Golden. “The response we received from the new album has been wonderful and we hope you love it as much as we do. Keep checking our website as new dates will be added soon!”

“American Made Farewell Tour” Dates:
Jan 24 – Grand Ole Opry / Nashville, Tenn.
Jan 25 – Grand Ole Opry / Nashville, Tenn.
Feb 28 – Grand Ole Opry / Nashville, Tenn.
Mar 1 – Grand Ole Opry / Nashville, Tenn.
Mar 6 – Florida Strawberry Festival / Plant City, Fla.
Mar 7 – Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium / Spartanburg, S.c.
Mar 21 – the Midland Theatre / Newark, Ohio
Mar 22 – American Music Theatre / Lancaster, Pa.
Mar 23 – American Music Theatre / Lancaster, Pa.
May 18 – the Caverns / Pelham, Tenn.
Jun 5 – Bluegate Performing Arts Center / Shipshewana, Ind.
Jun 6 – Bluegate Performing Arts Center / Shipshewana, Ind.
Jun 7 – Renfro Valley – the New Barn Theater / Mount Vernon, Ky.
Jun 13 – Hartville Kitchen / Hartville, Ohio
Jun 14 – Hartville Kitchen / Hartville, Ohio
Aug 5 – Warren County Fair / Pittsfield, Pa.
Aug 15 – Fairbury Fair / Fairbury, Ill.
Sep 13 – Alabama Theatre / North Myrtle Beach, S.c.
Sep 21 – Bloomsburg Fair / Bloomsburg, Pa.
Dec 13 – Crystal Grand Music Theatre / Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

Haily Harris

Wrensong Publishing has hired Haily Harris as Creative Manager.

Harris comes to Wrensong from Jody Williams Songs (JWS), where she assisted Jody Williams, Nina Jenkins Fisher and Tenasie Courtright with various publishing endeavors as an intern. The Marietta, Georgia native graduated from Belmont University in 2024, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in music business with a legal emphasis.

In her new role, Harris will work with songwriters Makayla Lynn, Joe Ginsberg, Connor Matthews and Charles Esten.

“We are so excited to welcome Haily to the Wrensong team. She came highly recommended from Jody Williams and Nina Jenkins Fisher as their amazing intern. You cannot get a better endorsement than team Jody Williams Songs!! We are very impressed by her entrepreneur spirit and ‘get it done’ attitude,” says Ree Guyer, President & Owner, Wrensong Publishing. “We see great things in her future, and we are thrilled she is on team Wrensong.”

“I am so excited and honored to join the Wrensong team! This past year interning at Jody Williams Songs, I have learned so much, and found a true passion for songs and the people who bring them to life. I look forward to learning and growing with this amazing group of women,” shares Harris.

Pictured (L-R): Jason Fletcher (Tour Manager for Gareth), Ciara Newell-Bailey (Sr. Dir., Creative at BMG), Gareth and Cassie Mcilroy (Sr. VP, Investments and Business Development)

Northern Ireland-born singer-songwriter Gareth has signed a publishing deal with BMG.

Born and raised in Castlederg, Northern Ireland, Gareth blends his Irish roots with a love for country music and storytelling. He got his start playing in local pubs, and his breakthrough came in 2024 with a viral cover of “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan, which amassed over 25 million views and 15 million streams.

Gareth

The buzz from that cover led to his projects Covers (From Across the Pond) and his debut original EP Changing Seasons, which together have garnered over 25 million streams and significant airplay on stations such as SiriusXM’s The Highway and Absolute Country Radio. His rise has also seen him share stages with Brett Young and The 502s, while earning him a loyal fanbase.

“We are delighted to welcome Gareth to BMG,” says Ciara Newell-Bailey, Senior Director, Creative (Publishing) BMG. “His deep love for music, his roots, and his hometown shines through in his writing style. Writing from the heart, his lyrics resonate with honesty and emotion, all complemented by his stunning and beautiful voice. Gareth’s talents know no bounds, and we are thrilled to be part of his creative team and to support him on his musical journey.”

Walk Off Entertainment’s Chris Ruediger adds, “We are very excited to work with BMG. They are fervent believers in Gareth’s craft and understand his desire to blend his Irish roots with country storytelling. We are fortunate to have BMG in our corner to champion Gareth’s songwriting and artistry.”

“I feel very fortunate to be in such great hands at BMG,” says Gareth. “They see my vision as a songwriter and artist and I am ready to get to work!”

Gareth’s latest single, “Last Thing I Do,” is due out Jan. 17 via Walk Off Entertainment. The track is a heartfelt ode to staying grounded while chasing dreams, a theme that resonates deeply with Gareth’s own journey.

“I wrote this song as it relates to my recent move from Northern Ireland to Nashville,” he shares. “The song mentions that no matter where you travel or what dreams you chase, you will never forget those that are closest to you. Somehow you will always find your way back to the ones you love.”