Jennie Smythe. Photo: Matthew Simmons
Jennie Smythe, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nashville-based firm Girlilla Marketing, will release her memoir on April 15, 2025 via Resolve Editions, an imprint of Forefront Books (Simon & Schuster).
Titled Becoming Girlilla: My Journey to Unleashing Good – in Real Life, Online, and in Others, the book tells Smythe’s story as a digital marketing trailblazer, detailing her unique journey through career highs and lows, personal challenges and her recent breast cancer battle.
Smythe’s experiences at Elektra, Disney’s Hollywood Records, YAHOO! Music, Warner Bros. Records, Clear Channel and more led her to launch her own Nashville-based firm, Girlilla Marketing, following a deathbed conversation with her estranged father. Becoming Girlilla aims to highlight how resilience, authenticity and passion can make a meaningful impact both online and in real life.
“I’ve been embraced, ignored, yelled at, fired and rehired. I’ve been told I am worthless, I’ve won awards, I’ve been blamed for shit I wasn’t responsible for and given credit for things I didn’t deserve. I’ve had disgruntled employees, I’ve had slim years and I’ve had fat years,” Smythes says of her story.
“I have heart. I care. I will outwork you and I try not to repeat mistakes. I bleed passion for what I do, who I represent and who I stand next to. And here’s the secret: there’s no secret. To be successful, you must go to work every day like it’s your first day on the job. When you don’t get out of bed with your ass on fire, you need a change. I hope with my own story that I can save you some hassle. I hope that I can make you think, laugh and see your own story in mine… because we are all connected, online and offline.”
With Smythe at its helm, Girlilla Marketing has become an award-winning firm renowned for its work with world-famous entertainers, including Willie Nelson, Dead & Company, Darius Rucker, Blondie, Brooke Shields, Iliza Shlesinger, Terry Crews, Kristin Chenoweth, Vince Gill and more.
In addition to her work with Girlilla, Smythe serves as President Elect of the Country Music Association and is on the boards of the CMA Foundation and Music Health Alliance. She has been recognized by Billboard, Fast Company, The Tennessean and People for her inspiring personal story and innovative approach to digital strategy, and is multi-year recipient of Nashville Business Journal’s Women in Music City Awards and is a MusicRow Rising Women on the Row honoree.
Pre-orders for Becoming Girlilla are available here.
The Band Light Inks With Red Van Records & Jonas Group Publishing
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, back row): JGE’s George Kreis, Rachel Inglesino, Kevin Jonas Sr., Denise Jonas, JGP’s Leslie T. DiPiero and Emily Peacock; (L–R, front row): The Band Light’s Trevor Young, Jack Glenn, Konnor Dolberry and Garrett Goodrich. Photo: Cole Barnhill
The Band Light has signed with Red Van Records and Jonas Group Publishing (JGP).
Comprised of Konnor Dolberry (lead vocalist), Jack Glenn (bassist/vocalist), Garrett Goodrich (lead guitarist/vocalist) and Trevor Young (drums/vocalist), the Nashville-based rock group bonded while working on a music production at their high school in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
“The Band Light is a magnetic force and, true to their name, they bring their light and infectious energy into every room,” says Emily Peacock, JGP’s Senior Creative Director. “I look forward to connecting them with our Music Row songwriting community, and am excited for all of the great music—and great fun—that lies ahead.”
They inked an exclusive management deal with Jonas Group Entertainment (JGE)’s Director of Artist Management Rachel Inglesino in 2023, and hit the road to open for Quarters of Change and New Hope Club this year. Having amassed almost two million streams, The Band Light plans to release new music in early 2025.
“From the first time I saw them perform, I knew they were unique and that their talents needed to be brought to a bigger audience. Together, they carry a rare brilliance. They have the innate ability to speak to the soul of their generation while honoring what inspired them,” shares Inglesino. “Their authenticity and focus on community promise an impact that goes beyond the stage. We are thrilled to be a part of this journey with The Band Light.”
“As a band, we have always dreamed of finding the right team who understands and shares a vision. We are so fortunate to have found that drive, integrity and sense of family within Jonas Group Entertainment and Publishing,” expresses the foursome. “We are beyond excited to enter the next chapter in our career with a team who is committed to elevating both our careers and us as individuals.”
Dwight Yoakam, Koe Wetzel, Flatland Cavalry To Headline Headwaters Country Jam
/by Lorie HollabaughDwight Yoakam, Koe Wetzel and Flatland Cavalry are set to headline the Headwaters Country Jam in Three Forks, Montana on July 24 – July 26.
Treaty Oak Revival, The Mavericks, Tucker Wetmore, Ole 60, Rodney Atkins, Ned Ledoux, Bayker Blankenship and many more will also perform at the three-day celebration of country music in the Rockies.
Tickets and camping for Headwaters CJ 2025 will be available starting Dec. 6 at headwaterscountryjam.com.
‘Opry Country Christmas’ Kicks Off With Jon Pardi
/by Madison HahnenJon Pardi kicking off “Opry Country Christmas” 2024. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry kicked off its fourth annual “Opry Country Christmas” on Sunday night (Dec. 1).
Jon Pardi started the celebration with “Opry Country Christmas Pardi” in Studio A with friends, family and special guests. He took the stage to perform tracks from his Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi album, released last year. The crowd was treated to “Beer For Santa,” “Merry Christmas From The Keys,” “400 Horsepower Sleigh,” “Swing On Down To Texas” and “Please Come Home For Christmas.” Marcus King also joined the show, adding his own twists to “Merry Christmas Baby,” “Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday” and “This Christmas.”
The opening night was the first of 10 shows slated through Dec. 23, all hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin. A bevy of singers will take the stage to share their takes on Christmas favorites and original tracks over the next month, including The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett, Charlie McCoy, Lorrie Morgan, Eric Paslay, Kathy Mattea, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rhonda Vincent, Maggie Rose, Jason Crabb, Scotty McCreery, Hillary Scott, Matthew West, Chris Young, Priscilla Block, Louis York, The Shindellas, Chris Janson, Chapel Hart, Megan Moroney, The Isaacs, The Ornaments, Jamey Johnson, Drake Milligan, Mickey Guyton, Steven Curtis Chapman, John Berry, Mark Wills, Dailey & Vincent, Louise Mandrell, Sunny Sweeney and more.
Tickets to the remaining shows are available now.
Troy ‘Tracker’ Johnson To Launch TRACK Mgmt
/by LB CantrellTroy “Tracker” Johnson
Industry veteran Troy “Tracker” Johnson will launch TRACK Mgmt, a full-service management company based in Nashville in partnership with Live Nation, in January. Managers Emily Smith and Drew Magid will join him as the company’s core team, with a flagship client roster comprised of Hardy, Dallas Smith, Jake Worthington and McCoy Moore.
With over 20 years of touring and management experience, Johnson has worked with hit artists, including Hardy, Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line and many more. This new venture follows nearly a decade of leadership at Big Loud Management.
“It’s been a long time coming for TRACK Mgmt and now seems like the perfect time to make it a reality,” he says. “I’m beyond grateful for the Big Loud Partners [Seth England, Joey Moi and Craig Wiseman] for not only having a hand in my journey, but also providing me with so much support. I’m excited to have Emily Smith and Drew Magid on the TRACK Mgmt team. It’s going to be a great start to 2025.”
“Working with Tracker for over a decade, from the very beginning of Big Loud Management, has been an incredible journey,” share England, Moi and Wiseman. “As Big Loud concludes its artist management venture at the end of 2025, we couldn’t be prouder to see Tracker embark on his own entrepreneurial path. He and his team are more than ready for this moment, and we look forward to supporting TRACK Mgmt in the years to come.”
A south Texas native, Johnson cut his teeth in the Texas country music scene in the early 2000s before moving to Nashville to pursue artist management. Over the course of his career, he’s also helped to guide Chris Young, MacKenzie Porter, Ashland Craft and others.
BREAKING: BMG Elevates Katie Kerkhover
/by Liza AndersonKatie Kerkhover. Photo: Brian Meiler
BMG has promoted Katie Kerkhover to Senior Vice President, A&R, Frontline Recordings, North America.
In her newly-expanded role, Kerkhover will lead the A&R teams at the BMG offices in Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, New York and Toronto. Currently based in Nashville, she will split her time between the Music City and Los Angeles offices, reporting directly to Jon Loba, President of Frontline Recordings, The Americas.
Joining the company in 2020, Kerkhover previously served as Senior Director, Creative, in music publishing, where she managed BMG Nashville’s roster of songwriters, including Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Stephen Wilson Jr., Emily Landis and Chayce Beckham, among others, while also signing and developing new songwriters and artists. She was then promoted to Vice President, A&R, Frontline Recordings in 2022, overseeing the Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records and Wheelhouse Records imprint rosters as well as scouting, signing and developing new talent. Kerkhover is now working with Blake Shelton’s team on his forthcoming BMG Nashville debut.
“When looking for the perfect candidate to lead A&R in North America and elevate our frontline efforts in multiple offices, we didn’t have to look very far. Katie has quickly become one of the most accomplished and respected A&R executives in the business, with the track record to match. Like many of the best A&R executives, her background in publishing has served her well in building deep and trusted relationships within the creative community and helping artists realize their unique visions,” says Loba. “Having seen firsthand her work with our Nashville roster, including with creatives on both coasts, I am so excited to see what additional magic she helps create for our BMG Frontline Recordings team.”
Krista Dykes Joins PLA Media
/by LB CantrellKrista Dykes
Krista Dykes has joined PLA Media as Senior Media Relations Manager, marking her return to Music Row following the launch of her Secret Mom Hacks podcast.
Prior to the podcast launch, Dykes served as Media Relations Manager for the Country Music Association from May 2015–February 2023, where she handled relationships with television affiliates and national media, securing coverage across all media tiers and various beats. She began her career in 2007, and has worked on award-winning communications projects and campaigns in both the online insurance lead space and country music industry.
“Krista’s proven track record in media relations, combined with her thoughtful approach to storytelling, makes her an exceptional addition to our team,” says Pam Lewis, PLA Media Founder & CEO. “Her resourcefulness, experience and passion for building meaningful relationships align perfectly with our commitment to delivering exceptional results for our clients.”
“Pam has cultivated something truly special,” shares Dykes. “She fosters a culture of creativity and dedication that resonates with many things I value in this industry. The opportunity to join forces with someone like her is rare. It’s a privilege to be part of team PLA.”
Dykes will continue to serve as the Host & Executive Producer of Secret Mom Hacks. She also curates the MomCom Database, a national database of mom communities, and founded Mom Boss Mastermind, a virtual networking group for mother entrepreneurs.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Ascends The Country Albums Chart
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan‘s The Great American Bar Scene ascends to No. 2 on the country albums chart with 37K in total consumption (18K album only/25 million song streams), according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time maintains its No. 1 streak with 42K (1.5K album only/53 million song streams), while Post Malone‘s F-1 Trillion fills the third slot once again with 30K (2.3K album only/34 million song streams). Jelly Roll‘s Beautifully Broken bounces down to the fourth slot with 30K (7.2K album only/27 million song streams), and Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album falls to No. 5 with 29K (740 album only/37 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart, Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” stays at the top with 16 million new streams, adding to 932 million ATD. Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” reclaims the second slot with 13 million streams, adding to 820 million ATD, as Wallen’s “Love Somebody” tumbles to No. 3 with 13 million new streams, adding to 112 million ATD. Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” remains at No. 4 with 9 million streams, adding to 1.1 billion ATD, followed by Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” at No. 5 with 8.2 million new streams, adding to 1.7 billion ATD.
Jennie Smythe To Release Memoir, ‘Becoming Girlilla,’ In Spring
/by LB CantrellJennie Smythe. Photo: Matthew Simmons
Jennie Smythe, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nashville-based firm Girlilla Marketing, will release her memoir on April 15, 2025 via Resolve Editions, an imprint of Forefront Books (Simon & Schuster).
Titled Becoming Girlilla: My Journey to Unleashing Good – in Real Life, Online, and in Others, the book tells Smythe’s story as a digital marketing trailblazer, detailing her unique journey through career highs and lows, personal challenges and her recent breast cancer battle.
Smythe’s experiences at Elektra, Disney’s Hollywood Records, YAHOO! Music, Warner Bros. Records, Clear Channel and more led her to launch her own Nashville-based firm, Girlilla Marketing, following a deathbed conversation with her estranged father. Becoming Girlilla aims to highlight how resilience, authenticity and passion can make a meaningful impact both online and in real life.
“I’ve been embraced, ignored, yelled at, fired and rehired. I’ve been told I am worthless, I’ve won awards, I’ve been blamed for shit I wasn’t responsible for and given credit for things I didn’t deserve. I’ve had disgruntled employees, I’ve had slim years and I’ve had fat years,” Smythes says of her story.
“I have heart. I care. I will outwork you and I try not to repeat mistakes. I bleed passion for what I do, who I represent and who I stand next to. And here’s the secret: there’s no secret. To be successful, you must go to work every day like it’s your first day on the job. When you don’t get out of bed with your ass on fire, you need a change. I hope with my own story that I can save you some hassle. I hope that I can make you think, laugh and see your own story in mine… because we are all connected, online and offline.”
With Smythe at its helm, Girlilla Marketing has become an award-winning firm renowned for its work with world-famous entertainers, including Willie Nelson, Dead & Company, Darius Rucker, Blondie, Brooke Shields, Iliza Shlesinger, Terry Crews, Kristin Chenoweth, Vince Gill and more.
In addition to her work with Girlilla, Smythe serves as President Elect of the Country Music Association and is on the boards of the CMA Foundation and Music Health Alliance. She has been recognized by Billboard, Fast Company, The Tennessean and People for her inspiring personal story and innovative approach to digital strategy, and is multi-year recipient of Nashville Business Journal’s Women in Music City Awards and is a MusicRow Rising Women on the Row honoree.
Pre-orders for Becoming Girlilla are available here.
Emily Ann Roberts Signs With Jody Williams Songs & Warner Chappell Music
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Starstruck’s Cliff Williamson, Berkley Kriz, Narvel Blackstock, Jamie Wendt, Emily Ann Roberts, JWS’ Jody Williams, Nina Jenkins Fisher and Tenasie Courtright. Photo: Aubrey Wise
Emily Ann Roberts has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs (JWS) and Warner Chappell Music.
Before graduating high school, Roberts competed as a member of Blake Shelton’s team on season nine of NBC’s The Voice and finished as runner-up. The songstress has since furthered her experience in performing, songwriting and recording, while amassing more than 45 million streams. Roberts released her full-length debut album, Can’t Hide Country, late last year. Produced by Trent Willmon, the project seeks to showcase a modern mix of traditional country and bluegrass elements.
“Emily Ann is a classic, crafting songs that are as genuine as they are charming,” shares Nina Jenkins Fisher, JWS Senior Creative Director. “When we reconnected this summer to talk songs over coffee, it felt like finding the perfect fit—everything just clicked in such an exciting, refreshing way. She is such a remarkable talent, and we can’t wait to help her shape this next season of her career.”
“I am so thrilled to work with the whole team at Jody Williams Songs,” adds Roberts. “I can’t wait to see all we accomplish together.”
Guided by Starstruck Management’s Narvel Blackstock and represented by UTA for booking as well as 117 Entertainment for publicity, the CMT Next Women of Country 2024 class member also plans to serve as support on Shelton’s “Friends & Heroes 2025 Tour.”
CMA Songwriters Series To Kick Off C2C Festival In London
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CMA is bringing its CMA Songwriters Series to London, returning to the U.K. in March 2025 for the C2C: Country to Country festival.
Host Darius Rucker and Jessi Alexander, Wyatt Flores, Mickey Guyton and Tucker Wetmore are set to perform at the CMA Songwriters Series show at Indigo at The O2 in London on March 13, which serves as the official kickoff leading into C2C.
“We are so excited for the lineup of artists featured as part of this year’s CMA Songwriters Series in London,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “It will be the first time that Mickey Guyton and Tucker Wetmore have ever performed in the U.K.; and we are honored to have our longtime friend, and U.K. fan favorite, Darius Rucker as our host for the evening.”
Tickets for the CMA Songwriters Series will go on sale Dec. 6. Since 2005, the series has presented more than 100 shows in cities including Austin, Belfast, Chicago, Dublin, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Toronto and Washington, D.C. at the Library of Congress and John F. Kennedy Center.