Pictured (L-R, front Row): Mike Giangreco (VP of A&R, Big Loud Publishing), Kashus Culpepper and Benji Amaefule (Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell); (L-R, back row): Kimberly Gleason (SVP, Big Loud Publishing), Ben Vaughn (President & CEO, Warner Chappell), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records) and Jay Harren (Manager). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Kashus Culpepper has signed a global publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing and Warner Chappell Music.
Raised in Alabama, Culpepper encapsulates the southern sound. His husky, sandpaper growl roars over self-written songs that are raw and real. He grew up singing in church starting at five years old, and in 2020, the singer-songwriter picked up a guitar and started playing covers in Rota, Spain during his deployment in the Navy. After coming back to the U.S., Culpepper played dive bars across the south before landing his first record deal with Big Loud Records. Culpepper released his debut single “After Me?” in June.
Now booked by CAA, Culpepper has played sold out headline club shows, and has shared the stage with Charles Wesley Godwin, Charley Crockett and Needtobreathe. He will be releasing his brand new single “Who Hurt You” this Friday (July 19). The tune originally caught the attention of his social media followers, which led the singer to perform the song for RadioWV last November, captivating country and Americana fans across the country.
“We are beyond excited to be working with Kashus,” says Warner Chappell Manager, A&R, Benji Amaefule. “He is one-of-one, and his stories have an ability to resonate with a wide demographic. His soulful take on country already is connecting with his audience and will continue to reach fans around the country and the world.”
“Anyone who’s heard Kashus sing knows why we had to have him on the label, but his songwriting was just as big of a draw as his voice,” shares Big Loud Records SVP of A&R, Sara Knabe. “It’s raw, it’s real, it’s lived in, it’s emotional, it has so much soul. He’s writing songs that will stand the test of time and we’re all here for it!”
Ashley Gorley Named NMPA Top Gold & Platinum Songwriter For First Quarter
/by Liza AndersonAshley Gorley. Photo: Katie Kauss
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) Gold & Platinum Program has named Ashley Gorley as the top non-performing songwriter for the first quarter of 2024.
During the first three months of the year, 1,161 Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications were awarded. Gorley scored eight certifications for songs such as seven-time Platinum “Last Night,” five-time Platinum “Crash My Party” and double-Platinum “Aw Naw.”
“I’m deeply grateful to be recognized by the NMPA,” shares the Sony Music Publishing hitmaker. “I’m especially thankful for their ongoing advocacy for songwriters and publishers, ensuring that our voices and contributions are always celebrated and protected.”
Additionally, fellow Sony Music Publishing writer Usher was recognized as the top artist-songwriter with 20 certifications, including five-time Platinum “U Got It Bad,” quadruple-Platinum “I Don’t Mind” and triple-Platinum “Confessions Part II.”
“Q1 was huge for Sony Music Publishing. Usher’s hits have lasting power, and this proves the enduring popularity of his music. Once again, Ashley Gorley reigns supreme due to his phenomenal country crossover success,” says David Israelite, NMPA President & CEO. “We congratulate both of these exceptional songwriters.”
For NMPA’s full list of Top Gold & Platinum honorees, click here.
Weekly Register: Zach Bryan & Morgan Wallen Secure Several Top-Five Slots
/by Liza AndersonZach Bryan. Photo: Andrew Maclean. Morgan Wallen. Photo: Cameron Baird
Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen have each secured several top-five slots this week, as they continue to command the country albums chart while debuting singles on the country streaming songs chart, according to Luminate data.
On the country albums chart, Bryan’s The Great American Bar Scene ascends to No. 1 with 137K in total consumption (8.3K album only/162 million song streams). Wallen’s One Thing At A Time shifts down to No. 2 with 69K (1.3K album only/88 million song streams), followed by his Dangerous: The Double Album at No. 3 with 40K (318 album only/52 million song streams). Shaboozey‘s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going falls to No. 4 with 36K (1.2K album only/43 million song streams), while Bryan’s self-titled collection stays at No. 5 with 32K (2.9K album only/38 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” sits at No. 1 with 33 million streams, adding to 442 million ATD. Wallen and Post Malone‘s “I Had Some Help” remains at No. 2 with 29 million new streams, adding to 392 million ATD, as Wallen’s “Lies, Lies, Lies” lands the top debut at No. 3 with 25 million streams. Bryan’s “Pink Skies” moves to No. 4 with 22 million new streams, adding to 169 million ATD, and his “28” premieres at No. 5 with 20 million streams.
Lakeview Inks With UTA
/by John Nix ArledgeUp-and-coming rock duo Lakeview has inked with UTA for exclusive worldwide representation in all areas.
The duo, comprised of Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy, has amassed over 30 million streams on their breakout single “Home Team,” and struck a chord with their emerging fanbase through their musicality and metal-core influence.
The pair recently released their new rock track, “Money Where Your Mouth Is (featuring Gideon),” which has notched a top five spot on SiriusXM’s Octane channel. Lakeview promises to continue delivering tracks made for the hustling, rural, making-ends-meet crowd.
Lakeview is managed by Gravel Road and published by Ace High Music.
Jo Dee Messina Plots Final Leg Of ‘Heads Carolina, Tails California Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughJo Dee Messina has plotted the final leg of her “Heads Carolina, Tails California Tour.”
After a two-year run, including a celebratory six-date New England homecoming, Messina plans kick off the last round of dates at the Dam Jam Music Festival in Goddard, Kansas this Friday (July 19). She will visit cities across the U.S. and Canada before closing out the journey in Jackson, Michigan on Oct. 27. Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
“The crowds, the energy…I’m so looking forward to bringing the fun and excitement to folks this fall,” says Messina.
The artist has consistently toured throughout 2023 and 2024, selling out shows coast-to-coast in addition to making various festivals appearances. She recently performed at the “Freedom Over Texas” event in Houston.
Opry Entertainment Group Welcomes Two Artist Relations Team Members
/by Liza AndersonSamantha Kane & Ariana Cubillos Voegler
Opry Entertainment Group (OEG) has welcomed Samantha Kane as Artist Relations Manager and Ariana Cubillos Voegler as Artist Relations Coordinator.
In their new roles, Kane and Voegler will contribute to the development of artist and industry relations to drive engagement and new opportunities at the Grand Ole Opry and OEG. They will report to Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit, and join Artist & Label Strategy Senior Manager Jenn Tressler on the growing team.
After graduating from Florida State University in 2019, Kane worked for the Country Music Association as Communications Assistant before joining Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) as Promotions Coordinator. She then served as the label’s Marketing & Events Manager, working on marketing efforts and handling events for the BMLG roster.
Before joining OEG, Voegler graduated from Berklee College of Music, earning a dual Bachelor of Music degree with majors in music production & engineering and songwriting. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in music business from Berklee Online. Voegler previously interned at Round Hill Music and Starstruck Studios, and most recently, gained marketing experience at TAXI in Los Angeles as well as legal experience from Neal & Harwell, PLC in Nashville.
Additionally, OEG is seeking a Manager of Artist & Industry Relations. For more information, click here.
Award-Winning Songwriter Gary Burr Releases Debut Novel, ‘Reunion’
/by Lorie HollabaughGary Burr
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Gary Burr has penned a new book, Reunion, out now at all booksellers.
The novel, an imaginative story about a Beatles reunion, reached No. 1 in New Releases on Amazon just days before its official release.
Version 1.0.0
In Reunion, a 1980 freak accident on a rainy Hawaiian street leaves a young man dead. His name? Mark David Chapman. 18 years later, Paul McCartney decides to throw a concert honoring his late wife and proposes a Beatles reunion. McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr and John Lennon must navigate old grievances to decide if they can come together once more. The heartfelt rock and roll fairy tale explores the ultimate “what if” for Beatles fans and promises to be a timeless tale for all music lovers, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, humor and heart.
“Reunion is a labor of love, blending my passion for music with the timeless legacy of the Beatles. I can’t wait for readers to dive back into Beatlemania and live in the world I’ve crafted,” says Burr.
With 14 chart-topping hits, Burr has had cuts with Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks and Kelly Clarkson. Named Songwriter of the Year by Billboard, ASCAP and NSAI, he has also been the lead singer of Pure Prairie League, toured with Carole King, co-founded Blue Sky Riders with Kenny Loggins and collaborated on 10 albums with Starr.
Mitchell Tenpenny ‘Woke Up In A Dream’ With New Track & Tour
/by Liza AndersonMitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Zach Pigg
Mitchell Tenpenny has released his new tune, “Woke Up in a Dream,” and announced his headlining tour of the same name.
“Woke Up In A Dream,” which the artist penned alongside Thomas Archer, Kyle Fishman and Michael Tyler, is the latest track from his forthcoming studio album, The 3rd. The project also includes the recently-unveiled title track and a cover of the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” as well as previously-released singles “Bigger Mistakes,” “Breaking My Heart” and “Not Today,” which is currently impacting country radio.
Tenpenny will kick off the “Woke Up In A Dream 2024 Tour” on Sept. 12 in Las Vegas at The Theater at Virgin Hotels, visiting Los Angeles, Baltimore, New York City and more through mid-November. The Castellows will open the first weekend and Dylan Schneider will serve as support on all remaining dates. Tickets go on sale this Friday (July 19). For more information, click here.
Kashus Culpepper Inks With Big Loud Publishing & Warner Chappell Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, front Row): Mike Giangreco (VP of A&R, Big Loud Publishing), Kashus Culpepper and Benji Amaefule (Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell); (L-R, back row): Kimberly Gleason (SVP, Big Loud Publishing), Ben Vaughn (President & CEO, Warner Chappell), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records) and Jay Harren (Manager). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Kashus Culpepper has signed a global publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing and Warner Chappell Music.
Raised in Alabama, Culpepper encapsulates the southern sound. His husky, sandpaper growl roars over self-written songs that are raw and real. He grew up singing in church starting at five years old, and in 2020, the singer-songwriter picked up a guitar and started playing covers in Rota, Spain during his deployment in the Navy. After coming back to the U.S., Culpepper played dive bars across the south before landing his first record deal with Big Loud Records. Culpepper released his debut single “After Me?” in June.
Now booked by CAA, Culpepper has played sold out headline club shows, and has shared the stage with Charles Wesley Godwin, Charley Crockett and Needtobreathe. He will be releasing his brand new single “Who Hurt You” this Friday (July 19). The tune originally caught the attention of his social media followers, which led the singer to perform the song for RadioWV last November, captivating country and Americana fans across the country.
“We are beyond excited to be working with Kashus,” says Warner Chappell Manager, A&R, Benji Amaefule. “He is one-of-one, and his stories have an ability to resonate with a wide demographic. His soulful take on country already is connecting with his audience and will continue to reach fans around the country and the world.”
“Anyone who’s heard Kashus sing knows why we had to have him on the label, but his songwriting was just as big of a draw as his voice,” shares Big Loud Records SVP of A&R, Sara Knabe. “It’s raw, it’s real, it’s lived in, it’s emotional, it has so much soul. He’s writing songs that will stand the test of time and we’re all here for it!”
Kane Brown Donates New Music Studio To Boys & Girls Club In Texas
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown in new music studio with Boys & Girls Clubs of America program participants
Kane Brown traveled to Texas this past weekend to donate a new music studio space to a local Boys & Girls Club of America and refresh additional areas of the chapter.
Kane Brown at the MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game
He visited the studio on Saturday (July 13) before participating in the MLB All-Star Celebrity Softball Game. A longtime supporter of Boys & Girls Clubs, Brown received the organization’s Champion of Youth Award in 2022. During the game, he scored a home run and gave the National League a 5-2 lead as well as threw the game-winning out to first base.
Brown will return to the Lone Star State for his “In The Air Tour” stadium show in Arlington on Sept. 14. Additionally, the hitmaker will kick off the GMA Summer Concert Series in New York City’s Central Park this Friday (July 19) by performing his history-making collaboration with Marshmello, “Miles On It,” among other tunes.
Mae Estes Renews Publishing Deal With Kobalt
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Stephanie Cox, Kendall Warren and Mae Estes
Country artist Mae Estes has renewed her worldwide publishing deal with Kobalt.
She got her start at age seven, singing the national anthem at a rodeo in her home state of Arkansas. After making her way to Music City, Estes began releasing music in 2019, and inked her first publishing deal with Plaid Flag Music and Kobalt a year later.
Her tune “Thinkin’ ‘Bout Cheatin'” marked her first CMT video feature in 2022, and became the first single from her debut EP, Before The Record, last year. Also in 2023, Estes took home her third consecutive Arkansas Country Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, and signed a global record deal with Big Machine Records. With more than 13 million streams across all digital streaming and social platforms, she is currently working on new music while touring with Jamey Johnson, Dierks Bentley and Lainey Wilson.
“Mae is one of the most exciting new artists to come onto the scene in a very long time,” says Stephanie Cox, General Manager/Senior Vice President of Creative, Kobalt Nashville. “She’s such an authentic songwriter and an important new voice in country music. We’re so happy that Kobalt will remain her home for this exciting new phase of her career.”
“From the very first moment I heard Mae’s voice to the moment I realized what an incredible human she was—I knew Stephanie Cox was the perfect partner and teammate for Mae,” notes Kendall Warren, Estes’ longtime manager. “We are lucky to have Stephanie leading the charge with Mae’s publishing—Stephanie is the best in the business.”
“When I first got to Nashville, I learned quickly that it was important to find my champions in the music industry, and I’m unbelievably grateful to have done just that in partnering with Kendall Warren and Stephanie Cox,” shares Estes. “Kendall and I have so much respect and appreciation for Stephanie and the rest of the incredible Kobalt team. I’m ecstatic to be able to continue to create honest country music I believe in surrounded by some of the best professionals (and humans in general) that Music City has to offer.”