Pictured (L–R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Relative Music Group’s Caroline Clark; (L–R, front row): Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Michael Hardy, Kyle Clark and Relative Music Group’s Jesse Matkosky. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Relative Music Group has signed singer-songwriter and producer Kyle Clark in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.
The 26-year-old was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in Jefferson, Georgia. After winning a song competition through a radio station in Atlanta two years in row, Clark’s original songs caught the attention of award-winning songwriter Jordan Schmidt and his brother, Dane. Their relationship with Clark eventually led him to his first publishing deal in 2019.
Within his first year living and writing in Nashville, he co-wrote Lily Rose’s Gold-certified single “Villain.” As the global pandemic impacted in-person writing sessions, Clark began to focus on learning how to produce music, leaning on Schmidt and his roommate, producer Jacob Durrett, to soak up every bit of knowledge he could. He has since landed cuts with Jon Pardi, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chayce Beckham, Mackenzie Carpenter, Erin Kinsey, Restless Road and more.
In 2022, a video of Clark performing his own tune, “Hope It’s Hot Out,” gained traction on TikTok. The song was released on May 27 that same year, and earned a million streams during its first week. Since then, “Hope It’s Hot Out” has amassed more than 35 million streams. The creator is currently in partnership with WME and Stem, and has continued to release music independently.
“I’ve had the chance to write with Kyle a handful of times now, and I can honestly say his natural instincts are spot on–right down the gut,” says Michael Hardy, Partner, Relative Music Group. “Kyle is a great songwriter and a great human being. He works hard, and I can’t wait to see what happens with his time here at Relative.”
“From the moment I met with Jesse [Matkosky], Dennis [Matkosky] and Hardy, they made me feel like I was already a part of the Relative family,” shares Clark. “I feel more inspired than I’ve ever been; I’m surrounded by people who truly care about the songs I write, and that’s everything a songwriter can ask for. What better person to be mentored by, as both an artist and a songwriter, than Hardy himself? I’ve always looked up to him as one of the best in the industry at balancing both aspects of his career. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside the RMG team in this next chapter.”
Jonathan Singleton Moves Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenJonathan Singleton
Songwriter Jonathan Singleton has entered the top ten on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Tie Up,” “Damn Good Day To Leave,” “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and “Remember Him That Way” push him into the No. 10 spot.
Josh Phillips sits at No. 1 for the second consecutive week with “The Man He Sees In Me” and “Dirt Cheap.” Ashley Gorley is at No. 2 this week with “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” “I Had Some Help,” “Cowgirls,” “Whiskey Whiskey,” “I Am Not Okay,” “Bulletproof” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
Zach Bryan (No. 3), Luke Combs (No. 4) and Hunter Phelps (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Relative Music Group & Sony Music Publishing Partner To Sign Kyle Clark
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Relative Music Group’s Caroline Clark; (L–R, front row): Relative Music Group’s Dennis Matkosky, Michael Hardy, Kyle Clark and Relative Music Group’s Jesse Matkosky. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Relative Music Group has signed singer-songwriter and producer Kyle Clark in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.
The 26-year-old was born in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in Jefferson, Georgia. After winning a song competition through a radio station in Atlanta two years in row, Clark’s original songs caught the attention of award-winning songwriter Jordan Schmidt and his brother, Dane. Their relationship with Clark eventually led him to his first publishing deal in 2019.
Within his first year living and writing in Nashville, he co-wrote Lily Rose’s Gold-certified single “Villain.” As the global pandemic impacted in-person writing sessions, Clark began to focus on learning how to produce music, leaning on Schmidt and his roommate, producer Jacob Durrett, to soak up every bit of knowledge he could. He has since landed cuts with Jon Pardi, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chayce Beckham, Mackenzie Carpenter, Erin Kinsey, Restless Road and more.
In 2022, a video of Clark performing his own tune, “Hope It’s Hot Out,” gained traction on TikTok. The song was released on May 27 that same year, and earned a million streams during its first week. Since then, “Hope It’s Hot Out” has amassed more than 35 million streams. The creator is currently in partnership with WME and Stem, and has continued to release music independently.
“I’ve had the chance to write with Kyle a handful of times now, and I can honestly say his natural instincts are spot on–right down the gut,” says Michael Hardy, Partner, Relative Music Group. “Kyle is a great songwriter and a great human being. He works hard, and I can’t wait to see what happens with his time here at Relative.”
“From the moment I met with Jesse [Matkosky], Dennis [Matkosky] and Hardy, they made me feel like I was already a part of the Relative family,” shares Clark. “I feel more inspired than I’ve ever been; I’m surrounded by people who truly care about the songs I write, and that’s everything a songwriter can ask for. What better person to be mentored by, as both an artist and a songwriter, than Hardy himself? I’ve always looked up to him as one of the best in the industry at balancing both aspects of his career. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow alongside the RMG team in this next chapter.”
Industry Ink: Song Suffragettes & Change The Conversation, CMA, More
/by John Nix ArledgeSong Suffragettes & Change The Conversation Host Women’s Summit
Pictured (L–R): Tracy Gershon, Todd Cassetty, Brittney Spencer, Leslie Fram, Caitlin Stone and Anna Kolander
Last Friday (June 28), Song Suffragettes and Change the Conversation hosted an educational summit for women singer-songwriters at The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC)’s headquarters. The event included three panels, a networking reception and a presentation by The MLC’s Kris Ahrend.
Moderated by Change the Conversation’s Tracy Gershon, the “Landing A Publisher” panel featured Concord’s Melissa Spillman, UMPG Nashville’s Missy Roberts and Reservoir’s John Ozier. The “Landing A DSP Playlist” panel was moderated by Red Light Management’s Allison Laughter, and included Amazon Music’s Emily Cohen Belote, The Orchard’s Katie Studley and Pandora/SiriusXM’s Alina Thompson. The final panel, “Landing A Career,” which was moderated by Change the Conversation’s Leslie Fram and Song Suffragettes’ Todd Cassetty, featured recording artist Brittney Spencer as well as Activist Artist Management’s Caitlin Stone and Anna Kolander.
CMA MemberSIPS Event Discusses Genre-Bending In Country Music
Pictured (L–R): Mia Jones, Jacquelyn Marushka, Sydney Owen and Gina Miller
The Country Music Association invited members to its Nashville office last Wednesday (June 26) for a MemberSIPS event discussing genre-bending in country music.
The event featured a panel composed of Marushka Media’s Jacquelyn Marushka, MNRK Music Group’s Gina Miller and Empire’s Sydney Owen. Moderated by CMA’s Mia Jones, the panel talked about country music’s historical growth as well as its evolution and what that means for artists and the industry.
Lauren Watkins Celebrates Album Release With Writers Round
Pictured (L-R): Lauren Hungate, Lauren Watkins and Caroline Watkins
Lauren Watkins celebrated her debut album, The Heartbroken Record, with a two-part writers round at Nashville’s Blind Barber.
The artist was joined by multiple collaborators, including The Warren Brothers, Lauren Hungate, her husband Will Bundy and her sister Caroline Watkins.
Recording Academy Holds ‘Financial Foundations: Finding The Money’ Panel
Pictured (L–R): Crosstown Arts’ McKenzii Webster, Made in Memphis Entertainment’s Tony D. Alexander, The MLC’s Jamie Dominguez, BMI’s Mason Hunter and First Horizon Bank’s Rueben Coopwood
The Recording Academy’s Memphis Chapter recently held a panel titled “Financial Foundations: Finding the Money” at Crosstown Arts.
Jody Williams Named CMHOFM Board Of Officers & Trustees Chair
/by Lorie HollabaughJody Williams. Photo: John Paul Bruno
Veteran publishing executive Jody Williams was recently named the new Chair of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Board of Officers & Trustees. He will serve a one-year term.
The Jody Williams Songs (JWS) Founder has served on the museum’s Board for 17 years, including in a leadership role as a trustee since 2011. He has also chaired the Board’s Development Committee for the past decade, serving as a collaborator and entertainment producer for fundraising initiatives in support of the museum’s educational mission.
Williams is a Nashville native who has spent over 40 years in the city’s creative community. Starting in the mailroom at BMI in 1976, he has held positions with Charlie Daniels Hat Band Music, Screen Gems Music, Chappell Music and Tree. After overseeing Dick James Music, he rejoined BMI in 1986 and worked as a writer representative for nine years. In 1995, Williams became President of MCA Music Publishing Nashville. Four years later, he formed his own company, Jody Williams Music, where he worked with top writers and amassed a catalog that includes songs by Tim McGraw, Bonnie Raitt, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner and more.
In 2006, Williams returned to BMI as Vice President of Creative, Nashville. He was instrumental in placing dozens of songwriters and artists with publishing companies, and championing talents such as Eric Church, Robert Earl Keen, Natalie Hemby, Alison Krauss, Maren Morris, Jeffrey Steele, Carrie Underwood and Brooks & Dunn, among others
The Leadership Nashville and Leadership Music alum most recently launched Jody Williams Songs (JWS) in 2020 in partnership with Warner Chappell Music Nashville. JWS currently represents Vince Gill, Ashley McBryde and more.
“Jody is woven into the fabric of country music’s creative community in a true and meaningful way,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “He is not only a respected executive and passionate supporter of our museum and its mission, but he’s also resolute in furthering country music’s vitality as a cultural artform. We look forward to his guidance and insights as we continue our work preserving this history and educating audiences on its importance.”
Entertainment business leader Mary Ann McCready has completed three years of service as the museum’s Board Chair. She will remain committed to the Board as an elected trustee, serving a three-year term. The Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy (FBMM) Co-Founder has played a key role in expanding the museum’s education and fundraising initiatives, including record-setting “All For The Hall” concerts led by Keith Urban and Blake Shelton. McCready has served on the Board since 2006 and will continue as its Investment Committee Chair.
Additionally, the new-elected officers include Sara Finley, Becky Gardenhire, Clint Higham and Cindy Mabe. Returning trustees consist of Mark Bloom, David Conrad, Bill Denny and David Ross.
Hardy To Launch New Apple Music Country Show
/by Lorie HollabaughHardy is hosting a new radio series, The Fire With Hardy, airing exclusively on Apple Music’s global live-streaming radio station Apple Music Country.
On the new biweekly show, Hardy will invite guests to pull up a seat around the fire and share stories and musical influences, while diving into his own personal journey as well. On the debut episode airing tomorrow (July 2), Hardy delves solo into the raw power and soul of both rock and country, bringing listeners the legends and hidden gems of the genres, and weaving personal stories and experiences that reflect their deep impact on his life and career.
“Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had have been around a fire. I’ve always been intrigued at how people develop their musical tastes,” says Hardy. “Do they credit it to fond memories of their childhood? Did they discover it on their own? I wanna dig into some of my favorite musicians’, songwriters’ and producers’ brains to see what and how music influenced them to become the successful people they are today. So let’s bring that fire, to this show.”
Upcoming episodes will feature Hardy’s dad Mike, Joey Moi, Stephen Wilson, Jr. and more as guests. Fans can tune in and listen to the first episode of The Fire With Hardy live for free tomorrow at 3 p.m. ET on Apple Music Country at apple.co/TheFire. The following episodes will air biweekly on Fridays and the show will also be available on-demand for Apple Music subscribers after airing on Apple Music Country.
Country Fest Rebrands To Hoofbeat
/by Lorie HollabaughAfter 37 years, Country Fest is rebranding to Hoofbeat. Established in 1987, the festival is the nation’s largest party in a hayfield and aims to bring fans from across the country together to experience unforgettable performances and make camping memories.
The rebrand is a nod to its Wisconsin roots, with a fresh perspective for the future. With festival ownership and crew remaining the same, this change seeks to usher in a new era by blending the festival’s history with exciting future prospects.
“We’ve grown beyond our humble beginnings,” says Wade Asher, Festival Promoter. “It’s time for a name that fits like a pair of well-worn boots a new anthem as we rage against the ordinary.”
Along with the rebranding announcement, Hoofbeat has revealed that Lainey Wilson is set to perform at the 2025 event, which is scheduled for June 26–28. Tickets will go on sale when the full lineup is announced in the fall.
Alex Miller Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughAlex Miller during his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Rachael Black for Grand Ole Opry
Alex Miller fulfilled a lifelong dream when he made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage last Thursday (June 27).
Alex Miller & Eddie Montgomery. Photo: Straight South Imagery
With his 1944 Martin D-18 in hand, Miller performed “Puttin’ Up Hay” and his latest single, “My Daddy’s Dad.” The country traditionalist appeared as a special guest of Eddie Montgomery, who made a special trip to Miller’s home of Lancaster, Kentucky to invite him to help celebrate Montgomery’s 15th anniversary as an Opry member.
“This is what country music means to me…helpin’ a young musician achieve his dreams just like our heroes helped T-Roy and me,” shares Montgomery.
“I think everyone who plays country music dreams of playin’ the Opry,” says Miller. “For me, it’s been something my whole family hoped would come true one day. I wish my Grandpa had lived long enough to see me step into that circle, ‘cause I think I was floating in the air. It was a heck of a feeling–I know I’ll never forget it.”
The American Idol season 19 contestant released his debut album, Miller Time, via Billy Jam Records in 2022 along with three singles. His second album for the label, Country, features tracks “When God Made The South,” “Girl, I Know A Guy” and “Puttin’ Up Hay.”
Miller’s current five-song EP, My Daddy’s Dad, produced by Jerry Salley, was released on April 12 via Billy Jam Records. The EP’s title track is impacting country radio now.
TuneIn & The BIG 615 To Team Up With Tractor Supply Co. For Folds Of Honor Radiothon
/by Liza AndersonTuneIn and Garth Brooks‘ The BIG 615 have teamed up with Tractor Supply Co. to host a radiothon on July 3–4 benefitting Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled U.S. service members and first responders.
The radiothon will kick off on Wednesday (July 3) at 12:01 a.m. CT on The BIG 615 on TuneIn and run until 11:59 p.m. CT on Thursday (July 4). During the event, radio personality Storme Warren will play country music hits and share stories about how Folds of Honor and Tractor Supply Co. are making a positive difference in the lives of military and first responder families across the nation. A donation to the nonprofit will be made for each listener.
“It’s a huge honor to work with like-minded partners to give back to the families of our military servicemen and women and first responders who have sacrificed so much for our country,” says Rich Stern, TuneIn CEO. “Storme and The BIG 615 team have set up a tremendous lineup of interviews and guests that bring light to Folds of Honor’s impact on numerous families. We are proud to provide the platform to showcase this content and raise money for a meaningful cause.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Garth Brooks, The BIG 615, Tractor Supply Co. and TuneIn,” says Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor Founder & CEO. “This unique and life-changing activation allows us to reach a large and patriotic audience. Every listener who tunes in is helping us honor the sacrifices of America heroes and educate their legacy.”
For more information, click here.
Mark Your Calendar—July 2024
/by Madison HahnenSingle/Track Release Dates:
Dasha. Photo: Acacia Evans
July 1
Old Dominion/Coming Home/Columbia Nashville
Kelsea Ballerini & Noah Kahan/Cowboys Cry Too/Black River Entertainment
Amy Sheppard/Small Town Rumors/Chugg Music/Empire of Song
Andy Pursell/I Need You Bad/Southern Dreams Entertainment
July 4
Billy Ray Cyrus & Eddie Sanders/Born To Fly/True Lonesome Records
July 5
Lil’ Skinny/Whiskey Pistol
July 8
Koe Wetzel & Jessie Murph/High Road/RECORDS Nashville
Remy Garrison/Get It Girl
Flynnville Train/Preachin’ To The Choir/Flynnville Train Records/Nine North Records
July 12
Dasha/Didn’t I/Warner Records
Jagger Whitaker/State Of Mine
July 15
Kenny Chesney/Just To Say We Did/Warner Music Nashville
Mitchell Tenpenny/Not Today/Riser House Entertainment/Columbia Nashville
Mary Sarah/The Bottom/144 Entertainment
Tristan Mcintosh/Champagne Rampage/Tristone Records
July 19
Joe Nichols/Bottle It Up/Quartz Hill Records
Jillian Cardarelli/Thinking And Driving/Vydia
July 22
Louie Lee/Jukebox Is My Name/The Louie Lee Show
Delaney Ann/This Ain’t Country Club/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment
July 26
Dusty Black/Dust Off Of Me/Stone Country Records
July 29
Derryl Perry/90sVille/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment
Album/EP Releases:
July 4
Zach Bryan/The Great American Bar Scene/Warner Records
Chase Matthew/Always Be Mine/Warner Music Nashville
July 12
Hardy/Quit!!/Big Loud Rock
Megan Moroney/Am I Okay?/Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records
Drew Parker/Camouflage Cowboy/Warner Music Nashville
Johnny Blue Skies (a.k.a. Sturgill Simpson)/Passage Du Desir/High Top Mountain Records
Colin Stough/Lookin’ For Home/19 Recordings/BMG Nashville
Dillon James/Black River/UMG Nashville/Buena Vista Recordings/19 Recordings
Various Artists/Silver Bullet Bluegrass/Lonesome Day Bluegrass
July 19
Koe Wetzel/9 Lives/Columbia Records
Avery Anna/Breakup Over Breakfast/Warner Music Nashville
Dexter and The Moonrocks/Western Space Grunge/Severance Records
July 26
The Red Clay Strays/Made By These Moments/RCA Records
Tigirlily Gold/Blonde/Monument Records
Ryan and Rory/Ryan and Rory/BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Bryan Ruby/Found & Lost
The Hanseroth Twins/Vera/Elektra
Connor Daly/Colors Fade
Live Music Executives Join Peachtree Entertainment
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Shane Quick, Nathan Baugh and Bradley Jordan
Peachtree Entertainment, a global concert promoter based in Nashville, and its founder Bradley Jordan have joined forces with industry executives Nathan Baugh and Shane Quick. Peachtree Entertainment, originally founded by Jordan in 2013, is now a collaboration with Baugh, Quick and promotion and production company LiveCo.
Recognized for helping to launch the touring careers of Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Gavin Adcock and many more, Peachtree Entertainment promotes artists, properties and events including Alan Jackson, Rock The Country, Gavin Adcock, Rock The South and Bulls, Bands and Barrels.
“I founded Peachtree Entertainment out of a passion for collaborating with artists from the grassroots level, aiding in the growth of their live touring endeavors,” explains Jordan. “It’s truly gratifying to elevate this venture to the next stage with people who value artists the same way I do.”
Of the three, Baugh will serve as CEO, leading all day-to-day operations. Quick will maintain relationships and cultivate the future of the company and Jordan will focus on forming new relationships and discovering new talent.
“Peachtree has built an incredible reputation for being an artist-first company. We are excited to continue to align with incredible artists and agencies to help provide creative touring and soft-ticket solutions to grow their career,” says Baugh.
“Working full-time alongside my best friends is a dream come true,” adds Quick. “We’ve always been able to partner together but to wake up every day and go to work building things together is an exciting time.”
“Collaborating with Nathan, Shane, Bradley and the entire Peachtree team furthers LiveCo’s commitment to providing the best possible experiences for fans, artists, and entertainers,” shares Chuck Steedman, LiveCo President and CEO. “They are among the most innovative, visionary, and talented leaders in the live entertainment space and we are thrilled to further and deepen our relationship.”