Dylan Gossett Brings Signature Sound & Powerful Storytelling To Sold-Out Nashville Crowd

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Dylan Gossett. Photo: Nate Boggs.

Fast-rising singer-songwriter Dylan Gossett brought his unique Texas country and Americana sound and personal lyrics to a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Exit/In Tuesday night (April 9). The show was a part of Gossett’s current sold-out “No Better Time Tour.”

Kentucky-based band Ole 60 opened up the night. The five-piece band warmed the crowd up with songs from their Three Twenty Four EP, including “Dust 2 Dust,” “Insane” and “Walls.” The band’s indie country/southern rock sound was also showcased when they played their newest single “Brother Joe.” They showed off their powerful lyrics in unreleased tracks “Next To You” and “Say.” After enchanting the crowd, the band ended the set with current hit single “Smoke & A Light,” which is currently sitting at No. 39 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs.

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Tanner (SVP of Business Affairs, Big Loud), Patch Culbertson (GM / SVP, Big Loud Records), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud), Dylan Gossett, Seth England (CEO / Partner, Big Loud), Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records), Paul Logan (SVP of Sync + Brand Partnerships, Big Loud Records), Brianne Deslippe (SVP of Global Marketing + Strategy, Big Loud Records). Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Texas.

As the lights went down and the band started to play, anticipation for Gossett was felt in the room. The Big Loud Texas/Mercury Records singer kicked things off with track “Lone Ole Cowboy.” After instantly connecting with the crowd, he shared that this was his “first full band show in Nashville.” He then continued the set with fan favorites “To Be Free” and “If I Had A Lover.”

Gossett swooned the crowd with another fan favorite, “Beneath Oak Trees,” a song inspired by his wedding day. His band then left the stage, leaving Gossett underneath a lone spotlight with his guitar. He used the time to spotlight his songwriting with an unreleased track called “Running From The Sun.” As his band made their way back to the stage, Gossett got the crowd hyped up by playing the harmonica during “No Better Time.”

Taking the crowd back home to Texas, Gossett spotlighted his signature sound with another unreleased track “Back 40,” which got a big reaction from the crowd. “Thank y’all so much for being here tonight. I can’t thank y’all enough for letting us do this,” he shared before performing “Flip A Coin” from his No Better Time EP and then a stellar cover of Travis Tritt‘s “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.”

Dylan Gossett. Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Texas.

“It’s been a pretty crazy year. About a year ago, I didn’t even have a song out. Now we’re all here singing songs together,” Gossett said as he was reflecting on his journey in the last year. After showing off his lyricism with “Bitter Winds” and “Finally Stop Dreaming,” he gave fans another taste of new music with the unreleased “Baptized By Rain.”

As the Nashville crowd eagerly awaited what was next, Gossett said into the microphone, “I think y’all know this one, sing it with us.” He went into his breakout hit “Coal” before the crowd took over and screamed every single word. He then wrapped up the night with an encore performance of fan favorite “Somewhere Between.”

Gossett’s “No Better Time Tour” will wrap up with two more stops in Houston and Dallas, Texas.

Belmont University Receives $58 Million Lead Gift For Music Row Expansion

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Rendering of Belmont University’s new Curb College building

Belmont University has received a $58 million lead gift from music industry veteran Mike Curb and the Mike Curb Foundation to propel the expansion of its Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business on Music Row. The news and renderings were disclosed last night (April 9) to an industry crowd at a reception prior to the “Belmont at the Opry” event, which commemorated the music business program’s 50th anniversary.

The gift marks largest in the school’s history, and will support renovation of existing buildings as well as construction of a new state-of-the-art facility, aiming to preserve the area’s history while providing innovative spaces for entertainment industry education and collaboration.

Rendering of Belmont University’s existing Curb College building

“Mike Curb’s remarkable generosity and partnership with Belmont over many years has been invaluable in advancing entertainment and music business education,” noted Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University. “This latest transformational gift solidifies Belmont’s position at the forefront of developing the next generation of music industry leaders. We are profoundly grateful to Mike and Linda [Curb] for their continued investment in Belmont’s mission.”

“As Nashville’s music industry has grown and evolved into an international entertainment hub, it’s crucial that our education system keeps pace to develop skilled talent,” said Curb. “Belmont has been a fantastic partner over the years in preparing aspiring artists, songwriters, engineers and music business leaders who go on to become invaluable employees for record companies throughout Nashville and the industry at large. With this latest investment, we’ll build upon that strong foundation to push entertainment and music business education ahead to the next level, ensuring a steady stream of well-prepared professionals for the ever-growing industry.”

The project is set to unfold in two phases. Already underway, phase one includes renovating the historic Buddy Lee Attractions/Capitol Records building, adding 17,000 square feet of songwriting rooms, listening spaces, live sound classrooms and student lounges. The renovation will also consist of new, updated space for Nashville’s Leadership Music offices, continuing Belmont and Curb College’s partnership with the organization.

Phase two will develop a new 75,000-square-foot building behind Belmont’s existing Music Row footprint. Construction on this facility will begin over the next two years and integrate all facets of the entertainment industry, including a performance venue anticipated to accommodate over 150 people, networking and gathering spaces for students and industry professionals, a coffee shop, content capture rooms and underground parking. This phase also involves a broader fundraising campaign for the building, which the school kicked off last night.

“For 50 years, our faculty, staff and world-class facilities have made Belmont a top destination for future music executives, engineers, artists and songwriters. Mike’s partnership over decades has allowed Belmont to continually elevate our entertainment curriculum and facilities in lockstep with industry needs,” said Brittany Schaffer, Dean of Curb College. “This lead gift allows us to deepen our integration with Music Row, creating an unprecedented immersive experience that will directly connect our students with industry leaders and opportunities while driving innovation alongside our partners in Nashville’s entertainment landscape.”

Construction details and timelines will be announced as plans progress.

Industry Ink: Chief’s, Callie Babin, Craig Morgan, Bri Bagwell

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Chief’s Grand Opening Sees Michael Jordan, Eli and Peyton Manning And More

Pictured (L-R): Ben Weprin, Michael Jordan

Eric Church’s new six-story bar, Chief’s, located on lower Broadway in downtown Nashville, officially opened its doors on Friday (April 5). Designed to celebrate Church’s musical career, the establishment features a two-story live music venue named The Neon Steeple.

The bar, brought to life through a partnership between Church and AJ Capital Partners’ Ben Weprin, boasted a star-studded opening week with visits from Michael Jordan, Eli and Peyton Manning, Lainey Wilson and more.

 

Callie Babin Joins BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

Callie Babin

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville has hired Callie Babin as Marketing Coordinator/Executive Assistant. Reporting to EVP, Recorded Music, JoJamie Hahr and Director, Marketing, Lauren Crawford, Babin will be responsible for assisting both Hahr and Crawford in their respective duties.

Prior to joining BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, Babin gained experience through internships with Fab’rik, Dress Up Corporation and Entro USA, along with a stop at Warner Music Group as an Emerging Talent Associate. Babin can be reached at callie@bbrmusicgroup.com.

 

Craig Morgan Performs National Anthem at White Sox And Yankees Home Openers

Craig Morgan at Yankee Stadium. Photo: Courtesy of the New York Yankees

Country music artist and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan sang the National Anthem in full uniform at the Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees MLB home openers. The patriotic tune echoed through Guaranteed Rate Field on March 28 and Yankee Stadium on April 5.

The performances came shortly after Morgan was appointed to Warrant Officer 1 after previously serving 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve. The artist returned to service in the Army Reserve last year following his swearing-in at the Grand Ole Opry on July 29, 2023.

Morgan continues to tour and release new music such as his recent, six-track project Enlisted with features from Trace Adkins, Luke Combs, Gary LeVox, Jelly Roll, Blake Shelton and Lainey Wilson.

 

Bri Bagwell Inks with New Frontier Touring

Bri Bagwell

Bri Bagwell, the Texas Female Artist of the Decade, has signed a global representation deal with New Frontier Touring. Agent Alex Fang is set to manage Bagwell’s future performance opportunities.

“It’s always a great fortune in this business when you get to encounter someone who excels as much on stage as they do off,” Fang shares. “While any attendee of a Bri show is immediately in awe of her talent, charisma, and grace, those of us behind the scenes get to remain in awe of her hustle, her capabilities, and her ambition. Bri Bagwell encapsulates the modern musical maven and I’m beyond ecstatic so embark on this journey with her.”

Grand Ole Opry To ‘Salute The Troops’ On May 21

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The Grand Ole Opry will honor the U.S. Military with its “Salute The Troops” show on May 21.

Opry member Craig Morgan, who serves as an Army Reserve Warrant Officer, will perform with the 313th U.S. Army Band in addition to Opry member Lauren Alaina, Lee Brice, HunterGirl, Austin Snell and more.

The Opry will also welcome Lieutenant General Jody Daniels, Chief of the Army Reserve & Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, as its special guest for the evening. She marks the first female to command the Reserve component, and commands more than 200,000 soldiers and civilian employees who live and work in communities across the country.

The Opry and its presenting sponsor Humana are partnering with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), whose mission is to support, serve, advocate for and foster camaraderie among U.S. veterans. Special VFW guests attending the show include Jr. Vice Commander-in-Chief Carol Whitmore, also the first female to hold such a position, and interim VFW Foundation Director Brian Walker.

“The VFW is honored to be a part of the Grand Ole Opry’s ‘Salute The Troops’ event along with our great friends at Humana,” says VFW National Commander Duane Sarmiento. “We’re honored to be included in a historic night dedicated to celebrating the brave service and continued sacrifices of America’s best and brightest.”

The Opry will invite active duty and veteran service members attending the show as well as their spouses, children and parents to join a red carpet parade into the Opry House for the evening. Leading the parade will be Lieutenant General Daniels, Whitmore and retired Army Lieutenant General Keith Huber, Founder of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center & Senior Advisor for MTSU’s Veterans & Leadership Initiatives.

The public is invited to arrive at 5 p.m. to see the 313th U.S. Army Band perform in the Opry Plaza before they lead the red carpet parade guests at 5:45 p.m. Doors will open after the guests have entered the building for the 7 p.m. show. Tickets are available at 615-871-OPRY and opry.com.

This year’s “Salute The Troops” will be filmed to air as a special “Opry Live” during Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 25 on the Opry’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, with free streaming on the Circle Now app. The show will be accessible through Circle Country at 8 p.m. CT, and will air live on WSM Radio. It can also be heard on SiriusXM, Channel 59 Willie’s Roadhouse.

Noah Hicks Signs With Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Noah Hicks and Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Courtesy of Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment

Singer-songwriter Noah Hicks has signed with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment through a joint venture with Red Creative Records.

Hicks was raised on a chicken farm in Carrollton, Georgia, and his sound is heavily influenced by those dirt roads he grew up on and his strong connection to his home state. After making the move to Nashville in 2020 and signing with RED Creative Group, he quickly found his place among some of the city’s most respected writers and has collaborated with artists such as Rhett Akins, Ashley Cooke, Travis Denning and Jon Langston.

“Noah is a live wire! He lights up every room with his energy and southern charm, as well as his super-catchy songwriting,” shares Big Machine Label Group Chairman and CEO, Scott Borchetta.

“Scott and I have been following Noah’s career for a few years,” says Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment President Jimmy Harnen. “His songwriting, live performances and endless energy fit perfectly with Nashville Harbor!”

The 23-year-old has amassed more than 60 million streams globally with “I Can Tell You’re Small Town,” which has sparked the creation of more than 29,000 videos. His track “Dirt On It” has been embraced by both NFL and MLB stadiums across the country.

“Scott and Jimmy have signed and worked with some of my favorite country artists of all time,” says Hicks. “It’s unreal having their support and getting to work with them. They’re the perfect addition to the team. I’m just so grateful. Let’s get to work!”

“Success is a word that Scott and his team know very well,” adds RED Creative Group Owner & Founder Jeremy Stover. “We’re excited to be partnering with Scott, Jimmy and the Nashville Harbor team to continue to build what was started at RED Creative Group with Noah Hicks.”

Young Guns Publishing Extends Deal With Ben Stennis

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Pictured (L-R): Laurie Gore (Young Guns Publishing Creative/Admin Assistant), Laura Alexander (Young Guns Publishing SVP, Creative), Ben Stennis, Will Hamrick (Young Guns Publishing CEO) and Jason Turner (Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC). Photo: Mary Craven Photography

Young Guns Publishing has extended its worldwide exclusive publishing deal with award-winning songwriter Ben Stennis.

The writer and producer is a BMI Award winner with his songs recorded and released by artists such as Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, High Valley, Ronnie Dunn, X Ambassadors and more. Stennis co-wrote Cody Johnson’s Grammy Award-winning multi-week No. 1 “‘Til You Can’t,” which also earned CMA Single of the Year and MusicRow Song of the Year.

He also is a co-writer on new releases including Matt Stell’s “Breakin’ in Boots” and Bailey Zimmerman’s “Holy Smokes.”

“Young Guns Publishing is home to me. I believe in them, and they believe in me,” shares Stennis. “Will Hamrick is about as solid as a human being as you’ll find, and Laura Alexander is an absolute boss. I’m thankful for this crew and feel incredibly blessed to get to do what I love for a living.”

“I have had the pleasure of working with Ben for 10 years now and he never ceases to amaze me on a professional, but most importantly, a personal level” shares Hamrick, Young Guns Publishing CEO. “Ben is someone that our team at YGP looks up to tremendously. Laura and I couldn’t be happier to continue to work with him and see what his future holds.”

Ian Munsick To Return To The Rockies On ‘The Country & Western Tour’

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Ian Munsick will return to his home region of the Rockies on “The Country & Western Tour” this fall.

Kicking off Sept. 6, the tour will visit Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and more. A rotating lineup of guests, including Shane Smith & The Saints, Randy Rogers Band, Bryan Martin, Ole 60, Zandi Holup, Ryan Charles and The Song Swap—comprised of Jenna LaMaster, Faren Rachels and Kasey Tyndall, will join the headliner on the journey.

“We’re coming home!!! I am fully aware that the majority of our shows are east of the Rockies, that’s why we are dedicating ‘The Country & Western Tour’ to the folks that have been here from day one! This tour is absolutely stacked with talent and we’re bringing it back to where it all started…The West,” proclaims Munsick. “These will be our biggest and best shows yet and I cannot wait to show you what we’ve built over the last few years. Get your tickets before it’s too late!”

Ticket presales began today (April 10), and general sales will start this Friday (April 12). For more information, click here.

Boot Barn is sponsoring the tour, and has named the artist as a brand ambassador under newly-launched Boot Barn Live program. Additionally, Munsick’s “Boots, Buckles & Bolos Tour” is currently underway, and he plans to support Lainey Wilson on her “Country’s Cool Again Tour” this summer.

Rose Cook Promoted To SESAC Chief Operating Officer, Music Services

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Rose Cook

SESAC Music Group has promoted Rose Cook as part of the recent expansion of the company’s Music Services division, which includes AudioSalad, Audiam, HFA, Mint, Music Services and Rumblefish. Cook has risen to Chief Operating Officer, Music Services.

Based in Nashville, she will continue to report to Malcolm Hawker, SESAC Music Group COO, in her new role, and will work with the team across the entire portfolio of companies within the Music Services division to drive efficiencies and growth in licensing, royalty collection and administration services. Previously, Cook served as the Co-Head of Licensing at SESAC Performing Rights before her promotion to SVP, Operations of SESAC Music Group in 2022.

Monica Hertz has also been promoted to SESAC Senior Director, Operations. Based in New York, she will report to Cook and focus on driving the global roll-out of the shared services platform. Hertz joined the SESAC Performing Rights Business Affairs team in 2017, where she was responsible for the administration, management and tracking of the PRO’s key writer and publisher deals and worked closely with internal teams across the company to support the evolving business needs.

SESAC’s Music Services division includes six portfolio companies operate collectively to provide a unique and highly customizable global solutions platform and shared services offering for artists and songwriters, as well as independent label and music publishing clients. The growing Music Services team is dedicated to delivering best-in-class licensing, royalty collection and administration
services to clients worldwide.

ONErpm Signs Britnee Kellogg

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Pictured (L-R, back row): ONErpm’s Tim Wipperman and Angela Chamberlain; (L-R, front row): ONErpm’s Shelby Kennedy, Britnee Kellogg and ONErpm’s Kyle Dembek. Photo: Brooke Christopher

Record label and distribution company ONErpm has signed Nashville singer-songwriter Britnee Kellogg.

The former American Idol contestant developed a love for country music at the age of six, after attending a Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash concert. Now a 39-year-old mother of three, she aims to craft songs that resonate with others.

Kellogg previously released “She’s Come a Long Way,” which celebrates women who have overcome adversity. Her new single “Hell in a Handbag” approaches that same theme with a different lens. Produced by Autumn McEntire and Jared Conrad and written by Tori Tullier, Alyssa Micaela and Olivia Rudeen, the tune is set for release this Friday (April 12).

“We know how fortunate we are to work with Britnee. Her songs express a point of view we rarely get to hear today,” says Shelby Kennedy, Director of A&R, ONErpm Nashville. “At ONErpm, we believe ‘unique deserves unique,’ and that is why we are extremely excited to work with such a strong new talent.”

Additionally, Kellogg is booked by The Kinkead Entertainment Agency, and has shared the stage with artists such as Blake Shelton, Eric Paslay, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Lee Brice and Little Big Town. She is currently performing across nation, while writing and recording new music.

Elvie Shane Signs With WME For Global Representation

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Elvie Shane. Photo: Nathan Chapman

Singer-songwriter Elvie Shane has signed with WME for global representation in all areas. Shane’s agent team will include Becky Gardenhire, Jon Folk, Doug Neff, Lance Alleman and Caleb Fenn. They will work on bookings for touring, brand partnerships, digital, TV and film.

“We’ve been watching Elvie’s artistry grow over the last few years and were blown away when we heard a few early tracks off the new album,” says Gardenhire. “We are excited about the opportunity to get Elvie in front of audiences where his impactful songs will resonate and grow his fan base.”

Named a 2024 Artists to Watch by the Nashville Scene, the BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records artist emerged into the country music scene in 2021 with his Platinum certified No. 1 single “My Boy.” His debut album Backslider garnered the attention of multiple best-of lists.

Shane is currently gearing up for the release of his sophomore album Damascus, releasing April 19. The project includes already released tracks “Baptized,” “Jonesin’,” “Forgotten Man” and “Pill.”