Gabby Barrett Celebrates New Album With Fan Experience Today & Tomorrow

Photo: Robby Klein

Gabby Barrett is inviting fans to “Gabby Barrett: The Chapter & Verse Experience” at Nashville’s Fifth + Broadway and the Plaza at the Grand Ole Opry House today (Feb. 1) and tomorrow (Feb. 2).

The new, free, immersive event will offer fans a backstage look into Barrett’s life on the road and into her new album, Chapter & Verse, with memorabilia and a tour bus on-site in both locations. In addition, fans will be able to listen to Chapter & Verse during the event with an album listening party on Feb. 2, the day of the album’s release.

“It’s album release week! We have so many fun things to show y’all, giving an exclusive peek behind the curtain of the album and my life the past few years. I won’t be able to be there in person because my baby will be here any second now,” Barrett shared on Instagram. “Tag me in your pictures and videos so I can share them and feel like I’m right there with y’all! Enjoy!”

Bryan Adams Aligns With Songbox As Company Focuses On Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Co-founder Ciaran O’Toole, Founder Michael Coll, Co-founder Bryan Adams. Photo: Courtesy of Songbox

Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Bryan Adams has joined Songbox, a music-sharing tech startup, as a Co-founder.

Using Songbox, creators can track when a file has been delivered, whether it’s been listened to and how long songs have been played. Additionally, the platform allows for creators to upload and share music video content. After enjoying the platform’s secure music-sharing capabilities, Adams decided to join in.

He says, “Songbox allows me to share new music that I’m working on in a way that I couldn’t before. I don’t need to send out MP3 files or physical products, so it keeps my ideas and early versions safe and secure until I’m ready to officially release the songs.”

Songbox was founded in Scotland by Michael Coll, a former musician, songwriter and industry insider. Seasoned industry veteran Ciaran O’Toole is also a Co-founder. The platform now has 50,000 tracks uploaded with over three million streams. They are already serving globally-renowned artists, independent creators and record labels, and are working to bring their focus to Music City.

“I had the opportunity to visit Nashville, and I instantly fell in love with the city,” shares Coll. “Nashville is music and it’s the perfect place for us to bring Songbox, which is where 80% of our customers currently are.”

Adams was one of the first famous names to sign up on the platform, and instantly began sharing ideas with Coll and O’Toole. “Almost immediately after signing up, Bryan was contributing feature ideas and design suggestions. His insight and experience for this has been invaluable,” says Coll.

“More recently, we have added the ability for creators to not only share their audio, but also house and share music videos on the platform,” sums Coll. “Creators can house all of their assets under one roof—photos, cover artwork, lyrics, music videos and tracks, and use the platform to collaborate with other creators or pitch media, publishers, industry executives, radio programmers and more. There are so many possibilities.”

Kane Brown To Receive CRS 2024 Artist Humanitarian Award

Superstar Kane Brown has been named the recipient of the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024 Artist Humanitarian Award.

The Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the Country Radio Broadcasters’ (CRB) Board to honor a country artist whose philanthropic efforts have significantly improved the effectiveness and impact of the causes they support. This individual not only lends their name and influence but also dedicates their time, talent and resources.

Brown’s philanthropic endeavors have focused on improving the lives of underprivileged youth. His contributions include supporting the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA). Brown has personally funded opportunities for 16 youth and four adults from the local BGCA chapter, providing backstage access, sharing his story, arranging dinner and gifting tickets to his shows. He even continued these efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering a safe suite experience for the children and their chaperones.

Brown also donated a dollar from each ticket sold on his NBA arena tour to the renovation of a BGCA gym in Cleveland, Ohio, and collaborated with Lowe’s for the rebuilding of a BGCA in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Additionally, the proceeds from his single “Worldwide Beautiful” and his Kane Krunch cereal were also donated to the BGCA.

In October 2022, Brown was awarded the BGCA’s Champion of Youth accolade in recognition of his significant contributions.

“CRS is proud to recognize Kane Brown with our highest Artist Humanitarian honor. Kane ‘walks the walk’ in supporting underprivileged youth in the U.S. through a deep commitment to the Boys & Girls Club national organization. We are inspired by his year-round generosity of time, effort and resources. Kane continues to be a daily difference-maker in the lives of youths,” says Beverlee Brannigan, CRS/CRB Awards Committee Chair.

He will be recognized during CRS Honors on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 3 p.m. during CRS 2024.

Industry Ink: SOURCE, Conner Smith, Clint Black, Ray Charles

SOURCE Holds Town Hall Luncheon To Ring In 2024

Pictured (L-R, front row): Treasurer Amanda Mitchell (Farris, Self & Moore), Erica Rosa (FBMM), Brittni Talley (NSAI), Tiffany Bearden (Evolution PR), Vice President Tamar Rand, Tracie Hitz (Hitz & Branding); (L-R, back row): President Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), Beth Tyson (FBMM), Mary Lauren Teague (Dotted i Entertainment), Mallory Mason Pascal (KBFM Entertainment & Financial Management), Ashley Hertzog Embry (Hearts Bluff Music), Secretary Kasey Cleckler (Cape + Anchor)

SOURCE, the longest-running organization for women in the music industry in Nashville, announced its new board members and members at a Town Hall Luncheon at CMA on Jan. 25. The new members joining this year are Jenni Tackett, Leigh McCorkle, Torianne Valdez, Rhonda Forlaw Adkins, Shelley Grayson, Juanita Copeland, Emily Olson, Emily Walker, Annie Reuter, Eileen Tilson, Alyssa Augello, Aubrey Daniels and Tera Healy.

Conner Smith Celebrates New Album At Sold-Out Brooklyn Bowl Show

Pictured (L-R): WME’s Aaron Tannenbaum, Homestead Music’s Brad Hersh, Producer Zach Crowell, Homestead Music’s Brad Belanger, Big Machine Label Group’s Sandi Spika Borchetta and Scott Borchetta, Conner Smith, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Homestead Music’s Chelsey Block and Pat Pekala. Photo: Cooper Smith

Conner Smith celebrated his new Smoky Mountains album release at a sold-out Brooklyn Bowl show in Nashville on Jan. 26. The new project features the Gold-certified “Take It Slow,” the viral hit “I Hate Alabama” and the Top-11-and-climbing single “Creek Will Rise,” along with a duet with Hailey Whitters, “Roulette On The Heart.”

 

Clint Black Performs On Star Vista’s Country Music Cruise

Pictured (L-R): Country Music Cruise Executive Producer Mike Robertson, Country Music Cruise Host Nan Kelley, Clint Black and StarVista LIVE President Mike Jason.

Clint Black performed for fans onboard StarVista LIVE’s sold out Country Music Cruise on the World Stage of Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship last week. The 10th anniversary cruise sold out in record time last year, and bookings for the 2025 cruise will open to the public on Feb. 8.

 

Grammy Museum Christens New Ray Charles Terrace

Pictured (L-R): Rita George, John Burk, Yakub Hazzard, Clarence Daniels, Wes Coleman, Michael Sticka, Valerie Erviin, Jimmy Jam, Tammy Hurt, Harvey Mason Jr, and Tim Bucher attend The Ray Charles Terrace ribbon cutting at Grammy Museum L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The Grammy Museum celebrated the ribbon-cutting of The Ray Charles Terrace on Jan. 29 in L.A.. The event was hosted by producer Jimmy Jam, with music curation by DJ Khalil and performances by Jac Ross and Grammy nominee Aloe Blacc, who performed some of Charles’ biggest hits.

Midland Among Headliners At Inaugural Landlock Festival In Waco

Midland, Shakey Graves, Young the Giant and Cory Wong will headline the inaugural Landlock Festival, taking place May 3-5 at Waco Surf in Waco, Texas.

Presented by Noise Frontier, co-founders of the Luck Reunion and Waco Surf, the artificial wave and water park in Waco, Landlock Festival will offer attendees a three-day experience celebrating music and surf culture.

The weekend will bring music and surf enthusiasts alike for performances from over 20 artists across three stages, including Cannons, Arcy Drive, Colony House, The Inkcaps, Jupiter & Okwess, LA LOM, Lily Meola, Pachyman, Matthew Logan Vasquez, Durry, The McCharmlys and The Nude Party, professional surf competitions from some of the biggest names in surf, destination-inspired culinary offerings alongside notable chefs, mixology activations, retail experiences and more.

“We’re excited to bring Landlock Fest to life at Waco Surf, which has already cemented itself as a mainstay in both Texas and the greater surf community, and celebrate this unique intersection of culture,” says Matthew Bizer, Landlock Festival Partner and Luck Reunion Co-Founder. “Surf isn’t necessarily the first thought people associate with Texas, but it’s felt across the state and not just along the coast. There was no better place for Landlock Festival to call home than Waco Surf.”

Pro surfers from across the country will battle it out in various contest formats throughout the weekend. Ivy Miller, Matt Meola, Balaram Stack, Cam Richards, Eithan Osborne, Brianna Cope, Albee Layer, Emma Stone and more will join the inaugural surf lineup, with additional details to follow.

Three-Day General Admission Passes ($350+ fees), Three-Day Premium Passes ($750+ fees), along with unique experience and accommodation packages will be available tomorrow (Feb. 1). For more information, click here.

Date Set For Sixth Annual ‘Daryle Singletary Keeping It Country Jam’

The Sixth Annual “Daryle Singletary Keeping It Country Jam” is set to take place at The Nashville Palace on Feb. 13 as the unofficial kickoff to The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Convention and Sport Show.

Neal McCoy, Tyler Farr, Doug Stone, Rhett Akins, Craig Campbell, Andy Griggs, The Malpass Brothers, John Morgan, Jenna LaMaster, Duke Henry and Robert Bacon are all scheduled to perform during the event.

Daryle Singletary rose to fame in the ’90s with a string of successful country albums. He released his self-titled debut record in 1995, which produced four Billboard Hot Country charting singles such as “I Let Her Lie.” Additional hits include his 1996 single “Too Much Fun” and 1997’s “Amen Kind of Love.” His last album, There’s Still A Little Country Left, was released in 2015. Singletary passed away in 2018 at age 46 from a blood clot.

“As a family, this event is special to us in so many ways,” says Holly Singletary. “First off, we get to reconnect with so many of Daryle’s friends. Secondly, we keep Daryle’s name and legacy alive for the next generation of fans to know his traditional sound. I am grateful every year for the artists who agree to perform and help us raise money for the Daryle Singletary Memorial Trust.”

Reserved tickets are $60 and general admission tickets are $30. For more information, click here.

Big Machine Records Appoints Kris Lamb As EVP/General Manager

Kris Lamb

Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has appointed Kris Lamb to EVP/General Manager of Big Machine Records.

Most recently serving at Sr. VP, Promotion & Digital, Lamb has led radio and digital strategy for the imprint’s artists including Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Midland and Jackson Dean, among others. His new role will concentrate on breaking, building and retaining Big Machine Records’ frontline roster of artists, focusing on fan acquisition and engagement.

Lamb is already on the job and will report directly to BMLG’s Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta.

“Kris has been with the label group for 13 years; he started with us as a Regional Promotions Director and I’ve loved watching him work his way up through our system, excelling at each new level. I am so proud that he is now leading the charge for our flagship imprint, Big Machine Records,” says Borchetta. “There is an added pressure being the imprint that founded the company and I’m thrilled he has accepted the challenge to take it even higher. Game On, Lamb Chop… GAME ON!”

“I am beyond honored to represent this remarkable roster of culture-shaping storytellers and blessed to lead this team of forward-thinking executives at Big Machine Records,” says Lamb. “BMR has always been the tip of the spear and I look forward to elevating our impressive roster of artists even higher as a team and making an impact on the future of this imprint, its talent and the country music genre.”

The Big Machine Records imprint has made other changes in addition to Lamb’s appointment. Brooke Diaz, a nine-year veteran of Big Machine Records, has been promoted to National Director, Promotion & Marketing. Bill Lubitz has been promoted to Sr. Director, West Coast Promotion & National Strategy, taking a greater role in syndication and network audience exposure. The Promotion team also includes VP, Promotion, Erik Powell; Director, Midwest Promotion Jane Staszak; Director, Southeast Promotion Jay Cruze and Promotions Coordinator Sara Barlow.

“Brooke is one of the most multi-dimensional promotion executives in the field and her passion, ideation and execution is next to none. I am so thrilled to watch her, along with Erik as VP, guide our radio promo team and strategy to the highest level,” adds Lamb.

CMHOF To Spotlight Dan Dugmore & Jackie DeShannon

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will spotlight multi-instrumentalist Dan Dugmore and California-based singer-songwriter Jackie DeShannon in two of its in-depth interview series “Nashville Cats” and “Poets and Prophets.”

Dugmore will be featured in “Nashville Cats,” which showcases musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in the recording studio or on tour. DeShannon will be highlighted in “Poets and Prophets,” which features songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.

Dugmore is one of the world’s premier pedal steel guitarists. After buying his first steel guitar from Sneaky Pete Kleinow of the Flying Burrito Brothers, he became the go-to pedal steel player for Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor and other Los Angeles country-rock stars. After relocating to Nashville in 1990, Dugmore infused his sound into hits by Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Brooks & Dunn, Patty Loveless and Randy Travis.

The interview will be held on March 9 at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater, and will be moderated by Senior Writer-Editor Michael McCall. Following the program, Dugmore will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters. The interview is offered in support of the museum’s exhibit “Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock,” presented by City National Bank.

DeShannon will make a rare Nashville appearance to discuss her pioneering songwriting career and her country music roots. As a child and teen, she was a country radio performer in Kentucky and Illinois. Last fall, the Sundazed label released Jackie DeShannon – The Sherry Lee Show, a two-album set taken from the 1950s radio broadcasts. DeShannon moved to Los Angeles in 1960 and scored her first major pop hit with Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “What the World Needs Now Is Love.” Her song “When You Walk In The Room” was a huge success for The Searchers during the 1960s, and later Pam Tillis‘ version reached the top five on the country charts. In 1969, DeShannon wrote and recorded the anthem “Put A Little Love In Your Heart.” Also, “Bette Davis Eyes,” a hit for Kim Carnes, won her the 1982 Grammy for Song of the Year.

The program will take place April 6 at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s CMA Theater, and will be moderated by Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray. The interview will include video clips of DeShannon performing with Country Music Hall of Fame members Eddy Arnold, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, The Everly Brothers and Willie Nelson. She will also sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters and copies of her new album following the program.

For more information, click here.

Peermusic Nashville Signs David Lee Murphy

David Lee Murphy & Michael Knox. Photo: Michael Gomez

Peermusic Nashville has signed artist-songwriter David Lee Murphy to a multi-faceted, exclusive global publishing agreement.

Through this agreement, Peermusic will administer Murphy’s song catalog as well as co-publish future works. This marks Murphy’s first-ever exclusive co-publishing deal. Prior to this, he was self-published with his long-time personal manager, Doug Casmus.

The recent Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) inductee is known for his hits “Dust on the Bottle” and “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” which earned him his first CMA Award for Musical Event of the Year, as well as “Party Crowd,” “Out with a Bang,” “Every Time I Get Around You,” “The Road You Leave Behind” and “Loco.”

Murphy has also earned over two dozen songwriting awards for cuts with Kenny Chesney, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Justin Moore, Walker Hayes, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Thomas Rhett, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Sheryl Crow, Johnny Cash and more. His work includes Chesney’s “Living in Fast Forward,” Aldean’s “Big Green Tractor,” which was produced by Peermusic’s Michael Knox, and Thompson Square‘s Grammy-nominated “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not,” among others.

“David Lee Murphy is my favorite singer-songwriter in town,” says Knox, President, Peermusic Nashville. “For me, personally, this is a very exciting moment. ‘Dust On A Bottle’ creatively set the mark that I would chase for my entire career. As a producer that is the song that I tell everyone I am looking for. David Lee Murphy is the truest form of a singer-songwriter, and that’s why his first publishing deal needed to be with Peermusic, the company that brought you the ‘Father of Country Music’ (Jimmie Rodgers) and the ‘First Family of Country Music’ (The Carter Family). This is just a great combination…Peermusic and the ‘Coolest Guy in Country Music.'”

“I love Michael Knox,” says Murphy. “We’ve worked together on different things for many years. I’ve always appreciated his knack for songs and making music. Knowing the creative environment at Peermusic, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to join forces for us all going forward. Doug Casmus and I have managed to operate all these years having fun, just making music. We’re gonna keep doing that, we’re just gonna have a bigger team now and more people to have fun with.”

“David Lee and I have had such a profoundly, unique history together and I look forward to our new chapter with Peermusic,” adds Casmus.

MusicRow Reveals 2024 Rising Women On The Row Honorees

MusicRow is proud to reveal the honorees for the Rising Women on the Row Class of 2024. These six female executives are making a significant impact on Nashville’s country music industry, including: Tiffany Kerns, Taylor Lindsey, Sloane Cavitt Logue, Halie Hampton Mosley, Melissa Spillman and Candice Watkins.

City National Bank, Loeb & Loeb and CMT Next Women of Country are Presenting Sponsors for the 2024 Rising Women on the Row, which will take place at the Omni Nashville Hotel on the morning of March 19.

Industry veteran Kerri Edwards will be this year’s featured speaker. Presented by CMT Next Women of Country, singer-songwriter Carter Faith will be the special performer at the event.

Now in its 11th year, MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women on the Row event has honored over 50 women in the Nashville music industry.

Tickets for Rising Women on the Row are now closed. Tickets will not be sold at the door, as the event is sold out.

This year’s honorees include:

Tiffany Kerns

Tiffany Kerns – SVP, Industry Relations & Philanthropy, CMA | Executive Director, CMA Foundation
In her role as SVP, Industry Relations & Philanthropy, Tiffany Kerns oversees the strategic direction and management of all CMA’s membership events, initiatives and programming. By developing and enhancing robust and innovative CMA membership strategies, Kerns ensures professional development pathways align with the needs of the member base and the future of the industry. Established as CMA’s philanthropic arm, the CMA Foundation has invested nearly $30 million across all 50 states. In her role, Kerns is responsible for the growth, development and execution of the nonprofit’s charitable investments by creating intentional partnerships and implementing an impact-driven grant process. With a steadfast focus on improving the philanthropic model of giving, Kerns has led the charge in enriching music education programs across the United States. She oversees advocacy efforts for the CMA Foundation at the state and federal level, which includes working with dozens of community partners, policymakers, educators and industry leaders to elevate the CMA Foundation’s mission.

 

Taylor Lindsey

Taylor Lindsey – SVP, A&R, Sony Music Nashville
Taylor Lindsey is the SVP, of A&R at Sony Music Nashville, where she oversees SMN’s dynamic new A&R team as well as signs and develops a diverse roster that includes recorded music icons, breakthrough acts and newcomers. Prior to taking on her current expanded role, Lindsey was directly involved with the development of artists such as Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd and Mitchell Tenpenny, among others. Before joining SMN, Lindsey was at BMG where she signed and developed the careers of songwriters and artists as well as pitched the catalogs of 13 chart-topping songwriters, including her award-winning sister, Hillary Lindsey. A respected industry executive, Lindsey has been included in a number of industry power lists including Billboard’s 40 Under 40 (2018), Billboard’s Women In Music (2018, 2019 & 2023), Billboard’s Country Power Players (2022 & 2023), Variety’s Hitmakers Impact (2020), Variety’s Young Leaders In Music (2019) and more. She is also a graduate of the 2019 Class of Leadership Music. She resides in Nashville with her husband, Grammy-nominated songwriter Derrick Southerland, and their daughter, Lyle, and son, Ryder.

 

Sloane Cavitt Logue

Sloane Cavitt Logue – Partner, WME
Sloane Cavitt Logue leads the Nashville Client Strategy Division at WME, where she works across several departments in navigating various opportunities outside of the live space, including digital, fashion, literary, film, television, talent ventures/partnerships, theater, sports and social impact for clients. Additionally, Logue connects clients with internal opportunities within the Endeavor network, which includes WWE, UFC, PBR, 160over90, Harry Walker, IMG and many more. Prior to joining WME, Logue held tenure at Show Dog-Universal Music and Live Nation. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and the Deviate Leadership Program, which focuses on elevating and coaching future female leaders in the entertainment industry. Dedicated to mentoring up-and-coming industry trailblazers, she is actively involved in WME’s mentorship program, as well as Grammy U, and is an inaugural member of CMA’s Female Executive Leadership Program. Logue resides in Nashville with her husband, Dave, their son, Cavitt, and their Bernese Mountain Dog, Captain.

 

Halie Hampton Mosley

Halie Hampton Mosley – Chief Operating Officer, WHY&HOW
Halie Hampton Mosley joined WHY&HOW in October 2021 as Vice President of Roster Operations, and has helped define and oversee the goals and initiatives of the WHY&HOW roster and staff. Since joining, Hampton Mosley has been instrumental in streamlining and expanding roster operations, and establishing internal practices such as WHY&HOW’s parental leave policies. She also remains closely involved in WHY&HOW artist strategy for such acts as Chase Rice, Danielle Bradbery, BRELAND and Kelleigh Bannen, among others. Prior to joining WHY&HOW, Hampton Mosley spent seven years in Artist Management at Maverick Nashville led by long-time Manager Clarence Spalding. She most recently served as the Day-to-Day Artist Manager for Diamond-selling duo Florida Georgia Line at Hit Farm Management in partnership with Full Stop Management led by Irving and Jeffrey Azoff.

 

Melissa Spillman

Melissa Spillman – VP, A&R, Concord Music Publishing
Melissa Spillman is VP of A&R at Concord Music Publishing. In her role, Spillman is responsible for signing and developing new and established songwriters and artists and placing songs with major recording artists. She started out her career at Dreamcatcher Entertainment which led to a seven-year stint in A&R at Capitol Records. After that she headed up renowned producer Jay Joyce’s Neon Cross Music as Head of Publishing and Production. From there she started her own company, Freetown Music where she oversaw the creative development and management of artists, producers and songwriters until she was tapped by Concord Music Publishing to become their VP of A&R in 2021. Beyond her work in music, Spillman proudly started a non-profit organization called Wan Fambul Foundation, which strives to support children and their families in Sierra Leone, West Africa, the birthplace of three of her sons. She resides in Franklin with her songwriter/producer/author husband Jeremy, four sons and their dog Canyon. You can find her cheering on her sons who play football for the University of Tennessee and Franklin High School this fall.

 

Candice Watkins

Candice Watkins – SVP, Marketing, Big Loud Records
As SVP of Marketing at Big Loud Records, Candice Watkins brings proven leadership and across-the-board expertise to the independent powerhouse, selected as one of Billboard’s 2023 Women in Music, and a Country Power Player for the last three consecutive years. Leading the label’s marketing efforts across its many ventures and partnerships, Watkins executes creative strategy and bold, cross-platform campaigns that make an impact. Recently, Watkins has led the marketing efforts behind chart-topping successes like Morgan Wallen’s back-to-back all-genre No. 1 albums, as well as the successful recent projects from HARDY, Hailey Whitters, Stephen Wilson Jr., Charles Wesley Godwin and many more. Watkins also spurred introductory campaigns for artists like Jake Worthington, Lauren Watkins, Ashley Cooke, Dylan Gossett and more, while embarking on major campaign efforts for heavy hitters Lauren Alaina, ERNEST, Larry Fleet and more. The Montclair, New Jersey native is a graduate of Boston’s Northeastern University and Los Angeles’ USC. Prior to joining Big Loud, Watkins served as Sr. Director of Marketing & Artist Development at UMG Nashville and preceded by stops at Red Light Management, Mozes Inc., Borman Entertainment and Martingale Entertainment. Outside of her work innovating campaign strategy for Big Loud, Watkins serves on the board for CMA, ACM, and Teen Dream Center.