Stephanie Mundy-Self Named Board Member Of South Carolina Governor’s School Arts & Humanities Foundation

Stephanie Mundy-Self
The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Foundation recently welcomed Farris, Self & Moore’s Stephanie Mundy-Self and four other new members to their Board of Directors for a three-year term, which began in July 2023.
Those serving alongside Self include: Jo Bettis, Senior Vice President/Wealth Consultant, First Citizens Wealth Management; Tamara Buie, Chief People Officer, Level Legal; Carl Maki Director of Sales for the Reinforcing Products Group, South Atlantic Galvanizing; and Jane Taylor, Owner, Gatsy Glass of Greater Charleston.
These members will assist the foundation in increasing awareness and raising revenues to ensure excellence in the nation’s premier public residential high school for the arts.
“We are excited to expand our board of directors with these five new members,” says Amanda Herlihy, Governor’s School Foundation Executive Director. “As we embark on a new strategic plan to set the future of the foundation, our new members will bring their passion, skills, and diverse insights and perspectives to fuel our efforts of providing arts education across the state.”
Austin Michael Inks With L3 Entertainment For Management Representation

Pictured (L-R, back row): L3 Entertainment’s Cody Villalobos, Bo Ibbotson, LA Entertainment’s Joey Gonzales; (L-R, front row): Austin Michael and L3 Entertainment’s Pete Hartung
Austin Michael has signed with L3 Entertainment for management representation.
The Texas native learned to ride, rope, hunt and fish at a young age, which began to lead him down a rodeo career path. It wasn’t until he appeared on American Idol in 2019 that he started to pursue music. Since then, Michaels has spent the last few years honing his songwriting and guitar skills while traveling to Nashville, sleeping in his car and knocking on every door for an opportunity.
“I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to work with L3 Entertainment,” he says. “They see what needs to happen and they get it done. I’m grateful to have these guys by my side, and I’m excited to see where this takes us!”
“From the second I came across his social media back in 2020, I knew the kid was special,” says Cody Villalobos, L3 Entertainment’s Vice President. “His vocal ability, authenticity, and charisma combine for a unique aura that you can sense as soon as he walks in the room.”
Peter Hartung, L3 Entertainment’s President, adds, “Austin has all the talent needed to be a major force as an artist. We’re really excited to add him to the L3 Entertainment roster.”
The entertainment company is also the longtime management home of Justin Moore.
AIMP Nashville Hosts Discussion With The MLC’s Kris Ahrend

Pictured (L-R): Me Gusta Music’s Trina Smith-Dort, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, The MLC’s Kris Ahrend, Peermusic’s Kendall Lettow and Big Machine Music’s Tim Hunze
AIMP Nashville hosted a special discussion with Kris Ahrend, CEO of The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC), at The MLC’s Nashville office on Thursday (Oct. 5).
During the event, Ahrend spoke with Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar about what is happening at the company, how payouts might look and when songwriters will see their money.
Gotee Records Signs Charly Beathard

Charly Beathard
Gotee Records has signed Nashville singer-songwriter Charly Beathard.
Although Beathard is the daughter of country music hitmaker Casey Beathard and the sister of Warner Music Nashville artist Tucker Beathard, there was a time when she didn’t see a future in music. But it has now become her tool to help teach others about what means to have faith in God.
Through serving as a worship leader, she developed an authentic sound and deep songwriting skills. When the Gotee Records team attended a morning session at Franklin Prayer House to watch the artist lead worship, the moment quickly turned personal.
“Joey Elwood, the President of our label, asked me to stop in and watch Charly lead worship at a small room in downtown Franklin early one morning,” says Jess Loper, Gotee Records A&R. “I snuck in the back of that room and was immediately floored by the sincerity and emotion in her voice. Her songwriting has grown so much. She is crafting veritable lyrics that universally resonate. We are so grateful for the chance to help share her music and what she is creating with the world.”
Her first single “Hallelujah Anyway,” which was released on Friday (Oct. 6), is a moving pop ballad that channels an unspeakable tragedy into a triumphant anthem. Beathard reveals timeless truths she’s learned after a season of immense pain. Penned with Tyrus Morgan and Molly Reed-Grayson, the song explores her feelings in the wake of her brother Clay’s murder. Home for Christmas break, the college quarterback was stabbed outside a Nashville venue after defending a girl who was being harassed.
“It was definitely written from a deep place that had a lot to do with the things that I’d gone through with my brother Clay going to heaven,” Beathard says.
Even though the song is very personal to her; she sees the message as universal, adding, “We’re all constantly going to be facing trials and hard things on this earth. I love that song because when times are hard and we don’t know what to say, say hallelujah anyway.”
Scotty Inman Signs With Daywind Music Publishing

Scotty Inman has signed an exclusive songwriting agreement with Daywind Music Publishing. Iman also recently joined the Daywind Records roster.
He has been honored by BMI for songs recorded by Triumphant Quartet and LeFevre Quartet, and has earned cuts from other acts such as Legacy Five, Joseph Habedank, The Kingsmen, The Taylors, The Erwins and more. Inman’s credits include “Going There” and “Sun’s Gonna Come Up,” which have topped the Singing News radio charts eight times. His current single, “Anywhere Jesus Is,” just topped the Singing News Faith Country Top 40 chart.
“I’m thrilled to be back where my writing journey began!,” says Inman. “Almost two decades ago, Rick Shelton and Daywind Publishing took a chance on a young aspiring songwriter, and I’ll never forget that. About ten years ago, I decided to take a step away, and at that time Rick said that I always had a home at Daywind when I was ready to come back. That time has come, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. So, for all the artists who are looking to cut a project soon, please remember to reach out to Rick and ask for my entire catalog!”
Weekly Register: Taylor Swift Returns To The Top Five On Country Albums Chart
/by Liza AndersonTaylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant
Taylor Swift‘s Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) has returned to the top five on the country albums chart this week, landing at No. 5 with 30K in total consumption (8.6K album only/28 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time takes the No. 1 slot again with 75K (2.2K album only/92 million song streams, and Zach Bryan‘s self-titled album stays at No. 2 with 59K (858 album only/74 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album rises to No. 3 with 38K (442 album only/49 million song streams), while Bryan’s American Heartbreak moves to No. 4 with 31K (1.5K album only/38 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart, Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” remains at the top with 21 million new streams, adding to 156 million ATD. Wallen’s “Last Night” bides at No. 2 with 16 million streams, adding to 952 million ATD, and Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” shifts up to No. 3 with 13 million new streams, adding to 998 million ATD. Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” cover claims No. 4 with 12 million streams, adding to 446 million ATD, and Wallen’s “Thinkin’ Bout Me” secures No. 5 with 9.8 million new streams, adding to 402 million ATD.
Zach Bryan Adds 19 New Dates To 2024 Tour
/by Daniel CarterZach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik
Chart-topping songwriter Zach Bryan added 19 dates to his sold-out “The Quittin Time Tour 24” and new special guests. Bryan will play in stadiums and coveted venues in cities such as Nashville, New York, New Orleans and more.
Notably, Bryan will play Nashville’s Nissan Stadium as well as two dates in Belmont Park, New York at the recently-built UBS Arena. Three nights were also added at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena followed by multiple stadium shows nationwide.
The special guests joining Bryan for these dates include Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Turnpike Troubadours, Mt. Joy, The War And Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, The Middle East, Matt Maeson and Levi Turner.
Presale tickets for the added dates will be available on Wednesday, Oct. 18, and general ticket purchases can be made on Friday, Oct. 20.
These new dates for “The Quittin Time Tour 24” are added after Bryan’s release of his chart-topping EP Boys Of Faith and his 2023 self-titled album that has received high praise and recognition across the music industry.
Most recently, Bryan made history with his song featuring Kacey Musgraves titled “I Remember Everything.” The song was the first to ever top the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, Hot Rock Songs and Hot Rock & Alternative Songs charts all at the same time.
New Additions to “The Quittin Time Tour 24”:
March 30 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena *^
March 31 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena *^
May 31 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Alameda County Coliseum ~^
June 2 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena &^
June 3 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena &^
June 4 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena #^
June 14 – Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High #^
June 20 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field +^
June 29 – Nashville, TN – Nissan Stadium %^
July 17 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium &^
July 21 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center &^
July 22 – Sunrise, FL – Amerant Bank Arena &^
July 25 – New Orleans, LA – Caesars Superdome +^
July 27 – Houston, TX – NRG Stadium +^
Aug. 11 – Atlanta, GA – Mercedes-Benz Stadium !^
Aug. 26 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center @^
Dec. 12 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center @^
Dec. 18 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center @^
Dec. 19 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center @^
* The Middle East
~ Mt. Joy
& The War And Treaty
# Sierra Ferrell
+ Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
% Turnpike Troubadours
! Sheryl Crow
@ Matt Maeson
^ Levi Turner
Scotty McCreery To Launch ‘Cab In A Solo Tour’ In January
/by Lorie HollabaughScotty McCreery will kick off 2024 with his headlining “Cab In A Solo Tour” beginning Jan. 26.
Named after his latest single, McCreery will be joined by Anne Wilson, Greylan James and Noah Hicks on select dates of the trek, which will visit Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chattanooga, Des Moines, Boston and more through March 16.
“I’m on the road year-round, but I always love putting together specific tours and I think next year’s ‘Cab In A Solo Tour’ is gonna be one of my favorites,” says McCreery. “Happy to have Anne Wilson join us on the road – she’s a great singer. Depending on the city, either Greylan James or Noah Hicks will be opening up the show and they’re both fantastic performers. And who knows, maybe I’ll share a few songs from my upcoming new album! I’m looking forward to it!”
Tickets go on sale this Friday (Oct. 13) with pre-sales including the Citi pre-sale, which begins today and runs until Thursday (Oct. 12) at 10 p.m. local time. The Scotty McCreery Fan Club pre-sale also begins today at 12 p.m. local time through Thursday. For more information, click here.
McCreery is currently out on the road for his headlining tour with over 25 dates through the fall. He’s among the six 2023 North Carolina Music Hall of Fame inductees who will be inducted on Oct. 19 at the Mooresville Performing Arts Center in Mooresville, North Carolina.
Jordan Davis Extends ‘Damn Good Time Tour’ Into 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan Davis is extending his “Damn Good Time Tour” into 2024, adding additional dates across the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Europe. Ashley Cooke and Mitchell Tenpenny will serve as support.
Davis will kick off the tour Feb. 2 in Copenhagen, Denmark and visit Amsterdam, London, Belfast and more before returning to the U.S. and Canada in April. Tickets will be available through his fan club, The Parish, tomorrow (Oct. 11) before general sales this Friday (Oct. 13). For more information, click here.
Bringing the “Damn Good Time Tour” to Europe as a headliner for the first time, Davis recently celebrated the third consecutive No. 1, “Next Thing You Know,” off his Gold-certified album, Bluebird Days. He is currently nominated for three CMA Awards, including a back-to-back nomination for Song the Year.
Banjo Master Buck Trent Passes
/by Robert K OermannBuck Trent. Photo: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media
One of the greatest banjo stylists in country-music history died yesterday (Oct. 9) at age 85.
Buck Trent is familiar to millions thanks to his regular appearances on such national TV programs as The Porter Wagoner Show, Hee Haw and The Marty Stuart Show. The master showman was revered by generations of country instrumentalists and was the inventor of the electric banjo. He was also noted as a humorist, songwriter and singer.
Trent died in Branson, Missouri on Monday morning. His ebullient personality and infectious on-stage energy were matched by unparalleled musicianship. The latter was displayed on dozens of records. He made 15 solo albums and was also heard on albums by Wagoner, Nancy Sinatra, Mac Wiseman, Wilma Lee & Stoney Cooper, Norma Jean, Johnnie & Jack, Roy Clark and many others.
Those are his distinctively rhythmic acoustic-guitar licks opening Dolly Parton’s iconic “Jolene.” He also played on the singer’s original version of “I Will Always Love You” and on Parton’s albums Coat of Many Colors (1973), My Tennessee Mountain Home (1973) and Rainbow (1987), among others.
Born Charles Wilburn Trent in Spartanburg, South Carolina, he began playing Hawaiian guitar when he was seven years old. He also played Dobro, mandolin, electric bass, guitar and most notably, five-string banjo. He started performing on radio at age 10. When he was 17, he was featured on the TV show of Cousin Wilbur (Westbrooks) in Asheville, North Carolina.
He moved to California, where he performed on Town Hall Party, Hometown Jamboree and other west coast country shows. He then fronted his own bands in San Angelo, Texas and Atlanta (on WJFB-TV).
Trent moved to Nashville and joined the road show of Opry star Bill Carlisle in 1959. After serving a brief stint with Bill Monroe, he joined Porter Wagoner’s troupe in 1962. This is where he developed his electric-banjo innovation alongside steel-guitar maestro Shot Jackson.
The Porter Wagoner Show was the top nationally syndicated country music show of the 1960s. Wagoner’s state-of-he-art troupe also included comic Speck Rhodes, dancing fiddler Mack Magaha and spectacular “girl singer” Parton. Trent played on all of the hit duets recorded by Wagoner and Parton, as well as on her solo LPs. He urged her to record “Mule Skinner Blues,” which became her first top 10 hit (1970).
Trent remained with the Wagoner troupe through 1973. He spent the next seven years with Roy Clark. They were part of the first country music road show to tour the Soviet Union (1976). He and fellow instrumental great Clark created several dazzling duet performances. They were named the CMA’s Instrumental Group of the Year in 1975 and 1976.
When Clark joined the Hee Haw cast, so did Trent. He remained with the show for 19 years. This higher profile led to a number of solo albums showcasing his instrumental gifts. Trent recorded for the Smash, RCA, Boone, Dot and ABC labels, as well as for his own imprint. Among his best-known collections were Bionic Banjo (1976), Oh Yeah! (1977) and Buck Trent (1986).
In the 1990s, Buck Trent became a headliner in Branson, Missouri. Between 2008 and 2015, he was featured on Stuart’s show. He recorded with the future Country Music Hall of Famer on the 2012 CD Tear the Woodpile Down.
Buck Trent embarked on the 2018 “Kornfield Friends” Hee Haw reunion tour alongside former show regulars Lulu Roman, Misty Rowe and Jana Jae. Trent’s final album, Spartanburg Blues, was released in 2018.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Music Row Wears ‘Tennessee Orange’ For Megan Moroney’s First No. 1
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Paul Jenkins, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Kristian Bush and Ben Williams. Photo: Anna Warner
The SESAC rooftop was filled with festivity as members of the Music Row family united in orange attire on Wednesday afternoon (Oct. 4) to celebrate Megan Moroney‘s first No. hit “Tennessee Orange.”
Everyone mingled around clementine-colored tabletops while enjoying food and refreshments as more and more people made their way outside, adding to the tingling zest in the air.
SESAC’s Shannan Hatch took the podium to welcome us and call up Moroney and co-writers Ben Williams, David Fanning and Paul Jenkins as well as producer Kristian Bush. Hatch started her remarks by telling the story of how she met Moroney through her manager, Juli Griffith, and followed by expressing her gratitude and love for the artist and her work ethic.
ASCAP’s Mike Sistad then made his way to the front to recognize Williams, who was also celebrating his first chart-topper. He noted Williams’ bright orange tracksuit was fitting for the event, given that the songwriter’s priority growing up was track and field, which he competed in at Santa Clara University. Sistad shared that Williams started writing songs his freshman of college and transferred from Santa Clara to Belmont University to pursue music. He then gave a shoutout to Williams’ friends and family before officially congratulating the writer on the achievement and stating his belief that there will be more to come.
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen was up next to talk about Fanning, Jenkins and Bush. Keen disclosed that this was Bush’s first time attending a No. 1 party, despite his huge success as part of Sugarland. She shared her love for “Tennessee Orange” before stating that the song marked Jenkins’ sixth No. 1.
Keen also shared that as she had been prepping for the current celebration, Fanning scored a second No. 1 with Parmalee’s “Girl In Mine.” She finished by praising the talent displayed by Moroney and all of the writers.
Hatch stepped back up to present Moroney with a special “Tennessee Orange” Gibson guitar, and introduce Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges and Lauren Thomas to speak.
Hodges started by expressing the Sony team’s pride in the song and thanked Griffith for believing in them. He recognized Thomas’ contribution to the hit before giving her the floor. Thomas then congratulated the creators and thanked all of the promotion team members involved, as well as Hodges, the rest of the Sony crew, Moroney’s team in New York, PunchBowl Entertainment and country radio.
Next on deck was Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston to share more about Jenkins and Moroney.
“Paul doesn’t worry about his next No. 1 or next cut. He cares about what’s really important in life. He cares about his friends, his family and eternity. He cares about the things that matter, and when he goes into the writers’ room, he brings that with him and pours it into his songs,” he told the SESAC rooftop.
Gaston moved on to talk about Moroney stating, “It’s so rare that someone comes along and finds a command of the English language and their own way to use it to tell their stories for their generation.” He added, “[Megan] is a cut above everybody else.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Paul Jenkins, David Fanning, Megan Moroney, Kristian Bush, Ben Williams and MusicRow‘s Liza Anderson. Photo: Anna Warner
Reservoir Media’s John Ozier then took the mic to convey he and the company’s appreciation for Fanning and congratulate all of the tune’s contributors.
“[David] is the hardest worker I know. Not only does he write songs, he also produces them and manages some incredible acts,” Ozier said as he faced Fanning. “We’re so fortunate to have you at Reservoir. Congratulations!” While recognizing the other parties, he made note of Moroney’s performance of the smash single at this year’s NSAI Awards.
“When Megan got on stage and performed [‘Tennessee Orange’] at the Ryman, you could feel the place light up,” he said.
Next up was Major Bob’s Andy Friday, who gave the four honorees special Tennessee hats. He went on to thank everyone who helped bring the song to life and to the top of the charts before shifting his focus to Williams and giving his congratulations.
“If you took the No. 1 away and got rid of all the lights and photos, Ben is just an incredibly solid human being. Anybody that knows him or has had an interaction with him always says the same thing, ‘He’s the nicest guy, he always gets back to me, he always picks up the phone.’ That’s all true.”
Pinnacle Financial Partners’ David DeVaul then took the podium to honor and congratulate the industry members involved in the hit. He was followed by Bush, who moved the crowd with his incredible words as he congratulated and thanked everyone.
“This is the first of many times we’re going to stand here,” Bush declared before recognizing Moroney, Griffith and the writers. “Thank you for trusting me. Thanks to the rest of you for writing the songs with her.” He then turned to the mass in front of him and concluded with, “This is an impossible job. Don’t let her fall.”
Jenkins kicked off the songwriter speeches. “It’s pretty simple. I want to thank God for taking me, and also Megan for taking care of me, my co-writers Ben and David—who are some of my best friends. It’s a privilege to do this.”
Fanning followed, telling the story of how he got involved in the song, thanking Griffith and Tina Crawford as well as others who helped him get to where he is today. He continued by praising Moroney’s skills saying, “To me, it’s not just about the song, it’s about the artist and how they deliver it. The way [Megan] marketed and presented this song to the world is something that is special and really really hard to do, and most artists cannot do it, [but] you slay it.”
Williams was next to express his thanks, and detailed his and Moroney’s friendship while also recognizing the other individuals who have always supported him. “As most of you know, I was Megan’s first co-write in Nashville. It was just the coolest ever to be a year into my first publishing deal, and in a room writing with an artist. I thought ‘Oh my Gosh, this is going to happen.’ I got to be that person that shaped the songs that you hear now [from Megan], and it’s [been] so surreal. I feel like I won the songwriter lottery as well as the friend lottery.”
Then, the CMA New Artist of the Year nominee finally took the mic to share how “Tennessee Orange”—which is also nominated for CMA Song of the Year—has changed her career and life while giving thanks to her team and collaborators.
“It’s insane getting to sing this song every night,” Moroney shared. “And I don’t even have to introduce the song anymore, everyone just freaks out. My fans are also the best. It’s just been a crazy year. My life now from a year ago is completely different and I’m very grateful. It’s just very surreal to be here.”
Zach Bryan Stays Solid Atop The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellZach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik
For the fifth consecutive week, Zach Bryan remains at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
With the recent release of his Boys Of Faith EP, Bryan added five solely-written songs to the country charts, bring his total to a whopping 18 charting songs. Bryan wrote a majority of the bunch by himself, allowing him to earn all of the points associated with those songs.
Ashley Gorley remains at No. 2 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Tracy Chapman (No. 3), Jelly Roll (No. 4) and Oliver Anthony (No. 5) complete the 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.
Garth Brooks To Open His Nashville Bar & Honky-Tonk With Concert
/by Steven BoeroGarth Brooks. Photo: Blue Rose, Inc
Garth Brooks has announced a dive bar concert to celebrate the opening of his Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk in Nashville.
The concert will take place on Black Friday (Nov. 24) and will serve as the first opportunity for fans to get in the bar. The only way in to the concert will be to win tickets by listening to Brooks’ The BIG 615 station on TuneIn.
“How do you open a Friends in Low Places bar??? With a Garth concert!” says Brooks. “This is going to be off the chain. Black Friday, brand new bar, in the home of country music…Hollywood couldn’t write a better script. I can NOT wait!”
The show continues Brooks’ affinity for dive bar shows, after having played at Joe’s on Weed Street in Chicago, Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace in Bakersfield and Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, amongst others. The dive bar concerts were inspired by his single “Dive Bar,” a duet he sang with Blake Shelton.
The BIG 615 radio station can be heard on Brooks’ SEVENS Radio Network which is on TuneIn. With Storme Warren as the official voice, Brooks launched the station earlier this year.
Industry Ink: Stephanie Mundy-Self, Austin Michael, AIMP Nashville, More
/by Liza AndersonStephanie Mundy-Self Named Board Member Of South Carolina Governor’s School Arts & Humanities Foundation
Stephanie Mundy-Self
The South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities Foundation recently welcomed Farris, Self & Moore’s Stephanie Mundy-Self and four other new members to their Board of Directors for a three-year term, which began in July 2023.
Those serving alongside Self include: Jo Bettis, Senior Vice President/Wealth Consultant, First Citizens Wealth Management; Tamara Buie, Chief People Officer, Level Legal; Carl Maki Director of Sales for the Reinforcing Products Group, South Atlantic Galvanizing; and Jane Taylor, Owner, Gatsy Glass of Greater Charleston.
These members will assist the foundation in increasing awareness and raising revenues to ensure excellence in the nation’s premier public residential high school for the arts.
“We are excited to expand our board of directors with these five new members,” says Amanda Herlihy, Governor’s School Foundation Executive Director. “As we embark on a new strategic plan to set the future of the foundation, our new members will bring their passion, skills, and diverse insights and perspectives to fuel our efforts of providing arts education across the state.”
Austin Michael Inks With L3 Entertainment For Management Representation
Pictured (L-R, back row): L3 Entertainment’s Cody Villalobos, Bo Ibbotson, LA Entertainment’s Joey Gonzales; (L-R, front row): Austin Michael and L3 Entertainment’s Pete Hartung
Austin Michael has signed with L3 Entertainment for management representation.
The Texas native learned to ride, rope, hunt and fish at a young age, which began to lead him down a rodeo career path. It wasn’t until he appeared on American Idol in 2019 that he started to pursue music. Since then, Michaels has spent the last few years honing his songwriting and guitar skills while traveling to Nashville, sleeping in his car and knocking on every door for an opportunity.
“I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to work with L3 Entertainment,” he says. “They see what needs to happen and they get it done. I’m grateful to have these guys by my side, and I’m excited to see where this takes us!”
“From the second I came across his social media back in 2020, I knew the kid was special,” says Cody Villalobos, L3 Entertainment’s Vice President. “His vocal ability, authenticity, and charisma combine for a unique aura that you can sense as soon as he walks in the room.”
Peter Hartung, L3 Entertainment’s President, adds, “Austin has all the talent needed to be a major force as an artist. We’re really excited to add him to the L3 Entertainment roster.”
The entertainment company is also the longtime management home of Justin Moore.
AIMP Nashville Hosts Discussion With The MLC’s Kris Ahrend
Pictured (L-R): Me Gusta Music’s Trina Smith-Dort, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, The MLC’s Kris Ahrend, Peermusic’s Kendall Lettow and Big Machine Music’s Tim Hunze
AIMP Nashville hosted a special discussion with Kris Ahrend, CEO of The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC), at The MLC’s Nashville office on Thursday (Oct. 5).
During the event, Ahrend spoke with Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar about what is happening at the company, how payouts might look and when songwriters will see their money.
Gotee Records Signs Charly Beathard
Charly Beathard
Gotee Records has signed Nashville singer-songwriter Charly Beathard.
Although Beathard is the daughter of country music hitmaker Casey Beathard and the sister of Warner Music Nashville artist Tucker Beathard, there was a time when she didn’t see a future in music. But it has now become her tool to help teach others about what means to have faith in God.
Through serving as a worship leader, she developed an authentic sound and deep songwriting skills. When the Gotee Records team attended a morning session at Franklin Prayer House to watch the artist lead worship, the moment quickly turned personal.
“Joey Elwood, the President of our label, asked me to stop in and watch Charly lead worship at a small room in downtown Franklin early one morning,” says Jess Loper, Gotee Records A&R. “I snuck in the back of that room and was immediately floored by the sincerity and emotion in her voice. Her songwriting has grown so much. She is crafting veritable lyrics that universally resonate. We are so grateful for the chance to help share her music and what she is creating with the world.”
Her first single “Hallelujah Anyway,” which was released on Friday (Oct. 6), is a moving pop ballad that channels an unspeakable tragedy into a triumphant anthem. Beathard reveals timeless truths she’s learned after a season of immense pain. Penned with Tyrus Morgan and Molly Reed-Grayson, the song explores her feelings in the wake of her brother Clay’s murder. Home for Christmas break, the college quarterback was stabbed outside a Nashville venue after defending a girl who was being harassed.
“It was definitely written from a deep place that had a lot to do with the things that I’d gone through with my brother Clay going to heaven,” Beathard says.
Even though the song is very personal to her; she sees the message as universal, adding, “We’re all constantly going to be facing trials and hard things on this earth. I love that song because when times are hard and we don’t know what to say, say hallelujah anyway.”
Scotty Inman Signs With Daywind Music Publishing
Scotty Inman has signed an exclusive songwriting agreement with Daywind Music Publishing. Iman also recently joined the Daywind Records roster.
He has been honored by BMI for songs recorded by Triumphant Quartet and LeFevre Quartet, and has earned cuts from other acts such as Legacy Five, Joseph Habedank, The Kingsmen, The Taylors, The Erwins and more. Inman’s credits include “Going There” and “Sun’s Gonna Come Up,” which have topped the Singing News radio charts eight times. His current single, “Anywhere Jesus Is,” just topped the Singing News Faith Country Top 40 chart.
“I’m thrilled to be back where my writing journey began!,” says Inman. “Almost two decades ago, Rick Shelton and Daywind Publishing took a chance on a young aspiring songwriter, and I’ll never forget that. About ten years ago, I decided to take a step away, and at that time Rick said that I always had a home at Daywind when I was ready to come back. That time has come, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds. So, for all the artists who are looking to cut a project soon, please remember to reach out to Rick and ask for my entire catalog!”
Maddie & Tae Extend ‘We Need Christmas’ Project
/by Lorie HollabaughMaddie & Tae are getting in the holiday spirit with their new project We Need Christmas (Extended Version), due out Oct. 27.
The new nine-song project builds on Maddie & Tae’s 2020 We Need Christmas release. Featuring both holiday favorites and festive originals, the extended edition includes three additional seasonal standards: “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “The Christmas Song” and “White Christmas.”
“We had so much fun making and releasing We Need Christmas, we decided to extend it! We hope y’all feel the joy and spirit,” shares Maddie & Tae.
The duo recently released their new single, “Heart They Didn’t Break,” which tells a story of true friendship in times of heartbreak. They are currently nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the upcoming 57th Annual CMA Awards.
We Need Christmas (Extended Version) Track List:
“This Christmas”
“It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas”
“Holly Jolly Christmas”
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
“The Christmas Song”
“Merry Married Christmas”
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
“White Christmas”
“We Need Christmas”