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

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

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

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

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!”

California-born, singer-songwriter Dillon James has released his major label debut single, “Walking Man.”

The song, produced by Paul DiGiovanni and Paul Sikes, was penned by James with Sikes and Paul Wrock. An autobiographical introduction to James, the track is the first new music from the artist since his signing to Buena Vista Records/UMG Nashville/19 Recordings.

Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, James was influenced by the city’s blend of rock and country from an early age, picking up a guitar for the first time at age 10. He began writing songs as a teen, and with inspiration from local heroes Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, James developed the country-rock vocals and storytelling that would define his own sound.

After winning several competitions and a brief stint working as an actor in Los Angeles, James entered a turbulent period of substance abuse and homelessness. During this painful time, he realized that if he could heal himself and achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a singer-songwriter, he could become a living testament to others as well. He accomplished his goal and moved to Nashville to live out his dream.

“Dillon is going to leave an indelible fingerprint on country music,” shares UMG Nashville Chair & CEO, Cindy Mabe. “His purpose and vision is to share his fiery lyrics and his raw gritty sound infused with his life’s journey with the world, bringing in his story of loss, hope, faith and redemption to country music. I’m so proud to add Dillon to our UMGN family.”

James is managed by The Core Entertainment.

The lineup of performers has been announced for “A Heroes & Friends Tribute to Randy Travis – One Night, One Place, One Time” which is set to take place at Von Braun Center’s Propst Arena in Huntsville, Alabama on Oct. 24.

The special event honoring Travis will include performances from Aaron Lewis, Craig Campbell, Darryl Worley, David Nail, Dennis Quaid, Jerrod Niemann, John Berry, Lee Roy Parnell, Shenandoah, T. Graham Brown, Taylor Hicks, Tony Jackson, The Original Randy Travis Band and more, along with several surprise guests.

Tickets are on sale now at the Von Braun Center Box Office as well as ticketmaster.com and randytravis.com. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Randy Travis Foundation, which is focused on stroke and aphasia awareness in addition to supporting music education in schools.

Darius Rucker, Don McLean, Duane Eddy and former record label executive Joe Galante were the latest members to receive stars during their induction into the The Music City Walk of Fame last week in Nashville.

Professional wrestler Ric Flair inducted his buddy Rucker during the ceremony, while Connie Valens—the sister of the late Ritchie Valens whose death was immortalized in “American Pie”—presented McLean with the honor. Music City Walk of Fame member Steve Wariner inducted Eddy with his star, and Music City Walk of Fame member Vince Gill recognized Galante with his marker.

The ceremony added the 101st, 102nd, 103rd and 104th stars on the Music City Walk of Fame, which was created in 2006 on Nashville’s Music Mile, a one-mile stretch that connects downtown to Music Row. Inductees are recognized for preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song.