Tim Montana Wraps Inaugural ‘American Thread’ Benefit

Pictured (L-R): Trevor Pardue, Tim Montana and Scott Graves. Photo: Patrick Adas
Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group artist Tim Montana held his sold-out inaugural “American Thread” benefit concert on Oct. 2 at Nashville’s City Winery. The special concert event and the following day’s clays shoot raised over $334,000 for people in uniform, benefiting Special Ops Xcursions, a nonprofit that supports U.S. special operations forces and their families.
Special surprise guest performers included Colbie Caillat, Collective Soul, Darryl Worley, Elvie Shane, Michael Ray and Tyler Farr. The event also featured guest speaker Sgt. Omar “Crispy” Avila, a war hero and U.S. Army veteran. Action sports legend Travis Pastrana and his sidekick, Street Bike Tommy, were also in attendance. After this week’s events – four years since the clays shoot’s inception – Montana has officially raised over 1.1 million dollars for Special Ops Xcursions.
Brother Thunder, Tanner Usrey, More Take BMI’s Austin City Limits Stage

Brother Thunder performs on the BMI Stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI returned to the 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival last weekend (Oct. 6-8) for its 20th anniversary as the BMI Stage featured performances by emerging talent across all genres. Acts showcased over the weekend included Delacey, Brother Thunder, Bass Drum Of Death, Patrick Martin, Serayah, Husbands, Shaed, Major., Grace Sorensen, Sunrose and Tanner Usrey. BMI has curated a musically diverse lineup at ACL Fest for the past two decades.
‘Dogtober’ Writers’ Round Deemed A Howling Success

Pictured (L-R): Danielle Breezy, Tina Parol, Jillian Cardarelli, Levi Hummon, Jonathan Sherwood and Joe Breezy. Photo: Dusty Barker
Singer-songwriters Jillian Cardarelli, Levi Hummon, Tina Parol and Jonathan Sherwood came together recently for a special “Dogtober” Writers’ Round at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville to benefit the Pedigree Foundation.
The event, hosted by media personalities Joe Breezy (Mix 92.9 / Local on 2) and Danielle Breezy (WKRN Chief Meteorologist), was part of the year-long celebration of the Pedigree Foundation’s 15th birthday. Nearly 3.1 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. Pedigree Foundation’s goal is to support shelter and rescue organizations across the nation that are focused primarily on supporting fostering, behavior and transport programs as well as disaster relief, while ultimately helping dogs in need find a loving home.
Tribute Quartet Extends Deal With Daywind Records

Pictured (L-R): Ian Owens, Josh Singletary, Gary Casto, Gus Gaches, Dusty Wells, Ed Leonard and Rick Shelton
Tribute Quartet re-signed with Daywind Records at the recent National Quartet Convention, extending their long-term relationship.
The group’s members Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, Gus Gaches and Ian Owens were on hand with Daywind representatives to celebrate with a plaque recognizing their eight No. 1’s with Daywind Records.
“It is truly an honor for Tribute Quartet to continue our relationship with Daywind Records! Being a part of this great team allows us to share our music with the world. We look forward to many more years with our family at Daywind Records,” states Casto.
ONErpm Signs Singer-Songwriter Dan Smalley
/by Daniel CarterPictured (L-R, back row): Kylie Dembek, Ryan Cunningham, Tiffany Dunn (Loeb and Loeb). (L-R, front row): Shelby Kennedy, Dan Smalley, Tim Wipperman. Photo: Alex McGinnis
ONErpm Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Dan Smalley.
The Alaskan-born and Louisiana-raised musician moved to Nashville in 2017 after signing his first publishing deal with Keith Stegall. He then found success as a BMI songwriter, garnering cuts with multiple artists. Now aligned with ONErpm, Smalley is focused on his own artistry.
He plans to release a series of singles leading up to the release of his first self-produced, full-length record, The State of Country Music, in April 2024.
“I didn’t drag my family across the country to let a couple of disappointing deals slow me down. I feel like I spent the last six years learning valuable lessons from the best in the business; now I’m looking toward the future,” he says.
“We are thrilled Dan Smalley has signed with us,” says Tim Wipperman, Managing Director of ONErpm Nashville. “He offers a new brand of country music, infused with the swampy sounds of his roots. Dan will be releasing songs regularly in advance of an album project next year.”
Triple Tigers Records Promotes Raffaella Braun To VP, National Promotion
/by Liza AndersonRaffaella Braun
Triple Tigers Records has promoted Raffaella Braun to VP, National Promotion.
The Vanderbilt graduate received a Music Business Certificate from the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University (NYU), and started her career at CAA in 2002, rising to agent in 2008. In 2011, Braun moved to Regional Promotion West Coast for Warner Music Nashville, and joined Triple Tigers as National Director of Promotion in 2019.
“It’s not really possible to describe Raffi’s value and positive impact on this label in a quote,” says Kevin Herring, Triple Tigers Co-President, “She’s simply amazing, and one of the most inspiring passionate people I’ve ever been around.”
“I’m honored and enthused to continue growing with Triple Tigers in this increased capacity,” says Braun. “I can’t get enough of our artists and team, and am thrilled to keep learning the business from Kevin and Annie [Ortmeier].”
Braun can be reached at raffaella@tripletigers.com.
UTA Signs Fancy Hagood
/by Daniel CarterPictured (L-R): Natalie Osborne (Red Light Management), Nick Barnes (UTA), Marissa Smith (UTA), Fancy Hagood, Brian Hill (UTA), Lolo McClusky (UTA). Photo: Courtesy of UTA
UTA has signed singer-songwriter Fancy Hagood to a worldwide representation deal in all areas.
Hailing from Bentonville, Arkansas, Hagood has found success in the industry by writing hit songs for major acts such as Christina Aguilera, Little Big Town, Anderson East and Rascal Flatts. After the release of his 2021 debut album, Southern Curiosity, Hagood gained recognition through his nomination for Best Country Record at The Liberia Awards and has received praise from legendary artists as an artist to watch from Brandi Carlile and Sir Elton John. In 2022, he released his popular collaboration “Blue Dream Baby” alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Kacey Musgraves.
Hagood has accumulated over 30 million streams across multiple services and is the host of two Apple Radio shows titled Trailblazers, where he celebrates the expansion of country music, and Hallelujah Anyway, where he explores the relationship between spirituality and music.
Hagood is currently opening for Brothers Osborne in their fall tour and has recently released the first single “Southern Sound” from his upcoming sophomore album.
Tenasie Courtright Rises To Creative Manager At Jody Williams Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughTenasie Courtright. Photo: Aubrey Wise
Tenasie Courtright has been promoted to Creative Manager at Jody Williams Songs.
Formerly Creative Coordinator for the company, she joined Jody Williams Songs in December of 2022. Under the guidance of Senior Director, Creative, Nina Jenkins Fisher, Courtright has enhanced the company’s effort to creatively support their ten staff writers. She graduated from Belmont University with a degree in music business.
“Tenasie has become a very effective publisher in a short period of time and notching her up to Creative Manager was a no-brainer, just like hiring her,” shares Fisher. “She is enthusiastic about everything our songwriters touch and is curious about every piece of the industry. We’re lucky to have her on the team.”
Jody Williams Songs, a joint venture with Warner Chappell Music, represents Ashley McBryde, Natalie Hemby, Vince Gill, Jeremy Spillman, Harper O’Neill, Peytan Porter, Driver Williams, Jason Nix, Trent Dabbs and Andy Austin.
Nicolle Galyon To Share Surprise EP ‘Second Wife’ On Friday
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Claire Schaper
Hit songwriter Nicolle Galyon, known for her nostalgic stories of strength, home and heartbreak, will continue to deepen her identity as artist-songwriter as she pulls back the curtain on her life as a wife with her surprise EP Second Wife, out this Friday (Oct. 13) on her and fellow renowned songwriter Rodney Clawson‘s 16th wedding anniversary.
Written by the couple over a long weekend at their farm outside of Nashville, Second Wife welcomes listeners into their world with what Galyon calls a an “imperfect, honest and kind of irreverent” title, six personal tracks and accompanying videos. The collection was recorded with co-producers Jimmy Robbins and King Henry at the famed Sonic Ranch in Texas, and follows Galyon’s debut project Firstborn.
“Second Wife shows the side of me that is flawed, self-deprecating, understated, silly, and yet unconventionally traditional. The side of me that fell in love at 21. That’s a side of me that I don’t always show—the married one,” shares Galyon. “If Firstborn was a memoir, Second Wife is more of a fun adventure in real time.” She adds, “the thing about Second Wife is even the title itself is imperfect. That’s probably my favorite thing about being one. The illusions (and delusions) I had as a firstborn were gone once I became one.”
The EP opens with a one minute prelude, “Jo.,” which finds Galyon expressing gratitude to her mother-in-law, detailing all of the ways she helped shape Clawson. In the upbeat, tongue-in-cheek “Prenup.,” the husband and wife poke fun at their lack of need for a prenup upon marriage, with Clawson’s vocals carrying the second verse and chorus. The next track “The Grain.” is a piano-driven ballad that reminds listeners how different love stories can look as it nods to Galyon’s home state of Kansas.
The second half starts with “Rooms.,” a vulnerable confession chronicling how walking into rooms together has evolved throughout their relationship. A metaphor for multiple life experiences, Galyon’s anxieties are ultimately overshadowed by her unwavering desire to be with Clawson. “Texas Hold ‘Em.” brings the EP to a crescendo in energy, as she shows her lighthearted side while singing the cheeky, romantic tune. Second Wife then concludes with “Under The Rainbow.,” a foreshadowing of her family’s recent move back to her hometown of Sterling, Kansas—a place that has stayed at the core of her writing over the last two decades.
Second Wife Track Listing:
1. “Jo.” (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
2. “Prenup.” (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
3. “The Grain.” (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
4. “Rooms.” (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
5. “Texas Hold ‘Em.” (Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
6. “Under The Rainbow.” (Harold Arlen, Yip Harburg)
‘Girls Of Nashville’ Writers’ Round Returns To City Winery
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: Girls of Nashville founders Heather Morgan and Mags Duval. Not pictured: Founder Caitlyn Smith. Photo: Katie Kauss
“Girls of Nashville” is returning with its latest installment of its beloved writers’ round at City Winery Nashville on Nov. 1. Singer-songwriter and Apple Music Radio Host Kelleigh Bannen will join the fun as guest host.
The evening will include three rounds of performances by singer-songwriters Tanner Adell, Bannen, Ella Boh, Corrina, Carter Faith, Madeline Edwards, Ashley Ray and “Girls of Nashville” founders Mags Duval and Heather Morgan, accompanied by an all-female house band. Tickets to the show can be purchased on the City Winery website.
Founded in 2014, “Girls of Nashville” has strived to share the female voices of Music City. The show always focuses on giving back to the community, and the November event will be dedicated to the Preservation Society of Nashville. Past performers at “Girls of Nashville” events include Kacey Musgraves, Hillary Lindsay, Liz Rose, Maren Morris, Natalie Hemby, Nicolle Galyon, Lainey Wilson and many more.
IEBA Celebrates 2023 Winners At Honors & Awards Ceremony
/by Lorie HollabaughJo Dee Messina hosts 2023 IEBA Honors & Awards. Photo: Ed Rode
IEBA, the trade organization for live entertainment professionals, wrapped its 53rd annual conference last night (Oct. 10) with its Honors & Awards Ceremony.
Jo Dee Messina emceed the event, which honored and celebrated those who work tirelessly behind the scenes of the live entertainment business.
“Behind every successful show, there are unsung heroes off-stage. The contributions of those who labor behind the curtains, out of the spotlight, are the very backbone of our industry,” says IEBA’s Executive Director Pam Matthews. “These award winners are the architects of our most unforgettable moments. We owe the magic of entertainment as much to their dedication and passion as we do to those who stand in the limelight.”
2023 Winners:
Club of the Year: (tie) 9:30 Club and First Avenue
Casino of the Year: MGM Grand
Theater of the Year: Beacon Theatre
Arena of the Year: Madison Square Garden
Amphitheater of the Year: The Greek Theatre (Los Angeles)
Fair/Expo of the Year: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Festival of the Year: Stagecoach
Club Buyer of the Year: Michelle Landry
Casino Buyer of the Year: Leslie Master
Special Events/Corporate Buyer of the Year: G7 Entertainment Marketing
International Buyer of the Year: Steve Homer
Fair/Expo Buyer of the Year: Todd Boltin
Festival Buyer of the Year: Danny Wimmer
Venue Executive of the Year: Laurie Jacoby
Music & Entertainment Industry Educator of the Year: Gloria Green, MTSU
Agent of the Year: Austin Neal
Promoter of the Year: Adam Weiser
IEBA’s 54th Annual Conference will be held October 6 – 8, 2024 at the Grand Hyatt in Nashville.
Adam Weiser (Promoter of the Year) of AEG and Austin Neal (Agent of the Year) of The Neal Agency. Photo: Ed Rode
Michelle Landry (Club Buyer of the Year) of The Bowery Presents and Stacy Vee (Festival of the Year, Stagecoach) of Goldenvoice. Photo: Ed Rode
Second Round Of Performers Announced For 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards
/by Steven BoeroThe Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced the second round of performing artists for the 54th annual GMA Dove Awards.
The second round includes Blanca and Jekalyn Carr, Elevation Worship, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and Take 6 as well as Jason Crabb and Dylan Scott. There will also be a special performance from TobyMac, Grits, Hulvey and Social Club Misfits to celebrate both the history and future of Christian hip-hop. Host Tauren Wells announced the performers live on-air with SiriusXM The Message’s The Olivia Lane Show.
The GMA Dove Awards will air exclusively on TBN and The TBN App on Friday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. CT and 9 p.m. CT, and the audio simulcast will air on SiriusXM’s The Message and the SiriusXM App. An encore presentation of the broadcast will air on TBN Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. CT and 9 p.m. CT.
Today, the GMA also announced the lineup of presenters, which consists of Brian Courtney Wilson, Brooke Ligertwood, Chris Tomlin, Christine D’Clario, David Leonard, Dennis Quaid, Jenn Johnson, Jonathan McReynolds, Joseph Habedank, Julie Chen Moonves, Lauren Daigle, Limoblaze, Naomi Raine, Pastor Michael Todd, Point of Grace, Rachael Lampa and Riley Clemmons.
Tickets have sold out for the in-person Nashville event happening Oct. 17 at the Allen Arena on the campus of Lipscomb University.
Key partners for this year’s Dove Awards include Christian nonprofit Cantinas Arts Foundation, whose mission is to support artists who share their talent and faith through arts and media; WieRok Entertainment, an organization passionate about creating and supporting Christian creatives in making and distributing great content; and Lipscomb University, who has served as the Dove Awards venue host for a decade.
Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt will serve as Showrunners and Executive Producers, alongside Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as Producers. Russell E. Hall returns as Director, with Michael Nolan as Scriptwriter and Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as Production Manager.
Adam Doleac To Hit The Road On ‘Wrong Side Of A Sunrise Tour’
/by Daniel CarterAdam Doleac will head out on the road for his headlining “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise 2024 Tour.”
Doleac will kick off the run in Nashville on Feb. 21, and hit additional cities such as Boston, Atlanta, Charlottesville and more. He will be joined by openers Graham Barham, Greylan James and Troy Cartwright on select dates.
Members of Doleac’s fan club had exclusive first access to tickets earlier today. General tickets will be available on Friday, Oct. 13 beginning at 10 a.m. local time.
The “Wrong Side Of A Sunrise 2024 Tour” marks Doleac’s second headlining tour since the release of his debut album and sold-out, “Barstool Whiskey Wonderland Tour.”
“Wrapping the ‘Barstool Whiskey Wonderland Tour’ earlier this year was a surreal and special moment as it marked the release of my debut album and first headlining tour. Now, looking ahead to this next tour, I can’t wait to get back out on the road again and share some special moments and the new music I’ve been working on,” Doleac shares. “I’m beyond excited to share these memories with y’all next year.”
The tour announcement follows several successful singles for Doleac, such as “Don’t Make Me Get Over You,” “Biggest Fan” and “Wrong Side of a Sunrise.”
Doleac is currently joining Carly Pearce on her “Country Music Made Me Do It” nationwide tour for select dates. Earlier this fall, he joined Old Dominion for a string of shows on their “No Bad Vibes Tour.”
Industry Ink: Tim Montana, BMI, ‘Dogtober’ Writers’ Round, Tribute Quartet
/by Lorie HollabaughTim Montana Wraps Inaugural ‘American Thread’ Benefit
Pictured (L-R): Trevor Pardue, Tim Montana and Scott Graves. Photo: Patrick Adas
Music Knox Records/BBR Music Group artist Tim Montana held his sold-out inaugural “American Thread” benefit concert on Oct. 2 at Nashville’s City Winery. The special concert event and the following day’s clays shoot raised over $334,000 for people in uniform, benefiting Special Ops Xcursions, a nonprofit that supports U.S. special operations forces and their families.
Special surprise guest performers included Colbie Caillat, Collective Soul, Darryl Worley, Elvie Shane, Michael Ray and Tyler Farr. The event also featured guest speaker Sgt. Omar “Crispy” Avila, a war hero and U.S. Army veteran. Action sports legend Travis Pastrana and his sidekick, Street Bike Tommy, were also in attendance. After this week’s events – four years since the clays shoot’s inception – Montana has officially raised over 1.1 million dollars for Special Ops Xcursions.
Brother Thunder, Tanner Usrey, More Take BMI’s Austin City Limits Stage
Brother Thunder performs on the BMI Stage at Austin City Limits Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI returned to the 2023 Austin City Limits Music Festival last weekend (Oct. 6-8) for its 20th anniversary as the BMI Stage featured performances by emerging talent across all genres. Acts showcased over the weekend included Delacey, Brother Thunder, Bass Drum Of Death, Patrick Martin, Serayah, Husbands, Shaed, Major., Grace Sorensen, Sunrose and Tanner Usrey. BMI has curated a musically diverse lineup at ACL Fest for the past two decades.
‘Dogtober’ Writers’ Round Deemed A Howling Success
Pictured (L-R): Danielle Breezy, Tina Parol, Jillian Cardarelli, Levi Hummon, Jonathan Sherwood and Joe Breezy. Photo: Dusty Barker
Singer-songwriters Jillian Cardarelli, Levi Hummon, Tina Parol and Jonathan Sherwood came together recently for a special “Dogtober” Writers’ Round at The Listening Room Cafe in Nashville to benefit the Pedigree Foundation.
The event, hosted by media personalities Joe Breezy (Mix 92.9 / Local on 2) and Danielle Breezy (WKRN Chief Meteorologist), was part of the year-long celebration of the Pedigree Foundation’s 15th birthday. Nearly 3.1 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. Pedigree Foundation’s goal is to support shelter and rescue organizations across the nation that are focused primarily on supporting fostering, behavior and transport programs as well as disaster relief, while ultimately helping dogs in need find a loving home.
Tribute Quartet Extends Deal With Daywind Records
Pictured (L-R): Ian Owens, Josh Singletary, Gary Casto, Gus Gaches, Dusty Wells, Ed Leonard and Rick Shelton
Tribute Quartet re-signed with Daywind Records at the recent National Quartet Convention, extending their long-term relationship.
The group’s members Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, Gus Gaches and Ian Owens were on hand with Daywind representatives to celebrate with a plaque recognizing their eight No. 1’s with Daywind Records.
“It is truly an honor for Tribute Quartet to continue our relationship with Daywind Records! Being a part of this great team allows us to share our music with the world. We look forward to many more years with our family at Daywind Records,” states Casto.