Pictured L-R: Kevin Falck, Kanan Vitolo, Ellie, Lily, Powell, HB Riordan, Chris Kappy

The Castellows, a country music trio of sisters, has signed with Make Wake Artists for management and WME for global representation.

Featuring Ellie on acoustic guitar, Powell on banjo and Lily on lead vocals, The Castellows are from a small southern town where they grew up on a farm, honing their classic sound. The women vowed to continue using the family name “Castellow” in honor of their great-grandmother. After a year of posting videos of their rich harmonies online, The Castellows have built a fanbase of more than 1 million followers across multiple social media platforms.

“We are so excited and honored to make this announcement,” say The Castellows. “Both Make Wake and WME have shown that they see our vision for the music we want to create. Everyone on both of these teams is so amazing and we are so excited to take this next step in our careers with them.”

At Make Wake, The Castellows will be working with Chris Kappy as their manager and HB Riordan as their day-to-day.

“When we first met ‘The Girls’ we were blown away with their authenticity, humor, and creativity,” says Kappy. “Even at this stage in their career, they feel like seasoned veterans when they hit the stage. The sound is there, the chops are there, now we can’t wait to get their music to the fan’s ears and let the magic take place. Happy to be a part of the team!”

At WME, the band will be working with Nashville office Co-Head and Partner Joey Lee and agents Kanan Vitolo and Kevin Falck.

“Lily, Powell, and Ellie captivated us with their incredible harmonies and genuine personalities instantly,” their agent team shares. “They are authentically country and bring a fresh sound to the genre. We couldn’t be more excited to have them at WME and work with them as they embark on the next chapter of their career.”

The trio spent the summer writing, recording and touring, including an opening slot with Turnpike Troubadours in early September.

Pictured (L-R): Ed Butler, Tennessee State Representative; Mark Ezell, Tourist Development Commissioner; Dean Dillon; Faith and Hope, Dillon’s sisters. Photo: Courtesy of Adventure Anderson County

Legendary songwriter Dean Dillon has been honored with a new Tennessee Music Pathways marker, which was unveiled at a ceremony on Sept. 22.

Returning home to Rocky Top to celebrate, Dillon joined state and local officials for the unveiling of the marker not far from his hometown of Cherry Bottom.

“I like to think my accomplishments were seeded here as I look back on my days,” said Dillon about the special celebration honoring his legacy.

Dillon has penned dozens of hits, having written or co-written songs for George Jones, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith and 11 No. 1 hits for George Strait, some of those being “The Chair,” “Nobody in his Right Mind Would’ve Left Her” and “Ocean Front Property.”

After winning a talent contest at Jacksboro High School in Campbell County, he began performing regularly in Knoxville on the Jim Clayton Star Time television show. Dillion graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 1973 before hitchhiking his way to Nashville, where he began work as an Opryland performer. He made his first record in 1974, and scored his first chart-topping single in 1979. In 2002, Dillion was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and is a 2013 BMI Icon recipient. The Tennessee native now resides in Colorado.

Michelle Attardi

Big Machine Music has elevated Michelle Attardi to Senior Director, Publishing, effective immediately.

Since joining BMM seven years ago, Attardi has been part of the core creative team representing roster of songwriters and its catalog that has grown to over 14,000 songs and more than 50 No. 1’s across the top 40, country and rock radio charts. Attardi was integral in the signing of Daniel Ross, Matt Roy, Troy Cartwright and Geoff Warburton. She has also secured cuts with Jon Pardi, Lady A, Jason Aldean, Jake Owen and Mitchell Tenpenny, among others.

“Michelle has great ears and a passion for her songwriters. I’m happy to see her take this hard-earned next step in her career at Big Machine Music,” shares BMM’s President Mike Molinar of the promotion.

Named to MusicRow Magazine’s esteemed Next Big Thing industry directory in 2020 and 2023, the Berklee College of Music graduate is currently on the board of Wags and Walks Nashville.

“I’m deeply honored and thankful to be part of Big Machine Music,” shares Attardi. “I have the privilege of working with incredible talent and I’m excited to continue fostering these exceptional songwriters and artists. I’m grateful for the support and mentorship of Scott Borchetta and Mike Molinar and look forward to contributing to the continued success of our publishing roster.

Congratulate Attardi at michelle.attardi@bigmachinemusic.com.

Sina Seger, Nicole Ranieri and Ally Venable

Entertainment marketing agency FlyteVu has appointed Sina Seger as its first General Manager. The company has also promoted Nicole Ranieri to Head of Accounts, and welcomed Ally Venable as Head of Talent.

Founded and helmed by Jeremy Holley and Laura Hutfless, FlyteVu seeks to connect brands to consumers through the power of pop culture and purpose. The agency hopes to expand the business and future growth initiatives with the help of its leadership team while maintaining its commitment to giving back to the community and serving clients.

As General Manager, Seger will oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency. She joined FlyteVu in 2017 after receiving her MBA from Vanderbilt University. During her time at the agency, she has led its largest growth accounts including Barefoot Wine, Cracker Barrel, Jack Daniel’s, Norwegian Cruise Line and Vanderbilt Health, while overseeing the execution of campaigns that utilize the power of music, entertainment and the latest innovations in tech and pop culture. Seger is a member of Leadership Music’s Class of 2023, and currently serves as a mentor for the OnRamp program created by the Academy of Country Music and Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).

“Every single person on our team operates at the highest levels of excellence and creativity, with a work ethic and client focus that’s unmatched by any other team I’ve come across in my career,” says Seger. “I am equally thrilled and humbled to serve as its leader alongside a tremendously capable and dedicated leadership team as we enter a new era of growth and expansion for FlyteVu and our clients. I have and continue to be in awe of Laura and Jeremy’s vision and leadership in the eight years since founding FlyteVu, and words can’t express the gratitude I have for their trust and mentorship that make this next step possible.”

Ranieri has been promoted from Account Director to Head of Accounts. In her new role, she will oversee the management and growth of FlyteVu clients as well as the performance and success of the Accounts team. With over a decade of advertising client service experience, Ranieri has spent time at both small and large firms, including Wunderman Thompson, iHeartMedia and JWT. She has developed and launched 360 campaigns for a variety of clients such as Nestlé, Diageo, Unilever, Aflac, Macy’s and American Express. During Ranieri’s time at FlyteVu, she has led accounts for clients including David’s Bridal, VistaPrint, Barefaced, Prime Video, Netspend, Ashley Furniture and The General. Ranieri also won a Shorty Digital Impact Award in 2022 and activated at the Super Bowl this year.

Venable joins the agency as Head of Talent, overseeing FlyteVu’s Talent & Influencer Department. She will lead in shaping and executing the agency’s Talent strategy, developing Talent-led programs, fostering industry relationships and brokering all Talent & Influencer partnerships. In her prior role at Mandolin, Venable worked with artists such as Miguel, Lainey Wilson and Ben Folds to grow their reach by focusing on the importance of analyzing first party data, translating to database growth of up to 43 percent. She also spent time at Iconic Entertainment as a member of the management team for Kelsea Ballerini, LeAnn Rimes, Levi Hummon, Joel Crouse and J. Human. Venable also co-founded The Other Nashville Society (TONS), a local trade and social organization for alternative music and arts.

“We’re honored to work with and elevate this talented group of executives. We’re excited to witness the dynamic energy they bring to FlyteVu and the broader entertainment industry,” says Holley. “As we continue to grow, we remain committed to identifying and promoting individuals who share their passion and demonstrate purpose-driven leadership.”

Additionally, the company recently expanded with FV Incubator, a marketing incubator for mission drive start-ups and FV3, a Web3 digital and customer loyalty agency. Joined by Seger, Ranieri and Venable, other members of the leadership team include Brewer Adams, Head of Production; Brittany Rashkin, Head of Publicity; Miriam Singer, Head of HR & Operations; and Scott Bennett, Chief Financial Officer.

“Over the past eight years, FlyteVu has built a solid reputation for innovation, excellence, and generosity in the industry,” says Hutfless. “Sina and our leadership team have played instrumental roles in our growth and success. We are thrilled to enter FlyteVu’s next chapter as we continue to innovate, disrupt and propel our clients forward.”