Jordyn Shellhart Slates Debut Album ‘Primrose’ For May

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Jordyn Shellhart. Photo: Jory Lee Cordy

Jordyn Shellhart is set to release her Warner Music Nashville debut project, Primrose, on May 19.

Produced by Cameron Jaymes, the album features 12 songs, nine co-written by Shellhart, including the new single “Tell Your Mother I’m Fine.” Other writers contributing to the project include Marc Beeson, Barry Dean, Allen Shamblin and more.

“I love the character in ‘Tell Your Mother I’m Fine’ because she’s everything I wished I was when I had my heart broken,” explains Shellhart. “She’s maybe not so fine, but she doesn’t need anyone else to see things from her side because I think she trusts her own judgment. And I think that’s cool.”

Shellhart arrived in Nashville at age 10 and was thrown into the scene with a publishing deal, record deal, Grand Ole Opry debut and a country-wide tour all by the age of 16. She has racked up credits as a songwriter for other artists as well, including Little Big Town’s Grammy-nominated “Sugar Coat” and songs recorded by Kelsea Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Don Williams and more.

Primrose Track Listing:
1.   “Amelia” (written by Cameron Jaymes, Jordyn Shellhart)
2.   “Who Are You Mad At” (written by Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, Jordyn Shellhart)
3.   “Tell Your Mother I’m Fine” (written by Jordyn Shellhart)
4.   “Joni” (written by Cameron Jaymes, Savana Santos, Jordyn Shellhart)
5.   “Steal A Man” (written by Barry Dean, Cameron Jaymes, Jordyn Shellhart)
6.   “When Something’s Gotta Give” (written by Marc Beeson, Allen Shamblin, Jordyn Shellhart)
7.   “Dreams Chase You” (written by Cameron Jaymes, Jordyn Shellhart)
8.   “The Only Perfect” (written by Cameron Jaymes, Jordyn Shellhart)
9.   “Maybe Someday You’ll Have A Daughter” (written by Courtney Dashe, Jordyn Shellhart)
10. “On A Piano Bench Getting Wasted” (written by Jordyn Shellhart)
11.  “Irrelevant” (written by Cameron Jaymes, Melissa Peirce, Jordyn Shellhart)
12. “Near-Death Experience” (written by Jordyn Shellhart)

Jaren Johnston, Neil Mason & Warner Launch New Label

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Pictured (L to R): Tom Corson, Co-Chairman & COO, Warner Records; Neil Mason, War Buddha Co-founder; Jaren Johnston, War Buddha Co-founder; Rett Madison; Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co Chairman & CEO, Warner Records

Jaren Johnston and Neil Mason of The Cadillac Three have formed a new Nashville-based label, War Buddha Records, in a joint venture with Warner Records.

The first artist signed to the venture is West Virginia-raised, Los Angeles-based vocalist and songwriter Rett Madison. Fresh from a run of shows with St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Madison is currently on tour and will play a run of shows at SXSW 2023.

Nashville natives Johnston and Mason are longtime friends, and as founding members of The Cadillac Three, have released five albums on Big Machine Records and earned multiple ACM nominations. In addition to their work in the band, both are Grammy-nominated songwriters. Johnston has nine country radio No. 1 singles, with writing and production credits for Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Eric Church, and many more. Mason has penned songs for Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Billy Gibbons, and others.

“For as long as I have known Jaren and Neil, they have never taken a conventional path,” shares Aaron Bay-Schuck, Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records. “They’ve been fearless in their pursuit of great art, never compromising any integrity or authenticity in their approach to their own artistry or collaborations as songwriters and producers for other artists. As we continue to build the Warner Records brand as one that is always a safe and encouraging place for artists who dare to be different, take risks, and have a point of view, it made total sense to partner with War Buddha on their mission to do the same. We are very excited to welcome Rett Madison as the first artist from this partnership and we can’t wait to see what other unique and amazing talent Jaren and Neil discover.”

“As artists ourselves, we created War Buddha first and foremost as a home for artists,” Johnston says. “In partnering with our longtime friend Aaron Bay-Schuck, alongside Tom Corson and the stellar Warner Records team, we saw the opportunity to mix our dirt with Warner’s power to create a venture fostering both creative expression and commercial success.”

“We want the label to offer a platform for artists with unique perspectives who fit out, not in, and feel unafraid to tell their stories unapologetically,” Mason says. “Rett is the perfect first signing for the label: an artist with the incredible ability to capture life experiences in songs that make the listener feel they are in those moments with her. We’re so grateful to Aaron and Tom for the chance to build this label together.”

Caitlyn Smith Supports Indie Venues With Upcoming ‘The Great Pretender Tour’

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Caitlyn Smith. Photo: Rob Morgan

Caitlyn Smith is celebrating the release of her upcoming album High & Low with “The Great Pretender Solo Tour,” an unplugged, unaccompanied slate of new shows. Alex Hall will join Smith as direct support on the new tour.

Kicking off April 3 in Austin, Texas in partnership with DTour, a network of independent venues and promoters, the trek includes 15 shows across the country. Smith will visit Houston, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Denver, Atlanta and more on the tour.

“I wanted to bring my fans into the room with me to where these songs began. Feelings. Stories. One voice and one instrument. Songs in their purest form,” says Smith. “Sharing these wonderfully intimate rooms with people allows me to connect and be more vulnerable than I have been able to be in years. Hopefully this experience will mean as much to my fans as I know it’s going to mean to me.”

General tickets go on sale this Friday, March 10 at CaitlynSmith.com. Smith’s partnership with DTour follows her history of supporting indie venues. In 2021, she released a video depicting the emotional journey of an independent venue owner facing closure. Smith and Old Dominion partnered on the video for her song, “I Can’t,” to chronicle the desperate conditions many beloved live music venues faced due to the pandemic, and encourage viewers to support the National Independent Venue Association and donate to NIVA’s Emergency Relief Fund.

Last year, Smith released High, the first half of the record that she self-produced. On April 14, she’ll release the completion of that project, adding six new songs to make her full new record, High & Low. 

My Music Row Story: Big Loud’s Stacy Blythe

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Stacy Blythe

The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

Leading Big Loud Records in achieving 14 No. 1 singles in seven years of business, Stacy Blythe is a vital part of the ever-changing game of radio promotion, storming right out of the gate in 2015 with the label’s first-ever single release, and driving it to the top of the charts for then-newcomer Chris Lane’s Gold breakout, “Fix.” As SVP of Promotion, she spearheads a team of 10, securing and maximizing airplay for the label’s roster, including Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Lauren Alaina, Hardy, MacKenzie Porter, Ernest, Hailey Whitters, Ben Burgess, Larry Fleet, Lily Rose, Ashley Cooke and Jake Worthington.

Blythe has contributed to the Big Loud roster earning multiple Gold, Platinum, and multi-Platinum certifications and accounting for more than 17 billion global streams to date, making Big Loud Records the Billboard Hot Country Songs label of the year for the last two years. The Pittsburgh native is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with other notable career stops at Category 5 Records, 1720 Entertainment and Stoney Creek Records.

Blythe will be honored as part of the current class of MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row on March 23. For more details about the class and the event, click here.

MusicRow: Where did you grow up?

I grew up in a really small town north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I lived there until I moved to Nashville when I was 19. I’ve now been in Nashville as long as I was there, so Nashville also feels like home. I graduated in a class of 150 students, so the move to Nashville was a big deal.

I started college up there at Grove City College. I went there for two years. I knew I wanted to move to Nashville and that I wanted to be in the business, so I started exploring music business programs, but ultimately looked at internships here for record labels. At that point in time, they wouldn’t even consider you unless you were working towards a music business degree, so I had to transfer. I transferred to MTSU.

Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Blythe

How did you know you wanted to be in the music business?

I knew from a very young age. My parents were both very musical—they sang in church. That was really the start of music for me; being involved in singing and music in church. I fell in love with Randy Travis at a really young age and my parents were so great to take me to see him every time he came through Pittsburgh. I started watching what was going on on the side of the stage and just around me. As I got older, I realized that that was someone’s job. That blew my mind that that was even a possibility. At a young age, I knew that I wanted to be involved in music somehow I just didn’t know in what capacity.

What happened when you got here?

I’m a numbers nerd. I love math and Excel spreadsheets make me very happy. At the time I wanted to be in sales, putting CDs on shelves, so I applied for a sales internship at Sony. They had all of those spots full and Jordan Pettit called me and said, “Hey, there’s nothing in sales, but there is an opportunity in radio promotion if you’d be interested in that.” I didn’t even know that radio promotion was a thing. I grew up listening to country radio but I never put it together that it was someone’s job to get that music on the radio. So I interned at Sony with Jordan. He was probably the first person that I met that was incredibly impactful as far as my path and where I went from there.

Everything that they were doing [in that department] was so outside of my comfort zone. I did not want to be loud. I wanted to be behind a computer just doing my thing. I would listen to Bill Macky and Larry Pareigis on the phone. Listening to their conversations, I thought, “Man, how amazing is it that they’re making such an impact on an artist’s career.” There were some regionals there at the time and I would really just listen to what’s going on. That’s when I began to think maybe this was something that I could do. Bill really believed in me. I think he believed in me more than I believed in myself, and I just kind of fell into the path.

Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Blythe

What happened after that internship?

I graduated and my first job out of college was working as a studio assistant for a songwriter in town. I worked out of his home studio. It was great but definitely a stepping stone for me. One day, Bill Macky walks into the studio. We hadn’t seen each other since the internship and he said, “What are you doing here? I’ll call you this week.” He was on his path from Sony to his next opportunity and he called me and said, “Hey, I’m, I’m going to this start-up label, Category 5 Records, would you be interested in being my promotion coordinator?” It was an instant “Yes.” It was my dream opportunity to work with him.

Category 5 had some rocky times and Bill went to another company called 1720 Entertainment and took me with him there. He eventually promoted me to Northeast Regional. We worked with an artist named Rissi Palmer there. We have so many great memories from that period of time. She was the first Black woman to chart a country song since Dona Mason in 1987, so we were making history there and Rissi just became such a great friend.

What was next?

1720 Entertainment started to end. Then Broken Bow launched Stoney Creek and I went over there to be the Northeast Regional. We were working Megan Mullins and Ash Bowers. I was there for a good period of time and then Big Machine launched Republic Nashville. I got a call one day that they were hiring a Southeast Regional and asked if I would be interested in it. I was like, “I don’t know if this Pittsburgh girl can survive in the south.” I remember walking into WKXC in Augusta and Chris O’Kelley gave me the biggest hug and I was amazed at how they skipped business pleasantries and went straight to fast friends in the south.

I was there for about six years. It was such an important time in my career. We were launching Florida Georgia Line and The Band Perry. We did so many cool things with Martina McBride and Eli Young Band.

Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Blythe

How did you get to Big Loud?

While I was working with FGL, I met Seth England, who was managing them at the time. In 2015, Seth called me and said, “Big Loud is going to start a label. Would you be interested in coming over here to run the promo team?” That was a big jump. He sent me what ended up being Chris Lane‘s very first EP. I got three songs in and I called him back and said, “I’m in.” So in 2015, I came to Big Loud. We built this team and the rest is history.

I came on as national and then in 2018, we were growing and we knew that we needed help. We started to have some success with Morgan Wallen‘s “Up Down” and there was just a lot going on. We knew that we needed another body so that’s when we started the search for a national and they elevated me to VP. Beyond that, we kept growing. We went from working two or three records at a time to working five or six. So then we elevated Tyler Waugh to National, Ali Matkosky to VP and me to SVP. Now we’re in a really great place where everything feels like a well-oiled machine. So much has happened in seven years, we’re so blessed.

What do you remember about the early days of Big Loud?

When we were going for No. 1 on “Up Down” with Morgan, we were in a really tight race with Warner and Blake Shelton. It was the first at Big Loud for me as a leader that was that close. Saturday night, a bunch of my friends from other labels came to my house. We were FaceTiming programmers, everyone brought wine. Having that support from my friends, who are also competitors, was so special. We were all one family. That night is one of my favorite memories from the beginning of this.

Photo: Courtesy of Stacy Blythe

What is the most fulfilling part of what you do?

Watching an artist’s dreams come true. Watching an artist have their first charted single or have their first No. 1. All of those little moments that we get to be a part of are so incredible. It’s so special to be a small part of someone’s big dream.

You will be honored as one of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row later this month. What has your experience been like as a woman in the industry?

When I started, there were not a lot of women on the radio promotion side at all. Especially in leadership positions. Now, there are so many and that makes me so happy. We have a team of 10 total here on our promo team and three are men. We’re 70 percent female on this team and I know you wouldn’t have found a team when I started that was that heavily female. That made it a little bit more intimidating when getting into the field, but I think of all of these strong women like Kristen Williams, Katie Dean and Cindy Mabe that are all leading teams now and so impactful.

At Big Loud, we have a female head of marketing, a female running the publishing company, a female head of international and myself. Seth, Joey [Moi] and Craig [Wiseman] really empower females. They have never made any of us feel lesser than.

Lauren Daigle Drops Single From New Self-Titled Album Out In May

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Lauren Daigle

Grammy-winning artist Lauren Daigle has announced the release of her upcoming self-titled album, out May 12. Daigle is giving fans a taste of the new project with her new single, “Thank God I Do,” out now.

“Thank God I Do” marks the launch of a new creative chapter for the multi-Platinum selling, Louisiana-bred singer-songwriter, who just last month signed to Atlantic Records in partnership with longtime label home Centricity Music.

Lauren Daigle features 20 soulful and uplifting songs that will be released in two parts. The first ten songs are set to arrive May 12, with the other ten to be released later this year. The project taps into every side of the multi-faceted artist, showcasing her powerful voice, rich storytelling, and bold musicality drawn from and inspired by her New Orleans roots.

“This is my most precious project,” shares Daigle. “It’s got fun moments, solemn moments, extrovert moments and introvert moments. And I’m just thrilled about taking my songwriting further on this record than anything I’ve done previously.”

Since the release of her Grammy-winning, Platinum 2018 album Look Up Child, which includes the breakthrough smash single “You Say,” Daigle has been a mainstay on the Billboard charts. When the collection debuted at No. 3 on the Top 200 Albums chart, she became the first female artist in history to simultaneously hit the top 10 on both Billboard’s Pop and Christian Album charts. The LP eventually reached 100 weeks at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart — the greatest number of weeks any artist has spent at the top of any individual album chart. Also, “You Say” is the longest-running No. 1 to appear on any weekly Billboard chart.

Daigle is a two-time Grammy winner, a seven-time Billboard Music Award recipient, a four-time American Music Award recipient and a ten-time GMA Dove Music Award winner.

Ann Chrisman Promotions Announces Expansion Into Texas Market

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Ann Chrisman

Ann Chrisman and Anne Sarosdy of Ann Chrisman Promotions, a promotion company based in Nashville for over 30 years, have announced the expansion into the Texas country music scene.

This strategic move will allow the company to bring its expertise and experience to the vibrant Texas music industry. Ann Chrisman Promotions will continue to operate out of its Nashville headquarters while establishing a presence in Texas, and will continue to work the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

“We have seen the growth and potential of the Texas music scene for years, and we are thrilled to now be a part of it,” says founder Chrisman. “Our team is dedicated to bringing our passion for country music to Texas, and helping emerging artists achieve their goals. Texas has a rich history and culture when it comes to country music, and we are eager to be a part of it. We believe that our experience and knowledge will be a valuable asset to the Texas music community, and we look forward to forging new relationships and partnerships.”

Industry Ink: Keith Urban, CMHOF, Dave Clark, More

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‘Keith Urban: The Las Vegas Residency’ Premieres at Zappos Theater

Keith Urban. Photo: John Shearer.

International star Keith Urban premiered his Las Vegas residency this past weekend at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

“Keith Urban: The Las Vegas Residency” is a new show custom designed for Zappos Theater. The production is a musical journey through Urban’s trove of hits, and runs over two hours in length.

Urban’s performance showcased why he is named one of the best live shows of any musical genre. With a host of No. 1s to choose from, he played “Somewhere in My Car,” “Somebody Like You,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” and “Wasted Time.” His set also included never-before-heard songs, as well as timeless favorites dating back a decade. The immersive experience show also highlighted Urban’s stellar guitar chops.

Tickets to shows through July 1 are on sale now.

CMHOF and Museum Celebrates ‘American Currents: State of the Music’

Pictured (L-R, back row): Parker McCollum, Holly G (Black Opry), Jordan Davis, Ashley Gorley, Hardy and museum CEO Kyle Young. (L-R, front row): Miko Marks, Frankie Staton (Black Country Music Association), Scotty McCreery, Molly Tuttle and Sunny Sweeney. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of the newest exhibition, American Currents: State of the Music. Presented annually, the exhibition looks back at the genre over the previous year to explore the developments, achievements and events. American Currents will run through February 2024.

Artists, musicians, songwriters, and institutions that prominently impacted country music in 2022 are featured in this year’s American Currents. Luke Combs, Charley Crockett, Sierra Ferrell and Rhiannon Giddens are on display alongside Ashley Gorley, Hardy, Cody Johnson, Wynonna Judd, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Scotty McCreery, Reba McEntire, Amanda Shires, Billy Strings, Sunny Sweeney, Molly Tuttle, Shania Twain, Morgan Wallen and Lainey Wilson.

American Currents: State of the Music highlights the musical connections of artists and organizations in “Unbroken Circle.” Featured pairings include the Black Opry and the Black Country Music Association, Jordan Davis and Bob McDill, Miko Marks and Loretta Lynn and Morgan Wade and Elvis Presley.

The exhibit also includes a video compilation of the past year’s most important country music moments, and a recap of the chart-topping country albums and singles and the highest grossing tours. An upcoming Songwriter Session with Marks and Sweeney is set for Saturday, March 11 in celebration of the exhibition opening.

 

Dave Clark Celebrates 28th No. 1 of Five-Decade Career

Pictured (L-R): Dan Dean (Phillips Craig & Dean),Joe Dan Cornett (Daywind Publishing), Leslie Roberts (BMI), Larnelle Harris, Dave Clark, Rick Shelton (Daywind Publishing), Jackie Patillo (Gospel Music Association), Joseph Habedank, Don Koch (Red Street Records). Photo: Carter Adams.

Some of Christian music’s major players gathered at BMI Nashville to celebrate multi-award winning songwriter Dave Clark and his remarkable achievement of numerous No. 1 songs across five decades.

His most recent chart-topping song, “Child of the King,” with Joseph Habedank marked the 28th No. 1 of his career in CCM, inspirational and southern gospel. His hit with Larnelle Harris, “The Father Hath Provided,” released in 1987 and started his career, leading him to Daywind Music Publishing.

Overwhelmed by the love and support of those who came to celebrate him, Clark shares, “I know that, for some, to leave home at 17 with no money and a bad car would seem like a pretty big limb to jump off of, and yet for me the greater risk was always if I had stayed. Make no mistake, if it weren’t for a call, we wouldn’t be standing here. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate something like this than in a roomful of people who have written a story. I’ve been overwhelmed today. Yes, we celebrate the decades, but I’m a guy who’s always measured the journey by the moments, and all the moments are in this room. Everybody in this room represents a different season of what God has let us do all these years. There’s so many memories, so many stories. There’s a line in a Larry Gatlin song that says, ‘I’m just standing here trying to matter.’ By your presence here today, I feel like I do. Thank you.”

 

CMA Hosts Future-Focused ‘MemberSIPS’ Event

Young leaders in the music industry gather for a MemberSIPS event focused on the future of the music industry. Photo: Stephanie Van Horn/CMA

The Country Music Association welcomed its members to its Nashville headquarters for a MemberSIPS event. Young leaders gathered to discuss the future of the music industry.

CMA Senior Director, Business Strategy & Insights Michael Farris moderated the conversation about the challenges and opportunities the industry is facing, including country music’s share in the marketplace and obstacles the genre is facing. CMA created the MemberSIPS to meet its members’ professional development needs. The program offers presentations, discussions, and gatherings to provide networking opportunities while enjoying a beverage with one another.

The next MemberSIPS event, “The Power of Women and Connection,” is set for March 23

 

The Zak Kuhn Show Launches Third Season and Announces Live Tour

Nashville Briefing founder Zak Kuhn launched the third season of his podcast The Zak Kuhn Show on March 7 with the four-date “Hits The Road Tour” to celebrate.

Since the show’s inception in early 2020, Kuhn has recorded over 125 episodes with music leaders and legends including Bobby Bones, Billy Gibbons, Dan Smyers, and more. In its third season, Kuhn continues to highlight leaders in Nashville and will expand his reach to international guests.

The “Hits The Road Tour” is a live podcast event series that takes Kuhn across the country to interview different guests in four cities. Kuhn starts in Boston with Sofar Sounds CEO Jim Lucchese before a stop in Nashville with YouTuber Grady Smith. His tour takes him to Austin’s SXSW with Rachel Whitney (Spotify), Vipin Reddy (Director, Streaming Marketing, Universal Music Group), and Charlene Bryant (Founder, Riveter Management). The tour ends in Chicago with a stop at The Museum of Post Punk & Industrial Music

“When I started this podcast 3 years ago, I had no idea how many adventures it would take me on,” says Kuhn. “From interviewing lifelong idols like Billy Gibbons, to renting a billboard to book a legendary guest, this podcast has helped me cross off some massive bucket list moments. Out of the gate, we are raising the bar this season by hitting the road and bringing the show directly to the listeners. I also can’t wait to reveal the guests we have already booked for this upcoming season. This year will feature conversations with some of the biggest CEOs and most legendary artists we have ever had on the show. It’s going to blow your mind!”

 

The Springboard Music Podcast Launches, Announces Season 1 Lineup

The Springboard Music Podcast, hosted by Rachael Hession (former Manager of National Promotion, Capitol Christian Music Group), launched with its first four episodes and peaked at No. 12 in Apple Music Podcast’s Music Interviews category within its first 24 hours.

Featuring Andrew Brown (Bass Player, Morgan Evans), Shannon Woodworth (Director of Digital Partnerships and Revenue, Universal Music Group), Alex Quattlebaum (Senior Manager of Touring at futureshirts) and Lauren Hungate (Songwriter, Concord and Chromatic Music Publishing), the show debuted on February 7. New episodes will drop every other Tuesday going forward.

The podcast is geared toward an audience who dreams of working in the music industry but does not know where to start through interviews with music industry professionals. Each guest provides insight on how to gain experience and answer whether or not they are “living the dream.” The Springboard Music Podcast will help listeners realize there is space for them at the “music industry table,” no matter what their skills or passions are.

“I hope young professionals won’t feel so alone and lost in their dreams after listening, that they will reach out to the guests, and take steps to gaining experience now to heart,” says Hession. “I also hope that in 10 years, I run into them and hear about their successful careers, making it happen, and still doing what they love.”

Warner Chappell Music Signs Heath Warren

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Pictured (L-R): ​​Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Heath Warren, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and Amanda Roach.

Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing agreement with up-and-coming, Nashville-based songwriter Heath Warren.

Warren’s most notable credits include “Rock and A Hard Place” by Bailey Zimmerman and “Something You Ain’t Ever Had” by country duo Waterloo Revival.

“Rock and A Hard Place” debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and was the second highest debut on the chart for all of 2022. The hit reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is continuing to climb the charts, currently sitting at No. 4 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

The Albuquerque native has a passion for music and a knack for storytelling, writing and producing within multiple genres. He was named one of BMI’s Buzz Writers To Watch, and has also earned cuts with After Midown, Belles, Colbie Caillat, David J, Eric Van Houten, Josh Ross, Willie Morrison and more.

Hannah Babitt Launches Babz Nashville

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Hannah Babitt, Founder & CEO of the management company Babz, has opened Babz Nashville, a second home for the boutique firm that launched in Los Angeles in 2020.

Since January 2022, Babz has consulted for Big Machine Music, and worked with crossover songwriters Laura Veltz, Sara Davis and Geoff Warburton, among others. BABZ also consults with Barry Weiss on his Records label, a Sony Music venture.

Prior to launching Babz, Babitt managed producers at This Is Noise Mgmt. She has also held positions at Pulse Music Group and began her career at The Artists Organization.

“As we celebrate the third anniversary of Babz, we’re thrilled to be a hub for the creation of pop music in both L.A. and Nashville with our immensely talented songwriters, producers and the community around us,” says Babitt. “As fierce advocates for music creators, the Babz team has immense respect for the Nashville songwriting community and looks forward to continuing to forge relationships between L.A. and  Music City. It is a crucial moment for Babz to contribute to the pop marketplace via the collaborations between the Nashville talent and our relationships in L.A.’s pop artist and songwriting community as we simultaneously expand our producer and songwriter roster.”

Babz’s roster of songwriters and producers has expanded over the past three years, and includes Nashville-based songwriter and producer Alex Hope, Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Nick Monson, producer and songwriter Leroy Clampitt, songwriter Madi Yanofsky, Nashville-based songwriter Konrad Snyder and L.A.-based Jesse Fink. Babitt will oversee the company in both Los Angeles and Nashville, with Jacklyn Figueiredo and Eden Lytle based in Los Angeles.

K-Love Fan Awards Weekend To Feature Events With TobyMac, Chris Tomlin, More

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Cain will host the upcoming 10th annual  K-LOVE Fan Awards on May 28 at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House.

Details have also been revealed for some of the weekend’s events, including the Friday night kick-off concert, which will be headlined by TobyMac, and will also feature Colton Dixon, Katy Nichole and Blessing Offor. The Sunday morning worship service will be led by Chris Tomlin and speaker David Nassar.

Tickets for the 2023 K-LOVE Fan Awards Weekend are on sale now, with travel packages still available at klovefanawards.com.