Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has elevated Courtney Daly, Bekah Digby and Marie Wapelhorst to Director of Streaming positions, as well as Anna Scott Welch to Manager of Streaming, and added Sam Featherstone as Director of Streaming.

Daly has been instrumental in leading digital partnerships and driving streaming consumption for established artists Brantley Gilbert, Lady A, Tim McGraw and more since joining BMLG seven years ago as an intern. The Vanderbilt University graduate oversees YouTube channel growth and engagement on behalf of the entire label group through editorial placement, marketing initiatives and content development.

Since joining BMLG in 2020, Digby has contributed significantly to the growth of rising talent, having secured back-to-back placement on The Pandora Ten with Conner Smith in 2022 and Jackson Dean in 2023 – making them the only country artists featured on Pandora’s all-genre Artist To Watch List two years running. The San Diego State University alum has presented Billionaire Awards to Justin Moore, Eli Young Band, Brett Young and more for achieving over one billion streams on Pandora.

Wapelhorst, who also joined the label group in 2020, has been a crucial team member, spearheading a partnership with Peloton that launched campaigns for Carly Pearce, Florida Georgia Line and Thomas Rhett as well as pairing McGraw with Spotify-exclusive series The Drop In, where he virtually surprised a group of healthcare workers during the pandemic. The Belmont University graduate was also essential in the success of Danielle Bradbery’s hit “Stop Draggin’ Your Boots,” led by placement on Spotify’s Hot Country playlist, which has amassed more than 53 million streams to date.

After joining BMLG in 2021, Welch became an integral part of the music streaming team and will continue cultivating relationships between the label group’s multi-genre artist roster and partners in her new role, working closely with SoundCloud, TouchTunes, TIDAL and more. Prior to BMLG, the Auburn University alum served as the Data & Operations Coordinator at Integrity Music.

Featherstone comes to the label group from Sony Music Entertainment where he served as the Associate Director of Commercial Partnerships. The Middle Tennessee State University graduate has worked with notable acts including Dolly Parton, H.E.R, Kirk Franklin, Maverick City Music, Walker Hayes, Zach Williams and more.

“I’ve been honored to work alongside Courtney, Bekah, Marie and Anna Scott on the Big Machine Stream Team for several years now,” shares Vice President, Digital Consumption Dave Kelly. “Their promotions are all hard earned and well-deserved, plus we’re equally thrilled to welcome Sam to this team of amazing music executives. They all understand the ever-changing landscape that is streaming in 2023. I have full confidence that they will continue to stay on the forefront of all the new and exciting ways to work with our partners exposing the amazing music Scott Borchetta, our A&R team and our artists work so hard to deliver!”

Maddie & Tae’s “Die From a Broken Heart” Certified Triple Platinum

Maddie & Tae were surprised with a plaque celebrating their song “Die From A Broken Heart” reaching triple Platinum certification by the RIAA just before taking The Grand Ole Opry Stage last Friday (March 3). The Nashville duo wrote their now most-certified track with Jonathan Singleton and Deric Ruttan.

Maddie & Tae are set to headline their “All Song No Static Tour” which launches March 16 in Madison Wisconsin and continues through the spring.

 

Ian Munsick Previews Upcoming Release White Buffalo

Warner Music Nashville’s Ian Munsick previewed his upcoming album White Buffalo for friends and industry guests at Riverside Revival last week. The 18-track project is set to release on April 7.

Munsick’s performance featured select songs from White Buffalo, including fan-favorite “Long Live Cowgirls.” He is currently headlining his “Long Live Cowgirls Tour” with Ned LeDoux on select dates.

 

Moe Bandy Inducted Into The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

Moe Bandy was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame’s Class of 2023.

Prior to pursuing a country music career, Bandy was a bull riding competitor. Now, he joins the previously honored Willie Nelson, George Strait, Red Steagall, Lyle Lovett, Clay Walker, Robert Earl Keen, Aaron Watson, and Bob Wills.

“This is a huge honor and one I am very thankful for,” shares Bandy. “Many know me as a country singer, but I used to compete in every bull riding competition I could. Once it’s in your blood, it never leaves. To be included in the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame with so many of my heroes is truly humbling and I am thankful!”

This honor follows the release of Bandy’s new album Thank You Lord featuring 12 heartfelt tracks, and special guests The Isaacs, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Nora Lee Allen. Thank You Lord features songs from songwriters including Willie Nelson, Bill Anderson, and Hank Williams among others with production by Michele Voan Capps.

 

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Celebrates 50 Years of Bob Pinson Collection

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated 50 years of its Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection. The Museum hosted a listening session and discussion in its Ford Theater to mark the milestone.

The Bob Pinson Recorded Sound Collection, acquired in 1972, includes more than 14,000 rare phonograph records and radio transcription discs. At the time, the acquisition doubled the museum’s recorded-sound holdings. The collection now contains upwards of 250,000 phonograph cylinders, disc records, tapes, CDs and digital files. It ranks high among the world’s largest collections of country music recordings.

This event celebrated the museum 50-year custodianship of the sound collection and its significance in advancing the museum’s mission. It honored the late Bob Pinson who served a longtime staff member and helped to preserve and expand the collection.

The event’s panel, moderated by museum historian Patrick Huber, featured folklorist and archivist Nathan D. Gibson, folklorist and former CMHOF and Museum Chairman Bill Ivey, and scholar and discographer Tony Russell.

 

Moose Miller Signs With Ginmarc Publishing

Moose Miller signed an exclusive publishing deal with Ginmarc Publishing, co-founded by Jennifer Rai and Mark Bright.

Miller hails from Pike County and draws inspiration from his heroes Willie Nelson, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Chidlers, and The Isaacs. The son of a pastor, Miller developed a love for music in church, and was raised on Southern gospel and bluegrass. A basketball scholarship brought Miller to Nashville where his songwriting hobby turned into a band with friends, and led to his meeting Rai and Bright.

“The first time Jen played me a song that Moose had written, the voice in the song immediately grabbed my attention,” shares Bright. “He is an extraordinary talent with a unique voice. We’re excited to have the opportunity to work with him.”

“I try to be as honest and vulnerable as I can with my songs,” says Miller. “I want people to not only hear what I’m singing, but to feel what I’m saying as well. I am tickled to death to be in the company of Jen and Mark, two people who love me and love my music.”

New music from Moose Miller is set to release later this year.

Singer-songwriter Logan Crosby has signed with UTA for worldwide representation.

The Georgia native got his start in music singing at his grandmother’s church. Growing up in a musical family, Crosby gravitated towards country music and first gained notoriety when a string of successful videos on TikTok and other social media platforms garnered thousands views. 

In 2022, he appeared on the ABC series Claim To Fame, where he came in second place while becoming a beloved central character. Crosby’s latest single, “After All,” is set for release this month, and he will embark on Megan Moroney‘s “Pistol Made Of Roses Tour” in April as support. 

Lauren Crawford has been promoted to Senior Marketing Manager at BBR Music Group.

SOURCE Nashville has announced the 2023 inductees for the SOURCE Hall of Fame.

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, the nonprofit organization is committed to supporting a community of accomplished women in the music industry. The annual SOURCE Awards were established in 2003 by Kay Smith to honor and pay respect to the “Women Behind The Music” who help shape and build upon Nashville’s music industry.

2023 Inductees:
– Marcie Allen (Cellar Door Concerts, William Morris Endeavor (WME), MAD Booking & Events, Creative Artist Agency (CAA), NYU, MAC Presents, AB, MAC Consulting)
– Renee Bell (MCA, RCA/Sony Music Nashville)
– Janice Jackson (ASCAP, Capitol/EMI/Liberty Records, Blendingwell/Sister John Music, Maypop Music Group, Almo/Irving Music, Joe Scaife Productions & Publishing, Copyright Society of the South, Writer’s Den Music Group, MCS Music America, Inc., Peermusic, Travellers Hollow Music)
– Jackie Patillo (Star Song Communications, Integrity Gospel/Integrity Media, Verity Records, Sony Music Entertainment, Gospel Music Association)
– Becky Shanks (United Artists Agency/CBS Songs, Maypop Music, Peermusic)
– Denise Stiff (GreilWorks, Teena Shirts, BareWorks, Summer Lights, Keith Case and Associates, Scared Stiff Music and Sheehan’s Pub Co., Bob Titley Management, DS Management)
– Valerie Summers (William Morris Agency, Inc./WME, Destination Music/Gary Musick Production, Arrington Vineyards)

This class of inductees will be minted at the 20th anniversary of the SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards on Aug. 29. Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, the ceremony will again take place at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Historic Municipal Auditorium. Ticket information will be available in the coming weeks.