State Champ Radio signings
Following her departure from longtime home Sony Music Nashville last year, Miranda Lambert has signed a new deal with Republic Records. Nashville’s Big Loud will provide country radio promotion and marketing efforts as part of its partnership with the Universal Music Group-owned label.
As the first salvo in the new deal, Lambert will release the new track “Wranglers” on May 3. It will mark her first new music since the release of her 2022 album, Palomino. “’Wranglers’ is a tale of a woman taking her power back. I think we can all identify with the character in this song, because we have all had a time in our life that we needed to find a way to find our strength and also get a little revenge on someone that did us wrong or hurt us,” she said in a statement. Lambert will likely premiere the song during the seven-time CMA female vocalist’s headlining Stagecoach Festival appearance this Saturday (April 27).
Lambert’s affiliation with Republic comes as the New York-based label has moved more into country music and further into its partnership with Big Loud; in March, Big Loud inked a multi-year distribution deal with Mercury Records/Republic for all of its acts. Previously, only releases by Big Loud acts Morgan Wallen, Lily Rose and Dylan Gossett had gone through the partnership. Notably, Gossett is signed to Big Loud Texas, an imprint Lambert and Jon Randall started last year through Big Loud.
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“Being in Texas with Jon, recording where I cut my teeth as a young artist, felt like coming home. I thought about the women — and men — who’ve lived, loved and found power in my music, and I wanted to get back to the root of those spaces,” continued Lambert, who is managed by Marion Kraft. “Talking to [Republic founder/chairman Monte [Lipman], [Republic founder/vice chairman] Avery Lipman and the team at Republic, as well as [Big Loud CEO] Seth [England] and the Big Loud folks who are leaning in, everyone understood my desires and vision for this next era of my music. Aligning like that is empowering; it gives you a license to really chase it. Signing with Republic has inspired me to find the sweet spot for me and all the people like me. I can’t wait for everyone to hear ‘Wranglers,’ and the rest of this record.”
“Miranda Lambert’s legacy as both a consummate storyteller and legendary performer speaks for itself. Her new music is spectacular and we are thrilled and honored to welcome her to Republic Records in partnership with Big Loud,” added Monte Lipman.
Lambert added that the move has been inspiring. “Having a new home has given me a hunger I didn’t realize I still had inside me,” she said. “This song feels like it could be on the same record as ‘Gunpowder & Lead’; it has that same fury. I can’t wait to get out there with this new label and this new music… Monte Lipman and his team fire me up!”
“Gunpower & Lead,” featured on Lambert’s second album, 2007’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, became her first top 10 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
There’s no word on when Lambert will drop a new album, but Republic president/COO Jim Roppo said in a statement, “As she puts the final touches on her fantastic new body of work, it has all the hallmarks of her signature sound, yet she continues to push herself as a songwriter, producer and performer. We’re all at the beginning of a very special moment, and we’re grateful to be on this journey with her.”
Lambert, the most awarded artist by the Academy of Country Music Awards, recently wrapped her residency in Las Vegas and will be on the road through September, during which time she will headline several music festivals.
Ice Spice signed with PPL for the collection of her neighboring rights royalties. The company, which also recently signed Lewis Capaldi, will collect royalties on the rapper’s behalf for the use of her music on radio, TV and in public spaces worldwide.
Singer-songwriter Dasha, who scored a breakthrough hit with “Austin” this year, signed with WME for global representation in all areas. The rising star also recently signed with Warner Records. She’s managed by Alex Lunt at Type A Management.
BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records artist Elvie Shane signed with WME for global representation in all areas. His agent team includes WME Nashville office co-head Becky Gardenhire along with Jon Folk, Doug Neff, Lance Alleman and Caleb Fenn, who will work alongside various agency departments for bookings in touring, brand partnerships, digital, TV and film. Shane is set to release his newest album, Damascus, on April 19. – Jessica Nicholson (652k)
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Afro-dancehall artist Stonebwoy signed a global distribution and label services deal with ADA Worldwide, through which he released his latest single, “Ekelebe.” The agreement also includes the Nigerian rapper’s sixth studio album, which is slated for release later this year. He’s managed by Casey Kobia at KVO Talent.
Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana signed a global recording deal with Warner Music India, with the first release under the agreement expected to drop next month.
Independent singer-songwriter and producer yaeow (a.k.a. Lars Haggstrom) signed a global licensing deal with AWAL for his catalog and 10 upcoming songs. His first single under the agreeement, “still that kid (deep down),” will be released on May 2, with his debut album to follow.
Atlantic Records/Anemoia Records signed Bossa, a 17-year-old artist from Palm Springs, Calif., who spans various genres including hip-hop and dance. The labels will release his new single, “Go Crazy,” on Friday (April 19). He’s managed by Jen Park and Kirsten VanHoose.
Mexican indie artist Girl Ultra (a.k.a. Mariana de Miguel) signed with Ninja Tune imprint Big Dada, “a label run by Black, POC & minority ethnic people for Black, POC & minority ethnic artists,” according to a press release. Her first single on the label is “rimel.”
Echos, the artist project of Alexandra Norton, signed with Outlast Records, with the single “CAROUSEL” marking the first drop under the deal. She’s managed by Derek Brewer at Shelter Music Group.
Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment (formerly BMLG Records) signed Noah Hicks via a joint venture with Red Creative Records. The Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment roster also includes Riley Green, Chris Janson, Brett Young, Lady A and Greylan James. Georgia native Hicks earned a viral hit on TikTok with “I Can Tell You’re Small Town,” followed by “Dirt on It.” He’s represented by Red Light Management and WME. – Jessica Nicholson
North London producer, DJ, composer and multi-instrumentalist Jasper Tygner signed with Ninja Tune via its imprint Technicolour, which released his latest single, “Before Me.” He’s managed by Tom Aldridge at Salt Music and booked by Evan Greenberg at CAA.
The Felice Brothers signed to Million Stars, the label started by Conor Oberst; it will release the band’s new album, Valley of Abandoned Songs, on June 27. The band is booked by Eric Dimenstein at Ground Control Touring in North America and David Hughes at the Free Trade Agency for Europe and the United Kingdom.
Country singer Payton Smith signed with The Familie for management. The signing coincided with the release of his new EP, Up From Here, on Combustion Music. He’s booked by WME.
ONErpm Nashville signed singer-songwriter and American Idol alum Britnee Kellogg and released her new song, “Hell in a Handbag.” Kellogg is booked by The Kinkead Entertainment Agency in Nashville. – Jessica Nicholson
Country newcomer Timmy McKeever signed with Droptine Recordings, which released his new single, “Bullet Proof,” on April 5.
R&B artist Ariel signed with Mello Music Group. The label released her latest single, “Something Amazing,” on Thursday (April 11).
Provident Entertainment, a division of Sony Entertainment, signed The Voice season 22 finalist bodie. For his first single, the Los Angeles native released a cover of Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude,” which he performed on the season finale of The Voice. Provident Entertainment’s roster also includes Kirk Franklin, Lake, CAIN, Zach Williams and Casting Crowns. – Jessica Nichlson
Chicago band Babe Report signed with Exploding in Sound, which will release the band’s debut album, Did You Get Better, on May 31.
Argentinian music sensation Paulo Londra has inked a deal with WME for worldwide representation, the company tells Billboard.
Since exploding onto the scene in 2019, the 25-year-old singer/rapper has been a dominant force in the Latin American music scene and is widely considered one of the pioneers of Argentina’s burgeoning trap movement.
Born Paulo Ezequiel Londra, he began his musical journey as a battle rapper in Buenos Aires’ El Quinto Escalón. Soon after, he released popular singles like “Relax” and “Condenado para el Millón” in 2017.
However, it was his 2019 debut album, Homerun, that catapulted Londra to international recognition. The album debuted and peaked at No. 12 on Billboard’s Top Latin Albums chart and at No. 10 on Latin Rhythm Albums, with its hit single, “Adan y Eva,” landing in Spotify’s Global Top 10. Its music video currently boasts over 1.2 billion views on YouTube.
In 2022, the Córdoba-born artist released his second album, Back to the Game, under Warner Music Latina. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart and boasts collaborations with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Travis Barker, Timbaland, Feid and Duki.
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Adding another feather to his cap, Londra performed the official Latin remix for “The World is Yours To Take,” a song off the 2022 FIFA World Cup soundtrack, alongside Lil Baby and Tears for Free.
Most recently, Londra signed with indie powerhouse label Dale Play Records — home to producer Bizarrap, rapper Duki and urban/pop act Nicki Nicole — and is currently working on new music.
Additionally, plans are underway for Londra to embark on a global tour. He continues to be managed by Ignacio Amato and Cruz Pereyra Lucena from Buena Productora.
Lewis Capaldi signed with U.K.-based music licensing company PPL for international neighboring rights royalty collections. The company will collect royalties for the use of Capaldi’s music on radio, TV and in public spaces globally. Capaldi is managed by Ryan Walter at Interlude Artists.
Lil Mosey (“Blueberry Faygo”) and his label, Love U Forever, signed a global distribution partnership with Cinq Music ahead of his currently untitled EP to be released this spring. The first single from the EP, “Life Goes On,” debuted on March 22.
“Wine into Whiskey” singer Tucker Wetmore inked a deal with WME for global booking representation. Wetmore, who moved to Nashville in 2020, signed a publishing deal in 2023 with Rakiyah Marshall‘s Back Blocks Music. He follows “Wine into Whiskey” with his new release, “Wind Up Missin’ You.” – Jessica Nicholson
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Mexican singer-songwriter Beto Vega signed with Downtown Artist & Label Services. In addition to global distribution and marketing, Vega (“Me Dicen Nini” with Markitos Toys) will also take advantage of the company’s catalog management and full-service campaigns for future releases, including his upcoming track, “Los Brothers” with Edgardo Nuñez. Vega is booked by Luis Del Villar at Gerencia 360.
Pop/R&B singer-songwriter CIL signed with The Familie for management. The 21-year-old Fort Collins, Colo., native was recently signed to Warner Records by the label’s CEO, Aaron Bay-Schuck.
Turkish-Italian DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist Carlita signed with Ninja Tune via its imprint Counter Records, which released her latest single, “Time.” She is booked and managed by Alberto Bragado.
Ukrainian band Okean Elzy signed with Warner Music, which will release the group’s first entirely-English album globally, including in the United States, where Elektra will handle distribution. The band is preparing for a series of charity gigs for its Help for Ukraine Tour, with shows slated in Ukraine and other European countries including Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany and Poland. The group is represented by manager Joel Mark at 9122 Management and Brian Cohen and Joe Friel at WME for booking.
Shaznay Lewis, formerly a member of U.K. group All Saints, partnered with Absolute Label Services for the release of her first solo album in 20 years. Titled Pages, the album is set for release on May 17. Lewis is represented by Wayne Russell at Massive Management and Solomon Parker at Wasserman for booking.
Hip-hop/R&B artist (and actual gas station owner) WRKINSILENCE signed a distribution and licensing deal with 10K Projects, which will release his debut EP later this year. He is managed by Lauren Fukawa.
Alt pop-rock artist Zoe Ko signed to Big Loud Rock, an imprint of Big Loud Records, in partnership with producer and songwriter management company, publisher, record label and A&R consulting company Double Down 11. She is managed by Ava Solomon at NXTWAVE.
Melbourne, Australia-based vocalist, lyricist and producer Vetta Borne signed with [PIAS] Australia, which put out her latest track, “40-40.”
Americana singer-songwriter Cassandra Lewis signed to Elektra/Low Country Sound, which will release her forthcoming major label debut album, Lost in a Dream, later this year. She’s managed by Mark Cunningham at Red Light.
Country singer Kanaan Brock signed to 10th Street Entertainment for management. His debut single, “Sinner and Saint,” is out now.
M Music & Entertainment Group and Freddie Records signed up-and-coming norteño artist Nathan Acosta. The record deal comes ahead of his upcoming debut single, titled “Solo” and penned by Jesse Turner (of Grupo Siggno), which is set for release on April 19. Born in San Antonio, Tex., Acosta is a singer-songwriter and accordion player who was most recently on tour with Grupo Siggno and Jennifer Peña across the United States and Mexico. “This is an absolute dream come true for me,” Acosta said in a statement. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of being able to record and play music in front of big crowds.” – Griselda Flores
Country artist Orville Peck has signed with Warner Records – and has already teased new music on the way.
“I was ready for a change,” Peck tells Billboard. “I spent most of last year making several huge changes to all aspects of my life – my career being just one of them. I was ready for a clean start.”
Today (April 1), Peck announced his first release on the label: a collaboration with Willie Nelson. The pair will duet on a cover of “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other,” a song originally released in 1981 by Latin country artist Ned Sublette and covered by Nelson in 2006. Peck himself previously performed a rendition for SiriusXM and at his 2023 Hollywood Bowl show.
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Jeff Sosnow, EVP of A&R at Warner – whom Peck calls “the GOAT” – tells Billboard he met Peck a few years ago and was taken “not only by his musical acumen and knowledge, but also his sense of purpose, ambition and curation of his own world, which all extends from the music.”
“It’s rare to come across an artist who checks so many necessary boxes for a path to success – great songs, singular voice, curation of overall aesthetic and visuals, ambition, communication and work ethic. With [what’s ahead], we have a real opportunity to fortify and grow Orville’s base and reach.”
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In 2019, Peck released his debut album Pony on Sub Pop. The following year, in 2020, he signed with Columbia and released his major label debut EP Show Pony. Two more EPs followed in 2022 leading up to his second full-length that August, Bronco.
“I was drawn to Warner because of their unique emphasis on their artists,” says Peck. “It may seem like it should be the standard but more and more, the music industry invests less and less in artists.” He says in addition to Sosnow being “a genuine fan of music,” he has “great respect” for Warner CEO and co-chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck along with COO and co-chairman Tom Corson. “They have helped me to feel so motivated,” he adds.
Currently, Warner is on a hot streak with its superstars and emerging talent alike. Next month (on May 3), Dua Lipa will release her anticipated album Radical Optimism, while Zach Bryan is currently playing to sold-out arenas on his The Quittin Time Tour. Plus, rising acts like Teddy Swims and Benson Boone occupied the Hot 100’s top two slots last week with “Lose Control” and “Beautiful Things,” respectively.
“The last five years have proven Warner has the patience and ingenuity to work with real artists with vision and songs and grow with them,” says Sosnow. “The structure of the company has put us in a unique place where we do indeed have a special sauce.”
Peck is signed to Brandon Creed’s Good World Management, and is managed by Creed along with Dani Russin and Anika Capozza. The firm says: “Warner has been in Orville’s corner for many years and when the moment arose to work together, they immediately seized the opportunity with incredible support and enthusiasm…We are so excited for this new partnership and couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with them.”
As Peck says, this next chapter can be defined by “evolution and exploration. I have honestly never felt so excited about my career before.”
Adds Sosnow: “The possibilities are really limitless for Orville. He is a generational talent.”
Orville Peck
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Nelly signed with WME for global representation. The rapper and singer’s most recent album, Heartland, was released in 2021 and peaked at No. 7 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart, while the single “Lil Bit” featuring Florida Georgia Line remained at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Digital Song Sales chart for three weeks. Signed to RECORDS (Sony Music), Nelly also recently launched MoShine, a moonshine brand.
Symphonic metal band Nightwish renewed its contract with Nuclear Blast, reaching a new global multi-album deal with the label that it first signed with 20 years ago. The label also announced that it signed American death metal band Gatecreeper, which will release its third album, Dark Superstition, on the Nuclear Blast on May 17. Gatecreeper is represented by managers James Vitalo and James Grottola at Gold Theory Artists and booking agent Merrick Jarmulowicz at Ground Control Touring.
Play It Again Sam, an imprint of the [PIAS] label group, will release Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds‘ forthcoming album under a global license, in partnership with Cave’s label, Bad Seed. Titled Wild God, the album is slated for release on Aug. 30.
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Activist Artists Management signed folk-pop singer-songwriter Weyes Blood for management. She will be represented by Activist founding partners Bernie Cahill and Matt Maher, along with Activist senior director of A&R/creative Anna Kolander and head of global marketing Chris Ruff. Weyes Blood’s most recent album, And In the Darkness, Hearts Aglow, reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Heatseekers Albums chart. She has performed at festivals including Coachella and Pitchfork and toured throughout the United States, Europe and Australia.
Indie-electronic pop group Metronomy signed with Ninja Tune, which released the band’s latest single, “Nice Town.” It marks the first release from the band’s upcoming Posse EP Volume 1 follow-up.
UTA signed country band Ole 60 for global representation in all areas. The group will continue being represented by Davis Danziger, Wales Toney and Ty Little at Whale Tale Management and lawyer Matt Cottingham. Coming up, Ole 60 is slated to support Dylan Gossett and Charles Wesley Godwin on their upcoming tours and will play the Grind City Music Festival in Memphis.
New York band Wild Pink signed with Fire Talk Records, which released the group’s label debut, the single “Air Drumming Fix You,” on Mar. 7. The group is booked by Ryan Farlow at Arrival Artists (North America) and Joren Heuvels at Hometown Talent (United Kingdom, EU and Asia) and managed by Joseph Marro at Lesser Matters. The band has a publishing deal with Downtown.
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Abbey Cone signed with Downtown Artist & Label Services for distribution. Her first release under the Downtown banner is a live cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Cone’s team also includes Amanda Quinton of Quinton Digital for management, Wasserman Group for booking and Warner Chappell Music/T.R.U.T.H. for publishing.
Veteran British singer-songwriter Dave Mason signed an exclusive management deal with Red Light in Atlanta. His team at the firm consists of Charlie Brusoc and Nick Manarino, which will work with Mason on his forthcoming music releases as well as the release of his memoir, which is slated for release this summer. He’s booked by Alec Vidmar and Darius Sabet at UTA.
Philadelphia artist Julia Pratt signed to RECORDS (Sony Music), which released her latest single, “Carolina,” last week in advance of a new EP. Pratt is managed by Doug Neumann and Josh Roth at Standards Music and booked by Seth Rappaport at Paladin Artists.
Singer-songwriter Alli Walker signed with RECORDS Nashville. To celebrate the partnership, Walker has released the track “I Like Big Trucks,” adding a country flavor to the 1990s Sir Mix-a-Lot hit “Baby Got Back.” Josh Easler, executive vp of promotion & commercial strategy for RECORDS Nashville, says, “The RECORDS Nashville team is always looking for artistry that stands out, and Alli Walker does just that. We are excited to get started amplifying what she is already having success with.” – Jessica Nicholson
Nashville punk band Winona Fighter, fronted by Chloe Kinnon, signed with Rise Records and shared a new single and music video, “I’m in the Market to Please No One.” More new music is slated for release this year. The band is booked by Justin Edwards at WME and managed by Michael Iurato at In De Goot Entertainment.
Country artist Dusty Black signed with Brown Sellers Brown and Stone Country Records for management and label representation, respectively. Black was formerly the CEO of Black Tie Moving before making the transition to artist.
ADA Japan signed a deal to distribute, promote and market Japanese-language songs by the Korean boy group One Pact via its South Korean label and entertainment agency, Armada Entertainment. Jump-starting the partnership was ADA’s release of One Pact’s debut local single, “Must Be Nice.” The band came to prominence after appearing on the Korean TV music audition series Boys Planet and the rap battle show High School Rapper 4.
MaKenzie signed with Warner Records, which released her new single, “Maybe” featuring TA Thomas, on Friday (Mar. 15). The R&B artist is managed by Tarek “Terk” Stevens at Terk Entertainment Group and attorney Donald Woodard at Carter + Woodard. Also at Warner Records, alt-rocker Willy Cobb signed with the label’s War Buddha Records imprint, which released his debut single, “Cigarette Smell,” on Friday (Mar. 15). Cobb is managed by Neil Mason at Red Light.
How to Dress Well (a.k.a. Tom Krell) signed with Sargent House for the release of his forthcoming album, I Am Toward You, which is set to drop May 10. He is managed by Shaun MacDonald at Codex Management.
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville signed Alison Nichols, who earned a viral TikTok hit with her debut release, “is it just me?”, followed by her latest release, “HOOPS.” Nichols, who is of Asian-American heritage, grew up in Georgia and gleans influence from the Texas country music scene. – Jessica Nicholson
British-Chinese sibling duo Esme Emerson (Esme and Emerson Lee-Scott) signed with Communion Records and released its new single, “Please,” on the label, with an EP due later this year. The duo is booked by rowan@infinitefuture.co.uk.
Musician and social media influencer Peet Montzingo signed a management deal with Do Less. The signing coincided with the release of his HARV-produced debut single, “Party With a Weirdo,” on Friday (Mar. 15) through Vydia.
Punk band Gloom Girl MFG signed with R+D Artist Group for management ahead of the release of its Cage the Elephant-produced EP, POLYCRISIS. Additionally, the group recently signed with Reliant Talent Agency for booking. Gloom Girl MFG is signed to Los Angeles-based label Signs From the Universe.
4batz has signed a deal with Drake’s label OVO Sound for one EP, according to two executives familiar with the deal. The EP deal is a short-term license, the sources say. A rep for Drake and OVO declined to comment. Multiple labels have been wooing 4batz since his track “act ii: date @ 8” — […]
Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne has signed with Monument Records and will now be managed by Little Big Town‘s Karen Fairchild, who is stepping into music management.
Led by co-presidents Shane McAnally and Jason Owen as well as general manager Katie McCartney, Monument will reissue Lynne’s 1999 album, I Am Shelby Lynne, on Apr. 5 in honor of its 25th anniversary, with a limited-edition vinyl release slated for the summer.
Meanwhile, Lynne is also working on her new studio album with Fairchild, fellow singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe and producer/engineer/mixer Gena Johnson (Ashley McBryde‘s Lindeville, Chris Stapleton‘s Starting Over).
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Lynne, who moved back to Nashville in 2018, said in a statement, “It’s good to be back in Nashville. Being back in this city has lit me up. I’ve come full circle and I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.”
Since issuing her 1989 debut album, Sunrise, Lynne has traversed genres including country, rock and pop with her music. In the early 1990s, several of her songs, including “Things Are Tough All Over,” cracked the top 30 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart, while her sixth studio album, 1999’s I Am Shelby Lynne, featured the top 20 Billboard Triple A chart hit “Gotta Get Back.” The album also led to Lynne winning best new artist at the 43rd annual Grammy Awards. She has also picked up honors including the ACM Awards’ top new female vocalist accolade. Additionally, she has been featured in movies and TV shows including Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line.
In addition to Little Big Town, Fairchild has written songs recorded by Kelsea Ballerini and Anne Wilson. In a way, Lynne’s signing to Monument Records marks a full-circle moment for Fairchild as well, as Little Big Town’s 2002 self-titled debut album was released on the label (the group has been with Capitol Nashville since 2008).
McAnally said in a statement, “Artists like Shelby Lynne come once in a lifetime. Her impact on artists and fans alike, including me, has been deep and wide. I’m so proud to be a part of bringing her artistry back to the forefront with new music.”
Fairchild added, “It feels important to reintroduce Shelby Lynne’s genius to a fresh wave of artists and fans. I’m blown away by her profound knowledge of music and the enormity of her talent. Shelby’s uniqueness lies in her extraordinary capacity to delve into human pain and beauty through her powerful voice and storytelling.”
Range Media Partners has opened a Nashville office and signed Tanya Tucker as a management client.
Tucker joins a robust roster of country clients that includes Russell Dickerson, Dylan Gossett, Stephen Wilson Jr., Shaboozey, Drayton Farley, Yola, Luke Grimes, Ryan Bingham, songwriter Geoff Warburton (with Big Machine Music), Midland (with Sandbox Entertainment), and Hailey Whitters and Brent Cobb (both with Make Wake Artists).
The opening of the office, located in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, follows last summer’s hiring of Nashville-based executives William Lowery and Shawn McSpadden. Lowery, senior vp of partnerships and business development, came from Brigade Media Capital and managing partner McSpadden came from Red Light Management. Range co-founding managing partner Jack Minihan also relocated to Nashville at the end of last year. Additionally, Range Media Partners managing partner/music division founder Matt Graham and Range artist manager/head of touring Kyle Wilensky will split their time between Nashville and Los Angeles.
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In addition to the music team that numbers around 10, the office will include Range Sports’ head of football Kyle Strongin, who represents roughly 40 NFL players, including San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy.
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Even though Range has managed country artists for the last few years, establishing a physical Nashville office “is the thing that really lets people know that you’re in town,” Graham tells Billboard. “It’s one thing to get on a plane and be there, it’s another to open an office and have full-time employees that are making it a living, breathing organism on a daily basis and a place where other companies and artists can come and sit and have a conversation. It sends a different message of commitment.”
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Graham says Range picked the Wedgewood-Houston area, also home to Apple Music, because “that area is such a beehive of activity and energy in the music business right now. We’re certainly not making everyone be there every day, but we want people to come in and be social and be thoughtful and be creative.”
The newest addition to the Nashville artist roster is icon and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Tucker. “The Midland guys have a really great relationship with her. They’ve done some shows together, she did their podcast. I’m a huge fan of her career and I think she’s having a real resurgence,” Graham says of Tucker, who took home the Grammy for best country album in 2020. “I think all the pieces are in place for her to have a massive next wave of her career. There’s a real 360 approach to the things that she can do going forward that is not just going to be about recording music and touring. And I think that’s what she found really appealing about Range.”
On the other end of the spectrum, Range is experiencing tremendous success with newcomers Dylan Gossett, whose song “Coal” has surpassed 100 million streams and has sold out a pop-up show in London with a 2,500-person waiting list; Stephen Wilson Jr., who made his late night debut on Late Night with Seth Meyers in February; and Nigerian-American artist Shaboozey, of whom Kacey Musgraves has already declared herself a fan.
Graham says Range is actively looking to add more artists to its curated roster. “I think in Nashville, it’s very important that we stick to what we’re good at and know,” he says. “We like artists that push boundaries and are visually interesting and are breaking new ground in different ways. There’s just so many different new pockets and sub-genres of country that have emerged in the past few years. We want to keep looking into new territory. I think just looking to pick up tried-and-true country radio artists that are leaving disgruntled management situations is just not as exciting for us as building new talents.”
Range will share its Nashville space with Get Engaged, a branding entertainment company that has worked with such companies as Raising Cane’s, Morphe Cosmetics and Ryl Tea with Morgan Wallen, as well as country artists like Cole Swindell, Kane Brown and Chris Young.
Since launching in 2020, Range Media Partners’ music division has formed its own label in partnership with Capitol Music Group and Virgin Music & Artist Label Services and represents artists including Jack Harlow, Saweetie, Pentatonix, Paul Russell, Alec Benjamin and Lauv.
Chris Young has joined the artists roster at Coran Capshaw’s Red Light Management, the company tells Billboard. At Red Light, Kailyn Finnegan will serve as Young’s manager. Finnegan worked with Young at his previous management home, The AMG. Prior to The AMG, Finnegan worked at Live Nation. “I’m excited to work with her and everybody […]
