The country music landscape is alive with activity, marked by the emergence of new talent, significant achievements by established artists, and strategic moves by industry players. From SiriusXM’s latest “Highway Find” to major RIAA certifications and key agency acquisitions, the genre continues to evolve and captivate audiences.
Brandon Wisham Tapped as SiriusXM’s “Highway Find”
Emerging artist Brandon Wisham has been named the newest “Highway Find” for SiriusXM’s The Highway, the channel dedicated to promoting new country music artists through significant radio airplay. The exciting announcement was delivered live on air by SiriusXM host Cody Alan, who surprised Wisham with the news during his program. This designation is a pivotal moment for Wisham, offering him a substantial platform to reach a broad country music fan base and accelerate his career.
Kenny Chesney Celebrates Monumental RIAA Certifications
In a testament to his enduring impact on country music, global superstar Kenny Chesney has been honored by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for achieving an astounding 105 million units certified. This remarkable milestone includes 22 new certifications added to his already extensive catalogue, further solidifying his status as one of the genre’s most successful and beloved artists. The RIAA certifications recognize sales and streaming equivalents, underscoring Chesney’s consistent popularity and the deep connection he maintains with his listeners across multiple decades.
Kelly Sutton Makes History at the Grand Ole Opry
The storied Grand Ole Opry welcomed a significant change in 2022 with the appointment of Kelly Sutton as its first full-time female announcer. Sutton, a highly respected industry veteran, brings over two decades of experience in Nashville television and radio to the iconic institution. Her addition marks a historic moment, breaking new ground for women in a role traditionally held by men and bringing her extensive knowledge and passion for country music to the Opry’s legendary stage.
FlyteVu Acquired by Driftwood Music Group, Expanding Services
In a strategic expansion, Nashville-based agency FlyteVu has been acquired by Driftwood Music Group. This acquisition sees Driftwood broadening its service offerings to encompass corporate bookings and music licensing. FlyteVu was co-founded by Laura Hutfless, who will continue as CEO, and Jeremy Holley, who is exiting as Co-Founder. The integration of FlyteVu’s expertise is expected to enhance Driftwood’s capabilities and reach within the music industry, particularly in facilitating connections between artists and corporate clients, as well as navigating the complexities of music licensing for various media.
New Consulting Venture Launched by Industry Veterans
Industry veterans Dave Kelly and Bekah Digby have joined forces to launch a new digital and streaming consulting co-venture. Their new company is dedicated to assisting artists and their management teams in optimizing their presence on digital service providers (DSPs) and driving audience growth. Kelly, who previously served as Vice President of Digital Consumption at Big Machine Label Group, began consulting independently for various artists in 2023. Digby brings a wealth of experience from her roles at Big Machine Label Group, Universal Music Group Nashville, and Capitol CMG, most recently holding the position of Head of Country & Christian Artist & Industry Relations at SiriusXM Pandora. This new venture aims to provide crucial guidance in the ever-evolving digital landscape, helping artists navigate streaming platforms effectively to build and expand their fan bases.
These developments collectively paint a vibrant picture of the current country music scene, highlighting both the growth of new talent and the sustained success of established icons, alongside strategic business shifts that promise to shape the industry’s future.
