Kesha Inks Management Deal With Mary Hilliard Harrington and Red Light

Kesha has signed with Mary Hilliard Harrington and Red Light management for representation. Harrington’s roster also includes country artists Dierks Bentley and the Grammy-winning rock duo, the Black Keys.

The move came just as Kesha wrapped her “Tits Out Tour,” which saw her performing in arenas and amphitheaters across the country. The tour will continue internationally next year with stops in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the UK in February and March.

Kesha launched her own independent record label, aptly named Kesha Records, and in partnership with Warner Music Group’s independent distribution arm ADA.

+ MASS MoCA and Hen House Studios have launched a new record label, MASS MoCA Records. With a framework that centers artistic creativity, museum residencies and live music making, this new label will provide an alternative to the current commercial model for how independent music is heard, developed and shared.

MASS MoCA Records is uniquely designed to build on the museum’s international reach and entrusted relationships with performing artists — musicians, stage-based storytellers, and sound and sonic installation creators — by marrying the expertise of Harlan Steinberger of Hen House Studios (Sunny War, Willie Nelson, Particle Kid), who is best known for his uncommonly attuned ear as a recording engineer and producer specializing in live, studio recordings.

Artists selected for the new label will be an extension of the museum’s curatorial ethos and the label will not have a scheduled application process. Launched as a three-year pilot, a limited number of albums will be released each year and produced at various recording studios in the Berkshires and throughout the world.

“MASS MoCA Records is a recording and distribution collaboration born out of our shared love of music and the artists who make it,” said Kristy Edmunds, Director of MASS MoCA. “We have a long-standing, live presenting program at the museum featuring musicians, performers and sound artists, and have supported the creation of new works and ambitious ideas since our inception. By joining forces with Hen House Studios and being able to tap into the remarkable number of music studios and intimate venues in the local area – the ingredients for a hand-made record label were all around us. I see this label as an extension of how we innovate to support the mobility of artists’ ideas and connect audiences the world over.”

The first band to sign with MASS MoCA Records is the Kasambwe Brothers, a multi-generational band who has been making music together for almost 40 years and are grounded in the rich, musical heritage of Malawi, Africa.

More releases will follow in 2026 from MASS MoCA Records, recording predominately in-person in the Berkshires under Steinberger’s stewardship, including cutting-edge Los Angeles jazz artists Black Nile (release date TBA).

+ Songtrust, a Downtown company and global music publishing administration service, announces the launch of Songtrust Amplified, a new rewards program designed to elevate career opportunities for music creators at every stage of their journey.

Available to all active clients, Songtrust Amplified offers exclusive access to discounts, curated resources, and industry opportunities beyond traditional publishing — strengthening the path to success for independent songwriters and rights holders worldwide.

Sitting in Downtown’s Publishing Division, Songtrust Amplified also represents an extension of the Downtown group’s continued mission, building a more equitable music ecosystem through services that empower creators to control their careers and maximize their potential.

“I’m thrilled to celebrate the launch of Songtrust Amplified as a new chapter in our journey — one that resonates deeply with my own path here at Downtown,” said Emily Stephenson, President of Downtown Music Publishing. “Beginning on the Songtrust operations team, I witnessed firsthand the power of access, transparency, and education in shaping a songwriter’s career. Since then, Songtrust has grown into the industry’s most sophisticated, creator-friendly platform, and Songtrust Amplified will further strengthen our commitment to empowering creators and growing alongside our clients.”

Caitlin Stubner, VP of Songtrust commented, “Songwriters often tell us how isolating the industry can feel. We built Songtrust Amplified for them, with no strings attached. We are their trusted partner for global publishing and now, we can support more parts of their creative journey while building community. Amplified also recognizes that publishing is just one chapter of a creator’s story. Through thoughtful collaborations that open doors to distribution, promotion, mentorship, and more, we’re offering the tools and opportunities that help music creators do what they do best—make music.”

+ RIAA-Certified Gold a cappella group Straight No Chaser has signed to boutique record label Green Hill Music. The lifestyle music imprint will release the group’s upcoming holiday album, “Holiday Road,” Straight No Chaser’s first full-length holiday release in five years.

“We are thrilled to welcome these music veterans to the Green Hill family,” said Green Hill Music General Manager Blake Davis. “Their unmatched musicality, dynamic a cappella artistry, and signature humor bring something truly unique and captivating to today’s musical landscape. This Christmas album blends timeless classics with fresh favorites, showcasing why they were among the pioneers of the all–a cappella style. It’s a release destined to become a holiday favorite for listeners of all generations. Straight No Chaser truly knows how to put on a performance to remember.”

Straight No Chaser member Walter Chase said, “Our group’s catalog of songs cover everything from 1950s doo wop to what’s on the radio today. Partnering with Green Hill Music, a label known for its legacy of iconic vocal music, is a perfect match for Straight No Chaser. We are so proud of our new album, Holiday Road and excited to join Green Hill Music with its release to reach fans of Straight No Chaser far and wide.”

Details of Straight No Chaser’s album Holiday Road will be revealed soon. The group’s annual holiday tour, this year dubbed “Holiday Road,” runs through Oct. 17 and Dec. 31.

+ Oak View Group has announced the appointment of Amy Latimer as chief business officer of Oak View Group. Latimer will oversee the full suite of offerings that OVG employs at its own venues and offers to partners at iconic venues throughout the world, including management, hospitality, security, parking, sustainability consulting, and premium experiences.

“I am thrilled to welcome Amy to the OVG Family. She is a longtime friend of OVG and uniquely shares our values, our entrepreneurial spirit, and our global ambitions. She is an incredibly well-respected leader, and her work spanning venues, teams, hospitality, development, and premium experiences make her perfectly qualified to join our diverse, deeply talented team. Oak View Group continues to grow exponentially on a global basis, and Amy’s partner-first perspective and deep understanding of how to create and deliver world-class venue experiences will provide additional support and innovation to our team, our partners, and the communities in which we operate,” said Chris Granger, interim CEO of Oak View Group.

“After a tremendous and deeply rewarding 30 years with Delaware North, I am excited for this next chapter of my career,” said Latimer. “OVG’s growth trajectory is beyond compelling, they have an extremely accomplished leadership team, and their vision for the future of our industry is exciting, to say the least. I look forward to partnering with Chris, the leadership team, and the ownership group to support and further accelerate OVG’s relentless focus on partnership, innovation, and community impact.”

Latimer, who will be based in Boston, will join OVG on Oct. 24, 2025. She will report to Chris Granger.

Monday, Sept. 29

Warner Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, today announced the signing of Eagles founding member Bernie Leadon to a long-term, worldwide publishing agreement.

“I have been associated with Warner Chappell and the rest of Warner Music since 1971,” said Leadon in a statement. “I am delighted to renew my connections with them now at this point in the 21st Century. Warner Chappell and Warner Music have always been at the pinnacle of support for songwriters and other music creators, and that reality is still very evident in the current leadership and staff. My sincere thanks go to all of them.”

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is slated to release his first solo album in more than two decades,” Too Late to Be Cool,” on Oct. 10. Most recently, Leadon was a headliner at the AmericanaFest in Nashville, Tennessee.

WCM’s Guy Moot, Co-Chair and CEO, and Carianne Marshall, Co-Chair and COO, said: “It’s no exaggeration to say that much of the music we call Americana today owes a deep debt to Bernie’s boundary-crossing inspiration. He has helped shape a canon of iconic music, from his early years with genre-defying groups like The Flying Burrito Brothers and Dillard & Clark to his generation-defining work with the Eagles to his countless collaborations with other artists. His creativity, musical brilliance, and pure devotion to his craft have made him a true American treasure, with six decades of extraordinary songs and sounds to his credit. We’re honored and excited to welcome him into the Warner Chappell family.”

Greg Sowders, SVP, A&R and Catalog, WCM added: “As a master musician, songwriter and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Bernie inspired me to start my first real band. And now as his music publisher, I continue to be inspired by his writing and playing, particularly by his new album Too Late To Be Cool. His legend continues.”

+ A2IM (The American Association of Independent Music), today announces that Ian Harrison has been appointed as chief executive officer effective Oct. 1. Harrison succeeds Dr. Richard James Burgess, who will step down at the end of this year.

Harrison brings more than 20 years of leadership in the independent music sector, most recently as executive VP of Hopeless Records. Over two decades, he helped transform the label from a small independent into a globally recognized powerhouse. His work as part of the Hopeless Foundation (Sub City) has raised over 3.5 million dollars for a variety of music and mental health charities.

In addition to his label leadership, Harrison has been a longstanding contributor to A2IM and the broader indie community. He has been actively involved with A2IM since 2012 as an Indie Week committee member, five-time speaker and mentor.

“The independent community is stronger and more dynamic than ever, yet also facing accelerating challenges that will test our resilience and adaptability. A2IM exists to ensure our members can grow independently in the face of these changes and thrive on their own terms.

+ Carlos “Charly” Pérez has announced the launch of Studio VII, his new firm specializing in communications, public relations, entertainment, as well as the production of experiences and events. The project launches alongside an active strategic alliance with Warner Music Latina, focused on developing new talent and strengthening the company’s artist roster. This collaboration remains non-exclusive, allowing room for new opportunities and partnerships.

The firm is based in the United States, Puerto Rico and is also operating across Mexico, the rest of Latin America and Spain. Studio VII supports artists, brands, and cultural projects from concept to execution, delivering high-impact campaigns, customized events and strategic activations in key markets.

“Studio VII represents a new professional chapter that allows me to continue developing projects through an independent structure, while maintaining my collaboration with Warner Music Latina on strategic initiatives,” said Pérez.

+ Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) today recognized Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and the Scarlett Family Foundation for their long-standing support at its “All in For Kids” fundraising breakfast.

CAA, the world’s leading entertainment and sports agency, received the “All in For Kids Award,” which recognizes a CISTN supporter or organization that has generously given time and resources to significantly advance the nonprofit’s mission to ensure all students have the support they need to succeed in school and in life. John Huie, music agent and founding partner of CAA Nashville, accepted the award on behalf of the agency.

“20 years ago, our CAA Nashville founders not only recognized but acted upon the importance of leading and providing support for initiatives aimed at creating a more resilient and equitable public education system in Nashville,” said Colby Gallahar, manager, CAA Foundation. “Through our partnership with CISTN, we remain committed to volunteering time and resources to ensure students are provided with the best education possible, protecting their dreams of becoming future community leaders, educators, first responders, and more!”

The Scarlett Family Foundation was recognized with the Alice Chapman Advocacy Award, named in honor of the leadership and legacy of the late Alice Chapman, a member of CISTN’s founding task force who went on to serve as chair of the board. Tara Scarlett, the immediate past chair of CISTN’s board, accepted the award on behalf of her family.