Big loud records and the Canadian-based, Dallas Smith-founded imprint Local hay records have signed country singer Hailey Benedict. In addition to the record deal, Benedict has also signed a worldwide publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing and Local Hay.
“I’m ecstatic to start this new chapter with such an incredibly creative and dedicated team who share my vision for my songwriting, artistry and career,” Benedict said on stage in Toronto. “After ten years as an independent artist, it was crucial for me to collaborate with a record label that aligned with my values and passion for music. I truly believe I have found the perfect home with Big Loud and Local Hay. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported and championed my music and journey over the years. This wouldn’t be possible without your support, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Hailey to our team. Hailey has the drive, talent and passion you dream of in a new artist. The sky is truly the limit,” said Scott Cooke, president of Local Hay Records.
PHOTO ID (LR): Joey Moi (Partner/Producer/President of A&R, Big Loud), Dallas Smith, HaileyBenedict, Scott Cooke (President, Local Hay Records), Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud)
+ Rimas Publishers (Bad Bunny, Cris Mj) has been launched Faith soundsa division for Christian and gospel music.
Now working under the Gospel Music Association, a non-profit organization created to support and promote the development of all forms of gospel music, Rimas Publishing announced that they plan to host songwriting camps.
Rimas Publishing is an independent company and not affiliated with Rimas Entertainment.
+ Maria Megan Peer And Peer music announce the appointment of Samantha Schilling Robinson as vice president of peermusic’s neighboring rights business. Samantha was previously VP of Neighboring Rights at Songtradr, INC. and has over 17 years of experience in creative management and rights management. In this new role at peermusic Neighboring Rights, Samantha will work closely with record labels, artists, composers and collecting societies to ensure accurate collection and distribution of royalties to neighboring rights clients, with a particular focus on the audiovisual sector.
In 2020, Peermusic acquired Premier Muzik, All Right Music and Global Master Rights. Today, peermusic Neighboring Rights includes more than 300 recording rights owners and 3,000 artists: Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Metallica, Megan Thee Stallion, HER and Stromae, and more than 300 record labels, including Armada Music, Codiscos, Spinnin ‘Records, Empire, Ninja Tune and Big Machine.
+ Merlin has returned Kaoruko Hill as general manager of APAC.
Hill most recently served in ByteDance’s music data and rights management team, where she played a critical role in managing global music rights for the platform. Before joining ByteDance, Kaoruko made key contributions to Merlin from 2016 to 2020 as head of member relations and operations at Merlin’s Japan office.
“We are incredibly proud of Kaoruko’s achievements and her well-deserved appointment as Managing Director of APAC,” said Merlin CEO Jeremy Sirota. “Her expertise, strategic vision and deep commitment to the music industry make her the ideal leader to advance our efforts in the Asia Pacific market, and we look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make.”
+ After 11 years at Red Light Management, Andreas Leib has been launched Deep Feel Talent Co.a boutique artist management company. The roster includes Victoria Canal, Maris Jones, Nu Deco Ensemble, Andy Arthur SmithAnd Dana Nielsen.
“Deep Feel Talent Co. reflects the values that have shaped my work over the years: building strong, authentic relationships with my clients and community, and creating space for creative voices to grow,” said Leib. “I am pleased to continue working with such talented individuals, many of whom I have had the pleasure of leading for years and love like family.”
Based in LA, Leib began his career in artist relations and hospitality at festivals such as Lollapalooza and Riot Fest. Previously he was involved in the management of Counting Crows, Corinne Bailey Rae, Emily King, Cory Henry, Theo Katzman, Lecrae, Robert Randolph, Miyavi and Cheers Elephant.
