Industry Ink: The Country Network, IBMA, Silverado Records

The Country Network’s Nashville Team Adds Program Director

Kent Bailey

Kent Bailey has joined The Country Network’s Nashville team as Program Director. Bailey’s experience in radio and TV spans over three decades, including stints at CMT International, as well as alongside former associate Cary Rolfe, VP of Programming and Artist Relations for The Country Network.

Bailey assisted Rolfe in programming The Country Network during its original launch in 2012 (and subsequently ZUUS Country, until its sale in late 2015). Bailey reunited with Rolfe and has been working with The Country Network in Nashville as a programming consultant since June, contributing greatly to its initial success. Bailey can be reached at kent@tcncountry.com.

IBMI Adds Member Services Director, Opens Showcase Applications

Amy Beth Hale

Amy Beth Hale has joined the staff of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) as Member Services Director. Hale was most recently Director of Writer/Publisher Relations at SESAC Nashville, working closely with songwriters and publishers as well as maintaining SESAC’s audio library and overseeing the maintenance of their database. Hale is a member of the Leadership Bluegrass class of 2011. She can be reached at amybeth@ibma.org or 615-256-3222.

Additionally, the IBMA has opened its showcase applications for the 2017 Bluegrass Ramble, which will take place during IBMA’s World of Bluegrass. All emerging bands plus established bands with new music or new personnel are encouraged to apply. The application process runs through Feb. 28. Bands can apply at ibma.org.

Exegan Music Group Promotes Silverado’s Chesling To VP Role

Aaron Chesling

Aaron Chesling has been promoted to VP, A&R at Silverado Records’ parent company, Exegan Music Group. Chesling will continue to oversee A&R at Silverado Records as well as the company’s other properties. Chesling formerly served as Logistics Coordinator for Big Machine Records.

“We have an exciting year planned and are very excited to have Aaron helming a key element of our strategy,” said Exegan Music Group CEO Scott Thomas.

“This past year building up Silverado Records here in Nashville, and working with Scott on some new projects going forward have been an awesome experience. I’m really looking forward to this next chapter,” Chesling said.

Silverado, which launched in 2016, boasts an artist roster that includes Joe Diffie, HISH, Zack Dyer, Ali Morgan and Melissa Mickelson.

Exegan Music Group was formed in 2010 by Scott Thomas and a group of investors. The company owns and manages more than a dozen small record labels and catalogs, including Gateway Records, Poison Tree Records and more.