Big Loud and Local Hay Records Sign Country Singer Hailey Benedict

Big Loud Records and its Canada-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 global publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing and Local Hay.

“I’m ecstatic to begin this new chapter with such an incredibly creative and dedicated team that shares my vision for my songwriting, artistry, and career,” Benedict said  on stage in Toronto. “After a decade as an independent artist, it was crucial for me to partner with a record label that aligns with my values and passion for music. I truly believe I’ve found the perfect home with Big Loud and Local Hay. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every single person who has supported and championed my music and journey throughout the years. This would not be possible without your support, and I can’t wait to see what is to come next.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Hailey to our team. Hailey has the drive, talent, and passion you dream about in a new artist. The sky is truly the limit,” added Scott Cooke, president of Local Hay Records.

PHOTO ID (L-R): 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 Publishing (Bad Bunny, Cris Mj) has launched Faith Sounds, a Christian and gospel music division.

Now working under the Gospel Music Association, a non-profit organization founded to support and promote the development of all forms of gospel music, Rimas Publishing announced that they plan to organize songwriting camps.

Rimas Publishing is an independent company and is not affiliated with Rimas Entertainment.

+ Mary Megan Peer and Peermusic are announcing the appointment of Samantha Schilling Robinson as VP of peermusic’s neighbouring rights venture. Samantha was previously VP of neighbouring rights at Songtradr, INC. and brings over 17 years of experience in creative and rights management. In this new role at peermusic Neighbouring Rights, Samantha will collaborate closely with record labels, artists, composers, and collecting societies to ensure precise collection and distribution of royalties to neighbouring rights clients, with a particular focus in the Audio-Visual sector.

In 2020, Peermusic acquired Premier Muzik, All Right Music and Global Master Rights. Today, peermusic Neighbouring Rights encompasses over 300 recording rights owners and 3000 performers: Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Metallica, Megan Thee Stallion, H.E.R. and Stromae, and over 300 record labels including Armada Music, Codiscos, Spinnin’ Records, Empire, Ninja Tune, and Big Machine.

+ Merlin has brought back Kaoruko Hill as its general manager of APAC.

Hill most recently served in the music data and rights management team at ByteDance, where she played a pivotal role in managing global music rights for the platform. Prior to ByteDance, Kaoruko made significant 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 General Manager of APAC,” said Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin. “Her expertise, strategic vision, and deep commitment to the music industry make her the ideal leader to drive our efforts in the Asia-Pacific market forward, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make.”

+ After 11 years at Red Light Management, Andrew Leib has launched Deep Feel Talent Co., a boutique artist management company. Its roster includes Victoria Canal, Maris Jones, Nu Deco Ensemble, Andy Arthur Smith, and 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’m excited to continue working with such talented individuals, many of whom I’ve had the pleasure of managing for years and love like family.”

Based in LA, Leib began his career in artist relations and hospitality at festivals like 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.