Music News (1/15/25)

Electric Feel Entertainment Signs Thomas Edwards

Pictured (L–R): Electric Feel’s John Bradley, Thomas Edwards and Electric Feel’s Austin Rosen. Photo: Taylor Stanford

Electric Feel Entertainment has signed emerging singer-songwriter Thomas Edwards.

The Kingsport, Tennessee native comes from a family of musicians, and began singing in church at a young age. After his football career at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville was cut short by an injury, Edwards decided to embrace his musical roots and move to Nashville. He released his debut single, “Runnin’ Through That T,” in 2023 as an ode to his dreams of playing collegiate football.

Last year, Edwards shared his second single, “Old Crowd,” and inked with UTA for booking representation.

“I’ve been able to spend the past couple years watching Thomas develop into the incredible writer and artist that he is and is still becoming,” says John Bradley, Country A&R, Electric Feel Entertainment. “Stoked to be on his team. This is only the first big step of many!”

“Signing with Electric Feel was an easy decision. To me, it’s always been about the people, not the place, and John Bradley helped me in my music career from the day I got to town,” shares Edwards. “When I got the ball rolling with my music and had to decide on a publisher, it was a no brainer. Since joining EF, I’ve been able to expand my scope as a creative, writing songs across multiple genres and collaborating with artists around the world. EF has allowed me to focus my effort on making music, not necessarily being contained by the parameters of any one specific genre.”

Global Country Artist Gareth Inks With BMG

Pictured (L-R): Jason Fletcher (Tour Manager for Gareth), Ciara Newell-Bailey (Sr. Dir., Creative at BMG), Gareth and Cassie Mcilroy (Sr. VP, Investments and Business Development)

Northern Ireland-born singer-songwriter Gareth has signed a publishing deal with BMG.

Born and raised in Castlederg, Northern Ireland, Gareth blends his Irish roots with a love for country music and storytelling. He got his start playing in local pubs, and his breakthrough came in 2024 with a viral cover of “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan, which amassed over 25 million views and 15 million streams.

The buzz from that cover led to his projects Covers (From Across the Pond) and his debut original EP Changing Seasons, which together have garnered over 25 million streams and significant airplay on stations such as SiriusXM’s The Highway and Absolute Country Radio. His rise has also seen him share stages with Brett Young and The 502s, while earning him a loyal fanbase.

“We are delighted to welcome Gareth to BMG,” says Ciara Newell-Bailey, Senior Director, Creative (Publishing) BMG. “His deep love for music, his roots, and his hometown shines through in his writing style. Writing from the heart, his lyrics resonate with honesty and emotion, all complemented by his stunning and beautiful voice. Gareth’s talents know no bounds, and we are thrilled to be part of his creative team and to support him on his musical journey.”

Wrensong Publishing Hires Haily Harris

Haily Harris

Wrensong Publishing has hired Haily Harris as Creative Manager.

Harris comes to Wrensong from Jody Williams Songs (JWS), where she assisted Jody Williams, Nina Jenkins Fisher and Tenasie Courtright with various publishing endeavors as an intern. The Marietta, Georgia native graduated from Belmont University in 2024, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in music business with a legal emphasis.

In her new role, Harris will work with songwriters Makayla Lynn, Joe Ginsberg, Connor Matthews and Charles Esten.

“We are so excited to welcome Haily to the Wrensong team. She came highly recommended from Jody Williams and Nina Jenkins Fisher as their amazing intern. You cannot get a better endorsement than team Jody Williams Songs!! We are very impressed by her entrepreneur spirit and ‘get it done’ attitude,” says Ree Guyer, President & Owner, Wrensong Publishing. “We see great things in her future, and we are thrilled she is on team Wrensong.”

“I am so excited and honored to join the Wrensong team! This past year interning at Jody Williams Songs, I have learned so much, and found a true passion for songs and the people who bring them to life. I look forward to learning and growing with this amazing group of women,” shares Harris.