Black River Entertainment is an American independent country music label based in Nashville, Tennessee. Its roster includes Matt Stell (signed May 2026), Kellie Pickler (catalog), and Glen Templeton. In May 2026, Matt Stell signed with Black River Entertainment and released "Better Angels" with Ne-Yo on May 29, 2026, as his first track on the label. Gordon S. Kerr serves as CEO and Rick Froio as EVP. The label's team also includes Brendan Rich (who leads Matt Stell's team), Doug Johnson, Aaron Steinberg, and Chase Miller.
Black River Entertainment built its reputation on country music. Matt Stell, the Arkansas native who signed with the label in May 2026, has amassed over 1.1 billion global streams and earned two chart-toppers at country radio with the double-Platinum hit "Prayed For You" and Platinum certified "Everywhere But On." His signing to Black River represents the label's continued investment in established country acts with proven streaming and radio success. CEO Gordon S. Kerr described Stell as an incredible artist with a unique voice and a vision for where he wants to go.
How Black River Operates
Black River Entertainment runs dedicated A&R under CEO Gordon S. Kerr and EVP Rick Froio from its Nashville headquarters. It operates an independent distribution network. The label's strength is its focused roster and its willingness to sign established country acts with proven streaming and radio success. Its 2026 Matt Stell signing shows continued investment in country artists with billion-stream profiles.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make country music with proven streaming and radio success, Black River Entertainment is a focused independent Nashville label that signs established acts. Its 2026 Matt Stell signing (an artist with over 1.1 billion global streams) shows it targets artists with proven traction rather than developing acts. Its small, focused team means personalized attention for each signing.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Country focus: Black River signs country and country pop. Artists in other genres should look elsewhere.
- No unsolicited demos: Black River does not accept cold submissions.
- Established artist focus: Black River tends to sign artists with proven streaming and radio success rather than developing acts.
- Small roster: Black River maintains a focused roster, so signing opportunities are rare.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Stell | "Prayed For You" (single) | 2019 | Country Airplay No. 1 (2 weeks), Hot 100 No. 36, RIAA 2x Platinum |
| Matt Stell | "Everywhere But On" (single) | 2020 | Country Airplay No. 1, Hot 100 No. 48, RIAA Gold |
| Matt Stell | Everywhere But On (EP) | 2019 | Top Country Albums No. 32 |
| Kellie Pickler | Small Town Girl (album) | 2006 | Billboard 200 No. 9, Top Country Albums No. 1, 900,000 copies sold |
| Kellie Pickler | Kellie Pickler (album) | 2008 | Billboard 200 No. 9, Top Country Albums No. 1, 470,000 copies sold |
| Kellie Pickler | 100 Proof (album) | 2012 | Billboard 200 No. 7, Top Country Albums No. 2 |
| Kellie Pickler | The Woman I Am (album) | 2013 | Billboard 200 No. 19, Top Country Albums No. 4 |
| Glen Templeton | "I Could Be the One" (single) | 2011 | Hot Country Songs No. 53 |
Video Highlights
Deal Structures
Black River Entertainment operates traditional recording deals for country artists. The label funds recording, marketing, and radio promotion. In exchange, the label takes master ownership for the contract term. Distribution runs through Black River's independent network. The label's 2026 Matt Stell signing followed Stell's departure from RECORDS/Arista Nashville. This shows Black River targets established artists with proven streaming and radio numbers. The label does not publicly offer 360 deals or distribution-only agreements. It focuses on country and country pop acts with existing traction.
How Artists Get Signed
- Build a proven streaming and radio profile. Black River targets established country acts with verifiable traction. Matt Stell had over 1.1 billion global streams when signed.
- Secure management or attorney representation. Black River does not accept unsolicited demos. Submissions come through managers, attorneys, or industry referrals.
- Get on the A&R radar through country radio and streaming performance. CEO Gordon S. Kerr and EVP Rick Froio lead A&R decisions.
- Demonstrate touring and live performance revenue. Black River favors artists with active touring careers.
- Negotiate through representation. The label's small team (including Brendan Rich, Doug Johnson, Aaron Steinberg, and Chase Miller) evaluates each signing individually.
Similar Labels
- BBR Music Group - Nashville independent country label group
- Big Machine Records - Nashville country label founded by Scott Borchetta
- Blue Highway Records - HYBE America's Nashville country division
- Nashville Harbor Records - Nashville country and roots label
- Curb Records - Long-running Nashville independent country label
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Black River deal contains
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building a country music profile
- Tour Revenue Calculator - Touring income for country artists
- BBR Music Group - A related Nashville label
- Black River Entertainment Official Site - Roster and news
