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Hailey Benedict Announces Signing to Nashville's Big Loud Records at Billboard Canada Women in Music

Before performing Saturday night (Sept. 7), the rising Alberta singer-songwriter announced that she's signed with the powerhouse country label and Dallas Smith's Canada-based imprint, Local Hay.

Hailey Benedict onstage at Billboard Canada Women in Music in Toronto on Sept. 7, 2024.

Hailey Benedict onstage at Billboard Canada Women in Music in Toronto on Sept. 7, 2024.

Gabriel Di Sante / Billboard Canada

Rising country artist Hailey Benedict is making some big moves, as she inks a deal with Nashville's Big Loud Records.

The Alberta singer announced the signing at Billboard Canada Women in Music celebration on Saturday, September 7.


Taking the stage in a sparkling silver fit, Benedict revealed that she's signed with Big Loud and its Canadian-based imprint Local Hay, helmed by country star Dallas Smith. She followed up the announcement with a performance of her upcoming single "Things My Mama Says," set to be her first release on Local Hay on October 4.

Benedict has been building to this moment since she was a kid — she first rose to national attention at the age of 14, when Keith Urban invited her on stage at a sold-out show in 2016 to perform an original song.

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Since then, she's released successful singles like 2021's "Wanted You To," built up an online fanbase including 250K TikTok followers, and performed at major events like the Country Music Alberta Awards. In 2023, she won the SiriusXM Top of the Country competition and she's heading into this fall's Canadian Country Music Awards with a nomination for Breakthrough Artist.

All of that makes the timing right for Benedict to shift from an independent artist to working with a label that knows how to navigate the country landscape.

Hailey Benedict with her new Big Loud team.Hailey Benedict with her new Big Loud team.Courtesy Photo

"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 in a statement. "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."

Big Loud also works with Canadians like MacKenzie Porter and, through Local Hay, Shawn Austin. Big Loud SVP Brianne Deslippe and President of A&R Joey Moi both made the inaugural Billboard Canada Power Players list earlier this year.

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"Hailey wowed us in our first meeting with quality songwriting, heartfelt storytelling and an unwavering authenticity that we could not ignore,” says Big Loud Records SVP of A&R, Sara Knabe. “‘Things My Mama Says’ is a special song, and our entire team is honored to share it with the world while we proudly welcome Hailey to Big Loud.”

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Frank Lebon
Lady Gaga
Concerts

Lady Gaga Takes Mayhem Ball on a Victory Lap With Second North American Leg in 2026: Here Are the Dates

The pop superstar will visit a new set of cities next year, including two nights in Montreal.

For months now, Lady Gaga has been asking her fans “How Bad Do U Want Me” during her sold-out run of the Mayhem Ball. With the emphatic response she’s gotten, the pop star is ready to give fans even more of what they want.

Gaga announced a second North American leg of The Mayhem Ball on Tuesday (Sept. 9), set to take place in early 2026. With a new run of 21 added dates, Mother Monster will visit cities that she wasn’t able to reach with her first run of the Mayhem Ball — such as Atlanta, Austin, Boston and Washington, D.C. — as well as two encore performances each to Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and New York’s Madison Square Garden.

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