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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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Cowboys Fringants
Cowboys Fringants
Cowboys Fringants
Chart Beat

Les Cowboys Fringants Debut ‘Merci ben!’ on the Billboard Canada AC Airplay Chart

The track from the Quebec band enters at No. 30 over a year after its release, picking up steam on the radio airwaves. Ariane Moffatt's “Jouer” also reaches a new peak, marking the second consecutive week with two charting French songs.

French-language music makes its mark on the Canadian charts this week.

Les Cowboys Fringants have made their latest Billboard debut with their song “Merci ben!” which arrives at No. 30 on the Canada AC chart for May 10. The country-folk track finds the band thanking its fans while reminiscing on its beginnings and milestones, from playing small bars to sold-out arenas. The track’s title is Quebec jargon for “Thank you very much!”

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