Here And Hey Now: "Hey Now Records was born out of conversations Clint [Higham], Kenny [Chesney] and I had about the increasing lack of focus that artists are getting as rosters increase while staffs shrink," says Co-Founder John Esposito, who adds, "When Kris [Lamb] joined our conversations, I knew we would be lucky to have him at the helm of our operation." As announced via Breaking News, Higham and Esposito will serve as Co-Founders, Lamb as President and the Nashville-based label’s flagship artist is Chesney.

Chesney left Sony Music Nashville, his label home for more than 20 years, to sign with Esposito at Warner Music Nashville in 2018. He continues to be managed by Higham. “A label like this can be all-in, lets-make-stuff-happen – and I have always been about making things happen," says Chesney. "Creating and exploring what’s possible inspires me, and this is a moment where we can realize ideas in a matter of hours.” Esposito transitioned from WMN Chairman/CEO to Chairman Emeritus in 2023 (CAT 6/2/22). Lamb rose to Big Machine EVP/GM in 2024 (CAT 1/31/24) after 13 years with the label group; reach him here.