HEY NOW Records Expands Leadership Team with New A&R and Artist Development Directors

On August 10 2026, HEY NOW Records revealed a sweeping leadership overhaul aimed at sharpening its talent‑scouting engine. The Los Angeles‑based label announced that Dilan “Hef” Ames will step into the role of Vice President of Artist & Repertoire, while Nashville‑native Alyssa Ramsey will become Director of Artist Development.

Ames brings more than a decade of experience hunting, signing and marketing emerging artists. Prior to joining HEY NOW, he held A&R positions at Alamo Records, 10K Projects and the Elektra Music Group. President and co‑founder Kris Lamb praised Ames as “relentless in searching the internet, talking to tastemakers and music lovers to find artists long before they break out.” Lamb added that Ames’ focus on early involvement can accelerate the creative process and help identify audiences from the outset.

Ramsey earned a Master of Arts in Music Business from Berklee College of Music and has worked for Red 11 Music, Rodeo Austin, Anthem Entertainment and Dallas Davidson’s Play It Again Music Group. In Nashville she managed day‑to‑day operations for artists such as Dylan Marlowe and oversaw label services. Lamb described Ramsey as a “ninja” who understands release strategies, artist branding and growth tracking.

In addition to the two new executives, HEY NOW will deploy two consultants to work alongside Ames and Ramsey. Lamb explained that the consultants will broaden the label’s talent‑scouting reach and ensure that artists who join HEY NOW receive full support from the outset.

HEY NOW Records, founded in March 2026, is the label behind Kenny Chesney’s upcoming twenty‑first studio album Silver Sands Marina, scheduled for release on September 25 2026. Chesney is the label’s flagship artist, and Carry On was the first single issued from the project. The label’s strategy has emphasized rapid development of new talent, a focus that aligns with the skill sets of Ames and Ramsey.

The appointments signal HEY NOW’s intent to strengthen its A&R pipeline and artist‑development framework. A&R executives like Ames are responsible for identifying promising artists, negotiating contracts and guiding creative direction. Directors of artist development, such as Ramsey, focus on branding, release strategy and long‑term career growth. By adding both roles, HEY NOW positions itself to compete with larger imprints that have long‑established talent‑scouting networks.

Industry observers note that the hiring moves coincide with a broader trend of independent labels investing in dedicated A&R and development talent. The trend reflects the increasing importance of early artist discovery in a market where streaming platforms and social media accelerate exposure. HEY NOW’s decision to bring in consultants further illustrates a shift toward flexible, project‑based talent acquisition.

The new leadership team will also work closely with HEY NOW’s existing roster. Chesney’s Silver Sands Marina is the label’s first release, and the label’s strategy includes building a diverse catalog that spans country, pop and other genres. Ames’ experience at Elektra and 10K Projects, both known for cross‑genre signings, and Ramsey’s Nashville background, suggest a focus on blending traditional country roots with contemporary sounds.

As of now, HEY NOW has not announced additional signings beyond Chesney. The label’s next steps will likely involve leveraging the expanded A&R and development teams to identify and sign new artists, with the consultants providing additional scouting capacity.

The appointments underscore HEY NOW’s commitment to building a robust infrastructure for artist growth. With Ames and Ramsey at the helm of A&R and development, the label is poised to expand its roster and support emerging talent in a rapidly evolving music‑industry landscape.