07/01/2026
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***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — CDX Records today announced an exclusive worldwide distribution partnership with acclaimed country music artist Kristen Kelly and her independent imprint, Brave Feather Records. Through CDX Records’ strategic global distribution partnership with The Orchard, a Sony Music Entertainment company, the agreement will support the worldwide release of Kelly’s upcoming music while providing comprehensive marketing, publicity, digital strategy, and country radio promotion.
The partnership will launch with Kelly’s forthcoming single, “Shadow of Her,” co-written by Kristen Kelly, Monty Holmes, and Leslie Satcher. The release will be supported by country radio promotion from Bradley Kaminsky, representing Brave Feather Records, in collaboration with the CDX Records promotion team. Additional release details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Born and raised in Texas, Kristen Kelly has spent years building a reputation as one of country music’s most authentic voices. She first established herself throughout the Texas music scene before breaking nationally as both a songwriter and recording artist.
Kelly’s songwriting career took flight when she co-wrote the No. 1 Texas hit “Down In Flames” with fellow Texas Red Dirt artists Stoney LaRue and the late Brandon Jenkins. She soon followed with her own radio success, earning a Top 10 Texas chart hit with “I Remember When” and being named TRRMA New Female Vocalist of the Year.
Her success attracted the attention of Arista Nashville, where she recorded under the guidance of Country Music Hall of Fame producer Tony Brown and Country Music Hall of Fame and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Paul Overstreet. Her debut single, “Ex-Old Man,” climbed into the Top 30 on the Billboard Country chart and earned Kelly recognition as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.
Throughout her career, Kelly has performed on some of country music’s most iconic stages, including the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium. She has toured and shared the stage with many of the genre’s biggest names, including Alan Jackson, Willie Nelson, Brad Paisley, Gary Allan, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts, Dwight Yoakam, Sheryl Crow, Jake Owen, Wade Bowen, Cory Morrow, and Eli Young Band.
Kelly’s latest release, 111, features the powerful new song “The Next Right Thing” and continues to showcase the heartfelt songwriting and commanding vocals that have earned her a loyal following. The project follows Warrior, which represents the complete body of work Kelly recorded during her tenure with Arista Nashville, including her Billboard Top 30 hit “Ex-Old Man,” along with fan favorites “How Do You Sleep At Night,” “Drink Myself Out Of Love With You,” and “He Loves To Make Me Cry.”
“Kristen Kelly is exactly the kind of artist we built CDX Records to partner with,” said Joe Kelly, President and CEO of CDX Records. “She has earned the respect of fans, radio programmers, fellow artists, and the music industry through years of exceptional songwriting and unforgettable performances. Our job isn’t to change who Kristen is—it’s to help more people around the world discover her music.”
Kelly continued, “This partnership represents exactly what CDX Records stands for. We work alongside independent artists by providing worldwide distribution through The Orchard, national radio promotion, digital marketing, publicity, and strategic career development—while allowing artists to maintain their creative identity and independence. Kristen and Brave Feather Records are a perfect fit for that philosophy, and we believe the best chapter of this journey is still ahead.”
For Kelly, the partnership represents an exciting new beginning.
“After spending years building my career one song at a time, I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Joe Kelly, CDX Records, and The Orchard,” said Kristen Kelly. “They understand who I am as an artist and share my vision for where this music can go. I’m especially excited for everyone to hear ‘Shadow of Her.’ It has a swampy and western vibe, and I can’t wait for the world to hear it.”
Kelly added, “My latest release, 111, and the music that came before it have all been stepping stones leading to this next chapter. I’m grateful for every fan who’s been on this journey with me, and I truly believe the music we’re about to release represents some of my best work yet.”
The exclusive worldwide distribution agreement reflects CDX Records’ commitment to partnering with accomplished independent artists by combining world-class distribution through The Orchard with personalized artist development, marketing, publicity, and radio promotion. Together, CDX Records, Brave Feather Records, and Kristen Kelly are poised to introduce Kelly’s next chapter to country music fans around the world.
Additional information regarding the release of “Shadow of Her” will be announced soon.
