SOURCE New Member Spotlight: Candice Surrency

Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Candice grew up surrounded by the rhythms and

realities of the music industry. With a father who managed multiple bands and played a

role in the early rise of R&B icon Toni Braxton, music was more than a backdrop—it was

a constant influence that shaped both curiosity and ambition. That early exposure

naturally led to a career path rooted in the business side of entertainment.

Candice attended Middle Tennessee State University, earning a degree in Recording

Industry Management. While at MTSU, two formative internships helped define the

direction of her career. Her first, with the International Entertainment Buyers Association

(IEBA), earned her scholarships and provided a foundational understanding of the live

entertainment landscape. The second, with Kathy Walker Songs / Michael McDonald,

offered a rare, firsthand look into the inner workings of music publishing and record

label operations. She later broadened her industry experience even further by working

on the inaugural season of Nashville Star, gaining insight into television production and

talent development.

Immediately after graduation, Candice joined an independent record label startup,

where she was immersed in every facet of label operations—from packaging design to

catalog management. The organizational discipline and operational fluency she

developed there paved the way for her transition to Sony Music Nashville, where she

began her tenure as a Release Planner.

Over the past 17 years at Sony, Candice has contributed to the release strategies of

some of country music’s most influential artists, including Kane Brown, Luke Combs,

Carrie Underwood, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, and

Brooks & Dunn. Her work has supported chart-topping albums, major career

milestones, and the continued evolution of Sony’s artist roster.

In 2023, Candice was recognized by MusicRow Magazine as one of the industry’s

“Next Big Thing” professionals—an honor that reflects both her deep experience and

her ongoing impact on the future of Nashville’s music community.

Best piece of advice you’ve been given: "Movement is medicine."

Favorite quote: "The roof might not be my biological child, but I’m still gonna raise it."

Favorite hobby/pastime: Spending time hiking or just generally being in the woods,

admiring the splendor of nature.

Social handles: Instagram: @campersandice