HARDY Has Launched New Label Mockingbird Records
The country artist signed brothers TRIPPP as the flagship act for his new Big Loud Records sister label.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Country
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Artist HARDY has officially launched his country sister label, Mockingbird Records, under the Big Loud Records umbrella. The label has signed the Arkansas-born trio TRIPPP as its inaugural flagship artist.
Why it matters
This expansion represents a significant step for HARDY, who continues to grow his influence in the music industry after previously launching his rock imprint, CROW RECORDS. The partnership provides a high-profile platform for emerging talent within the competitive Nashville country scene.
TRIPPP has accumulated over 300 live performances and was named one of The Nashville Briefing's 25 Country Artists to Watch in 2024. The band previously won the 2023 Belmont University Songwriter's Showcase.
The players
HARDY
He is a prominent country music artist and songwriter who has expanded his professional portfolio into label management.
TRIPPP
This musical trio consists of brothers JD, Chaz, and Treyson Stafford who have transitioned from Arkansas to the Nashville industry.
Big Loud Records
It is an influential Nashville-based record label that currently serves as the parent company for Mockingbird Records.
Belmont University
Located in Nashville, this institution is a hub for music industry education and professional development.
The details
TRIPPP, comprised of brothers JD, Chaz, and Treyson Stafford, originated in Jonesboro, Arkansas, before moving to Nashville to attend Belmont University. The group has built their career through extensive touring and the release of their self-titled album and the EP titled nothin'.
Timeline
2023: TRIPPP won the Belmont University Songwriter's Showcase.
2024: TRIPPP was named a Country Artist to Watch.
September 2026: TRIPPP supported the band Goodbye June on tour.
October 2026: TRIPPP is scheduled to perform additional tour dates.
Industry Dynamics
The signing of TRIPPP follows the industry trend where successful artists use specialized imprints to cultivate talent identified by major Nashville tastemakers. This expansion mirrors the broader movement toward artist-led label development within the country sector.
Fans can anticipate increased touring and new musical releases from the Nashville-based trio as they expand their reach under the new label. Listeners can follow the band on their upcoming tour dates to see the group perform in major cities throughout October.
The takeaway
The move underscores the growing trend of artists acting as label executives to bridge the gap between regional success and national recognition. Aspiring musicians can learn from the trio's strategy of pairing academic development with aggressive live touring.
What happens next
TRIPPP has a series of tour dates scheduled through October 2026, with upcoming performances set for cities including St. Louis, New York, and Charlotte.
Further reading
For more news on local artists and industry developments, visit the Country section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MusicRow.
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