Meet Our Team

Meet the Founder

Joe Kelly

President, CDX Records

Seasoned music executive and the visionary leader behind CDX Records and CDX Nashville, with a legacy that spans over three decades of success in country music promotion, artist development, label operations, and industry innovation.

Joe’s career began at DPI Records, in 1990 where he had the rare privilege of working under industry maven Mae Boren Axton (co-writer of “Heartbreak Hotel”) and legendary music executive Jim Foglesong (Country Music Hall of Fame inductee). It was here that Joe developed his deep respect for the traditions of country music and learned firsthand how to build careers from the ground up.

In 1992, Joe joined CDX Nashville, a start-up company then revolutionizing the way new country singles were delivered to radio. Over the next seven years, he became a cornerstone of CDX’s national radio distribution model.

In 1999, Joe was named Southeast Regional Director of Promotion for Intersound Country and Platinum Entertainment, overseeing a seven-state territory with 62 major-market radio stations, including Atlanta, Orlando, Tampa, Charlotte, and Nashville.

In 2001, he was appointed Vice President at Blue Diamond Records, where he managed A&R, marketing, promotion, publicity, and sales—gaining a reputation as a multifaceted label executive.

In 2004, Joe co-founded Aspirion Records Group, serving as VP of National Promotion. At Aspirion, he helped launch singles and develop airplay for notable artists including:
– John Corbett
– Joe Nichols
– Collin Raye
– T. Graham Brown

He was deeply involved in everything from national radio campaigns to artist branding and press development—building careers at both mainstream and independent levels.

As the industry evolved, Joe saw a gap in airplay tracking for independent and secondary market radio stations. In response, he created Traction—a custom-built radio monitoring application that tracks spins across non-monitored stations, giving independent artists, labels, and managers actionable airplay data in real time.

To complement Traction, Joe launched CDXCharts.com—a national platform that publishes weekly airplay charts in multiple formats, including:

– Mainstream Country & True Indie Country
– Americana
– Positive Country/Southern Gospel
– Texas Red Dirt
– AAA

This ecosystem of tools and data has become an essential resource for independent artists and programmers alike, helping level the playing field across the country music landscape.

In 2011, Joe returned to CDX Nashville as Director of Marketing and Label Relations, eventually rising to President of CDX Nashville and launching CDX Records, where he now oversees a full-service record label and distribution division powered by Sony Orchard.

Under his leadership, CDX Records combines the power of national radio promotion, digital distribution, data analytics, and strategic artist development—serving both emerging talent and legacy acts.

Joe’s reputation is built on authenticity, strategy, and heart—and his lifelong mission remains clear: empowering artists with tools, relationships, and insight to succeed in today’s music industry.

Email: joe@cdxnashville.com

Meet the Director

Ally Kelly

Director of Operations

Ally Kelly is the Director of Operations for CDX Records and CDX Nashville, where she plays an essential role in managing the daily business infrastructure that drives the label’s success. From coordinating artist releases and managing metadata delivery to supervising promotional rollouts and digital assets, Ally ensures that every moving part of CDX’s multi-faceted operation functions with clarity and efficiency.

Her role connects the creative and logistical worlds of the music industry. Ally works directly with President Joe Kelly and CDX’s internal teams to streamline communication across departments—bridging the gap between artists, managers, distributors, and radio partners. Under her leadership, CDX has continued to expand its operations, integrating publishing, radio promotion, and digital marketing into one cohesive ecosystem.

Known for her precision, reliability, and steady leadership, Ally thrives under pressure. She believes in the power of systems that serve the artist—combining Nashville’s creative heartbeat with world-class organization.

Ally’s guiding principle is simple: “Great music deserves great management.” Her dedication to operational excellence ensures that every CDX Records release meets the highest standard—from concept to completion.

Meet the Creative Services Director &
New Artist Advisor

Julia terry

Creative Services Director &
New Artist Advisor

Julia Terry is the Creative Services Director & New Artist Advisor for CDX Records and CDX Nashville, where she leads the development and execution of all visual and brand strategies for the label and its distributed artists. From concept to completion, Julia manages the creative process behind every CDX campaign—including single and album artwork, photo and video production, media kits, fingerprinting and digital marketing assets. Her work ensures that each release under the CDX umbrella carries a consistent and professional visual identity.

Julia’s journey with CDX began as an intern, where her creativity, reliability, and strong work ethic quickly set her apart. Her dedication and natural eye for design helped her grow steadily through the company, eventually earning her current position.

Before joining CDX Records, Julia worked at the Music City Center in Nashville, gaining hands-on experience in customer service, event production, creative marketing, and brand presentation—skills she now applies daily in her work with artists, management teams, and label partners.

Collaborating closely with President Joe Kelly and Director of Operations Ally Kelly, Julia bridges the gap between creative vision and business execution. Known for her professionalism, calm focus, and artistic instinct, she embodies the next generation of Nashville’s creative leadership.

Julia’s guiding belief: “Music tells the story—you just have to make people look long enough to listen.”

Meet the Social Media Editor

Jon brennan

Social Media Editor and Positive Country Chart Panel Radio Promotion Representative

Jon Brennan is a multi-talented member of the CDX Nashville and Triumph Promotion team, where he serves as both Social Media Editor and Radio Promotion Representative for the Positive Country Chart Panel of stations. He also continues to thrive as a recording artist signed to CDX Records/Sony Orchard, blending artistry, communication, and purpose across every role he fills.

In his work as Social Media Editor, Jon brings storytelling and engagement to the forefront of CDX’s brand presence. He develops creative strategies, produces content, and helps showcase CDX artists, label initiatives, and radio success stories through authentic, high-impact digital messaging.

In his radio promotion role with Triumph Promotion, Jon works directly with Positive Country programmers to champion songs that uplift and inspire. His genuine passion for the format—and his personal connection to faith-based country music—make him a trusted voice among stations and artists alike.

Before joining CDX, Jon became nationally known as one of the original cast members of MTV’s The Real World: Los Angeles and later appeared on The Challenge. Despite his early fame, Jon’s heart always stayed with country music and ministry. His 2025 single, “Tell Me That There Ain’t A God,” reflects that enduring faith and continues to resonate with audiences nationwide.

At CDX Records and Triumph Promotion, Jon Brennan represents the perfect intersection of artist authenticity, media expertise, and heart for the message—a combination that embodies the spirit of Positive Country and the mission of CDX Nashville.