T.J. Martell Gala Raises Record $3.2M Honoring Coran Capshaw; Freddy Wexler Launches Youth-Focused Label

The T.J. Martell Foundation’s annual New York Honors Gala, held on September 15, raised more than $3.2 million for cancer research, marking the largest sum the event has collected in over twenty years. The evening honored Red Light Management founder Coran Capshaw with the Lifetime Music Industry Award, presented by his close friend Dave Matthews. The ceremony featured solo acoustic performances by Matthews, Trey Anastasio, and Chris Stapleton, all paying tribute to Capshaw.

Steve Gawley, chair of the foundation’s board of trustees and executive vice president of business and legal affairs for Republic Collective, highlighted Capshaw’s extensive contributions. “Coran and his artists have an incredible spirit of philanthropy,” Gawley said. “When we first asked Coran to help us, he didn’t simply agree to be honored. He brought his team, his artists, his relationships and his whole heart.” Gawley emphasized that the funds enable scientists to take risks and provide better treatments and more time for patients.

In his acceptance speech, Capshaw reflected on the music industry’s tradition of generosity. “I think what really unites this room, both the musicians and the business side alike, is our industry’s inclination to do good and to give back,” he said, noting that musicians and their teams consistently step up during crises such as natural disasters.

The musical tributes included personal anecdotes and performances. Matthews performed acoustic versions of “Save Me” and “Don’t Drink the Water,” which he noted were likely Capshaw favorites. Anastasio, who lost his sister and best friend to cancer, described Capshaw’s ability to motivate others and shared how their conversation led to the opening of a sober retreat in Vermont. He performed acoustic renditions of “Waste” and “More.” Stapleton closed the night with “Where Rainbows Never Die” and “Tennessee Whiskey.”

In other industry news, Billy Joel collaborator Freddy Wexler launched Wexler Records, an independent label with a roster composed entirely of artists under the age of 20. The inaugural signing includes pop group JYT, country artist Madden Metcalf, and siblings Kauani and Carter Barnes from the new Mickey Mouse Club. Wexler, who made headlines in 2024 for collaborating with Joel on his first new song in decades, stated that the label aims to revive traditional artist development, prioritizing potential over data.

Warner Chappell Music Nashville also announced a renewed global publishing agreement with Grammy-nominated country trio Midland. The band, known for their 2017 hit “Drinkin’ Problem” and recent album “Stages,” expressed pride in their long-standing partnership with the publisher.

Meanwhile, veteran publicist Jessica Nall joined Full Coverage Communications, bringing experience from her recent roles at Jonesworks and a nearly decade-long tenure at Atlantic Records. Mom+Pop Music named Daria Stachera as vice president of digital marketing, where she will lead digital strategy and audience engagement. Stachera previously held digital marketing roles at Republic Records and RCA.

Electric Feel Entertainment signed 22-year-old R&B artist Jay Starr to its label and publishing roster. Starr expressed gratitude for the team’s support and vision for his career growth.

On the international front, SoundExchange and UAE-based Music Nation Copyrights Management signed a reciprocal agreement to strengthen cross-border neighboring rights administration. The deal aims to create new revenue streams for rights holders in both the United States and the UAE. Michael Huppe, president and CEO of SoundExchange, described the agreement as groundbreaking, while Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairwoman of MusicNation, called it a national milestone for protecting musical IP and supporting the creative economy.