Lauren Black, a graduate of the University of Central Florida, has been covering country music for more than a decade. In 2008, Black co-founded CountryMusicIsLove and sold it to a major record label in 2015. The website was re-branded to Sounds Like Nashville, where Black spent two and a half years overseeing all content as Editor-in-Chief. She was previously a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work has also been published on Forbes.com. Black currently oversees Country Now as Editor-in-Chief. When she’s not writing about country music, she enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Madeleine O'Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O'Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music's Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem Magazine, and Holler.Country. When she's not attending a concert or adding new country music to her playlist, O'Connell spends her time dancing in the studio and traveling with her family.
Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 28-year-old self-taught entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn't running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.
Melinda Lorge is a Nashville-based freelance writer who specializes in covering country music. Along with Country Now, her work has appeared in publications, including Rare Country, Rolling Stone Country, Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Wide Open Country and more. After joining Rare Country in early 2016, Lorge was presented with the opportunity to lead coverage on late-night television programs, including “The Voice” and “American Idol,” which helped her to sharpen her writing skills even more. Lorge earned her degree at Middle Tennessee State University, following the completion of five internships within the country music industry. She has an undeniable love for music and entertainment. When she isn’t living and breathing country music, she can be found enjoying time outdoors with family and friends.
