noah | October 29, 2008 5:15 am

Atlanta twangers the Zac Brown Band–who had the dubious distinction of being one of the few non-megastars signed to Live Nation Artists, the touring promoter’s 360-deal arm–have signed a deal with Atlantic. The singer/guitarist who the band is named after said that his band’s departure was amicable, but the result of Michael Cohl’s departure from Live Nation last summer: “When he left the company, I think they wanted to stick their normal business model…. They helped us out for a year and now we’re free and happy and encouraged to sign with Atlantic.” [Billboard]