Artist & Industry News

Singer-songwriter William Beckmann has signed with Warner Music Nashville. The Texas native sings in both English and Spanish and was raised on classic country as well as the mariachi and Norteño sounds of northern Mexico. He is drawn to things that have a story to tell, such as historic buildings, old guitars and the vintage typewriter on which he writes...

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) and Songs & Daughters have signed rising singer-songwriter Emmi Elliott. Hailing from Ohio, Emmi’s journey took her to Nashville, where she attended Belmont University. Since then, she’s continued to hone her craft, focusing on writing country and Christian music. "I am incredibly grateful to be signing with Songs & Daughters and Warner Chappell," shares Emma Elliott....

Jake Owen and industry veteran Keith Gale have launched Good Company Entertainment Records (GCE Records). This venture is an extension of their Good Company Entertainment, the home base for Owen’s artist management. The independent label and artist services arm, based in Nashville, aims to provide all-encompassing services, offering independent newcomers and established artists the opportunity to leverage one-stop, turnkey resources...

Songwriter/producer Matt McVaney has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Round Hill Music. Ohio native writer/producer, Matt McVaney (McV) quickly found success after penning and producing the viral radio hit, “Used To Love You Sober” and “I Love That I Hate You” by Kane Brown as well as “Thunder In The Rain,” which was the debut single on Brown’s 2016...

Lanie Gardner has signed a record deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. “Lanie is exactly the kind of artist we look for when adding to our incredible roster—unique, exciting, an insatiable work ethic, and a heart that matches her art. We are so excited to help execute her vision,” says JoJamie Hahr, EVP, Recorded Music at BMG Nashville.

Sony Music Nashville surprised Kameron Marlowe with a plaque to celebrate the Gold certification of his song “Steady Heart.” The song, which is featured on Marlowe’s debut album We Were Cowboys, is the latest addition to his list of RIAA-certified singles, including Platinum (U.S.) and Gold (Australia) song “Giving You Up” and Gold tracks “Girl On Fire” and “Burn ‘Em...

BMI hosted its signature Rooftop On The Row series, presented by George Dickel, last night (8/13) featuring Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters artist Lauren Watkins and UMG Nashville/Universal Music Canada artist Josh Ross. More than 600 music industry professionals made their way to the top of BMI Nashville to experience Country music’s prominent artists to watch. The final installment of...

Tape Room Music and Warner Chappell Music have signed Ben Williams to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. Williams celebrated his first No. 1 hit at country radio with Megan Moroney’s “Tennessee Orange.” He also co-wrote the songs “I’m Not Pretty” with Moroney and “Narcissist” with Avery Anna, and earned nominations for MusicRow‘s Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year and AIMP’s Rising...

Big Loud Records announces today the elevation of Eric England to SVP, Insights & Analytics, effective immediately. “Eric and his team's strategic implementation of data throughout every aspect of our business over the last three years has amplified our success immensely,” Big Loud COO Austen Adams and CEO / Partner Seth England share. "His innovative, outside perspective on our industry...

Conner Smith has signed a new management agreement with Jake Kinney at his newly-launched Pioneer Artists in a strategic partnership with Chris Kappy at Make Wake Artists. “This is a very exciting time and step for me, as I get to partner with Pioneer and Make Wake heading into this next chapter of my career,” shares Smith. “My favorite part...

BMG has named Jenn Dobbins as Senior Vice President, Rights & Royalties. Based in BMG’s US Copyright & Royalties hub in Nashville, Dobbins will be responsible for Copyright and Recorded Music Administration. She reports to Eric Scott, EVP, Rights Administration and Royalty Services. “Jenn’s extensive expertise, deep knowledge, and proven experience in managing complex rights and royalties will not only...

Sony Music Nashville & Columbia Records presented Megan Moroney with two plaques celebrating the RIAA Platinum certification for her hit single “I’m Not Pretty” from her newly RIAA certified Gold debut album Lucky. The plaques were presented at her Nissan Stadium show Saturday night, August 3rd.

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a publishing deal with rising singer-songwriter and producer Hueston. Previously the frontman of the indie/alternative-duo The Blancos, Hueston was the first artist signed to UMG Nashville’s newly created Silver Wings Records earlier this year. With over 453,000 monthly Spotify listeners, Hueston stands out with his strong vocals and emotional lyrics. He is set to...

Mark Irwin has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs. Irwin has amassed a catalog that includes chart-topping hits “Here In The Real World” by Alan Jackson, “Redneck Crazy” by Tyler Farr, “Highway Don’t Care” by Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban and “Neon Light” by Blake Shelton. His songs have also been recorded by George Jones, Randy Travis, Faith...

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed Trea Landon to an exclusive, global publishing deal. Landon moved to Nashville in 2015 and signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville just two years later. “I met Trea in passing at a studio back in 2015, where he was doing a vocal for a demo session,” says UMPG Nashville’s VP, A&R, Missy...

Trailblazing independent powerhouse Big Loud Records announces today the promotion of Jess Anderson to Sr. Director, Media, effective immediately. “Jess continues to remain a powerful force in spearheading our publicity department,” share Big Loud CEO / Partner Seth England and SVP, Marketing, Candice Watkins. "We're grateful for her leadership in executing brilliant campaigns for our artists and organization, and for...

Kaileen Mangan Smith has joined Boom Music Group as Creative Manager. Smith comes to the publishing company from UMG Nashville. “I’ve known Kaileen for a few years now, and I’ve always admired her spirit and enthusiasm,” says Shaina Botwin, Vice President, Boom Music Group. “When I heard that she was wanting to make the leap into publishing, I knew she’d...

Warner Chappell Music (WCM) has signed a publishing deal with rising singer-songwriter Schmitty. With his original heartfelt lyrics and 90s country and rock & roll-influenced melodies, Schmitty is paving his way in the country music scene. His recent single, “Don’t Hurt,” has already been featured in multiple editorial playlists across DSPs, and he will be releasing new music in the...

Phil “Philbilly” O’Donnell has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Kobalt. Over the past two decades, O’Donnell has penned No. 1s for George Strait, Blake Shelton and Montgomery Gentry. He has other writing and producing credits with work recorded by Cody Johnson, Chris Jansen, Craig Morgan, Josh Thompson, Dillon Carmichael, Drew Parker, Clay Walker, Tyler Booth, Aaron Watson, Craig Campbell...

BMG has promoted Jen Morgan to VP, Global Content & Creative. Morgan will be entrusted with the creative vision and execution of content creation initiatives for their artists, ensuring their music is represented and amplified through various mediums worldwide. This elevated role combines a creative leadership with a global perspective to drive engagement, visibility and success for the artists across...

Eclipse Music Group has hired Courtney Crist as Vice President of Publishing. She joins from her most recent position as Senior Director at Anthem Entertainment. At Eclipse, she will work with writers Ronnie Bowman, Nick Connors, Jeff Garrison, Rob Hatch, Early James, Jim McCormick, Jackson Nance, Payton Smith and Brit Taylor. “We are thrilled to welcome Courtney to the Eclipse...

Tennessee-born country troubadour Larry Fleet can now add another title to describe his multi-talented artistry: thoughtful songwriter, soulful vocalist, road-tested entertainer, and podcaster. The new podcast Highway Feet with Larry Fleet featuring long-time bandmates and crowd favorites Crazy Legs and Les Hall is available now across platforms. The first full episode finds the trio recounting the origins of their careers and...

Rounder Records, one of the world's most historic roots, Americana, and bluegrass record labels, is pleased to announce the signing of JD Clayton to its esteemed roster of artists. Clayton will join a 50+ year legacy of seminal music output from the likes of Gregg Allman, Indigo Girls, Alison Krauss, and Steve Martin & Edie Brickell, as well as critically...

Lakeview has signed with UTA for exclusive worldwide representation in all areas. The duo, comprised of Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy, has amassed over 30 million streams on their single “Home Team,” and struck a chord with their emerging fanbase through their musicality and metal-core influence.