Sony Music Publishing Announces One New Hire, One Promotion In Creative Department

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Aubrey Rupe & Synnovea Halsel

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has announced an addition and promotion within its creative team. Aubrey Rupe has joined the team as Senior Director, Creative, and Synnovea Halsel has been promoted to Manager, Creative.

“We are incredibly lucky to welcome Aubrey to the team and for Synnovea to take on this new role,” notes Josh Van Valkenburg, EVP Creative, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “Aubrey is highly respected within the Music Row community as a champion of great songs and a rainmaker for songwriters. Synnovea’s rapid ascent among the next generation of publishing creatives has been exciting to see, and this is just the beginning. I look forward to working alongside Aubrey and Synnovea as we continue to deliver exceptional service to all SMP Nashville’s songwriters.”

In her new role, Rupe is responsible for advancing the company’s A&R initiatives, signing and working closely with talent, and delivering opportunities for collaboration and creative development across SMP Nashville’s roster. Previously, she spent nine years at Young Guns Publishing, where she served as VP, Creative and worked alongside writers Ben Stennis, Jared Mullins and singer-songwriter Jackie Lee.

“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to grow as a publisher under the incredible leadership of Rusty Gaston, Josh Van Valkenburg and the entire Sony Music Publishing team,” adds Rupe. “The writers, artists and catalog here are unmatched, and I am fired up to be able to represent them. The team here already feels like family and I’m proud to be a part of it!”

Halsel, who joined the company in 2021, has recently signed top emerging talent, including breakthrough singer-songwriter Madeleine Edwards, while also working closely with songwriters including Jaren Johnston, Zach Kale, and Ella Langley.

“I am so grateful that Rusty Gaston and Josh Van Valkenburg have given me the opportunity to work with some of the best songwriters in town,” shares Halsel. “As a Nashville native, it’s truly a privilege to work in an industry that I’ve grown up admiring with a team that has poured into me from the start.”

Lorie Hollabaugh
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