Derek Austin Signs Management & Publishing Deals

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Pictured (L-R): Halie Hampton Mosley (W&H), Allie Petko (W&H), Derek Austin, Benji Amaefule (WCM) and Ben Vaughn (WCM). Photo: Courtesy of WCM

Singer-songwriter Derek Austin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) and a management deal with Why&How.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with Ben [Vaughn], Benji [Amaefule], and the entire Warner Chappell family. It means the world that the Warner Chappell team believes in me and sees the vision for my music,” Austin shares. “Bruce [Kalmick], Halie [Hampton Mosley], Allie Petko, and the Why&How team have been incredible guides throughout this process. I can’t wait to see where it all goes from here.”

Hailing from Minnesota, Austin ran a dairy operation with his brothers before moving to Washington State for college, which is where he learned to play guitar and started writing songs. After graduation, he spent time in Alaska as an Air Traffic Controller before moving to Nashville to pursue music.

Austin released the five-track EP Barstools in 2021, followed by the single “The Bullet” with Ashley Cooke, which has amassed nearly one million views on YouTube and over two million streams on Spotify. Last year, he also released the songs “Beer Back,” “Stoned” and “Summer Was You.”

“Derek is an incredible talent who demonstrates not only immense potential, but true work ethic and a dedication to his craft,” shares Hampton Mosley, COO, Why&How. “He’s already laid an impressive foundation through his songwriting, and we look forward to partnering with Ben, Benji, and the entire Warner Chappell team to take Derek’s career into this next chapter.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Derek to the Warner Chappell family,” adds Amaefule, Manager, A&R, WCM Nashville. “His unique background and storytelling shines through in his songs that are equal parts anthemic and compelling. We’re excited to get to work and showcase his star power in the ever-expanding landscape of our format.”

LB Cantrell
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