Olivia DaPonte & Chris McKenna Sign With Warner Chappell Music Nashville & Group Projects Music

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Pictured: (L-R, top row): Spencer Nohe (WCM), Emma Kiefer (Group Projects), Anthony Manker (Group Projects), Cooper Anstett (Group Projects), Sara Latimer (WCM) and Phil May (WCM). (L-R, bottom row): Olivia DaPonte and Chris McKenna. Photo Abigail Klotz

Songwriters Olivia DaPonte and Chris McKenna have both inked worldwide publishing deals with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Group Projects Music.

A Knoxville native and University of Tennessee graduate, DaPonte initially moved to New York City to pursue a career as a Business Analyst. After a year in the corporate world, she discovered her true passion in songwriting, prompting her return to Nashville to focus on her craft. Known for her lyrical and melodic style, she quickly became a favorite among fellow songwriters, with her distinct talents making her a standout in any writing room, including country ballads and upbeat pop-infused tracks.

Photo: Abigail Klotz

“I’m incredibly honored to be joining such talented and hardworking teams,” she shares. “Emma [Kiefer], Cooper [Anstett], and Anthony [Manker] quickly felt like family, and I’m so thankful for their belief in me. Now it’s time to get to work!”

Hailing from Boston, McKenna relocated to Nashville in 2019, quickly connecting with local songwriters and artists. Initially known as a skilled producer, he has since earned a reputation as a genuine storyteller and lyricist, with a keen ear for crafting memorable melodies.

“Joining the Group Projects and Warner Chappell teams is a dream come true,” he says. “They instantly felt like family. Their passion for what I’m doing gets me so excited for what we’re going to be able to achieve together.”

Photo: Abigail Klotz

“I’m so excited to expand our partnership with Group Projects by signing these two incredible writers, Chris McKenna and Olivia DaPonte,” shares Spencer Nohe, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “This is a great opportunity to expand upon their established foundations as writers and serve Group Projects as they build out their roster and culture.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Olivia and Chris to the Group Projects Publishing family,” adds Kiefer, Director of Publishing, A&R, Group Projects Music. “Getting the opportunity to sign Olivia to her first publishing deal was an absolute no-brainer. You can send her into any room with confidence she’ll show up and be asked back. When it comes to Chris, we can’t wait to build off of the momentum that he’s already established and elevate his next chapter. His authentic story-telling reminds us all why we want to work in a songwriting town.”

Madison Hahnen
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