DELTONA Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville & The Core Entertainment

Pictured (L-R): Caleb Miller (DELTONA), Ned Abernathy (DELTONA) and Chris Deaton (DELTONA); (L-R, back row): Kenley Flynn (Sony Music Publishing), Hannah Lane (The Core Entertainment), Jamie Sudhalter (The Core Entertainment), Laura Moxley (The Core Entertainment), Simon Tikhman (The Core Entertainment), Molly Shehan (Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Chief Zaruk (The Core Entertainment) and Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing).
Country-rock trio DELTONA have signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with The Core Entertainment.
Made up of vocalist Ned Abernathy, guitarist Caleb Miller and drummer Chris Deaton, who all met at The Bluebird Cafe during a writers round, DELTONA has built a sound that blends Southern storytelling, rock energy and big, anthemic hooks. The trio has quickly gained attention with a growing catalog, major tour opportunities and early industry recognition.
The signing follows the release of DELTONA’s latest single, “The Country,” which landed on major playlists including Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country, Apple Music’s New In Country, Spotify’s All New Country, and Pandora’s Top Country Hits and New Country. Written by the band alongside Dan Agee and Nick Wayne, the song celebrates the trio’s Southern roots and joins a catalog that includes “Heartbreak Fix,” “Love Don’t Love Me,” “How To Not Help A Heartbreak,” “Cared Enough to Cry” and “Party’s In The Back.”
Known for their energetic live shows, DELTONA has shared the stage with Lee Brice, Jordan Davis, Avery Anna, Rodney Atkins, George Birge and Cooper Alan while continuing to grow both as performers and songwriters.
“We are ecstatic to be joining the Sony Music Publishing Nashville family in partnership with The Core,” says DELTONA. “We clicked with Kenley and Rusty [Gaston] right away, and Chief and Simon have believed in our vision from the beginning. Both teams understand who we are as writers and the nostalgic country-band energy we’re working to bring back. Having Sony Music Publishing and The Core behind us gives us the confidence to lean further into our songwriting, keep developing creatively and build something that feels true to us. We’re beyond excited for the journey ahead.”
“DELTONA are a true band with a clear point of view and songs built to hit just as hard live as they do on the record,” share Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, CEOs and Co-Founders of The Core Entertainment. “This partnership will give them an even broader creative network as they continue sharpening their sound and building a catalog that feels unmistakably their own.”
“From the first time I met Caleb, Chris and Ned, it was clear they were born to do what they’re doing as DELTONA,” adds Kenley Flynn, VP of Creative A&R at Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “Their music is authentic, fun, high energy and built on a genuine love and appreciation for country music. We’re honored that DELTONA, Chief, Simon and Jamie [Sudhalter] trusted in us as partners to help take this to the highest highs.”
- DELTONA Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville & The Core Entertainment - July 23, 2026
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