Christian Hale Signs With Centricity Publishing

(L-R:) Chad Segura (VP of Publishing), Justin Nicolet (Creative Director of Publishing), Leah Hale, Christian Hale, Alex Diaz (Publishing Coordinator)

Writer/Producer Christian Hale has signed a publishing deal with Centricity Publishing.

A multi-genre songwriter, Hale co-wrote “Yours,” the latest single from Centricity artist Caitie Hurst, and has upcoming singles from Fair Trade artist Jack Cassidy, as well as new Centricity artist Coby James. Hale also has sync placements with Nike, Google, Facebook, Subaru, Fox, NFL, HGTV, TLC, iHeart radio, and more.

The publishing arm of Centricity Music, Centricity Publishing’s writer and artist roster includes Lauren Daigle, Seth Mosley, Jordan Feliz, Paul Duncan, and more.

Jim McCormick Signs Publishing Deal With Eclipse Music Group


Jim McCormick has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group.

The Grammy-nominated songwriter has had two No. 1s on the charts: Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride,” which spent three weeks at No. 1, and Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” He is also a co-writer on Gabby Barrett’s new single, “The Good Ones,” which will be released to radio on June 8. His current releases include Kelly Clarkson’s “Minute,” Luke Bryan’s “All My Dreaming There,” Harry Connick Jr’s “I Do Like We Do,” Jon Pardi’s “Lucky Tonight,” and four songs on the new Samantha Fish record. His songs also have been recorded by Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Cody Johnson, Trisha Yearwood, Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap, Jamey Johnson, Smash Mouth, Tyler Farr and more.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to be working with Jim, a long-time leader in the songwriting world and a consummate professional,” said Kurt Locher, co-founder of Eclipse. “Jim’s talent and versatility enables him to work with a great range of outstanding artists, and we’re excited for what the future holds.”

McCormick has served as board governor and vice president for the Recording Academy and on the board of the Nashville Songwriters Association International. He is also a 2013 alumnus of Nashville’s Leadership Music.

McCormick is a faculty member at Loyola University in New Orleans where he teaches songwriting. He has lectured extensively on songwriting at Berklee College of Music, Georgetown University, Vanderbilt University, Belmont University and Tulane University, as well as at GrammyPro and NSAI events. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Georgetown University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of New Orleans. He divides his time between Nashville and New Orleans, where he lives with his wife and three sons.

“I’ve been very fortunate in my career to have had incredible creative and business partnerships with my publishers, and this new chapter with Eclipse Music Group steadily continues that trend,” said Jim. “Kurt Locher and the whoe team at Eclipse display a commitment to excellence, in both the craft and business of songwriting, that makes the company a great fit for a writer like me.”

"Here’s To You" Singer Abby Bannon Signs With Fourward Music

Abby Bannon

Abby Bannon has plenty to celebrate today. The 18-year-old graduated from high school—and signed a publishing deal with Nashville-based Fourward Music.

Bannon’s song “Here’s To You,” which she co-wrote with two friends earlier this year after learning that her high school in Crawfordsville, Indiana would keep its doors closed through the remainder of the school year, has earned more than one million digital streams.

“We are excited to have Abby Bannon signed to our publishing roster!” said Shannan Hatch, President of Fourward Music. “She is a perfect fit to our diverse team and we can’t wait for the world to hear and recognize her talent.”

Bannon, who finished high school in the Top 10 of her class, will enroll at Nashville’s Belmont University, where she will study business and music.

“Here’s To You” is also the official graduation song for Varsity Brands, which offers athletic gear, graduation uniforms and more.

 

Sierra Hull Signs Admin Deal With Reach Music

Sierra Hull has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with Reach Music Publishing. The deal is Hull’s first publishing deal, and encompasses her albums released on Rounder Records (Concord), as well as future works.

A Tennessee-raised virtuoso mandolinist and multi-instrumentalist, Hull debuted at the Grand Ole Opry at age 10 and played Carnegie Hall at 12. She landed a record deal with Rounder Records by 13, and was the first woman to win Mandolin Player of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards. Now 28, she recently released her fourth album on Rounder, 25 Trips, which explores a variety of genres from bluegrass to folk-pop to ethereal alt-rock. The highly personal album represents a new era in Hull’s artistic growth and evolution and features 13 songs all written or co-written by Hull.

“Sierra Hull is such an impressive artist and songwriter, with an amazing voice and peerless musicianship,” said Michael Closter, President and owner of Reach Music. “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to work with Sierra, her manager Chris Harris, and to represent her growing catalog.”

“I was introduced to Reach by a fellow artist, and I really appreciate their hands-on work, focus and enthusiasm in representing my catalog!” said Hull.

Founded by Michael Closter and headquartered in Burbank, California, indie publisher Reach administers the catalogs of John Mayer, Zac Brown, Lisa Loeb, Common, Chuck D, Cindy Morgan, and many others.

Lindsey Lee Taylor Signs With Round Hill Music, JRM Publishing

Top Row (L-R): Lindsey Lee Taylor, Jimmy Robbins, Sarah Robbins, JRM Publishing. Middle Row (L-R): Bob Squance, Mark Brown, Round Hill A&R. Bottom Row: Ashley Nite, JRM Publishing.

Lindsey Lee Taylor has signed a co-publishing deal with JRM Publishing and Round Hill Music Nashville.

Taylor is a multi-genre songwriter and artist with success in pop, sync, and country who has co-written songs for artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Lauren Alaina, Steven Tyler, Katherine McPhee, and more. In the sync world, she has written and performed songs featured on commercials for Old Navy, American Idol, Modern Family, and Blackish and has also landed placements on television series such as Reign.

“We are so excited to work with Lindsey Lee Taylor and continue our partnership with Round Hill Music,” said Sarah & Jimmy Robbins of JRM Publishing. “Lindsey Lee is a multifaceted songwriter whose work ethic is next level and we look forward to much success together.”

“I am so delighted to be working with Lindsey Lee. She is a special talent and I have always loved what she does,” said Round Hill Music Nashville’s Mark Brown. “I am also excited to collaborate with Jimmy and Sarah Robbins on this writer and expand our ongoing and successful partnership.”

Round Hill Music Nashville has celebrated 42 No. 1 songs since opening in 2014. Its roster includes Adam Sanders, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Derek Austin, Devin Guisande, Early James, Eric Arjes, Gareth Dunlop, Jimmy Robbins, Katie Pruitt, Lindsey Lee Taylor, SHEL, and Wade Kirby. Through its partnership with Big Loud, Round Hill also represents Chris Tompkins, Craig Wiseman, Jamie Moore, Joey Moi, Matt Dragstrem and Rodney Clawson.

JRM Publishing is a boutique company based out of Nashville with a roster that includes Jimmy Robbins, Eric Arjes, Derek Austin, Kyd the Band, Temecula Road, and Lindsey Lee Taylor.

 

Kenny Chesney Signs Global Publishing Agreement With UMPG

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Ross Copperman

Kenny Chesney has inked an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG). The move reunites Chesney with Troy Tomlinson, who left Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville last year to lead UMPG’s Nashville division.

Chesney—who recently made his ninth debut at No. 1 on Billboard‘s all-genre Top 200 albums chart with his latest project Here and Now—has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. Chesney has won four consecutive Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year Awards and Male Vocalist of the Year and nine Country Music Association Awards, including four Entertainer of the Year Awards and Album of The Year for When The Sun Goes Down. He was also the recipient of BMI’s President’s Award in 2016.

Chesney said, “Troy Tomlinson has been part of my creative life since I was a young dreamer hoping to capture some life in songs. To be reunited with him, as well as to work with Jody Gerson and the entire team at Universal Music Publishing inspires me to keep reaching for those same dreams, seeking truly special songs as a writer and an artist blessed to bring other people’s songs to the world, too.”

Tomlinson, Chairman and CEO of UMPG Nashville, added, “I met Kenny when he was 24 years old. He played me 4 or 5 songs in my office on his guitar. I remember the vivid lyrics. I can still recite them today. We have enjoyed lots of success together and lots of fun times and lifelong memories. I am grateful to continue to represent him and his music and look forward to delivering outstanding opportunities through UMPG.”

Reservoir Acquires Shapiro Bernstein, Including 16,000 Copyrights

Reservoir has acquired publisher Shapiro Bernstein and the company’s over 16,000 copyrights, which includes songs recorded by The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Michael Jackson, Patsy Cline, Bob Dylan, Carly Simon, Elton John, and many more.

Through the new deal, Shapiro Bernstein’s catalog and global administration network will integrate into Reservoir, with an eye toward adding further value to the catalog through Reservoir’s global sync, creative and marketing teams. In addition, the two companies will work together to identify new catalogs and creative opportunities to pursue through a new joint venture agreement.

Founded in New York’s Tin Pan Alley in 1900, Shapiro Bernstein is home to evergreen songs such as “In The Mood,” made famous by Glenn Miller, “Rockin’ Robin” (performed by Michael Jackson), “Let There Be Love” (Peggy Lee / Nat King Cole), “Ring of Fire” (Johnny Cash), “Papa Loves Mambo” (Perry Como), as well as contemporary hits like “I Gotta Feeling” (Black Eyed Peas), “Lose Control” (Missy Elliot) and “Crush” (Jennifer Paige).

“It is an honor to have been chosen to be the caretakers of such important copyrights and one which we do not take lightly,” said Reservoir President and COO Rell Lafargue. “We look forward to working with Michael, his brother Doug Brettler, and the members of the Shapiro Bernstein team who are joining Reservoir to find new creative avenues and opportunities for this rich catalog and its songwriters. Together, we will ensure that the music continues to live on and inspire generations for many years to come.”

Deluge Music Signs Johnny Gates

Pictured: Top Row: Emily Dryburgh, Creative Director; Mark Friedman, President. Bottom Row: David Robkin, Managing Member and Johnny Gates

Deluge Music has signed Johnny Gates to a global publishing deal.

The former frontman for Los Angeles rock band Runaway Saints (a trio that spent time working in Nashville early in their career), Gates appeared on NBC’s The Voice before returning to Nashville.
“Johnny is a global talent who deserves a chance for music lovers all over the world to hear what we fell in love with here at Deluge Music,” says Deluge Music President Mark Friedman.

“Johnny has the talent, experience and poise of both a star and a professional. His music defies genres and zip codes. I’m proud to work beside him – and excited to build this next era with him!” says Deluge Music’s Creative Director Emily Dryburgh.

“I can’t begin to describe my excitement to be back in Nashville and having this opportunity with Deluge Music,” Gates said. “I created some amazing memories in this town, but the story always felt a little unfinished. So, I’m beyond grateful to Mark, David [Robkin] and Emily for giving me this chance to finish what I started here in Nashville. Deluge has such a family vibe, and I’m just really pumped to be a part of the crew!”

Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville Signs Ben Hayslip

Ben Hayslip


Ben Hayslip, known for penning hits including Dustin Lynch’s “Small Town Boy” and Luke Bryan’s “Huntin’, Fishin’, and Lovin’ Everyday,” has inked a global publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Nashville.

Hayslip moved to Nashville in 1994, and soon earned his first publishing deal, penning songs recorded by Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins. In 2006, Hayslip signed with THiS Music, which was co-founded by Rusty Gaston, who now leads Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville.

Hayslip has penned 15 No. 1 singles; among his hits are Blake Shelton’s “I’ll Name The Dogs,” “The Only Way I Know” (Jason Aldean ft. Luke Bryan and Eric Church), and Thomas Rhett’s “Star of the Show.”
He’s earned honors including two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year awards, as well as ASCAP’s Most Performed Country Song honor, CMA Triple Play honors, ACM Vocal Event of the Year (“The Only Way I Know”) and a Grammy nomination for Best Country Song (for Shelton’s “I Lived It”).

Sony/ATV Nashville CEO Gaston stated, “I’ve had the honor of championing Ben Hayslip’s songs for the past 15 years – his drive, talent and determination are unparalleled. Simply put, country music would not be where it is today without his heartfelt contributions, and I am thrilled to continue working with him in this new chapter at Sony/ATV.”

Hayslip said, “I’m so excited about being a part of this Sony/ATV team. The honest passion for songs that Rusty Gaston brings to work each day is contagious, and he’s surrounded himself with staff who share that same passion. I have no doubt that together, we can add to the rich history of Sony/ATV and leave our own mark on country music.”

 
 

Big Yellow Dog Music Adds Vampsy To Roster

Vampsy.

Vampsy has signed a publishing and label deal with Big Yellow Dog Music. He has released his first single, “My Kind of People,” today.

Hailing from England originally, Vampsy grew up traveling across the U.S., eventually landing in Nashville where he attended Vanderbilt University for one semester before realizing music was his true calling. Despite hardships along the way, including a tornado hitting his house and the global pandemic, Vampsy inspires hope with a touch of retro-synth rock n’ roll edge in the first of new music to come this year.

“With everything the universe has thrown at him, you wouldn’t be blamed for thinking Vampsy might have a negative slant on the world,” says Big Yellow Dog Music Creative Manager of Film & TV Sync Sophie Hopkins. “But just wait until you hear his first release out of BYD. His retro-inspired song ‘My Kind of People’ is beaming with hope and nods to music from eras past. It’s just one incredible example of why we’re so excited to have him on board! He’s definitely our kind of people.”

Listeners can also hear Vampsy’s “My Kind of People” by way of the new Reddit campaign thanking the “idiots” and heroes that have gotten us through the COVID-19 crisis.