Sam Hunt

Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville has extended its exclusive, worldwide representation of country singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, according to Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, UMPG Nashville.

Through the deal with Hunt and publishing partner Chris Hunter, UMPG Nashville will continue to represent Hunt’s entire catalogue, including all songs on his debut studio album, Montevallo (MCA Nashville), which has sold over 700,000 copies in the U.S. The album has garnered several hits including the No. 1 singles, “Leave The Night On,” “House Party” and “Take Your Time.” “Take Your Time” and “Leave the Night On” have already been RIAA certified platinum with over 1 million units sold.

“Sam Hunt is a game changer for the country format and is defining a new direction of country music. His influence reaches beyond the expected and his ability to engage a fresh fan base is exciting for country music. We are beyond excited and proud to continue our relationship with Sam and Chris Hunter,” said Earls.

“Excited to be working with UMPG. These guys have always been good to me,” said Hunt.

Hunt previously found success writing songs for other artists, landing a No. 1 hit with Kenny Chesney‘s “Come Over” in 2012, followed by Billy Currington‘s “We Are Tonight” and Keith Urban‘s “Cop Car” in 2013.

Pictured (L-R): Devon Devries, VP Creative Film & TV; Daniel Agee; Carla Wallace, Co-Owner; Alex Stefano, Film & TV Music Manager.

Big Yellow Dog Music has signed songwriter/producer Dan Agee to an exclusive publishing agreement. Agee previously toured as the Musical Director for Red Bow recording artist, Joe Nichols. Most recently he has been in the studio producing the latest project for Jessie James Decker. The first single, “Lights Down Low,” debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes Country Chart, and sold over 18K downloads during the first week.

“Dan is an asset both in the commercial and sync world for Big Yellow Dog Music. We are excited for all the success ahead for him,” says VP Creative Film & TV, Devon Devries.

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville is set to host its inaugural Songwriter Series on Sept. 22, 2015 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Rosewall in Nashville, Tenn.

The Songwriter Series, created by a committee of industry professionals and headed by Wrensong’s Ree Guyer Buchanan, is sponsored by ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and Fifth Third Bank.

Hit songwriters Barry Dean and Luke Laird will host and perform. Together, Dean and Laird have written 26 Top 5 Billboard hits.

This year’s six featured songwriters are Maggie Chapman, Luke Dick, Jameson Rodgers, Matt Rogers, Hailey Whitters and J.P. Williams.

“AIMP Nashville wanted to create an annual event to celebrate new songwriters in the independent publishing community,” said Buchanan. “Our Songwriter Series committee, Beth Laird, Michael McAnally Baum, Maurna Donovan, Olivia Hanceri, Denise Nichols, David Ross, and Trina Smith have done an incredible job of creating a new exciting opportunity to showcase independents.”

Each year six songwriters will be chosen by an industry committee to showcase hot new up-and-comers from the independent publishing community.

Pictured (L-R): Michael Knox, VP, peermusic Nashville; Jeffrey East; Karl M Braun, Esq., Hall Booth Smith P.C.; Kim Wiggins, Senior Creative Director peermusic Nashville. Photo: Shalacy Griffin

peermusic has signed singer/songwriter Jeffrey East to its Nashville roster. The Texas native moved to Nashville with his family in 1993, and  was signed to his first publishing deal in 2006 by the late Harley Allen.

He has cuts by Rainey Qualley, Point of Grace and Selah.

“There is no doubt when you listen to a Jeffrey East song the passion that he puts into every word,” stated peermusic Sr. Creative Director Kim Wiggins. “I consider Jeffrey a true craftsman and could not be happier to have him on the peermusic team. “

“Making music goes generations deep for me and peermusic is a company that is built on generations of great music,” said East. “I am proud to be a part of such an amazing company.”

Pictured (L-R): Back Row: BMLG’s Laurel Kittleson and Andrew Kautz, BMM’s Mike Molinar, BMLG’s Allison Jones, Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo and Van Haze, BMLG’s Matthew Hargis. Front Row: BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Brett Young and BMLG’s Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Seth Hellman

Big Machine Label Group has added Brett Young to its diverse roster of talent. The California native has also signed a publishing deal with Big Machine Music.

“Laurel Kittleson in our A&R department sent me Brett’s demos and I was immediately drawn in by his incredibly blue-eyed soulful voice and fantastic sense of melody and groove,” shared BMLG Executive Vice President Jimmy Harnen. “A few weeks later Brett played for us at my home and we were mesmerized by his performance. Simply amazing!”

Young is working with producer Dann Huff (Keith Urban, Thomas Rhett, The Band Perry) on his first release for the label group.

His music has appeared on shows like Real World (MTV) and Kourtney and Kim Take New York (E!).

The burgeoning writer draws inspiration from his early upbringing on the West Coast and coming-of-age in the South. Recently he has spent time honing his craft and defining his sound in country music through performances around Nashville.

“It’s a dream come true for me as an artist to become a part of the team at BMLG,” said Young. “Jimmy and Laurel have been such big supporters of mine and there’s no where else I would rather be. I can’t wait to get in the studio and share my music with the world.”