Writing/Production Duo The 720 Inks Publishing Deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville

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Back (L-R): Will Overton (WCM), Joey Whalen (WCM), Ryan Beuschel (WCM), BJ Hill (WCM), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Cam Caldwell (Attorney), Katie Jelen (WCM), Phil May (WCM). Front (L-R): Patricia Ragan-Mainello (WCM), Jessi Vaughn (WCM), Jarrod Ingram (The 720), Blake Hubbard (The 720), Karen Harrison-Hite (WCM), Hannah Hall (WCM), Christina Wiltshire (WCM)

Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing deal with Blake Hubbard and Jarrod Ingram, better known as The 720. The duo’s name pays homage to Ingram’s address in Nashville’s Charlotte Park neighborhood, where he and Hubbard spent time working on NF’s sophomore album, Therapy Session.

Hailing from Illinois, the up-and-coming writing/production duo has secured cuts with the likes of Jimmie Allen, NF, Matt Stell, Cassadee Pope, Lukr, Kate York, Erin McCarley, Lisa Ajax, and Andreas Moss. Notably, Hubbard and Ingram co-wrote “Looking Back” by Claire Guerreso, which landed a synch placement on ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy.

With their diverse musical abilities, The 720 has been writing with top country talent while also collaborating with great pop writers and artists that frequent Nashville.

Concord Music Publishing Acquires Imagine Dragons Catalog

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Concord Music Publishing has acquired the catalog of pop/rock group Imagine Dragons. The band is known for hits including “Radioactive” and “Demons” from their 2012 album Night Visions. “Radioactive” earned a Grammy for Best Rock Performance in 2012. Their second album, Smoke + Mirrors, reached No. 1 in the United States, Canada and the UK. Evolve, the band’s third studio album, earned three No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot Rock Songs Chart in 2018: “Believer,” “Thunder” and “Whatever It Takes.”

Imagine Dragons has also received 10 Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, one MTV Video Music Award and one World Music Award. They have sold 35 million RIAA certified singles in the US and 20 million albums worldwide, and have four songs among the top 100 most streamed on Spotify that have surpassed one billion streams each: “Believer,” “Thunder,” “Demons” and “Radioactive.” “Radioactive” is also one of only 37 songs in history to be certified Diamond, or 10x Platinum, by the RIAA.

“Concord’s acquisition strategy has remained consistent since 2006. Simply put, we acquire catalogs from creators and owners with songs that the entire world not only recognizes but loves. A to Z, our portfolio is comprised of some of the most culturally recognized and revered songs and recordings in history. Imagine Dragons fits perfectly in that realm. Our publishing team proudly welcomes Imagine Dragons, and its unparalleled songwriting and performance success in the past decade, to the treasured catalogs that already call Concord home,” said Steve Salm, Concord’s Chief Business Development Officer.

“Imagine Dragons are a rock powerhouse,” says Jake Wisely, Chief Publishing Executive at Concord. “From topping the charts to sweeping awards to sync and sell out tours, Imagine Dragons’ success is undeniable. We are honored that Imagine Dragons has chosen Concord and are excited to add another legendary band to the Concord catalog.”

The transaction was managed and negotiated for Concord by Salm, Larry Blake and Amanda Molter. Imagine Dragons’ team was led by John Rudolph of 1.618 Industries, Inc. (formerly Music Analytics, a leading music IP advisor) with counsel provided by Jason Karlov and Amanda Taber of Barnes & Thornburg and Robert Reynolds of Reynolds and Associates.

MV2 Entertainment, Little Louder Music Sign Joe Whelan

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Pictured, Back Row (L-R): Nicole Sherrill, Jefferson Brown, Mike Whelan, Ben Strain. Front Row (L-R): Arturo Buenahora, Joe Whelan, Tony Harrell. Photo Credit: Lindsey Parrish

MV2 Entertainment and Little Louder Music have signed Joe Whelan to a co-publishing deal.

“Little Louder is very excited to partner with MV2 on the signing of Joe Whelan,” Little Louder’s Offensive Coordinator Arturo Buenahora said. “As a small boutique publishing house, it is paramount that we only sign writers or artists that we can make sure get the focus and attention they deserve. We think this deal could be a special opportunity for Joe and our respective companies.”

“Joe Whelan is an incredibly talented young man at the beginning of an awesome career and we are proud to partner with Little Louder on this venture,” MV2’s GM Tony Harrell added. “Because of his diverse musical taste, great relationships and self-motivation, Joe will be an asset in any writing room.”

Whelan has three songs on Tucker Beathard’s upcoming album, including “Can’t Stay Here,” “How Gone Will I Go,” and “Too Drunk.” Whelan co-wrote Australian artist Pete Murray’s “Found My Place” and is also writing with other Little Louder acts that have recently signed record deals: Boy Named Banjo (UMG) and Jackson Dean (BMLG).

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard Join Tree Vibez Music Publishing Roster

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Pictured: Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard. Photo: John Shearer

Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard have signed a publishing deal to join the roster of their own publishing company, Tree Vibez Music, led by Tree Vibez General Manager Leslie DiPiero.

Since launching in 2015, Tree Vibez has earned 12 No. 1 hits, 48 singles and 290 releases, with the global publishing support of Warner Chappell Music.

Since releasing their debut album Here’s To The Good Times in 2012, the duo has earned country music’s first Diamond certification for a single, with the 11x multi-Platinum, No. 1 debut track “Cruise.” Hubbard also co-wrote the 9x multi-Platinum “Meant To Be with Bebe Rexha. Kelley has earned nine No. 1 hits in the United States and two in Canada, while Hubbard has penned 10 No. 1 hits in the U.S. and three in Canada. They have earned more than 60 cuts on artists including Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Chris Lane, Dustin Lynch, Jake Owen, Chris Tomlin, and Jimmie Allen with Noah Cyrus, among others.

Kelley and Hubbard each have scored over 100 career songs recorded in total (including FGL tracks). They recently served as executive producers, co-writers and vocalists on Chris Tomlin’s Chris Tomlin & Friends, and they’ve also produced a remix with Justin Bieber; TVM songwriters Canaan Smith and Blake Redferrin; and Hubbard recently garnered a No. 1 with LOCASH as a producer.

The Tree Vibez roster also includes Jordan Schmidt, Corey Crowder, RaeLynn, Canaan Smith, and Blake Redferrin, and has earned hits including “God’s Country” (Blake Shelton), “What Ifs” (Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina), “You Make It Easy” and “Lights Come On” (Jason Aldean), “Drunk Me” (Mitchell Tenpenny) and more.

Last year, FGL also launched Round Here Records, which includes RaeLynn and Canaan Smith on the roster as well as Blake Redferrin’s artist career as REDFERRIN.

BREAKING: Thomas Rhett Inks With Warner Chappell

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Thomas Rhett. Photo: John Shearer

Thomas Rhett has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville. The multi-Platinum singer-songwriter was most recently signed to Sony/ATV. 

Thomas Rhett is the reigning ACM Awards Male Artist of The Year and current 5-time nominee. He has charted 15 No. 1 songs, while his most recent single “Beer Can’t Fix” marks his ninth consecutive No. 1, breaking the Billboard Country Airplay Chart record for most consecutive chart-toppers. 

“It’s really cool to join Warner Chappell Music and be reunited with Ben Vaughn,” Rhett said. “Ben has been incredibly instrumental in my career from the very beginning, starting with signing me to my first publishing deal in college. I’ll never forget playing ‘Beer with Jesus’ for him right after I wrote it and him being the biggest supporter. He’s truly one of the most innovative and hardest working guys I’ve ever had the honor to work with, and I am looking forward to this new chapter together.”

“Thomas Rhett is an all-around force in music,” said Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Nashville. “He can put on one of the most unforgettable, energetic live shows you’ve ever seen, and then hop right off stage and write the next great song. Aside from being an extraordinary artist, he is a man of great integrity who I’m grateful to have called a friend for many years. Everyone in Nashville can attest to his character; Thomas has invested his time in our community and contributed to the success of dozens of other artists. I know I speak for myself, Spencer (Nohe) and the entire WCM team when I say we’re honored to be on this journey with him.”

Thomas Rhett has earned two CMA Triple Play awards for penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period and was the most played artist on country radio in 2018. Along with writing and co-producing much of his own material, Thomas Rhett has written songs recorded by Jason Aldean (“I Ain’t Ready to Quit” and “1994”), Florida Georgia Line (“Round Here”), and Old Dominion (“Some People Do”), among others.

Most recently, Thomas Rhett enlisted the help of friends Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin and Keith Urban for “Be A Light,” which is Top-5-and-climbing at country radio.
Thomas Rhett is managed by Virginia Bunetta of G Major Management, and was represented in the agreement by attorney Jess Rosen of Greenburg Trarig.

Jared Mullins Joins Young Guns Publishing Roster

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Pictured (L-R): Adam Romaine – Sr. Creative Director/A&R; Micah Wilshire – VP of TV/Film; Jared Mullins; Will Hamric – President; Aubrey Rupe – Sr. Creative Director

Jared Mullins has signed a publishing deal with Young Guns Publishing.

Mullins achieved his first No. 1 this year, co-writing Jake Owen’s “Homemade,” and has penned cuts for Kane Brown, Justin Moore, Granger Smith, Chase Rice, Runaway June and more.
“Jared’s talent is undeniable, he’s one of the best writers in Nashville and we couldn’t be happier to be working with him at YGP,” said Adam Romaine, Young Guns Sr. Creative Director/A&R.

“I’ve been a fan of Jared’s for years, and I’m thrilled to now have the privilege of working with him,” added Aubrey Rupe, Young Guns Sr. Creative Director. “He is a songwriter in the truest form, and his lyrical sense is undeniable. I’m excited to watch his career continue to grow here at YGP!”

“I’m proud and excited to sign with Young Guns and to get to work with such talented, genuine people. They’ve made me feel right at home and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together,” said Mullins.

Nick Norman Signs With Fourward Music/Cock Crows Publishing

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Nick Norman. Photo: Justin Key

Songwriter Nick Norman has inked a publishing deal with Fourward Music and Lee Brice‘s new publishing company Cock Crows Publishing.

Norman previously became the first artist signed to the newly-launched label and artist development collective Pump House Records, co-founded by Lee Brice, Rob Hatch, Elisha Hoffman and business execs Derek and Kristi Hutchins.

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. With a support group that’s second to none, I am confident this is just the beginning,” Norman shares. “These songs are my story and my message — to deliver them alongside a few of my best friends and mentors is an added bonus.”

“Will [Ward] and I have had our eyes on Nick and we’re thrilled to be his publishing partner,” says Shannan Hatch, Fourward Music president. “He’s a prolific writer whose songs connect because he writes from a place of honesty and transparency. His songs grab your heart and make you move, because they come from a genuine place. We’re looking forward to a great future together.”

Brice adds, “I’ve known Nick since we were kids and I’ve always believed in him so starting a publishing imprint to support his dream was a no-brainer and an honor. Now, Nick, let’s watch you fly.”
A South Carolina native, Nick relocated to Key West, Florida in 2005 and built a fan following. His upcoming album was co-produced by Lee Brice, Rob Hatch and Elisha Hoffman and includes songs co-written by Steve Moakler, Cary Barlowe, Will Weatherly and Kyle Jacobs, as well as guest vocalists Jamey Johnson, Josh Abbott and Rebecca Lynn Howard.

For Lee, watching his childhood friend bloom has been a blessing. “He’s always had a passion for singing,” says Lee of Nick, “but after moving to Key West and singing multiple hours a day, six days a week, for more than a decade, he’s at a whole new level. His stuff is so soulful and so groovy.”

Ashley McBryde, HARDY, Hailey Whitters Among AIMP Nashville Awards Winners

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The winners for the 5th annual AIMP Nashville Awards were announced Thursday (July 30). This year’s AIMP Nashville Publisher of the Year award went to SMACKSongs, a co-publisher of the song “One Night Standards,” which was named AIMP Nashville Publisher’s Pick. Ashley McBryde, a co-writer of the track as well as its recording artist, was named AIMP Nashville Artist-Writer of the Year, while Hailey Whitters took home AIMP Nashville Rising Artist-Writer of the Year. The AIMP Nashville Songwriter of the Year award went to HARDY, while AIMP Nashville Rising Songwriter of the Year went to Allison Veltz Cruz. The AIMP Song of the Year was “The Bones,” co-written and recorded by Maren Morris, while National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) President and CEO David Israelite was honored as AIMP Nashville Song Champion of the Year.

Though the awards show could not take place in-person this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several artists still celebrated with virtual performances on social media. Whitters performed “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” Tenille Townes offered “Prayed for You,” Ryan Hurd played “The Bones,” Kylie Morgan sang “One Man Band,” Matt Stell offered “Heartache Medication,” and Runaway June performed “10,000 Hours.”

“The AIMP Nashville Awards committee would like to congratulate all this year’s winners and nominees on their accomplishments in this unpredictable time,” said Ree Guyer, Vice President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter and Co-Chair of the AIMP Nashville Awards. “While we wish we were celebrating together at the Ryman, we are proud to honor these deserving independent publishers, writers, and artists who created the music that has been getting us through this difficult time.”
“Hearty congratulations go out to all our AIMP Nashville Awards honorees, from executives who have helped pave the way forward for independent music publishers, to artists and writers who have created some truly incredible music, to the publishers themselves who make sure they are paid fairly for their work,” said John Ozier, President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter. “Here’s hoping we’ll be able to see everyone in person next year!”

See the full list of nominees and winners below:

AIMP Nashville Publisher of the Year
Big Machine Music Publishing
Kobalt Music
Curb Word Entertainment
Winner – SMACKSongs
Peermusic
Downtown Music

AIMP Nashville Rising Songwriter of the Year
Winner – Allison Veltz Cruz
Alysa Vanderheym
Hunter Phelps
Jameson Rodgers
Jennifer Denmark
Sam Sumser

AIMP Nashville Rising Artist-Writer of the Year
Winner – Hailey Whitters
Kylie Morgan
Matt Stell
Runaway June
Ryan Hurd
Tenille Townes

AIMP Nashville Songwriter of the Year
Ashley Gorley
Winner – HARDY
Luke Combs
Laura Veltz
Hillary Lindsey
Jordan Schmidt

AIMP Nashville Artist-Writer of the Year
Winner – Ashley McBryde
Brothers Osborne
HARDY
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Old Dominion

AIMP Nashville Song Champion of the Year
Alex Heddle
Brad Peterson
Winner – David Israelite
Greg Gallo
Lee Krabel
Stephanie Cox

AIMP Nashville Publisher’s Pick
“God And Country Music” (Barry Dean, Lori McKenna, Luke Laird) independently published by Creative Nation. Recorded by George Strait.
Winner – “One Night Standards” (Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford, Shane McAnally) independently published by SMACKSongs, River House Artists, Canned Biscuit Songs. Recorded by Ashley McBryde.
“Seeing Other People” (Emily Falvey, Jason Afable, Matt McGinn) independently published by SMACKSongs, McGinntellectual Property, Rarespark Media Group. Recorded by MacKenzie Porter.
“Small Town Hypocrite” (Caylee Hammack, Jared Scott) independently published by Plaid Flag Music. Recorded by Caylee Hammack.
“To Hell And Back” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz) independently published by Big Machine Music, Big Yellow Dog, Revelry Music, Kobalt Music. Recorded by Maren Morris.
“Wish For The World” (Aaron Eshuis, Joe Clemmons, Ryan Hurd) independently published by Big Machine Music, Mojo Music & Media. Recorded by Ryan Hurd.

AIMP Nashville Song of the Year
“10,000 Hours” (Dan Smyers, Jason Boyd, Jessie Jo Dillon, Jordan Reynolds, Justin Bieber, Shay Mooney) independently published by Big Machine Music. Recorded by Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber.
“Beer Never Broke My Heart” (Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, Randy Montana) independently published by Big Machine Music, 50 Egg Music. Recorded by Luke Combs.
“Heartache Medication” (Barry Dean, Jon Pardi, Natalie Hemby) independently published by Creative Nation, Song Factory, Pulse Nation, MV2 Entertainment. Recorded by Jon Pardi.
“One Man Band” (Brad Tursi, Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen) independently published by Wrensong Entertainment, Anthem Entertainment, Twelve6 Entertainment, SMACKSongs. Recorded by Old Dominion.
“Prayed For You” (Allison Veltz Cruz, Ash Bowers, Matt Stell) independently published by Big Deal Music, Wide Open Music, Endurance Music Group. Recorded by Matt Stell.
Winner – “The Bones” (Jimmy Robbins, Maren Morris, Laura Veltz) independently published by Big Yellow Dog, Big Machine Music, JRM Publishing, Round Hill Music. Recorded by Maren Morris.

AIMP Nashville Awards winners will receive their awards by mail. Voting was open from July 20 through July 24 for all AIMP Professional members of the Nashville Chapter, as well as AIMP Premier Professional members.

The Foxies Members Julia Bullock, Jake Ohlbaum Sign With Round Hill Music Nashville

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Pictured: Bullock, Ohlbaum

Julia Bullock and Jake Ohlbaum of the Nashville-based alternative pop band The Foxies have signed co-publishing deals with Round Hill Music Nashville. The signings follow on the heels of the release of their recent EP, Growing Up Is Dead.

The Foxies are a power trio built on thrashing punk energy and the hypnotic pageantry of electronic pop. Their new EP features tracks that capture that energy as well as the strength and unpredictability of the band’s live shows. Preaching empowerment and individuality, tracks like the lead single “Anti Socialite” stake a claim for the castaways of a world gone social-media mad. The band garnered attention with previous singles “Be Afraid Boy,” and “Chewing Gum” and has played everywhere from the Sundance Film Festival to Bonnaroo, SXSW and Lightning 100’s Live On The Green.

“What a treat to get to work with writers like Julia and Jake,” said Round Hill’s Mark Brown. “Their music is so fresh, and their approach is so free. I think they are special, and I am really looking forward to working with them.”

“I’ve been a personal fan of The Foxies for years and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Julia and Jake,” added Round Hill’s Bob Squance. “Their abilities as artists and songwriters are incredible and I can’t wait for the world to hear what they’ve been working on.”

“From day one, we have always told ourselves that the key to achieving longevity as a band is to find our champions, and we have found them in Round Hill,” Bullock said. “They take the time to know us as artists and as people and because of that, we have the type of relationship that many songwriters work their whole lives to find.”

“To find a team like Round Hill that supports me as a songwriter, producer and artist is truly more than I could have predicted for this year,” added Ohlbaum. “Mark and Bob are such incredible creative resources and we are excited to have them in our corner.”

Penny Gattis Joins Eclipse Music Group

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Penny Gattis

Penny Gattis, who previously served as Sr. Director, A&R for Round Hill Music since 2016, has joined Eclipse Music Group as General Manager, Publishing.

Prior to her work with Round Hill, Gattis had served as Director, Writer Publisher Relations at BMI.

“We are very excited that Penny is joining the Eclipse team,” said company co-founder Kurt Locher. “Eclipse is dedicated to creating an environment for songwriters and artists to grow and thrive. Penny shares that passion, and she has an amazing track record of building relationships and creating successful strategic partnerships. We very much look forward to her putting her experience and energy to work for our talented creative roster.”

“It is an honor to join Eclipse Music Group,“ said Gattis. “I deeply respect Eclipse’s dedication and commitment to creativity and development and am thrilled to represent their incredible roster of songwriters in this new publishing role.”

At Round Hill, Gattis was responsible for business development including copyright asset acquisitions and exclusive publishing agreements with songwriters including Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Danny Myrick, Jimmy Robbins, and Katie Pruitt. At Round Hill, Gattis helped earn 40 No. 1 country songs. Gattis also worked with Round Hill’s sync team to create numerous film and television placements for the Nashville roster. During her career, Gattis has also helped to create events including BMI’s Sync THIS!; Kendell Marvel’s Honky-Tonk Experience, and Recording Academy’s Writer Retreat.

The Nashville-based music publisher and management company Eclipse Music Group was founded in 2017; the company’s current roster includes Payton Smith, Ronnie Bowman, Jim McCormick, Katie Pruitt, Early James, Sarah Darling and Nick Connors.