Pictured (L–R, back row): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery; (L–R, front row): Cornman Music’s Brett James, Chris August and Cornman Music’s Chris Owen. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music

Singer-songwriter Chris August has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music.

Amassing more than 150 million streams with over 500,000 albums sold, the Dallas native’s work has ruled the Billboard Christian Songs chart, among others. His chart-toppers consist of “Starry Night,” “Restore” and “He Said” with Group 1 Crew. August’s credits also include “God Whispered Your Name,” “Battle” and more.

Having spent over two decades in the music industry, August has received various ASCAP honors, and took home multiple GMA Dove Awards—including Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year—in 2015. He has also collaborated with acts such as Keith Urban, Pentatonix, Tenille Arts, Meghan Patrick, Abbey Cone, Hootie & The Blowfish, Ryan Cabrera and Mandisa.

“I’m so excited to be joining the incredible team at Cornman and Warner Chappell,” shares August. “Getting to work with Brett James, Nate Lowery and Ben Vaughn and the entire team is a dang dream!”

“Brett and I are thrilled to be working with Chris alongside Ben and the incredible team at Warner Chappell. His talent and personality are top notch,” says Lowery, General Manager & VP, Cornman Music. “We’ve been fans of Chris for a while now, and we’re excited to see what the future holds. His experience across multiple genres will bring so much to our team.”

Emma Keifer

Emma Kiefer has been named Director of A&R at Group Projects.

In her new position, Kiefer will lead the development of Group Projects Publishing, as well as integrate across core functions within the company’s established artist management business, working closely with co-founders Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett.

“It is an honor to be on the team charged with launching Group Projects Publishing,” says Kiefer. “Thank you, Anthony, Cooper, Warner Chappell and Red Light Management for your investment in the future of Group Projects, and for your trust in me to tag-team this exciting new endeavor. Can’t wait to get to work!”

Kiefer most recently served as A&R Manager at Boom Music Group, working with songwriters Jacob Hackworth, Micah Carpenter, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins and Jimmy Robbins. She helped facilitate cuts with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Wetmore and more. Kiefer graduated with an honors dual degree from Boston College and Berklee College of Music, after which she moved to Nashville and held positions with Dave Cobb, Twelve6 and Boom before joining Group Projects in 2024.

“Emma’s connectivity in the songwriting community and her aptitude for recognizing and nurturing talent made it a no-brainer for us,” notes Manker. “We’re grateful to have her on the team, and looking forward to the success that we’ll share in the future.”

“Emma’s work ethic and passion are unmatched,” adds Anstett. “She’ll play an important role for the future of Group Projects.”

Kiefer can be reached at emma@thegroupprojects.co.

Dolly Parton

Songs from Dolly Parton‘s legendary repertoire will be explored in a new way with “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony,” a concert project for orchestras. Attendees will hear the Hall of Famer’s life in song, with her illuminating stories behind them in a multimedia symphonic experience featuring Parton on screen.

Accompanied by guest vocalists and musicians, the concert project will feature new and innovative orchestrations of Parton’s hits—such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” in addition to her personal favorites. The premiere performance will take place on March 20, 2025 in Nashville with the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony. Afterwards, the project will tour to orchestras throughout the world.

Of the concert experience, Parton says, “I’m just so excited to share my songs and the stories behind them in this beautiful new way. ‘Threads: My Songs in Symphony’ is like a journey through the heartstrings of my life. I hope we can take it far and wide to symphony orchestras everywhere!”

“Threads: My Songs in Symphony” is co-produced by Parton together with Schirmer Theatrical and Sony Music Publishing.

“Bringing the genius, music, life and legacy of Dolly Parton to symphonic audiences is an honor for us,” says Robert Thompson, Schirmer Theatrical President. “Audiences will hear for the first time Dolly’s songs performed by orchestras worldwide in this innovative symphonic story-telling experience.”

“It’s an incredible honor to represent the popular and influential song catalog of Dolly Parton,” adds Todd Ellis, Sony Music Publishing’s Director, Licensing & Strategic Marketing. “We couldn’t be more excited for fans to immerse themselves in her music and experience her songs in such a new and imaginative way.”

Pictured (L–R): Prescription Songs’ Chris Martignago, Anderson East and Prescription Songs’ Christian Conant

Prescription Songs has partnered with Kobalt Music Group to sign artist, songwriter and producer Anderson East.

East is currently working on a new album with longtime collaborator and producer Dave Cobb, which scheduled for release later this year. His last project via Elektra/Low Country Sound, Maybe We Never Die, featured the top 20 AAA radio single “Madelyn.” East’s 2018 album, Encore, featured the Grammy-nominated No. 1 AAA radio single “All On My Mind,” co-written with Ed Sheeran.

On the live front, the creator has toured alongside Brandi Carlile, The Revivalists and Chris Stapleton, among others, and performed at festivals including Austin City Limits (ACL), Lollapalooza, Stagecoach, Forecastle, Bottle Rock, Byron Blues, Mountain Jam and Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. This summer, he plans to hit the road with Whiskey Myers.

“Anderson doesn’t put himself in a box and knows the value of a great song. His deep roots in Nashville and the community here paired with our team is going to be powerful,” says Katie Fagan, Nashville Head of A&R, Prescription Songs. “We are beyond honored to help be a part of his story as a producer and songwriter, and to finally be on his team!”

“I first met Anderson at one of his Troubadour shows in L.A. I was obviously impressed by his performance as an artist and singer on stage but what really struck me was how he interacted with people off the stage,” shares Chris Martignago, A&R, Prescription Songs. “He brings the same excitement to conversation as he does to his show and it’s that passion for music and people that got me excited about him as a writer/producer in the room.”

“I’ve been a fan of Anderson’s since I first heard his Delilah LP in 2015, so getting to work together officially now feels incredibly special,” says Christian Conant, A&R, Prescription Songs. “He’s all the best things about Nashville—an amazing storytelling songwriter and a real musician’s musician. I’m so thankful to be joining the team for this next chapter of Anderson’s career!”

“I’m very happy to be partnering with the talented and forward-looking team at Prescription,” shares East. “Their ability to exist outside the box while still able to recognize and value a well-crafted song is rare and immensely exciting.”