(L-R, back row): Chelsea Kent (SMP), Cam Caldwell (SMP), Scott Safford (Attorney) and Rusty Gaston (SMP). (L-R, front row): Ronna Reeves (Showbiz Ro), Peter Daniel Newman and Liz Morin (Showbiz Ro).

Juno-nominated songwriter and producer Peter Daniel Newman has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with Showbiz Ro Music.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Sony Music Publishing and Showbiz Ro Music,” says Newman. “From my very first conversation with Rusty [Gaston], I knew this would be the right fit—his passion for music is both inspiring and contagious. Newfoundland, where I grew up, has a rich history of songwriting and Irish folk music. I am proud that those Newfoundland roots have carried me all the way to Music Row. I am deeply grateful to Rusty, Liz [Morin], and Ronna [Reeves] for their support and belief in me, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

Newman works with Canadian and Nashville-based artists, and overseas. In the early 2000s, Newman worked with Clint Black and Blacktop Music Group, launching his career. Also notably, Newman worked on Megan Moroney’s “Georgia Girl” and Parmalee’s “Cowgirl.” He also has cuts with Tyler Booth, Austin and Colin, David Guetta, Todd Tilghman, High Valley, Meghan Patrick, Nathan Carter and Damien McGinty. He has also produced for The Secrets, Jason Greeley and Kellie Loder, among others.

“We began working with Peter in 2022, his versatility as a writer and producer caught our attention and has been a game changer for our partnership ever since,” shares Showbiz Ro Music Co-Founders Liz Morin and Ronna Reeves. “We have celebrated multiple cuts together including Megan Moroney’s “Georgia Girl” and Parmalee single “Cowgirl.”  Thanks to Rusty Gaston, we have been given the amazing opportunity to partner with the whole Sony Music Publishing team, and we know that this new venture together will be an incredible journey for all.”

“Peter is driven, determined, and destined for a long and successful career on Music Row,” adds Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO. “It’s incredible to be celebrating his first Top 10 country single already. He’s built a strong foundation alongside Liz and Ronna, and I have no doubt the three of them will continue to make magic.”

Cooper Alan. Photo: Curt Simshauser

Cooper Alan will hit the road on his “To The Pub Tour” next spring, kicking off on April 17 in Dublin. The tour will make stops in Dublin, Belfast, London, Manchester, and more before wrapping in Glasgow. Tickets will go on sale on Friday (Oct. 31).

“This UK Tour has been a long time coming! These cities have been high on my list for years and I’m so pumped we can finally make it over there to party with some of the folks that have supported me the strongest over the years. Some of the best country fans in the world! It’s gonna be a blast,” shares Alan.

Additionally, Alan will make his Ryman Auditorium debut on March 28. Tickets can be found here.

“As a lifelong country music fan, the Ryman has always been a bucket list venue to play,” he says. “This is the kind of stuff you dream of when you move to Nashville. It will be such an honor to be in that building and on a stage that’s been rocked by so many of my heroes. So thankful to my fans that have supported me for years to be able to reach this milestone!”

He is set to release his debut 20-track record, Winston-Salem, on Nov. 7. Split into two sections, the project reflects on family, fatherhood and personal roots, while also featuring rowdy tracks that Alan is known for.

“To The Pub Tour” Dates:
April 17th, 2026 – Dublin, IE – The Academy
April 18th, 2026 – Belfast, NI – Ulster Hall
April 21st, 2026 – London, UK – O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
April 24th, 2026 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute
April 25th, 2026 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy
April 26th, 2026 – Manchester, UK – O2 Ritz
April 28th, 2026 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Galvanizers

Pictured (L-R): Chandler Thurston (A&R, Position Music), Chief Zaruk (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), Matt Geroux, Simon Tikhman (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), and Jamie Sudhalter (Head of A&R, The Core)

Award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux has signed a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core.

Geroux has cemented himself in Nashville by combining pop and rock influences into modern country music. Geroux also has a knack for creating melodies, alongside his storytelling, recently notching his first No. 1 hit with Josh Ross’ “Single Again.” Across all his cuts, Geroux has garnered 500 million streams.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Matt to the Position crew in Nashville,” says Chandler Thurston, Position Music A&R. “The combination of his writing/production, along with his hustle, make him one of the town’s most dynamic writers. Big thanks to the team at The Core for their partnership – we’re excited to continue working alongside them as things build.”

“Position instantly felt like family and now having them join forces with my home team at The Core makes this moment even more meaningful,” shares Geroux. “I’m grateful to have champions that believe in my songs as much as I do and excited for what’s to come.”

“We’ve always believed in surrounding ourselves with partners who understand our vision, and the team at Position couldn’t be a better fit for Matt,” add Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, Co-Founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “Their passion and commitment are exactly what he deserves, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.”

The Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival is returning for its 6th year Nov. 7-9, bringing together over 50 songwriters across multiple venues in The Shoals, Alabama.

The three-day celebration will kick off Nov. 7 and feature performances by Grammy-winning songwriters along with exclusive showcases honoring the legendary Muscle Shoals songwriters that shaped American music. On Friday, Nov. 7, the festival will host a special performance at FAME Recording Studios, featuring The LeBlanc Family, offering fans an intimate experience inside one of the most storied studios in the world.

The “River of Shoals Sound” showcase is set for Nov. 8 at the historic Shoals Theatre, featuring Spooner Oldham, Chris Tompkins, Mark Narmore, Gary Baker, James LeBlanc and Gary Nichols, and features a blend of video and live performances, taking audiences on a journey through time to celebrate the legacy of Shoals songwriters.

Weekend passes start at just $99, and tickets are available now at mssongfest.com.