Pictured (L-R): Kevin Lane, Derrick Southerland and Stephanie Cox. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Grammy and CMA nominated songwriter Derrick Southerland has inked a global publishing deal with Kobalt. As part of the deal, Kobalt has acquired a portion of Southerland’s extensive song catalog.

Known for penning songs like Ingrid Andress’ “More Hearts Than Mine,” which became the 2020 MusicRow Song of the Year, “Lady Like” and “Seeing Someone Else,” Southerland has also written songs with and for Carrie Underwood, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Fletcher, Laci Kaye Booth, Hunter Hayes, Breland, Charlotte Sands, High Valley, Charles Kelley, Muscadine Bloodline, Tanner Adell, Blair Davie and Dallas Smith, among others.

Additionally, he has worked on Kane Brown’s Hot 100 certified gold single “Like A Rodeo” and Joshua Bassett’s “Crisis.” Southerland’s recent cut with Mitchell Tenpenny, “Same Moon,” is currently moving up the radio charts.

“I’m so excited to be partnering with Kobalt,” says Southerland. “When I met with Laurent Hubert, Jeannette Perez, Stephanie Cox, Rani Hancock, Kenny McGoff and so many others of the creative team, I knew this was where I needed to be. Their enthusiasm not only about my writing and songs, but my dreams and vision for the future made this the perfect partnership to help me accomplish my goals. Huge thanks to Kevin [Lane], who was with me for my first major label outside cut and brought me to this amazing team. I’m looking forward to what’s coming in this next chapter of our careers.”

“Derrick is one of the most gifted, prolific songwriters working in Nashville today,” shares Cox, General Manager/Senior Vice President of Creative at Kobalt Nashville. “He has the incredibly unique ability to write across genres which makes him a perfect fit for Kobalt’s global ecosystem.”

Lane, Senior Creative Director at Kobalt adds, “Derrick and I had the opportunity to work together early in our careers, and I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with him again. His ability to craft songs that permeate the Nashville community while having multi-genre impact is rare. Combine that with his relentless work ethic, and you have a true creative force to be reckoned with. The sky is the limit for what we can accomplish together, and I’m so excited to see where this partnership takes us.”

Pictured (L-R): Ally Venable (VP of Talent Partnerships), Linda Knight (Chief Creative Officer), Brooks Parker (VP of Business
Development), Laura Hutfless (CEO), Sina Seger (COO), Scott Bennett (VP of Finance), Miriam Singer (Chief of Staff) Photo: Robby Klein

FlyteVu, a Nashville-based agency, has been acquired by Driftwood Music Group. The company is expanding its offerings, with the addition of corporate bookings and music licensing.

Co-founded by former CAA executive Laura Hutfless and former Warner Music Group executive Jeremy Holley, FlyteVu is expected to grow its team by thirty-percent by the end of the year, and staffing changes have already begun. Hutfless remains CEO and Holley, Co-Founder, is exiting the organization. Linda Knight has been tapped as Chief Creative Officer with Sina Seger promoted to Chief Operations Officer, Miriam Singer to Chief of Staff and Adeniz Villar as Senior Director of Talent.

“This partnership enables us to scale rapidly, broaden our service offerings to better support our clients, and pursue strategic acquisitions that keep us ahead in a constantly evolving industry—all while preserving our culture of generosity and purpose-driven work,” says Hutfless. “It empowers us to take on work we’re passionate about and to build an agency as forward-thinking as the clients we represent.”

Now in its tenth year, the company has adopted the philosophy that “Safe Doesn’t Fly.”

“We’re nimble, able to change direction quickly in the face of headwinds. If you want to fly high, you’ve got to break away from the flock and lead.” says Hutfless. “You don’t soar with eagles by playing it safe on the perch.”

Pictured (L-R): Zebb Luster, Kayla Adkins, Kenny Whitmire, Lauren Lieu and Hailey Rama

River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, have signed rising country singer-songwriter Kenny Whitmire to a global publishing agreement.

Upon moving to Nashville in 2022, Whitmire began to collaborate with emerging artist Austin Snell, leading to his first paid gig in town as a touring guitarist in Snell’s band.

Since then, he has been able to share the stage with prominent talent including Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Chase Matthew and more. As a songwriter, he has landed cuts such as Austin Snell’s “Some Things Just Stick” and “Considering,” Cole Goodwin’s “Fast Track Back,” Avery Roberson’s “Never Die,” Colin Stough’s “White Trash” and many others.

Of the deal, Whitmire says, “I’m very excited to be a part of such a creative and hard-working team. The River House crew were some of the first people I connected with after moving to Nashville, and it’s a great feeling to be surrounded by a team of talented people who have believed in your songwriting from the start. God bless country music!”

“Kenny brings an infectious energy and warmth into our building which has made him feel like family from day one at River House,” shares EVP of River House Artists Zebb Luster. “His unwavering work ethic and genuine passion for creating great songs consistently shines through every session. We’re thrilled to welcome Kenny to our songwriting roster and are eager to support him in his journey, we know he has the drive and talent to succeed in a big way!”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston adds, “Kenny is a natural – he writes with heart and instinct, and his passion will take him far. We’re proud to be in his corner alongside our partners at River House as his story unfolds.”

Pictured (L-R): BMG’s Dimitri Farougias; Ana Cristina Cash; Loeb & Loeb’s Tiffany Dunn
and BMG’s Chris Oglesby

Country and Latin singer-songwriter Ana Cristina Cash has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with BMG. The new partnership will see BMG administer Cash’s catalog and future releases across the globe, including both her English and Spanish-language works.

Raised in Miami of Cuban descent, Cash is bilingual and began a professional career in music at the age of six. She quickly became an accomplished champion of the singing competitions on the variety show, Sabado Gigante. Cash signed to Sony Music’s Latin division at 15 and recorded her debut album, Ana Cristina, in Spanish. In 2004, she was nominated for the Premio Lo Nuestro Award, and the following year went on to become the first Hispanic-American to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” for a presidential inauguration for President Bush in 2005.

In 2016, she married producer John Carter Cash and has been living and recording music in Nashville for a decade, primarily in their historical studio, The Cash Cabin Studio. Cash’s vocals or songs have also been featured on recordings by T Bone Burnett, Natalie Cole, Juanes, Brad Paisley, Johnny Cash, The Carter Family, Los Tigres Del Norte, Marisela, Juanes, John Carter Cash, Norman Blake, John McEuen and more.

“It is great to find individuals who make a difference. Ana Cristina does,” says Chris Oglesby, VP, Head of Creative, BMG Publishing. “Her genre-bending approach to her craft adds a breath of fresh air to listeners. We are honored to have her be a part of BMG.”

“I’m excited to partner with BMG and look forward to collaborating with their talented teams in Nashville, Latin America, and beyond,” shares Cash. “This partnership opens up incredible opportunities for my music to reach even more listeners around the world, and I can’t wait to get started.”