Pictured: (L-R, top row): Spencer Nohe (WCM), Emma Kiefer (Group Projects), Anthony Manker (Group Projects), Cooper Anstett (Group Projects), Sara Latimer (WCM) and Phil May (WCM). (L-R, bottom row): Olivia DaPonte and Chris McKenna. Photo Abigail Klotz

Songwriters Olivia DaPonte and Chris McKenna have both inked worldwide publishing deals with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Group Projects Music.

A Knoxville native and University of Tennessee graduate, DaPonte initially moved to New York City to pursue a career as a Business Analyst. After a year in the corporate world, she discovered her true passion in songwriting, prompting her return to Nashville to focus on her craft. Known for her lyrical and melodic style, she quickly became a favorite among fellow songwriters, with her distinct talents making her a standout in any writing room, including country ballads and upbeat pop-infused tracks.

Photo: Abigail Klotz

“I’m incredibly honored to be joining such talented and hardworking teams,” she shares. “Emma [Kiefer], Cooper [Anstett], and Anthony [Manker] quickly felt like family, and I’m so thankful for their belief in me. Now it’s time to get to work!”

Hailing from Boston, McKenna relocated to Nashville in 2019, quickly connecting with local songwriters and artists. Initially known as a skilled producer, he has since earned a reputation as a genuine storyteller and lyricist, with a keen ear for crafting memorable melodies.

“Joining the Group Projects and Warner Chappell teams is a dream come true,” he says. “They instantly felt like family. Their passion for what I’m doing gets me so excited for what we’re going to be able to achieve together.”

Photo: Abigail Klotz

“I’m so excited to expand our partnership with Group Projects by signing these two incredible writers, Chris McKenna and Olivia DaPonte,” shares Spencer Nohe, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “This is a great opportunity to expand upon their established foundations as writers and serve Group Projects as they build out their roster and culture.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Olivia and Chris to the Group Projects Publishing family,” adds Kiefer, Director of Publishing, A&R, Group Projects Music. “Getting the opportunity to sign Olivia to her first publishing deal was an absolute no-brainer. You can send her into any room with confidence she’ll show up and be asked back. When it comes to Chris, we can’t wait to build off of the momentum that he’s already established and elevate his next chapter. His authentic story-telling reminds us all why we want to work in a songwriting town.”

Scott Borchetta, Caroline Jones and Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Eden Gerlock

Country singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and band member of the Zac Brown Band, Caroline Jones, released her debut label single “No Tellin'” today (March 28) after signing with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment.

The track was co-written and co-produced by Jones, and signifies a new chapter of music for her. It follows her third, full-length studio album, Homesite, released in October 2023 with star-studded features including Zac Brown Band and Vince Gill.

“I’m thrilled about this next chapter! This partnership feels like a natural, organic step forward in my evolution as an artist. The team is fantastic to work with and create alongside. I’m so proud of the sound that Julian Raymond, Ric Wake and I are crafting,” Jones says.

“Caroline is such an impressive talent, from her songwriting to her first-rate musicality,” shares Big Machine Label Group Chairman & CEO Scott Borchetta. “She fits perfectly among the groundbreaking, unique artists at Nashville Harbor and we are so proud to have her join the family.”

“Scott and I have been big fans of Caroline for a long time,” adds Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment CEO Jimmy Harnen. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome her to Nashville Harbor!”

Craig Wiseman. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Tin Pan South 2025 hosted its first two nights on Tuesday (March 25) and Wednesday (March 26), bringing songwriters together for the staple NSAI event. 11 venues around Nashville are hosting songwriters rounds this years, with two shows taking place at each venue most nights.

The first round of shows took place on Tuesday. Rounds included Cooper Alan, Dalton Davis, Brad Tursi and Allison Veltz-Cruz at 3rd and Lindsley, Ronnie Bowman, Rob Hatch and Jerrod Niemann at AB Hillsboro, Mia Fieldes, Ben Glover and Matthew West at Analog Hutton Hotel, Jason Matthews, Leslie Satcher and Jamie Teachenor at The Bluebird and Bonnie Baker, Raquel Cole, Makena Hartlin, Emma Klein and Olivia Rudeen at the Commodore Grille.

Also hosting opening rounds to the festival was Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole with Jacob Hackworth, Jackson Nance and Heath Warren, The Hard Rock with Ruston Kelly, Madeline Merlo, Gabriella Rose and Emily Weisband, The Listening Room with Travis Denning, Noah Hicks, Matt Mulhare and Cole Taylor, City Winery with Chuck Cannon, James Dean Hicks and Will Robinson, Love & Exile with Chayce Beckham, Drew Kennedy and Logan Wall, and Station Inn with Will Nance, Mitch Ogelsby, Bruce Wallace and Brian White.

Madeline Merlo. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

The second rounds of night one featured performances from Bob DiPiero, Tony Mullins, Jeffrey Steele and Craig Wiseman at 3rd and Lindsley presented by Y’all 106.7, Dustin Christiansen, Jaida Dreyer, Kylie Frey and Mando Saenz at AB Hillsboro, Daniel Ethridge, Rose Falcon, Josh Melton and Billy Montana at Analog Hutton Hotel, Aaron Barker, Jim Collins and Larry Gatlin at The Bluebird and Clara Park, Jenn Schott and Scott Stepakoff at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole.

Also closing out night one was Drew Baldridge and Jordan Minton at Hard Rock, Sara Bares, Ross Copperman, Blake Pendergrass and verygently at The Listening Room, Ethan Hulse, David Leonard and Matt Maher at City Winery, Grant Averill, Darius Coleman, Luke Niccoli and Rudey at Love & Exile and Aaron Armstrong, Dillon Carmichael, Jake Mitchell and Michael Whitworth at Station Inn.

Night two didn’t slow down with the slew of hitmakers and rising songwriters, with first rounds including Dwan Hill, Jesse Labelle and Nick Schwarz at Commodore Grille, Walt Aldridge, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jeff Trott and Dave Turnbull at The Listening Room, presented by ASCAP, Cameron Bedell, Nick Boyd and Nick Donley at AB Hillsboro, Andrew DeRoberts, Chris DeStefano, Joe Fox and Kendell Marvel at Analog Hutton Hotel, presented by SESAC, and Grady Block, Rocky Block, Hank Compton and Brock Phillips at the Hard Rock.

Ruston Kelly. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Also participating in the 6pm hour rounds last night (March 27) was Dave Cohen, Jay Knowles and Makayla Lynn at The Bluebird, Jonathan Hutcherson, Mia Mantia, Chase McDaniel and Steve Moakler at City Winery, Rhett Akins, Trannie Anderson, Jeff Hyde and Wyatt McCubbin at 3rd and Lindsley, presented by BMI, Jason Duke, Jason Massey and Keesy Timmer at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Brennley Brown, Lance Carpenter and Richie McDonald at Station Inn, and Terri Jo Box, Justin Ebach, Dan Marshall and Amy Stroup at Love & Exile.

For the second round of shows on Wednesday, attendees saw rounds from Leah Blevins, Clint Daniels and Anslee Davidson at Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole, Kassi Ashton, Barry Dean, Luke Laird and Travis Wood at 3rd and Lindsley, Judah Akers, Abbey Cone, In Color and Brian Macdonald at Love & Exile, Olivia Faye, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Mary Kutter and Tyra Madison at AB Hillsboro, Joseph Patton, Andrew Peebles, Brett Sheroky, Colton Venner and Dan Wilson at Commodore Grille.

Closing out night two also was Sophie Gault, Gabe Lee and Zach Meadows at The Bluebird, Chaparelle, Trent Dabbs, Matt Koziol and Scoot Teasley at Hard Rock, presented by Lightning 100, Breland, David Fanning and Travis Heidelman at The Listening Room, Dan Alley, Reid Haughton and Kasey Tyndall at Station Inn, Liz Hengber, Tony Lucca, Frank Maroney and Steve Williams at City Winery, and Jerry Flowers, Michael Lotten and Trevor Rosen at Analog Hutton Hotel.

Tin Pan South continues tonight (March 27) with performances from Eric Paslay, Jonathan Sherwood, Dan Smalley, JT Harding, Ben Williams, Chrissy Metz, Scotty Hasting, Laci Kaye Booth, Jordan Harvey, Ashley Gorley, Rob Ragosta, Benjy Davis, Kelly Archer, Kayley Green, Lydia Vaughan and more.

Gabriella Rose. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Cooper Alan. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Travis Denning. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Sara Bares. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Brad Tursi. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Ronnie Bowman. Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Photo: Courtesy of NSAI

Monti Smith

Monti Smith has joined King Pen Music as Creative Coordinator.

Hailing from Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, he graduated from Belmont University in 2024 with a Bachelors of Business Administration in Music Business. He held an internship with King Pen Music during his senior year, leading into his new role. He will continue to work alongside King and Amanda Roach, Creative Manager.

“Monti’s passion for songs and songwriters is evident in the way he shows up for his role each day,” says King. “He’s incredibly hard working and we are so excited to watch him continue to grow as a professional.”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to “officially” join Kelly and Amanda at King Pen,” says Smith. “Since day one, Kelly’s belief in and loyalty to her songwriters has been infectious and I knew this was the spot I wanted to be. I’m proud to work with the outstanding roster King Pen continues to curate!”