Kobalt Music has launched new publishing platform KOSIGN, designed to empower artists, songwriters and producers to collect their publishing royalties seamlessly.

KOSIGN aims to provide a flexible, frictionless alternative to traditional publishing deals, offering artists and songwriters the tools, insights and transparency they need to take full control of their global publishing income. Kobalt estimates there is over $1 billion publishing royalties to collect for this underserved market every year, and KOSIGN is built to help artists claim it.

“For too long, talented emerging artists have struggled to navigate the complexities of music publishing and collect the royalties they’ve rightfully earned,” says Laurent Hubert, CEO of Kobalt. “KOSIGN removes those barriers, giving songwriters a clear, accessible path to manage their publishing with the same power and sophistication previously reserved for major artists and songwriters.”

Built on Kobalt’s global infrastructure, KOSIGN offers a streamlined, intuitive experience that makes publishing simple, efficient, and transparent. According to Kobalt, key features of the new platform include:

– Global Royalty Collection – Collects publishing royalties directly from DSPs in most territories, powered by the same platform trusted by Kobalt’s top-tier clients.
– Seamless Song Registration – One streamlined interface to submit songs for global registration, handled by Kobalt’s expert admin team.
– Real-Time Transparency – Track earnings by territory, platform, and song.
– Total Flexibility – A rolling-term agreement, with ability to move elsewhere at any time.
– Full Ownership – Songwriters keep 100% of their copyrights.
– Expert Support – Backed by Kobalt’s world-class publishing admin team.
– Selective Platform — Open via application and invite-only, ensuring top-tier admin quality.

“KOSIGN is more than just a platform—it’s a movement,” says Jeannette Perez, President & Chief Commercial Officer of Kobalt. “It’s about giving artists and songwriters the freedom and support they deserve to thrive in today’s music industry. Whether you’re an emerging artist building your career or an established songwriter looking for more flexibility, KOSIGN gives you the tools, transparency, and expertise to succeed.”

Charley Crockett. Photo: Bobby Cochran

Charley Crockett has announced a new round of dates on his “Lonesome Drifter Tour.”

Crockett and his band the Blue Drifters will make stops in markets including Tucson, Sioux City, Boise, Salt Lake City and more, including a stop at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on June 25.

Next month, Crockett will perform alongside Willie Nelson & Family at the Luck Reunion on March 13, and just four days later, he will headline his largest show yet at NRG Stadium during the 2025 Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo on March 17. The Lone Star native will play songs from his catalogue, as well as preview songs from his upcoming new album Lonesome Drifter, due out March 14 via Island Records, Crockett’s first release for the label. The project was recorded at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles and co-produced by Crockett and Shooter Jennings.

Tickets go on sale for the latest round of “Lonesome Drifter Tour” dates this Friday (Feb. 28).

“Lonesome Drifter Tour” Added Dates:
June 3 – Tucson, AZ – Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
June 6 – Valley Center, CA – Harrah’s Resort Southern California
June 7 – Berkley, CA – The Greek Theatre
June 8 – Sacramento, CA – Channel 24
June 10 – Big Sur, CA – Henry Miller Memorial Library
June 11 – Big Sur, CA – Henry Miller Memorial Library
June 23 – Sioux City, IA – Orpheum Theatre
June 25 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
June 27 – Livingston, MT – Pine Creek Lodge
June 29 – Emigrant, MT – The Old Saloon
July 1 – Boise, ID – Outlaw Field at the Idaho Botanical Garden
July 2 – Salt Lake City, UT – Granary Live
July 5 – Taos, NM – Kit Carson Park

Aubrey Daniels, Andy Friday and Emily Hasty

Major Bob Music has elevated and expanded three of its team members. Andy Friday has risen to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Emily Hasty to Creative Director. Aubrey Daniels has been recruited serve as Head of Publishing.

Working with Bob and Mike Doyle for over 15 years, Friday will oversee all companies owned by Doyle in his newly created position of COO. He also handles day-to-day management for Treaty Oak Revival in a co-management partnership with Eli Kidd of EKidd Artist Management, longtime manager of the band. Previously Major Bob’s Head of Publishing, Friday signed Zach Top and Treaty Oak Revival to Major Bob Music/Bob Doyle & Associates.

Daniels, a Michigan native and Belmont alum, moved to Nashville in 2012. She brings to the role years of experience working closely with writers, artists and labels promoting songs between various publishing companies including Bluewater Music, SNG Music and KP Entertainment’s publishing arm.

An MTSU alum hailing from East Tennessee, Hasty first interned at Major Bob in 2022 and officially joining the team as Administrative Assistant in 2023, soon promoted to Creative Coordinator. She officially signed her first writer, Anslee Davidson, in September of 2023.

“Emily is an extremely hard worker and has risen quickly through the ranks due to her passion and dedication for songwriters,” shares Friday. “Everyone that knows Aubrey will tell you she’s a true song person, I can’t think of anyone better to run a publishing company than her. We’re honored to have Aubrey join our Major Bob team.”

Dr. Valerie Cordero. Photo: Hannah Qi Photography

Dr. Valerie Cordero has been appointed the new Executive Director of the W.O. Smith Music School.

Dr. Cordero holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from UCLA and moved to Nashville in 2012. She joins W.O. Smith after 15 years at Families for Depression Awareness, where she most recently served as Co-Executive Director. Dr. Cordero spearheaded fundraising and marketing initiatives at FFDA, while also working on a national level to promote accessible and culturally-sensitive mental health care. A well-known advocate, she has been highlighted in Reader’s Digest, Better Homes & Gardens and New York Magazine’s The Cut, and has delivered presentations at various conferences throughout the U.S.

“Valerie’s extensive experience in nonprofit management and profound understanding of the significance of music education make her an exceptional choice to lead W.O. Smith Music School,” says Greg Hill, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Her passion and expertise, coupled with our amazing staff and volunteers, will ensure that our students thrive for years to come.”

“I am honored to become a part of the school’s incredible legacy,” says Cordero. “My hope is to further magnify our impact so that we reach—and advocate for—even more underserved youth and families.”

In her new position Cordero follows Jonah Rabinowitz, who led W.O. Smith for nearly 30 years, shaping it into a thriving institution that provides life-changing music education to Nashville’s underserved youth. Under his leadership, the school broadened its impact, established a solid financial foundation and reinforced its position as a key pillar in the city’s cultural and educational scene.

As W.O. Smith Music School begins this new chapter, the Board of Directors and staff embrace Dr. Cordero’s vision to grow programming, enhance community partnerships and continue offering transformative opportunities for students.

Hudson Westbrook. Photo: Kelsey Runge

Hudson Westbrook will hit the road this summer for a slew of headline shows.

The shows will begin on June 13 in Chicago, making stops in Louisville, Minneapolis, Houston and more for an 11-date run. His trek will also include a stop at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works on July 23.

“With every new city we visit, I’m realizing how much I love touring,” says Westbrook. “Seeing you guys sing just the few songs we have out word for word back to me and the band is so surreal, and I feel lucky to meet you guys and get to know you at our merch table every night. Thank you for the support, we’ve got more coming this year – we’re just getting started.”

Alongside the headline dates, Westbrook will also join Parker McCollum for three dates on his “What Kinda Man Tour,” including a stop at Red Rocks Amphitheater. He will also make festival appearances at Tailgates N’ Tallboys, Rock The South, Rock The Country and more.

Currently on his “Take Your Time Tour,” Westbrook has had to upgrade several venues due to demand, playing to over 63,000 fans in the last nine months from headline shows alone. He has also garnered over 200 million global streams in just 10 months.

Tickets for all headline shows for summer 2025 are on sale now.

Hudson Westbrook 2025 Summer Tour Dates:
June 7 – Little Elm, TX – Craft Brew & Que Festival
June 12 – Bloomington, IL – Tailgates N’ Tallboys
June 13 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s on Weed Street
June 14 – Hastings, MI – Rock The Country
June 19 – Cullman, AL – Rock The South
June 20 – Memphis, TN – Graceland Soundstage
June 21 – Little Rock, AR – Rock The Country
June 28 – Lubbock, TX – Cotton Fest
July 10 – Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
July 11 – Ashland, KY – Rock The Country
July 12 – Reading, PA – Bulls, Bands, & Barrels
July 16 – Iowa City, IA – Wildwood
July 17 – Des Moines, IA – Val Air Ballroom
July 18 – Sioux Falls, SD – Rock The Country
July 19 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
July 23 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
July 25 – Charlotte, NC – Underground
July 26 – Anderson, SC – Rock The Country
July 31 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater*
Aug. 1 – West Valley City, UT – Maverick Center*
Aug. 2 – Missoula, MT – Big Sky Brewing Amphitheater*
Aug. 8 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall
Aug. 9 – Graham, TX – Graham Summer Concert Series
Aug. 14 – Sedalia, MO – Missouri State Fair
Aug. 15 – Omaha, NE – The Astro Amphitheater
Aug. 16 – Imperial, NE – Chase County Fair
Aug. 23 – Portales, NM – Roosevelt County Fair
Aug. 28 – Midland, TX – Horseshoe Amphitheater
Aug. 30 – LaGrange, TX – Fayette County Fair
*Supporting Parker McCollum