Matthew West‘s Story House Collective and Essential Music Publishing have launched a joint venture, and signed songwriter and producer Matt Armstrong to a worldwide publishing deal.

“While perhaps most widely known as a successful recording artist, it’s Matthew West’s writing credits across multiple artists and genres that truly sets him apart as a creative,” says Jamie Rodgers, VP of Essential Music Publishing. “It’s an immense privilege to come alongside both him and the entire Story House team to champion and develop the next generation of songwriters. I can’t wait to see what the shared passion and focus between their team and Essential Music Publishing are able to accomplish in the years to come.”

Armstrong will also serve as A&R for Story House, aiding in the discovery and development of emerging creators. He has scored cuts with Casting Crowns, Passion, Bethel Music, Jesus Culture, Ellie Holcomb, Zach Williams, Sanctus Real and Kristene DiMarco, and contributed to chart-toppers like Chris Tomlin’s “At The Cross (Love Ran Red).”

“It’s an honor to come alongside Story House and Essential Music Publishing,” shares Armstrong. “Songwriting and nurturing the next generation of songwriters and artists is a passion I’ve long carried. Songs are mouthpieces of the gospel to the world, and it’s a privilege to continue to be a part of the craft.”

“I’ve been a fan of Matt’s songwriting for a long time. As talented as he is, his work ethic is just as impressive, and I know his best songs are still ahead of him. I’m also excited to see him step into this dual role,” says West. “He has demonstrated a unique ability to spot undiscovered talent, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him join the Story House team!”

Parker McCollum has added dates to his upcoming “What Kinda Man Tour” kicking off in January.

The 16 newly-announced shows will carry the tour throughout the summer and across the country, and joining McCollum on various dates on the run will be Ashley Cooke, Corey Smith, Hudson Westbrook, Laci Kaye Booth, Kameron Marlowe, Steve Earle with Reckless Kelly, Randy Rogers Band and Vincent Mason. He will visit Birmingham, Wilmington, Orange Beach, Dallas and more through Aug. 23.

McCollum will head into the New Year headlining from Brooklyn Bowl as part of CBS’ New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, which will air live and stream on Paramount + on Dec. 31.

Newly-added “What Kinda Man Tour” Dates:
6.26.25 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront*#
6.27.25 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park*%
7.17.25 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater%
7.19.25 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion&%
7.24.25 – Bossier City, LA – Brookshire Grocery Arena>#
7.25.25 – Birmingham, AL – Coca-Cola Amphitheater>#
7.26.25 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater2#
7.31.25 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater>^
8.1.25 – West Valley City, UT – Maverik Center>^
8.2.25 – Missoula, MT – Big Sky Brewing Company Amphitheater>^
8.14.25 – Fresno, CA – Selland Arena at Fresno Convention Center+%
8.15.25 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center at San Jose+%
8.16.25 – Murphys, CA – Ironstone Amphitheater+%
8.21.25 – Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino+%
8.22.25 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater+%
8.23.25 – Abbotsford, BC, Canada – Abbotsford Centre+%

Ashley Cooke+
Corey Smith*
Hudson Westbrook^
Laci Kaye Booth#
Kameron Marlowe>
Steve Earle with Reckless Kelly&
Randy Rogers Band2
Vincent Mason%

Virgin Music Group has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Downtown Music Holdings for $775 million. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the second half of 2025.

As one of the leading service providers to the global music industry, Downtown Music’s technology and service offerings support creators and businesses in music creation, distribution, publishing, marketing, royalty collection, financing, accounting and payment services.

Virgin Music Group and Downtown Music will offer a broadened and enhanced suite of services to clients, including digital and physical distribution, release marketing, business intelligence, neighboring rights, synchronization, royalties and rights management. Virgin Music Group and Downtown Music will continue operating independently through a customary regulatory approval period, with the combination of the companies to occur following the deal closure.

“Justin Kalifowitz, Andrew Bergman and Pieter Van Rijn have built Downtown Music into one of the most diversified and respected operations in the world,” says JT Myers, Co-CEO, Virgin Music Group. “This combination enables us to expand on the Downtown legacy and offer the independent music community a dynamic and innovative global infrastructure both in terms of service offering and territorial footprint, and we look forward to working with the Downtown team to serve independent entrepreneurs, artists and creators with an even broader portfolio of services.”

“On behalf of Andrew, Pieter and myself, it is very exciting for Downtown to be joining forces with Virgin Music,” shares Kalifowitz, Founder, Downtown Music Holdings. “This is a tremendous recognition of the importance and vitality of independent music, and the value that our company brings to its clients every day. Downtown was established with the belief that artists and entrepreneurs everywhere and at every stage are entitled to the same tools and opportunities to succeed. We have no doubt that the breadth and high level of service Downtown provides to its clients will be strengthened working with Nat, JT and the whole Virgin Music team.”

“It’s an exciting time for Virgin as we continue to build a next-generation music company for independent artists and labels,” adds Nat Pastor, Co-CEO, Virgin Music Group. “We aren’t just making an acquisition; this is an investment into the global independent music ecosystem and a commitment to nurture current and future creators and entrepreneurs with world-class support, services, and capabilities they require at any phase of their careers.”

Initially established as a music publishing company in 2007, Downtown now has more than 20 offices across six continents, the company has core divisions across Artist & Label Services, Distribution, Royalties & Financial Services and Music Publishing. Its portfolio of businesses includes FUGA, Downtown Artist & Label Services, Curve Royalties, CD Baby, Downtown Music Publishing and Songtrust. It collectively serves over 5,000 business clients and more than four million creators in 145 countries.

Amy Allen’s career as a songwriter might have roots in the woods of Maine, but her influence has grown far beyond those quiet beginnings. Now nominated for Songwriter of the Year at the 67th Grammy Awards, Allen is celebrated for her genre-crossing versatility and a storytelling approach that resonates with listeners around the globe. From chart-topping pop hits to poignant ballads, her work reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and emotion—qualities that shine through in both her collaborations and her own music.

Allen’s love for storytelling was nurtured early. Growing up in a small-town lake community, she was exposed to a rich tapestry of musical influences. The first band she ever joined was a bluegrass group, a nod to the genre’s strong scene in Maine, while her father’s classic rock playlists introduced her to legends like Rush.

This mix of heavy rock and intimate, lyrical folk storytelling set the foundation for her artistic identity. Today, Allen credits her small-town upbringing and eclectic musical exposure for her ability to write across genres without losing her distinctive voice.

“I’ve always been drawn to storytelling,” Allen reflects. “For me, it’s about writing honestly about your own experiences, and that translates across any genre.”

That approach has made her a sought-after collaborator for artists ranging from Sabrina Carpenter to Koe Wetzel. Her recent work with Wetzel at Sonic Ranch, a famed Texas recording studio, highlights her ability to connect with artists on a personal and creative level. Though pop is Allen’s comfort zone, her willingness to step into new territories like country music speaks to her adaptability and curiosity. The risk resulted in several cuts on Wetzel’s 9 Lives album, including “Damn Near Normal,” “Sweet Dreams” and “High Road” with Jessie Murph, which is in the top five at country radio this week.

“I absolutely love Koe. He is phenomenally talented and he loves to tell a story, which is why I connected with him immediately,” Allen says. “When I was invited to work with him, I wasn’t sure how it would go because I’m definitely more of a pop person, but the second I got there and we started talking, I realized how honest he wanted to be with his stories and how much he wanted to have fun with it. ”

Her adaptability is further evidenced by her success on the Billboard Songwriters chart, where she’s spent significant time at the top. Yet, Allen approaches the metrics of success with a refreshing perspective.

“Once a song is written, it’s for the world to have,” she says. “Looking at charts or stats doesn’t help me. If anything, it can make me feel disconnected from the music.” This philosophy allows her to focus on the craft itself rather than the commercial outcome, a mindset that has sustained her through nearly seven years of intensive songwriting.

One of Allen’s most prominent collaborations is with Carpenter, whose record-breaking Short n’ Sweet album features several of Allen’s contributions, including mega-hit “Espresso” and Grammy Song of the Year nominee “Please, Please, Please.”

“I’ve never really dove headfirst to a specific genre. I’ve just been honing in on my craft in telling a story, so it’s really exciting that radio and pop culture are where they are right now where we can have artists like Sabrina who has an album with a country-influenced song like ‘Slim Pickens,’ an R&B moment like ‘Good Graces’ and a very pop-leaning song like ‘Please, Please, Please,'” she says. “It’s great to be able to team up with collaborators and amazing artists that are able to do all of those things.”

Allen is particularly excited about Grammy season, where she plans to take a moment to reflect and celebrate with her collaborators. “The music industry moves so quickly,” she notes. “I’m looking forward to pausing and soaking it all in.”

In addition to her collaborative work, Allen recently released her own album, a project six years in the making. She describes it as a “time capsule” of her life, a personal statement that bridges her early days as a songwriter to her current Grammy-nominated status. “I want my songs to be timeless and meaningful,” she says, envisioning a legacy where her music resonates just as deeply decades from now as it does today.

As a mentor to aspiring songwriters, Allen emphasizes the importance of authenticity.

“Learn how to tell your story as honestly as you can,” she advises. “Human emotion is the key to every great song.” It’s advice that has guided her career and continues to define her work, whether she’s penning a pop anthem or a reflective ballad.

With multiple Grammy nominations to her name and a catalog that spans genres and emotions, Amy Allen is at the height of her career. But for Allen, success isn’t just about accolades or charts. It’s about creating music that connects with people on a human level, a goal she pursues with the same honesty and passion that first drew her to songwriting in her Maine hometown. In Nashville and beyond, her influence is undeniable—and she’s just getting started.