Music News 04/05/12

Cyndi Thomson

Ramblin’ Music’s publishing division Young Guns has signed singer/songwriter Cyndi Thomson to its writer roster.

Thomson signed to Capitol Records in 2000 and released her debut album My World featuring the No. 1 single “What I Really Meant To Say.” Thomson was a co-writer on eight of the Gold-certified album’s 11 tracks. Outside of her own recordings, Thomson also co-wrote the Gary Allan hit “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful.”

“Having written and worked with Cyndi in the past I can honestly say she is one of the most unique and talented artists I’ve ever met,” said Cliff Downs, President of Ramblin’ Music. “We are thrilled that she will be part of our staff and we look forward to the new music that she will be creating with us.”

The Young Guns roster also includes Weston Burt, Kimberly Paige, Ben Reno, Phoebe Sharp, and Gimm & Icky (Garrison and Tripp Weir).

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Lori McKenna

Universal Music Publishing Group has extended its worldwide publishing agreement with singer/songwriter Lori McKenna. McKenna originally signed with the company in 2009.

“Lori McKenna is one of the most highly regarded talents in the Nashville songwriting community and beyond,” said Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, Universal Music Publishing Nashville. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to continue our relationship with her and look forward to our future successes.”

The Stoughton, MA native gained national prominence with her appearance on Oprah, where she performed “Fireflies” with Faith Hill. After landing three songs on Hill’s album, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Sara Evans, and LeAnn Rimes clamored to record her songs. Recently, McKenna has been co-writing with Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Wynonna Judd, and Little Big Town.

McKenna herself has opened for Trisha Yearwood and for Hill and McGraw’s wildly popular Soul2Soul Tour. McGraw co-produced her first major label album Unglamorous (Warner Bros.) in 2007, which she followed with her most recent release Lorraine. Additionally, the songstress’ recording of “Two Soldiers Coming Home” can be heard on the Act of Valor soundtrack.

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Word Music Publishing has announced the signing of multi-genre writer Hillary McBride. An alumna of Nashville Star, McBride is currently experiencing her first hit single at Christian radio with “We Are,” a cut by Kari Jobe.

L-R: Word Music Publishing's Chad Green, Chad Segura, McBride, and BMI's Bradley Collins

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ATP Records and All That Productions has signed singer/songwriter Tammie Davis to their rosters. Davis, a former U.S. Marine, Marine Musician and Navy Achievement Medal recipient, is from North Carolina.

ATP Records CEO, Mark Alan Thompson says, “We are extremely excited to be working with an artist of Tammie’s caliber. Her talent, drive, gorgeous smile and down home Southern charm make her one of the most well-rounded artists on the market.”