Jordan Walker Signs With Sony/ATV
Jordan Walker
Jordan Walker has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing Nashville.
Walker has co-written songs including the multi-platinum, No. 1 single “When it Rains it Pours” by Luke Combs, “Mixed Drinks” by Mitchell Tenpenny, and “I’ve Been Good” by Cassadee Pope. Walker is also known for his former duo Walker McGuire, which released songs including “Mysteries of the World” and “Til Tomorrow,” which has earned over 28 million streams. He began his career in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he established a four-piece band while still in college and began opening for Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers and Josh Abbott Band. He moved to Nashville in 2012 to pursue a songwriting career.
“I was first introduced to Jordan as an artist, but I quickly learned what a remarkable gift he has for translating real-life emotions into song,” said Sony/ATV Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “This guy has a tremendous future ahead, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Sony/ATV family.”
“I moved to this town in 2012 to write songs,” said Walker. “Somewhere on this wild ride, I lost that mindset and I’m glad to be back to doing what I love with Rusty and his team at Sony/ATV behind me.”
Dave Villa Inks Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell, Lewis Park Music Publishing, Edgehill Music Publishing
Dave Villa
Warner Chappell Music Nashville, Lewis Park Music Publishing, and Edgehill Music Publishing have signed a global publishing deal with Dave Villa. The Nashville-based songwriter/producer has worked on projects and sessions for artists across genres including, Dierks Bentley, Fletcher, Josie Dunne, Skizzy Mars, David Archuleta, Rozes, Natalie Imbruglia, Noah Kahan, and Daughtry, among others.
A Belmont University graduate, Villa spent three years studying and working with producer/writer Jamie Kenney. Some of Villa’s songs and productions have aired internationally on major streaming networks including ABC and NBC.
Penny Gattis Joins Eclipse Music Group
Penny Gattis
Penny Gattis, who previously served as Sr. Director, A&R for Round Hill Music since 2016, has joined Eclipse Music Group as General Manager, Publishing.
Prior to her work with Round Hill, Gattis had served as Director, Writer Publisher Relations at BMI.
“We are very excited that Penny is joining the Eclipse team,” said company co-founder Kurt Locher. “Eclipse is dedicated to creating an environment for songwriters and artists to grow and thrive. Penny shares that passion, and she has an amazing track record of building relationships and creating successful strategic partnerships. We very much look forward to her putting her experience and energy to work for our talented creative roster.”
“It is an honor to join Eclipse Music Group,“ said Gattis. “I deeply respect Eclipse’s dedication and commitment to creativity and development and am thrilled to represent their incredible roster of songwriters in this new publishing role.”
At Round Hill, Gattis was responsible for business development including copyright asset acquisitions and exclusive publishing agreements with songwriters including Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Danny Myrick, Jimmy Robbins, and Katie Pruitt. At Round Hill, Gattis helped earn 40 No. 1 country songs. Gattis also worked with Round Hill’s sync team to create numerous film and television placements for the Nashville roster. During her career, Gattis has also helped to create events including BMI’s Sync THIS!; Kendell Marvel’s Honky-Tonk Experience, and Recording Academy’s Writer Retreat.
The Nashville-based music publisher and management company Eclipse Music Group was founded in 2017; the company’s current roster includes Payton Smith, Ronnie Bowman, Jim McCormick, Katie Pruitt, Early James, Sarah Darling and Nick Connors.
Jillian Jacqueline Inks With Kobalt
Jillian Jacqueline has signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt. The deal includes a full range of creative and administration services for her catalog and future works.
Jacqueline has intrigued country fans with her raw vocals and no-holds-barred storytelling through her breakout EPs SIDE A and SIDE B. The up-and-comer has garnered more than 80 million total streams, and is the first country artist to make Vevo’s elite dscvr Artists To Watch list, while also earning spots on Pandora’s Country Artists To Watch and CMT’s coveted Next Women of Country list. In 2019, Jacqueline completed her first-ever run of headline dates, followed by a string of sold-out shows with Kip Moore in the U.K. She is currently working on new music.
“Jillian Jacqueline is one of those writers that you crave to work with as a creative,” said Brad Beausir, Kobalt Creative Director. “She can write in so many different spaces with writers and artists across multiple platforms. Jillian is a true artist that is building something really special while also being able to help others tell their stories. She is an amazing talent and we are so thrilled that Jillian Jacqueline is now part of the Kobalt family.”
BEXAR’s Chris Ryan Signs With Reservoir
Pictured (L-R): Scott McGhee (1˚ Entertainment Music & Management Group), Greg Gallo (VP Creative, Reservoir), Chris Ryan, John Ozier (EVP Creative, Reservoir), Golnar Khosrowshahi (CEO, Reservoir) Photo credit: Haley Crow/MusicRow
Chris Ryan has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Reservoir. Ryan is part of the country music duo BEXAR, which recently signed with Warner Music Nashville.
The Reservoir deal includes all compositions from Ryan’s catalog, plus future works, including BEXAR’s newly-released single “Again.”
The up-and-coming country duo, pronounced “bear,” gets its name from Ryan’s hometown, Bexar County, Texas. Ryan performs lead vocals/guitar alongside Logan Turner, who rounds out their sound with additional vocal/banjo/guitar. BEXAR self-released their EP, BEXAR, in 2018 and have since amassed over 25 million streams. Their new single “Again,” a collaboration with writer-producer Ross Copperman, has been released on all platforms.
“Chris Ryan is a masterful songwriter and storyteller,” said John Ozier, Reservoir EVP, Creative. “It’s such an exciting time, as BEXAR are working on new music and sharing it with the world and we’re so happy to be on this journey with him.”
“As a songwriter, it’s so important to align with a publisher that has the same sensibilities as you,” added Ryan. “I love my team at Reservoir, John Ozier and [VP Creative] Greg Gallo, and the creative opportunities they provide me with.”