Music News (8/25/21)

Jeffrey East Signs Joint Publishing Deal With Endurance Music Group, Ash Bowers

Pictured (L-R): EMG Sr. Vice President Mark Ahlberg, EMG Sr. Creative Director Josh Saxe, Jeffrey East, EMG President Michael Martin. Photo: Ed Rode

Endurance Music Group has partnered with writer and producer Ash Bowers to sign breakthrough country and pop singer-songwriter Jeffrey East to a joint publishing agreement.

The Texas-born songwriter spent 15 years in Nashville writer rooms before moving to Los Angeles in July of 2020. His time in Nashville resulted in cuts with artists like Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Chuck Wicks, Home Free, and more.

As an artist, East boasts over 20 million streams, with five songs in constant rotation on Spotify’s Country Coffeehouse playlist. Teaming up with Jonnie Forster at The Penthouse in Beverly Hills, he is currently working on new music while actively writing with and for other artists in both country and pop, with cuts on upcoming releases by Rob Thomas, Eli Young Band, and more.

“I’m so grateful to Ash and to the team at EMG for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to work alongside them in this next chapter of my career,” East shares. “They are the best of the best, and I feel like everything thus far has been leading up to this moment. I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”

Endurance Music Group President Michael Martin comments, “I’ve been a fan of Jeffrey’s since the first time I heard his music. It didn’t take long to recognize his creative talents as both a songwriter and an artist. We’re thrilled to welcome Jeffrey to the EMG family!”

“I’m excited to partner with my friends at Endurance to help push Jeffrey’s already impressive songwriting chops to the next level,” Bowers adds. “Jeffery is an amazing songwriter, artist, and an even better guy. The minute the opportunity presented itself to work with him I was all in.”
 

Ben Johnson Partners With BMG To Sign Johnny Reno

Pictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby (Vice President, Creative A&R BMG), Katie Kerkhover (Senior Creative Director, A&R BMG), Ben Johnson, Johnny Reno, Leslie Roberts (Assistant Vice President, Creative BMI), Courtney Allen (Creative Director, A&R BMG)

Songwriter/producer Johnny Reno has signed a worldwide publishing deal with BMG in partnership with hit songwriter Ben Johnson.

A Nashville native, Reno began his career at 15 playing on Nashville’s lower Broadway, and by 18 was touring with Florida Georgia Line and Sam Hunt. Though he started out as a solo artist, Reno found his true calling in production and songwriting. He wrote and produced Anthony de la Torres and Lana Condor‘s debut single “Rain in London,” as well as de la Torres’ EP, Find Me. He has also worked on records for Track45, Gayle, Kidd G, Twinnie, and Riley Roth.

“Johnny’s talent, passion, and drive to succeed makes him an instant stand out,” says Katie Kerkhover, BMG Senior Creative Director. “His ability to work seamlessly in both country and pop has him set up for a big future! We couldn’t be more excited to be working with him.”

“There’s so much that can be said about Katie, but it can be easily summarized to just say that she is actually the BEST!” says Reno. “As a person she’s just as good and honest as they come, and as an A&R person she’s always strategic and collaborative to get you in the best position for success. I’m excited to be working with her and the whole BMG team.”
 

Rocky Block Inks With Big Loud Publishing

Rocky Block. Photo: Mick Bodie

Rocky Block has signed with Big Loud Publishing.

Born and raised in Nashville, Block is the son of Alt-country promoter and radio host, Billy Block, one of the earliest advocates for the indie roots music which came to be known as Americana. He has been writing his own songs and making music since childhood, and is a co-writer on “High Horse,” by Nelly with Breland and Blanco Brown and the hip hop/country crossover “Grits & Glamour” by Nelly (with Kane Brown) on Nelly’s soon-to-arrive Heartland album.

Block also penned a No. 1 at Canadian country radio with Dean Brody & The Reklaws’ “Can’t Help Myself,” and has had cuts with Australian rock artist Sam Fischer (“Everybody’s Got Somebody”), pop vocalist Philmon Lee (“Where Was Your Love”), and rising country talent Ashley Cooke (“Under”).

“Rocky has been a close collaborator of the Big Loud Publishing family for a few years. His drive, consistency, and ability to craft great songs across multiple genres is something we have long admired,” says Big Loud Publishing’s Michael Giangreco, Senior Director, A&R. “We are thrilled to now have the opportunity to work with him as his publisher.”

“I’m honored and excited to be a part of the Big Loud Publishing family,” said Block. “Growing up in Nashville, it’s a dream to get to make music – much less with the best in the business. Big Loud’s track record of success is inspiring and something I look forward to contributing towards.”
 

Harper Grace Signs With Curb | Word Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Curb | Word’s Colt Murski; The Law Office Of Aaron Rice, LLC’s Aaron Rice; Harper Grace; Curb | Word’s Ciara Shortridge

Curb | Word Music Publishing has signed Harper Grace to a worldwide publishing deal.

The Texas native, who plays the storyteller in her music, began her musical journey at the age of seven when she received her first guitar as a gift from her grandmother. In 2018, sixteen-year-old Grace was a contestant on American Idol, competing by performing self-penned songs which received critical acclaim from judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.

This fall, she will be joining multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy-winning artist Nelly on his “Lil Bit of Music Series,” where he will blend musical genres while supporting emerging country artists.

“Wow, what a blessing it is to officially sign with Curb | Word Music Publishing!” shares Grace. “If I could tell my eleven-year-old self that at twenty she would be moving to Nashville and signing a pub deal, she would be praising her heart out right about now, so that’s exactly what I’m going to do to celebrate. If it weren’t for the man upstairs, none of this would be happening. I’m forever grateful for the privilege to wake up and do what I have dreamed of doing my entire life!”