Music News (6/28/23)

Anthem Entertainment Extends Publishing Agreement With Chris Janson [Exclusive]

Pictured (L-R): Lance Roberts, Chandler Thurston (Anthem Creative Director), Noah Dewey (Anthem VP of Creative), Kelly Janson, Chris Janson, Courtney Crist (Anthem Sr. Creative Director), Maddie Sanderson, Gracie Glass (Anthem Creative Coordinator) and Tom Lord

Anthem Entertainment has extended its publishing deal with multi-Platinum artist and songwriter Chris Janson, continuing the relationship the two started in 2016.

Janson just released his first album since signing with Big Machine Label Group, The Outlaw Side of Me. The project includes current single “All I Need Is You,” which is nearing the top 20 on the charts, and focus track “21 Forever,” which features Dolly Parton and Slash.

Janson’s first hit came in 2015, with the extremely popular track “Buy Me a Boat,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Country Airplay Chart and No. 1 on Mediabase, and has gone four-time Platinum since its release. Other songs that have recently earned Platinum certifications include “Good Vibes,” “Drunk Girl” and “Fix a Drink.” Janson has also celebrated two more No. 1 hits with “Good Vibes” and other 2019 single “Done,” with both songs also achieving RIAA Gold status.

“We are excited to continue and expand our co-publishing venture with Chris Janson,” says Gilles Godard, President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. “He is truly an amazing and innovative writer, who knows how to reach his audience by keeping it real and telling the truth with every lyric and every melody. We look forward to celebrating many more hits together!”

“Chris Janson is the real deal, period,” adds Noah Dewey, VP of Creative for Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. “He’s the quintessential country artist and one of the best entertainers in the business. It’s a privilege to work with him and his wife Kelly, on our continuing partnership at Anthem Entertainment.”

Sam Sarno Promoted At SMACKSongs

Sam Sarno. Photo: Ford Fairchild

SMACKSongs has promoted Sam Sarno to Creative Director, effective immediately.

After joining SMACKSong’s publishing team in 2019, Sarno has worked extensively with hit songwriters Pete Good and Marc Beeson, as well as with producer-writer Lalo Guzman, singer-songwriter Josh Dorr and up and coming singer-songwriter Johnny Clawson.

Sarno will continue that work in her new role. She will also be responsible for signing and developing new talent and generating opportunities for SMACK’s current roster of over 20 writers.

“Sam has proven herself to be one of the best young publishers in town over the last few years,” says SMACK VP of Publishing, Lee Krabel. “Her passion for her writers and for SMACK is second to none. Sam has earned every bit of this promotion and we can’t wait to see what else she can accomplish.”

“The culture that SMACK has cultivated is very special and our incredible roster of writers makes each day fulfilling. Working alongside Lee, Robin [Palmer] and the rest of the team has taught me so much about how to be the best advocate for my writers I can be. I’m beyond grateful to get to come to work each day and excited to see what we can accomplish from here.”

Play It Again Music Group Promotes Lauren Lieu

Lauren Lieu has been promoted to Sr. Director of Creative at Dallas Davidson‘s Play It Again Music Group.

After joining Play It Again Music Group (PIA) as Director of Creative in 2021, Lieu has been instrumental in the growth and success of songwriters including Davidson, Lee Brice, John Morgan, Dylan Marlowe, Kyle Fishman and John Edwards. Prior to PIA, she served as Creative Manager at Ole Music Publishing.

In her new role, Lieu will serve as the head of PIA’s Publishing Department, reporting to Davidson.

“Lauren Lieu is a warrior. A songwriter champion. All our recent success is 100% attributed to her passion, work ethic and unteachable tenacity. I’m so thankful to have her on our team,” says Davidson.

“I am so grateful for Dallas Davidson,” shares Lieu. “Dallas took a chance on me and has shown me nothing short of trust, loyalty and genuine belief in his team. Thank you for being such a great mentor and for encouraging innovative ideas within this company. To the writers, thank you for trusting me with your careers and letting me be a part of your creative journeys. Working with this group and experiencing their talent has been such a dream. We have the best team here at PIA and I’m thrilled to continue working with every one of you.”

Play It Again Music Group is a full-service music company housing Davidson’s longtime Play It Again Publishing and Double Down Music Publishing, as well as label/artist management and development division PIA Entertainment, established in 2020.