Music News (11/29/23)

CTM Outlander Signs Sam Hunt To A Worldwide Publishing Deal

Pictured (L-R): Derek Crownover (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Van Hunt (Between the Pines Music), Mike McKool (Co-Founder, Outlander Capital Management), Erin McKool, Sam Hunt, André de Raaff, (CEO, CTM Outlander), Thomas Deelder, (Creative Director, CTM Outlander), Jitze de Raaff, (President, CTM Publishing) and Willie Jones (Loeb & Loeb LLP). Photo: Weatherly Photography

CTM Outlander has acquired the publishing catalog of five-time Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Sam Hunt, and signed him to a go-forward publishing deal for his future works.

CTM Outlander is a partnership between the Dallas, Texas-based Outlander Capital, led by Les Ware and Mike McKool, and the Dutch-based leading independent music entertainment company CTM, led by industry veteran André de Raaff.

“Discussing the sale of some of my catalog took a while and I am glad that it did, as I got to know André and his CTM Outlander team better and better. They continued to meet with me and my team over the last several months to discuss what working together might look like. I appreciate their diligence and belief in what I am doing as an artist, and more importantly, as a songwriter. I believe we will have a productive partnership both internationally and here at home,” shares Hunt.

de Raaff says, “Sam has been on our radar for a long time, and we were very eager to work with him. Since we landed in Nashville, we signed some of the most prolific songwriters like Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman and Michael Tyler. By adding Sam to our roster, who is not only one of the most respected songwriters in town but also a global superstar and touring artist, we feel we can service the community even better.”

He continues, “We are truly honored that Sam, after being in talks with us for a long time, decided to sign with our company. Sam is an example of an artist and songwriter that we can help move forward in the international market; his body of work doesn’t only dominate the U.S. radio waves and streaming world but also travels throughout the world. We look forward to supporting Sam in his endeavors and expansion, and are excited to work with him in the country music space and international scene.”

McKool adds, “We’re thrilled to add a singer-songwriter with the stature of Sam Hunt to the CTM Outlander family. Not only is he the type of artist that we want to be in business with, but more importantly he’s the type of person that we want to invest in. Sam has clearly experienced an immense amount of success, and our goal at CTM Outlander is to provide Sam with the resources he needs to achieve all his future endeavors.”

ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons Signs With Spirit Music Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Kara Jackson (Spirit Music Nashville), Derek Wells (Spirit Music Nashville/2Mix Music), AJ Burton (Spirit Music Nashville/Fluid Music Revolution), Mike Fiorentino (Spirit Music Nashville), Billy F Gibbons, Frank Rogers (Spirit Music Group/Spirit Music Nashville), Andy Hodges (Spirit Music Nashville) and Kennedy Murphy (Spirit Music Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Billy F Gibbons has signed a worldwide publishing administration deal with Spirit Music Nashville for his solo work.

Best known as one-third of legendary rock band ZZ Top, Gibbons is known as one of the most inventive and dexterous guitarists of the rock genre. As a vocalist, his growl-style singing is unmistakable, standing out on such hits as “La Grange,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Cheap Sunglasses,” all of which he wrote. BMI honored Gibbons with its coveted Troubadour Award in September.

“We are thrilled to welcome Billy F Gibbons to the Spirit Music family,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “Billy is a world class artist, an industry icon and one of the coolest humans on earth. He has undeniably shaped the sound of modern music and we are honored that he’s entrusted us as his publishing partner.”

Gibbons shares, “Spirit rising…! As is with Billy F Gibbons and the bonus of joining the Spirit music team taking large charge and ready to make loud noise!!! We roll. Spirit rising…”

Apart from his work with ZZ Top, Gibbons has recorded with a myriad of notable artists. He released his debut solo album Perfectamundo in 2015 and its follow-up The Big Bad Blues in 2018. In 2021, Gibbons released Hardware, an album produced with Matt Sorum and Spirit Music Nashville’s Director of A&R and Production, Mike Fiorentino.

“Billy F Gibbons is a music legend who has been part of rock & roll royalty for half a century,” says Fiorentino. “Being able to work with one of the world’s most prolific guitar heroes is truly an honor, and we are looking forward to building a long-lasting partnership. And a special shout out to Tim Montana for bringing BFG into our Spirit family!”

Driver Williams Signs With Jody Williams Songs & Warner Chappell Music

Pictured (L-R): JWS Founder, Jody Williams; JWS Creative Manager, Tenasie Courtright; Driver Williams; JWS Senior Director, Creative Nina Jenkins Fisher; Warner Chappell Music Senior Director, A&R, Spencer Nohe. Photo: Jaime Sillas

Driver Williams has signed an exclusive songwriting agreement with Jody Williams Songs (JWS) and Warner Chappell Music.

Williams is a Nashville native who has written songs for Eric Church, Luke Combs, Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean and more. He is also the original lead guitarist for Church’s band, a position he has held since 2005.

At JWS, Driver will continue to work with his father, Founder Jody Williams, as well as Senior Director, Creative Nina Jenkins Fisher and Creative Manager Tenasie Courtright.

Driver shares, “It’s truly a dream come true to be able to work exclusively with my dad, and call Jody Williams Songs/Warner Chappell Music my songwriting home. I’m excited to do my part to contribute to such a sterling roster and song-forward endeavor.”

“The trajectory of Driver’s songwriting career is impressive. He is teed up for great things in 2024. We could not be more proud to work with him,” Jody shares.

Fisher adds, “Driver holds down a lane at JWS that no other writer touches. He is a lyricist that balances fresh ideas with a hard-earned understanding of our genre. I’m thrilled to be on his team.”