Music News (03/13/24)

Sarah Buxton Signs With SMACKSongs

Pictured (L-R): Robin Palmer, Carly Sater, Jeremy Groves, Sarah Buxton, Jim Landers, Lee Krabel and Sam Sarno

Songwriter Sarah Buxton has signed an exclusive publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

The Lawrence, Kansas native has established herself as a powerhouse songwriter over the last two decades with a catalog that includes chart-toppers such as “Stupid Boy” and “Put You In A Song” by Keith Urban, “Sundaze” by Florida Georgia Line, “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely” by The Band Perry and “Fix” by Chris Lane. Buxton joins SMACK after stints at Tom Leis Music, Big Loud Publishing and Downtown/Concord.

“Sarah is a generational talent and a perfect fit for our roster. I can’t wait to see what Sarah, Jeremy, and the rest of the SMACK team can accomplish together the next few years,” says Lee Krabel, Sr. VP of Publishing.

“I’ve never felt more at home with a group of writers and publishers than I feel here at SMACK, and I am thrilled to get to start creating,” says Buxton.

Bobby Hamrick Renews Publishing Deal With Spirit Music Nashville

Pictured (L-R, back row): Gray Schubert (Manager of Creative Administration, Spirit Music Nashville), Mike Fiorentino (Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville), Bobby Hamrick, Brian Bradford (GM/VP of Admin., Spirit Music Nashville) and Kennedy Murphy (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville); (L-R, front row): Derek Wells (VP of A&R & Production, Spirit Music Nashville), Kara Jackson (Senior Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville), Frank Rogers (Chief Creative Office, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville) and Andy Hodges (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group

Singer-songwriter, producer and musician Bobby Hamrick has renewed his publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville.

Throughout his career, Hamrick has had cuts with Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker, Scotty McCreery, Elle King, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Brett Young and more. He has also appeared as a session musician on Grammy-winning albums and sung backing vocals on records for Rucker, McCreery, Cody Johnson and Carly Pearce, among others, in addition to being the voice of Pixar’s Cars on the Road theme song.

“Bobby Hamrick is a freak of nature—in the best way,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Office, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “He is a brilliant songwriter, producer, musician, singer and about anything else he sets his mind to. It has been an honor to work with him for the last four years and myself and the entire Spirit team couldn’t be more excited about the future. Let’s go!”

“I’m beyond excited to continue working with Frank Rogers and the team at Spirit Music Nashville,” says Hamrick. “I consider myself so lucky to be surrounded by such creative and forward-thinking people and can’t wait to see what we’ll do together.”

Josh Montgomery Inks Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music

Pictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Josh Montgomery, Benji Amaefule (WCM)

Multi-genre songwriter and producer Josh Montgomery has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Montgomery has collaborated with artists across various genres including country, rock, pop and EDM. Collaborators include Jessie Murph, Tyler Halverson, Graham Barham, Jax and Dasha. Recently Montgomery contributed to the title track of Ashley Kutcher’s House On The Water album.

“I’ve been a fan of Josh’s music for years and can’t wait to see who he’ll collaborate with to shape the next generation of country music,” says Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music.

“It is a tremendous honor and privilege to have a champion like Warner Chappell in my corner. I’m committed to serving the inspiring songwriters and artists that keep this amazing city running,” says Montgomery. 

Klare Essad Signs With Riser House Publishing

Pictured (L-R, back row): Brandon Perdue and Allison Pilotti; (L-R, front row): Klare Essad and Kirby Smith. Photo: Shannon Bradley

Klare Essad has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Riser House Publishing.

Essad got her start in the Nashville music industry by working in the legal sphere for various record labels. With a longtime passion for songwriting, she became involved with Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) where she was introduced to artist Madeline Edwards. This led to them to collaborate and create “Hold My Horses,” the focus track on Edwards’ debut album Crashlanded.

“We are very pumped to welcome Klare Essad to the Riser House family,” says Kirby Mathews, Riser House Director of Publishing & A&R. “Klare’s talent and dedication are unmatched, and we are excited to officially add her to our roster. She brings strong and creative ideas and lyrics into the room, and it is an honor to work alongside her!”

“I’m thrilled to be working with Riser House,” says Essad. “Kirby, Brandon [Perdue], Allison [Pilotti] and the entire Riser House family have shown me so much support and I’m excited to see what we can accomplish together!”