Music News (04/03/24)

AIMP Honors Indie Songwriters & Publishers At 2024 Nashville Country Awards

Jordan Davis, AIMP Artist-Writer of the Year. Photo: Hunter Berry for AIMP

The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) held its ninth annual AIMP Nashville Country Awards on Monday night (April 1) at the Ryman Auditorium, honoring the best of Nashville’s independent songwriters and publishers. Presented by Spotify, the evening was emceed by Storme Warren.

Thomas Archer Signs With Combustion Music

Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Blake Duncan, Falcon, Chris Farren, Thomas Archer, Combustion Music’s Keithan Melton and Kelly Lyons. Photo: Payton Smith

Multi-Platinum songwriter Thomas Archer has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Combustion Music.

Archer moved to Nashville in 2012, and scored his first No. 1 with Luke Combs‘ nine-time Platinum “Hurricane.” His other hits include Walker Hayes‘ double-Platinum “You Broke Up With Me,” Combs’ “Lovin’ On You,” Jason Aldean’s “Got What I Got” and more. He has also had cuts with Morgan Wallen, Mitchell Tenpenny, George Birge and Parmalee, among others, and co-wrote Dillon Carmichael‘s “Drinkin’ Problems” and Corey Kent‘s “This Heart.”

“Thomas is a force. Super excited to put our talents together and win,” says Combustion Music Founder & President Chris Farren.

Combustion Music General Manager Keithan Melton states, “Thomas has long established himself as one of the best songwriters in Nashville. His work ethic and passion for what he does is contagious, and we are thrilled to add him to our roster. We look forward to what we can accomplish together.”

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with the Combustion team and look forward to the songs we collaborate on,” shares Archer.

Riser House Extends Partnership With Michael Whitworth

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

Riser House Publishing has extended its partnership with songwriter Michael Whitworth. The songwriter first signed with Riser House in 2016.

“Riser House is family, and they have been since day one. They truly believe in me and have allowed me to grow and develop as a writer to find my authentic voice. It’s a no brainer to continue this partnership and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Jennifer Johnson and Matt Swanson believed in me early on, and there’s been no one better to understand and guide me as a writer than Brandon [Perdue], and now Kirby [Mathews]. I’m just really grateful. I can’t wait to see what down the road looks like,” shares Whitworth.

Since his signing, he has had over 100 cuts in country, rock and pop from Teddy Swims, Nate Smith, Mitchell Tenpenny, Alana Springsteen, Florida Georgia Line, Charlotte Sands and more. He co-penned Jelly Roll‘s No. 1 hit at rock radio “Dead Man Walking.” Last year, Whitworth notched 40 cuts in total.

“Michael Whitworth is someone I know I can put in any room and trust he’ll more than hold his own,” says Brandon Perdue, SVP of A&R + Publishing, Riser House. “Whether it’s a session with an A-list artist, a brand new signing, or a room full of fellow hit writers, I always know Michael is going to bring the heat. He isn’t interested in chasing trends others are setting, rather he is bringing fresh and challenging concepts and melodies to every session. Michael is truly one of the most talented creatives in this town and Riser House is so thankful to continue being Team Whitworth.”