Music News (05/01/24)
Hannah McFarland Inks With Warner Chappell Music & The Core Entertainment
Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow, The Core Entertainment’s Bradley Kind, Hannah McFarland, The Core Entertainment’s Chief Zaruk, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and The Core Entertainment’s Simon Tikhman. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music
Rising singer-songwriter Hannah McFarland has signed a joint global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and The Core Entertainment.
“We are so excited to work with Hannah McFarland and represent her unique talent,” says Bryce Sherlow, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “Hannah is an incredibly insightful and talented songwriter that has already accomplished numerous major milestones. Her storytelling and emotion drew me to her instantly and I’m looking forward to our journey together.”
McFarland moved to Nashville from Alabama in 2016 to pursue music. Her authentic and relatable lyrics often combine grassroots country with contemporary flair. She has opened for Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, Travis Tritt and more. Last month, McFarland joined Zach Bryan on stage to perform his chart-topping hit with Kacey Musgraves “I Remember Everything.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Warner Chappell Music Nashville on an artist like Hannah whose star is so bright already,” share Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders & CEOs, The Core Entertainment. “We’re so excited for what her future holds in Nashville and beyond.”
Kat Higgins Extends Publishing Deal With BMG
Kat Higgins. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
ACM Song of the Year-nominated songwriter Kat Higgins has renewed her publishing deal with BMG.
Higgins’ recent No. 1 single, “The Painter” by Cody Johnson, is nominated for Song of the Year at the upcoming 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards. She also penned the 2021 No. 1 “Knowing You” by Kenny Chesney.
Born and raised in Canada, Higgins grew up playing and touring full time with her family’s Irish folk band, which introduced her to the world of songwriting and eventually led to her settling in Nashville. Since landing in Music City, she has penned songs cut by Carrie Underwood, Runaway June, The Lone Bellow and more, and has also begun releasing her own music.
“BMG is thrilled to continue this creative journey with Kat Higgins,” says Amy Hendron Scott, BMG’s Director, Artists & Repertoire. “Kat is an amazing talent and we are honored to be on her team!
“I love that BMG has always fostered my authentic voice and encouraged me to step out, take risks and have fun in songwriting,” says Higgins. “Pat [Higdon], Chris [Oglesby] and Amy have been champions for me. I feel that warm homey feeling every time I’m around them and at the same time, I’m shocked that I get to work with these powerhouses. BMG and Pat Higdon together are my dream team. I’m so excited for this next chapter!”
“Kat’s such a great writer!” says Higdon of Patrick Joseph Music. “It’s an honor to continue working with her and the wonderful BMG team!”
SoNash Publishing Rebrands To Ace High Music & Adds Chris Poole As Partner
Chris Poole. Photo: Jonathon Sherwood
SoNash Publishing has rebranded to Ace High Music. With this change, the Nashville-based company has added Chris Poole as Partner and Vice President of Publishing & Artist Development. As the rebranding initiative unfolds, Abigail Wate Ayala will remain the company’s Creative Director.
Ace High Music aims to foster creativity, nurture songwriting skills and champion emerging talent. The new name comes from the Wild West term “Ace High,” which was considered to be the gold standard for the finest things in life.
Poole brings knowledge as well as a passion for enhancing the art of songwriting from his time as Sr. Director of A&R at BBR Music Group/BMG, where he worked with artists such as Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Elvie Shane, to his new position.
“To me, it was never a question of whether or not Chris could lead our company—for me, it was more about who he is and [whether or not] we share similar values and philosophies in running a business,” says Travis Ray Chaney, President & Managing Partner, Ace High Music. “Chris possesses a deep understanding of the creative and business side of the industry and together, we both believe in creativity, generating results, integrity and striving for excellence.”
Frank Romano Signs New Deal With Reach Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Scott Rubin, Frank Romano and Michael Closter
Frank Romano has signed a new deal with Reach Music Publishing. The company has also acquired Romano’s back catalog, which includes his recent collaboration on Bailey Zimmerman‘s No. 1 single “Religiously”.
The Nashville-based songwriter and guitarist first signed an administration agreement with Reach Music in 2004, and has extended and expanded the publishing relationship throughout the last 20 years. With credits across multiple genres, Romano has worked with John Legend, Rob Thomas, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Jill Scott, Lainey Wilson and Zimmerman, among others.
Certified double-Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), “Religiously” has earned Romano an ASCAP Country Music Award as well as the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) No. 1 Award.
“We’re excited to expand our relationship and business with Frank Romano,” says Michael Closter, President & Owner of Reach Music Publishing. “Frank is a true hard-working talent, and we’re focused on supporting and helping him to achieve his long-term goals as a songwriter.”
“I am thrilled to continue with Reach Music,” shares Romano. “I’ve been in business with Michael Closter and Scott Rubin for 20 years, and more recently Sarah Feldman in the Nashville office, and they as well as the entire Reach staff are the perfect publishing partners for this next chapter of my career.”
Category: Music News
