Music News (05/22/24)

Matt Stell Renews Publishing Deal With Endurance Music Group

Pictured (L-R): Rich Mgmt’s Brendan Rich, EMG’s Lauren Funk, Matt Stell, EMG’s Michael Martin and Courtney Kruckeberg. Photo: Courtesy of Endurance Music Group

Matt Stell has renewed his worldwide publishing deal with Endurance Music Group.

Stell, signed to RECORDS, has had two No. 1 hits with “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On,” both he co-wrote. He recently revealed his debut album, Born Lonely, dropping on June 7. Stell co-wrote all ten tracks on the project, including lead single “Built By Broken Hearts.”

He recently performed at “ACM Country Kickoff At The Star” ahead of last week’s ACM awards. Stell is slated to perform on the Chevy Riverfront Stage on June 6 during this year’s CMA Fest.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside the unstoppable creative force that is Matt Stell over the past few years,” shares Michael Martin, Endurance Music Group President. “His talent and determination are limitless, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!”

Chris August Signs With Warner Chappell Music & Cornman Music

Pictured (L–R, back row): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and Cornman Music’s Nate Lowery; (L–R, front row): Cornman Music’s Brett James, Chris August and Cornman Music’s Chris Owen. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music

Singer-songwriter Chris August has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Cornman Music.

Amassing more than 150 million streams with over 500,000 albums sold, the Dallas native’s work has ruled the Billboard Christian Songs chart, among others. His chart-toppers consist of “Starry Night,” “Restore” and “He Said” with Group 1 Crew. August’s credits also include “God Whispered Your Name,” “Battle” and more.

Having spent over two decades in the music industry, August has received various ASCAP honors, and took home multiple GMA Dove Awards—including Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year—in 2015. He has also collaborated with acts such as Keith Urban, Pentatonix, Tenille Arts, Meghan Patrick, Abbey Cone, Hootie & The Blowfish, Ryan Cabrera and Mandisa.

“I’m so excited to be joining the incredible team at Cornman and Warner Chappell,” shares August. “Getting to work with Brett James, Nate Lowery and Ben Vaughn and the entire team is a dang dream!”

“Brett and I are thrilled to be working with Chris alongside Ben and the incredible team at Warner Chappell. His talent and personality are top notch,” says Lowery, General Manager & VP, Cornman Music. “We’ve been fans of Chris for a while now, and we’re excited to see what the future holds. His experience across multiple genres will bring so much to our team.”

Prescription Songs Partners With Kobalt To Sign Anderson East [Exclusive]

Pictured (L–R): Prescription Songs’ Chris Martignago, Anderson East and Prescription Songs’ Christian Conant

Prescription Songs has partnered with Kobalt Music Group to sign artist, songwriter and producer Anderson East.

East is currently working on a new album with longtime collaborator and producer Dave Cobb, which scheduled for release later this year. His last project via Elektra/Low Country Sound, Maybe We Never Die, featured the top 20 AAA radio single “Madelyn.” East’s 2018 album, Encore, featured the Grammy-nominated No. 1 AAA radio single “All On My Mind,” co-written with Ed Sheeran.

On the live front, the creator has toured alongside Brandi Carlile, The Revivalists and Chris Stapleton, among others, and performed at festivals including Austin City Limits (ACL), Lollapalooza, Stagecoach, Forecastle, Bottle Rock, Byron Blues, Mountain Jam and Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. This summer, he plans to hit the road with Whiskey Myers.

“Anderson doesn’t put himself in a box and knows the value of a great song. His deep roots in Nashville and the community here paired with our team is going to be powerful,” says Katie Fagan, Nashville Head of A&R, Prescription Songs. “We are beyond honored to help be a part of his story as a producer and songwriter, and to finally be on his team!”

Emma Kiefer Joins Group Projects As Director, A&R

Emma Keifer

Emma Kiefer has been named Director of A&R at Group Projects.

In her new position, Kiefer will lead the development of Group Projects Publishing, as well as integrate across core functions within the company’s established artist management business, working closely with co-founders Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett.

“It is an honor to be on the team charged with launching Group Projects Publishing,” says Kiefer. “Thank you, Anthony, Cooper, Warner Chappell and Red Light Management for your investment in the future of Group Projects, and for your trust in me to tag-team this exciting new endeavor. Can’t wait to get to work!”

Kiefer most recently served as A&R Manager at Boom Music Group, working with songwriters Jacob Hackworth, Micah Carpenter, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins and Jimmy Robbins. She helped facilitate cuts with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Tucker Wetmore and more. Kiefer graduated with an honors dual degree from Boston College and Berklee College of Music, after which she moved to Nashville and held positions with Dave Cobb, Twelve6 and Boom before joining Group Projects in 2024.