Music News (05/29/24)

Ketch Secor Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Rusty Gaston & Ketch Secor. Photo: Chris Hollo.

Ketch Secor has signed a global publishing administration deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

“I’m mighty proud to be joining Rusty Gaston and the hardworking, fun-loving Sony Music Publishing family,” shares Secor. “Since its earliest days on Music Row as historic Acuff-Rose, Sony Music Publishing has become the steward of country’s most iconic catalog. What an honor to bring my collection of songs past, present, and future to these esteemed ranks.”

Secor is a Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter and founding member of Americana band Old Crow Medicine Show. He has influenced both country and Americana music with his writing. Secor co-penned the band’s iconic hit “Wagon Wheel,” which is in the top five best-selling country songs of all time, with 16 million U.S. sales and eight RIAA multi-Platinum certifications.

He also co-wrote on Molly Tuttle’s latest albums City of Gold and Crooked Tree. Additionally, Secor co-wrote the musical Hooten Hooler.

“Ketch Secor is more than a ‘fiddler in an old-time string band,’ he’s a brilliant storyteller. He writes songs that tell the tales of the rural American spirit. A one-of-a-kind talent and a one-of-a-kind human, we couldn’t be prouder to welcome Ketch to the SMP Nashville family,” says Gaston.

Keith Hetrick Inks With Withrow Street Music & CTM Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Bob Squance (Withrow Street Music), Keith Hetrick, Michael Thomas (Withrow Street Music), Thomas Deelder (CTM). Photo: Courtesy of Withrow Street Music

Songwriter and producer Keith Hetrick has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Withrow Street Music and CTM Publishing.

Hetrick is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer who has collaborated with Jennifer Lopez, Snoop Dogg, Boyz II Men, and Charlie Wilson. His career highlights include a Grammy nomination for his work on Wilson’s album Forever Charlie, writing his No. 1 Billboard R&B hit “I’m Blessed,” writing and producing K-pop sensation Wanna One’s Platinum-single “It’s Me (Pick Me),” and producing Lopez’s “On My Way” for the Universal Pictures film Marry Me. Hetrick also penned international campaign songs for Pepsi and Kit Kat with Now United, a global pop group formed by Idols creator Simon Fuller.

“I’m looking forward to joining forces with Withrow Street Music and CTM Publishing,” says Hetrick. “The level of talent, as well as a worldwide roster, lends itself to being on the forefront of the next wave of musical taste making and I couldn’t be more excited for this new partnership.”

“Keith is a rare and unique talent and we’re thrilled to make him the first signing at Withrow Street Music,” says the company’s Founder and CEO Bob Squance. “His passion for creating music is unparalleled and his success speaks for itself. We are going to achieve great things.”

“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Keith,” adds Withrow Street partner Michael Thomas. “On top of being a wonderful person, he is an amazingly talented songwriter, producer, and instrumentalist. We believe strongly in this partnership and look forward to building a diverse catalog together.”

Mike Walker Signs With Lady Luck Songs

Pictured (L-R): Cliff Audretch (Lady Luck Songs), Mike Walker, Kim Penz (Lady Luck Songs) and Bob Squance (Lady Luck Songs)

Singer-songwriter Mike Walker has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Lady Luck Songs.

Born in Clarksville, Tennessee and raised on a farm in Hartselle, Alabama, Walker moved to Nashville in 2006 to attend Belmont University. He started writing songs and playing mandolin in the bluegrass band Westbound Rangers in 2007, and signed his first publishing deal with HoriPro Entertainment Group in 2013.

Since then, his songs have been recorded by Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Lee Brice, Randall King, Chase Rice, Ryan Hurd and Rodney Atkins. In addition to Atkins’ Platinum single “Caught Up In The Country,” Walker recently landed a cut on Randall King’s Into The Neon album as well as 12 songs on Max McCown’s debut full-length project, Wandering.

“Everyone at Lady Luck are fans of Mike and his unique ability to craft a song,” says Lady Luck Songs Founder Kim Penz. “He brings a special vibe to the room and we are thrilled to have him as a part of our team.”

“I love what Kim, Bob [Squance], Cliff [Audretch] and the rest of the team are building here at Lady Luck,” adds Walker. “From our first meeting I knew that we’d be a great fit and I’m excited to hit the ground running!”