Music News (06/05/24)

Alli Walker Signs With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Publishing’s Tom Luteran, Vector Management’s Brad Turcotte, Alli Walker, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and Aubrey Landon. Photo: Caylee Robillard

Rising singer-songwriter Alli Walker has signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

In addition to the signing, the Prince Edward Island native has released her latest single, “Dirt On Us,” which she co-wrote with Jon Nite and the track’s producer Lindsay Rimes. Walker has amassed more than 700,000 social media followers, and over 10 million views with her viral song “The Whiskey’s Gone.”

“Alli is a creative force, and her energy and passion for songwriting is unstoppable. It’s exciting to see how much she’s already accomplished as both a songwriter and artist, and we’re proud to be supporting her on this journey,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

“I’m so excited to join the Sony Publishing family,” shares Walker. “The second I walked through their doors, it truly felt like home. I am so lucky to get to write alongside their amazing roster of talented songwriters and work with their incredibly passionate staff!”

UMPG Nashville Adds TC Courtney To A&R Team

TC Courtney. Photo: Trey Bonner

Universal Music Publishing Nashville has hired TC Courtney as Manager, A&R. Based in Nashville, Courtney will report to UMPG Nashville Chair and CEO Troy Tomlinson.

Courtney joins UMPG from Big Machine Music, where he served for four years in publishing A&R. The New England native has also held positions at Brentwood Benson Music and BMI.

“We are so excited to have TC join our A&R team,” Tomlinson shares. “He brings publishing experience, a fresh perspective, and energy that will complement our A&R staff. His love and appreciation for songwriters make him the perfect fit for us.”

At UMPG, Courtney will be responsible for scouting and developing new talent, as well as helping build opportunity and value for the existing roster of songwriters.

Of the new role, Courtney shares, “I believe that the best publishers are those who prioritize the development and support of songwriters above all else. UMPG’s unparalleled commitment to these values has made them a global leader in music publishing, and I am grateful to join a team whose ultimate priority is to preserve, protect and honor the Nashville songwriting community.”

Maddie Kerr Signs With Concord Music Publishing

Pictured (L–R): Concord’s Claire Buchanan, Jen Hubbard, Brad Kennard, Maddie Kerr, Concord’s Melissa Spillman, Jaclyn McDonald and Lily Bunta. Photo: Audrey Spillman

Maddie Kerr, songwriter and lead vocalist of Nashville rock group Mercury, has signed a worldwide co-publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing. The deal, effective immediately, includes her full catalog and all future works.

The Franklin, Tennessee native developed the band, whose music emphasizes her songwriting as a form of survival and a way of finding clarity. Their singles “Trying” and “Woolgathering” drew attention in 2023 from publications such as Billboard, Nylon, Paste Magazine, Under The Radar and more.

Kerr’s latest three-track project, Together We Are One, You And I, is set for release on June 7 via Big Loud Rock. The collection features tunes “Born In Early May,” “Special” and “Crick,” and will be accompanied by a short film directed by Harrison Shook. Recorded in Asheville, North Carolina with producer Alex Farrar, the collection pushes her passionate rock writing toward new heights as she processes and makes sense of some intense feelings. Additionally, Kerr will join Dreamer Boy on dates across the country from June 7–18, and perform with Mercury for their first headlining Nashville show at The Blue Room on June 28.

David Kalmusky Signs With Jonas Group Publishing

Pictured (L-R): George Kreis, President Jonas Group Entertainment; David Kalmusky; Leslie DiPiero, President, Jonas Group Publishing and Kevin Jonas Sr, Founder, Jonas Group Entertainment. Photo: Cole Barneill

Multi-Platinum producer, songwriter, musician and mixer David Kalmusky has signed with Jonas Group Publishing.

Kalmusky has worked with artists including Shawn Mendes, Keith Urban, Warren Zeiders, Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood, Nate Smith, Tenille Townes, Joss Stone, Elle King, Mickey Guyton, John Legend, John Oates, Motley Crüe and more. As a writer, he’s penned songs with Mickey Guyton, Tenille Townes, Blessing Offor, Keb’ Mo’ and others. Altogether, the multi-hyphenate’s work has accumulated more than 20 billion global streams across all platforms.

“David is such a magical Unicorn that I would follow him down any musical path he wanted to journey on,” says Jonas Group Publishing President Leslie DiPiero. “David is a musician’s musician, a producer’s producer, and a songwriter’s undiscovered gem. We are grateful for his love of songwriting and developing talent.”

“I’m excited to begin this chapter on Music Row, in a historic space, signing with one of the biggest champions I’ve had in my career, Leslie DiPiero, and the incredible new family at Jonas Group Publishing,” shares Kalmusky. “We’ve hit the ground running, and every day feels more creative and exciting than the day before. I can’t wait to share this music with everybody!”