Music News (06/18/24)

Canaan Smith Signs With HAYLO Music

Pictured (L–R): HAYLO Music’s Josh Saxe, Canaan Smith and Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Evan Mattingly

Singer-songwriter Canaan Smith has signed an exclusive co-publishing deal with Tyler Hubbard‘s HAYLO Music, which will be administered by Endurance Music Group (EMG).

The Williamsburg, Virginia native has enjoyed success as an artist with Platinum single “Love You Like That.” He has also had cuts with Hubbard, Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean, Hixtape featuring Morgan Wallen and Hardy, along with Cole Swindell. Additionally, Smith co-wrote Hubbard’s newest single, “Park,” alongside Hubbard, Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure, which goes to radio today (June 17).

“I’m excited and honored to have Canaan on board as HAYLO’s first official writer,” says Hubbard. “I’ve written songs with Canaan longer than just about anybody in this town and I’ve always considered him one of the best. Not only is Canaan an incredible songwriter and creative but also an amazing guy that I highly respect as we build the foundation and culture of HAYLO Music.”

“I feel fortunate to have this opportunity and couldn’t be more excited to join up with Tyler and the team,” shares Smith. “He’s been a career-long believer in the songs I write, and nothin’ fires me up more than knowing HAYLO is in my corner.”

Ricky Young Signs With Warner Chappell Music

Pictured: (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Taylor Phillips, Ricky Young, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn and BMI’s MaryAnn Keen. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music

Singer-songwriter Ricky Young has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

The South Carolina native moved to Nashville in 2011 after working with producer Nick Autry. He aims to encapsulate the soul of country music as his songwriting skills continue to evolve. Young’s credits include Lee Brice’s “I Carry It With Me” and Bubba Sparxx’s “Baby Wussup,” among others. He has also toured with superstar Luke Combs in addition to opening for established artists such as Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker.

Trent Fisher Inks With Dream 3 Publishing & Kobalt

Pictured (L–R): Dream 3’s Laurel Kittleson-Cobb, Greg Hill, Kobalt’s Kevin Lane, Dream 3’s Emily Olson and Trent Fisher

Trent Fisher has inked an exclusive publishing agreement with Dream 3 Publishing and Kobalt.

The California native was born into a football family. He eventually walked onto the team at Auburn University, while also playing music and leading worship at church on Sunday mornings. Fisher moved to Nashville in 2017 and worked various jobs, but remained committed to developing his songwriting skills. He began teaching history and psychology at his former high school in 2019, and had his first cut with Pryor & Lee’s “Good Ol’ Dogs and God” in 2021.

Fisher joins Ben Caver, Jon Stark and Dawson Edwards on the Dream 3 roster.

“So many people around town know and love Trent, but not many know what an incredible songwriter he is,” says Emily Olson, Partner & Creative Director, Dream 3 Publishing. “He’s been quietly writing amazing songs and working at his craft over the years. We are so excited to help take him and his songs to the next level, and for him to be a part of the Nashville songwriting community.”

“It’s an honor to join the team at Dream 3. Not only do Greg [Hill], Laurel [Kittleson-Cobb] and Emily bring a wealth of experience from different facets of the industry, they’re also incredible people who have felt like family since our first meeting,” shares Fisher. “I want to thank them for believing in me and for the love and support they’ve shown my family and I since day one.”