Music News (11/13/24)

Braxton Keith Inks With Liz Rose Music

Pictured (L-R, top row): Kate Shirley, Scott Ponce, Emily Vincent (Torrez Music Group), Dave Pacula, Gracie Glass and Matt Cottingham (Lewis Brisbois); (L-R, bottom row): Alex Torrez (Torrez Music Group), Braxton Keith and Liz Rose.

Singer-songwriter Braxton Keith has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Liz Rose Music.

The Texas native recently signed with Warner Music Nashville after building a following with independent releases, including his fan-favorite song “Cozy,” which currently has over 26 million streams. Keith spent the last few years bringing his energetic live shows to venues across the Lone Star state, opening for artists like Randall King. He has been on the road this fall, sharing stages with Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Corey Kent.

“Liz Rose Music is thrilled to welcome Braxton Keith to our family. His talent and passion for music are unmatched and we look forward to celebrating many successes together,” says Scott Ponce, Creative Director at Liz Rose Music.

“Liz has always been a true, constant friend in my life, so it’s fitting that we’re getting to work together again! Emily Vincent and I at TMG are excited for Braxton to join the Liz Rose Music crew,” adds Alex Torrez, CEO of Torrez Music Group, Keith’s management team.

“Liz Rose Music is a tight-knit crew and I’m grateful to have found a place that feels like home for my first publishing deal,” says Keith. “Their dedication to artistic integrity and leading with the music made it an easy decision to join such a talented team.”

Mike Parker Signs With Withrow Street Music & CTM Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Thomas Deelder (CTM), Michael Thomas (Withrow Street Music), Bob Squance (Withrow Street Music), Mike Parker, MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Sophie Moll Ziegler (Mailbox Money Records) and Jenn Alexander (Truist Bank). Photo: Robert Moroni

Mike Parker has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Withrow Street Music and CTM Publishing.

Originally hailing from a small town in Virginia, Parker gained a loyal fanbase while competing in the 20th season of American Idol, where he made it to the top 10 under the guidance of Luke Bryan. Since moving to Nashville in 2022, Parker has been working with songwriter and producer Jimmy Robbins, releasing 15 songs to date including his new single “Just Like Me” which came out on Nov. 8. He is signed to Mailbox Money Records, which is led by Jimmy and Sarah Robbins, and is distributed through EMPIRE.

“The first time we met Mike, we knew he was something special,” says Withrow Street Music’s Bob Squance and Michael Thomas. “His personality and energy can fill up any room and he has a voice that makes people stop in their tracks. We’re thrilled to be working together and believe big things are on the way!”

“I wrote my first song in youth choir when I was 9 years old,” says Parker. “It didn’t hit me until I started pursing my dream, that it was a sign from God that this is what I was meant to do. He has strategically placed the right people in my life at the right time. Not only is songwriting what I love to do, but now I get to call it my job, although it’ll never feel like one because music is my passion, heart and soul.

“Thank you to Withrow Street Music and CTM for giving me the shot of a lifetime.”

Brendan Cooney Signs With UMPG Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Matt Cottingham (Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP), Brendan Cooney, TC Courtney (UMPG) and Don Glista (UMPG). Photo: Universal Music Publishing Group

Songwriter Brendan Cooney has signed a worldwide, exclusive publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

Hailing from New England, Cooney moved to Nashville in 2o16 after 10 years writing, recording and touring with alternative rock act The Gallery. After his move to Music City, Cooney began sharpening his passion and craft for songwriting, developing his compelling hooks and skillful lyricism. In 2020, he had his first radio single with “Something You Ain’t Ever Had” recorded by Waterloo Revival. Since then, Cooney’s cuts have amassed over 40 million streams worldwide.

“Brendan embodies an exceptionally rare combination of talent and tenacity, making him exactly the kind of songwriter UMPG is proud to partner with,” says TC Courtney, Manager, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “He’s a true student of the craft, with a reverence for the rich history of Nashville as well as a hand on the pulse of where the industry is headed.”

“I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with TC and the entire UMPG team,” adds Cooney. “Their love of songs and passion for developing songwriters was evident from our first meeting. I’m excited for what the future holds and couldn’t ask for a better team to help me get there.”