Music News (12/04/24)

Emily Ann Roberts Signs With Jody Williams Songs & Warner Chappell Music

Pictured (L–R): Starstruck’s Cliff Williamson, Berkley Kriz, Narvel Blackstock, Jamie Wendt, Emily Ann Roberts, JWS’ Jody Williams, Nina Jenkins Fisher and Tenasie Courtright. Photo: Aubrey Wise

Emily Ann Roberts has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs (JWS) and Warner Chappell Music.

Before graduating high school, Roberts competed as a member of Blake Shelton’s team on season nine of NBC’s The Voice and finished as runner-up. The songstress has since furthered her experience in performing, songwriting and recording, while amassing more than 45 million streams. Roberts released her full-length debut album, Can’t Hide Country, late last year. Produced by Trent Willmon, the project seeks to showcase a modern mix of traditional country and bluegrass elements.

“Emily Ann is a classic, crafting songs that are as genuine as they are charming,” shares Nina Jenkins Fisher, JWS Senior Creative Director. “When we reconnected this summer to talk songs over coffee, it felt like finding the perfect fit—everything just clicked in such an exciting, refreshing way. She is such a remarkable talent, and we can’t wait to help her shape this next season of her career.”

“I am so thrilled to work with the whole team at Jody Williams Songs,” adds Roberts. “I can’t wait to see all we accomplish together.”

Guided by Starstruck Management’s Narvel Blackstock and represented by UTA for booking as well as 117 Entertainment for publicity, the CMT Next Women of Country 2024 class member also plans to serve as support on Shelton’s “Friends & Heroes 2025 Tour.”

Dan Swank Signs With Warner Chappell Music & Alex Gaskarth

Pictured (L-R): Shelby Yoder (Willo & Co), Katy Wolaver (Warner Chappell), Dan Swank, Alex Gaskarth, Keith Lazorchack (Hard8) and Alexa Morris (Warner Chappell).

Musician, songwriter and producer Dan Swank has inked a joint publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and All Time Low’s Alex Gaskarth.

“I’ve been pinching myself since the early idea of this partnership with Warner Chappell and Alex,” Swank says. “Now that it’s a reality, I am excited for everything that lies ahead and can’t wait to get to work with this amazing team!”

In 2024 alone, Swank has seen writing, producing and mixing credits on 60 projects across pop, rock and country. His collaborations include Pale Waves, Knox, Taylor Acorn, Mitchell Tenpenny, Charlotte Sands and more.

Throughout the last four years, Swank has been touring as part of All Time Low and co-penned “Modern Love” and “English Blood // American Heartache,” on the band’s Tell Me I’m Alive album. He also produced their most recent album, The Forever Sessions (Vol. 1).

“Dan’s vision as a songwriter is something truly special,” shares Katy Wolaver, SVP, A&R, Warner Chappell Music. “It’s an honor to welcome him to our Warner Chappell family and get to be part of this next chapter in his career.”

“When I signed into the Warner Chappell system with Greg and Katy, I was welcomed into a collaborative, familial atmosphere, which in my experience, has always made for the best, most natural feeling environment. As a result, great music follows,” adds Gaskarth. “I’m excited and honored to be growing our corner of the space by welcoming in my friend and collaborator Dan Swank as a writer and launching Sweet Heat Songs, which we will look to grow as we welcome in more writers and producers in the near future.”

Madison Spratley Inks With King Pen Music

Pictured (L-R): Brenner McDonald, Christina Wiltshire, Kelly King, Madison Spratley, Amanda Roach and Monti Smith.

Madison Spratley has signed a publishing deal with King Pen Music.

A 22-year-old North Carolina native, Spratley draws inspiration from her Southern roots and blends folk, pop and Americana into her heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies.