Music News (2/12/25)

Cole Goodwin Signs With Concord Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R, front row): Concord’s Brad Kennard; Cole Goodwin; Concord’s Courtney Allen. (L-R, back row): Concord’s Melissa Spillman and Matt Turner. Photo: Audrey Spillman

Singer-songwriter Cole Goodwin has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.

Hailing from Pooler, Georgia, Goodwin released his self-produced EP Soon Enough in 2023. The 24-year-old has since toured the Southeast, opening for artists including Austin Snell, Conner Smith and Zach Top. In 2024, he released the tracks “When You Get Home” and “Catchin’ On,” which quickly became fan favorites. Goodwin released his latest single, “Fast Track Back,” an upbeat, light-hearted tune that expresses the feeling of getting back to loved ones after being on the road in January.

This spring, Goodwin will be opening for Top on his “Cold Beer & Country Music Tour,” as well as some dates on Dylan Marlowe and Conner Smith’s “Did We Just Become Best Friends? Tour.” He’ll also join Luke Bryan this summer on select dates on his 30+ city “Country Song Came On Tour.”

“The first time I met Cole, I knew he was something special,” says Courtney Allen, Sr. Director, A&R at Concord Music Publishing Nashville. “He blew me away with his magnetic personality and self-confidence and especially, with the songs he had penned solo. He is proof that traditional country music is alive and well in the next generation of hitmakers and I am thrilled that he has chosen Concord as his publishing home.”

“Courtney was one of the first publishers I met in town, and I instantly fell in love with her personality, and her love of good songs,” adds Goodwin. “Courtney has been so encouraging and supportive of me since our first meeting, and I am so thrilled to be able to work with her and the rest of the Concord team!”

Matt Lang Signs With Anthem Entertainment [Exclusive]

Pictured (L-R): Gilles Godard, Maddie Sanderson, Leighanna Martin, Matt Lang and Scot Sherrod. Photo: Courtesy of Anthem Entertainment

Singer-songwriter Matt Lang has inked a global publishing deal with Anthem Entertainment.

Since dropping his debut self-titled EP in 2018, Lang has racked up over 50 million streams, scored three top 10 radio singles and earned multiple accolades. His notable achievements include receiving a Gold Ticket award from ADISQ for selling more than 50,000 tickets during his “More” tour, a certified Gold single for his Billboard chart-topping hit “Getcha” (which he also co-wrote) and several nominations, including three CCMA Award nods. As a highly sought-after live performer, Lang has graced stages at major events like Canada’s Boots & Hearts festival, Lasso Montreal Festival and Festival d’été de Québec, where he opened for Luke Combs to a crowd of 80,000. He has also toured internationally, performing in Berlin and at the C2C and Buckle & Boots Festivals in the UK.

“I have followed Matt’s career for the last 7 years and saw firsthand his meteoric rise in the world of country music, fueled by his unique talent as a performer, his unstoppable work ethic, and unwavering dedication to his fans,” shares Gilles Godard, President of Anthem’s Music Publishing division in Nashville. “Matt has an amazing future ahead of him, both as an artist and a songwriter, and Anthem is proud to represent his music on a global scale.”

Katherine Godwin Joins Tape Room Music As Manager/A&R

Katherine Godwin. Photo: Sean O’Halloran

Katherine Godwin has joined Tape Room Music as Manager, A&R.

Godwin first interned in the publishing arm of Big Machine Label Group while completing her undergraduate degree at Vanderbilt University. The Georgia native then worked as a publishing assistant before serving as creative coordinator, managing a catalog of over 14,000 songs in the span of three years. Her leadership across branding efforts for writers, project management oversight and acute focus on consumption data analysis contributed to the overall success of the roster and team, celebrating 10 No. 1s while at Big Machine Music.

“We are thrilled to welcome Katherine to Tape Room,” shares President Blain Rhodes. “Her abilities and work ethic, combined with her passion for songwriters, make her the perfect addition to our team. Her dedication and expertise will be a tremendous asset to our roster and company as a whole.”

Founded by hit songwriter Ashley Gorley, Tape Room Music writers have celebrated 50 No. 1 songs, including Nate Smith’s 10-week smash “World On Fire,” Hardy’s boundary-defying “Truck Bed,” Morgan Wallen’s six-week chart topper “Thinkin’ Bout Me” and more. Tape Room topped both the Billboard and Country Aircheck/Mediabase Most-Heard Songs of 2024 chart.

“I am incredibly fortunate to be part of the team that Ashley, Blain and Caroline have built,” shares Godwin. “In the short time I’ve been with them, it’s clear that the talent, drive and integrity of this team is unparalleled. I’m excited to grow alongside such a dedicated roster and look forward to advocating for these exceptional writers as they continue to build their careers.”