Music News (2/19/25)

Jameson Rodgers Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville & Relative Music Group

Pictured (L-R, front row): Dennis Matkosky (Relative), Hardy, Jameson Rodgers and Jesse Matkosky (Relative); (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (SMP), Kenley Flynn (SMP), JP Durant (Redlight Mgmt) and Caroline Bouldin (Relative). Photo: Amy Allmand

Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Jameson Rodgers has signed a global publishing agreement Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with Relative Music Group.

As a recording artist, Rodgers has achieved back-to-back, Platinum chart-toppers with “Some Girls” and “Cold Beer Calling My Name.” The MusicRow Discovery Artist of the Year winner and iHeartRadio Music Awards nominee has opened for the likes of Luke Combs, Florida Georgia Line, Darius Rucker, Sam Hunt, Luke Bryan and many more.

As a songwriter, he has penned numerous chart-topping hits for talent including Florida Georgia Line’s “Talk You Out of It” and Chris Lane’s No. 1 hit “I Don’t Know About You,” as well as cuts for Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis and more.

“Jameson Rodgers is as authentic and consistent as they come – he’s a true songwriter and artist that shows up every day to write the stories he knows. We are so happy to partner with Michael and Relative Music Group with Jameson to move into the next chapter of Jameson’s long and bright future,” says Kenley Flynn, Vice President, Creative at Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Hardy, Partner at Relative Music Group, adds, “I have been a Jameson Rodgers fan for a long time and it’s an added bonus that he is a good friend of mine. I have been a champion of his songs for nearly 10 years and I truly think he is one of Nashville’s great songwriters. He always comes prepared. He’s a hard worker and he is a standup guy. I am honored to have him on the relative team and can’t wait to see what he brings to the table over these next few years.”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville & RED Creative Group Sign Kelly Archer

Pictured (L-R, back row): Chelsea Kent (SMP), Kenley Flynn (SMP), Chip Petree (Ritholz Levy Fields, LLP), Tom Luteran (SMP), Anna Weisband (SMP), Dale Bobo (SMP) and Synnovea Halsel (SMP); (L-R, front row): Taylor Lamb (RED Creative), Kelly Archer, Jeremy Stover (RED Creative) and Rusty Gaston (SMP)

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and RED Creative Group have joined forces to sign hit songwriter Kelly Archer to a global publishing agreement. The deal reflects SMP Nashville’s continued partnership with RED Creative Group, which includes signings Jeremy Stover, Cole Taylor, Matt Mulhare and more.

“RED Creative Group and I have had a long run of success together, and I’m excited to build on that by partnering with the team at Sony,” shares Archer of the partnership.

Archer has penned chart-toppers for Brett Young, Justin Moore, Corey Kent and Travis Denning. She is currently climbing the charts with Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood’s duet “I’m Gonna Love You,” which recently entered the top 10 on the Mediabase Country Airplay chart.

Jeremy Stover, President of RED Creative Group, says, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Kelly. She is a superstar songwriter who continues to leave an indelible mark on music with her songwriting.”

Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, adds, “We are thrilled to welcome Kelly to the SMP Nashville family in partnership with our friends at Red Creative. Kelly is a seasoned craftsman who always brings her best into every writing situation. Her track record speaks for itself, and we believe her brightest and most impactful songs are still ahead.”

Red Street Records Elevates Kelly King, Adds Patrick Waters

Kelly King & Patrick Waters

Red Street Records has promoted Kelly King to VP of Red Street Publishing. Industry veteran Patrick Waters has joined the team as Senior Director of A&R Country.

“Kelly’s decades of experience and relationships helped put RSR publishing on the map with some big wins, and it became obvious that focusing her guidance on our hit songwriters will amplify all things Red Street,” says Red Street Records General Manager Alex Valentine. “Along with that, the addition of a trusted and multi-genre experienced voice to the recording process makes Patrick the perfect person to lead the A&R charge. Can’t wait to see what these two accomplished music executives dream up next for ‘The Street’.”

Dylan Guthro Signs With SMACKSongs

Pictured (L-R): Lee Krabel, Carly Sater, Dylan Guthro, Sam Sarno, Robin Palmer and Jeremy Groves

Dylan Guthro has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

Hailing from Nova Scotia, Canada, Guthro’s songs have been recorded by artists like Walker Hayes, Dan + Shay, Dixie D’Amelio, Brian Kelley, Banners, Austin Snell and Erin Kinsey. His versatility as a songwriter and producer have led to his becoming a sought-after collaborator for both up-and-coming artists and established hitmakers.

“We’ve been huge fans of Dylan since he started collaborating with our writers years ago. He’s incredibly hardworking and an immensely talented songwriter and producer. He feels like a perfect fit, and we’re thrilled to have him on board!” says Sam Sarno, Creative Director.