Music News (2/26/25)

David Garcia Renews Global Publishing Deal With Spirit Music Group

Pictured (L-R, back row): Mike Fiorentino (Spirit), Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb), AJ Burton (Fluid), Brian Bradford (Spirit), Andy Hodges (Spirit) and Lucy Widmann (Spirit). (L-R, back row): Derek Wells (Spirit/2Mix), David Garcia, Frank Rogers (Spirit/Fluid) and Kennedy Murphy (Spirit). Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group

David Garcia has renewed his global publishing deal with Spirit Music Group. Additionally, Spirit Music Group has acquired Garcia’s co-publishing, writer’s share and producer rights to specific songs. In 2019, Spirit Music Group first signed Garcia, which included acquiring his existing catalog and securing a publishing deal for his future works.

“David Garcia is one of one,” shares Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “David is a force as a songwriter, producer and musician. He writes greats songs, helps artists reach their full potential in the studio and works as hard as anybody in the industry. It has been a joy to partner with David and we are thrilled to continue our relationship into the future!”

“The team at Spirit Music Group, both in Nashville and New York, have been amazing partners,” adds Garcia. “I can proudly say that it is a place where music creators are loved and appreciated. I am grateful for Frank Rogers’ and Jon Singer’s [Chairman, Spirit Music Group] continued support. I am looking forward to more great years ahead with them, and the entire Spirit team.”

Ryan Charles Signs With Concord Music Publishing

Melissa Spillman (Concord) and Ryan Charles pose together with horses, Gunner and Rio. Photo: Emma Lee Golden

Western rapper Ryan Charles has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.

The Wyoming native is known for his light-hearted twang and high-energy live shows, and combines the cowboy lifestyle with the flow of 2000s rap. Charles has released singles including “Gettin’ Western,” “Old Dirt Fancy” and “New Boot Goofin’.” He was also featured on Ian Munsick’s 2022 single “Cowboy Killer,” which has over 37 million streams on Spotify alone.

In 2022, Charles represented the state of Wyoming on the first season of NBC’s American Song Contest performing “New Boot Goofin’.” He returned to the show during its fifth season to compete in the semi-finals, becoming the show’s first “Redemption Artist” as “New Boot Goofin’” received the highest number of streams of any eliminated artist to date. Charles released “Turquoise Stones” and “Cold Beer Diet” in 2023, and this past year released the love ballad “Heartbreak Rodeo.” His most recent single, “What in Tarnation,” brought his global career streams to more than 65 million.

Major Bob Music Elevates Andy Friday & Emily Hasty, Hires Aubrey Daniels

Aubrey Daniels, Andy Friday and Emily Hasty

Major Bob Music has elevated and expanded three of its team members. Andy Friday has risen to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Emily Hasty to Creative Director. Aubrey Daniels has been recruited serve as Head of Publishing.

Working with Bob and Mike Doyle for over 15 years, Friday will oversee all companies owned by Doyle in his newly created position of COO. He also handles day-to-day management for Treaty Oak Revival in a co-management partnership with Eli Kidd of EKidd Artist Management, longtime manager of the band. Previously Major Bob’s Head of Publishing, Friday signed Zach Top and Treaty Oak Revival to Major Bob Music/Bob Doyle & Associates.

Daniels, a Michigan native and Belmont alum, moved to Nashville in 2012. She brings to the role years of experience working closely with writers, artists and labels promoting songs between various publishing companies including Bluewater Music, SNG Music and KP Entertainment’s publishing arm.

An MTSU alum hailing from East Tennessee, Hasty first interned at Major Bob in 2022 and officially joining the team as Administrative Assistant in 2023, soon promoted to Creative Coordinator. She officially signed her first writer, Anslee Davidson, in September of 2023.