Music News (3/12/25)

Zachary Knowles Inks With Concord Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R, back row): Claire Buchcanan (Concord), Garrett Stephenson (Concord), Matt Turner (Concord), Jen Hubbard (Concord), Ellie Gray (Concord). (L-R, front row): Brad Kennard (Concord), Zachary Knowles, Melissa Spillman (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman

Nashville-based, alternative, pop and country singer-songwriter Zachary Knowles has signed a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing.

The 25-year-old Magnolia, Texas native has been creating and sharing music on SoundCloud since his teenage years. Determined to release music professionally during his freshman year of college, he achieved success with a series of well-received singles that eventually led to his debut EP. Drawing influences from artists like John Mayer, Post Malone and Justin Bieber, Knowles made a significant impact in the pop and indie-R&B scenes. In 2019, he toured as an opening act for Alec Benjamin and garnered attention with his early EPs, Feelings and Magnolia.

“Concord feels like family,” shares Knowles. “When I met Melissa [Spillman], it felt like I’d known her for years. The thing that stuck out to me most was her genuine care, and interest in the human behind the art. She quickly became a champion for the vision and goals I have for my career and hit the ground running long before my signing. Shoutout to Lily Bunta too for believing in my journey and working hard to make things happen. I can’t wait to celebrate big things with this team in the near future and couldn’t be happier with who’s next to me.”

In 2021, Knowles released his debut album, Tendency To Be A Loner, and followed it up in July with his latest EP, Look Mom, No Hands. Knowles has amassed over 50 million global streams and nearly half a million monthly listeners on the Spotify. He’s also built a strong presence on TikTok, gaining over 78,000 followers. His music is deeply rooted in the ethos of his small-town upbringing, young love and the lessons learned through growing up.

Rian Ball Signs With HAYLO Music

Pictured (L-R): Tyler Hubbard, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Rian Ball, SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill and HAYLO GM Josh Saxe. Photo: Evan Mattingly

Songwriter and producer Rian Ball has inked a co-publishing deal with HAYLO Music, administered by Endurance Music Group.

A native of Tampa Bay, Ball marked his first No. 1 hit with “Down Home.” Ball has also had recent cuts with Midland, Michael Brühn featuring John Legend, Lanco and William Beckmann, among others. His latest co-written and co-produced track, “God & Guns N Roses” by Tyler Braden, was released in February.

“Rian brings a strong acumen for artist development and collaboration that takes HAYLO to a new level,” shares Josh Saxe, GM of HAYLO Music. “We’ve already hit the ground running.”

Black River Publishing Promotes Sarah Hudspeth

Sarah Hudspeth. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Publishing has promoted Sarah Hudspeth to Creative Manager.

“Sarah’s remarkable ability to spot emerging talent and her unwavering passion for the creative community has always set her apart,” says Rebekah Gordon, Vice President of Publishing. “I’m thrilled to have her as an integral part of our team and am excited to see how she’ll continue to shape the future of Black River Publishing.”

Hudspeth first joined Black River in 2023 as Creative Coordinator. In her new role, Hudspeth will seek out new songwriting talent and oversee the daily calendars for Black River Publishing’s roster, which includes Scotty Hasting, Pryor Baird, MaRynn Taylor, Hannah Kerr, Bryan Simpson, McCall Chapin, Dan Wilson, Jason Earley, Blake Ruby and Josh Kerr,

“The past two years at Black River have been extremely rewarding, and I have learned so much,” shares Hudspeth. “I am very excited to dive into a new role and continue to grow our incredible roster. It is an honor to work with such talented and passionate songwriters who inspire me every day.”

A Belmont University graduate, Hudspeth started her journey at Black River Publishing as an intern, and is a member of the SOLID Class of 2025 and a mentor for CMA EDU.