Music News (3/5/25)

Nominees Revealed For 2025 AIMP Nashville Awards

The Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) has revealed the final nominees for the 2025 AIMP Nashville Awards, taking place on April 8 at Marathon Music Works. Hosted by Storme Warren, the intimate gathering will honor the past year’s biggest hits written and promoted solely by Nashville’s independent publishing companies and their songwriters.

The evening will recognize songwriters, publishers and songs in various categories, including Rising Songwriter of the Year, Rising Artist-Writer of the Year, Artist-Writer of the Year, Song Champion of the Year, Publisher’s Pick of the Year, Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year.

“This year, we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the AIMP awards show! Michael McAnally Baum and I created the show in 2015 as AIMP board members trying to figure out how to add value to the members and, at the same time, drive membership up,” says Ree Guyer, owner of Wrensong Entertainment. “We had 80 members at the time. Today, we have 495 members representing every successful independent publisher and writer in the Music Row Community. Looking at the list of nominees and knowing who will perform on the show tells me this will be another special night!“

See the full list here.

Jody Williams Songs Promotes Two

Nina Jenkins Fisher and Tenasie Courtright. Photos: Nathan Zucker

Jody Williams Songs (JWS) is ringing in its fifth anniversary by promoting Nina Jenkins Fisher to Vice President/General Manager and Tenasie Courtright to Creative Director.

Fisher has been with JWS since its inception in 2020. Alongside Founder/Owner Jody Williams, she has signed and managed an impressive and varied staff of writers, including developing artists, major label artists, writer producers and pure songwriters. In addition to handling day-to-day operations, Fisher also supports in overseeing the company’s partnership with Warner Chappell Music.

Courtright has elevated through positions as Creative Coordinator and Creative Manager since joining JWS in 2022. With her organizational skills, musical knowledge and positive approach to business, she has found her place in the creative community. She reports to Fisher.

Cameron Montgomery Inks With Downtown Music Publishing [Exclusive]

Cameron Montgomery

Songwriter and producer Cameron Montgomery has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Downtown Music Publishing.

Split between Los Angeles and Nashville, Montgomery has created chart-topping hits for Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, 24kGoldn, Winona Oak and Hardy, whose “.30-06,” debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. Montgomery is also currently creating music for film, brand partnerships and collaborations within the visual arts.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the team at Downtown,” says Montgomery. “From the moment I met Emily [Stephenson] and Jedd [Katrancha], it was clear that they are deeply committed to fostering a creative home where music and songwriters come first. Their passion and vision make Downtown the perfect place to continue growing as an artist and creator.”