Music News (4/2/25)

Recipients Revealed For The 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards, David Conrad To Be Honored

Ashley Gorley, Jessie Jo Dillon & Chase McGill

The Country Music Association has announced the recipients of the 2025 CMA Triple Play Awards, which honor the songwriters behind some of the genre’s most notable No. 1 hits. The award is presented to songwriters who pen three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period based on the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

This year’s 16 CMA Triple Play Award recipients are Rocky Block, John Byron, Zach Crowell, Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley (two-time recipient), Charlie Handsome (two-time recipient), Jelly Roll, Ben Johnson, Chase McGill, Jordan Minton, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen. They will be honored at the awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 29 in Nashville, hosted by composer and CMA Board member, Jim Beavers.

Additionally, legendary music publisher David Conrad will receive the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award. This year, CMA will also proudly honor 73 songwriters who have achieved their first No. 1 country hit since the previous ceremony.

Averie Bielski Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Pictured: (L-R, back row): Dale Bobo, Scott Safford, Leslie Roberts, Anna Weisband and Rusty Gaston (L-R, front row): Tom Luteran, Averie Bielski and Synnovea Halsel.

Singer-songwriter Averie Bielski has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Bielski, a Roswell, Georgia native, moved to Music City two years ago and continues to make a name for herself with her ability to craft and tell stories through her music. She first gained attention with the release of her viral, debut single “I Do Too,” that took off on TikTok and social media ahead of its release. Additionally, Bielski’s songs have been cut by artists such as Callista Clark, Zach John King, Carson Wallace, Ashley Anne and Grace Tyler among others.

“Finding a home at Sony Music Publishing has been such a blessing, especially being a younger writer,” explains Bielski. “Having a team that truly believes in you and your work as a songwriter is hard to come by, but I am so blessed to have found that dream team! I’m truly so excited and ready to see what we can achieve and can’t wait to see all God has in store for the SMP team and I!”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Manager of Creative A&R Synnovea Halsel says, “We’re beyond excited to welcome Averie to the SMP family. From the moment I heard her first song, I was taken aback. The way that Averie thinks about intertwining fresh lyrics and unique melodies is so special. She has such a bright future ahead of her!”

Dom Martinez Signs With Concord Music Publishing

Lily Bunta (Concord), Dom Martinez and Brad Kennard (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman

Producer Dom Martinez has inked a global publishing deal with Concord Music Publishing, including his full catalog and all future works.

Hailing from Denver and now based in Nashville, Martinez has lent his production talent to a wide array of genres including pop, rap, folk, singer-songwriter and R&B. He is recognized for designing unique and engaging soundscapes by blending genres and musical styles, while crafting an artists’ vision from the start. His works include collaborations with Myles Smith, Caleb Hearn, Braden Bales, Chesle, Asiris, Vwillz and Eli Wilson, among others.

“Dom’s unwavering passion for his craft resonates with everyone he collaborates with, and his enthusiasm for music is truly infectious,” shares Lily Bunta, A&R Manager at Concord Music Publishing. “I am delighted to welcome Dom into the Concord family.”

“Joining the Concord Music Publishing family feels like the perfect next step in my journey as a producer,” adds Martinez. “I’m excited to work with such a creative team and take my music to the next level.”