Music News (5/7/25)

Big Loud Texas Adds Publishing Arm

Pictured (L-R): Brendon Anthony (VP, Big Loud Texas), Lizzy Rector (Publishing Director, Big Loud Texas Publishing), Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Big Loud Texas has added a publishing arm, Big Loud Texas Publishing. Based in Austin, the newly formed publishing division will work hand-in-hand with Big Loud Texas’ co-founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall.

Big Loud Texas inaugural publishing signee is Timothy Allen and the company has hired Lizzy Rector as Publishing Director.

A multi-instrumental singer-songwriter and producer, Allen, a native of Rockwall, Texas, caught the eye of Randall while on stage at Texas Music Revolution while touring his solo project (following a stint with Shane Smith and The Saints). His influences range from John Moreland and Sufjan Stevens to his tight knit songwriting community including his brothers.

Rector joins the Big Loud Texas team following a successful seven-year tenure at Big Machine Music Publishing, where she most recently served as Creative Manager. During her time there, she contributed to more than 50 chart-topping songs across Top 40, country and rock genres, while also overseeing management of the company’s songwriter roster. A Texas native and Belmont University alumna, Rector will be based in Big Loud Texas’ Austin office, where she will lead the publishing division with a focus on strengthening creative ties between Austin and Nashville.

Lalo Guzman Extends Global Publishing Deal With SMACKSongs

Pictured (L-R): Jeremy Groves, Robin Palmer, Carly Sater, Lalo Guzman, Samantha Sarno and Lee Krabel.

Lalo Guzman has extended his global publishing deal with SMACKSongs. The news comes just as he clinches his second No. 1 hit with Blake Shelton’s “Texas.”

Guzman first joined SMACK in 2020. Soon after, the AIMP Rising Songwriter of the Year nominee landed his first No. 1 at country radio with “Cowboy Songs,” recorded by George Birge.

“Lalo is incredibly talented and such a vital part of SMACK,” shares Samantha Sarno, Creative Director at SMACK. “Watching his success has been amazing, and this is only the beginning. We’re thrilled to continue working with him!”

During his time with SMACK, Guzman has been making waves with Dylan Schneider’s radio singles “Better Than You Left Me” and “Ain’t Missin’ You,” as well as Nate Smith’s “Wish I Never Felt”–the latter two of which he produced. His catalog also boasts “Broken Heart Thing” by Madeline Merlo and Dustin Lynch, and “Shrank” by Jake Owen.

Additionally, Guzman has gathered songwriting and production credits with artists including Jason Aldean, Ella Langley, Tyler Rich, Colt Ford, Tyler Farr and more.

“I’m excited to re-sign with SMACK and continue building on what we’ve achieved these last few years,” says Guzman. “I’m so thankful to be a part of this team and look forward to what this next season has in store.”

Grace Tyler Signs With Concord Music Publishing

Pictured (L-R, back row): Ellie Gray (Concord), Lily Bunta (Concord), Anthony DeVincenzo (Red Light Management), Autumn House-Tallant (Red Light Management), Melissa Spillman (Concord), Matt Turner (Concord) and Claire Buchanan (Concord). (L-R, front row): Brad Kennard (Concord), Grace Tyler and Courtney Allen (Concord). Photo: Audrey Spillman

Singer-songwriter Grace Tyler has inked with Concord Music Publishing for a global publishing deal, including her entire catalog and all future releases.

“Signing a publishing deal with my dream team at Concord is truly a full-circle moment—proof that patience and passion pay off,” says Tyler. “I’m beyond grateful to be surrounded by people who believe in me, especially my biggest cheerleader, Courtney Allen. Her unwavering support means the world, and I couldn’t imagine a better team to chase this dream with.”

The Frisco, Texas native attended Belmont University, where she developed her skills alongside her mentor Lee Brice. Tyler first went viral with her single “My Mistake” in 2021, which went on to be featured on Spotify’s Fresh Finds and Fresh Finds Country playlists. She was also up for Spotify’s Fresh Finds Favorites in 2024 with her track “Weak Man.” Her debut EP, Everything I Didn’t Say, dropped this past March and showcases her vulnerable and honest songwriting.

“I offered Grace a deal at the end of our first meeting,” reflects Allen. “That’s how sure I was that I needed to work with her. For years, she has slowly and quietly been honing her craft and now it is her time to shine. I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes, and I am so proud to have her join the Concord family.”

Maggie Reeves Inks With Dream 3 Publishing & Kobalt Music

Pictured (L-R, front row): Kevin Lane (Kobalt), Maggie Reeves and Emily Olson (Dream 3). (L-R, back row): Matthew Jafari (Attorney, Keller Turner Andrews and Ghanem, PLLC), Emilia James (Membership Manager, ASCAP), Morgan Brasfield (Kobalt), Stephanie Cox (Kobalt), Laurel Kittleson-Cobb (Dream 3), Greg Hill (Dream 3).

Singer-songwriter Maggie Reeves has signed a publishing deal with Dream 3 Publishing and Kobalt Music.

“Greg [Hill], Laurel [Kittleson-Cobb], and Emily [Olson] are some of the very best people I have met in the industry,” says Reeves. “Getting to know them has been a joy, but getting to work with them is an absolute dream come true! Their partnership with Kobalt was one I had never seen before, they love songwriters, and fight for songs to be heard. I am honored to team up with these incredible companies. This is the beginning of an incredible ride.”

The 25 year old Macon, Georgia native has been in music city since 2017, first coming to Nashville to attend Belmont University. She is known around town for her modern yet soulful sound and forging a genuine connection with audiences.

Throughout her time in Nashville, she has written for Erin Kirby, Charly Reynolds, Reid Haughton, Jenna & Zoe and Riley Clemmons, among others. Reeves has also opened for a number of artists, including Jason Aldean, Chuck Leavell of the Rolling Stones, Scotty McCreery, Randell Bramlett, Bear Rinehart from Need to Breathe, Hunter Hayes, Matt Powell and David Cook. She was also a participant in ASCAP’s GPS program in 2024.

“I’ve been so impressed with Maggie and the way she thinks about her career as a songwriter,” says Olson, Partner at Dream 3. “She is able to write and blend country and CCM effortlessly, and excels at helping artists really say what they want to say. She is a dream to work with!”