Music News (6/11/25)

Philip Morgan Inks With Warner Chappell & The Core Entertainment

Pictured (L-R, back row): Phil May (WCM), BJ Hill (WCM) and Benji Amaefule (WCM). (L-R, front row): Simon Tikhman (The Core Ent.), Philip Morgan and Chief Zaruk (The Core Ent.).

Country songwriter Philip Morgan has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and The Core Entertainment.

The Texas native was surronded by music from an early age from his father’s influence. In 2023, Morgan won the NSAI Online Pitch Award and was a finalist in the NSAI/BMI/Bluebird Song and Lyric contest. Settling down in Music City last year, Morgan has become known for catchy hooks and memorable melodies. He was awarded the 2024 American Songwriter Country Song the Year for “5 O’Clock Shadow,” and was the winner of the NSAI Chapter Challenge Song Contest for “Gone, Gone, Gone!”

He has written alongside Chris Sligh, Jim Jonsin, Ryan Carpenter, Chris August, Jason Duke, Marty James, Chris DeStefano and David Ray Stevens. Among his notable cuts is “How Have You Been (Letter to the County Line Girl)” by Chase Matthew. Morgan has also helped develop young artists such as Austin Michael, Jake Hess III and Hunt Pipkin.

Marcus Hummon Signs With Salinger Songs

Marcus Hummon

Grammy-winning songwriter and composer Marcus Hummon has signed with Salinger Songs, the activist music publishing fund.

With a diverse body of work that includes No. 1 country hits, musical theater productions, and operatic scores, Hummon brings a rare, multidimensional talent to the Salinger family. The partnership also extends to Salinger Songs’ sister company, Salinger Theatrical, where Hummon’s work as a composer continues to expand. Hummon’s wide-ranging discography features songs recorded by Rascal Flatts, The Chicks, Tim McGraw, Sara Evans, Wynonna Judd and many others in the country and Christian genres. Additionally, he has written several operas, six musicals, and scored several films.

“We are beyond proud to welcome Marcus Hummon to the roster of Salinger Songs! I’ve long been a fan of his masterful songwriting, and, through Salinger Theatrical, we’re excited to support his extraordinary work in theater and opera. Marcus is truly someone who can do it all.” says Chris Keup, CEO of Salinger Songs.

“I’m very excited to be writing for Chris and Salinger Songs,” adds Hummon. “I’ve long admired Chris’s own work in pop, rock, and theater, and love the eclectic approach to songwriting that he and the company embrace. Debby and I go back more than 20 years—she placed my very first hit song. She’s always had some of the best ears in the business.”

Landon Sears Signs With Big Yellow Dog Music

Pictured (L-R, back row): Jacee Badeaux, Carla Wallace, Brannen Carter and Lydia Drye. (L-R, middle row): Alana Morgan, Morgan Brady, Alex Stefano, Nicole Rhodes and Jonah Gordon. (front row): Landon Sears.

Producer, singer-songwriter and musician Landon Sears has inked with Big Yellow Dog Music.

“I am incredibly blessed to be in a spot where I can fully make music for a living,” says Sears. “It’s an honor to be a part of such an amazing publishing team here at Big Yellow Dog. Looking forward to working and getting better everyday.”

Hailing from Danville, Kentucky, Sears has been around music since childhood, playing bluegrass fiddle growing up. Now based in Nashville, Sears is well versed in the hip-hop and K-pop genres, garnering multiple Platinum records and No. 1 hits in Korea. He has collaborated with NCT 127, NCT Dream, NCT DoJaeJung, Kang Daniel and CIX, among others.

“I am thrilled to welcome Landon Sears into the Big Yellow Dog Music family,” shares Nicole Rhodes, Senior Director, Sync at Big Yellow Dog Music. “His energy, hard work and talent speaks for itself. I am stoked for what’s to come!”