Applications Now Open: MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Company Directory
Applications are now open for the company directory in MusicRow‘s upcoming Publisher Issue. Companies can apply for inclusion through Friday, Aug. 29. Previously included companies will be solicited separately.
Along with the directory with contact information for Nashville’s publishing community, the issue also features exclusive editorial content focused on this essential segment of the music business.
To submit your company for consideration, complete and submit this form.
For questions, please contact the MusicRow team at directory@musicrow.com.
To reserve ad space in the 2025 Publisher issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.
Subscribe to MusicRow here to make sure you don’t miss the annual Publisher Issue.
Austen Adams Appointed President Of Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Austen Adams. Photo: Amy Allmand
Industry leader Austen Adams has been appointed President of Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville. He will begin the role on Sept. 15, reporting to WCM Co-Chairs, CEO Guy Moot and COO Carianne Marshall.
Adams joins WCM from Big Loud, where he served as Chief Operating Officer of its Publishing and Records divisions for six years, working with a wide array of talent, including Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Miranda Lambert, Ernest and Stephen Wilson Jr., among many others. His two decades of experience also includes time in artist management and entertainment law.
Adam’s appointment at WCM fills the role left behind by Ben Vaughn, who passed away in January.
“Austen is a class act, with trusted relationships across the industry, and a holistic understanding of both the creative and the commercial,” share Moot and Marshall. “Given our longstanding, successful partnership with Austen, Seth, and the Big Loud team, this is a very natural move for both him and us. We’re excited about what he’ll contribute to Warner Chappell and the songwriting community, nurturing the culture in Nashville, while finding fresh ways to bring its talent global opportunities. With Austen and our amazing team on Music Row, we know the commitment, integrity and humanity of Ben Vaughn’s legacy will be carried into the future.”
Adams says, “I’ve always believed that songs and songwriters are the soul of our business. Which is why I’ve been a longtime admirer of what Ben Vaughn and the Warner Chappell team have built. I’m deeply honored to be entrusted with leading the next chapter. Together, we’ll champion storytelling, protect creativity, and help songwriters share their visions in bold and impactful ways. Thank you to Guy and Carianne for their trust in me, and to everyone at Big Loud – especially Seth, Craig and Joey – for their faith and support these last six years.”
Adams has been honored on Billboard’s Country and Indie Power Players lists and named to Leadership Music (Class of 2019).
Wyatt Ellis Inks With Limited Edition Music Publishing [Exclusive]
Pictured (L-R): Greg Sowders, Wyatt Ellis and Neil Mason
Wyatt Ellis has inked a global publishing administration deal with Los Angeles-based Limited Edition Music Publishing in conjunction with Warner Chappell Music.
The deal will cover Ellis’ full catalog, including recent releases and upcoming original compositions. Known for blending elements of bluegrass, Americana, folk and country, the east Tennessee native’s debut album, Happy Valley, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart
“We are thrilled to welcome Wyatt Ellis to the Limited Edition family,” says Greg Sowders and Marc Wilson, Co-Founders/Co-Presidents of Limited Edition. “His playing is as deeply soulful as it is technically brilliant, and his songwriting reflects wisdom well beyond his years. Wyatt represents the future of bluegrass and country music, and we’re honored to be part of his journey.”
“Wyatt’s partnership with Limited Edition/Warner Chappell marks the perfect next step in his career,” adds Ellis’ manager Neil Mason of Red Light. “The partnership unlocks opportunities in Nashville, Los Angeles and beyond, connecting him with top-tier co-writes and creative collaborations. Since first picking up a mandolin, Wyatt’s growth as a songwriter, artist, and instrumentalist has been nothing short of remarkable. With the Limited Edition and Warner Chappell teams curating sessions for his upcoming solo album, Wyatt is poised for his most impactful chapter yet.”
Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Reveals 2026 Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductees 
The Texas Heritage Songwriters Association have revealed this year’s inductees for the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees are Don Cook, Keith Gattis, Miranda Lambert and George Strait. Each of the inductees are recognized for their heart, grit, and poetry that defines Texas music and have influenced music beyond the borders of the Lone Star State. They will be inducted during the 20th annual Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards Show on Feb. 21, 2026, at ACL Live in Austin.
Cook was born in Carrizo Springs and was influential in the songwriting of 90s country. He has written 20 No. 1 hits, including 13 with Brooks & Dunn. He also has collaborated with Alabama, George Strait and Kenny Rogers, alongside his production work with many of country music’s biggest names. Cook served as Chief Creative Officer and Senior Vice President of Sony/ATV Music Publishing from 1994-2004.
The late Gattis grew up in Georgetown and brought his signature aching voice, masterful guitar work and fearless creativity to Music City. He has had cuts by George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, Randy Houser, George Jones and many others. His own recorded “El Cerrito Place” was on his acclaimed Big City Blues album and went on to cement itself a hit. Gattis also spent time touring alongside Johnny Paycheck and Dwight Yoakam, produced acclaimed albums, and mentored countless artists before his passing in 2023.
Lambert has made herself an icon in the country music world after growing up in Lindale. She is the most-awarded artist in ACM history, and has collected 10 No. 1 singles, seven No. 1 albums, and three Grammy Awards. Some of her biggest hits were co-penned by her, including “Bluebird,” “Tin Man” and “Automatic.” She has also spent time creating hits for other artists, such as Morgan Wallen’s “Thought You Should Know” and Chris Stapleton’s “What Am I Gonna Do.” Lambert is also an entrepreneur, businesswoman, author and passionate animal advocate, having raised over $11 million through her MuttNation Foundation since its inception.
Country Music Hall of Fam member Strait, better known as the “King of Country Music,” has received over 110 million RIAA certifications throughout his career. His penned tracks have showcased capture timeless imagery, love stories, and the cowboy ethos, mixing classic honky-tonk with contemporary country that makeup the Texas tradition. Strait has also showcased his philanthropy throughout his career, raising millions for military families and other causes.
ASCAP & The RMLC Settle Rate Court Proceeding
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) have reached a new settlement agreement, securing higher rates payable by almost 10,000 of America’s commercial terrestrial radio stations to publicly perform more than 20 million musical works in the ASCAP repertory.
ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews shares, “This deal locks in an important royalty stream for our members at higher rates. It will deliver enhanced benefits, payments and financial certainty to ASCAP songwriters, composers and publishers, which is important to ensuring their creative and economic health and security now and in the future.”
The settlement agreement includes year-over-year increases in the percentage of revenue rate paid by radio stations to publicly perform music by ASCAP members and better reflects the ways in which AM/FM radio stations in the US currently broadcast and transmit music to their listeners, while recognizing the distinctions between the terrestrial radio industry and internet music services.
BMI & The RMLC Settle Rate Court Proceedings
BMI and the Radio Music License Committee (RMLC) have announced a settlement of their rate court proceeding. The new agreement, which is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2022, represents a historic rate increase for BMI that reflects the company’s superior market share in the radio industry.
“BMI sought a rate that reflected our market-leading share of the music performed on radio stations across the country, and I’m pleased to say we achieved our largest rate increase ever for the radio industry,” shares Mike O’Neill, President & CEO, BMI. “This new deal ensures BMI’s songwriters will be more fairly compensated for the performance of their music on this incredibly important platform. Negotiation is always better than litigation, and we’re pleased to have worked together with the RMLC to achieve this outcome.”
The RMLC’s Chairman, Ed Atsinger, says, “We are pleased to have reached an amicable agreement with BMI, which is indicative of how strongly the radio industry values its partnerships with songwriters. Furthermore, we feel that this agreement provides the radio industry with the ability to plan for the long-term while avoiding substantial litigation costs and uncertainties associated with the rate court process.”
Jason Gray Extends 19-Year Relationship With Centricity Music
Jason Gray is pictured with his Centricity Music team, Music City Management’s Josh Petersen and 25 Artist Agency’s David Breen during a celebratory re-signing party.
Singer-songwriter Jason Gray has signed a new, worldwide exclusive recording and publishing contract with Centricity Music, extending his 19-year relationship with the company.
First signing in 2006 followed by the release of his Centricity Music debut All the Lovely Losers in 2007, Gray has established himself as a true songwriter’s songwriter. His music has garnered multiple ASCAP Performance Awards for songs like “Remind Me Who I Am,” “I’m Gonna Let It Go” and “Sparrows,” and he has summited the charts with hits like his first No. 1 AC standard, “With Every Act of Love,” and the chart-topping single, “Nothing Is Wasted.”
Gray released his Greatest Hits (Acoustic) album last month, which includes all new, reimagined acoustic performances of his 12 biggest hits spanning his career. All 12 of the original songs, which have accumulated over 131 Million streams to date, are also now available in Dolby Atmos.
“I’m more grateful than I know how to say for the space Centricity has made for my calling to exist in the world, and the space they’ve found at radio for my songs to live,” Gray says. “What a remarkable team of wise, hard-working, good-hearted people! They have been God’s faithfulness to me. ‘The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places… my future is bright!’” (Ps 16:6 NIV/CEV).
“Partnering with an artist like Jason—someone with such remarkable character, gifting and commitment to creative growth—has been a true privilege for Centricity,” shares John Mays, Centricity Music President, A&R. “To have the joy of doing it for nearly 20 years is an absolute gift! Jason and his music have become part of our DNA, and they continue to inspire and motivate us. We’re deeply grateful for his trust in us and hopeful that we’ll get to share another 20 years together.”
Gray is also releasing his first children’s hardcover book, Sparrows, and hosting the popular Acoustic Storytime heard on SiriusXM The Message. He’s set to perform a series of “Acoustic Storytime Tour” dates in September along with special guests Rachel Lampa and Chris August as well.
Michael White Signs With Major Bob Music
Pictured (L-R, back row): Matthew Beckett (Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Andy Friday (Major Bob) and Bob Doyle (Major Bob). (L-R, front row): Aubrey Daniels (Major Bob), Michael White and Emily Hasty (Major Bob). Photo: Courtesy of Major Bob Music
Award winning songwriter Michael White has inked a publishing deal with Major Bob Music.
White has been writing tunes on Music Row for over two decades, where he has built a reputation for his storytelling and craftsmanship. His songs have been cut by Shania Twain, Brooks & Dunn, Charley Pride, Hank Williams Jr., Alan Jackson, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Cody Johnson, Zach Top and more.
“I got my first cut as a plugger with Michael White being a co-writer on the song. I always knew if I ever got the chance to sign him, I’d do it in a heartbeat,” says Aubrey Daniels, Major Bob Music’s Head of Publishing. “I am so blessed the stars aligned, Michael White is the real deal and his songwriting is the most authentic I’ve ever heard. I am honored to work with him!”
White grew up around music by his father, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and musician L.E. White, who co-founded Twitty Bird Publishing with Conway Twitty. Twitty cut Michael’s “You Make It Hard To Take The Easy Way Out” as a teenager. After college, Michael signed with Warner Brothers/Reprise in 1992, where he released his debut album Familiar Ground, and toured throughout the ’90s. His tunes have earned numerous awards, including three ASCAP/BMI Airplay Awards for “The Baby” by Blake Shelton, Michael Ray’s “Kiss You In the Morning,” and “Loving Every Minute” by Mark Wills.
Aaron Gillespie Inks With Jonas Group Publishing
Pictured (L-R, back row): ET Brown, Sr. Director, Creative Services, SESAC; George Kreis, Pres., Jonas Group Entertainment; Leslie T. DiPiero, Pres., Jonas Group Publishing; Kevin Jonas Sr., Founder & Chairman, JGE; (front row): Aaron Gillespie. Photo: Abbey Watson
Songwriter/artist/producer Aaron Gillespie has signed with Jonas Group Publishing.
As a member of the Grammy-nominated rock band Underoath, Gillespie’s success not only led to the founding of his band The Almost, which enjoyed a top 10 alternative radio single, but also paved the way for Gillespie to further hone his skills as a songwriter and producer after relocating to Nashville.
Gillespie co-wrote and performed on “Demon or Ghost” with Mitchell Tenpenny, penned “Hereditary” with Cassadee Pope, and produced and co-wrote “Long Live Country Music” and “Heaven Is A Honky Tonk” with Raelynn, along with many others. His production works extend to major record labels as well, including Big Loud and Big Machine Label Group.
“Aaron brings a rare combination of authenticity, passion, and creative range that inspires everyone in the room,” says Jonas Group Publishing President Leslie T. DiPiero. “From rock stages around the world to intimate songwriter circles in Nashville, he’s done it all – and he does it with heart. We’re honored to be part of his next chapter.”
“I’m excited and honored to be a part of the family at Jonas,” says Gillespie. “It feels like an actual family, and the attention to detail they have – and the honesty about what you’re making – is unparalleled. Leslie DiPiero and team have truly made me believe in myself as a writer and producer, and I’m so ready to see where this all takes us.”
Jeb Gipson Signs With Relative Music Group & Sony Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing Nashville), Caroline Clark (Relative Music Group), Ali Matkosky (Relative Music Group); (L-R, front row): Dennis Matkosky (Relative Music Group) Michael Hardy (Relative Music Group), Jeb Gipson, Jesse Matkosky (Relative Music Group). Photo: Caylee Robillard
Relative Music Group has signed Jeb Gipson to a global publishing deal in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.
“Jeb has been grinding for years, and it’s been awesome to watch him grow into the songwriter he is today,” says Relative Music Group’s Michael Hardy. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with him and be a part of this next chapter. His work ethic and talent are undeniable, and I can’t wait to see where this ride takes him.”
A native of Clayton, Georgia, Gipson moved to Nashville in 2016 to pursue his passion after a childhood immersed in music and touring with his father’s bluegrass band. Since then, Gipson has garnered notable recognition on multiple projects. Gipson’s recent major label releases include HARDY ‘s “Buck On The Wall,” Dylan Scott’s “Easy Does It” and John Morgan’s “Carolina Blue,” which all come in addition to previous songwriting credits with Megan Moroney, Dylan Marlowe, Chris Lane and Drew Baldridge, among others. Gipson also co-penned Brandon Wisham’s “Growin’ Up” which has gained acclaim on SiriusXM The Highway on the heels of Wisham being crowned the newest Highway Find.
“Hardy has always been a good friend to me and I’ve always wanted to work with him,” shares Jeb. “Along with Dennis, Jesse, Ali, and Caroline I feel very fortunate to be at Relative. Not to mention my Sony team who also plays a big part in this next chapter. Let’s get to work!”