Music News (8/27/25)

Jimi Bell Renews Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell & Worktape Music [Exclusive]

Pictured (L-R): Phil May (WCM), TD Ruth (Serling Rooks), Jimi Bell, Travis Gordon (Worktape Music), Bryce Sherlow (WCM) and Benji Amaefule (WCM)

Chart-topping songwriter Jimi Bell has renewed his publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Worktape Music.

The news comes as Bell’s co-written “Back Up Plan” (Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs) is climbing the country radio charts. The single follows Bell’s first No. 1, “Last Night Lonely,” recorded by Jon Pardi, as well as other cuts with Post Malone, Riley Green, Dylan Marlowe, Brantley Gilbert, The Castellows and more.

Hailing from Hawkinsville, Georgia, Bell moved to town in 2014 with friends Seth Ennis, Jon Sherwood and Chris Poole—all of whom have found success in the music business. Bell and Sherwood wrote “Back Up Plan” together alongside Tucker Beathard.

“When you’re writing, you’re creating something that lasts,” Bell shares with MusicRow. “You’re building a catalog, you’re handing songs down to your kids. Music is creative, but it’s also lasting—that’s the tradition I love.”

Reflecting on his breakout success, he adds, “It feels like you’ve worked hard to get to this one place, but at the end of the day, it’s not the end goal. Somebody told me, ‘You moved to town to be a hit songwriter, not to write a hit song.’ That stuck with me.”

“From Post Malone to Jon Pardi, Jimi’s lyrical integrity and unique perspective span the modern country music landscape,” says Travis Gordon, Owner/Operator, Worktape Music. “We’re so happy to continue our partnership with our good friends at Warner Chappell as Jimi expands his repertoire as a proven and consistent hitmaker.”

Benji Amaefule and Bryce Sherlow, Managers, A&R, WCM Nashville, add, “We are absolutely thrilled that Jimi is continuing his partnership with us at Warner Chappell alongside Worktape Music. Jimi’s laser focus, compelling storytelling, and unique ability to connect with artists at every stage of their careers make him truly special. His dedication to his craft has clearly paid off, and we’re honored to represent him. Through this partnership, country music fans around the world will continue to enjoy his incredible songs for years to come.”

Bell concludes, “To have Warner Chappell stick with me for the five years when I didn’t have anything going on meant the world. Now that things are happening, it feels good to start seeing a return on their investment. It really is a family, and I’m grateful to have their belief and support behind me — and having Travis Gordon in my corner through Worktape has brought such great energy and direction.”

Levi Hummon Inks With Withrow Street Music & CTM Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Bob Squance (Founder & CEO, Withrow Street Music), Michael Thomas (Co-founder, Withrow Street Music), Levi Hummon, Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder & Chairman, Jonas Group Entertainment), George Kreis (President, Jonas Group Entertainment)

Levi Hummon has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Withrow Street Music and CTM Publishing. Hummon has amassed over 215 million streams over his career, collaborating with Walker Hayes and touring with Hardy and Jordan Davis. In March of 2023, Hummon signed a management deal with Jonas Group Entertainment, followed by a label deal with Red Van Records.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Withrow Street Music and CTM,” says Hummon. “From my first conversation with Bob, it was clear we share a passion for music and a vision for innovation—exploring new ways to grow both within Nashville and beyond. With Michael, Bob, and Thomas leading the way, this new company has an incredibly bright future, and I’m excited to be part of this journey together.”

“We’ve been fans of Levi’s music for years and are excited to be working together on all of the big things he has coming,” says Withrow Street Music Founder & CEO Bob Squance.

WSM’s Co- Founder Michael Thomas adds “Levi is one of the most talented people in the industry and he’s just getting started.”

“We’re thrilled to see Levi take this exciting next step in his career,” adds Jonas Group Entertainment’s Kevin Jonas Sr. “His passion, talent, and commitment to the craft continue to inspire us, and we look forward to watching him grow in this new creative chapter.”

Ross Golan To Lead Recording Academy Songwriters & Composers Wing

Ross Golan. Photo: Marc Blackwell

Ross Golan will be stepping into the role of Co-Chair of the Songwriters and Composers Wing alongside the current Chair Evan Bogart and S&C Wing Senior Managing Director Susan Stewart. In this role, Golan will help shape programming, promote membership and collaborate with industry partners.

“From its inception, I’ve seen how the S&C Wing has provided its diverse and growing membership the support it needs to thrive in this challenging time,” says Golan. “We’re at a critical moment for songwriters and composers, and we creators need this community more than ever. It’s a privilege to step into this role as Co-Chair and I look forward to collaborating with the entire organization to advocate for the thousands of members who call the S&C Wing their home.”

Golan studied music at the University of Southern California and has since penned songs for artists including Ariana Grande, Céline Dion, Michael Bublé, Sabrina Carpenter and more. He was named BMI Songwriter Of The Year in 2o16. His musicals have garnered eight Drama Desk nominations. His podcast And The Writer Is earns over a million views across platforms every week. He was the first songwriter on the board of the National Music Publishers Association and is currently on the board of Songwriters of North America and the co-chair of NMPA’s Gold and Platinum Program.

Red Creative Group Appoints Kaileen Smith As Director of A&R

Kaileen Smith. Photo: Rachel Deeb

RED Creative Group, the Nashville-based independent music publishing and artist development company founded by Jeremy Stover, has appointed Kaileen Smith as its new Director of A&R, effective immediately. In her new role at RED, Smith will oversee publishing operations, support the company’s roster of writers and artists and help drive continued creative growth across all facets of the business.

“Kaileen’s experience in both publishing and promotion gives her a rare perspective that will strengthen our creative team. She has a deep understanding of creatives’ needs and a wide understanding of how to create opportunities for success,” says Stover.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join Jeremy Stover and John Cantu at RED Creative Group,” adds Smith. “I’m thankful for Jeremy’s belief in me, and honored to get to work with the amazing roster he has built.”

Smith joins RED from her most recent role as Creative Manager at Boom Music Group. Before that, she made stops at UMG Nashville and Sony Music Nashville, contributing to multiple No. 1 singles from artists including Jordan Davis, Sam Hunt, Parker McCollum and Ryan Hurd.