Music News (11/12/25)
Nominees Revealed For 68th Annual Grammy Awards
The nominees for the 68th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning (Nov. 7) across all categories.
Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, was joined by David Foster, Sabrina Carpenter, The Osbournes, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Nicole Scherzinger, Little Big Town, Sam Smith, CeCe Winans, KAROL G, Angélique Kidjo, Jon Batiste, Lizzo and Mumford & Sons to unveil the nominees via livestream.
Tyler Childers, Sierra Hull, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Jelly Roll, Zach Top, Shaboozey, Lainey Wilson and more are among the nominees.
“The Grammy Awards are our opportunity to honor the people who make this community so vibrant and this year’s nominees remind us of the incredible talent that is driving music forward,” shares Mason jr. “From emerging talent to influential icons, these nominees reflect today’s broad and diverse musical landscape, and I am excited to celebrate them in the coming weeks ahead and on Music’s Biggest Night®.”
This year’s eligibility period includes recordings released between Aug. 31, 2024 – Aug. 30, 2025. The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine Grammy winners, will take place Dec. 12, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026.
The Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sun., Feb. 1, 2026, and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+ at 8-11:30 p.m. ET/5-8:30 p.m. PT. Prior to the Telecast, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony® will be held at the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.
For a full list of this year’s finalists, visit grammy.com.
Michael Young Appointed Sony Music Publishing Chief Information Officer
Michael Young
Michael Young has joined Sony Music Publishing as Chief Information Officer. Young is based in Nashville and will report to Sony Music Publishing’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Kelly.
In his role, Young will spearhead the company’s technology strategy and its transformation initiatives to provide growth, scalability and efficiency on behalf of songwriters and catalogs globally. He will also collaborate across departments to manage workflows, expand data-driven insights, and refine and implement best practices across software development, security, compliance and data governance.
Young most recently serves as Chief Product and Technology Officer at Chatham Financial. Over his 25 year’s of experience, he has held roles as Reuters, Paycase Financial and Afilias.
“I am extremely excited to join Sony Music Publishing,” says Young. “As a career technologist and a lifelong amateur musician, it’s thrilling to be a part of SMP’s mission-driven culture. I look forward to working with the team to advance support for SMP songwriters throughout their creative journeys.”
“Michael is an experienced leader who understands how to innovate,” shares Kelly. “We look forward to advancing our capabilities and delivering further growth on behalf of our songwriters around the world.”
“We are committed to investing in technology that grows with our business and adapts to the evolving needs of songwriters,” adds Jon Platt, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Publishing. “With Michael on board, we are well-positioned to bring greater value to Sony Music Publishing songwriters and catalogs today and in the future.”
ASCAP Unveils 2025 Christian Music Awards Winners
ASCAP has revealed the winners of its 2025 Christian Music Awards.
Brandon Lake was named Christian Music Songwriter of the Year, while the Christian Music Song of the Year went to “Praise.” Essential Music Publishing took home Christian Music Publisher of the Year.
This is Lake’s second trophy for Songwriter of the Year, who penned hits throughout the year including “Praise,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “That’s Who I Praise.” Lake recently notched three GRAMMY nominations last Friday (Nov. 7), including Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” Best CCM Performance/Song for “I Know a Name,” and Best CCM Album for King of Hearts. Lake is also nominated at next week’s CMA Awards for CMA Musical Event of the Year.
“Praise” was co-penned by Lake and Pat Barrett, published by Essential Music Publishing and Capitol CMG Publishing, and was recorded by Elevation Worship feat. Lake, Chris Brown and Chandler Moore. The tune hit the No. 1 spot on the Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs, Christian Airplay and Christian AC charts and has been certified 2x Platinum.
Throughout the year, Essential Music Publishing’s most-played songs of the past year include “Goodbye Yesterday,” “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” “Loves Got a Way,” “Praise,” “That’s Who I Praise,” “The Cross,” “The Prodigal,” “The Truth” and “Worship Through It.”
A full list of winners for the ASCAP Christian Music Awards can be found here. All winners will be celebrated at the ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration on Nov. 17.
Essential Music Publishing Promotes Andie Rankins
Andie Rankins
Provident Entertainment’s publishing division, Essential Music Publishing, has elevated Andie Rankins to Vice President of Essential Publishing Administration.
Rankins joined the company in 2015, when Provident acquired its catalog from Sony Music Publishing, she assumed responsibility for developing, instituting and overseeing the company’s internal publishing administration process. Since then, Rankins has driven significant growth within the division by expanding its client base and strengthening operations. She rises to her current position after holding the title of Senior Director, Essential Publishing Administration.
Under Rankins’ leadership, Essential Publishing Administration has developed into a thriving, integral part of Provident Entertainment. Her strategic vision and commitment to excellence have expanded the division’s reach beyond Provident’s internal creative community to serve a diverse roster of valued industry partners, including Elevation Worship, Fair Trade Services, Hillsong Publishing, Bell Partners, BEC Worship and many more.
“Andie’s unwavering care and commitment for our copyrights and writers, combined with her servant leadership approach, make her the ideal person to lead Essential Publishing Administration as Vice President,” says Holly Zabka, President of Provident Entertainment. “I am thrilled to celebrate this well-deserved promotion.”
Natalie Hemby Extends Publishing Partnership With CTM Outlander Music
Pictured: (L-R, top row): Jody Williams (CEO, Jody Williams Songs), Thomas Deelder (CTM), and Derek Crownover (Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP). (L-R, bottom row): André de Raaff ( CEO, CTM Outlander) and Natalie Hemby
GRAMMY-winning songwriter Natalie Hemby has renewed her publishing partnership with CTM Outlander.
Hemby first partnered with CTM Outlander four years ago when the company acquired a portion of her catalogue and writer’s share. With the new deal, CTM Outlander has now acquired the majority of her remaining publishing rights and writer’s share.
She currently is climbing country radio with her top 10 co-penned “What Kinda Man,” recorded by Parker McCollum. Throughout her career, she has notched eight Billboard chart-toppers. Her wide array of cuts include Alicia Keys, Ed Sheeran, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Lady Gaga, Yola, Dierks Bentley, Rag’n’Bone Man, Lady A, Kelly Clarkson, Mumford & Sons, Little Big Town and Labrinth.
Hemby has won two GRAMMY awards for Song of the Year with “Crowded Table” and Best Song Written for Visual Media with “I’ll Never Love Again,” featured in A Star Is Born. She also has ACM Awards for “Smokin’ and Drinkin’” and “Automatic.”
Jody Williams Songs will continue its writer management relationship with Hemby.
CMHOFM To Host Songwriter Session With HARDY
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host its next Songwriter Session featuring HARDY on Dec. 6 at 12 p.m at the CMA Theater.
HARDY has penned his own hits including “Truck Bed,” “One Beer” and “Wait In The Truck.” He has also had a hand in countless other No. 1s, including Dierks Bentley’s “Beers On Me,” Florida Georgia Line’s “Simple” and “Talk You Out of It,” LoCash’s “One Big Country Song,” Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country,” Carrie Underwood’s “Hate My Heart” and Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown,” “Sand in My Boots” and “Up Down.” His additional cuts also include BRELAND, Brantley Gilbert, MacKenzie Porter, Post Malone, Jameson Rodgers, Cole Swindell and Kenny Chesney.
Throughout his career, he has won numerous ACM and CMA awards for his work, including three CMA Triple Play awards. In 2022, he was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year, and is a three-time AIMP Songwriter of the Year.
Entrance to the event is included with museum admission, as well as museum memberships. To reserve tickets, click here.
Ashley Nite Joins Kobalt
Ashley Nite. Photo: Taylor Lewis
Ashley Nite has joined Kobalt’s Nashville office as Creative Director.
“We are excited to welcome Ashley to the Kobalt family,” says Stephanie Cox, GM & SVP Creative, Nashville. “Her deep creative insight, strong relationships, and proven ability to identify and elevate songwriters make her an invaluable addition to the team.”
Nite is a Nashville native with publishing A&R executive experience. She most recently serves as Head of A&R at Eastside Avenue Publishing where she spearheaded strategy and secured cuts alongside company founder Andrew DeRoberts. With Eastside, she helped writers secure cuts with Justin Timberlake, Tate McRae, Blake Shelton, Alexandra Kay, Hudson Westbrook, The Fray, Kip Moore and more.
Other career stops include Concord Music Publishing and JRM Publishing & Mailbox Money Music. Nite graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Music Business with a Minor in Marketing.
“I’m honored to join the incredible team at Kobalt,” adds Nite. “Kobalt’s forward-thinking approach to publishing and its commitment to empowering songwriters deeply resonate with me, and I’m excited to contribute to the continued success of our creators.”
Sony Music Publishing & Warner Music Group Partner For ‘SAMPCAMP’
Pictured (L-R): Cortney Riles (Sony MP), Chandel Shanklin (WMG), Oronde Jenkins (WMG), Jalen Miller (WMG), Jada Wilson (WMN), Dave Georgeff (WCM), Shaugnessy Elsroth (Sony MP) Brian Garrett (Sony MP)
Sony Music Publishing and Warner Music Group recently partnered to host SAMPCAMP, a three-day writing and production experience spotlighting the power of sampling in hip hop.
Held November 3-5 across Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell’s Nashville creative studios, SAMPCAMP brought together more than 40 producers, writers, and artists including Breland, Bandplay, Starlito, Jake and Jared Krumm, Chris Loocke, Jake Fridkis and Randy Hitz of Drumatized and Kelly Sheehan. Across the three days, the group created 70 new tracks, many built on samples and interpolations pulled directly from Sony and Warner’s catalogs.
SAMPCAMP also featured Lunch & Learn sessions on copyright, sampling, sync and AI, and two marquee events including The Mixer listening session at Sony, and The Mixdown afterparty at H.O.M.E. (Helping Our Music Evolve).
The Listening Room To Host 20th Anniversary Show At The Ryman
The Listening Room will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a show at the Ryman Auditorium on March 3.
The show will include performances by Hardy, Blessing Offor, Mitchell Tenpenny, Phil Barton, Brian Davis, J.T. Harding, Jo Dee Messina, Matt Jenkins, Wendell Mobley, James Slater, and more to be announced, along with special surprise guests.
“Celebrating 20 years of The Listening Room at the historic Ryman Auditorium is more than just an anniversary—it’s a full-circle moment,” shares The Listening Room’s Owner and Founder, Chris Blair. “When I started this back in 2006, I just wanted to create a place where the song and the songwriter came first. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching countless artists take that stage, share their stories, and grow into some of the biggest names in country music. Now, to have so many of them come back to celebrate this milestone with us on one of the most iconic stages in the world – it’s emotional in the best way.
“This night isn’t about me; it’s about the incredible songwriters, artists, and team members who’ve made The Listening Room what it is today,” he continues. “I’ve always said, ‘Music is the universal language of the world. Music comes to us through song. And every song has a songwriter.’ That belief has guided us from day one, and it’s what continues to drive everything we do. I’m beyond grateful for everyone who has believed in this vision and been part of the journey. It’s going to be an unforgettable night celebrating the songs, the stories, and the community that started it all.”
The Listening Room’s “In The Round” presale starts on Nov. 12 at listeningroomcafe.com/
Cole Brown Joins Creative Nation As Publishing, Management & Records A&R
Cole Brown
Cole Brown has joined Creative Nation as Publishing, Management & Records A&R.
A Nashville native, Brown graduated from Lipscomb University with a degree in Law, Justice, and Society, and is currently pursuing his Juris Doctor degree at Nashville School of Law. Before graduation Brown interned with Creative Nation, and also interened for KP Entertainment. In his new role, he will act as a liaison between the Publishing, Management & Records teams scouting new talent, pitching songs, and helping with day-to-day management duties and artist development.
“While working with Cole as an intern and getting to know his great ear, confident drive, and strong pulse on upcoming songwriters and artists, it became obvious to us that we needed to make things more permanent,” says Emily Furman, VP, Creative. “His perspective is a welcomed asset to our creative team!”
“From day one as an intern, Cole demonstrated exceptional work ethic, strong instincts, and a true passion for artists and great songs,” shares Brandon Gill, SVP, Management & Records. “His drive and values align perfectly with our culture, and we’re confident he’ll make a meaningful impact across both our Management & Records divisions.”
“I am so thankful for the continued support and opportunities that Beth [Laird] and Luke [Laird] and the entire Creative Nation team have given me,” adds Brown. “I’m excited to continue working with the incredible roster of writers here at Creative Nation, and getting to have a small role in their careers.”
Cassidy Daniels Extends Deal With Liz Rose Music, Signs With Laguna Madre Management
Pictured (L-R): Dave Pacula, Gracie Glass, Cassidy Daniels, Liz Rose, Jonathan Motley, Kate Shirley, Scott Ponce. Photo: Courtesy of LRM
Cassidy Daniels has extended her publishing deal with Liz Rose Music. Additionally, she has signed with Laguna Madre Management, the artist management company founded by Liz Rose Music.
“Liz and the entire Liz Rose Music team have believed in me from the very early stages of my career,” shares Daniels. “I’m sticking with the people who have stuck with me — and by God, they are stuck with me now. I’m grateful and honored to be a part of their journey as much as they are mine.”
“Working with Cassidy Daniels has been one of the great joys of my career,” adds Rose, GRAMMY-winning songwriter and founder of Liz Rose Music. “Cassidy is a hard worker who pours herself into her craft, a natural storyteller with a voice that stops you in your tracks, and the type of person who keeps everyone around her laughing and inspired. We’re so proud to stand behind her and can’t wait to watch the world catch up to the star we already know she is.”
The Marion, North Carolina, native recently competed on the CBS/Paramount TV series The Road, produced by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton.
Brendan Walter Inks With Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Grady Smith (True Grit Management), Spencer Nohe (WCM), Brendan Walter, Austen Adams (WCM). Photo: Gina Di Maio
Brendan Walter has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
Walter released his sophomore album, Disappearing Days, today (Nov. 7). The project explores his journey as a young adult and follows his 2024 debut, I don’t know what I’m doing yet. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Walter had a successful college and semi-professional hockey career before moving to Nashville last year. He’s toured with Wyatt Flores and Evan Honer, and amassed 2.5 million global career streams.
“Brendan is a rare artist whose songs feel fresh yet instantly familiar,” shares Spencer Nohe, VP, A&R, WCM Nashville. “He’s an exceptional songwriter whose humility and work ethic set him apart. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Warner Chappell family and support him in this next chapter of his creative journey.”
“I’m so excited to be working with Warner Chappell,” adds Walter. “I met Spencer at my hockey beer league and he was a beauty, and since then he’s become a great off-ice teammate helping me grow my songwriting career in Nashville. I’m honored to be working with him and the whole Warner Chappell team.”
Hayley Clawson Joins Boom Music Group
Hayley Clawson
Hayley Clawson has joined Boom Music Group as Creative Coordinator.
Hailing from Leesburg, Virginia, the Christopher Newport University graduate moved to Music City in 2020. She started her career at AristoMedia as Digital Marketing Coordinator before her promotion to Public Relations and Events Manager. While at Aristo, she was collaborative in overseeing Country Radio Seminar, Live in the Vineyard, Elevation, Country Goes Global, Nashville Meets London and more.
“Hayley came to me highly recommended from the songwriting community and has already been a great asset to our team,” says Shaina Botwin, Vice President. “She has a great ear and natural instincts, and I’m excited to watch her grow into an accomplished publisher!”
“I’ve been eager to break into publishing for quite some time, and I couldn’t be happier to have joined Boom,” adds Clawson. “I’m incredibly grateful to Shaina and Joe [Fisher] for the opportunity to learn from them and be part of such a creative team. I can’t wait to help champion the amazing writers and music coming out of this roster.”
Meg McRee & Ben Chapman Sign With Blue Harbor Music
Pictured (L to R): Steve Markland (Blue Harbor Music), Meg McRee, Ben Chapman, Kendall Lettow (Blue Harbor Music) & Miller Arant (Blue Harbor Music)
Meg McRee and Ben Chapman have joined the publishing roster at Blue Harbor Music.
McRee, a Vanderbilt University graduate, has earned cuts with artists including Lainey Wilson, Grace Potter, Marcus King, Elle King and Brent Cobb, as well as sync placements in major TV and film projects. As an artist, she has toured with Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wade and Marcus King, and has appeared at Stagecoach, Pilgrimage and the Grand Ole Opry. She is currently working on her sophomore album, following her acclaimed debut, Is It Just Me?
“I’m beyond excited to be working with the dynamic and passionate crew at Blue Harbor and to take my writing and artist career to the next level with them. I feel truly lucky to have landed there and can’t wait to get to work,” shares McRee.
A Georgia native, Chapman has written songs recorded by Muscadine Bloodline, Brent Cobb, Hayes Carll, Shelby Lynne and Flatland Cavalry. His latest album, Downbeat, released last year. He is the creator and host of Peach Jam, which has hosted Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Brent Cobb, Kaitlin Butts, the Red Clay Strays and more since 2022.
“I feel so lucky to have a home at Blue Harbor! The team’s passion and care for their writers and great songs is second to none. I can’t wait to grow with them and start this exciting chapter of my career,” says Chapman.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Ben Chapman and Meg McRee to the Blue Harbor Music family,” adds Steve Markland, President of Blue Harbor Music. “Their songwriting embodies the authenticity, heart, and craft that we love and believe in deeply. Both Ben and Meg bring a unique voice and creative spirit that perfectly aligns with what Blue Harbor Music stands for. We’re honored to support them as they continue to grow and share their music with the world.”
American Songwriter Launches Two Podcasts
American Songwriter is relaunching the Off The Record podcast and debuting its new Song Diving podcast.
Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Lisa Konicki, Off the Record features in-depth, hour-long conversations with top music artists available as both a video series and podcast. Premiering today (Nov. 5) featuring Colbie Caillat, episodes will be released every two weeks and will be available on American Songwriter’s YouTube channel and on all major podcast platforms. Upcoming episodes include conversations with Walker Hayes, Kix Brooks and more artists to be announced.
American Songwriter will debut another podcast, Song Diving, on Nov. 24. Hosted by Dean Fields, the show invites artists to have in depth conversations about their songwriting. This season’s lineup features Ray LaMontagne, Rhett Miller of the Old 97’s, Rufus Wainwright and more. Episodes will be released on a weekly basis and available on all podcasts platforms.
Joe Bryson Inks With Spirit Music Nashville
Pictured (L-R, back row): Austin Wells (Lewis Brisbois); Ryan Johnson (Sr. Director, Creative Sync, Spirit Music); Mike Fiorentino (Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville); Brian Bradford (GM/VP of Admin, Spirit Music Nashville); AJ Burton (VP Fluid Music Revolution/Spirit Music Nashville); Will Cooper (Sr. Dir Finance, Spirit Music Nashville); Jasmine Pettus (Creative Administration Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville); and Lucy Widmann (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville). (L-R, front row): Andy Hodges (Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville); Joe Bryson; Kennedy Murphy (Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville); and Frank Rogers (Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music
Singer-songwriter Joe Bryson has signed an exclusive publishing and artist development deal with Spirit Music Nashville.
Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, the 25-year-old combines soul, folk, rock and country. He began his musical journey at 10 years old surrounded by the Cajun music in his South Louisiana home. His themes of resilience comes from his Stage 3 Thyroid Cancer diagnosis, which he has now overcome.
After the recovery, Bryson moved to Nashville in 2020. He recently released “Started in a Truck” and “Rosary on the Rearview.” He is expected to release his debut album later this year.
“Since day one at Spirit, it’s felt like home,” says Bryson. “They understand my voice and exactly who I am as an artist, and on top of that, they believe in me. Kennedy [Murphy] and the entire creative team were all on the same page as me from the first day we met, and they’ve taken my vision for the future and amplified it to a whole new level. I’m feeling beyond blessed to join such a great crew of passionate individuals and can’t wait to see what’s in store.”
“Joe is an exceptional talent whose artistry and songwriting immediately caught my attention,” adds Murphy, Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville. “I could not be more thrilled to welcome him to the Spirit family. His future in music is bright, and I am honored to be a part of his team!”
Category: Music News
