Music News (1/28/26)
Todd Horvath Named BMI President & COO
Todd Horvath
BMI has named Todd Horvath as President and Chief Operating Officer, effective January 26.
In this new role, Horvath will report to BMI CEO Mike O’Neill and oversee the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize its platforms, identify new sources of revenue and improve the affiliate experience at BMI. He will divide his time between BMI’s Nashville and New York offices.
Horvath’s addition to the BMI leadership team will enable O’Neill, who recently extended his contract through 2029, to continue to focus on the strategic vision of the company.
“I’m excited to welcome Todd to BMI as we build upon the many efforts we’ve undertaken over the past three years to create long term value for our affiliates,” says O’Neill. “Todd’s unique skill set is a perfect complement to our team, and I look forward to his contributions as we continue to drive growth and position BMI for the future.”
Horvath joins with more than 20 years of experience in the international financial services sector, with a significant focus on integrating transformative technology into organizations. Most recently, he served as Equifax President of U.S. Information Solutions. Prior to that, Horvath was the President of Banking Solutions for Fiserv, where he led multiple billion-dollar divisions and drove a significant technology transformation. He also spent nearly 15 years at ADP, ultimately overseeing all its international business as President of Multinational Clients.
“I’m honored to join BMI at a time of great change and opportunity in the industry,” adds Horvath. “I’ve spent a good deal of time getting to know Mike over the past few months, and I am excited by his vision for the company and BMI’s mission on behalf of its songwriters, composers and publishers. I look forward to working with the entire team at BMI to unleash additional opportunities that will continue to position BMI as the leading PRO in the business.”
Sony Music Publishing & Domain Capital Group Acquire Miranda Lambert’s Full Song Catalog
Pete Chiappetta, Miranda Lambert and Rusty Gaston. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Domain Capital Group have partnered to acquire Miranda Lambert‘s catalog, encompassing her complete back catalog of songs. SMP Nashville and Domain have also signed a go-forward publishing deal with Lambert covering future works, extending SMP’s longstanding partnership with the country superstar, which originally began in 2003.
Managing Director, Domain Capital Group Pete Chiappetta says, “Miranda Lambert’s many awards and accolades are a testament to her ability to create impactful songs and her catalog is full of them. We are excited to be able to partner with her as well as Rusty and the incredible team at Sony Music Publishing and see what Miranda does next. This catalog is a meaningful addition to Domain’s country music portfolio and reflects our continued focus on investing in timeless songs and the writers who create them.”
“Miranda is real in every sense of the word,” shares Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “Her authenticity sets her apart and has made her a trailblazing songwriter whose voice and songs have shaped modern country music. We are honored to partner with Pete and Domain to champion her incredible songs and continue to support her as she chases her dreams to new heights.”
A critically acclaimed, award-winning songwriter, artist, entertainer, producer and entrepreneur, Lambert’s catalog encompasses No. 1 hits including “White Liar,” “Bluebird,” “Over You” and “Heart Like Mine,” as well as No. 1 country albums including the Platinum-certified The Weight of These Wings, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Kerosene. She has also achieved acclaim for songs she has penned for other artists including Morgan Wallen’s “Thought You Should Know,” Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” and Ashley Monroe’s “I’m Good At Leavin’,” plus Luke Combs’s “Outrunnin’ Your Memory” and Lainey Wilson’s “Good Horses,” both of which also showcase Lambert as a featured artist.
Her current Grammy-nominated single, “A Song To Sing,” which she co-wrote and sings on with Chris Stapleton, arrived as the biggest streaming debut of her career, while her additional co-written collaboration “Trailblazer” with Reba McEntire and Lainey Wilson is also up for a Grammy this year. Her tenth solo studio album, the Grammy-nominated Postcards from Texas, continued her streak of 10 consecutive Top 10s on the Top Country Albums chart.
Lambert’s critically acclaimed catalog of music will also serve as the inspiration for a forthcoming project being developed by Sony Pictures Television for Hulu.
Lambert was represented in the transaction by Jess Rosen at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Domain Capital Group was represented by Sheppard Mullin.
Songwriters Hall Of Fame Unveils Class of 2026
The Songwriters Hall of Fame has unveiled its class of 2026.
This year’s inductees include Taylor Swift, Walter Afanasieff, Terry Britten and Graham Lyle, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, Kenny Loggins, Alanis Morissette, and Christopher “Tricky” Stewart.
The induction ceremony will take place June 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, and will not be open to the general public. Additional special award honorees will be announced soon.
“The music industry is built upon the incredible talent of songwriters who create unforgettable songs,” shares SHOF Chairman Nile Rodgers. “Without their artistry, there would be no recorded music, concert experiences, or engaged fans. Everything originates from the song and its creator. We take great pride in our ongoing commitment to recognizing some of the most culturally significant composers in history. This year’s lineup not only showcases iconic songs but also celebrates unity across various genres. These songwriters have profoundly impacted the lives of billions of listeners worldwide, and it is our privilege to honor their contributions.”
This year’s group has credits spanning “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” “Hand In My Pocket,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Footloose,” “Single Ladies,” and “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).”
NMPA Elevates Danielle Aguirre & Charlotte Sellmyer
Danielle Aguirre & Charlotte Sellmyer
The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has elevated Danielle Aguirre and Charlotte Sellmyer.
Aguirre has been named Chief Legal Officer (CLO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO). She will continue to oversee legal and business affairs as well as NMPA operations.
In her 15-year tenure at NMPA, Aguirre has produced landmark agreements with major music platforms and litigated numerous successful rate proceedings before the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). She has contributed to crafting copyright legislation including the Music Modernization Act. After co-leading a team that developed the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), she currently serves as the statutorily designated non-voting publisher representative on its board. She was honored by Billboard as the Women in Music Co-Executive of the Year and has been named to Variety‘s Women’s Impact Report. Aguirre is a member of the Recording Academy and the Country Music Association. She received her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and her BA from Georgetown University.
Sellmyer has been promoted to Executive Vice President, External Affairs. She will continue to oversee songwriter advocacy, public relations, events, the Gold & Platinum Program and external activities of NMPA.
In her 11-year tenure, Sellmyer has expanded NMPA’s footprint to host major events across the country, led campaigns to pass major reforms including the Music Modernization Act, the designation and launch of the MLC, and multiple successful CRB litigations and settlements. She continues to lead communications efforts to compel the licensing of major digital platforms from streaming to social media and AI.
Sellmyer is a member of the Recording Academy and the Country Music Association as well as a 2022 graduate of Leadership Music. She has been named a Billboard Women in Music Top Executive multiple times and is a 2019 Texas A&M 12 Under 12 honoree. Prior to joining NMPA, Sellmyer served as Communications Director for the House Committee on Homeland Security and previously served as Press Secretary to the House Judiciary Committee. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University.
“These promotions reflect the outstanding contributions Danielle and Charlotte have made to the industry,” shares NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “NMPA has one mission—to protect and increase the value of songs. Danielle and Charlotte are key players in that mission, and their contributions are invaluable.”
Curb | Word Music Publishing Elevates Two, Adds One
Pictured (L-R): Calista Miller, Sarah Schumacher, Zachary Anderson
Curb | Word Music Publishing has elevated two team members and added one.
Sarah Schumacher has risen to Head of Creative, Country Publishing. Schumacher joined Curb | Word Music Publishing in 2021 as Creative Director, Country Publishing and rose to Sr. Creative Director, Country Publishing in 2023. She holds a Master of Arts, Music Industry Administration degree from California State University Northridge.
“I am so grateful to Mike Curb for giving me the opportunity to step into this role,” shares Schumacher. “I am honored to continue to represent and advocate on behalf of our incredible roster. It’s been a career highlight to find like-minded people who are passionate about curating ideas and executing goals to support the evolution of the country music genre, which has impacted my life and continues to inspire me.”
Additionally, Calista Miller has been elevated to Creative Director, Country Publishing. Miller joined the Curb | Word Music Publishing team as an intern in 2022 and officially joined the team as Creative Coordinator, Country Publishing upon graduating from Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business the same year.
“I’ve learned so much in the past three years at Curb and every day it’s a privilege to work in my passion,” she shares. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to grow in this role and continue working with our country team and incredible roster of songwriters and artists.”
Zachary Anderson has joined the team as Creative Coordinator, Country Publishing. Anderson comes from The Listening Room, where he booked shows and events for the last three years. In this role, he will collaborate with the creative team on strategic ideas across the roster.
On Anderson’s addition, Schumacher shares, “Zach has an incredible ear and fearless attitude in sharing and executing great ideas. We are thrilled for him to join our team in this exciting new season.”
Rose Falcon Extends Curb/Word Publishing Partnership
Rose Falcon & Sarah Schumacher
Singer-songwriter Rose Falcon has extended her publishing agreement with Curb|Word Music Publishing.
Since first signing with the company in 2020, Falcon has penned songs for artists including Chase Matthew, Redferrin, Wyatt Flores, Rodney Atkins, Tim Dugger, Jake & Shelby, Madison Hughes, Rotundo, Sean Oliu, Trevor Snider, and others. As an artist, she collaborated with Rodney Atkins as the duo Rod + Rose, releasing a self-titled EP and a collection of Christmas songs, including their original “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on Curb Records.
Prior to joining Curb|Word, Falcon earned her first No. 1 with Eric Paslay’s “Friday Night.” She also co-wrote “Give Into Me,” featured in the 2010 film Country Strong and recorded by Faith Hill and also by film stars Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester, whose rendition was certified Gold in 2014. Early in her career, Falcon signed with Columbia Records, releasing a self-titled debut album that earned placements across film, TV, and major national ad campaigns including Verizon, JCPenney, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Estée Lauder. She later signed with Show Dog-Universal Music and released two EPs for the label.
“I always love when Rose turns in a new song because I know I’m going to hear lines that no other writer could have possibly written,” says Sarah Schumacher, Head of Creative, Country Publishing. “She has a clear perspective that translates across all genres and allows artists the freedom to explore lyrically while remaining authentic to their own artistry. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Rose!”
“I’m genuinely excited for this next chapter with Curb|Word Music Publishing,” says Falcon. “There’s a rare alignment in this team that feels like purpose more than coincidence, and Sarah Schumacher continues to create rooms with a passion and intuition you simply can’t manufacture. I don’t believe in wasted days, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by people who aim at the same horizon.”
Grayson May Receives Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship From NSAI
Grayson May
Up and coming songwriter-artist Grayson May has been awarded NSAI’s 8th annual Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship. The award honors late staff member Todd Givens, who served NSAI for 31 years prior to his passing in 2018. Executive Director Bart Herbison chooses each year’s recipient.
“Grayson May is a talented songwriter whose motto: ‘Country music is a way of life,’ speaks volumes,” says Herbison. “The Louisiana native is an accomplished performer and writer who is making inroads into the Nashville and Music Row community. It is our pleasure to award the 2026 Todd Givens Memorial Scholarship to Grayson. He is someone you root for and his work ethic is unmatched.”
Through the scholarship, he will receive year-round, dedicated support from NSAI’s creative and membership teams to help guide and advance his career goals. May will also receive a free NSAI membership.
May will be honored during the annual NSAI Member Awards, presented by Regions Bank, at 3rd & Lindsley Nashville on March 26 as part of Tin Pan South week.
AIMP Nashville Young Professionals Committee Welcomes New Members
Pictured (L-R, back row): Liz Mayo, Raleigh Berschback, Ree Guyer, JD Groover, Bob Squance, Chris Owen, Courtney Kruckeberg and Halle Bartlett. (L-R, front row): Samantha Sarno, Maurna Crosby, Jennifer Hall, Kirby Mathews, Ciara Shortridge, MaryAnn Keen, Melissa Spillman, Haily Harris and Abigail Wate Ayala. Not Pictured: Lily Bunta
The Nashville chapter of AIMP (Association of Independent Music Publishers) has welcomed eight new members to its Young Professionals Committee for 2026.
Abigail Wate Ayala (Ace High Music), Bob Squance (Lady Luck Songs, Withrow Street Music), Chris Owen (Cornman Music), Halle Bartlett (One Riot Music), Jennifer Hall (Peermusic), Kirby Mathews (Back Blocks Music), Liz Mayo (The MLC), and Lily Bunta have all joined the Committee.
These new members will help spread the mission of AIMP, educating and informing music publishers about current industry trends and practices via discussions of issues and problems in the publishing industry.
Those interested in becoming an AIMP (Nashville) member can reach out to membership@aimpnashville.com.
Category: Music News
