Liz Rose Renews Global Partnership With Warner Chappell Music
Pictured (L-R, back row): Scott Ponce (Liz Rose Music), Austen Adams (WCM), Phil May (WCM) and Dave Pacula (Liz Rose Music). (L-R, front row): Christina Wiltshire (WCM), Liz Rose, Gracie Glass (Liz Rose Music)
Liz Rose has renewed her global partnership with with Warner Chappell Music.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame member was a pivotal collaborator for Taylor Swift early in her career, co-writing 16 global hits, including “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version),” “You Belong With Me” and “Teardrops On My Guitar,” among many others. Beyond that, she has earned cuts with Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Megan Moroney, Dan + Shay, Parker McCollum, Chris Young and Eli Young Band, among many others. An ACM, CMA, and SESAC Songwriter of the Year recipient and Texas Heritage Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee, Rose was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of the Fame last year.
The renewed agreement also reinforces a landmark pact with Liz Rose Music, Rose’s independent publishing company, whose roster includes Eric Paslay, Adam Sanders, Cassidy Daniels and more.
“I’m really happy to continue my partnership with the Warner Chappell team,” shares Rose. “We’ve built something special together over the years, and I’m grateful for the trust, support, and shared commitment to great songs. I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings.”
“Without a doubt, Liz is one of the most influential songwriters of our time, with an impressive catalog of music whose impact transcends generations,” adds Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “We’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship and remain committed to supporting her vision as both a songwriter and a leader. Together with Scott, they’ve built an incredibly talented roster of creators at Liz Rose Music, and we’re honored to be a part of their next chapter.”
Group Projects Publishing Adds Josh Kerr As Partner
Pictured (L-R): Cooper Anstett, Emma Kiefer, Josh Kerr and Anthony Manker. Photo: Courtesy of Group Projects Publishing
Group Projects Publishing has added Josh Kerr as Partner, expanding the leadership team alongside founders Anthony Manker and Cooper Anstett, and Director of A&R Emma Kiefer.
A Grammy Award-winning songwriter, his catalog includes tracks with Kelsea Ballerini, Morgan Wallen, Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson, Jessie Murph, Ashley Cooke, Jake Scott, Jordan Davis, Stephen Wilson Jr and more. Kerr recently led production on Dickerson’s latest album, which features the Jonas Brothers collaboration and No. 1 single “Happen To Me,” as well as writing and producing tracks on Rhett’s latest project. A frequent creative partner of for KING & COUNTRY with seven award-winning No. 1 singles, Kerr also co-produced Keith Urban’s CMA-nominated Graffiti U and co-wrote Little Big Town’s ACM-nominated “Sugar Coat.”
“This partnership with Group Projects is about investing in people,” says Kerr. I’m grateful for the opportunity to develop songwriters and artists, champion creativity, and build something meaningful together.”
“Partnering with Josh to support the development of the Group Projects Publishing roster strengthens our A&R capabilities and significantly amplifies the value of our collective resources, drawing on his seasoned industry wisdom, proven instinct for identifying hits, and leadership across writing, production, and creative development,” adds Kiefer. “We are deeply grateful and excited to collaborate alongside him, combining our ears, leveraging his hard-earned relationships and network, and building opportunities to win together.
NSAI Reveals First Honorees For 2026 NSAI Member Awards
NSAI has revealed the first honorees for its annual awards, set to take place on March 26 at 3rd and Lindsley Nashville.
Grayson May, the recent recipient of the 2026 Todd Given’s Memorial Scholarship, Adam Epstein, Julia Keefe and Ralston Wells will each receive a Friend of NSAI award for their support of the organization. NSAI will award five Milestone awards to Jessie Brackin, Philip Morgan, Jacob Rice, Abbey Rowe and Gabe Walsh. This award is given to members who have achieved notable career success over the past year.
Lydia Vaughan will serve as the opening performer.
Tickets are available now.
The NSAI Member Awards take place during Tin Pan South week, set for March 24-28.
ERN’s Cadillac Music Adds Three To Team
Pictured (L-R): Dane Schmidt, Jordan Marcus and Jude Warren. Photos: Jessie Addleman
ERN’s Cadillac Music has added three new hires to its team. Dane Schmidt has joined as Senior Director of A&R, Jordan Marcus as Creative Coordinator/Executive Assistant, and Jude Warren as A&R/Executive Assistant.
“Everybody on the team at Cadillac feels like family,” shares Founder ERNEST. “I have known Dane for almost 12 years and our journeys in the business started around the same time. He has always been so great with songs and relationships and adds so much value to our team. Jordan is a lovely addition and has stepped up in her role – constantly finding songs and putting rooms together. Jude started as my intern, but I knew immediately that I should hire him full-time. His ceiling is limitless. It’s full circle and truly all in the family when it comes to the team we’ve curated.”
“Absolutely pumped to join the Cadillac family,” adds Schmidt. “I’ve been fortunate to witness the evolution of Ernest as a songwriter, artist and now publisher: his ability for finding and mentoring talent has been both exciting and inspiring to watch. Beyond grateful to work with him to champion great songs, the incredible talent behind them and push the boundaries of what a modern publishing company can be.”
In his new role, Schmidt will lead the company’s writing roster, which includes Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden, Jacob Durrett, Mark Holman, Rafe Tenpenny and Rhys Rutherford. Prior to ERN’s Cadillac Music, Schmidt led his own creative management company Daschent, which has earned over 25 No. 1s since its inception in 2022. Previous stops also include Sony Music Publishing, Tree Vibez Music and co-founding WeVolve Music.
Marcus has helped songwriters build their careers and navigate their creative journeys. Previously, she worked in live event production at Amazon as well as founded and operated her own private chef company. Prior to ERN’s, Warren held internship roles for King Pen Music and Republic Records.
Sarah Allison Turner Extends Deal With Ebach Entertainment & Kobalt Music
Sarah Allison Turner
Sarah Allison Turner has extended her deal with Ebach Entertainment and Kobalt Music.
The West Virginia native has earned cuts with Tim McGraw, Jordan Davis, Tyler Braden, Priscilla Block, Lauren Alaina, Payton Smith, Britnee Kellogg, Abbie Callahan and others. She has also had her songs featured in Greys Anatomy and Landman.
“Sarah is extremely talented and an incredibly hard worker,” says said Janine Ebach, GM & Owner of Ebach Entertainment. “She has had several notable cuts in our time together and has many big things in pipeline. I’m excited to continue our partnership and look forward to celebrating in the near future.”
“I am thrilled to extend my time with Ebach Entertainment and Kobalt! Janine and Stephanie are two of the hardest-working people I know, and we make a great team! I look forward to seeing what the future holds!” shares Turner.
“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Sarah Allison Turner’s rise from songwriter intern to accomplished songwriter,” adds Stephanie Cox, GM & SVP of Creative, Kobalt Nashville. “Her refined craft, artist’s perspective, and relentless work ethic have earned her numerous cuts and standout collaborations. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”
Cole Phillips Inks With Eclipse Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Kurt Locher, Anna Thiel, Cole Phillips, Penny Gattis and Courtney Crist.
Songwriter and producer Cole Phillips has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Eclipse Music Publishing.
As a guitarist, Phillips has toured internationally as a sideman for artists including Gretchen Wilson, Colt Ford and Canaan Smith. His credits span country, pop and EDM, with collaborations with Clever, Colt Ford, Scotty Hastings and more. Phillips’ projects throughout his career have collectively generated hundreds of millions of streams.
“Cole is the kind of creative force we’re always looking for,” says Penny Gattis, Partner at Eclipse Music Group. “He understands songs at their core—how they’re written, how they’re produced, and how they translate to an audience.”
“He can take on any role in the writer room,” adds Courtney Crist, Vice President of Eclipse Publishing. “Not only is he an incredible talent, but he’s also the kind of person everyone wants to be around. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Eclipse Music Group family.”
“I’m grateful to join the Eclipse family,” says Phillips. “Their reputation for championing writers and building careers is second to none, and I’m excited to work with such an amazing publishing team. Big thanks to Penny, Courtney, Anna [Thiel], and Kurt [Locher] for their belief in me and for welcoming me so fully into the fold.”