Music News (7/8/26)

Dallas Wilson Signs With Warner Chappell Music & The Core Entertainment

Dallas Wilson has signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville, in partnership with The Core Entertainment.

To date, Wilson has penned four No. 1 country radio hits, including Dylan Scott’s “Can’t Have Mine” and “Nobody,” as well as Lainey Wilson’s Grammy-nominated single “Somewhere Over Laredo.” He wrote five tracks on Lainey Wilson’s Grammy-winning album, Bell Bottom Country, including “Heart Like a Truck,” which earned Song of the Year at the 2023 NSAI Awards. Most recently, he co-wrote her current single, “Phone, Keys, Wallet,” which features John Mayer. He has also earned cuts with Teddy Swims, Mitchell Tenpenny, ERNEST, Kameron Marlowe, Corey Kent, Larry Fleet, LOCASH, Alana Springsteen, Meghan Patrick, Filmore, Pitbull, The Beach Boys, Colbie Caillat and T-Pain, among others.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join The Core/Warner Chappell,” shares Wilson. “Their energy, culture, and track record are second to none. Getting to know Jamie Sudhalter and Bryce Gravitt has been a highlight — they’re deeply passionate about great songs and songwriters, and they work seamlessly as a team. Chief [Zaruk] and Simon [Tikhman] have built something really special at The Core, and it’s clear how much they care about the people and the music. Big shout to Austen Adams and the way he leads at Warner Chappell — he’s got a great feel for creatives and how to support them. I’m fired up for what’s ahead!”

“We’re excited to team up with The Core to welcome Dallas Wilson to our global roster,” says Bryce Gravitt, Manager, A&R, WCM Nashville. “Dallas is a remarkable talent; his songwriting instincts and production choices are incredibly well crafted. The network he’s built in Nashville and beyond speaks to his relentless work ethic and drive. We can’t wait to see what we’ll create together and to capitalize on the momentum he has already built.”

“I was a fan of Dallas’ work long before we met, but what sealed it was getting to know him as a person and a collaborator,” adds Jamie Sudhalter, Head of A&R, The Core Entertainment. “He’s got the rare combination of instinct, range, and work ethic that makes him a true career songwriter. We’re thrilled he’s chosen to build the next chapter with The Core in partnership with Warner Chappell Music.”

 

Warner Chappell Music/Warner Records Nashville Host 2nd Annual Kinfolk Nashville Writers Camp

Warner Chappell Music and Warner Records Nashville hosted the second Annual Kinfolk Nashville Writers Camp last week (June 23-25) in honor of Black Music Month.

The three-day songwriting and industry intensive united over 50 songwriters and producers, including Reyna Roberts, Mickey Guyton, Justin Love, Skimmy, Lauren Evans, Mimi McCarley, Millie Manny and Daisha McBride. Nearly 60 original songs were created, spanning multiple genres and many crafted for major label artists and high-profile sync opportunities.

Beyond the writing sessions, key programming included “Rights And Revenue,” an educational session diving deep into income streams and legal structures with Oronde Jenkins (WMG) and attorney Anjlee Khurana; “Shifting Sounds,” a conversation with Shannon Sanders, Gina Miller and James Marsh on their illustrious careers and thoughts on the current Nashville music ecosystem; “Creative Check-In,” led by Nina Teapot Owens, opening up transparent dialogue around the pressures creators face and paired with a calming meditation; and “The Playback,” a listening showcase of the camp’s creations that signaled the birth of what industry insiders expect to be future major-label hits.

The celebration extended to Broadway for the SOLID x Kinfolk Whiskey Jam Takeover featuring performances from Kenny Sharp, Shelldhn, Sarah Gerald, Hew & The Gees, Nanseera and Mille Manny.

Upcoming Kinfolk supported events include Groove And Give and The Cookout Nashville.

 

Abbey Cone Signs With Endurance Music Group

Abbey Cone has signed with Endurance Music Group.

Since moving to Nashville at age 16, Cone has amassed millions of streams, early “artist to watch” nods and performances at Stagecoach, CMA Fest, C2C Festival and the Grand Ole Opry. She has toured alongside Kimberly Perry, Mickey Guyton, Josh Turner, Morgan Wade and Fancy Hagood. Cone earned a cut on one of Vince Gill’s recent 50 Years From Home EPs with “Leaving Home.” She released her debut album Greener last year and kicked off 2026 with, “Change The Man,” followed by her latest single, “That’s Showbiz Baby.”

“The first time Abbey and I met was while taking her signing photo at ASCAP when she was 16,” says EMG Co-President and Chief Creative Officer Michael Martin. “We were re-introduced by Courtney Kruckeberg at the EMG office, where we all just connected on songs, music, and life. Abbey—the Endurance team is so excited to work with you and Amanda and write our own journey together!”

“There was so much synchronicity in the way this partnership came together, and Endurance felt like family from the very beginning,” says Cone. “I feel truly seen by this team as an artist, a songwriter, and a person, and even though this is my fourth publishing deal, in a lot of ways it feels like my first. I’m so excited for this new chapter and can’t wait to see what we build together.”

“I’ve been a fan of Abbey’s from the sidelines for a few years now, and I’m stoked to officially be part of the team! Abbey is not only an incredible artist—she’s a seasoned and versatile writer who has proven she can do anything from country to pop and beyond. We’re excited for what’s to come,” adds EMG Creative Director Courtney Kruckeberg.

 

Universal Music Publishing Group And One4 Music Form Joint Publishing Venture

Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville and ONE4 Music have partnered to form a new joint publishing venture. Hunter Flynn has joined as the flagship signing.

Hailing from Eastern Kentucky, Flynn attended Eastern Kentucky University studying biomedical sciences before a 2021 car accident led him to focus on art and music. Over the last two years, Flynn has played nearly 200 shows across the United States and Europe. In 2025, he was named Artist in Residence at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, and he recently signed with Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment and WME.

“Troy (Tomlinson) and I share a deep respect for great songs and the people who write them, and our shared passion for developing great songwriters is at the core of ONE4 Music,” shares ONE4 Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Brian Wright. “Hunter is exactly the kind of songwriter we want to champion, a storyteller with a unique perspective and a gift for connecting with listeners. We’re proud to welcome him as our first signing.”

“ONE4 Music is built on a long-standing friendship and a shared belief in putting songwriters first,” shares Troy Tomlinson, UMPG Nashville’s Chairman and CEO. “What drew us to Hunter is the honesty in his writing. His foundation is strong, and we’re looking forward to supporting him as he continues to develop his voice as a songwriter.”

 

AIMP Showcases Rising Talent At 2026 Unsigned Songwriter Series

The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville held its annual Unsigned Songwriter Series showcase on June 23 at The Listening Room Cafe, welcoming industry professionals, publishers, songwriters and music fans for the special songwriters round.

The evening was hosted by Jon Decious and Troy Cartwright, and featured performances from the members of the 2026 AIMP Unsigned Songwriter Series class: Parker Graye, Carly Zimmerman, Timothy Baker, JD Wise, Maddie Lenhart and Gloria Anderson. Each writer took the stage to perform in an intimate writers round alongside the evening’s hosts, offering attendees a firsthand look at some of Nashville’s most promising emerging talent.

The annual showcase is designed to connect rising songwriters with publishers, managers and other industry professionals while celebrating the craft of songwriting in one of Nashville’s signature listening room settings. Since its inception, the Unsigned Songwriter Series has provided exposure and meaningful networking opportunities for developing writers as they build their careers.

 

David Spencer Re-Signs With Essential Music Publishing

Platinum-selling songwriter and producer David Spencer has extended his exclusive publishing deal with Essential Music Publishing.

Spencer has over a billion streams to his credit, and his work consistently lands on the radio and streaming charts. He has collaborated with a wide range of artists from various genres, and in 2026 alone, he will celebrate the release of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Carly Simon’s new single “Howl” from her new album, as well as co-writing and producing Jo Dee Messina’s album Bridges, and working with breakout viral artist Neoni on their new album on Virgin Music Group.

In 2023, Spencer earned ASCAP Song of the Year for “In Jesus Name (God of Possible),” a nine-week No. 1 that set the record for the longest-running debut single by a female artist in CCM history. He followed with another No. 1, “Who I Am” by Ben Fuller. He has since had additional cuts by artists like Seph Schlueter, Jamie McDonald, Sanctus Real, and Zach Williams, with his top 5 Billboard hit, “Jesus Loves.” In addition to his chart success, Spencer plays a key role in artist development, serving as a key writing and producing partner for Neoni and helping shape the duo’s evolving sound and global reach. The viral Gold hit “Darkside” marked a breakout moment with hundreds of millions of streams, and his ongoing work continues to define the duo’s evolving musical identity.

Spencer’s music has also been featured in major cultural moments, including the Super Bowl and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. He most recently secured a worldwide sync placement with Adobe featuring “Pocket Size” by Sansol the Artist, highlighting his continued impact across both creative and commercial spaces.

“It’s no surprise that David has risen to be one of the most sought-after writers and producers across CCM, country, and sync – his talent has always been undeniable,” shares Jamie Rogers, VP, Essential Music Publishing. “But beyond the accolades, David is simply someone you love being in this business with. We’re genuinely excited and deeply grateful to extend our partnership with him,and we couldn’t be more honored to run alongside him as he continues to create genre-defining music.”

Category: Music News