Music News (10/21/26)
Mike Sistad, Evyn Mustoe Johnston Exit ASCAP
Mike Sistad & Evyn Mustoe Johnston
Mike Sistad and Evyn Mustoe Johnston have unexpectedly exited ASCAP after 25 and 14 years with the organization, respectively. Sistad most recently served as Vice President, Nashville Membership, while Johnston was Assistant Vice President.
Sistad joined ASCAP’s Nashville Membership team in 2001 and has helped drive major market share growth at the PRO. He was elevated to VP in 2019, managing ASCAP’s relationships with some of its most successful members, including 12x ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley; recording artists Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Carly Pearce, Brothers Osborne, Kelsea Ballerini, Jordan Davis, Old Dominion, Brandy Clark and Chris Stapleton; and hit songwriters Craig Wiseman, Josh Osborne and Hillary Lindsey. He has also been instrumental in developing ASCAP’s next generation of country songwriter-artists, including Nate Smith, Hailey Whitters and George Birge. Before ASCAP, Sistad played in Phil Vassar’s band and spent nine years as an A&R rep at Arista Records Nashville.
“I am proud of our Nashville team and my 25+ years with ASCAP,” Sistad says. “My heart is, and always will be, with the songwriters and musicians that give this town its voice. Thank you to Connie Bradley for bringing me to ASCAP and all my friends in our Nashville Music community. I look forward to my next chapter and will see you soon.”
Johnston joined the ASCAP Nashville team in 2012, focusing on developing both new and established talent across genres. She managed key festival partnerships, coordinating events and performance opportunities for ASCAP members at 30A Songwriters Festival, Americana Music Festival, Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival and more. She also played an essential role in curating creator-first programming, including showcases, song camps and mixers.
“I have deep respect, love, and am extremely grateful for every experience and memory that came with my nearly 15 years at ASCAP,” Johnston shares. “Nashville is home, music is a huge part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to be an advocate for songwriters, publishers, and all creators in this town I love so much.”
Warner Chappell Music Signs Elizabeth Nichols To Global Publishing Deal
Pictured (L-R): Spencer Nohe (WCM), Elizabeth Nichols, Katy Wolaver (WCM) and Austen Adams (WCM). Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Warner Chappell Music Nashville has signed a global publishing deal with rising singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols.
Nichols burst onto the country music scene with her viral breakout single, “I Got a New One,” which has amassed over 60 million global streams to date. She is currently on her first-ever national headlining run, the “I Don’t Kiss and Tell, I Kiss and Tour.”
“I’m very excited to join Warner Chappell, where I can finally monetize my questionable taste in men. I have the best team in the world. Here’s to many more songs,” Nichols shares.
Katy Wolaver, SVP, A&R, Warner Chappell Music, says, “Elizabeth is a breath of fresh air… witty, clever, and unabashed in taking authentic life experiences and turning them into irresistible lyrics and melodies. Her songs embrace a wide range of moods and emotions, from unique takes on relationships to political satire. In just a short time on the country landscape, she’s moved her career into high gear, and all of us at Warner Chappell are delighted to join her on what is sure to be an incredible ride.”
Payton Sullivan Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Pictured (Back Row, L-R): Kenley Flynn (SMP), Tom Luteran (SMP), Dale Bobo (SMP) and Synnovea Halsel (SMP). (Front Row, L-R): Payton Sullivan and Rusty Gaston (SMP). Photo: Savannah Spencer
Payton Sullivan has signed with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
Born in Florida and raised near Nashville, Sullivan has shared stages with Eli Young Band, Midland, Chase Matthew and Redferrin. Her recent releases include “F150” and the Kristian Bush-produced “Blondie,” which secured a spot on Spotify’s All New Country playlist. She is currently on the road with Sugarland as direct support on the “2026 Ride or Die Tour.”
“With southern roots running as deep as her island breezes, Payton brings a high-octane energy to the genre that is entirely her own,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville Vice President, Creative A&R Tom Luteran and Manager, Creative A&R, Synnovea Halsel. “Her electrifying debut release captures that signature larger-than-life spirit. We are excited to have her on the Sony Music Publishing team.”
“Any team that’ll wear bikini top T-shirts for you is a ride-or-die team! I’ve been writing songs since I was five, and dreaming of this life in my bedroom, so joining Rusty [Gaston], Tom, and everyone at Sony Music Publishing means the world,” adds Sullivan. “None of this would be possible without the songs, and I can’t wait to write the next chapter with them.”
Jared Conrad Inks With Sony Music Publishing & TAYCAN Entertainment
Pictured (L-R, back row): Rachel Guttmann (Gutt Law), Scott Hendricks (TAYCAN), Brandon Perdue (BPM) and Cam Caldwell (SMP). (L-R, front row): Blake Duncan (TAYCAN) and Jared Conrad. Photo: Savannah Spencer
Jared Conrad has signed with Sony Music Publishing and TAYCAN Entertainment.
Conrad has earned cuts with Cody Johnson, Lee Brice, Brothers Osborne, Ian Munsick, Randall King, Mitchell Tenpenny and Austin Snell, among many others. He co-wrote Pentatonix and Meghan Trainor’s “Kid On Christmas” from the Grammy-nominated album Holidays Around The World.
He recently produced Aaron Loy’s “Take It Easy Cowgirl,” which topped the Texas Country Radio chart. Additional recent releases include “Fool Proof” by Johnson ft. Brothers Osborne, “1000 Lifetimes” by Gareth, “Earn Your Spurs” by Munsick and “What Would You Do” by Tyce Delk. He is also working on upcoming projects for Stephen Wilson Jr., Tyler Braden and Tenpenny.
“I honestly could not dream up a better fit than TAYCAN & Sony. Blake has firmly established his reputation as one of the hardest working, well connected, and most strategic publishers in town, on top of being one of the most well-liked and respected people amongst both songwriters and other publishers alike,” shares Conrad. “Plus, as a producer, getting to work with Scott is an undeniably exceptional opportunity. Very grateful to be a part of this team and excited for what’s in store!”
Category: Music News
