Josh Van Valkenburg Named UMPG Nashville President, Troy Tomlinson Moves To Advisory Role
Josh Van Valkenburg, Troy Tomlinson
Universal Music Publishing Group has named Josh Van Valkenburg President of UMPG Nashville. He starts Jan. 4, 2027, will be based in Nashville and will report to UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson. Longtime UMPG Nashville Chairman & CEO Troy Tomlinson is moving into an exclusive advisory role with the company.
Van Valkenburg will run UMPG Nashville and set its creative direction. That includes signing and developing emerging talent, supporting the company’s roster of songwriters, artists and producers, and creating new opportunities for established writers and their catalogs.
“Country music is more global today than at any time in its history, and the opportunities for Nashville’s songwriters have never been greater,” says Gerson. “Josh brings the vision, ambition and leadership skills to build on that momentum, along with deep relationships throughout the creative community and a gift for identifying and developing exceptional songwriters. I’m thrilled to welcome him to UMPG and look forward to all he and our Nashville team will accomplish together.”
Van Valkenburg was most recently Executive Vice President, Creative at Sony Music Publishing Nashville, a role he was promoted to in 2021. He had led the company’s Nashville creative efforts since 2015. He started his publishing career at EMI Music Publishing in 2006 and became Creative Director at Sony/ATV in 2012.
He has signed and championed songwriters including Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, Chris DeStefano, Natalie Hemby, Matt Rogers and Lindsay Rimes. Writers he has worked with have won two Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and earned more than 80 No. 1 radio singles. He serves on the CMA Board of Directors and as an alumni advisor for Leadership Music.
“Jody Gerson is an exceptional leader who remains steadfastly passionate about fighting for creatives and their art. I’m grateful for her trust and the opportunity to lead UMPG Nashville into its next chapter. Timeless songs and brilliant songwriters are the foundation of our business, and I’m excited to work with our Nashville team to recognize exceptional talent, champion creativity and help songwriters realize their full potential. Building on UMPG Nashville’s incredible legacy means embracing new ways of doing business while strengthening our place among the world’s great creative communities. I want to honor Troy Tomlinson for his genuine love of songwriters, his willingness to share his wisdom and experience with the many of us who look up to him, and his long-standing leadership within UMPG and the greater Nashville creative community,” says Van Valkenburg.
Tomlinson has led UMPG Nashville since 2019. Over more than four decades, he has helped guide the careers of artists including Taylor Swift, Kenny Chesney, Megan Moroney, Keith Urban and Luke Bryan. He was previously President and CEO of Sony/ATV Nashville from 2005 to 2019, and before that he spent 15 years at Acuff-Rose Music Publishing. He received the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award in 2024.
“Having worked with Troy for nearly 15 years, first at Sony and then at UMPG, has been a gift, and I’m deeply grateful for his leadership and friendship,” shares Gerson. “He is loved and respected throughout Nashville by the songwriters and artists he’s championed and, equally, by his countless colleagues across the industry. Troy is an icon in the Nashville and publishing communities, and I’m thrilled that, as he eases into retirement after such an illustrious career, he’s agreed to stay on as an advisor and continue sharing his wisdom and experience with us.”
“Reuniting with Jody, an extraordinary leader and dear friend, has been deeply rewarding, and I’m proud of what we’ve built together,” says Tomlinson. “I’m also grateful to our Nashville team for their never-ending passion and commitment to songwriters. Having brought Josh onto our creative team at Sony/ATV many years back, I know firsthand his ear for songs, eye for talent and deep understanding of music publishing. I’m thrilled Josh will lead UMPG Nashville and confident he’ll take this team to new heights. After more than four decades in music publishing, I’m looking forward to more time with my family, especially spoiling my grandsons, and I’m deeply grateful to my wife for the love and care she’s given us all.”
Vince Gill, Bob McDill Among Songwriters Hall Of Fame 2027 Nominees
The Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced the nominees to be voted upon for induction at its 2027 Induction & Awards Gala in New York City.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the lives and legacies of the songwriters behind the world’s most enduring songs. A songwriter with a catalog of notable songs qualifies for induction 20 years after their first commercial release of a song. Eligible voting members will have until midnight ET on Dec. 14 to turn in ballots, with their choices of up to three nominees in each of the songwriter and performing songwriter categories.
Vince Gill is among the nominees in the Performing Songwriter Category, along with Debbie Harry and Chris Stein of Blondie, Lady Gaga, P!NK, Jack White, and more.
Bob McDill, the songwriter behind hits like “Amanda,” “Good Ole Boys Like Me.” “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” and “Song Of The South”; Tom Douglas, who has penned “The House That Built Me,” “Grown Men Don’t Cry,” “I Run To You,” and “Little Rock”; and Dan Wilson, the writer behind songs like “Closing Time,” “Someone Like You ” “Not Ready To Make Nice.” are among the nominees in the Non-Performing Songwriters category.
A full list of nominees is available at songhall.org.
Wynonna Judd To Be Honored With ASCAP Golden Note Award
Wynonna. Photo: Thomas Crabtree
ASCAP will present Wynonna Judd with its Golden Note Award at the ASCAP Nashville Songwriter Awards on Nov. 16.
The award recognizes significant career achievements by songwriters, composers and artists. Previous recipients include Garth Brooks, Tom Petty, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Ann Womack, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson and Don Williams, among others.
“Wynonna’s legendary career is defined by a singular, powerhouse voice and a rich body of work that has permanently shaped the landscape of American music,” says ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams. “As we honor her with the ASCAP Golden Note Award, we celebrate a true trailblazer whose soulful, unmistakable sound continues to inspire generations of music creators.”
Judd launched her solo career in 1992 with the release of her self-titled debut album, quickly establishing herself as a standout voice in country music. Throughout her career, she has earned five Grammy Awards, released multiple platinum-selling albums and toured to sold-out crowds. Building on the traditional country sound she developed with The Judds, she went on to explore a range of styles, earning success on both the country and dance charts.
Her early solo albums, the 5x Platinum Wynonna and platinum-selling Tell Me Why, featured hits including “No One Else on Earth,” “Tell Me Why,” “She Is His Only Need,” “Girls with Guitars” and “I Saw the Light.”
Most recently, Judd released The Hard Truth via ANTI-Records. The 10-track album marked her first project featuring her own co-writes and draws on personal experiences. The album earned more than 1.3 million streams in its first week and debuted in the top 10 of Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. She is currently touring North America on “The Hard Truth Tour.”
ASCAP Partners With Project Healthy Minds To Expand Mental Health Services
ASCAP has expanded its Wellness Program with a new mental health member benefit in collaboration with Project Healthy Minds.
The initiative provides ASCAP members with confidential access to a comprehensive ecosystem of mental health services, therapy options and wellness tools. Project Healthy Minds developed an intuitive discovery platform that connects individuals with a diverse range of mental health services. Through this new partnership, ASCAP members will have curated access to the platform and can privately connect with mental health service providers.
Available services include therapy and psychiatry, peer-led and expert-moderated support groups, and self-care apps and digital tools for daily wellness. The partnership expands ASCAP’s wellness benefits, which also include discounts and perks through partners such as Aaptiv, Daily Burn, BetterHelp and Paramount Rx, alongside telemedicine through MD Live. All current ASCAP writer and publisher members can access the resources by logging into the ASCAP Member Access portal.
“Creativity thrives when creators are supported – in mind, body, and spirit,” says ASCAP Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Digital Officer Nick Lehman. “Music creators put their everything into the music we love, yet trying to find quality, affordable support shouldn’t feel like everything is stacked against them in an opaque healthcare system. By teaming up with Project Healthy Minds, we are delivering direct access to vetted care – removing friction so our members get meaningful support, whenever and however they need it.”
“Songwriters have helped millions of people feel less alone, and this partnership makes sure they have that same support in return. We are thrilled to give ASCAP’s members a simple way to find care, whether that’s a therapist, a support group or a tool they can use on the road,” says Phillip Schermer, Founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds.
The announcement coincides with the jump.global Summit in Los Angeles, where Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Cheryl “Salt” James of hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa and Elle UK’s woman of hope, MILCK, aka Connie K Lim, will take the stage alongside ASCAP Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy & Digital Officer Nick Lehman on Nov. 10 for “The Empathy Bridge: A Creator-to-Executive Conversation.
Karleigh Schmidt Signs With Big Loud Texas Publishing
Pictured (L-R): Big Loud Texas Co-Founders Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall, Karleigh Schmidt, Lizzy Rector (Director, Big Loud Texas Publishing) and Brendon Anthony (Vice President, Big Loud Texas). Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Songwriter Karleigh Schmidt has inked a publishing deal with Big Loud Texas Publishing.
“Signing with Big Loud Texas Publishing is truly a dream come true and an answered prayer, and I couldn’t imagine a better team to call home,” shares Schmidt. “I’m beyond excited to be working alongside Lizzy [Rector], JR [Jon Randall], Miranda [Lambert], Brendon [Anthony], and the entire Big Loud family who have been such champions from the beginning.
“I’m incredibly passionate about the creative bridge Big Loud Texas fosters between Nashville and Texas and I’m honored to be a part of that,” she continues. “This partnership feels so full circle for my East Texas heart, and I can’t wait to see what we build together.”
“We are so lucky to have Karleigh join the Big Loud Texas family,” Big Loud Texas Co-Founder Randall says. “She is the kind of songwriter that shows up with sleeves rolled up, pencil sharpened and a bag of killer ideas. Can’t wait to watch her knock it out of the park.”
“Karleigh is one of those writers who makes every room better,” adds Lizzy Rector, Director, Big Loud Texas Publishing. “She’s incredibly intentional in both her songwriting and the relationships she builds, in the writing room and beyond. We’re lucky to have her as part of the Big Loud Texas family!”
Schmidt is originally from Lindale, Texas, the hometown of Big Loud Texas Co-Founder Lambert. Inspired by the sounds of Lambert, Vince Gill and Lee Ann Womack, she moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. She later participated in the AIMP Nashville Class of 2025 Unsigned Songwriter Series. Schmidt will remain based in Nashville.
Chris Andreucci Inks With Lady Luck Songs/Losers Publishing & Cypress MGMT
Pictured (L-R): Cliff Audretch, General Manager, Lady Luck Songs; Jensen Gahagan Sessums, Founder, Cypress MGMT; Chris Andreucci; Kim Penz, Founder, Lady Luck Songs and Bob Squance, Creative Director, Lady Luck Songs
Chris Andreucci has signed a publishing deal with Lady Luck Songs/Losers Publishing, as well as a management deal with Cypress MGMT.
Born in Scotland and now based in Nashville, Andreucci combines modern country music with the sound and influence of his Scottish roots. A British Country Music Award nominee, he was named “Scotland’s Best Country Music Artist” by Capital FM. He gained international attention with “Tamed by Tennessee,” his duet with Callum Kerr, which reached more than 5 million global streams in six months. He recently released his EP Somewhere In The Middle.
“We’re excited to welcome Chris Andreucci to the Lady Luck/Losers family,” says Kim Penz, Founder of Lady Luck Songs. “He brings Scottish soul, country storytelling, and a fresh accent to the writing room—in every sense.”
“We’re thrilled to add Chris to our roster of incredible artists,” shares Jensen Gahagan Sessums, Founder of Cypress MGMT. “Whether Chris is back home selling out venues, in the writing rooms in Nashville, or continuing to build his presence in the U.S., we have witnessed a truly talented artist with an unbelievable work ethic. His love for this industry and everyone around him is remarkable, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for our Scottish Cowboy!”
“It’s been five years since I made the move from Scotland to Nashville, and moments like this make all the hard work along the way feel worth it,” adds Andreucci. “I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have believed in me and my songs, and I feel blessed to be surrounded by a growing team that shares the same vision. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to get to work.”
A regular performer at Losers Bar and Riley Green’s Duckblind, Andreucci has shared stages with Post Malone, Morgan Wallen, Riley Green, Chris Young, Nate Smith and PGA golf legend John Daly. He has also opened for Brooks & Dunn and George Thorogood & The Destroyers, performed on bills with Luke Combs and Ashley McBryde, and appeared at Music City Rodeo 2026 alongside Miranda Lambert and Jon Pardi. Other performances include The Bluebird Cafe, Whiskey Jam and a 10-night residency at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
In April 2027, Andreucci will return to the U.K. and Ireland for his “A Night From Nashville Tour,” with stops in London, Glasgow, Belfast and Dublin.
Park Chisolm Inks With Sony Music Publishing & River House Artists
Kayla Adkins (River House Sr. Creative Dr), Lyndsay Kash (River House Creative Coordinator), Park Chisolm and Lauren Lieu (River House Sr. Creative Dr). Photo: Josef Lloyd
Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Park Chisolm has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with River House Artists.
Chisolm has written songs for several major artists, including Lainey Wilson, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Ashley McBryde, Aubrie Sellers and Jackson Dean. He also works on music for film and television. Chisolm contributed as a songwriter and guitarist to Wilson’s GRAMMY-winning album Bell Bottom Country. His other songwriting credits include Shelton’s “Bet You Still Think About Me,” Sellers’ “Far From Home” and Chesney’s “Top Down.”
Chisolm is also a longtime member and primary songwriter for Kevin Costner’s band Modern West. He co-produced the band’s last two albums, Famous For Killing Each Other, which features the theme song from Costner’s award-winning Hatfields & McCoys, and Tales From Yellowstone, which was featured in the hit series Yellowstone. Most recently, Chisolm wrote and recorded the theme for the History Channel mini-series The West. His other work has appeared on VH1, ESPN, PBS, History Channel and Paramount.
“I’m thrilled to be joining both the River House and Sony families,” says Chisolm. “River House is such an amazing and eclectic group of artists and songwriters, and they have a great track record of helping people find their creative voices and flourish. And Sony brings such an impressive history of music business success that seems to never slow down – it’s really the perfect pairing, and I can’t wait to dig in.”
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome Park Chisolm to the River House family,” shares River House Artists EVP Zebb Luster. “He brings so much creativity, intention, and heart to everything he does. Park has already made such huge waves in his career and we’re so grateful to have the opportunity to be in his corner and help build on what he’s already established.”
“Park is a tremendous talent whose passion for music comes through in everything he creates,” adds Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “We are so impressed by everything he has built thus far and are incredibly excited to partner with River House in supporting this next chapter of his career.”
Chase Wright Inks With Lady Luck Songs
Pictured (L-R): Lady Luck General Manager Cliff Audretch, Lady Luck Creative Director Bob Squance, Chase Wright and Lady Luck Owner Kim Penz
Chase Wright has inked with Lady Luck Songs.
Wright has amassed more than 405 million global streams across his three full-length albums, Intertwined, Letting Go and Chasing Shadows. With more than 1.7 million followers across platforms, he has been named a Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch, SiriusXM Highway Find and Pandora Artist to Watch.
“Chase has a knack for turning a personal story into somebody else’s favorite song,” says Lady Luck Songs owner Kim Penz. “His clear creative vision and instincts draw in the listener. We’re proud to bet on him.”
“Songwriting has always been at the heart of everything I do as an artist, so finding the right people to surround myself with creatively is incredibly important to me,” shares Wright. “I’ve worked hard to build my career independently, and I’m excited to partner with a team at Lady Luck Songs that believes in what I’m building and shares my passion for great songs. Nashville is full of incredibly talented people, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep growing as a songwriter, collaborating with new voices, and creating music that connects with people.”