Music News (4/5/23)

Warner Chappell Inks Global Publishing Deal With Austin Shawn

Pictured (L-R, top row): Simon Tikhman (The Core), Chief Zaruk (The Core), Matt Cottingham (Attorney); (L-R, bottom row): Ryan Beuschel (WCM), Austin Shawn, Ben Vaughn (WCM)

Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing deal with chart-topping writer, producer, mixer, and engineer Austin Shawn. The Nashville-based songwriter is best known for his work on Bailey Zimmerman‘s smash hits “Rock And A Hard Place,” “Fall In Love,” and “Religiously.” Those songs have led to Shawn spending a total of 43 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Country Producer Charts, with 11 consecutive weeks at No. 1. Shawn also spent 36 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 Producer Charts.

“Rock and A Hard Place” currently sits at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has racked up more than 550 million global streams to date. A frequent collaborator of Zimmerman, Shawn has been hard at work on the Warner Music Nashville/Elektra artist’s upcoming album, Religiously. The Album., which will be released this May.

“I’m grateful that this crazy music thing has landed me here at Warner Chappell with some amazing people that are honestly great friends to hang with,” says Shawn. “They’ve been on the same wavelength with everything I’m doing since day 1 and that means the world to me. More tunes coming in hot!”

“Austin Shawn is innovating what it means to be a producer, co-writer, and developer of talent on Music Row,” says Ben Vaughn, President and CEO, Warner Chappell Music. “He wears so many hats well, and he brings a creative through line to every project that always puts the uniqueness of the artist and song first. We’re honored to welcome him into the Warner Chappell family.”

Matt Schuster Signs With Universal Music Publishing Group

Pictured (L-R): Extended Play Music Group’s Eric Parker, Matt Schuster and UMPG Nashville’s Roxy King. Photo: UMPG Nashville

Singer-songwriter Matt Schuster has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

A 21-year-old from Charleston, Illinois, Schuster has quickly grown a fanbase with over 500,000 followers. He has amassed more than 75 million streams with original songs such as “Know Ya,” “From The Start” and “If I Was A Cowboy.” Averaging 10 million streams monthly, Schuster recently notched four songs on the Spotify Country Global Top 200 Chart. His new single, “Wasted Prayers,” recently debuted on all streaming platforms.

“The first time I heard Matt’s songs and voice, I knew we had to work with him,” says Roxy King, Director, A&R for UMPG Nashville. “His talent, work ethic and vision have captured the interest of Music Row and beyond. We are thrilled that he chose UMPG as his music publishing partner and look forward to supporting all of his success to come.”

“This relationship is the beginning of something very special,” says Schuster. “Roxy and the UMPG team really understand my vision, and it’s so encouraging to know they have the same goals. This feels like family. I’m so proud to call UMPG home.”

Nathan Wilson Signs With Round Hill Music

Pictured (L-R): Round Hill’s Mike Whelan, Nathan Wilson, Round Hill’s Lindsay Will and Bob Squance. Photo: Courtesy of Round Hill Music

Nathan Wilson has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Round Hill Music, which has celebrated over 70 No. 1 songs since opening their doors in 2014.

In the past year, the Kentucky native has amassed over seven million streams across all platforms and over 12 million views on TikTok. His upcoming single, “Good at Getting Gone,” drops on April 14.

“Nathan is the full package, and I am beyond excited for Round Hill to be a part of his career,” says Lindsay Will, Round Hill Director of A&R. “He has a powerful voice combined with natural talent, an incredible work ethic and the ability to craft great songs. I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes.”

“When I was 10, my mom bought me my first guitar,” shares Wilson. “If you told me that guitar would lead me moving to Nashville to pursue a dream of writing songs and playing music, I would’ve told you that you’re crazy. Thank you to Lindsay and to Round Hill for giving me the opportunity to do what I love and am truly passionate about. We’ve been working hard and we’re just getting started.”