Music News (08/07/24)

Jonas Group Publishing Signs Justin Ebach & Acquires Catalog

Pictured (L-R): SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill, Shannan Hatch, Jonas Group Entertainment’s George Kreis, Kevin Jonas Sr., Justin Ebach, Ebach Entertainment’s Janine Ebach, Jonas Group Publishing’s Leslie DiPiero, Emily Peacock and Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC’s David Crow. Photo: Cole Barnhill

Jonas Group Publishing has signed Justin Ebach and acquired his catalog.

The two-time SESAC Songwriter of the Year has celebrated six No. 1 hits thus far, including Luke Bryan’s “Down To One,” Jordan Davis’ multi-Platinum “Singles You Up,” Brett Young’s multi-Platinum “Sleep Without You” and “Here Tonight” and Jon Pardi’s “Your Heart Or Mine.” He is currently enjoying chart success with Warren Zeider’s “Relapse,” Carly Pearce’s “Truck on Fire,” Chris Young’s “Young Love & Saturday Nights” and Chris Lane’s “Find Another Bar.” Ebach’s credits also consist of tunes recorded by Keith Urban, Dan + Shay, Lauren Daigle, Cole Swindell, Jason Aldean and more.

“The Jonas team are Ebach believers,” says Leslie DiPiero, President of Jonas Group Publishing. “Justin is an exceptional talent whose songwriting resonates with artists and fans alike. We are excited to welcome him to the JGP family and to support him as he continues to create music that inspires and connects with people around the world.”

“I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with Leslie. She has been a great friend and a great source of wisdom over the years,” shares Ebach. “I’m grateful to Kevin [Jonas Sr.] for believing in me and putting this deal together to make me a part of the Jonas crew. I look forward to celebrating a lot of success together.”

Mark Irwin Signs With SMACKSongs

Pictured (L–R): Jeremy Groves, Robin Palmer, Mark Irwin, Carly Sater, Lee Krabel and Sam Sarno. Photo: Courtesy of SMACK

Mark Irwin has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs.

Over the past four decades, Irwin has amassed a catalog that includes chart-topping hits “Here In The Real World” by Alan Jackson, “Redneck Crazy” by Tyler Farr, “Highway Don’t Care” by Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban and “Neon Light” by Blake Shelton. His songs have also been recorded by George Jones, Randy Travis, Faith Hill, Thomas Rhett, Lee Brice, Patty Loveless and more.

“Mark has always been one of the most talented, versatile, positive and hardworking songwriters in this town,” says Robin Palmer, Chief Creative Officer at SMACK. “We are all very happy to welcome him to our SMACK team!”

“At this point in my songwriting career, to get to work with the amazing team at SMACK…I’m over the moon!” shares Irwin. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Robin in the past, and to have the chance to work with her again as well as with Lee [Krabel], Jeremy [Groves], Carly [Sater], Sam [Sarno], the incredible writers and the rest of the SMACK family, is truly an honor. I feel like I’m just getting started!”

Hueston Signs With Warner Chappell Music

Hueston

Singer-songwriter and producer Hueston has signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Born in Rhode Island and raised in Florida, Hueston discovered his passion for music at a young age and began performing in bands as a teenager. In his early twenties, he moved to New York City, where he co-founded the duo The Blancos. In 2023, Hueston represented Rhode Island on NBC’s American Song Contest, making it to the semi-finals.

This year, he became the flagship act of UMG Nashville’s Silver Wings Records and released singles “Every Time Is The Last Time” and “Living Fast.” With over 453,000 monthly Spotify listeners, Hueston is set to play at upcoming festivals, including Bourbon & Beyond and Country Calling Festival.

“The first time you hear a note from Hueston will make you think…who is this? His vocals and emotional songwriting make him stand out in all the right ways,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “Everyone at WCM is excited to support the songs that this unique artist brings to the table.”

Chris Ryan Inks With Liz Rose Music & New Management Venture

Pictured (L–R, back row): Dave Pacula, Gracie Glass, Jonathan Craig and Scott Ponce; (L–R, front row): Kate Shirley, Chris Ryan and Liz Rose

Warner Music Nashville artist Chris Ryan has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Liz Rose Music as well as a management deal with its new venture, Laguna Madre Management, in partnership with Left Right Management.

The Helotes, Texas native made the move to Nashville to pursue a career in music in 2018. With influences ranging from Eric Church to The Smashing Pumpkins and Kings of Leon, Ryan has been writing with a tight-knit crew, including Liz Rose herself, to craft a handful of songs that authentically represent who he is as an artist and person. He is set to release his new single, “Edge Of Town,” tomorrow (Aug. 2).

“Chris joining the team was such a natural fit. He is such a visionary artist, and his songwriting comes from the heart,” says Scott Ponce, Partner, Liz Rose Music. “Chris has an exciting journey ahead of him, and I am thrilled that we get to be a part of making his vision come to life.”

“Having known Liz well and loving our writing sessions together, Liz Rose Music was the perfect publishing fit,” shares Ryan. “I’m also thrilled to be working with Laguna Madre and Left Right for my management, and can’t imagine a better team to move forward with.”

“I love working with passionate artists—Chris Ryan is 100 percent genuine, and is bringing something refreshing to country music that it needs right now,” adds Jonathan Craig, Artist Manager, Left Right Management.

HAYLO Music Signs Aaron Farmer

Pictured (L–R): HAYLO Music’s Josh Saxe, Aaron Farmer and Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Evan Mattingly

Tyler Hubbard‘s HAYLO Music has signed songwriter and producer Aaron Farmer to an exclusive publishing deal, administered by Endurance Music Group (EMG).

With over 15 years of live performance experience, Farmer has worked with Hubbard and Florida Georgia Line as well as Nate Ruess, The Chainsmokers, Nelly, Mat Kearney, Backstreet Boys, Bebe Rexha and more. He has also placed original songs with national brands such as Facebook, Mitsubishi and P&G, among others.

“I’ve been fortunate to have Aaron in my life and in the band for years. Not only is he an incredible guy, but also a super talented writer, musician and producer,” shares Hubbard. “Aaron adds so much to anybody he works with, so I’m grateful he chose to call HAYLO his publishing home.”

“Adding Aaron to our HAYLO team was a no-brainer,” says Josh Saxe, GM of HAYLO Music. “His continued creative collaboration with Tyler on tour, along with a staggering aptitude for any music genre makes him a tour de force for our roster. We’re lucky to have him.”