Music News (10/09/24)

Matraca Berg Signs With UMPG Nashville

Matraca Berg. Photo: Glen Rose

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) member Matraca Berg has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with UMPG Nashville.

With a career spanning nearly four decades, the 2023 BMI Icon Award recipient has also accumulated 11 BMI Millionaire Certificates. Her credits include hits like “Strawberry Wine,” “Wrong Side Of Memphis,” “I’m That Kind Of Girl,” “XXX’s And OOO’s” and “You And Tequila.”

“Cyndi Forman has known and worked with Matraca for more than 20 years. She and I were discussing songwriters that we both loved and respected, and it became obvious to both of us at the same moment that we needed to work with Matraca,” says Troy Tomlinson, Chairman & CEO, UMPG Nashville.

“I’ve been with the same publisher since my early 20s. Pat Higdon has always had my back. Finding another home after all these years was daunting. It feels good and natural to be at Universal Music Publishing now,” expresses Berg. “Troy and Cyndi have the same love of songs and deep respect for the music. Cyndi already knows some of my old catalog, and we know a lot of the stories and the history of this town, which is fun to share.”

Position Music Puts Boots On The Ground In Nashville With Chandler Thurston Hire [Exclusive]

Chandler Thurston

Tyler Bacon, President & CEO of Position Music, has hired Chandler Thurston as a new member of the A&R team. Thurston is the first A&R hire for the independent publisher and label’s new Nashville location.

Thurston will be working out of Position Music’s Nashville office on Music Row, which is currently under construction and projected to open in 2025. The location includes eight offices and two studios.

“Over the past year and a half, Tyler Bacon and myself have made several trips to Nashville looking for the right creative executive to launch our new office,” shares Mark Chipello, Partner/Head of A&R, Position Music. “We have built Position Music for over 25 years now and Tyler started his career in Nashville before that, so it’s incredibly important to us to enter the Nashville writing and publishing ecosystem in a way that truly brings value and service to the community.

“As I met with people and explained what we are looking to accomplish, I began to hear one name recommended over and over—Chandler Thurston,” he adds. “Chandler is an immensely-respected publisher who deeply cares about songwriters and their craft. We are excited to see how Chandler has already impacted our existing roster of writers while also working hard on developing a roster of new signings. I have the utmost confidence in Chandler and love how aligned our vision is for how we want to build the future together.”

Before joining Position Music, Thurston served as Senior Creative Director at Anthem Entertainment, where he worked with a roster of talent that included Jordan Davis, Jamie Paulin, Luke Preston, Joey Hyde, Shane Profitt and Meghan Patrick. Prior to Anthem, he worked in A&R at Major Bob Music.

Taylor Austin Dye Signs With Warner Chappell & Lex Music Group

Pictured (L-R, back row): Eric Griffin, Bethany Mako (WCM) and Alexa Morris (WCM); (L-R, front row): Austin McBride, Ben Williamson, Taylor Austin Dye, Lex Lipsitz and Ben Vaughn (WCM). Photo: Lily Nelson

Singer-songwriter Taylor Austin Dye has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and LEX Music Group.

Dye has garnered significant industry attention with her musical blend of genres. Her 2023 debut album, Out of These Hills, and singles, have amassed 38 million streams across platforms. The Booneville, Kentucky native boasts over 1.2 million social media followers and has been touring extensively across the U.S.

With this new partnership, Dye will gain access to WCM’s extensive resources. LEX Music Group is focused on discovering and developing fresh talent, providing a platform for aspiring artists to hone their craft alongside established industry professionals.

“Signing with Warner Chappell is a dream come true,” shares Dye. “I’m excited to work with such a talented team and to be part of a venture that supports new songwriters. I look forward to what we can create together.”

Dye’s sophomore album, Sick of Me, will release on Nov. 15. She will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Nov. 9.

River House Artists Adds Mike Lohmeier & Lukas Scott To Publishing Roster

Pictured (L–R): Hailey Rama, Kayla Adkins, Mike Lohmeier, Zebb Luster, Emily Boardman and Lynn Oliver-Cline

River House Artists has signed producers and songwriters Mike Lohmeier and Lukas Scott to worldwide publishing deals.

“Both Mike and Lukas are incredible additions to our roster. Aside from their talents and accolades in the world of production, each of them holds the value for the craftsmanship of lyrical composition in high esteem,” says Kayla Adkins, Creative Director, River House Artists. “Both have a raw talent lyrically and sonically that brings an artist’s vision to life. They bring indispensable versatility to our roster and fill a void we didn’t know we had.”

After graduating from Belmont University in 2016, Lohmeire and two friends formed 1Mind, the production trio responsible for penning French Montana and Swae Lee’s 2017 hit “Unforgettable.” His affiliation with the breakout tune landed him in Los Angeles, California, producing records for Wiz Khalifa, Cordae, Mike Stud, Vory, Tory Lanez, PnB Rock, Young Dolph, Biig Piig and more. Since relocating to Nashville last year, Lohmeire been collaborating with creators like Dylvn, Reid Haughton, Austin Snell, Julia Minichiello, Kyndal Inskeep, MalachiIi, Sydney Cubit, Austin Mahone, Zach Seabaugh, David J, Knox, Spencer Jordan, Nicolette Hayford, Anna Hamilton, Joe Clemmons, Kathleen Reagan, Ryan Charles, Abbie Callahan and Whitney Duncan, among others.

Scott attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he earned a degree in music business and audio production. He has since been writing and producing music with a wide range of Nashville-based artists, including fellow River House Artists roster members Austin Snell and Knox as well as Gabby Mooney, David J, Ray Fulcher and more.