Music News (10/16/24)

MusicRow Magazine Releases 2024 Publisher Print Issue

MusicRow Magazine has released its 2024 Publisher Issue print edition. This highly-anticipated annual resource includes the 2024 Publisher Directory, listing Nashville’s top publishing companies as well as organizations available for songwriters.

Back again in the 2024 Publisher Issue is the State of the Union roundtable, this time featuring Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, UMPG’s Roxy King, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle and BMG’s Amy Hendon Scott.

Elsewhere, NSAI’s Bart Herbison tells MusicRow about the issues facing songwriters, and Downtown Music Publishing’s Emily Stephenson is the subject of the popular My Music Row Story column.

For the 2024 Publisher Issue, Nashville hitmakers Charlie Handsome, Ernest and Chandler Walters spoke with MusicRow about the making of Post Malone’s blockbuster F-1 Trillion album.

MusicRow’s 2024 Publisher Issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, including Sony Music Publishing’s Connie Harrington, Warner Chappell’s Jordan Reynolds, UMPG Nashville’s Tanner Adell, King Pen Music/SMACKSongs/Warner Chappell’s Pete Good, Concord Music Publishing/Chromatic Music’s Lauren Hungate and Story House Collective/Essential Music Publishing’s Matthew West.

Read more about the Publisher Issue here.

Carly Pearce Extends Publishing Partnership With BMG

Pictured (L–R): Altadena’s Daniel Lee, Starstruck Entertainment’s Mike Blong, BMG’s Camryn Clark, Patricia Wittmer, Carly Pearce, BMG’s Chris Oglesby, Altadena’s Jess Busbee, BMG’s Amy Scott and Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC’s David Crow. Photo: Kevin Grace/BMG Nashville

Superstar songstress Carly Pearce has extended her longtime publishing partnership with BMG in association with Altadena, the music company founded by her late producer and collaborator Busbee and Leo33’s Daniel Lee.

“BMG has been a part of my story from the very beginning of my career,” she shares. “They have supported me the whole way, and I couldn’t be happier to continue my journey with them!”

“Carly’s strength, determination and writing skills are as fierce as her work ethic,” says Chris Oglesby, VP, Publishing, BMG Nashville. “We are honored to continue this journey with her and Altadena.”

Pearce recently kicked off her “Hummingbird World Tour” in support of her latest album, Hummingbird, which marks the Big Machine Records artist’s debut as a co-producer and includes Grammy-nominated duet “We Don’t Fight Anymore” with Chris Stapleton and current radio single “Truck On Fire.” Yesterday (Oct. 14), she unveiled the accompanying video for “Truck On Fire,” in which she takes matters into her own hands to live out a revenge fantasy.

Ben Johnson Renews With Tape Room & Artist Publishing Group, Adds Runner Music To Team

Ben Johnson. Photo: Dusty Barker

Award-winning songwriter Ben Johnson has extended his publishing deal with Tape Room Music and Artist Publishing Group, and has added Ryan Tedder’s Runner Music to the team.

Originally from Meridian, Mississippi, Johnson has earned nine No. 1 singles, including Nate Smith’s “Bulletproof,” Dierks Bentley’s “Gone,” Paramalee’s “Take My Name” and Dylan Scott’s “New Truck.” His 2021 co-written No. 1 “One of Them Girls” by Lee Brice had an unprecedented sweep across ASCAP, BMI and SESAC for Country Song of The Year.

Johnson has landed cuts across genres, from Justin Timberlake, Meek Mill, Diplo, Weezer and David Guetta to Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Thomas Rhett and more. He also writes and records music with his two sisters, Jenna and KK, in their band Track45.

“Ben has established himself as one of the top songwriters and producers across all genres and formats,” says Tape Room President Blain Rhodes. “We couldn’t be more excited to continue our partnership with him alongside APG and Runner moving forward.”

“We are so excited to be working with Ben alongside our friends at Tape Room and APG,” adds Runner Music’s Amanda Hill and Tedder. “Ben is an incredible songwriter who we’ve admired for years and are so happy to now call family.”

“I could not be more excited to be extending my publishing deal with Tape Room/APG and adding Runner to the team,” Johnson shares. “It’s so special to be able to work with people who have been my heroes for so long—first Ashley and now Ryan. I’m grateful for the support of Tape Room, APG and Runner, and can’t wait to get to work together!”

Tristan Bushman Signs With Warner Chappell Music & Southern Pacific Music

Pictured (L–R): Warner Chappell’s Eric Reid, Ben Vaughn, Bethany Mako, Tristan Bushman, 333 Entertainment’s Ross duPre’ and Southern Pacific’s Erland Wanberg

Singer-songwriter Tristan Bushman has signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Southern Pacific Music.

Born and raised in Ashton, Illinois, Bushman first took the stage at five years old and has pursued his dream ever since. He moved to Nashville in 2018, and earlier this year teamed up with Joey Hendricks and Drew Erwin to form the trio Verygently. Bushman’s new solo project, The Way Things Are Going, is set for release on Nov. 15.

“I have been a huge fan of Tristan since the moment I met him six years ago,” says Bethany Mako, Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “He’s a natural-born storyteller and has a way of captivating any room with his unique voice and poetic lyrics. On top of that, he’s simply a great human, and I am truly honored to be a part of his journey.”

“Tristan is a gifted songwriter who can turn a simple phrase or concept into an intricate, timeless work of art,” adds Erland Wanberg, Co-Founder & CEO, Southern Pacific Music. “From his extraordinary solo work to his artistic contribution to Verygently (the coolest damn band in Nashville!), I’m honored to be a part of his exciting journey and inevitable success as a creator.”