Music News (11/06/24)

Billy Ray Cyrus Inks Partnership With EMPIRE Publishing [Exclusive]

Pictured (L-R): Scott Adkins (Adkins Entertainment), Eric Hurt (EMPIRE), Vinny Kumar (EMPIRE), Billy Ray Cyrus, Al “Butta” McLean (EMPIRE), Jack Johns (EMPIRE) and Derrek Kupish (Adkins Entertainment). Photo: Adkins Entertainment

Two-time Grammy winner Billy Ray Cyrus has entered into a partnership with EMPIRE Publishing, the publishing arm of independent record label EMPIRE.

“EMPIRE is a record company that harnesses the power, beauty and healing element of music–made and shared for the pure love of it and honestly believes music changes everything,” says Cyrus of the deal.

The company’s label roster currently boasts breakout country star Shaboozey, who topped the Hot 100 for 15 weeks and holds the Canadian Hot 100 record at 22 weeks with “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” EMPIRE Publishing also boasts multi-genre producers James Maddocks and Yung Lan, who collaborated on Morgan Wallen’s chart-topping album One Thing At a Time and earned a No. 1 at country radio for “Cowgirls.”

The publishing arm is led by industry veterans Al Mclean and Vinny Kumar. EMPIRE Publishing A&R, Eric Hurt, helped secure the deal.

Warner Chappell Music & Twelve6 Entertainment Sign Ben Wagner

Pictured (L–R): Taylor Guttmann PLLC’s Rachel Guttmann, Twelve6’s Travis Myatt, Ben Wagner, Warner Chappell’s Benji Amaefule, Twelve6’s Alaina Maggart and Warner Chappell’s Sara Latimer

Warner Chappell Music and Twelve6 Entertainment have signed singer-songwriter Ben Wagner to a global publishing deal.

Wagner frequently collaborates with Wyatt Flores and has amassed 20 million streams with songs like “Running Out of Time,” “Life Lessons” and “Ain’t Proud.” His self-recorded tracks “Way You Move” and “Turn” have been featured in Netflix drama series Virgin River and drama film Ordinary Angels. Wagner, a triple Great American Song Contest winner, was honored with the Pamela Phillips Oland Excellence in the Art of Writing Lyrics Award this year. Additionally, he works with the Country Music Hall of Fame and CreatiVets, the nonprofit organization that provides support to veterans interested in songwriting.

“I’m extremely grateful. It’s a dream come true to be working with Travis [Myatt], Benji [Amaefule] and the insanely talented teams at Twelve6 and Warner Chappell,” shares Wagner. “I thank God for my family, friends and co-writers who helped me get here. I know the amount of talent in this community, and I don’t take this opportunity lightly. Let’s keep ‘er moving!”

Alliance Music Partners & Warner Chappell Music Sign Max King

Pictured (L–R): Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlowe, Safford Motley PLC’s Scott Safford, Alliance Music Partners’ Abbey Adams, Max King, Warner Chappell’s Alexa Morris and Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn. Photo: Carter Maggipinto

Alliance Music Partners and Warner Chappell Music have signed Max King to a publishing deal.

The Gibsonia, Pennsylvania native developed a passion for music at an early age. From impromptu guitar sessions at home to singalongs in the car, King was immersed in a musical environment that shaped his style, learning the art of storytelling through song from influences like Toby Keith, Brad Paisley and the Eagles.

He relocated to Nashville in the fall of 2018 to attend Belmont University. Majoring in music business, King expanded his knowledge while engaging with the city’s songwriting community. After graduation, he began pursuing a full-time career as a songwriter.

“It’s essential for me to work with songwriters who can dig deep, crafting lyrics and melodies that resonate with people’s experiences and emotions—whether it’s to inspire reflection or get you up and dancing,” says Alliance Music Partners’ Abbey Adams. “When I first heard Max’s music, I knew he was one of those exceptional writers. I was instantly inspired and eager for us to start working together.”

“I’m incredibly excited to be working with Abbey and the Warner Chappell Music team,” shares King. “It’s truly a lifelong dream come true for me!”

In addition to penning tunes, he now frequently tours as a guitarist with close friend and Big Machine Records artist Lecade.

ASCAP Hosts Workshops For Emerging Country & Christian Songwriters

The 2024 ASCAP Foundation Country Workshop In Honor of Garth Brooks. Pictured (back row): Duane Hobson, John Frank, Jacob Arthur, Scott Voelkerding, Ryan Boey, Mark Taylor and Aaron Pollock; (front row): Elizabeth Makris, Carly Zimmerman, Corey Crowder, Sarah Marsolek and Emma Place

ASCAP Nashville recently hosted its annual songwriting workshops, in partnership with The ASCAP Foundation. Designed to support the development and education of Music City’s songwriting community, the workshops give emerging writers the chance to learn from some of the industry’s top hitmakers.

The ASCAP Foundation Country Workshop In Honor of Garth Brooks took place Oct. 23–24. Led by songwriter Corey Crowder, the sessions brought 10 writers together to discuss the craft of songwriting, song structure and creative collaboration, while giving them an overview of the industry.

The ASCAP Foundation Christian Music Songwriters Workshop united 13 creators on Oct. 25. Led by songwriter and producer David Spencer, the hybrid session focused on the foundation of creativity and the art of collaboration as well as the songwriting and production skills that can take tunes to the next level.