Music News (6/4/25)

Creative Nation Extends Deal With Lori McKenna

Pictured (L-R, back row): Abby Holcomb, Brandon Gill, Luke Laird, Abigail Bruner and Jayne Hamblin; (L-R, front row): Alex Albanese, Beth Laird, Lori McKenna, Emily Furman and Kelsey Granda. Photo: Emily Stearns

Grammy winner Lori McKenna has extended her publishing, management and record deals with independent music company, Creative Nation. The extension builds on the 10 years the two have worked together.

As a songwriter, McKenna’s impressive resume includes back-to-back Grammy and CMA Awards, as well as the coveted title of ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2017. She has notched three Grammy wins as a songwriter for Best Country Song with Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (2015), Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” (2016) and The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table” (2020), and has had hits by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill, Hunter Hayes and many more.

In addition to her work in country music, McKenna also co-wrote “Always Remember Us This Way,” which was featured in the Academy Award-winning film, A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

As an artist, McKenna’s artist projects have received high praise over the years, having released critically-acclaimed albums such as 2020’s The Balladeer and 2018’s The Tree, which was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2019 Americana Music Awards. McKenna’s 2016 album, The Bird & The Rifle, was nominated for three Grammy Awards as well as three Americana Awards.

Frank Ray Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Kenley Flynn, Frank Ray, Rusty Gaston and Oscar Chavira.

Country singer-songwriter Frank Ray has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

“I can’t express how excited I am to be a part of the Sony familia! It’s always been a dream of mine to write songs for a major publishing company in the heart of music city and now I get to say that out loud,” says Ray. “I’m grateful to the Sony team and the writers for helping me tell my story and to hone the craft of songwriting when I’m blessed enough to share someone else’s. I’d also like to express my appreciation for my manager, Oscar Chavira, without whom this dream wouldn’t be possible!”

Currently signed with BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records, Ray has earned a No. 1 on Texas Country Radio, and has received praise from Country Radio Seminar (CRS), Rolling Stone, CMT, TIME, Good Morning America and more. His hit breakout single “Country’d Look Good on You” scaled the country airplay charts, leading him to his 2022 Grand Ole Opry debut.

Micah Wilshire Inks With UMPG

Micah Wilshire and Missy Roberts (UMPG Nashville). Photo: UMPG Nashville

Micah Wilshire has inked an exclusive, global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group.

A MusicRow Top Songwriter of 2024, Wilshire co-wrote Jason Aldean’s “Let Your Boys Be Country” and Redferrin’s Platinum single “Just Like Johnny.” He wrote and produced Rock artist Tim Montana’s LP Savage, which reached top 10 on the Active Rock Chart. Wilshire has also been a part of dozens of sync placements in television shows, film/video game trailers, network promos and ads including commercials for Nissan, Ford, the Olympics and the Oscars.

“Micah is one of the most diverse talents I have come across in my career. He seamlessly transitions from writing and producing a Country radio hit, to a top 10 Rock record, to leading a symphony, to getting his songs placed in film/tv. As the Nashville music community continues to expand, the sky is the limit for a talent like Micah. We are thrilled to represent him,” says Missy Roberts, VP, A&R, UMPG Nashville.

Spirit Music Group Partners With DeAndre Hopkins & Erik Belz; Signs Flagship Act Lecade

Pictured (L-R, front row): Erik Belz (Chief Creative Officer, LASA/House of Blues Pub), LECADE (Spirit Music Writer), DeAndre Hopkins (CEO, LASA) and Frank Rogers (Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville). (L-R, back row): Elizabeth Brahan Wright (Manager/VP of Publishing, 10th Street Ent.), AJ Burton (VP Fluid Music Revolution), Andy Hodges (Creative Director, Spirit Music), Brian Bradford (GM/VP of Admin, Spirit Music), Kennedy Murphy (Creative Director, Spirit Music), Austin Wells (Attorney, Lewis Brisbois LLP), Mikey Fiorentino (Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music), Matt Cottingham (Attorney, Lewis Brisbois LLP), Lucy Widmann (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music), Will Cooper (Sr. Director of Finance, Spirit Music) and Chris Nilsson (President of 10th Street Ent.).

Spirit Music Group has formed a joint music publishing venture with NFL player DeAndre Hopkins, in conjunction with writer/producer/manager Erik Belz. In the deal, Hopkins has officially established LASA Music, his own music publishing company. Belz will join LASA Music as Chief Creative Officer, collaborating with Spirit Music Group to sign and oversee artists, writers and producers.

As the flagship signing, Lecade has inked a global publishing deal with the venture, including select songs from his catalog as well as future works.

“Spirit Music is thrilled to welcome both DeAndre Hopkins and Lecade to the family,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “DeAndre brings a passion for music, entrepreneurial vision and a hard working attitude that is infectious.  We are looking forward to teaming up with DeAndre and Erik Belz to bring the world some great music together!  Lecade is perfect artist to kick things off and we are fired up for everyone to hear what he has been working on!”

“So excited to be a part of such a fantastic team,” adds Lecade. “From the moment I met these guys I knew this was where I wanted to be and that we could make some really special things together. I know we’re gonna prove that as we continue to work and grow as a family.”