Music News (6/25/25)

Briana Calhoun Signs With Sony Music Publishing & Kix Brooks

Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston, David Hawkins and Cam Caldwell; (L-R, front row): Briana Calhoun and Kix Brooks. Photo: Amy Allmand

Briana Calhoun has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Kix Brooks.

“I’m humbled and honored to have the opportunity to do what I love for a living,” says Calhoun. “I had all but given up on my dream of becoming a songwriter, and shifted my focus to growing Hope on the Inside. But, with that came an outpouring of love and support from the Nashville community, and I think people began to notice. I’m living proof that walking in-purpose can lead to your dream. I’m so grateful to everyone who has joined me on this journey and I am especially grateful to Kix [Brooks] for believing in me and pushing me to use my gifts for good, and for Rusty [Gaston] for giving me this opportunity and encouraging me along the way.”

Calhoun has already began making a mark on the Music City songwriting scene with her unique and authentic sound. The singer-songwriter has collaborated and shared stages with Don Cook, Terri Clark, David Lee Murphy, Randy Houser, Dallas Davidson, Steve Wariner, Bob DiPiero, Tim Nichols, Rafe Van Hoy, Marv Green, Brett Tyler, Greg Barnhill and more.

Outside of songwriting, Calhoun also serves as the Executive Director and Founder of Hope on the Inside (HOTI), with Brooks serving as Partner and President. Founded in 2023, HOTI is a nonprofit dedicated to providing tools and skills to those formerly incarcerated.

A former inmate herself, Calhoun has used the foundation and songwriting to show her story of inner strength and hope. She will release two new singles in August, “Hope on the Inside,” co-penned with DiPiero and Van Hoy, as well as “Bustin’ Out,” co-written alongside Brooks and Chancie Neal. She also has plans to release an acoustic album later in the year.

Owen Riegling Inks With UMPG

Pictured (L-R, front row): Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville), Owen Riegling, Cody (Kode) Roberts (The Familie), Sam Nasr (UMPG Nashville). (L-R, back row): Troy Tomlinson (UMPG Nashville), Steve Astephen (The Familie), Royce Risser (The Familie). Photo: UMPG Nashville

Owen Riegling has inked an exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Nashville.

After breaking out with his Platinum single “Old Dirt Roads,” Riegling signed with Universal Music Canada and has amassed 130 million global streams, back-to-back CCMA wins and completed a 103 date debut headline tour last year. This year, he is set to play Boots & Hearts, Country Thunder and support select dates on Luke Bryan’s summer tour.

“Sam [Nasr] and I have been fans of Owen from the moment Amanda Kingsland (Universal Music Canada) introduced us to his music,” says Cyndi Forman, SVP, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “Owen’s music captures the grit, heart and storytelling that country music was built on. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome him into the family!”

“I’m excited to be joining the UMPG family. Cyndi, Sam and the rest of the team have been champions of mine since my first visit,” adds Riegling. “I’m feeling very grateful to have such a powerhouse on my team. Here’s to my next chapter of music!”

Riegling is represented by The Feldman Agency/CAA for touring and managed by Cody (Kode) Roberts and Steve Astephen at The Familie.

Jay Webb Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

Pictured (L-R, front row): Josh Van Valkenburg, Jay Webb and Rusty Gaston. (L-R, back row): Dale Bobo, Jacob Knight, Tom Luteran and Cam Caldwell. Photo: Amy Allmand

Jay Webb has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

“Songwriting is where the magic happens, and it’s always been my goal to write music that real people can relate to,” shares Webb. “To now have the chance to do that with Sony is a dream come true. Josh [Van Valkenburg] was one of the first people I met in Nashville and has been a huge mentor of mine since day one. I’m grateful for his belief in me and excited to see what we can build together!”

Hailing from Alabama, Webb split his time between small town living and the big city, using music to cope with his turbulent upbringing. He picked up the writing pen as a teenage, and made demos in his bedroom. He started growing his fanbase through his independently released tracks.

Webb released his authentic ballad “One More Shot” earlier this month. The lyrics paint the picture of trying to numb life’s low points through the bottom of a bottle. The single serves as a preview to his newly announced album Where To Find Me, due July 25.

“Jay Webb is a superstar in the making,” says Van Valkenburg. “His authenticity resonates with an audience that’s fighting through the same struggles he so vulnerably sings about from his own life experience. He’ll also drop an anthem on you that’s perfect for a hot day on a pontoon boat. It’s an honor to be a part of his journey and to champion his songwriting career.”

Adam Sanders Inks With Liz Rose Music

Adam Sanders with Liz Rose Music staffers

Adam Sanders has inked with Liz Rose Music.

As a songwriter, Sanders is known for penning hit radio singles for Cole Swindell, Dustin Lynch and Drew Baldridge. Additionally, his songs have been recorded by top country artists including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley. The Lake City, Florida native has independently garnered more than 200 million global streams and toured with Bryan, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Swindell and Lynch, among others.

“I’m beyond excited about this next chapter in my career. Signing with such a powerhouse as Liz Rose Music is the foundation for lots of great things to come,” says Sanders. “Aside from the successes that Dave, Scott, Kate, Gracie and Liz have had, the culture of the company is what truly drew me to want to partner with them.”

“Adam Sanders’ undeniable depth and versatility as a songwriter and unrelenting dedication to his artistry made it an easy decision to join forces with him at such an exciting time in his already distinguished career,” shares Dave Pacula, Senior VP of Creative at Liz Rose Music. “We look forward to celebrating many more milestones with him in the coming years.”