Music News (7/9/25)

Jon Sherwood Inks With UMPG Nashville

Jon Sherwood and Sam Nasr (UMPG Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville

Songwriter Jon Sherwood has signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville.

A native of Palmdale, California, Sherwood’s love of music took root as a kid listening to Tom Petty songs with his dad and has developed into a burgeoning songwriting career. He recently celebrated a top 10 single with Jackson Dean’s “Fearless,” and also penned the current top 10 single “Backup Plan” by Bailey Zimmerman featuring Luke Combs.

“Jon has such a distinctive songwriting voice, and I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of the first time he played me a song,” says Sam Nasr, Manager, A&R, UMPG Nashville. “His talent, passion, and creative energy are undeniable. We’re honored to be part of this upcoming chapter!”

“I’m ready to make some magic and break the mold with UMPG,” adds Sherwood. “They are a powerhouse publisher and this next chapter for us is nothing but blue-sky territory.”

Ana Cristina Cash Signs Worldwide Publishing Agreement With BMG

Pictured (L-R): BMG’s Dimitri Farougias; Ana Cristina Cash; Loeb & Loeb’s Tiffany Dunn and BMG’s Chris Oglesby

Country and Latin singer-songwriter Ana Cristina Cash has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with BMG. The new partnership will see BMG administer Cash’s catalog and future releases across the globe, including both her English and Spanish-language works.

Raised in Miami of Cuban descent, Cash is bilingual and began a professional career in music at the age of six. She quickly became an accomplished champion of the singing competitions on the variety show, Sabado Gigante. Cash signed to Sony Music’s Latin division at 15 and recorded her debut album, Ana Cristina, in Spanish. In 2004, she was nominated for the Premio Lo Nuestro Award, and the following year went on to become the first Hispanic-American to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” for a presidential inauguration for President Bush in 2005.

In 2016, she married producer John Carter Cash and has been living and recording music in Nashville for a decade, primarily in their historical studio, The Cash Cabin Studio. Cash’s vocals or songs have also been featured on recordings by T Bone Burnett, Natalie Cole, Juanes, Brad Paisley, Johnny Cash, The Carter Family, Los Tigres Del Norte, Marisela, Juanes, John Carter Cash, Norman Blake, John McEuen and more.

EMG & HAYLO Sign Seth Alley To Joint Publishing Deal

Pictured (L-R): EMG’s Courtney Kruckeberg, HAYLO’s Josh Saxe, Seth Alley, HAYLO’s Tyler Hubbard and EMG’s Michael Martin

Endurance Music Group (EMG) and Tyler Hubbard’s HAYLO Music have jointly signed acclaimed songwriter and producer Seth Alley to a worldwide co-publishing agreement.

Alley’s songwriting catalog includes notable cuts with artists such as Nate Smith, Matt Stell and Lanco. His production and writing credits highlight his diverse range and feature work with Drew Green (RECORDS), Something Out West (Big Machine), David J (Sony/Ryan Tedder), New Medicine, David Morris, SVRCINA, Troy Cartwright and Skeez (Empire).

“Seth brings an invaluable blend of songwriting talent and innovative production skills to the EMG team,” says Michael Martin, President/Chief Creative Officer, Endurance Music Group. “It’s clear that Tyler and Josh have a love for songwriters that equals our own, and we’re thrilled to partner with HAYLO to support Seth’s continued growth and success.”

“Our partnership with Seth and Endurance is a continuation of the success we started together back in 2021. Seth’s unmatched production talent and authentic approach to songwriting are a breath of fresh air. He’s a true original,” says Josh Saxe, General Manager, HAYLO Music.

River House Artists & Sony Music Publishing Sign Kenny Whitmire

Pictured (L-R): Zebb Luster, Kayla Adkins, Kenny Whitmire, Lauren Lieu and Hailey Rama

River House Artists, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, have signed rising country singer-songwriter Kenny Whitmire to a global publishing agreement.

Upon moving to Nashville in 2022, Whitmire began to collaborate with emerging artist Austin Snell, leading to his first paid gig in town as a touring guitarist in Snell’s band.

Since then, he has been able to share the stage with prominent talent including Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert, Chase Matthew and more. As a songwriter, he has landed cuts such as Austin Snell’s “Some Things Just Stick” and “Considering,” Cole Goodwin’s “Fast Track Back,” Avery Roberson’s “Never Die,” Colin Stough’s “White Trash” and many others.

Of the deal, Whitmire says, “I’m very excited to be a part of such a creative and hard-working team. The River House crew were some of the first people I connected with after moving to Nashville, and it’s a great feeling to be surrounded by a team of talented people who have believed in your songwriting from the start. God bless country music!”