Music News (10/15/25)
Megan Moroney Graces Cover Of MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue
MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, has released its 2025 Publisher Issue print edition, with Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records’ Megan Moroney gracing its cover.
Multi-Platinum hitmaker, critically adored singer-songwriter, record-breaking headliner—just a few years after making her debut, Moroney has ascended to a truly stratospheric level of stardom. With the arrival of her smash-hit sophomore album Am I Okay?—a 2024 LP that debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and marked the year’s third-biggest debut from a female country artist–the Georgia-bred phenomenon cemented her status as a towering force in country music and earned raves from major publications like The New York Times and Rolling Stone (including gracing the cover of the iconic magazine’s Future of Music issue).
The follow-up to her acclaimed 2023 debut Lucky (featuring her four-times Platinum No. 1 hit “Tennessee Orange”), Am I Okay? delivered standouts like its Platinum title track (her second No. 1 at country radio) and Platinum-certified “No Caller ID,” helping to boost her streaming numbers to over 3.6 billion total global streams across platforms. Along with receiving the Rulebreaker Award at the 2025 Billboard Women in Music event, her fast-growing list of accolades includes winning the first-ever Best Country prize at the 2025 MTV VMAs, New Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards, and New Artist of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards.
The 2025 Publisher Issue is a highly-anticipated annual resource that includes the updated Publisher Directory, a listing Nashville’s top publishing companies, as well as organizations available for songwriters. It also contains exclusive features that spotlight the songwriting and publishing segment of the Nashville music industry.
“At MusicRow, our dedicated team takes great pride in producing the annual Publisher Print Issue. Each year, this special edition serves as both a celebration and a resource, shining a light on the individuals and companies whose creativity and commitment fuel the songwriting and publishing community,” says Sherod Robertson, Owner/Publisher of MusicRow Magazine.
Back again in the 2025 Publisher Issue is the State of the Union roundtable, this time featuring UMPG Nashville’s Cyndi Forman, Warner Chappell Music Nashville’s BJ Hill, Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Anna Weisband, Big Loud Publishing’s Mike Giangreco and Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson.
Also in this issue is a tribute to the late Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell Music Nashville President and CEO, who passed away earlier this year.
Elsewhere, publishing leaders at Concord, Jody Williams Songs, River House Artists, CTM Outlander and ASCAP share insights into what makes a writer “deal-ready.” Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar talks about the impact of artificial intelligence and Safford Motley PLC’s Scott Safford discusses common publishing deal contract clauses, and how writers can protect their art.
MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue also highlights the work and careers of some of Nashville’s most in-demand songwriters, including Spirit Music Group’s David Garcia, Verse 2 and Sony Music Publishing’s Joybeth Taylor, UMPG Nashville’s Allison Veltz-Cruz, Warner Chappell’s Summer Overstreet and Curb’s Bobby Tomberlin.
Single copies of MusicRow’s 2025 Publisher Issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $50, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.
Warner Chappell Music Nashville Elevates Christina Wiltshire
Christina Wiltshire. Photo: Jessica Amerson
Warner Chappell Music Nashville has promoted Christina Wiltshire to VP, A&R. In her new role, she will grow Nashville’s presence by finding and developing talent, and fostering global collaborations and partnerships. She will report to Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville.
“Feeling incredibly grateful to Austen, Phil, Guy, and Carianne for believing in my growth and creative vision at WCM,” says Wiltshire. “It’s a privilege to work alongside such talented songwriters and artists – and I’m deeply passionate about championing their songs and finding them innovative opportunities.”
“It’s been great getting to know Christina and seeing firsthand all the incredible work she’s already accomplished at WCM,” adds Adams. “She’s an inspiring advocate for our songwriters and a true connector across the creative community. Christina will play a key role in further amplifying our songwriters in the US and on the global stage – opening up new opportunities for collaboration and reinforcing the rise of country music around the world.”
Wiltshire started at WCMN in 2019 as Director, A&R after holding previous roles as Creative Director at Sea Gayle Music, Creative Coordinator at Patrick Joseph Music/SONGS, and internships at Cornman Music and Warner Music Nashville. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
Clint Black To Receive BMI Icon Award
Clint Black. Photo: Russ Harrington
BMI will honor Clint Black with the BMI Icon Award during their 73rd annual BMI Country Awards on Nov. 18 at the BMI Nashville office. The invite-only ceremony will be hosted by BMI President and CEO, Mike O’Neill, Executive Vice President, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer, Mike Steinberg and BMI Nashville VP of Creative, Clay Bradley.
The event will also celebrate the Country Songwriter of the Year, Country Song of the Year and Country Publisher of the Year, and also honor the songwriters and music publishers behind this year’s 50 most-performed songs in country music.
“Clint Black’s career is a testament to the power of songwriting, and he is a true trailblazer whose artistry continues to leave an indelible mark on country music,” says Bradley. “He set a new standard for storytelling in song that defined an era. His ability to craft songs that resonate across decades has made him a true BMI Icon.”
Black first became affiliated with BMI in 1993. Since then, he has earned 22 No. 1 singles, all of which he has writing credits on. He has sold over 20 million albums, and has toured for three decades. His debut album, Killin’ Time, consisted of five consecutive No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Black has earned awards from the GRAMMY’s, the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music and the American Music Awards. Outside of music, Black has also acted in various film and television projects.
The BMI Icon Award recognizes exceptional songwriters for their unique and indelible influence on music. Previous honorees include Bill Anderson, Matraca Berg, Toby Keith, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Dean Dillon, Vince Gill and Hank Williams, Jr., as well as multi-genre creative/songwriting royalty Stevie Nicks, Little Richard, Carole King, Patti LaBelle, Brian Wilson, James Brown, Janet Jackson, Bo Diddley, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Peter Gabriel, Al Green, Van Morrison, Sting, Bryan Ferry, Carlos Santana, Los Lobos, and more.
Sony Music Publishing, Sea Gayle Music & Domain Capital Group Launch Global Admin Partnership
Pictured (L-R): Pete Chiappetta (Domain), Chris DuBois (Sea Gayle), Rusty Gaston (SMP) and Amy Cranford (SMP)
Sony Music Publishing Nashville has launched a global publishing administration partnership with Sea Gayle Music and Domain Capital Group. With the deal, Sony Music Publishing Nashville will provide global administration services to Sea Gayle’s entire roster and catalog, which includes hits such as “You Should Probably Leave,” “It’s Five O’ Clock Somewhere” and more.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Sony Music Publishing,” says Chris DuBois, CEO, Sea Gayle Music. “I’ve long admired the way Rusty Gaston champions songwriters, and I know our team and catalog are in the very best hands. Together, with Pete Chiappetta and our trusted partners at Domain, we’re confident this new partnership with Sony will give our writers the support of a close-knit creative community and the global reach that their music deserves.”
“Sea Gayle has long been a cornerstone of Nashville’s songwriting community, and what Chris and his team have built is truly special,” adds Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “We’re proud to be partnering with Sea Gayle and Domain to champion these amazing songwriters and catalogs and ensure that they continue to lead country music forward.”
Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley, and Frank Rogers established Sea Gayle Music in 1999. In 2020, Domain Capital Group purchased Sea Gayle’s catalog and started a joint venture with the publisher. Sea Gayle has won ASCAP’s Country Publisher of the Year twice, and its roster includes artists and song catalogs by Brad Paisley, Chris Stapleton, Bobby Pinson, Jerrod Niemann, Lee Thomas Miller and more.
BMG And Spotify Sign New U.S. Direct Licensing Agreement
Spotify and BMG have entered into a direct, multiyear US publishing licensing agreement.
The deal marks the latest development since BMG’s late-2023 announcement to assume direct control of its digital operations, allowing the company to oversee its own relationships with streaming platforms with a goal of improving efficiency across its music catalog.
“At Spotify, we believe the future of music depends on stronger collaboration across the industry,” shares Alex Norström, Co-President & Chief Business Officer, Spotify. “Our partnership with BMG advances that vision with renewed support for songwriters through a licensing model that will enhance how music is enjoyed on our platform.”
“Working directly with Spotify helps us reinforce our mission to ensure songwriters are fairly represented and rewarded for their work,” adds Thomas Coesfeld, CEO of BMG. “We’re pleased to agree on a progressive licensing model that reflects the real-world use of music across digital platforms and are excited to take our partnership to the next level as we continue to redefine what a modern music company can be. We applaud their momentum and support their position on developing new AI protections. While we support the use of AI to enhance human creativity, these policies align with BMG’s philosophy and will help ensure that fair remuneration and protection of artists’ works remain non-negotiable.”
Category: Music News
