Music News (11/5/25)

Carrie Cunningham Named Owner & President Of Global Songwriters Connection

Carrie Cunningham, Jim Pace and Sheree’ Spoltore’

Global Songwriters Connection has welcomed a new owner and President, Carrie Cunningham.

Owner Sheree’ Spoltore’ and her partner Jim Pace have officially passed the torch to Cunningham, and Pace will continue in his GSC role as Partner and Technology Director. Spoltore’’s decision comes after a season of focusing on her health. Since launching GSC, she has worked tirelessly to champion songwriters and artist/writers across the globe, helping thousands grow their craft, connect with industry pros, and navigate hundreds of deals. 

Cunningham, an award-winning artist and producer, brings more than 20 years of experience in performance, event production, live sound production, sync licensing, copyright and artist development to her new role. Known for her drive and her deep understanding of the creative process, she’s committed to helping artists and songwriters thrive.

“I am so thankful the legacy of GSC will continue for the next generation,” says Spoltore’. “Carrie shares the same heart for service and passion for songwriters, which have always defined GSC. She has been a vital part of many songwriting organizations and knows the needs of creatives. I will continue my work at GSC in a limited capacity in service to her vision.”

“It’s an incredible honor to continue the mission Sheree’ built,” says Cunningham. “Songwriters are the foundation of Music Row, and I’m honored to build on the bridge Sheree’ has so thoughtfully established between creators and the industry. GSC will continue to be a trusted home for songwriters who are serious about their craft.”

“GSC has always been about supporting songwriters through both creative and technological innovation,” adds Pace, GSC Partner and Technology Director. “I’m excited to continue that mission with Carrie as we build new ways to connect writers and the industry.”

Under Cunningham’s leadership, Global Songwriters Connection will continue its mission of inspiring, educating and connecting songwriters with the opportunities they deserve, offering its signature one-on-one mentoring, publisher pitch events and songwriter development programs, while expanding digital education and live networking opportunities.

GSC will host its annual GSC Holiday Mixer on Dec. 10 in the CMA Event Room. The event is open to GSC members and the Nashville songwriting community.

Cunningham, Pace and Spoltore’ can be reached at carrie@globalsongwriters.com, jim@globalsongwriters.com and sheree@globalsongwriters.com, respectively.

Dave Barnes Inks With Capitol CMG Publishing

Pictured (L-R): Kent Draughn, Ellie McKay, Emily Belue, Dave Barnes, Katie Barolak, Terryl Padilla, Austin Jones, Isabel Newell and David Gutekunst

Singer-songwriter Dave Barnes has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Capitol Christian Music Group Publishing.

A Grammy-nominated songwriter, Barnes has notched over 100 cuts over his career. He has penned hits for Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Dan + Shay, Carrie Underwood, NEEDTOBREATHE, Billy Currington and more. Barnes has had two No. 1 hits at country radio with Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” and Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris’ “Craving You.” His other notable cuts include Dan + Shay’s “You,” Lady A’s “Like A Lady,” and Bethany Dillon’s “All I Need.” As an artist, he has collaborated with Lindsey Stirling, Ingrid Michaelson and Ben Rector, among others.

“I am incredibly excited to partner with Dave,” says Katie Barolak, Capitol CMG Publishing Senior Director of Creative. “I’ve been a fan of his lyrical and melodic sensibilities for years, and to be able to walk alongside him in this next chapter is a dream come true. He’s a musical force to be reckoned with, carries a remarkable work ethic, and is one of the best people in the business. It’s an honor to welcome him to the Capitol CMG Publishing family!”

“I’m thrilled to be writing with Capitol,” adds Barnes. “Katie and the team have been such a joy to get to know, and I really admire the way they approach publishing. They cast a wide net with the kinds of songs they pitch and encourage me to write. Knowing that Capitol is beginning to push into the country market, as well as other genres, is especially exciting to me as I love writing so many different types of music. It couldn’t be a better time to step into this new season with a team that’s already shown so much support and enthusiasm.”

Matt Geroux Inks With Position Music

Pictured (L-R): Chandler Thurston (A&R, Position Music), Chief Zaruk (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), Matt Geroux, Simon Tikhman (Co-Founder & CEO, The Core), and Jamie Sudhalter (Head of A&R, The Core)

Award-winning songwriter and producer Matt Geroux has signed a global publishing deal with Position Music, in joint venture with The Core.

Geroux has cemented himself in Nashville by combining pop and rock influences into modern country music. Geroux also has a knack for creating melodies, alongside his storytelling, recently notching his first No. 1 hit with Josh Ross’ “Single Again.” Across all his cuts, Geroux has garnered 500 million streams.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Matt to the Position crew in Nashville,” says Chandler Thurston, Position Music A&R. “The combination of his writing/production, along with his hustle, make him one of the town’s most dynamic writers. Big thanks to the team at The Core for their partnership – we’re excited to continue working alongside them as things build.”

“Position instantly felt like family and now having them join forces with my home team at The Core makes this moment even more meaningful,” shares Geroux. “I’m grateful to have champions that believe in my songs as much as I do and excited for what’s to come.”

“We’ve always believed in surrounding ourselves with partners who understand our vision, and the team at Position couldn’t be a better fit for Matt,” add Simon Tikhman and Chief Zaruk, Co-Founders and CEOs of The Core Entertainment. “Their passion and commitment are exactly what he deserves, and we’re excited to see what this next chapter brings.”

Kellie Besch Inks With Integrity Music

Pictured (L-R): Blaine Barcus (President, Integrity Music), Stone Meyer (Vice President, Music Publishing) Kellie Besch, Taylor Agan (Creative Director, Music Publishing), Ben Wolverton (Senior Manager, Integrity Worship) and Ashlee Prigge (A&R, Music Publishing Coordinator).

GRAMMY, Billboard, Stellar and ASCAP Award-winning songwriter Kellie Besch has signed a publishing deal with Integrity Music.

Besch’s background includes being classically trained on piano, as well as spending time as a worship leader, which led directly into her collaborating with faith-focused artists and songwriters. She co-penned CeCe Winans’ “That’s My King,” which went on to win the GRAMMY award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, as well as the Billboard Music Award for Top Gospel Song.

Besch has also written songs for Aaron Williams, Matt Redman, River Valley Worship, River Valley AGES, and Bridge Worship, among others.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Kellie Besch to our dynamic and expanding roster of visionary songwriters who are defining the contemporary sound of the Church,” says Stone Meyer, Vice President of Publishing at Integrity Music. “Her extensive experience and proven track record of successful collaborations with leading artists position her as one of the most versatile and promising talents in our genre.”

“I grew up on songs like ‘Shout to the Lord’ and ‘Ancient of Days,’” adds Besch. “So to now be a part of the legacy that helped shape me is such an honor. I’m excited to partner with people who care so deeply about serving the Church well.”

Tay Keith & DRUMATIZED Host The Third Installment Of Their DOA Writers Camp Series

GRAMMY-nominated producer Tay Keith and his label DRUMATIZED, alongside Warner Chappell Studios, hosted the third DOA Writers Camp, a two-day songwriting event in Nashville this past week.

The latest installment of the camp hosted Reyna Roberts, Duke Jones, Meech, Brandon Manley, BlackJack, LuhRon, Coach Smoke, Spinz, T-Will, Lockdown, Kyondabeat, Alwitdacookup, Randyhitz, Twolivejay, Yung Lan, Cxrd, KTLN, Bryant Taylorr, Scoot Teasley, Tim Gent and more.

On the second day of the camp, attendees particpated in Unplugged, a mixer hosted by DOA X BMI at Rivian Nashville. In attendance were artists, producers, songwriters and industry creatives, with catering provided by Dad Water, Slim Husky’s Pizza and Viva Beverage Co.

The camp is a direct correlation to DRUMATIZED’s mission to uplift Black voices in music by creating collaborative spaces for songwriters and producers to create original work across a variety of genres. The camp hosts rising talent where they can work with industry experts.

Peter Daniel Newman Signs With Sony Music Publishing Nashville & Showbiz Ro Music

(L-R, back row): Chelsea Kent (SMP), Cam Caldwell (SMP), Scott Safford (Attorney) and Rusty Gaston (SMP). (L-R, front row): Ronna Reeves (Showbiz Ro), Peter Daniel Newman and Liz Morin (Showbiz Ro).

Juno-nominated songwriter and producer Peter Daniel Newman has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with Showbiz Ro Music.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at Sony Music Publishing and Showbiz Ro Music,” says Newman. “From my very first conversation with Rusty [Gaston], I knew this would be the right fit—his passion for music is both inspiring and contagious. Newfoundland, where I grew up, has a rich history of songwriting and Irish folk music. I am proud that those Newfoundland roots have carried me all the way to Music Row. I am deeply grateful to Rusty, Liz [Morin], and Ronna [Reeves] for their support and belief in me, and I look forward to the opportunities ahead.”

Newman works with Canadian and Nashville-based artists, and overseas. In the early 2000s, Newman worked with Clint Black and Blacktop Music Group, launching his career. Also notably, Newman worked on Megan Moroney’s “Georgia Girl” and Parmalee’s “Cowgirl.” He also has cuts with Tyler Booth, Austin and Colin, David Guetta, Todd Tilghman, High Valley, Meghan Patrick, Nathan Carter and Damien McGinty. He has also produced for The Secrets, Jason Greeley and Kellie Loder, among others.

“We began working with Peter in 2022, his versatility as a writer and producer caught our attention and has been a game changer for our partnership ever since,” shares Showbiz Ro Music Co-Founders Liz Morin and Ronna Reeves. “We have celebrated multiple cuts together including Megan Moroney’s “Georgia Girl” and Parmalee single “Cowgirl.”  Thanks to Rusty Gaston, we have been given the amazing opportunity to partner with the whole Sony Music Publishing team, and we know that this new venture together will be an incredible journey for all.”

“Peter is driven, determined, and destined for a long and successful career on Music Row,” adds Gaston, Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO. “It’s incredible to be celebrating his first Top 10 country single already. He’s built a strong foundation alongside Liz and Ronna, and I have no doubt the three of them will continue to make magic.”