Music News (11/19/25)
ASCAP Honors Top Songwriters & Publishers At 2025 Nashville Celebration
ASCAP winners Shaboozey, Ashley Gorley and Brandon Lake. Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP
ASCAP celebrated the songwriters and publishers behind country and Christian music’s most-performed songs of the past year at the 2025 ASCAP Nashville Songwriters Celebration Monday night (Nov. 17).
Shaboozey was named ASCAP Country Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year. At the podium, he spoke about overcoming self-doubt and the gift of songwriting, sharing, “I learned very early on it was a gift to be able to write a song. Thank God for that gift… It took a lot of people to gain my confidence as a songwriter,” before thanking his team and collaborators.
Sony Music Publishing earned ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year. The company’s Nashville CEO, Rusty Gaston, recognized his team and the Sony songwriters who made an impact this year.
ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year winner Ashley Gorley notched his record-extending 12th win—more than any other songwriter across any genre. He thanked God, his family, friends and teams before reading a list of all the first-time ASCAP winners of the evening, noting that his own first win made him feel like a legitimate professional songwriter.
For the last big honor of the evening, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” was awarded ASCAP Country Music Song of the Year. Co-written by Sean Cook, Jerrell “J-Kwon” Jones, Joe Capo Kent and Mark “Tarboy” Williams, the hit topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks, tying the record for the longest-running No. 1 song ever.
Click here to see a full list of winners.
2025 BMI Country Awards Honors Clint Black, Top Songwriters & Publishers
Mike O’Neill, President/CEO, BMI, Clint Black and Clay Bradley, Vice President, Creative, Nashville, BMI. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI
The 2025 BMI Country Awards took over Music Row last night (Nov. 18), honoring the prolific career of BMI Icon Award recipient Clint Black, as well as the Country Songwriter, Song and Publisher of the Year.
Throughout the evening, BMI recognized the songwriters and publishers behind the 50 most-performed country songs of the previous year, calling up songwriters and publishers to take a photo on stage while the crowd cheered them on.
When Black accepted the honor, he spoke about his love for songwriting and the Nashville community, and the hard work of his team.
“You don’t get up here and do what we do without a long train of people behind you, pushing you up the hill,” he said. “There’s been a lot of people in my life who are as much responsible for this moment as I am.”
After visiting the stage multiple times to collect awards for many of the 50 most-performed country songs of the year, Charlie Handsome was named BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. Handsome co-wrote five of BMI’s most-performed songs in country music including Post Malone featuring Luke Combs’ “Guy For That,” Dylan Scott’s “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,” Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody,” Post Malone featuring Wallen on, “I Had Some Help,” and Post Malone featuring Blake Shelton on “Pour Me A Drink.”
“I Had Some Help” performed by Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen was named the 2025 BMI Country Song of the Year, published by Big Loud Mountain, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp and written by Handsome, Hoskins, Ernest Keith Smith, Wallen and Chandler Paul Walters.
The 2025 BMI Publisher of the Year accolade went to Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp., which published 32 of the 50 most-performed songs of the year.
Click here for a full list of winners.
SESAC Celebrates Songwriters & Publishers At 2025 Nashville Music Awards
Michael Tyler wins SESAC 2025 Songwriter of the Year. Photo: Katie Kauss
SESAC kicked off 2025 CMA Awards week in Nashville Sunday night (Nov. 16) with its annual SESAC Nashville Awards. Held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the star-studded event honored the songwriters and publishers behind this year’s most-performed country and Americana songs. More than 500 songwriters, publishers and industry professionals attended the celebration, which was sponsored in part by Hatef Aesthetics.
Frequent co-writer Jessie Jo Dillon surprised Megan Moroney by presenting her with SESAC’s Song of the Year award for her No. 1 hit “Am I Okay?” An emotional Moroney accepted the honor, sharing, “Songwriting is so therapeutic. I wouldn’t get through life and situations without it… thank you SESAC, my amazing team and country music.”
Warner Chappell Music earned the title of Publisher of the Year after taking home multiple awards throughout the night. The team joined SESAC executives onstage for a celebratory photo.
Michael Tyler was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year on the strength of hits including “Cowboy Songs” (recorded by George Birge), “Holy Smokes” (recorded by Bailey Zimmerman) and “This Heart” (recorded by Corey Kent). To mark the achievement, Gibson created a custom guitar and Jostens provided a one-of-a-kind ring.
Click here for a full list of winners.
NSAI Celebrates Nashville-Associated Chart-Toppers At Annual World’s Largest No. 1 Party
NSAI’s World’s Largest No. 1 Party
Nashville Songwriters Association International held its annual World’s Largest No. 1 Party celebration Monday (Nov. 17) for Nashville-associated songs and their writers who topped the charts during the past 18 months.
Presented by Bank of America Private Bank and the Mechanical Licensing Collective, the event was held in the recently opened Odie’s in the heart of Music Row. This year, NSAI shifted the timing of its annual World’s Largest No. 1 Party from the springtime to the fall, expanding upon the industry’s awards week. During the designated period, 107 songs with a Nashville-associated songwriter topped the charts, with 277 songwriters earning an award. From numerous songwriters who were celebrating their coveted first No. 1, to veteran writers adding to their No. 1 collection, the room was filled with elation for the achievements, once again showcasing the cherished closeness that makes the professional songwriting community unique.
“We’re honored to join NSAI in celebrating the songwriters who wrote some of the most popular and successful music released this year, and proud to help ensure creators everywhere receive the mechanical royalties they’re owed – with more than $3 billion in total royalties distributed to date,” says The MLC.
“The Bank of America Private Bank is honored to support the NSAI World’s Largest No. 1 Party, celebrating the songwriters whose creativity shapes Nashville’s musical legacy. Our commitment to the arts and the communities we serve remains central to who we are,” says The Bank of America Private Bank.
Click here for a full list of honorees.
Nate Lowery Appointed President Of Cornman Music
Nate Lowery. Photo: Courtesy of Cornman Music
Longtime executive Nate Lowery has been appointed President of the late Brett James‘ Cornman Music. He will join James’ children—Preston, Sam, Clare and David Cornelius—to carry forward their father’s legacy, ushering in the next chapter of the company.
Lowery says, “Since 2007 I’ve been honored and blessed to work with one of the greatest men and best songwriters that I’ve known, Brett James. I look forward to continuing with what Brett started and keep his legacy going along with his children. Signing amazing talent and making Cornman feel like a family is what we will continue to strive and do each day.”
Lowery previously held the role of General Manager and VP of Creative. He worked alongside James driving key partnerships and forging strong connections across the industry.
Preston, Sam, Clare and David share, “We couldn’t be happier to have Nate Lowery continue his work with Cornman Music as our new President. Nate has been instrumental in building Cornman and sustaining its success since the early days and became a dear friend to our father and us alike in the process. We thank him for his many years of dedicated service as Cornman’s General Manager and look forward to continuing to build on that success with him at the helm. We could think of no better person to carry on our father’s publishing legacy.”
Before joining Cornman, Lowery was recruited by Chris Oglesby to help establish Oglesby Writer Management, a division of 19 Entertainment, producers of American Idol. Earlier in his career, he gained foundational experience at Windswept Publishing, starting in the time-honored tradition of the Tape Copy Room and learning the craft from the ground up. With deep roots in songwriting—his father, Donny Lowery, penned hits such as “Old Flames” (Alabama) and “Why Does It Have To Be Wrong or Right” (Restless Heart)—Lowery brings a profound understanding of the creative process and an unwavering commitment to nurture creative talent.
ASCAP’s Assistant VP Strategic Services Kele Currier Retires
Kele Currier
Kele Currier, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Services at ASCAP, is retiring effective Nov. 19 after 33 years in the music industry and 13 in ASCAP Nashville’s Membership Department.
“I have truly enjoyed my time in the music industry,” says Currier of the move. “I count myself fortunate to have worked with each of you in some way. I have been blessed to experience many ‘pinch-me moments’ and celebrate many industry victories with many of you. I have immense respect and admiration for this music community and the collaboration we all have grown to know so well. It is truly unique and special! I am grateful to my many mentors who have given me a chance to prove myself when there was no reason to believe in me. I only hope I can continue to pay it forward in my next chapter.”
Currier’s 30+ years in the music business began at SESAC in the broadcast administration department, followed by administration and licensing positions with publishers, Maypop Music Group, Alabama Band’s publishing company, Opryland Music Group (Acuff Rose) and a stint as audit manager at music publishing administration company, Integrated Copyright Group (ICG). While at ICG, Currier met songwriter, Craig Wiseman, who recruited her to assist in opening Big Loud Bucks Administration. As Executive Vice President, she co-managed Wiseman’s catalogs along with the catalogs of Big Tractor Publishing, Extreme Writer’s Group and the hit catalogs of Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins, Jim Collins and other independent publishers.
In 2010, Currier joined ole Music Publishing (now Anthem Entertainment) as Director of Administration and led the U.S administration presence for their Toronto-based offices. While at ole, she negotiated all synchronization licensing deals for ole and their clients. In 2013, Currier was recruited by ASCAP to serve as Director of Strategic Services before being elevated to Assistant Vice President of Strategic Services.
Kele has a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Music Business from of Berklee College of Music and was part of the Leadership Music (class of 2014) and recipient of 2015 Music Row’s Rising Women on The Row. She has served on the GMA Board, is a member of The Copyright Society of the South, AIMP, Source, CMA, RIAA and ACM.
Currier reports future plans include dedicating time to retirement projects around the house, volunteering for CASA as a child advocate, traveling, and spending more time with family and her Australian Shepherd, Bandit. She can be reached at KeleCurrier@gmail.com.
Sony Music Publishing Elevates Dee Hale
Dee Hale
Sony Music Publishing has promoted Dee Hale to SVP, Film & TV Administration. Hale will be based in the company’s Nashville office and continue to report to EVP, Worldwide Administration, Dale Esworthy.
In the new role, Hale will be the primary administrative contact for Sony Music Publishing’s studio clients and provide ongoing support to the company’s UK studio clients. She will also continue her role as co-chair of the Society and Publisher Forum A/V Committee.
Hale has been with Sony Music Publishing for over thirty years, first joining in 1993 as Director of Film & Television Music Administration. During her time at the company, she has worked with a variety of production studios such as Sony Pictures, Tyler Perry Studios, A&E, Discovery, Twentieth Century Studios and Apple. She has also worked with composers such as John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Danny Elfman, Ennio Morricone, Howard Shore, Jerry Goldsmith, James Horner, Elmer Bernstein, Rachel Portman, John Barry and Brian Tyler. For the past 14 years, she has held the role as Publisher Co-Chair for CISAC’s Audio Visual Data Exchange Workgroups.
“I love working for a great company, with great people, doing something I love! It’s been an honor to work with our amazing studio clients and so many others throughout the world to take this part of the business to a higher level, and I am excited for what’s ahead,” shares Hale.
“Dee’s dedication to songwriters and composers is unsurpassed and unwavering,” adds Esworthy. “Her leadership as co-chair of the Society Publisher Forum’s AV Data Exchange working group has been instrumental in strengthening the global administration practices for composers at SMP and beyond. I look forward to seeing Dee step into this new role and am excited to see what she’ll achieve next.”
BMI Promotes Three On Nashville Creative Team
Nina Carter, MaryAnn Keen and Claire Dodelin
BMI has made a series of promotions within the company’s Creative team, including three in Nashville. Nashville’s Nina Carter was elevated to Executive Director, Partnerships & Events, MaryAnn Keen (Country – Nashville) was upped to Senior Director, Creative and Claire Dodelin (Nashville) was promoted to Associate Director, Creative.
Outside of Nashville, Marché Butler (R&B/Hip-Hop – Atlanta), Katie Kilgallen (Pop/Rock – NYC), Chris McCormick (Classical – NYC) and David Streit (Pop/Rock – LA) were also promoted to Senior Director, Creative, and Alex Bostelman (Pop/Rock – LA) was promoted to Director, Creative.
“We are thrilled to recognize these team members for their hard work and outstanding contributions, which collectively support our creative community across all genres of music,” says BMI’s EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg. “These well-deserved promotions reflect the talent and dedication that drive BMI’s ongoing success, and we’re confident this group will continue to provide the best opportunities, resources, and support to the music creators that BMI is so fortunate to represent.”
As Executive Director, Partnerships & Events, Carter spearheads initiatives to create valuable performance opportunities for BMI affiliates through strategic partnerships and branded stages at SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Lollapalooza and CMA Fest. She and her team develop and produce signature BMI events such as Rooftop on the Row, BMI Acoustic Lounge, Key West Songwriters Festival and more, helping to develop non-traditional revenue streams for BMI affiliates through unique experiential opportunities that differentiate BMI from industry competitors.
In their elevated roles, Butler, Keen, Kilgallen, Streit and Bostelman, will continue to support and foster the growth of BMI’s music creators’ careers by educating emerging songwriters on BMI’s services and initiatives, providing new performance and co-writing opportunities and helping them to navigate the industry. They will remain integral in coordinating multiple BMI events and special projects including the company’s annual award shows, BMI stages at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Music Festival, SXSW, BMI Acoustic Lounge and more. Identifying and signing new talent and maintaining relationships with existing BMI affiliates worldwide will remain an essential element of their roles.
As Associate Director, Nashville, Dodelin will support Nashville’s growing number of indie/rock music creators, curate showcases, coordinate writing sessions and mixers, and create new opportunities to champion Music City’s thriving songwriting community.
Tyler Hubbard Renews Global Administration Deal With Warner Chappell Music Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Spencer Nohe (WCM), Tyler Hubbard and Austen Adams (WCM)
Tyler Hubbard has renewed his global administration deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
As a songwriter, Hubbard has penned 19 No. 1 hits, and has become the only country artist to achieve four consecutive chart-topping hits both as part of a duo and as a solo act. His credits include Jason Aldean’s “You Make It Easy,” “Lights Come On,” and “Burnin’ It Down,” Little Big Town’s “Hell Yeah,” and Cole Swindell’s “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight.” among others.
As a solo artist, Hubbard has garnered more than two billion streams. His 2023 RIAA Gold-certified debut self-titled solo album features chart-toppers “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country,” both earning 3x and 2x Platinum certification by the RIAA, respectively. His most recent self-released hits “Back Then Right Now” and “Park” were both off his 2024 Strong album.
During his time with Florida Georgia Line, Hubbard and duet partner Brian Kelley made history with “Cruise” as the first country song to earn RIAA Diamond certification. They are also the only country act to receive two RIAA Diamond-certified singles for their “Cruise” and “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha.
“I’m beyond grateful to continue this journey with Warner Chappell Music,” shares Hubbard. “The team has been such a huge part of my story as a songwriter and publisher, and I couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds. Music has always been a way for me to connect with people, and I feel so blessed to keep doing what I love with people who believe in me. Let’s keep this thing rollin!”
“Tyler’s signature voice, bright spirit, and heartfelt songwriting have left a lasting mark on country music,” adds Austen Adams, President, WCM Nashville. “Spanning from his acclaimed early smashes to his latest inspired hits, he continues to prove himself as an artist of undeniable talent and staying power. Spencer Nohe and the entire Warner Chappell team have been incredible champions of this work, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!”
Jeff Garrison Signs With Electric Feel Publishing & TurnTable Music
Pictured (L-R): John Bradley – Country A&R Electric Feel, Ben Johnson – TurnTable Music, Jeff Garrison, Austin Rosen – CEO & Founder Electric Feel, Chandler Nicole Sherrill – Senior Director of Creative Electric Feel. Photo: Callie Mangrum
Singer-songwriter and producer Jeff Garrison has inked with Electric Feel Publishing and TurnTable Music.
Hailing from Michigan, Garrison moved to Music City with a guitar, a bag of clothes, and a goal to play 100 shows in a year. Garrison eventually signed a major label deal, alongside touring with The Wanted. He also earned a No. 2 tune on the Billboard charts. His influences include The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Amy Winehouse and Motown.
Since beginning his career, Garrison has co-penned and produced hits for artists such as Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Teddy Swims, Quavo and RaeLynn, among others. His songs have also appeared in commercials for Taco Bell, the Super Bowl and more, as well television shows such as Black-ish.
“I am delighted to work with Jeff Garrison, a remarkable talent and exceptional individual,” shares John Bradley, Country A&R, Electric Feel. “Having collaborated with Jeff over the past several years, it was a clear and strategic decision to partner with Ben Johnson to further elevate Jeff’s craft and impact.”
“I couldn’t be more excited for TurnTable Music to partner with EF and Jeff Garrison,” adds Ben Johnson, Founder, TurnTable Music. “Jeff is not only one of my longest running collaborators in town but is someone I wholeheartedly believe in as a brilliant creative who truly brings out the best in people – in and out of the writing room.”
“I’m so grateful and fired up to be working with Electric Feel and Ben Johnson/Turn Table Music,” adds Garrison. “Getting the chance to be part of a team that’s truly on the trend setting edge of the music industry is unreal. This team can reach any genre or person, and that’s like gasoline in a creative engine. Massive thank you to my lawyer, Christian Barker, for making the deal happen, and to everyone involved — John Bradley, Chandler Sherrill, Austin Rosen, and Ben Johnson. Feels like we’re already hitting the ground running, and I can’t wait to see what we build together.”
Concord’s Country Awards Week Challenge Raises $25,000 For CMA Foundation
Photo: Audrey Spillman for Concord
Concord in partnership with the CMA Foundation hosted its Second Annual Country Awards Week Challenge yesterday (Nov. 17). Nine teams joined Concord at Play Playground in Nashville to compete in events like High Five, Move It, Record Time, and Doctor! Doctor!, raising $25,000 for the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives.
Alongside the teams from Concord, First Horizon Bank, Riser House, Pinnacle, BMG, Sony Music Publishing, and Go West Creative also participated. Warner Chappell Music took home this year’s win.
“It was an absolute pleasure to partner with the CMA Foundation and the teams from across the industry to raise money for music education,” says Concord CEO Bob Valentine. Adding, “as the son of a music teacher, I have a distinctive understanding of the value of music education, and I am so glad that Concord can help support this great cause.”
“At the CMA Foundation, we believe that when you invest in music education, you invest in the future,” adds Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation. “Yesterday was a powerful reminder of what happens when our industry rallies around a meaningful cause. Concord has been a phenomenal partner and seeing so many teams come together with such energy and generosity reinforces that our work truly matters. The impact of this support will be felt by students and teachers nationwide.”
Combustion Music Reveals Lineup For 13th Annual Hope Town Music Festival
Combustion Music has announced the lineup for its 13th Annual Hope Town Music Festival, returning to Elbow Cay in Abaco, Bahamas Dec, 5-7.
This year’s bill includes Combustion Founder/President Chris Farren, Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Charles Esten, Ryan Hurd, Kendall Marvel, Morgan Evans, Laci Kaye Booth, Rivers Rutherford, Blake Bollinger, Austin Goodloe, Nicholas Sainato, Payton Smith, Jessica Farren, AJ Pruis and Sam Bergeson.
Last year’s Hope Town Music Festival raised over $400,000 benefitting three local organizations in Elbow Cay: Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Friends of the Environment and Every Child Counts.
“It was my goal to introduce many of my songwriter friends to this special island that my family and I have grown to love over the past 20 years, and to introduce Hope Town and its residents to the incredible musical talent of these writers, and finally and most importantly, to raise a bunch of money for some very worthy charities,” says Combustion Music founder and President Chris Farren about the inspiration for the annual event.
Hayden Blount Inks With Eclipse Music Group
Pictured (L-R): Anna Thiel (Creative Manager, Eclipse Music Publishing), Courtney Crist (Vice President, Eclipse Music Publishing), Penny Gattis (Partner, Eclipse Music Group), Hayden Blount, Kurt Locher (Partner, Eclipse Music Group), Zach Lund (Partner, Wild Child Music), Katie Vinten (Partner, Wild Child Music)
Hayden Blount has signed a publishing deal with Eclipse Music Group. Blount is managed by Wild Child Music.
The Savannah, Tennessee native garnered over five million streams and earned placements on various editorial playlists for his 2024 single “Heaven On Earth.”
“Hayden embodies everything we love about honest, roots-driven country music,” says Penny Gattis. “He’s unapologetically authentic—his songs are lived-in, his voice is unmistakable, and his perspective is entirely his own. We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Eclipse family and help him continue building something truly special.”
“Not every song has to be extremely profound, but I am a big fan of substance, which is something I’ve really tried to focus on in my writing,” says Blount. “Substance allows listeners to care about songs rather than just consuming them, and Eclipse understands that, which is why I couldn’t ask for a better partner as I continue my career.”
Weston Loney Signs With Combustion Music & PunchBowl Entertainment
Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Blake Duncan, PunchBowl Entertainment’s Juli Griffith, Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, Weston Loney, Combustion Music’s Keithan Melton, Combustion Music’s Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom.
Weston Loney has signed with Combustion Music and Punchbowl Entertainment.
Loney is now represented by Combustion Music’s Publishing division as a songwriter, Combustion Masters in partnership with PunchBowl Entertainment for artist development and distribution, and managed by PunchBowl’s Juli Griffith.
“Sometimes you hear something that just stops you in your tracks…Weston made me stop,” Combustion Founder/President Chris Farren says. “So fresh and so real, we couldn’t be happier to be in business with him as well as partnering with our friends at PunchBowl Entertainment.”
“Weston’s music is as infectious as his spirit,” Griffith shares. “He is a one-of-a-kind talent, and we couldn’t be more excited about this partnership.”
“The moment I stepped foot in the office, I knew I was home,” Loney adds. “I cannot wait for the road ahead with such great people by my side”
The signing follows the recent release of his EP, Half Cut, and singles “Lost In The Wild,” “Meltdown,” and “Tequila & Lime,” the latter of which landed on Spotify’s Fresh Finds Rock playlist.
Jon Wayne Hatfield Inks With Big Machine Music And Red Creative Group
Pictured (L-R): RED Creative Group Director of A&R Kaileen Mangan Smith, RED Creative Group Owner/Founder Jeremy Stover, Jon Wayne Hatfield, Big Machine Music President Mike Molinar, Big Machine Music Sr. Vice President Alex Heddle
Jon Wayne Hatfield has signed an exclusive co-publishing deal with Big Machine Music and Red Creative Group via their joint venture.
“Jon Wayne is a powerhouse in the making,” says Mike Molinar, President of Big Machine Music. “The might of his vocal is topped only by the authenticity of his story and yearning to connect to people via his music.”
“I’m inspired by Jon Wayne’s story and artistry,” adds Jeremy Stover, Owner/Founder of RED Creative Group. “He writes from a place of authenticity that’s rare and refreshing, and we couldn’t be more excited to support his creative journey.”
A Goshen, Ohio native, Hatfield was recently a finalist in this year’s Tennessee Songwriter Competition held at the iconic Bluebird Café. He joins Big Machine’s publishing roster of Jessie Jo Dillon, Laura Veltz, Geoff Warburton and more.
“I’m incredibly excited that I get to work with two of the best teams in town, Big Machine Music and Red Creative,” he says. “I’m honored that they took a chance on a small-town boy from Ohio like me.”
Ethan Burdick Inks With Back Blocks Music
Pictured (L-R): Lydia Cahill (SESAC), Abbey Watson (SESAC), Ethan Burdick, Elizabeth Cooke (Back Blocks) and Rakiyah Marshall (Back Blocks)
Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ethan Burdick has signed with Back Blocks Music for management and publishing.
Hailing from Vancouver, Washington, Burdick moved to Music City this year after Back Blocks Founder & CEO Rakiyah Marshall found him on TikTok Live. Burdick got his musical start by playing drums in marching band, as well as jazz band. Growing up he played gigs in his hometown, honing his live signing and emotional storytelling. His inspirations include Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan, Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber.
“I’m so thrilled to officially welcome Ethan Burdick to the Back Blocks family! From the moment he arrived in Nashville, Ethan jumped straight into the work of shaping his artistry and sharpening his songwriting. He’s humble, introspective, and deeply self-motivated — the kind of artist who’s building in all the right directions,” shares Marshall. “I have no doubt we’ll be watching him on the GRAMMY stage one day.”
“Rakiyah and her team are so passionate and have such an incredible understanding of what makes long-lasting careers, I’m so excited to be working with them. I feel very blessed… I never would’ve believed you if you told me I’d be living in Nashville chasing down my wildest dreams, but I know God works in amazing ways,” adds Burdick. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity and look forward to writing and releasing more music.”
Burdick is also signed to SESAC.
By Design Reveals Global Publishing Partnership With Sony Music Publishing
Pictured (L-R, back row): Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, By Design’s Josh Thompson, and By Design’s Josh Pauley. (L-R, front row): By Design’s Jeremy Holley, By Design’s Rod Riley, and By Design’s Josh Bailey. Photo: William King
By Design has established a global publishing partnership with Sony Music Publishing. With the deal, Sony Music Publishing will provide global administration services for By Design’s growing roster, as well as collaborate for joint-venture signings.
“Our passion for songwriters and great songs drives everything we do at SMP, and it’s clear that By Design shares the same spirit,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “We are thrilled to partner with their team and champion the incredible roster and catalog they’re building.”
“We’ve always said that By Design is more than a label — it’s a creative ecosystem,” shares Josh Bailey, Co-Founder of By Design. “Partnering with Sony Music Publishing allows us to expand that ecosystem, giving our creatives best-in-class support on a global scale. It’s about equipping creatives to tell meaningful stories and providing the infrastructure to bring those stories to life.”
“This partnership reflects what we’ve believed from the beginning — that great art thrives in great alignment,” adds Josh Thompson, Co-Founder of By Design. “Rusty and the SMP team understand the balance between creative excellence and creator care, and together we’re building a foundation that empowers writers to dream boldly and impact culture through their original design.”
The company recently appointed Josh Pauley as Vice President of Publishing and A&R.
Callie Prince Inks With Endurance Music Group
Pictured (L-R): EMG’s Lauren Funk and Michael Martin, Callie Prince, EMG’s Courtney Kruckeberg
Callie Prince has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Endurance Music Group.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be working with the one and only Callie Prince! She truly has a knack for pairing great lyrics with infectious, soaring melodies. From the first time I heard ‘She Calls Him Baby,’ I was hooked—she has a rich, captivating voice that makes you want to hit repeat. The entire Endurance team has been fired up about Callie for a while now, and we’re so excited to make it official! Her passion makes the creative process effortless, and we can’t wait to see where she goes from here,” shares EMG Creative Director Courtney Kruckeberg.
“It is truly an honor to work with Endurance,” Prince says. “They believe in me and my songwriting, and they champion me and push me to get better. I’ve always dreamed of being a songwriter, and they have helped turn that dream into a reality!”
A Mississippi native, Prince will release her debut EP, Girls Who Cuss, on Friday (Nov. 14). Her recent single “Cigarette” landed on featured editorial playlists including Spotify’s Fresh Finds, All New Country and Fresh Finds Country; Apple Music’s New in Country; CMT’s The Roundup; and Whiskey Riff’s Country New Music Friday.
Prince is currently managed by 1221 Management.
Connor Hicks Signs With Tape Room Music
Pictured (L-R): Caroline Hodson (Tape Room Music), Nick Tressler (Raised Rowdy Management), Ashley Gorley (Tape Room Music), Connor Hicks, Blain Rhodes (Tape Room Music) and Katherine Godwin (Tape Room Music). Photo: Ike Everard
Connor Hicks has inked an exclusive global publishing deal with Tape Room Music.
Hicks’ music has become popular with fans for its themes of small-town life, enduring love and life’s defining moments. His homestate of Kentucky shapes his bluegrass side, combined with his love of country music. Hicks’ influences include Brett Eldredge and the Zac Brown Band.
Hicks recently released his new single “Lonely Season,” which followed his 2024 releases of “The Heart I Used To Have” and “Remembering Somebody.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue growing into the artist I’ve always wanted to be,” shares Hicks. “My goal has always been to create music that feels real, and I’m thrilled to do that alongside a team like Tape Room that is truly the best of the best. All glory to the man upstairs.”
“From our first meeting with Connor, we knew we wanted to be a part of his journey as an artist,” adds Tape Room Music President Blain Rhodes. “We are so excited to welcome him to the Tape Room family and help him bring his music to the world.”
Category: Music News
