Music News (1/21/26)
Allison Veltz Cruz Inks With Reservoir Media [Exclusive]
Pictured (L-R): John Ozier (EVP of Creative, Reservoir), Beth St. Jean (Senior Creative Manager, Reservoir), Allison Veltz Cruz, Greg Gallo (VP of Creative, Reservoir) and Sarah McDaniels (Creative Coordinator, Reservoir). Photo: Courtesy of Reservoir
Allison Veltz Cruz has inked a publishing deal with Reservoir Media.
Veltz Cruz earned her first country chart-topper with Matt Stell’s double-Platinum “Prayed For You” in 2019, followed by Tenille Arts’ Platinum, No. 1 track, “Somebody Like That.”
Veltz Cruz was named the AIMP Rising Songwriter of the Year in 2020 and has earned additional cuts with Luke Combs, Dierks Bentley, Jason Aldean, Lady A, Carly Pearce, George Birge, Maddie & Tae, Drew Baldridge and Lainie Garner, among others.
“This is my dream deal with a dream team and a full circle moment for me. I’ve never been more excited to create,” says Veltz Cruz.
“Allison Veltz Cruz is the best – not just for her incredible talent, but also for the authenticity, heart, and hustle that she brings into every writing room,” adds Greg Gallo, Reservoir Vice President of Creative. “Allison’s ability to craft songs that connect artists to listeners is truly special. Reservoir is excited and honored to partner with Allison on her next set of hits.”
Zach Kale Signs With Sea Gayle Music
Zach Kale & Team.
Zach Kale has signed with Sea Gayle Music.
Kale has earned cuts with Ella Langley, Florida Georgia Line, Charlie Puth, Keith Urban, Cole Swindell, NELLY, Nate Smith, Parmalee, Lauren Alaina and many others. The CMA and ACM–nominated, Dove Award–winning songwriter and producer co-wrote Gabby Barrett’s 8x Platinum “I Hope” and 4x Platinum “The Good Ones.”
“We’re proud to welcome proven hitmaker Zach Kale to the Sea Gayle Music family,” says Chris DuBois, President of Sea Gayle Music. “Whether he’s in the writing room or behind the console, Zach brings a rare combination of creative instinct, commercial awareness, and an undeniable ability to make music that truly connects. It’s a privilege to partner with him on his journey and look forward to helping create new opportunities for him and his music.”
“I am truly fired up to be working with the Sea Gayle Music team and I look forward to the opportunities ahead,” adds Kale.
Gavin Adcock & Hudson Westbrook To Headline 11th Annual Maui Songwriters Festival
Gavin Adcock & Hudson Westbrook
he Maui Songwriters Festival is returning for its 11th year to The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Feb. 11-14.
The multi-day experience is presented by Renate Event & Design in partnership with The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and in collaboration with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Guests will enjoy both intimate showcases and large-format concerts from artists and songwriters including headliners Gavin Adcock and Hudson Westbrook along with Chris DeStefano, Josiah Queen, Alana Springsteen, Kameron Marlowe, Reid Haughton, Dan Alley, Neil Medley, Lauren LaRue, Sara Bares, Kapali Long, Akoni Palomino, and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific (Pearl Harbor). All events will be hosted by on-air personality Katie Neal.
Exclusive VIP packages, special room rates, and event tickets are available now at mauisongwritersfestival.com. Festival proceeds directly benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, supporting local youth and families. The festival has donated more than $220,000 to the Maui community over the past three years.
ASCAP Reveals Songwriters Selected For GPS Project Class Of 2026
Pictured (L-R, front row): ASCAP’s Emilia James, Eleanor Bryan, Bailey Taylor, Abigail Mae, ASCAP’S Duane Hobson; (L-R, second row): Anna Kline, Remy Garrison; (L-R, third row): Wes Harris, Jay Speight, Maddie Lenhart, Faith Schueler; (L-R, fourth row): Grace + Max, ASCAP’s Ryan O’Grady, Maggie Youngs; (L-R, fifth row): Phoebe Scott, Jake Arthur, Kevin Monahan; (L-R, back row): Josh David, Cade Walker
ASCAP has revealed the songwriters selected for its 13th annual ASCAP GPS (Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters) Project. New this year is the addition of a Christian music cohort joining the country music participants.
The ASCAP GPS Project Class of 2026 includes Abigail Mae, Anna Kline, Bailey Taylor, Cade Walker, Eleanor Bryan, Faith Schueler, Grace + Max, Jake Arthur, Jay Speight, Josh David, Kevin Monahan, Maddie Lenhart, Maggie Youngs, Phoebe Scott, Remy Garrison and Wes Harris. The class was curated by ASCAP Associate Director of Nashville Membership Duane Hobson and ASCAP Manager of Nashville Membership Emilia James.
The program is led by ASCAP Vice President Mike Sistad and aims to help develop unsigned songwriters. Throughout the year, the songwriters will be paired with publishers who will listen and give feedback on their songs and host development sessions. Participating 2026 publishers include Big Machine Music, Capitol CMG Publishing, Centricity Publishing, Curb | Word Music Publishing, Eclipse Music Group, Empire Publishing, Essential Music Publishing, Integrity Music Publishing, King Pen Music, Kobalt Music Publishing, Liz Rose Music, Reservoir Media, Sony Music Publishing, Spirit Music Nashville, TIM Publishing and Warner Chappell Music Nashville.
ASCAP GPS alumni include Jacob Davis, Hannah Dasher, Caylee Hammack, Joe Ragosta and more.
Norman DeVasure Passes At 72
Norman DeVasure
Norman Burr DeVasure has passed away at the age of 72.
Born in Nashville, DeVasure grew up in Oakdale, California and went to college at MTSU, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Recording Industry Management. After graduation, DeVasure began his career with RCA Records Nashville. He later took a job as a song plugger for HoriPro Entertainment Group in Nashville, and assisted in the startup of RPM Music Publishing. He was also the co-writer of “Final Frontier,” a duet by Roy Rogers and Kathy Mattea on Rogers’ final studio album, Tribute. He was founder of Sunset Ranch Music/Norman Productions.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, DeVasure gave back to the community, including helping facilitate the annual HoriPro charity golf tournament at Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, Tennessee which raised funds for scholarships, and helping organize a Music Row Coat Drive which collected coats donated to the Nashville Mission and Room in the Inn.
He is survived by brother John Hatley DeVasure (Carolyn) of Denair, CA, Mary J.D.Anderson (Robert Saari), Paulette Michelle Foster (Richard), both of Lewisburg, TN, and half-brother Wayne Leggett (Marilyn) of Tempe, AZ and was an uncle to 22 nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at Clearview Baptist Church in Franklin, Tennessee on Jan. 28 at 11 a.m.
Category: Music News
