Publishing Briefs: Ultra and WCM Team Up, Concord and Josh

Ultra Music Publishing announced it is teaming up with Warner Chappell. The partnership will see Warner Chappell acting as Ultra’s sub publisher in the UK, collecting the company’s digital income across the UK and Europe overall.

One of the top full service independent music publishers, Ultra’s deal will also open up new opportunities for its roster to work with that of Warner Chappell’s.

Concord Music Publishing has acquired the catalog of songwriter Josh Miller and inked a go-forward, worldwide publishing deal.

A country writing phenom, Miller worked on songs like “Meant to Be,” by Bebe Rexha and Florida Goergia Line, “Southbound” by Carrie Underwood, “Long Live” by Florida Georgia Line, “Be A Light” by Thomas Rhett,” and “Take Back Home Girl” by Chris Lane ft. Tori Kelly.

“We are beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to represent this incredible catalog, as well as work alongside Josh going forward,” says Brad Kennard, svp a&r, Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “He’s an incredibly respected craftsman, a driven competitor, and a first-class human being.  We could not be more fired up!”

Jim Selby, chief publishing executive at Concord adds, “Josh has already seen so much success in the Country genre, and we are thrilled to add him to our growing roster in Nashville and help nurture his talents to take him even further.”

The deal was negotiated on Concord’s behalf by its evp, legal and business affairs, Duff Berschback. Miller was repped by Scott Safford of Safford Motley PLC.

Nicolle Galyon has extended her 15 year publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music in partnership with Influence Media and Songs & Daughters Publishing. Known as a true Nashville hitmaker, Galyon has credits on songs like “Tequila” by Dan + Shay, “Automatic” by Miranda Lambert, “We Were Us” by Kieth Urban, “Gone” by Dierks Bentley, and “Consequences” by Camila Cabello.

“It’s so exciting to look to the future with a new team that I also have an incredible history with,” says Galyon of the extension. “I’m lucky to have 15 years of my journey under my belt with Warner Chappell, while Influence is bringing a whole new progressive space and energy to my copyrights. As a songwriter & publisher, it feels monumental to get to partner with companies that push me forward and have also felt like home since day one.”

“Nicolle’s songs have always made us feel emotions that we all can relate to. Well before her first hit, it was clear that her writing style was distinct as she so naturally wrapped her lyrics around melodies,” adds Ben Vaughn, president & CEO, WCM Nashville. “She only continues to perfect her craft and create timeless songs. As a trailblazing businesswoman, dedicated co-writer, loyal friend, sister, daughter, mother, and supporter of talent, she understands the creative process and we are proud to be her partner.”

“Nicolle is a powerhouse multi-hyphenate who is a force behind some of our most beloved modern country hits. We are so proud to support Nicolle through our phenomenal partnership with Ben Vaughn, BJ Hill and Warner Chappell and look forward to the next phase of this journey,” said Influence Founder and Co-Managing Partner Lylette Pizarro.

WCM also announced it was partnering with film and TV production company Unigram to sign a worldwide publishing deal with singer-songwriter Scott McFarnon, who has worked with Beyoncé, Mark Ronson, FKA Twigs and Daniel Merriweather.

“Scott is a brilliant songwriter, he’s written for top artists and is enjoying success writing original scores for movies,” said Amber Davis, Head of A&R, Warner Chappell Music UK. “He’s going to be a great asset to us as he collaborates with more of our roster and we look to place him in international songwriting camps.”

Truth or Dare Publishing has signed Grammy-nominated songwriter Mary Gauthier to a new publishing deal. Known best for her work with Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Boy George, and Jimmy Buffet, the prolific talent has also released eight studio albums over the course of her career.

Truth or Dare Publishing was founded by Nashville’s Missi Gallimore in Jan. 2021 and boasts a roster that includes Sam Williams, Caitlin James, Tommy Cecil, and Ben Roberts of Carolina Story.

“I have been a fan of Mary Gauthier for years, pitching her songs to artists such as Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Keith Urban and many more,” says Gallimore of the deal. “Most recently, her collaborations with artist Sam Williams have become some of my most favorite pieces of hers. I thought of how incredible it could be to have her as part of the Truth or Dare team and work with her more intimately kicking country beyond the traditional.”

Gauthier adds, “I am SUPER EXCITED to be working with Missi Gallimore and Truth or Dare Publishing, I can think of no better place on earth for my songs right now!”

Kobalt has announced the signing of songwriter/producer/artist Lauren Aquilina to a worldwide administration deal, including synch and creative services. This is a go-forward deal.

After gaining moment with a string of EPs titled Fools, Sinners and Liars while still in school, Aquilina has earned success as an artist in her own right,  but she has also worked with some of pop’s top acts as a writer/producer, including Ava Max, Little Mix, Demi Lovato, Rina Sawayama, Olivia O’Brien, FLETCHER, and more.

Currently, Aquilina (who splits her time between London, LA and Stockholm) is at work on the entirety of Sawayama’s sophomore album.

She says of the deal, “I love how supported I feel by the entire global team, and I really feel like they share my vision for what I’m trying to achieve. Can’t wait to see what the next few years have in store!”

Kobalt creative director, Brad Beausir, adds “Lauren is one of those special writers that has it all. As soon as I met her I knew Kobalt had to work with her not only for her insane talent but for how good of a human she is. Lauren has already worked with iconic writers and artists at such a young age and the songs just get better and better. I’m really looking forward to watching our community discover just how brilliant she is.”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed rising country singer-songwriter Trey Lewis to a worldwide publishing deal. A new artist hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Lewis inks his SMP agreement just after the release of his first EP Shut the Door and his Jan. 14 single “Single Again.”

With just a month to go before he hits the road, supporting Kid Rock’s U.S. tour, Lewis says of the deal, “I appreciate Rusty Gaston, Tom Luteran and the whole Sony Music Publishing team for supporting me and being champions for my career and believing in me as both an artist and a writer. I’m looking forward to working with them and for them.”

Rusty Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville said, “Trey Lewis is cut from the same cloth as the legends who have paved the way before him. His songs are real, genuine, and full of country swagger. We are proud to welcome him to the SMP Nashville family.”

Tom Luteran, vp, creative, Sony Music Publishing Nashville said, “The talent and unstoppable work ethic Trey possesses is what separates him from the pack. This is just the beginning for Trey, and I couldn’t be happier to be on this rocket ship ride with him.”

Prescription Songs has signed 18-year-old artist and songwriter Payday to their roster. Announced by the company’s head of a&r, west coast, Rhea Pasricha, she said, “from the moment I met Payday, I knew she was special. She doesn’t fit into any one box and that’s what makes her so exciting. She’s an incredible vocalist, rapper, songwriter and creative artist and has already accomplished so much at such a young age. The sky is truly the limit for her and we at Rx Songs are so excited to be working alongside her and her team.”

“I honestly feel so happy and privileged to officially join the Prescription Songs family,” shares Payday. “Rhea and the rest of the Rx Songs team have always been so supportive of my music and I couldn’t be more excited for the future!”

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