Welcome to the mid-May edition of Publishing Briefs, our semimonthly bulletin of recent signings, deals and doings in the wide world of music publishing. Since our last sesh, Big Loud Texas launched a publishing division, appointing Timothy Allen as its first signee and hiring Lizzy Rector as publishing director to lead the Austin-based venture; and the nation’s the nation’s top copyright official – Register of Copyrights, Shira Perlmutter – was abruptly terminated by President Trump.
Caught up? Here’s what else is going on:
Concord Music Publishing signed prolific and award-winning songwriter Jon Nite to a global publishing deal covering his future works and select back catalog, including hits like Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancing In The Country” and Gabby Barrett’s “Pick Me Up.” Originally from Amarillo, Texas, Nite has penned numerous No. 1 Hot Country Songs, such as “We Were Us” (Keith Urban & Miranda Lambert), “Strip It Down” (Luke Bryan), and “Beachin’” (Jake Owen). He’s a three-time CMA Triple Play Award winner and received Grammy and ACM nominations for “Break Up in the End” by Cole Swindell. In 2023, he was named SESAC writer of the year for writing multiple chart-toppers. Nite’s catalog also includes crossover hits like “I Hope” (Gabby Barrett feat. Charlie Puth) and Christian chart-topper “Pray for You” (Dan + Shay). “Jon Nite’s songs have been a mainstay on country radio for the last 10 plus years. His ability to write songs that evoke emotion is second to none! It’s truly an honor that he chose to entrust Concord with his catalog of hits and future works,” said Matt Turner, A&R vp at CMP in Nashville.
CMP also signed rising country singer-songwriter Grace Tyler to her first publishing deal, covering her full catalog and future releases. A Frisco, Texas native and Belmont University graduate, Tyler was mentored by Lee Brice and gained attention with her 2021 viral TikTok hit “My Mistake.” Her debut EP, Everything I Didn’t Say, released in March 2025, showcases her emotionally honest songwriting. Tyler was nominated for Spotify’s 2024 “Fresh Finds Favorites” for her track “Weak Man” and featured on Amazon Music’s “Breakthrough Country” playlist. She recently performed at the 2025 American Rodeo Championship and has tour dates ahead. Courtney Allen, senior director of A&R at Concord, said she offered Tyler a deal after their first meeting, adding, “she has slowly and quietly been honing her craft and now it is her time to shine.”
Warner Chappell Music UK signed author and illustrator Liz Pichon for her new children’s multimedia brand, The Mubbles. Known for the global hit Tom Gates, Pichon is expanding her creative reach with The Mubbles, which blends books, music, and YouTube content aimed at younger children. Set on the eco-powered Isle of Smile, The Mubbles features fantastically named creatures like Singing Earworms and Drib Drabs. The first book, the aptly titled Meet the Mubbles, debuted earlier this year. The accompanying YouTube channel offers weekly videos and original songs created by Pichon and her husband, music producer Mark Flannery. Warner Chappell Music exclusively represents the music rights for The Mubbles, marking a strategic partnership to expand its musical reach. “I love writing the song lyrics that feature in the books and then hearing the studio magic as my husband writes the music and produces the songs we release commercially,” said Pichon. “The Mubbles is a platform that brings books, music and all kinds of creativity together for both children and adults to enjoy. Knowing we now have the support and experience of Warner Chappell Music behind us is very exciting.”
BMI launched its first-ever Composer Lab to nurture the artistic and professional development of emerging composers. Led by renowned composer Peter Golub and BMI veep Tracy McKnight, the program will select ten participants for a two-week virtual workshop followed by a nine-day in-person intensive in Los Angeles. The lab offers direct mentorship from celebrated composers like James Newton Howard, Kathryn Bostic, and Nathan Barr, as well as insights from industry leaders such as Warner Bros.’ Paul Broucek and music supervisor Julia Michels. The program will include interactive sessions and orchestral recording opportunities. Applications are open until May 30, with sessions beginning in August and September. McKnight emphasized the unique chance for participants to “engage directly with some of the most revered composers in the industry,” while Golub highlighted the program’s role in helping composers “develop their unique voices and take bold steps forward in their musical journey.”
PopIndia, the new Mumbai-based subsidiary of Reservoir Media, snagged the publishing and master rights to Musicraft Entertainment‘s entire catalog in its first Indian deal. Musicraft, founded in 1980, is known for its “Indie Bollywood” style and includes genres like Qawwali. The catalog features artists such as Ashok Zakhmi, whose hit song has over 305 million YouTube views. PopIndia will also manage Musicraft’s YouTube channel with over 3 million subscribers. Reservoir’s evp of international and emerging markets Spek highlighted the catalog’s quality and historical range. “Our strategy in India is focused on long-term value creation, and that starts with investing in catalogs that matter — culturally and commercially,” he said. “We see a growing global appetite for Indian music, and this deal positions us well to meet that demand with credible, well-curated content.”
Prescription Songs, in collaboration with 7Hills Music and Amigo Records, signed 20-year-old Nashville singer/songwriter Will Terry for publishing and music releases. Originally from Rome, Georgia, Terry blends Southern grit with heartfelt storytelling and has opened for artists like Tyler Farr and Jon Langston. He recently performed at Whiskey Jam and is the second country artist signed to Amigo Records. “Having a team that feels like family is all I ever wanted,” said Terry.
Nashville-based producer and songwriter Dave Cohen, a four-time Academy of Country Music winner, inked a global publishing deal with Position Music. Originally from Canada, Cohen has collaborated with major artists like Elle King and Post Malone. He joins Position Music’s diverse roster, which includes talents such as Tinashe, Cannons, and Polyphia. Cohen expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, crediting support from Chandler Thurston of Position and Hannah Babitt of BABZ Management.
