(CelebrityAccess)—The music industry has witnessed a series of noteworthy signings this week, with companies such as Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville (UMPG), Powerhouse Management, SMACKSongs and more securing new talent. These deals underscore the industry’s pursuit of growth across all areas.
PUBLISHING / MANAGEMENT
Hitmaker Mark Irwin has signed a publishing deal with SMACKSongs. For four decades, Irwin’s catalog boasts hits such as “Here in the Real World” by Alan Jackson and “Highway Don’t Care” by Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. His works have been recorded by George Jones, Blake Shelton, Patty Loveless, Thomas Rhett, and many more.
“Mark has always been one of the most talented, versatile, positive and hardworking songwriters in this town,” says Robin Palmer, Chief Creative Officer at SMACK. “We are all very happy to welcome him to our SMACK team!”
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UMPG Nashville has signed Warner Music Nashville Country music artist Trea Landon to an exclusive, global publishing deal. Landon moved to Music City in 2015 and signed with Warner Music Nashville two years later. His first EP was released in 2020 (Dirt Road Dancin’), and according to MusicRow, his latest single, “Nothing,” was released in July.
“I met Trea in passing at a studio back in 2015, where he was doing a vocal for a demo session,” says UMPG Nashville’s VP, A&R, Missy Roberts. “His vocal was like no one else I had heard, but with the familiarity of a classic country song. It stopped me in my tracks. His growth as a human and creator over the past few years has equally stopped me in my tracks. I’m grateful to be a part of Team Trea Landon and excited for what the future holds!”
Landon is managed by Quinton Digital and booked by Reliant Talent Agency.
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Country duo The Kentucky Gentlemen have signed with Powerhouse Management and will be managed by Kadeem Phillips. Fresh off their appearance at the Country Music Association (CMA) Fest, the duo are currently on tour with The War and Treaty. Phillips also manages TripStar, Raemi and Jai Musiq.
The emerging artists were named one of GLAAD’s New Voices in Country Music and were one of only five acts selected by WXPN’s Black Opry Residency.
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Singer/Songwriter Chris Ryan has secured a WW publishing deal with Liz Rose Music and has signed a management deal with Laguna Madre Management in partnership with Left Right Management. Hailing from Helotes, TX, Ryan moved to Nashville in 2018. His new single, “Edge of Town,” is set for release today (August 2).
He joins a roster that includes Braxton Keith, Emmy Russell, Phil Barton, Cameron Bedell and more.
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Polish composer, cellist, and artist Dobrawa Czocher signed a publishing agreement with Berlin-based Bosworth Music, a Wise Music Group (WMG) subsidiary.
A request collaborator with pianist Hania Rani, the duo’s first album, Biala Flaga, was released in 2015. The WW release of their first full album, Inner Symphonies, was released in 2021 via Deutsche Grammophon. It solidified Czocher and Rani as the youngest composer duo in the label’s history.
Czocher released her debut solo album, Dreamscapes, in 2023 via BMG/Modern Recordings. The album was nominated in six categories at the prestigious German Opus Klassik Awards. Czocher has performed her original music in concert halls across Europe, including venues in London, Berlin, Leipzig, Utrecht, and many more.
Czocher said, “Becoming a member of the Wise Music family is a huge honor for me and a great motivation to grow as an artist. I am proud to find my name amongst incredible musicians who have worked with this great publishing company for many years.
“I witnessed the company’s commitment during the Inner Symphonies tour and recording made with my duo partner Hania Rani. Hania had already been signed to Wise for some time by that point. It was so nice to see the care and belief in her that she is offered by the Wise crew. There was, therefore, no question for me when the opportunity for me to sign also came to me. This is opening a new chapter for my development, especially as a composer.”
