Majid Jordan, Liz Rose, Tom Tykwer, Regan Rousseau

Warner Chappell Music Nashville renewed its global publishing deal with Grammy-winning songwriter Liz Rose. In 2019, Rose made history has one of the first two songwriters named to the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) board of directors, and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2023. The agreement renewal also reinforces a pact with Liz Rose Music, Rose’s independent publishing company, which she founded in 2010 with her son Scott Ponce. The publishing company includes writers, producers and artists including Eric Paslay, Adam Sanders and Cassidy Daniels. Rose was an essential collaborator for Taylor Swift early in her career, co-writing hits including “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version,” “You Belong With Me,” and “Teardrops on My Guitar.” Rose has also written hits including “Burn It Down” (Parker McCollum), “Girl Crush” (Little Big Town), and “It All Comes Out In The Wash” (Miranda Lambert). WCM Nashville president Austen Adams praised Rose as “one of the most influential songwriters of our time,” adding that her catalog carries a reach that “transcends generations.” Rose said she is “excited to see what this next chapter brings.”

L-R: Scott Ponce, Christina Wiltshire, Austen Adams, Liz Rose, Phil May, Gracie Glass, Dave Pacula

Kobalt has signed rising alt‑pop duo Balu Brigada, brothers Henry and Pierre Beasley, to a global publishing deal. The New Zealand–born act released their debut album Portal in August 2025 via Warner Australia/Atlantic, featuring standout singles including “Backseat,” “So Cold,” and “Sideways,” with “So Cold” topping U.S. Alternative Airplay in 2024 and “Backseat” reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Alternative Chart. Their breakout year included a sold‑out U.S. headline tour and recognition as one of SiriusXM’s Future Five Artists for 2025. They also supported Twenty One Pilots across multiple continents. 
“Signing Balu Brigada to Kobalt Music Publishing worldwide reflects everything we believe in — backing artists who are already resonating globally and partnering with management teams who understand their vision,” said Simon Moor, managing director APAC.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville, in partnership with Kane Brown and music industry veteran Kent Earls’ Verse 2 Music, has signed singer, songwriter and artist Jonny Capeci to a global publishing agreement. Lead singer of the Nashville-based alternative pop band Nightly, Capeci has helped define the band’s sound with his lyrics and vocals, performing with artists including NF, The Midnight, Andy Grammer, Brown and Imagine Dragons. Capeci’s recent songwriting credits include “Body Talk” by Kane and Katelyn Brown, and Carin León’s “The One (Pero No Como Yo),” which was featured on the GRAMMY award-winning album Boca Chueca, Vol. 1. He’s also earned sync placements on Brown’s “Country Classic” on the Grammy-nominated Twisters soundtrack and “My City” by 24kGoldn and Brown featuring G Herbo, on the Fast X soundtrack. “Songwriters like Jonny are what make Nashville the special and thriving creative community it is,” SMP Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston said. “He’s an electric artist himself, while at the same time he’s a compelling and trusted songwriter for other artists.”

Photo (L-R): Kane Brown, Kent Earls, Rusty Gaston, Nikki Boon, Jonny Capeci

Concord Music Publishing has signed acclaimed filmmaker and composer Tom Tykwer to an exclusive global publishing deal covering his future works. Known for his work on films like Run Lola Run, Cloud Atlas and Sense8, Tykwer has long collaborated with composer Johnny Klimek on major projects, including The Matrix Resurrections. His internationally successful series Babylon Berlin, sold in more than 140 countries, further showcases his musical voice, with the upcoming fifth and final season marking his first major project under the new agreement. Beyond film, Tykwer’s orchestral works — performed by the Berlin Philharmonic and other name ensembles — have expanded his artistic reach. Concord will represent and develop his catalog across film, classical and stage platforms worldwide. “Tom Tykwer uniquely combines cinematic vision with a powerful musical signature,” said Tina Funk, managing director of CMP, GSA. “His compositions are far more than film scores, and we are excited to partner with him as his work continues to reach audiences in concert halls, theatres, and on screens around the world.”

(L-R): Lueder Castringius, Tom Tykwer, Marcellus Puhlemann, Tina Funk, Adrian Hillekamp, Frank Harders

Singer‑songwriter Regan Rousseau has signed her first publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Considered part of Nashville’s emerging new wave, Rousseau blends country, folk and Americana pop with emotionally driven storytelling. Her new EP One Thing About Me, released Feb. 6, features tracks including “One Thing About Me,” “Isn’t It Pretty To Think So,” and “Baby,” showcasing her romantic, reflective style. Raised in Maryland and later Southern California, she moved to Nashville at 18, graduating from Belmont University’s songwriting program before creatively breaking through during 2020. Rousseau, managed by Milk & Honey Music + Sports, said she’s “incredibly grateful” to join SMP. “Their belief in my vision and commitment to creative growth means a lot, and I’m excited for what’s ahead as we build something special together,” she said.

(L-R): Chelsea Kent (SMP), Jeff Skaggs (Milk & Honey),Cam Caldwell (SMP), Regan Rousseau, Rusty Gaston (SMP)

Kobalt has formed a new partnership with London-based publisher Geo Music Group, providing funding for international songwriters and worldwide administration through Kobalts royalty and accounting infrastructure. Founded by veteran A&R executive Daniel Seal, whose signings include Tems, Skillibeng, Jonny Coffer and Nines, Geo Music Group uses data‑guided tools to spot long‑term artist potential. It offers close creative support, sync services and brand partnerships, now strengthened by Kobalt’s global royalty platform.  Kobalt’s Kenny McGoff praised Seal’s vision, saying “it did not surprise me to see him launch a frontline company with a global reach, embracing music and culture. He is a successful music publishing A&R executive, now heading to be a successful entrepreneur in his own right.”

Animaj has formed a global music partnership with Magic Star — The Orchard’s kids and family division — and Sony Music Publishing to expand the worldwide reach of its catalog while retaining full ownership of its IP. Under the agreement, Magic Star will oversee global distribution of Animaj’s recordings, and SMP will manage publishing for its songs and compositions. The deal covers Animaj’s core kids and family properties, including Pocoyo, Maya the Bee, HeyKids, and Super Sema, all known for their educational and multigenerational appeal. Magic Star will apply its expertise in kids’ audio strategy, while Sony will help unlock new global opportunities. Animaj co‑founder Gregory Dray says the partnership supports the company’s franchise‑driven strategy, with music central to audience engagement and brand growth, calling it “the model we believe wins in the long term: IP‑led, strategically partnered, locally and culturally relevant, with a global ambition.”

Electric Feel Publishing has signed English singer-songwriter Sasha Keable to its U.K. roster. Keable launched her career at 17 with a five‑album Polydor deal, later touring with Disclosure and featuring on their hit “Voices,” and has since evolved into a versatile collaborator working with artists including Leon Thomas, BEAM, Ezra Collective, Destin Conrad, 6LACK and Jorja Smith. Her rising profile includes MOBO nominations for Best Female Act and Best R&B/Soul Act, a BRIT nomination, and recognition as an Amazon Artist to Watch, Apple Music Up Next UK, and Deezer Global Artist to Watch for 2025. She was also highlighted by Beyoncé as an inspiring songwriter. Keable is managed by Jade&Justin, signed to RCA/Flight Club, and now published by Electric Feel.

Young Guns Publishing has signed 2024 SESAC songwriter of the year Jaron Boyer to a publishing deal. Boyer has written songs including SESAC and ASCAP country song of the year “Somewhere on a Beach” (recorded by Dierks Bentley), “Hell of a Night” (Dustin Lynch), “Flatliner” (Cole Swindell feat. Bentley), “Girl Like You” (Jason Aldean) and “Mind on You” (George Birge). Oklahoma native Boyer also wrote “Comin’ In Cold” on Bailey Zimmerman’s most recent album Different Night Same Rodeo. Young Guns Publishing is also home to staff songwriters including Ben Stennis, Josh Jenkins and Michael Tyler. “I have been a fan of Jaron’s work for well over a decade and am fortunate to call him a friend,” said Young Guns Publishing CEO Will Hamrick. “His continued ability to write hit songs is truly impressive. On behalf of the entire team at Young Guns, Laura and I couldn’t be more excited to have him join the family.”

(L-R): Jason Turner, Laurie Gore, Laura Alexander, Matthew Jafari, Jaron Boyer, Will Hamrick and Sarah Smith.

Riley Green’s Duckman Publishing‘s joint venture with Lady Luck Publishing has signed Bobby Pinson to a global publishing deal. Pinson is known for writing hit songs recorded by Toby Keith, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley and Luke Bryan. He also co-wrote Green’s recent releases “That’s What I’ve Been Told” and “Ain’t Like I Can Hide It.” “Riley and I have been fans of Bobby’s songwriting for years,” said Erik Dylan, managing partner at Duckman Publishing. “We couldn’t be more proud to welcome him into the Duckman family.” Added Kim Penz, founder of Lady Luck Publishing: “Bobby Pinson writes the kind of songs that stand the test of time, built on truth and rugged wisdom. Having believed in Riley and the Duckman vision for years, it makes this moment even more meaningful to welcome a songwriter of Bobby’s caliber into a partnership rooted in friendship and a shared love for great songs.”

(L-R): Kim Penz, Cliff Audretch, Bobby Pinson, Erik Dylan, Riley Green

MDLBEAST Publishing has issued its first royalty statements to Saudi songwriters — just one year after launching — marking early progress in building a transparent publishing system in the Kingdom that can route global income back to local creators. Writers including Moayad Alnafaie, Vinyl Mode, Emad, Cosmicat, Dafencii and Zone+ are receiving royalties from global streaming and sync licensing, areas where income often goes unpaid without proper administration. MDLBEAST Publishing said it has strengthened global administration, secured sync placements with partners like Netflix, MBC and Apple, built partnerships with rights societies, and continues developing programs to help Saudi creators earn from their work.

Gary Barlow, one of the U.K.’s most successful songwriters and a founding member of Take That, signed an exclusive global publishing deal with BMG … In Los Angeles, ASCAP held its annual meeting during the ASCAP Experience, where CEO Elizabeth Matthews announced record-breaking revenue and royalty distributions for 2025 … Rimas Publishing renewed its long-running agreement with Bad Bunny, extending a creative partnership that has been central to his rise as one of Latin music’s most influential artists.