Publishing Briefs: Peermusic Acquires 120 Publishing, Karen Hamilton to Lead New Division

BMG Publishing celebrated Billboard Latin Music Week with an event at Dante’s HiFi, which included a panel discussion featuring Noah Goldstein, Elliot Kozel and Jake Alexander Miller, nominated by Leonor C. Suarez. — Ariel King

Sony Music Publishing Nashville and TAYCAN Entertainment have signed writer-producer Jared Conrad to a global publishing deal. Conrad’s credits include “Fool Proof” (Cody Johnson and Brothers Osborne), “Earn Your Spurs” (Ian Munsick), “Kid on Christmas” (Pentatonix and Meghan Trainor) and “Take It Easy Cowgirl” (Aaron Loy).

Conrad said in a statement, “I honestly could not dream up a better fit than TAYCAN & Sony. Blake has firmly established his reputation as one of the hardest working, well connected, and most strategic publishers in town, on top of being one of the most well-liked and respected people amongst both songwriters and other publishers alike. Plus, as a producer, getting to work with Scott is an undeniably exceptional opportunity. Very grateful to be a part of this team and excited for what’s in store!”

Blake Duncan, partner at TAYCAN Entertainment added, “Jared’s work ethic and talent is elite. TAYCAN is proud to team up with Sony Music Publishing and Jared to shine a light on his talent and strive to tee him up to be one of the top creatives in our industry!”

Scott Hendricks, partner at TAYCAN Entertainment added, “We are lucky to bring Jared into our family. He is a force to be reckoned with both as a songwriter and producer. We are excited to watch his star rise.”

Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston added, “Jared is an incredible talent whose versatility and creativity truly set him apart. His track record of success speaks volumes, and it feels like he’s only scratched the surface. We’re delighted to welcome him to Sony Music Publishing alongside our partners at TAYCAN.” — Jessica Nicholson

Warner Chappell Music Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols to a global publishing deal. Nichols is known for her breakthrough single, “I Got a New One,” and is on her first national headlining tour, I Don’t Kiss and Tell, I Kiss and Tour, visiting cities including Los Angeles, Nashville and Chicago.

Nichols was previously featured as a Billboard Country Rookie of the Month in 2025, and made her Grand Ole Opry debut in November 2025. She’s also continued releasing music including “Sweet Cigarette,” “Okie Boys” and “Ain’t Country.”

Nichols said in a statement, “I’m very excited to join Warner Chappell, where I can finally monetize my questionable taste in men. I have the best team in the world. Here’s to many more songs.”

Katy Wolaver, senior vp of A&R at Warner Chappell Music, shared, “Elizabeth is a breath of fresh air… witty, clever, and unabashed in taking authentic life experiences and turning them into irresistible lyrics and melodies. Her songs embrace a wide range of moods and emotions, from unique takes on relationships to political satire. In just a short time on the country landscape, she’s moved her career into high gear, and all of us at Warner Chappell are delighted to join her on what is sure to be an incredible ride.” — Jessica Nicholson

Payton Sullivan has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing, the company announced. The Florida-born and Nashville-raised singer/songwriter puts a Hawaiian spin on country music and released the singles “F150” and “Blondie.”

“Any team that’ll wear bikini top T-shirts for you is a ride-or-die team,” Sullivan said in a statement. “I’ve been writing songs since I was five, and dreaming of this life in my bedroom, so joining Rust, Tom, and everyone at Sony Music Publishing means the world. None of this would be possible without the songs, and I can’t wait to write the next chapter with them.”

Tom Luteran, president of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, and Synnovea Halsel, manager of creative A&R, added, “With southern roots running as deep as her island breezes, Payton brings a high-octane energy to the genre that is entirely her own. Her electrifying debut release captures that signature larger-than-life spirit. We are excited to have her on the Sony Music Publishing team.” — Ariel King

Riley Biederer has signed a publishing deal with Reservoir for her catalog and future works. The deal serves as a joint venture with superreal, which Biederer has been signed with since 2024.

“I’m so excited to be entering this next chapter with my superreal crew by adding Reservoir to the family,” Biederer said in a statement. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved music like nothing else, and I feel incredibly grateful to have a group of people alongside me and championing my craft who feel the same joy and passion for songs that I do. I truly feel like I’ve lucked out with such a dream team, and I can’t wait to see what we do together.”

Josh Toll, vp and head of A&R at superreal added, “When we signed Riley to superreal, we were immediately struck by her lyricism and ability to tell memorable stories through song. We’ve always been intentional about keeping the superreal roster selective and going all-in on writers who have something truly special, and Riley immediately felt like someone worth making that kind of bet on. As Riley continues to grow, particularly within Nashville and country music, we wanted to build an environment where that evolution could continue while bringing in another exceptional team. Reservoir is the right partner for that next chapter, and we’re excited to be working with them.”

John Ozier, executive vp of creative at Reservoir, added, “Riley is a versatile songwriter and artist, with a strong creative voice and an impressive network of collaborators across genres. She is a great asset to the growing country music community in Los Angeles, while her adaptability gives her the opportunity to work well beyond the country space. With Reservoir’s global team and reach across Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, and beyond, we’re excited to connect Riley to new creative opportunities and collaborators across our network. We’re thrilled to be working alongside superreal to support Riley as she continues to build on all that she’s already accomplished.” — Ariel King

Reservoir has acquired the catalog of Billy Strayhorn, as well as his name, image and likeness rights in partnership with his estate.

“The responsibility for managing a legacy is a serious and daunting undertaking,” Strayhorn’s estate said in a statement. “We are so pleased to have partnered with the Reservoir team for the past 12 years. Our collaboration has allowed us to expand Strayhorn’s legacy with the help of sensitive partners who valued our opinions, our ideas and our feelings.”

Suzy Arrabito, vp of marketing and communications at Reservoir, added, “It has been a privilege working alongside the Strayhorn estate for more than a decade to honor Billy’s extraordinary legacy and introduce his music to a whole new generation of listeners. He was a defining voice in American music, whose sophisticated compositions and singular music perspective helped shape the sound of an era and continue to influence artists today. We are proud to be the stewards of his remarkable catalog and remain committed to championing his timeless work, ensuring his music continues to be heard, celebrated, and discovered by audiences for many years to come.” — Ariel King

Atlanta-based musician Reiyo The Giant has signed a publishing deal with Cutcraft Music Group, the company announced.

“From the moment I heard Reiyo The Giant, I knew I was hearing something exceptional, a remarkable voice, an unmistakable artistic identity, and that rare quality that can’t be manufactured,” Katrina Sirdofsky, Cutcraft Music Group’s founder, said in a statement. “We were determined to sign her to Cutcraft. She is the kind of artist who reminds us of why we do what we do.”

Reiyo The Giant added, “From my very first conversations with Katrina and Joseph, I felt genuinely seen and understood as an artist. They came in with a real belief in my vision, but also an excitement about helping me develop, push myself and grow into what comes next. Signing with Cutcraft felt like a no-brainer; I knew I’d found a team that cared deeply about both the artist I am and the artist I’m becoming.” — Ariel King

Naila has joined Electric Feel Publishing’s U.K. roster, the company announced. Based in London, Naila shares, “I am incredibly excited to become part of the amazing team at Electric Feel, it’s a blessing to be surrounded by this amount of talent and skill and I cannot wait for the music and experience ahead with the EF family!”

Austin Rosen, CEO and founder of Electric Feel Entertainment, said,

“Naila is an incredibly exciting young talent with a rare combination of musicality, versatility, and creative instinct. She’s a phenomenal songwriter and producer, and we’re excited to welcome her to Electric Feel Publishing and look forward to supporting her growth.”

Sureeta Nayyar, head of A&R, U.K., at the company, added, “Naila’s depth of musicianship and the way she brings a complete creative perspective into every session really sets her apart. She can move effortlessly between languages, genres, instruments, production, and vocals, and she has already built a formidable credit list alongside some of the most exciting global artists breaking through today. We’re proud to welcome her to Electric Feel.” — Ariel King

Nigerian songwriter Ladipoe has signed a publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nigeria. The rapper released his album REVIVAL in July and has collaborated with artists including Simi, BNXN and Fireboy DML.

Uzor Daniel, director of A&R and operations at Sony Music Publishing, said in a statement,

“The signing of LADIPOE is part of our continued commitment at Sony Music Publishing to partner with and invest in exceptional African songwriters and artists whose creativity has the power to transcend borders.  We are thrilled to welcome LADIPOE to our global family and to build on the incredible body of work he has already created, while supporting the next chapter of his songwriting and creative journey.  I have no doubt that the best is still ahead.” — Ariel King

Singer-songwriter Leon Sharplin has signed a new publishing agreement with 1916 Publishing. The LA-based New Zealand-born songwriter is best known for co-penning cuts like Noah Levine’s “Bacteria” with Noah Kahan, Jordan Adetunji’s “Climbing Up” and Ruby Plume’s “Always the Same.” — Kristin Robinson

Nathen Durasamy, one-half of roar and the Untamed, has signed a publishing agreement with Bucks Music Group. The band released their debut album, Do You Like Me Now?, on Oct. 9 via Island Records.

“With Nathen’s positivity, energy, personality and of course talent, we are looking forward to a very successful partnership ahead,” Howard Price, head of media at Bucks Music Group, said in a statement. “Nathen has already demonstrated great diversity and adaptability with his work. I’m a very big fan of the Rora And the Untamed album and really look forward to seeing Nathen and Aurora perform live.” — Ariel King

French pop artist Étienne Daho has signed a global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music. The agreement includes the entirety of Daho’s discography, spanning from his 1081 debut, Mythomane, to 2023’s Tirer la nuit sur les étoiles.

“Working alongside a great artist like Étienne Daho and helping champion his repertoire, both in France and internationally, is a great privilege for all of us at Warner Chappell Music,” Matthieu Tessier, president of Warner Chappell Music France, said in a statement. “I would like to extend my deepest thanks to Étienne and his producer Laurent Manganas for their trust.” — Ariel King