Publishing Briefs: Big Yellow Dog Signs K-Pop Hitmaker, Plus SMP Nashville’s CEO Goes Podcasting

This week’s roundup of Publishing Briefs includes several signings (and a podcast) at Sony Music Publishing, a new member country for the International Confederation of Music Publishers, and a full slate of updates from the National Music Publishers’ Association’s annual meet-up in NYC.

Big Yellow Dog Music, a Nashville-based publisher and artist development company, signed singer-songwriter and producer Landon Sears. Originally from Danville, Ky, Sears began with bluegrass fiddle before shifting to hip-hop, a genre shift that helped launch his successful career in the K-pop industry. He’s earned platinum records and No. 1 hits in Korea, with credits for top acts like NCT 127, Kang Daniel and CIX. Big Yellow Dog CEO Carla Wallace called Sears’ versatility “liberating,” while senior director Nicole Rhodes added that his “energy, hard work and talent speaks for itself.”

Sony Music Publishing inked UK-born, LA-based songwriter and producer Joe Reeves to a global publishing deal. Known for his work with artists like Post Malone, Ed Sheeran, Juice Wrld, H.E.R. and Morgan Wallen, his credits include tracks on Malone’s chart-topping album F-1 Trillion and Wallen’s latest Billboard 200 No. 1 I’m The Problem. Sony’s Clark Adler praised Reeves’ genre-spanning impact and potential for continued success, adding, “Joe is an incredible songwriter who is constantly upping his game.”

Frank Ray inked a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. Known for merging his Mexican American roots with contemporary country, Ray has gained attention with tracks like “Streetlights,” “Uh-huh (Ajá),” and his breakout single “Country’d Look Good on You,” which led to his Grand Ole Opry debut in 2022. His latest release, “Miami in Tennessee,” continues blending country and Latin influences. “Frank is a one-of-a-kind talent, and his authenticity shines through in every song he writes,” said  Kenley Flynn, SMPN’s vp of creative A&R. “We are thrilled to welcome Frank to the SMP family and can’t wait to see all that’s ahead for him.”

At its annual meeting yesterday (June 11), National Music Publishers’ Association president/CEO David Israelite and general counsel Danielle Aguirre emphasized the need for unity across the industry to boost songwriter compensation. Key battlegrounds for improvement include interactive streaming, general licensing and social media. Spotify’s bundling tactics and Amazon’s revenue cuts were sharply criticized, and the NMPA also highlighted licensing gaps among small and mid-sized venues while taking aim at B2B services for rights violations. Despite challenges, the event — held in NYC — celebrated achievements, honoring songwriters like Kacey Musgraves, Rhett Akins, Gracie Abrams and Aaron Dessner with performances and awards. Read Kristin Robinson’s full wrap of the event here.

Philip Morgan inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and The Core Entertainment. A Texas native now based in Nashville, Morgan has written songs for artists like Chase Matthew (“How You Been (Letter to the County Line Girl)”) and earned acclaim with awards including the 2024 American Songwriter Country Song of the Year with Natalie Otto for “5 O’Clock Shadow” and NSAI’s Chapter Challenge for “Gone, Gone, Gone!” Known for collaborating with industry talent and mentoring emerging artists like Austin Michael and Hunt Pipkin, Morgan is lauded by Benji Amaefule of WCMN as an “emerging force” who “brings a valuable versatility to connect and craft timeless stories in the room.”

Soundcrest Music Publishing signed a co-publishing deal with Nashville singer-songwriter Laura Sawosko. The agreement includes her current and future works, notably her 2025 independent release Not What I Do — “Her songs are real—they draw you in,” says Soundcrest vp of A&R and publishing Michael Owunnah. Soundcrest will support Sawosko through creative collaboration, sync opportunities, and strategic development. She also recently joined PLA Media’s artist roster, boosting her industry presence.

Sony Music Publishing Nashville launched Thank A Songwriter, a new podcast celebrating songwriters in country and beyond. Hosted by SMPN CEO Rusty Gaston, the debut episode — out today (June 12) — features part one of an in-depth convo with hitmaking songwriter Ashley Gorley, coinciding with his induction tonight into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The podcast will spotlight diverse SMP songwriters, exploring their stories and inspirations.

Electric Feel Publishing signed Toronto-based artist, producer and songwriter Steve Francis Richard Mastroianni. Best known for co-writing Morgan Wallen’s hit “Love Somebody,” Mastroianni has also worked with artists like Dua Lipa, Gordo and Digital Farm Animals. Founder and CEO Austin Rosen welcomed the partnership, calling it the “start of an exciting new chapter.”

MPA Iceland joined the International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), becoming its 80th national member. ICMP represents the global music publishing industry, including both major and indies across 76 national associations on nearly every continent (no Antarctic publishing biz just yet). MPA Iceland advocates for the island nation’s music publishing sector. ICMP Director General John Phelan praised Iceland’s global musical influence, citing artists like Björk and Sigur Rós, and welcomed MPA Iceland to its international network.