Concluding a significant year for the publishing powerhouse, CTM Outlander today announces the acquisition of five-time GRAMMY nominated, multi-platinum-selling, award-winning singer/songwriter Sam Hunt’s publishing catalog and signing of Hunt to a go-forward publishing deal for his future works. Hunt is widely cited as one of the most innovative writers in country music.
Global superstar Sam Hunt has quickly assumed recognition from both inside and outside the country music community for his blending of genres, incorporating the use of R&B and pop into the production and songwriting of his songs. Hunt has been honored with numerous awards including multiple Academy of Country Music Awards, an American Music Award, CMT Music Award, and multiple nominations for the GRAMMYs, Country Music Association Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
CTM Outlander is a partnership between the innovative and disruptive Dallas, Texas-based Outlander Capital, led by Les Ware and Mike McKool, and the Dutch-based leading independent music entertainment company CTM, led by industry veteran André de Raaff.
“Discussing the sale of some of my catalog took a while and I am glad that it did, as I got to know André and his CTM Outlander team better and better. They continued to meet with me and my team over the last several months to discuss what working together might look like. I appreciate their diligence and belief in what I am doing as an artist, and more importantly, as a songwriter. I believe we will have a productive partnership both internationally and here at home,” said Hunt.
André de Raaff (CEO, CTM Outlander): “Sam has been on our radar for a long time, and we were very eager to work with him. Since we landed in Nashville, we signed some of the most prolific songwriters like Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Ross Copperman and Michael Tyler. By adding Sam to our roster, who is not only one of the most respected songwriters in town but also a global superstar and touring artist, we feel we can service the community even better.
We are truly honored that Sam, after being in talks with us for a long time, decided to sign with our company. Sam is an example of an artist and songwriter that we can help move forward in the international market; his body of work doesn’t only dominate the U.S. radio waves and streaming world but also travels throughout the world. We look forward to supporting Sam in his endeavors and expansion, and are excited to work with him in the country music space and international scene.”
Mike McKool (Director, CTM Outlander): “We’re thrilled to add a singer-songwriter with the stature of Sam Hunt to the CTM Outlander family. Not only is he the type of artist that we want to be in business with, but more importantly he’s the type of person that we want to invest in. Sam has clearly experienced an immense amount of success, and our goal at CTM Outlander is to provide Sam with the resources he needs to achieve all his future endeavors.”
Hunt’s debut studio album, Montevallo, broke several chart records with five singles, including three consecutive Hot Country Songs chart and four Country Airplay chart number ones. The lead single from the album, “Leave The Night On,” peaked concurrently on the Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts, making Hunt the first country artist since Billy Ray Cyrus 22 years ago, to reach the top of three country charts simultaneously in the Nielsen SoundScan-era.
Hunt released his GRAMMY-nominated, Triple-Platinum-selling sophomore album titled Southside in 2020, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and in the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 200 all-genre chart. The album was also named one of the Best Albums of the Year by The New York Times and US Weekly.
The Georgia native has nine No. 1 hits including: “Body Like a Back Road,” “Kinfolks,” “Hard to Forget,” “House Party,” “Leave The Night On,” “Take Your Time,” “Make You Miss Me,” and “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” Hunt also has success as a songwriter with several top artists. Some of his No. 1 hits as a songwriter include “Come Over” by Kenny Chesney, “Cop Car” by Keith Urban, “I Met A Girl” by William Michael Morgan and “We Are Tonight” by Billy Currington. Hunt has continued his success with the release of his No. 1 hit “23” and his current radio single “Outskirts,” which is currently Top 40 and climbing on country radio.
Hunt’s single “Body Like A Back Road” recently obtained RIAA Diamond-certification (10x platinum), becoming the 8th country artist ever to reach this status. The single has since surpassed that status, and currently sits at 11x Platinum-certification.
Derek Crownover, Willie Jones, Megan Pekar and John Rolfe of Loeb and Loeb handled the transaction on behalf of Sam Hunt.
(Pictured L to R: Derek Crownover (Loeb and Loeb), Van Hunt (Between the Pines Music), Mike McKool (Co-Founder Outlander Capital Management), Erin McKool, Sam Hunt, André de Raaff, (CEO, CTM Outlander), Thomas Deelder, (Creative Director, CTM Outlander); Jitze de Raaff, (President, CTM Publishing), Willie Jones (Loeb and Loeb)). | Photo Credit: Weatherly Photography
About Outlander:
Outlander Capital is a Dallas-based company focusing on Rights Management including music and patent royalty streams and Intellectual Property Development, as well as leading brands and properties to innovate using blockchain technology. Outlander Capital is led by Les Ware and Mike McKool. Les is also co-founder and chairman of Marconi, a multi-platform patent management firm that manages the licensing of tens of thousands of patents globally for dozens of Fortune 500 companies and other major IP holders around the world. Mike is also founder of McKool Smith Law Firm and earned a reputation as one of the country’s most prominent trial lawyers and IP litigators, and has vast experience representing musicians, composers and producers throughout his career. www.ctmoutlandermusic.com
About CTM:
CTM is one of the strongest independent entertainment firms of the world, with its headquarters in The Netherlands and foreign offices in Los Angeles, London, Miami and Brussels. CTM’s activities are leading in music publishing, representing world famous writers and catalogs. Next to that, CTM is active as a record label and management firm for local top artists and actors and is successful as a TV and Film producer. CTM is owned by André de Raaff (former owner and founder of Imagem) and Jitze de Raaff. www.ctm.nl