Ed Williams Signs Publishing Agreement with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music

Songwriter, producer and musician Ed Williams has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs (JWS) and Warner Chappell Music. Williams joins his father Jody Williams, founder of JWS, and his brother Driver Williams, who also writes for the company.
 
“I’m so fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love alongside people I love,” shares Ed Williams. “The environment that Nina and Tenasie create for the JWS songwriters is aspirational. I’m so proud to have them, Warner Chappell and the rest of this publishing ‘family,’ if you will, in my corner.”
 
 “Ed Williams writes timeless country songs. His music is inventive and deeply imaginative—you never really know what kind of story he’s about to tell, but you can always count on it being expertly crafted,” adds Nina Fisher, JWS Senior Director, Creative. “Like all the Williams men, Ed has a deep respect for and knowledge of our genre. We’ve been looking forward to him being ready to dive in, and I’m thrilled that the time is finally here!”
 
Ed Williams previously worked for Sony/ATV Music Publishing in the creative department developing writers and producing artists. He also spent time in the creative departments at Bug Music and Crossfire 3. Most recently, he collaborated with fellow JWS writer Harper O’Neill to co-produce sides and co-write her next single, “My Love, My Love,” alongside O’Neill and JWS writer Jason Nix. The single is set for release Friday, January 31.
 
Jody Williams Songs (JWS) represents Jeremy Spillman, Harper O’Neill, Peytan Porter, Vince Gill, Driver Williams, Jason Nix, Ashley McBryde, Natalie Hemby, Andy Austin, Emily Ann Roberts and Ed Williams. JWS is a joint venture with Warner Chappell Music.

L to R: Tenasie Courtright (JWS Creative Manager), Jody Williams (JWS Founder), Ed Williams, Spencer Nohe (Warner Chappell Music VP, A&R), Nina Jenkins Fisher (JWS Senior Director, Creative) | Photo Credit: Aubrey Wise

Emily Ann Roberts Signs Worldwide Publishing Deal with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music

Songwriter-artist Emily Ann Roberts has signed a world-wide publishing agreement with Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.
 
“Emily Ann is a classic, crafting songs that are as genuine as they are charming,” shares Nina Fisher, Senior Creative Director of JWS. “When we reconnected this summer to talk songs over coffee, it felt like finding the perfect fit—everything just clicked in such an exciting, refreshing way. She is such a remarkable talent, and we can’t wait to help her shape this next season of her career.”
 
“I am so thrilled to work with the whole team at Jody Williams Songs,” adds Roberts “I can’t wait to see all we accomplish together.”
 
Roberts’ journey began as a standout on Blake Shelton's team on “The Voice,” a remarkable achievement even before graduating high school. Since then, Roberts has amassed a wealth of experience in performing, songwriting and recording. This dedication has translated into over 45 million streams, solidifying her status as a rising star in country music. In late 2023, Roberts released her debut full-length album, Can’t Hide Country, produced by Trent Willmon (Cody Johnson). The album, which has already garnered over 23 million streams, showcases her unique blend of traditional country and bluegrass roots with a modern twist. Roberts’ star continues to rise, with her inclusion in the CMT Next Women of Country 2024 class. She will open Blake Shelton’s Friends & Heroes Tour in 2025.
 
Roberts’ career is guided by Starstruck Management’s Narvel Blackstock and is booked by UTA with 117 Entertainment for publicity.

Photo ID (L to R): Cliff Williamson (Starstruck), Berkley Kriz (Starstruck), Narvel Blackstock (Starstruck), Jamie Wendt (Starstruck), Emily Ann Roberts, Jody Williams (JWS), Nina Jenkins Fisher (JWS), Tennessee Courtright (JWS) | Photo Credit: Aubrey Wise

Cheatham County Newcomer Preston James Releases Music Video for "Fences"

With his long hair, blonde scruff and dark eyes, southern rocker Preston James certainly looks the part. But it’s his soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics that will convince you he’s come a long way from the clean-cut kid who first plied the boards of Broadway nearly a decade ago. 

Since then, the Cheatham County native—who was offered his first publishing deal at 18—has announced himself to the Row, signing with publishers King Pen Music and Warner Chappell Music and inking a booking deal with The Neal Agency. 

Brian Carothers and Evan Kantor, both agents with The Neal Agency, are firmly in James’s corner. “Preston is sitting on an unbelievable debut EP,” Carothers says. “I’ll never forget the day he played it for everyone here. The excitement in the room was special, and we’re all thrilled to be working with him.” Adds Kantor, “From the moment we all heard the music, we were sold on Preston’s talent. What’s been even more exciting is seeing how incredible his live show is. We are honored to be a part of bringing that to the masses.”

James has steadily been making a name for himself as a singer, songwriter and guitar player at the local honky-tonks, resulting in the opportunity to open for the Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Ryman Auditorium; perform with one of his musical heroes, iconic blues and Americana artist Delbert McClinton; and sit in with the Grammy Award–winning Time Jumpers. He was also invited by John Berry to be a guest on his Songs and Stories television series. 

One listen to his latest single “Fences” [Listen Below], a melodic follow-up to his rowdy debut release, “Deal with the Devil,” proves James, 24, has found his footing as a performer. Clay Bradley, VP of Creative at BMI, the performance rights agency who represents James, is a longtime supporter. “I love Preston James. He is a natural born guitar picker, songwriter and a rising star in the industry who shows a maturity and insight far beyond his years.”

Written by James, Steve Moakler (“Riser”/Dierks Bentley) and Logan Wall (“Hard Days”/Brantley Gilbert), who also produced James’s forthcoming EP with distribution through CMDSHFT, “Fences” is a classic boy chases girl tale with cinematic lyrics:

James notes this one is extra special because it is autobiographical. “I first met Charity (Bowden), my fiancée, at age 15 and we became fast friends but reaching where we are now has been quite the journey.” It took some convincing and several years to become more than friends, and when the relationship evolved, Charity’s father had reservations about her dating a long-haired country singer. But, James explains, “I eventually realized what really mattered, persevered and overcame every fence in front of me because I knew without a doubt that she was the one.”

The music video for “Fences,” produced and directed by Jim Cook, Cookhouse Media, is being released today. Both “Fences” and “Deal with the Devil” are featured on White Trash from Way Back, James’s five-song EP set to debut Oct. 25. Next up off the EP is “Heartbreak’s on You,” due out Sept. 20. Each cut showcases James’s passion for storytelling as he moves effortlessly from small-town love song to hillbilly headbanger, narrating the vagaries of rural life.

Kelly King, president of King Pen Music, says, “As soon as I met Preston, I knew there was something special about him. His old soul way intrigued me, and his work ethic blew me away right off the bat. Once I saw him play live, I knew he was going to introduce a new edge to country music. I am so excited to see how country music embraces him the way he has embraced it all his life.”

PHOTO: Jim Cook for Cookhouse Media

About The Neal Agency:

In addition to Preston James, TNA’s roster includes Aidan Canfield, Anne Wilson, Ashland Craft, Bailey Zimmerman, Cameron Sacky Band, Chase Rice, Cory Asbury, Ella Langley, Ernest, Hardy, Jake Worthington, John Morgan, Josh Ross, Lauren Watkins, McCoy Moore, Morgan Wallen, Nate Smith, Ole 60, Palmer Anthony, Riley Green, Seaforth, Scott Wolverton, Zach John King, along with the entertainment brand Whiskey Jam. 

Tape Room Music and Warner Chappell Music Sign Ben Williams

Tape Room Music and Warner Chappell Music have partnered to sign Ben Williams in an exclusive world-wide publishing deal.
 
“I couldn’t be more excited to be joining forces with Tape Room and Warner Chappell,” Williams says of this next chapter. “I’m so excited to work alongside my close friends Caroline and Benji and have some of the best people and best teams in my corner! Thank you to Ashley Gorley and Blain Rhodes for taking me under your wings and gearing up for what’s next as well as Ben Vaughn, Spencer Nohe and everybody at Warner Chappell who’s believed in me along the way! So excited to see what the future brings!”
 
Williams celebrated his first number one on country radio with Megan Moroney’s 2x RIAA Platinum global hit, “Tennessee Orange,” which was nominated for CMA, ACM and People's Choice Country Awards Song of the Year. The success of that single and others like Moroney’s RIAA Platinum single, “I’m Not Pretty,” and Avery Anna’s RIAA Platinum hit, “Narcissist,” helped launch Williams to new heights, earning him nominations as Music Row Magazine’s Breakout Songwriter of the Year and AIMP’s Rising Songwriter of the Year in 2023.
 
“Ben is everything you could look for in a writer: talented, driven, and all around a great person,” shares Tape Room Music’s Caroline Hodson, Director, A&R. “He's proven himself to be a staple in the Nashville community as a writer and a friend to many. We’re stoked to team up with Warner Chappell and couldn’t be happier to welcome Ben to the Tape Room family!”
 
“Ben has been off to an incredible start in his career due to his innate gift to meet artists and songwriters exactly where they are in their lives,” adds Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “As a result, he’s crafted some of the most relatable and impactful songs hitting the format today. I’m excited to work with him and the Tape Room team to get his songs in the ears of folks across the country and around the world for years to come.”
 
Tape Room Music was founded by Ashley Gorley in 2011, where writers have celebrated over 45 No. 1 songs. For additional information, visit TapeRoom.com or follow on Instagram @TapeRoomMusic.

L to R (seated): Benji Amaefule, (Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Music); Ben Williams; and Caroline Hodson (Director, A&R, Tape Room Music)
L to R (standing): Blain Rhodes (President, Tape Room Music); Ben Vaughn (President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music); and Ashley Gorley (Founder, Tape Room Music)
Photo Credit: Luke Hutcherson

About Tape Room Music
Tape Room Music is an independent music publishing company run by hit songwriter Ashley Gorley. In 2011, Gorley formed the publishing and artist development company, where writers have celebrated over 45 No. 1 songs, including the 2021 ASCAP, BMI and SESAC Country Song, “One Of Them Girls.” In 2022, Tape Room celebrated 8 weeks topping radio charts, with two year-end number-one songs. Ben Johnson’s “Take My Name” topped the year-end Billboard Country Airplay chart, while Hunter Phelps and Will Weatherly’s “Thinking ‘Bout You” led the Mediabase Year-End Country Airplay chart. Recent number-one hits include Nate Smith's 10-week smash “World On Fire,” HARDY’s boundary-defying “TRUCK BED,” Morgan Wallen’s 6-week chart topper “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” and more. Tape Room Music writers continue to stretch the bounds of their abilities, spreading their talents across writing, producing and performing. From commercial country to honky tonk twang to groundbreaking pop, Tape Room writers have all bases covered.
 
About Warner Chappell Music
Warner Chappell Music, the global music publishing company of Warner Music Group, is home to a wide array of legendary songwriters and a rich catalog of contemporary hits and influential standards. With offices in more than 20 countries, Warner Chappell provides deep expertise across a range of creative services and the most innovative opportunities for songwriters and copyright holders. Warner Chappell, which has a history dating back more than 200 years, currently publishes and administers music from A-Lin, Angèle, Anderson .Paak, Aya Nakamura, Bruno Mars, Capital Bra, Celeste, Cole Porter, Coco Jones, Dave, David Bowie, David Tao, Dua Lipa, Duran Duran, Fraser T. Smith, Gamble and Huff, Gene Autry Music Group catalog, George Gershwin, George Michael, Grateful Dead, Juanes, Justin Tranter, Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry, Kool & the Gang, Laufey, Led Zeppelin, Lin Xi, Lizzo, Madonna, Marco Antonio Solís, Maria Becerra, Mitski, MNEK, Morgan Wallen, Oscar Holter, Pablo Alborán, Quevedo, Quincy Jones, RAYE, Saweetie, Stormzy, Summer Walker, Teddy Swims, Tom Petty, Tones and I, WeiBird, Wyman Wong, Zach Bryan, and 831, among many others. Follow Warner Chappell Music on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok.

The Neal Agency Expands Into Publishing, Inks Palmer Anthony as First Artist/Writer

Nearly two years after launching The Neal Agency (TNA), third generation booking agent Austin Neal has developed the company into one of Nashville’s leading boutique talent agencies, with a rapidly growing team of 17 employees and 21 clients. Realizing a goal to further develop artists beyond the touring landscape, TNA has expanded their services to include a new publishing arm with Palmer Anthony as its flagship artist, recently signed to a co-publishing venture with Warner Chappell Music.

“I view the ultimate goal for the company truly as a place to develop artists. If we really believe in somebody from the beginning, being able to help them grow in-house, and having every opportunity to help create and build their careers from the ground up is an important aspect of hat,” shares Neal.

Spearheaded by TNA’s Head of Business Development, Ryan Beuschel, the idea to expand the company to encompass publishing was spurred by Anthony himself, after signing with TNA for booking. “Palmer was a great example of being the first person that we did this with because he was signing to the agency, shopping around, and looking into publishing deals, and he was the one that mentioned it'd be really amazing if we could have worked together,” reflects Beuschel.

With a background in publishing spanning 20 years, Beuschel’s prior experience at Warner Chappell Music as vice president of A&R / strategy made the co-publishing venture a natural fit after introducing Anthony to Warner Chappell Music Nashville President & CEO, Ben Vaughn.

“I met Palmer because of Austin and Ryan, so it's been really cool to watch this partnership come together and to see Palmer build his network throughout town,” shares Vaughn. “Palmer writes some really great songs by himself, but he also was very interested in what he could learn from those that are ahead of him, and we’re excited to open the door for new opportunities to get him in front of experienced writers and watch his career grow.”

Anthony shares in that excitement, stating, “I started in music about five or six years ago, and I was playing shows and was writing stuff just by myself. And I kind of hit a point where I really wanted to grow and learn and I've always entered this country music scene as a fan first. I'm a fan of the writers, a fan of these organizations, and so it's really easy to transition for me to want to co-write more and want to be a part of the scene. I'm still a student, and I’ll probably always be a student. But for me it’s just fun to learn.”

Anthony, an artist out of Texas, growing up primarily in the small Northern California town of Willits, played baseball at the University of California, Santa Barbara, before quickly realizing his passion for songwriting surpassed even his love of the game. After graduation, he moved back to Fort Worth, Texas where he became immersed in the Texas music scene. While honing his entertainment skills, Anthony opened for Riley Green, Randall King, Chase Rice and more.

In addition to Anthony, TNA’s roster proudly represents Cameron Sacky Band, Aidan Canfield, Ashland Craft, ERNEST, Riley Green, HARDY, Ella Langley, mike., John Morgan, Chase Rice, Josh Ross, Seaforth, Nate Smith, Morgan Wallen, Lauren Watkins, Anne Wilson, Jake Worthington and Bailey Zimmerman, along with lifestyle brands Stevenson Ranch and Whiskey Jam.

For more information, visit www.TheNealAgency.com.

The Neal Agency and Warner Chappell celebrate co-publishing venture with Palmer Anthony
Top row L to R: Lewis Brisbois’ Austin Wells, Lewis Brisbois’ Matt Cottingham, TNA’s Haley Teske; What’s
Good Projects’ Ryan Kroon | Bottom row L to R: Warner Chappell’s Bethany Mako; Warner Chappell’s Ben
Vaughn; Palmer Anthony; TNA’s Ryan Beuschel; TNA’s Austin Neal | Photo Credit: Kelly Littlefield

About Warner Chappell Music:
Warner Chappell Music, the global music publishing company of Warner Music Group, is home to a wide array of legendary songwriters and a rich catalog of contemporary hits and influential standards. With offices in more than 20 countries, Warner Chappell provides deep expertise across a range of creative services and the most innovative opportunities for songwriters and copyright holders. Warner Chappell, which has a history dating back more than 200 years, currently publishes and administers music from A-Lin, Angèle, Anderson .Paak, Apache 207, Ava Max, Aya Nakamura, Bruno Mars, Capital Bra, Celeste, Chris Jeday, CJ, Cole Porter, Dan + Shay, Dave, David Bowie, Duran Duran, El Guincho, Fraser T. Smith, Gamble and Huff, Gene Autry Music Group catalog, George Gershwin, George Michael, Grateful Dead, Jesse & Joy, Justin Tranter, Kacey Musgraves, Katy Perry, Kevin Yi, Kool & the Gang, Led Zeppelin, Lin Xi, Lizzo, Madonna, MNEK, Oscar Holter, Pablo Alborán, Pop Smoke, Quincy Jones, Rauw Alejandro, RAYE, Saweetie, Stormzy, Summer Walker, Ta-You Lo, Thomas Rhett, and Tones and I, among many others.

Follow Warner Chappell Music on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.