PHIL BARTON SIGNS WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL WITH BMG

August 21, 2026

Award-winning songwriter Phil Barton today announces a global publishing deal with BMG in partnership with Liz Rose Music, marking the next chapter in a career that has produced more than 900 songs released around the world.

Barton first broke through with Lee Brice's No. 1 hit "A Woman Like You," earning MusicRow's Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year honor and an NSAI "Ten Songs I Wish I'd Written" award. Since then, he has built an internationally respected catalog spanning Country, Pop and Children's music, with songs recorded by artists including Sara Evans, Gabby Barrett, Dustin Lynch, Eli Young Band, Priscilla Block, Matt Stell, LOCASH, Alison Krauss, Ashley McBryde and David Nail. His song "Cowboy's Duty" was also featured in the Oscar-nominated film Sicario, while his work has earned multiple No. 1 and Top 10 hits across both North America and Australia.

"So excited to start this new chapter of writing with the BMG publishing family and continue my amazing relationship with Liz Rose Music," says Barton. "Amy Hendon Scott was my first believer in this town, so to be reunited with her and work alongside the incredible people at BMG and Liz Rose Music is truly a dream. As an Australian Nashvillian, I never take for granted being surrounded by such an outstanding team."

"We couldn't be happier to welcome Phil to BMG," says Amy Hendon Scott, Director, Creative, BMG Publishing. "I've believed in Phil since the beginning, so getting the opportunity to work together again makes this partnership especially meaningful. Phil is the kind of songwriter every publisher hopes to work with. His songs are honest, memorable and beautifully crafted, but just as importantly, he's someone artists love writing with. He brings curiosity, consistency and an incredible work ethic to every room, and we're proud to partner with Liz Rose Music as we help champion the next chapter of his remarkable career."

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Photo ID (L-R): Gracie Glass (Liz Rose Music), Scott Ponce (Liz Rose Music), Liz Rose (Liz Rose Music), Phil Barton, Amy Hendon Scott (BMG), Kate Shirley (BMG), Chris Oglesby (BMG), Dave Pacula (BMG)
Photo Credit: Jackson James

About BMG:

Founded in 2008, BMG reimagined the relationship between music companies, songwriters, and artists by offering fairer contracts, greater creative freedom, and unparalleled transparency in royalties and licensing. Now the fourth-largest music company in the world, BMG combines human creativity with cutting-edge technology to connect music with global audiences. With 16 offices across 13 key markets, BMG represents more than three million songs and recordings, including some of the most iconic catalogs and works from leading artists and songwriters, including will.i.am, Jean-Michel Jarre, Tina Turner, Jason Aldean, Jelly Roll, Paul Simon, and many more. BMG is wholly owned and privately held by the international media, services, and education company Bertelsmann.

COLBY LEE SWIFT SIGNS WORLDWIDE PUBLISHING DEAL WITH BMG + WME FOR BOOKING

February 19, 2026

Texas country artist Colby Lee Swift today announces a worldwide publishing deal with BMG as well as representation by WME for booking.

Born and raised on a ranch in Midfield, Texas, Swift has built a reputation around his deep rooted traditional country sound and honest, heartfelt songwriting. Influenced by legends like George Strait and John Conlee, he has carved out his own lane with songs that draw comparisons to the storytelling spirit of Johnny Cash. His single “John Deere Rust” hit Texas Radio in June 2025, following fan favorites “Chaser,” “Money to Drank,” “Heartbreak Hangover” and “The Barn.” Swift has been working closely with multi-instrumentalist and producer Brent Rader and is gearing up to release new music soon.

“Ever since I met Amy and started working with BMG they have made me feel right at home and have connected me with some of the best songwriters in Nashville,” shares Colby Lee Swift. “I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my career.”

“I’m thrilled to be working with Colby Lee Swift,” says Amy Hendon Scott, BMG Creative Director. “It is great to have an artist who lives the stories they sing. His timeless vocal, genuine spirit, and story driven songs capture a beautiful tension between long days of ranch work and late nights creating music. We are excited to join forces with the amazing team at WME, who share the vision and love for Colby. Big things to come!”

“Colby Lee Swift represents country music at its core. He sings songs he genuinely believes in, with a traditional sound and honesty that can’t be manufactured," shares WME's Alex Luebbert. "We’re excited to work together and partner with BMG, who shares that belief.”

“Getting to work with WME was really a right place at the right time kind of thing,” adds Colby Lee Swift. “Working with Lance, Alex, Ryan, and Joey Lee has been a blessing and I could not ask for a better team in my corner. I’m excited to see what 2026 has in store. And my management team, Bobby Walkup and Trippy Phillips, have been with me through thick and thin. It’s been a journey and they have always been there to guide me in the right direction. Bobby helps me on the social media part of things and we write a lot together. Trippy is great at connecting the dots behind the scenes. Everybody knows their role and that is why we make a great team.”

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Photo ID (L-R): Chris Oglesby (BMG), Lance Roberts (WME), Colby Lee Swift, Amy Hendon Scott (BMG), Alex Luebbert (WME), Bobby Walkup and Trippy Phillips (Hollow Point Management)
Photo Credit: Terry Wyatt

About BMG:
Founded in 2008, BMG reimagined the relationship between music companies, songwriters, and artists by offering fairer contracts, greater creative freedom and unparalleled transparency in royalties and licensing. Now the fourth-largest music company in the world, BMG combines human creativity with cutting-edge technology to connect music with global audiences. With 18 offices across 13 key markets, BMG represents more than three million songs and recordings, including some of the most iconic catalogs and works from leading artists and songwriters including The Rolling Stones, Tina Turner, George Harrison, Blondie and more. BMG is wholly owned and privately held by the international media, services and education company Bertelsmann, whose other content businesses include the entertainment company RTL Group and the trade book publisher Penguin Random House.

About WME:
WME is the world’s preeminent talent agency. With over 125 years of experience, WME enables artists, athletes and brands to grow their businesses, leverage the full potential of their intellectual property and bring projects to life that define the cultural landscape. WME’s expertise spans books, comedy, digital media, fashion, film, food, licensing, music, sports, television, theater and more. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, WME’s office locations include Australia, Chicago, China, London, Miami, Nashville and New York. WME is part of WME Group, a global network of businesses that represent the world’s leading talent, intellectual property and brands. For more information, please visit www.wmeagency.com.

BLAKE SHELTON’S FOR RECREATIONAL USE ONLY — OUT NOW

May 9, 2025

Hot off his 30th career No. 1 with the twangy, swagger-packed “Texas,” Blake Shelton drops his new album For Recreational Use Only — a 12-track dose of country grit, charm, and heart available now via BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records. Listen Below.

“I can’t believe it’s been four years since we released an album, and I’m excited to get the whole record out there,” said Shelton. “I’ve always been someone who wants to collect great songs but sometimes the hardest thing to do is to find something that hasn’t been said or written before or a melody that we haven't heard. I’m always on the search for that. I look back over the years, and I’m just proud because some of those songs don’t sound like anything else. And I think we did it again with this album.”

To celebrate the release, Shelton performed “Texas” on the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards and he will take over national television next week. On Tuesday, May 13, he’ll perform live from the Today Show Summer Concert Series stage at Rockefeller Plaza before stopping by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon later that night. He’ll close out the week on Friday, May 16, with a reunion on The Kelly Clarkson Show, joining his former Voice rival and longtime friend.

One of the most personal cuts on the record is “The Keys,” a melodic slow-burn co-written by HARDY that Shelton says hit him straight in the gut. “You know, I’m not the kind of guy who hangs on to a lot of stuff, but I’ve got this weird habit—I don’t throw away old keys,” Shelton explains. “Apartment keys, truck keys, padlock keys—I keep them all. So this song really got to me. The story, the melody, the way it wraps up at the end... I couldn’t shake it.”

HARDY, who also co-wrote the already released fan-favorite “Let Him In Anyway,” sent Shelton the demo with him specifically in mind. “This one’s more in my lane than his,” Shelton says. “It’s got the feel of those mellow, romantic tracks I’ve done through the years—like ‘Drink On It.’ Songs like this are why I still love making records.”

For Recreational Use Only marks Shelton’s first studio album in four years and his debut on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. With guests including Gwen Stefani, John Anderson, and Craig Morgan, the project is a rowdy, reflective ride through heartbreak, backroads, and the kind of Southern wisdom you only learn the hard way. It's Shelton at his most grounded—and most freewheeling.

About Blake Shelton:

With 30 No. 1 singles, 52 million singles and 13 million albums sold and nearly 11 billion global streams, Blake Shelton has received numerous awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, ten CMAs, 11 CMTs and six People’s Choice, among many others. His debut BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville album, For Recreational Use Only, drops May 9. The 12-track album, his first in nearly four years, features his No. 1 Wheelhouse Records single “Texas,” the poignant “Let Him In Anyway,” the red-dirt “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” and includes appearances by Gwen Stefani, John Anderson and Craig Morgan.

Shelton kickstarted the year with his Live In Las Vegas Residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. He just wrapped his Friends & Heroes Tour, which featured Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins and Emily Ann Roberts, and will play a variety of festivals this summer The Grand Ole Opry member also remains focused on his Ole Red partnership with Ryman Hospitality, with locations currently in Tishomingo, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Orlando, and most recently, Las Vegas, with a stand-alone venue complete with a roof-top stage and bar on the Las Vegas strip.

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BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville Continues Monumental Year with Nominations for 2025 GRAMMYs®

November 8, 2024

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville are proud to celebrate a trio of nominations for the 2025 GRAMMYs® with Jelly Roll earning two nominations for his latest Stoney Creek Records/BMG Nashville/Republic’s #1 single “I Am Not Okay” and reigning Best Country Album of the year winner Lainey Wilson returning to the category with her latest Whirlwind. Jelly, now a four time GRAMMY® Nominee, saw his ode to mental health “I Am Not Okay” secure a Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song nomination. BMG Publishing is elated to see their writer Jelly Roll procure the two aforementioned nominations. In addition, Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II also saw a nomination for Song of the Year for “Die with a Smile” (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars).

View full details on the nominations below:

Jelly Roll nominations:

Best Country Solo Performance - “I Am Not Okay”
Best Country Song - “I Am Not Okay”

Lainey Wilson nomination:

Best Country Album - Whirlwind

BMG Publishing nominations:

Best Country Solo Performance - “I Am Not Okay” - Jelly Roll
Best Country Song - “I Am Not Okay” - Jelly Roll
Song of the Year - “Die with a Smile” (Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars) - Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II

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