Ayra Starr Producers Sign With Electric Feel & More Publishing News

Country artist Alison Nichols signed a global publishing deal with BMG, broadening her relationship with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, where she is signed as an artist. Nichols, who is Asian-American, describes herself as “half Korean, half redneck, and 100% American.” Her songs include “is it just me?,” “HOOPS,” “John Deere Green,” “Box Wine Problems,” “Dressin’ Down” and “All Heaven Broke Loose.” The latter, her latest release, was written by Nichols, Natalie Stovall and Zach Manno. — Chris Eggertsen

Concord Music Publishing ANZ signed South Australian band Swapmeet to a global deal. The group, composed of Venus O’Broin (guitar, vocals), Joshua Doherty (bass), Maxwell Elphick (guitar, drums, vocals) and Jack Medlyn (guitar, drums, vocals), recently released its debut album, Mount Zero, on Winspear. Swapmeet’s music is described thusly: “blurs jangle pop, shoegaze and alt-rock with tongue-in-cheek precision.” The band released its debut EP, Oxalis, in 2024. It’s slated for a headline tour in Australia and will support Wolf Alice in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide later this year. — Chris Eggertsen

Nashville-based music company By Design has signed its first five writers to its roster, inking publishing deals with Austin Cain, Chris August, Jillian Edwards and Jon White in partnership with Sony Music Publishing, while Alison Turner joins in a co-pub deal. By Design’s publishing arm is led by By Design vp of publishing and A&R, Josh Pauley. By Design launched in 2025, founded by veteran music execs Josh Bailey, Josh Thompson, Rod Riley and Jeremy Holley.

“Great songwriting requires exceptional craft and an environment built to sustain it,” Pauley said in a statement. “We signed Alison, Austin, Chris, Jillian and Jon because their talent and creativity is undeniable. Our role isn’t to over-engineer the creative process, but to eliminate friction and give them the strategic partnership to operate at their absolute best.”
 
“By Design exists to give creators the space to unlock their God-given design,” said By Design co-founders Bailey and Thompson. “These five writers shape culture through purpose-driven storytelling, and they are the reason we built this. Sony gives us the global reach to back them at scale, and Josh Pauley gives them the hands-on support and leadership that great songs are built on.”
 
“Our passion for songwriters and great songs drives everything we do, and By Design shares that same spirit,” said Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “This group of writers is a statement of intent, and we’re proud to champion them alongside the entire By Design team.” — Jessica Nicholson

Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Twelve6 Entertainment signed a global deal with singer-songwriter Lucas Ball, who recently enjoyed breakout success with the single “You Only Call When It’s Raining.” Ball began posting his songs on TikTok last year, leading to the release of songs including “Do You Ever Think Of Me,” “I’m Gonna Hurt Her On the Radio” and “I Told You So.” — Chris Eggertsen

Ryan Lawrie has renewed his worldwide publishing deal with Peermusic, the company announced. Lawrie has written songs for BTS, ENHYPHEN, SEVENTEEN and more.

“Since signing his first publishing deal with Peermusic in 2020, Ryan has honed his craft and his career continues to go from strength to strength,” Ralph W. Peer, managing director of U.K. and Australasia at Peermusic, said in a statement. “He has a unique talent to create global hits. From Johannesburg to Nashville to Seoul, Ryan’s talent has always shown through, and he is an absolute pleasure to work with. We’re thrilled to be in business with Ryan and to continue to provide him with the full support of our global publishing network and creative teams.”

Lawrie said, “I’m incredibly proud to be continuing my journey with Peermusic. Since signing my first deal, we’ve celebrated some unforgettable milestones together, and I’m grateful for the belief they’ve shown me in every step of the way. This new chapter represents an even bigger vision, and I’m more motivated than ever to keep writing songs that connect with people around the world. I truly believe the best is still to come.”

Filipino producer BRGR has signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt, the company announced.

“BRGR has made an impact early in his career both within the Philippines and around the world and we are thrilled to welcome him into the Kobalt family,” Frederica Wong, director of Kobalt’s APAC region, said in a statement. “We are especially excited to have BRGRB as our first-ever signing from Mindanao; it is a significant milestone for us, and we are eager to continue expanding our reach and supporting the incredible talent emerging from this vibrant region.”

BRGR said, “12 years ago, I was just 12 years old, a kid with only a laptop, a dream, and trust in myself. There were a lot of doubts, and those doubts came from people close to me, but that’s always normal. I’m grateful because the accomplishments, milestones, or accolades were never part of the plan. I never could have imagined where this would take me. All I knew was that I wanted to make music. Today, I’m proud to announce that I’m joining Kobalt Music Publishing as their first official Filipino-born producer/DJ. This is just the beginning. And I’m not done yet.”

Aggy has signed with Bucks Music Group for publishing. The U.K.-based singer, songwriter released an EP, Behind Closed Doors, in July.

“I’m proud to be joining Bucks Music Group and incredibly grateful for the belief they’ve shown in me,” Aggy said in a statement. “This feels like the start of something special, and I’m looking forward to this next chapter of creating more music that reaches people all over the world.”

Josh Gregg, A&R at Bucks Music Group, said, “It’s great to be working with Aggy.  He is a multi-talented artist who spans various genres and media. His versatility and musicality creates amazing potential and we’re excited to be part of the team.”