Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Verse 2 Music have renewed their global publishing deal with Josh Hoge.

The award-winning, multi-platinum hitmaker recently had chart success with Kane Brown’s #1 hit “Bury Me in Georgia,” which was a top-performing track at the 2023 SESAC Music Awards, and his crossover #1 hit “Thank God,” which was named SESAC’s 2023 Country Song of the Year.

Hoge’s latest credits include Zac Brown Band’s “Tie Up,” which debuted at #24 on the Country Airplay chart. He also has more forthcoming cuts this year with Brown as well as Chris Young, Jelly Roll and Kameron Marlowe, among others.

“When Kane and I started Verse 2 Music, we wanted to foster long-term relationships with writers and artists that desire to make music history, and Josh is a prime example of this. Delivering a Song of the Year within the first deal proves our visions align. We look forward to continuing an already successful relationship,” said Verse 2 Partner Kent Earls.

“Josh is a creator who is always carving his own lane. He’s passionate, enthusiastic and delivers great songs again and again. We couldn’t be happier to continue this successful relationship with Josh, Kent and Kane,” added SMP Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston.

“I’ve always been a writer that’s loved when I’ve been able to be exactly who I am and create exactly the way I want, and Kent and team have always let me be myself, which I think that’s a big reason to our success together,” said Hoge.

Having earned a Grammy nom and a CMA nom for his work on Young’s “Think of You” and “I’m Comin’ Over,” respectively, Hoge has also penned hits like Brown’s “Cool Again” and “Used to Love You Sober,” as well as “One Thing Right” with Marshmello.

Photo credit: Peyton Hoge

Barry Weiss' publishing venture BOSSY SONGS, in partnership with Sony Music Publishing, has signed "Austin" (Dasha) co-writer Cheyenna.

A gender-free singer-songwriter, Cheyenna creates stories in the folk-pop realm, citing Gordon Lightfoot, Dan Fogelberg and Kenny Loggins as stylistic influences. Along with co-writing Dasha's viral smash "Austin," Cheyenna is also credited on the new Warner signing's "Even Cowboys Cry."

Cheyenna has also worked with GAYLE, BIZZY, Semlar and Lost Stars.

“We are thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented singer-songwriter Cheyenna to the BOSSY SONGS family,” said CEO/Founder Weiss. “Cheyenna is a fresh, compelling writer and artist and we are excited to work together to further build and expand their songwriting career.”

Andrea Bocelli has been signed an exclusive, global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group through UMPG’s Classics & Screen department.

Through the new agreement, UMPG will represent Bocelli’s future works, as well as his latest album, A Family Christmas.

“Andrea Bocelli is not only a legendary tenor, but an artist who has established his place in the canon of classical and popular music,” Natasha Baldwin, EVP of Classics and Screen at UMPG, said. “As we celebrate his third decade in the industry and immense contributions to music history, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome Andrea to UMPG Classics & Screen family as his global publisher.”

The new publishing agreement builds upon Bocelli’s relationship with Universal Music Group, which has distributed his albums for over a quarter of a century through its longstanding relationship with Sugar Music. Bocelli signed directly to UMG in 2021.

“Building upon our long-standing partnership with Universal Music Group, this collaboration marks a significant milestone in Andrea’s journey,” Veronica Berti Bocelli, CEO of Almud Music, and Maverick Management’s Francesco Pasquero said. “As we celebrate Maestro’s 30th anniversary this year, we are excited to continue expanding Andrea’s legacy and reach even greater heights with the support of UMPG.”