Publishing Briefs: BMG Acquires Chris Cheney’s Catalog & The Ivors Academy & YouTube Music’s Songwriting Camp

The Ivors Academy and YouTube Music returned hosted their 2026 songwriting camp on June 2 and 4 at Qube Studios in London, with this year’s guests including Fraser T Smith, Jin Jin and Kasabian’s Sergio Pizzorno. The trio collaborated with a group of Ivors Academy members selected to join this year’s camp.

“At The Ivors Academy, we’re committed to protecting, empowering and celebrating songwriters and composers at every stage of their careers,” Roberto Neri, CEO of the Ivors Academy, said in a statement. “Our camp with YouTube Music brings that commitment to life, connecting emerging talent with some of the industry’s most respected songwriters should be supported and valued for their contributions.”

Jenna Rubenstein, YouTube’s head of songwriter relations, added: “Songwriters are the architects of the music industry, and championing them at every stage of their career is a joint mission we share deeply with The Ivors Academy. As our songwriting camp returns for its third year, we’re incredibly proud of the vibrant hub we’ve built for collaboration, education and pure music-making. I am absolutely blown away by the music that emerges from these sessions — this is where true this are created. Elevating the craft of songwriting sits at the very core of our mission, and we can’t wait to see the songs created at this camp make their way out into the world.”

Nick Boyd has signed a publishing deal ERN’s Cadillac Music and Jordan Schmidt via Big Loud Publishing, the company announced. Boyd first moved to Nashville in 2014, where he attended Belmont University.

His recent works include Cody Lohden’s “Drinks Can Drink” and “TV On,” “California Fit in Tennessee” by Tayler Holder and on “Act Like You Don’t” by Brody Clementi.

“The day I stepped foot in the building, I felt right at home,” Boyd said in a statement. “I couldn’t be more excited to work with ERNEST, Jordan Schmidt and the rest of the Cadillac Music/Big Loud Publishing team. In a town with a million great songs, champions like them make the difference.”

Boyd had grown up in the midwest, citing influence from The Eagles, Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake. While at Belmont University, he won the Curb College Country Music Showcase, which landed him a spot at Belmont’s School of Music’s Commercial Showcase. In 2019, he signed a publishing agreement with Liz Rose Music. As he began to explore more music genres in songwriting, he found influence from Jason Isbell and Ryan Tedder.

ERNEST added, “Jordan, a longtime friend and collaborator in town, has over a decade of hits as a writer and producer. So, combining his experience with a topliner/spark plug like Nick seemed like a no-brainer. I love getting to know talent in this town. There is no shortage of it and Nick Boyd is no exception.”

Jordan Schmidt said, Nick is a beast of a writer and a beauty of a human. I can’t wait for Nashville to see what we see in him!”

Sony Music Publishing Scandinavia has acquired Sound Pollution Songs’ catalog, which includes songs from Bonafide, Foredoom, Wormwood and Twilight Force. In all, the catalog comprises of some 5,000 songs. The publisher primarily focuses on hard rock, punk and metal.

“Sony Music Publishing has been an important part of building our rights catalog for a long time,” Johan Hargeby, managing director of Sound Pollution, said in a statement. “This is a natural next step. For our artists and authors, this means greater resources and better conditions going forward. Within our genre, artist and author are often the same person, and we continue to collaborate with most of them. This deal gives us the financial capacity to make new investments and develop the business further.”

Liz Rose Music has signed Kyle Schuesler to its publishing roster. Schuesler first earned national attention while competing on NBC’s The Voice. He opened for Vance Joy on his 2025 North American Tour, in addition to headlining his own 10-show West Coast college tour. This fall, Schuesler will join Alana Springsteen’s I Hope This Helps Tour.

Songwriters Hall of Fame member Liz Rose and her son Scott Ponce founded Liz Rose Music in 2010.

“Kyle Schuesler is a superstar!” Gracie Glass, creative manager at Liz Rose Music, said in a statement. “It’s so rare to find an artist and songwriter whose talent is equally matched by his character and work ethic. We’re incredibly proud of everything he has already accomplished independently and are so excited to be a part of his bright future as we welcome him into the Liz Rose Music family!”
 
 “The Liz Rose crew is THE best,” Schuesler added. “Signing a deal in music has always been a dream of mine, but I didn’t expect the team to also become some of my best friends and favorite people to hang out with outside music. So HYPED for this journey.” — Jessica Nicholson
 
 

 

Ashley Fulton, also known as L.A.-based artist y3kfae, has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Position Music.

“It’s rare to see a talent integrate into our creative ecosystems as quickly or as effectively as Ashley has,” Jake Versluis, partner at Position Music, said in a statement. “She is a ‘finisher’ in every sense of the word — a brilliant producer and equally incredible songwriter. We’re honored to officially welcome her to the roster and help shape the next chapter of her journey.”

Fulton graduated from USC Thorton’s undergraduate program in music production and co-wrote “Come Play” featuring Stray kids, Young Miko and Tom Morello, which appeared on League of Legends’ Arcane on Netflix. She’s also collaborated with Skrillex, FISHER and Chris Lake.

“It’s not every day you get to join a new family, and it’s so clear from getting to know Jake and Shannon that I’m in innovative, supportive hands,” Fulton said in a statement. “I’ve learned from several success stories how dedicated Position’s A&R team is to matching their creatives’ ambitions and work ethic. So happy to be a part of the crew and excited to go further together!”

Shannon Corsi, A&R at Position who signed Fulton alongside Versluis, added: “There is no blueprint for someone like Ashley. She creates from a place the rest of us are still catching up to and continues to redefine my understanding of what a producer, writer and artist can be.”

Prescription Songs has signed Andrew Baylis through A&R’s Christian Conant and Sophia Battaglia. He’s worked with country stars including Jelly Roll and Koe Wetzel.

“I’m excited to be partnering with Prescription Songs here in Nashville,” Baylis said in a statement. “As someone who loves to bend genres and songwriting to the limits, I think they are the perfect fit for me!”

Contant added, “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Baylis for a few years now, and getting to see what he’s accomplished in a short time since moving to town has been remarkable. He’s a great friend and a brilliant songwriter/producer. I feel honored to be welcoming him into the Prescription Songs family and championing his work for years to come!”

Nashville-based songwriter Jake Hess has signed with Prescription Songs in a joint venture with 7Hills Music and producer David “Messy” Mescon. Sophia Battaglia, A&R and Prescription Songs, and Hannah Montgomery Bay-Schuck at 7Hills Music led the signing.

Hess, born in Georgia with roots in Gospel music, has collaborated with country artists including Chase Matthew and Phil Morgan.

“Prescription’s global reach, plus 7Hills’ Georgia roots, made perfect sense for a guy whose musical tapestry has been woven by several influences, but still has a yearning to create something that feels like home,” Hess said in a statement. “This team doesn’t just want me in the building, they want me to feel like an important part of a bigger picture. I believe we’re going to accomplish great things together.”

Battaglia said, “Jake is not only a fantastic artist and songwriter, but an even better human! I’m such a fan of everything he does and feel so lucky to be a part of his creative journey. I look forward to watching him thrive, and am thrilled to welcome him to RX songs!”

Mescon added, “Jake Hess is one of the most talented, genuine and capable songwriters of today. He will be a key in crafting the future of country music.”

BMG has signed a global publishing agreement with Keli Holiday, the solo project of Peking Duk’s Adam Hyde. Keli Holiday’s 2025 single “Dancing2” served as a breakout hit, the song toping Spotify’s Viral charts in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.

“I’m so stoked to be signing with BMG,” Keli Holiday said in a statement. “I’ve been lucky enough to know the whole crew for quite a while, and the one thing I know more than anything is that BMG know how to push music but, more importantly, they care about music. To be part of a family like that is a true honor and I can’t wait to see what we do in the future together. The music we’ve got cooking now is more exciting than anything I’ve ever made, and I can’t wait to work it with the most enthusiastic team I’ve ever met.”

Heath Johns, president of BMG Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, said: “Keli Holiday is one of the most refreshing and impactful new Australian projects we’ve seen in a long time. As ‘Dancing2’ took over social scrolls and radio waves with a rare virality, Adam was steadily building an incredible new album in Capital Fiction that has immense international appeal and will be backed by extensive global touring. At BMG, we’re committed to championing culturally resonant artists and helping their music reach audiences worldwide. Keli’s voice is one that is ready to echo across the world, and we can’t wait to turn the volume up.”

X10 has signed to Electric Feel Publishing’s U.K. roster. X10 has collaborated with Chase & Status, J Huss and more and produced songs for Digga D and Unknown T.

“Being with Electric Feel has been a wicked journey,” X10 said in a statement. “From working with their international teams as well as working closely with Sureeta, everyone has made it feel like home and have been a massive help and I can’t wait to see what else we can build together!”

Austin Rosen, CEO and founder of Electric Feel, added: “We’re thrilled to have X10 join Electric Feel Publishing and are excited to support him in the next chapter of his journey.”