Publishing Briefs: Leader Entertainment and Sony Music Publishing Form Strategic Partnership

Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Perfect Game Creative inked a global publishing deal with songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Lee Thomas Miller.

On Oct. 26, Miller will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He currently serves as a the president of the Nashville Songwriters Association International and is the 2026 BMI Songwriter Ambassador in Residence.

Austen Adams, president of Warner Chappell Music Nashville, said in a statement, “Lee first joined the Warner Chappell fold back in 2013, and it’s incredibly exciting to have him back with us as part of Jessi’s new venture with the company. He draws on his extraordinary, expansive creativity to pen a rich diversity of songs that touch the range of human emotions and moods, from deeply moving life stories to outright country-rockers. In the midst of his fourth decade in the business, his talent is burning brighter than ever, and we’re looking forward to more amazing work from one of Music City’s true greats.” 

Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, who founded Perfect Game Creative in 2025 in partnership with Warner Chappell, said, “Lee was one of the first writers I had the privilege of working with when I became an A&R at Warner Chappell nearly 10 years ago, and over the past decade, we’ve become even better friends. Before we ever met, his songs had stamped my life; from ‘In Color’ playing over a video at my grandfather’s funeral to ‘Old Boots, New Dirt’ being the soundtrack to my move to Los Angeles. I’m so excited to have him join me at Perfect Game Creative for this next chapter of both of our careers, and to be alongside him as he continues to write the songs that will become the soundtrack to so many people’s lives.”

Miller added, “Let’s put the band back together. In Nashville, relationships are everything. I watched Jessi Vaughn Stevenson work her way up the ranks at Warner Chappell, and when she became A&R she asked Ben Vaughn if she could be my person. Was I a guinea pig? Possibly… but my career is better because of her. Years later, she has established herself as one of Nashville’s most successful, respected publishers. I’m excited to be a part of her brand new venture, Perfect Game Creative, and for the opportunity to reunite with my Warner Chappell family. Cheers to our next chapter.”

Miller is known for writing songs including Brad Paisley’s “The World,” “I’m Still A Guy,” and “Perfect Storm”; Tim McGraw’s “Southern Girl”; Joe Nichols’ “The Impossible” and Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This,” which earned song of the year honors from NSAI and ASCAP, as well as single of the year at the 2009 CMA Awards. Another song Miller contributed to writing, Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” won song of the year at the 2009 ACM and CMA Awards. Miller is also known as a writer on songs including Chris Stapleton’s “Whiskey and You” and “What Are You Listening To?,” Brothers Osborne’s “It Ain’t My Fault” and “Shoot Me Straight,” Parker McCollum’s “Drinkin’” and “Sunny Days,” and Morgan Wallen’s “More Surprised Than Me. — Jessica Nicholson

Songwriter and producer Jason Vance Harris has signed with Spirit Music Group. He’s performed alongside beabadoobee and worked on collaborations with The Marias, Hayley Williams and Matty Healy of The 1975.

“Jason is exactly the kind of songwriter and producer we love building with at Spirit,” Lou Al-Chamaa, executive vp of A&R at Spirit Music, said in a statement. “Insanely talented, endlessly curious, and collaborative with everyone in the room. From the first conversation, it was clear he wasn’t just chasing hits, we was chasing great songs. We’re trhilled to have him on the team.” — Ariel King

Atlanta-based pop-punk band The Paradox has signed a publishing deal with EMPIRE and Wave Theory Music Group.

“Too often, artists have to choose between growth and independence. At EMPIRE, we’ve never believed that trade-off should exist. The Paradox built their audience from the ground up and our job is to amplify that momentum while making sure the vision stays theirs,” Ghazi, CEO and founder, EMPIRE, said in a statement.

“The Paradox has the talent, authenticity and vision to be something truly special. At Wave Theory, we’ve always believed in building with artists for the long term, and our partnership with EMPIRE gives us the opportunity to bring that vision to fruition. We’re excited about what we’re building together and even more excited for what’s ahead,” Andre DeRamus and Sammye Ruth-Scott – co-founders of Wave Theory Music Group, said in a joint statement. — Ariel King

Orla Gartland, the Ivor Novello-winning singer-songwriter, has signed a publishing deal with Reservoir. She has been managed by Big Life Management’s Clair Kilcourse, which is part of the Reservoir company group.

“How lucky am I to be signing with such a stellar team of hard-working, music-loving people?!” Gartland said in a statement. “I feel truly seen by the Reservoir team as an artist and songwriter. The company’s ambitious indie spirit feels very much aligned with my own, so I’m really excited for us to work together over the coming years.”

Charlie Pinder, U.K. head of creative at Reservoir, added, “Orla is one of the most distinctive songwriters and artists working in the U.K. today and the ‘Trying’ soundtrack following her Ivor win is proof of her artistry and range. We’re thrilled to be her new publishing home as she moves into this next chapter, and to continue working closely with Claire Kilcourse and the Big Life team to give Orla dedicated support across the board.” — Ariel King

Gianluca Buccellati has extended his partnership with Sony Music Publishing U.K. and One Two Many Songs.

“OTM are thrilled to have extended our deal with Gianluca,” Alex Sheridan, CEO and founder of One Two Many Songs, said in a statement. “He was the first signing we made to our JV with Sony Music Publishing and to see his incredible growth, from a prodigiously talented young writer-producer, to the force he is today with #1 records in the UK, Australia and #7 in the US, shows why we can all be so proud of the past but also very excited for the future.  Thanks for the ongoing, incredible support of SMP.”

Felix Cannetty-Clark, vp of commercial and A&R strategy, U.K., and A&R research, U.K. and international at Sony Music Publishing, added, “I am so pleased that, with OTM, we have extended our working relationship with Luca.  He is so ambitious with what he wants to achieve and having already delivered so much wonderful music, I look forward to seeing what’s possible in this next chapter together.” — Ariel King

Sony Music Publishing Colombia has entered a global catalog administration agreement with the estate of Omar Geles. The agreement includes his songs “Cuatro Rosas,” “A Blanco y Negro,” “Tu Homre Soy Yo” and “Tarde le Conocí.”

“Omar Geles was not only a defining voice in vallenato music, but one of the great songwriters of his generation,” said Jorge Mejía, CEO of Latin America and U.S. Latin at Sony Music Publishing. “His extraordinary body of work has touched countless listeners and transcended borders, cultures and time. It is a true honor to partner with his family to preserve, promote and expand his legacy, ensuring that his songs continue to inspire audiences around the world for generations to come.”

Laura Mendoza, managing director, Colombia, at Sony Music Publishing, added, “We enter into this agreement with great honor and a profound sense of responsibility as we help preserve and promote the legacy of Omar Geles, one of the most influential and prolific composers in the history of Vallenato and Latin American music. The Geles catalog represents an extraordinary body of works within our musical heritage, with songs that have been performed by many of the genre’s most iconic artists, including Omar Geles himself.” — Ariel King

Dance music singer/songwriter HAYLA has extended her deal with Payday Music Publishing.

“There are many expert songwriters in dance and pop music but it’s rare to find someone who has the tremendous charisma, style and charm as HAYLA,” Patrick Moxey, founder of Payday Music Publishing, said in a statement. “She delivers anthemic music both vocally and as a songwriter, a testament to her artistry in one complete package.” — Ariel King