Tega Ethan from Nigeria and Taylor Zickfoose from Washington state are the inaugural recipients of the Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowships.

Ethan, a pop artist, and Zickfoose, a jazz-influenced singer-songwriter studying at the University of Kansas, were selected by Universal Music Publishing Group executives, the Dylan Center and a panel of artists that included Patty Griffin, John Mellencamp and Nas.

“Songwriters trying to make a go of it in the modern music business need the kind of encouragement and support that this fellowship provides,” Mellencamp said. “I congratulate Tega and Taylor on being the first two recipients, and hope they write some great songs during their time in Tulsa.”

Each fellowship encompasses a $40k project stipend, public engagement and presentation opportunities, dedicated time in BDC’s Bob Dylan Archive to study Dylan’s creative process, roundtrip airfare to Tulsa and accommodations in the city, mentorship from UMPG songwriters and executives, and recording time in Tulsa’s historic The Church Studio, the famous studio of Leon Russell.

The center hopes more songwriters will want to walk into a room with a pencil in their hand and will open the application window for the 2025-2026 fellowship in the fall.

Warner Chappell Music and digital licensing company ICE have expanded their existing partnership, which will see WCM utilize ICE as its exclusive administration partner. The deal will provide WCM "more autonomy in the way it licenses digital services across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and beyond," per a statement.

"In today's digital music market, there are vast volumes of data to process, and we need to work with a reliable partner to ensure we're delivering best-in-class service," said WCM Co-Chair/CEO Guy Moot. "ICE has always proved to be an innovative and flexible partner, so we're delighted to expand our relationship with them."

Added ICE Chief Commercial Officer Ben McEwen, "we're delighted that Warner Chappell has selected ICE as its sole [pan-European digital licensing partner], and the recognition that represents the superior service levels and innovation ICE offers. We are focused on ensuring the greatest songwriter returns on the market in everything we do."

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