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

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.”