Multiple Grammy and CMA Award-winning songwriter and artist Lori McKenna has signed a multi-faceted deal with Concord Music Publishing, Creative Nation and PULSE Music Group. The pact sees McKenna’s publishing catalog acquired by Concord Music Publishing, who will co-publish her work in partnership with Creative Nation and PULSE.
McKenna is much revered as one of the most in-demand writers in music, with Grammy Awards to her name for Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” (2015), Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind” (2016), and the Highwomen’s “Crowded Table” (2020), all of which won Best Country Song.
She co-wrote “Always Remember Us This Way” for the Academy Award-winning film A Star Is Born, as well as hits by Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill, Hunter Hayes, and many others. She was the ACM Songwriter of the Year in 2017. She’s made 12 solo albums, including 2020’s much-praised The Balladeer.
McKenna said in a statement: “I’m thrilled and thankful to keep doing what I love most with my Creative Nation family in Nashville. I’m so excited to add PULSE and Concord in this next chapter and I look forward to what’s to come.”
In addition to all of her achievements as both writer and performer, McKenna has this year introduced the new show Love Junkies Radio on Apple Music Country, with her frequent collaborators Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey.
“As both a songwriter and an artist, Lori McKenna has contributed to some of the most notable and groundbreaking hits in country music and beyond,” said Jim Selby, Concord’s chief publishing executive. “Concord is honored to be chosen as the home for her catalog – our creative teams worldwide are looking forward to working closely with Lori, alongside Creative Nation and PULSE, to champion the hits still to come.”
Added Beth Laird, co-founder and CEO of Creative Nation, says: “Working with Lori McKenna the past five years has been a dream come true. Her talent is undeniable and she continues to evolve and write some of the most iconic songs for our generation. We are so excited to continue working with her and to add PULSE and Concord as our publishing partners in this next chapter.”
Scott Cutler, co-CEO, PULSE Music Group, noted: “Lori is one of the most authentic and widely respected writers on the planet—she has such a special talent. PULSE has had the honor of being a part of her story through our partnership with Beth and the Creative Nation team. We are so excited to partner with Beth and Concord on this next chapter and to continue to be a part of Lori’s future – this is a music publishing dream team!”
