Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed country superstar Kane Brown to a worldwide deal. Brown also launched his own publishing imprint, Verse 2 Music, a joint venture with SMP, headed by industry vet Kent Earls.

With the establishment of Verse 2 Music, Brown and Earls aim to discover emerging country music hitmakers and develop their songwriting careers.

“I’m excited to further my relationship with Sony with Rusty Gaston and Jon Platt, and to work alongside Kent Earls again at Verse 2 Music," Brown commented.

SMP Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston added, “Kane Brown is redefining boundaries with his dynamic artistry, all-around business acumen, and passion as a craftsman songwriter – his anthemic songs will live forever. We couldn’t be happier to welcome him to SMP, and we are equally as excited to partner with Kane and Kent Earls on the launch of Verse 2 Music. We look forward to championing the history they will undoubtedly make together.”

Kent Earls, Partner, Verse 2 Music said, “I am beyond excited to start my next chapter with Kane, Jon, Rusty and the entire SMP family. Verse 2 Music will focus on exceptional songwriters and artists that aspire to make musical history. I am fortunate to have started working with Kane from the beginning of his career and now again with him in this time when he is a superstar in the country format and beyond.”

Earlier this month, Brown established his own record label imprint within Sony Music Nashville, 1021 Entertainment.

Pictured above: Top Row, (L-R) Kent Earls, Rusty Gaston; Bottom Row, L-R: Kane Brown, SMP Chairman & CEO Jon Platt.

Photo by Meagan Little