Your Guide to the Major Music Publishing Houses That Help Writers Get Heard
Nashville is known around the world as Music City—not just for the artists on stage, but for the publishers behind the songs. As a songwriter with 30+ years of experience and a track record in both writing and publishing, I can tell you that the right publishing partner can be career-changing.
Music publishers help songwriters by administrating rights, promoting songs, pitching for cuts, securing sync placements, and collecting royalties. But not all publishers are the same—some are global giants, others are boutique shops focused on songwriter development. Understanding who’s who is essential for anyone serious about a professional songwriting career.
Below is a snapshot of 10 music publishers active in Nashville, known for working with professional songwriters or representing established catalogs.
Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville
One of the biggest global publishers with a strong Nashville presence, UMPG works with elite songwriters across country, pop, and Americana. Writers signed here have placements with top artists and access to international networks.
Concord Music Publishing
Concord is a major independent publisher with a Nashville office and a vast catalog of contemporary and classic songs. It supports writers creatively and administratively and represents work across multiple genres.
Warner/Chappell Music Publishing
A global powerhouse with deep roots in Nashville’s songwriting culture. Warner/Chappell represents both established and emerging writers and offers deep catalog administration and creative support.
Sea Gayle Music
An influential independent publishing company founded by writers and producers, Sea Gayle has a particularly strong presence in country music, and its writers have earned prestigious publishing honors.
Downtown Music Publishing
Downtown combines global reach with songwriter-friendly systems, including royalty administration and creative support. It’s recognized as a top music publisher in the U.S. and is active in Nashville.
Curb Music Publishing
A long‑established Nashville institution with a rich catalog and history of developing writers. Curb’s roster spans country, pop, and other genres, and it continues to be an influential force in songwriter careers.
Savannah Music Group
Founded by seasoned songwriters and industry professionals, Savannah Music Group is a boutique Nashville publisher focused on hands-on songwriter development and creative collaboration.
Red Door Music
Red Door is a Nashville publishing company known for taking a hands‑on, relationship‑focused approach with writers. They emphasize creative development and support songwriters as careers evolve, blending traditional publishing support with modern industry insight.
Music Row Publishing
A long‑standing presence in Nashville’s music publishing scene, Music Row Publishing operates in the heart of the city’s historic songwriting community. With decades of experience and deep connections, they work with both veteran and emerging writers to place songs with artists and catalogs.
Honorable Mentions
If you want to widen your awareness of the Nashville publishing ecosystem, you can also look at:
- Best Built Songs
- Banner Music
- Combustion Music
- Big Yellow Dog Music
- Liz Rose Music
These smaller or specialty publishers remain active with local songwriters and can be good fits depending on your style and goals.
Other Notable Nashville-Based or Active Publishers
These companies may be smaller or more specialized but still play a role in the Music City ecosystem:
- Century Music Group – Boutique, producer-led publishing and creative support.
- Nashville Music Publishing – Independent local publisher focused on songwriter relationships.
- SongPublisher Network Members – A broader roster of smaller publishers in Nashville that accept material and help writers get their foot in the door (e.g., Banner Music, Best Built Songs, Blue Drops Publishing, and others).
How to Approach Music Publishers
Getting a publishing deal isn’t about blasting your demo to every company on a list. Instead:
âś” Build a catalog of strong songs before submitting material.
✔ Network within the Nashville songwriting community—co-writes with established writers help you get noticed.
âś” Attend industry events and showcases where A&R and publisher reps are present.
âś” Consider submitting to publisher pitch events or writing showcases when offered.
Publishers want writers who are ready to create consistently with craft, professionalism, and market awareness.
Real-World Tip From Experience
Many writers I know, including multi-No.1 hitmakers, began by writing consistently and building relationships long before they landed publishing deals. A deal can amplify your career—and sometimes provide advances and admin support—but the foundation is always strong songs and professional habit.
Final Thoughts
This list is a starting point for songwriters aiming to understand who’s working in Nashville’s publishing world. Some of these companies represent legendary catalogs, others specialize in hands-on development, and many operate across genres beyond country.
If you dream of publishing placements or writing songs that get recorded by major artists, understanding the landscape—and finding the publishers that align with your style and career goals—is critical.
