CTM Outlander has signed a new deal with Ross Copperman, the Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer.
His other accolades include BMI Songwriter of the Year and four ACM awards.
The new deal includes the acquisition of Copperman’s catalogue alongside a publishing deal for his future works. CTM will engage in creating new opportunities for Copperman, in a creative partnership with SmackSongs.
The Nashville-based hitmaker is responsible for US No.1 songs with artists such as Keith Urban, Tyler Hubbard, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani, Gabby Barrett, Kenny Chesney & Pink, Dierks Bentley, Brett Young, Darius Rucker and more.
As part of the arrangement, CTM Outlander has also acquired Copperman’s writer’s share for songs previously published by Plain Jane, including the hits Love Ain’t by Eli Young Band, Happy Anywhere by Blake Shelton feat. Gwen Stefani, Get Along by Kenny Chesney and Living by Dierks Bentley.
Ross Copperman said: "I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside remarkable individuals like CTM and Smack in my new team. CTM's visionary leadership has already brought us exciting opportunities beyond country, expanding our horizons. I've always held immense respect for Smack, and I eagerly anticipate the promising collaborations and accomplishments that lie ahead."
André de Raaff, CEO, CTM Outlander, said: “From the first moment we met Ross we felt his energy, passion and drive for music. His goal is set to break new artists and help create new opportunities with the ones he’s already been working with. We are here to support him in any type of way and see Ross as somebody that is helping to develop the country music genre into a global genre.”
Mike McKool, director, CTM Outlander, added: “When we created CTM Outlander, we had no specific agenda as far as genre was concerned. It was only after meeting and developing relationships with the songwriting community in Nashville, that we decided to place an emphasis on country music. As we continue to invest and grow our portfolio, Ross is another example of the kind of artist we want to be in business with. We couldn’t be more excited to work with him moving forward, while also furthering our relationship with SmackSongs.”
Robert Carlton, president, SmackSongs, said: "Smack is proud to further our partnership with CTM through this deal. Ross has been one of the premier writers and producers in Nashville over the last decade. We’ve been fortunate to share quite a bit of success with him through co-writes, but feel truly honoured that he chose to entrust Smack with this next chapter of his career."
The move further establishes CTM Outlander’s presence in Nashville after previously acquiring and signing the likes of Shane McAnally, Natalie Hemby, Michael Tyler, Ben Burgess and SmackSongs.