Ashley Gorley Signs Sony Music Publishing Deal in Partnership With Domain Capital Group
The deal includes Gorley's complete catalog of songs, as well as future compositions.
Songwriter Ashley Gorley has signed a global deal with Sony Music Publishing, in partnership with Domain Capital Group. The deal includes Gorley’s complete catalog of songs, as well as future compositions.
One of country music’s most prolific and successful songwriters, Gorley has written 59 No. 1 singles and over 400 songs released by artists including Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Dan + Shay, Kelsea Ballerini, Cole Swindell, Bon Jovi, Weezer, and more. Some of his most recent No. 1 Country Airplay hits include “You Should Probably Leave” (recorded by Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen) and “What’s Your Country Song” (Thomas Rhett).
Sony declined to give any specifics of the new pact, including term length and whether it is an administrative or co-publishing deal. Domain Capital Group is based in Atlanta and invests across a number of platforms, including media and entertainment.
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Gorley was previously aligned with Round Hill Music, announcing that deal in 2018.
“Both Domain and Sony Music Publishing have a deep respect and understanding of the value of songs,” Gorley said in a statement. “I am grateful to Pete and the rest of the Domain crew for their belief in me. I am especially excited to join forces with longtime friends Jon Platt, Rusty Gaston, Cam Caldwell, and the rest of the Sony staff. I can’t wait to get started on this next chapter!”
Gorley has been named Billboard‘s top country songwriter five times and Nashville Songwriters Association International’s songwriter of the year five times. He has also been honored as ASCAP’s songwriter of the year eight times. Last year, he won the iHeartRadio all-genre songwriter of the year honor and is nominated in that category again in 2022. He’s received CMA song of the year nominations for his work co-writing “You’re Gonna Miss This” (Trace Adkins), “Then” (Brad Paisley) and “Dirt on My Boots” (Jon Pardi).
Separately, Gorley runs publishing company Tape Room Music, whose roster of songwriters have scored more than 30 No. 1 songs.
“Ashley Gorley is undeniably one of the most talented, hard-working and acclaimed songwriters in the world,” said Domain Capital Group managing director Pete Chiappetta in a statement. “We are excited to see what he accomplishes next with Jon, Rusty, Cam and the rest of the incredible team at Sony. To partner alongside such a passionate and well-respected group of professionals is an honor.”
“I’ve been a fan of Ashley Gorley’s songwriting since the late ’90s when we both attended Belmont University together,” added Sony Music Publishing Nashville CEO Rusty Gaston. “He’s a true music connoisseur in every sense of the word. His diverse influences combined with his genuine heart have led his songs to define the soundtrack of country music. Sony Music Publishing is so proud to partner with Ashley and our friends at Domain Capital to champion this new leg of his historic songwriting journey.”
Gorley was represented in the transaction by Derek Crownover, John Rolfe and Megan Pekar from Loeb & Loeb, LLP. Domain Capital Group was represented by Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton LLP.
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