Music industry veteran Benny Brown has completed the acquisition of Wide Open Music Publishing’s catalog and songwriter roster, launching North Chapel Music as his return to publishing after founding BBR Music Group.
Brown’s publishing return follows his exit from BBR Music Group, the company he founded that was acquired by BMG in 2017 for around $100 million.
That acquisition included BBRMG’s associated labels Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Wheelhouse Records, Red Bow Records and music publishing company Magic Mustang Music.
The new deal transfers Wide Open’s entire catalog to Brown’s freshly-launched venture, including hits like Brett Young’s In Case You Didn’t Know, George Birge’s Mind On You and Matt Stell’s Prayed For You, Music Row reported Monday (August 11).
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Wide Open Music Publishing, established in 2013 by Ash Bowers and Steve Williams, had built a catalog of songwriters including Jaron Boyer, Neal Coty, Matt Gorman, Joe Hanson, Joe Haydel, Lakelin Lemmings, Tim Owens, Chris Ray, Aaron Scherz, John Stephens and Nathan Woodard.
Following the deal, these songwriters will now be part of North Chapel Music’s roster, Music Row said.
North Chapel has also signed publishing deals with five more songwriters: Matt Cooper, Spencer Hatcher, Connor Hatcher, Jason Sellers and Runaway June founding member Jennifer Wayne.
“With our growing roster of established writers and developing artist writers, North Chapel will serve as a direct source of music and artistry for Benny’s QHMG record labels.”
Paul Compton, North Chapel Music
Paul Compton, previously an executive at Wide Open Music, will run North Chapel’s daily creative and administrative operations as executive vice president. Compton brings three decades of publishing experience, having founded Music Highway Writer Services and The Songwriter Agency.
Commenting on the deal, Compton said: “I’m grateful to Benny for entrusting me to lead his vision of the newly formed North Chapel Music. With our growing roster of established writers and developing artist writers, North Chapel will serve as a direct source of music and artistry for Benny’s QHMG record labels, as well as servicing career-elevating music and talent for the global music market.”
“Since the day we launched Brown Sellers Brown, now QHMG, I suspected Benny would wanna get back deeper into publishing. He loves our artists, he loves our teams, but he LOVES great songs.”
Jason Sellers, North Chapel Music
Meanwhile, Jason Sellers takes a dual role at North Chapel, signing as both songwriter and senior creative director. Sellers previously worked with Brown when they launched what became Quartz Hill Music Group.
Sellers said: “Since the day we launched Brown Sellers Brown, now QHMG, I suspected Benny would wanna get back deeper into publishing. He loves our artists, he loves our teams, but he LOVES great songs. And I do too. So, whether it’s writing, or broader strategy, I’m very excited to support him in this new venture.”
Wendy Buckner joins as creative director, reporting to Compton. She transitions from BSB Management, where she handled day-to-day artist management duties.
North Chapel Music will serve as a sister company to Brown’s Quartz Hill Music Group, which houses Quartz Hill Records, Stone Country Records and BSB Management. Bowers, who co-founded Wide Open Music, retains his position as executive vice president at Quartz Hill Music.
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