North America - Universal Music Publishing

NashvilleNEW SIGNINGSUMPG NashvilleRe-SignsHitmakerTROYVERGESPat HigdonSeniorVP/GMUMPGNashvilleUMPG Nashville has re-signed Troy Verges toan exclusive worldwide publishing deal.During the last three years, Verges becameone of UMPG's most heralded worldwide successstories. Not only was he named BMICountry Songwriter of the Year and NSAISongwriter of the Year in 2002, but he alsoscored numerous hits for artists around theglobe including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw,Martina McBride, Celine Dion, Marco Borsato,and Bon Jovi. UMPG Sr. VP/General Manager Pat Higdon commented,"It's been great to watch Troy Verges' career blossom. He is trulyone of the most versatile and talented young writers I've had theopportunity to work with in my 30-year career. The sky is the limit inregards to his creative potential. We hope to establish him as one ofthe top writers in the world over the next few years."UMPG NASHVILLE SIGNSMERCURY RECORDINGARTISTJAMESOTTOUMPG Nashvillerecently signed Mercuryrecording artist JamesOtto. James' single"Days of Our Lives" wasshipped to radio inSeptember andimmediately becameone of the mostadded countrysongs. James hasofficially beennamed the openingact on ShaniaTwain's world tour this fall.ARTISTDEVELOPMENTCHRISTYSUTHERLAND(Sony) Currently recordingher debut album with producersMark Wright and UMPG’s Matraca Berg. Sutherland blendsclassic country roots with modern themes from a woman's perspective.JOSHUA & SHI-ANNE RAGSDALE (Lyric Street) Thisbrother sister duo from Brookhaven, MS are finishing their debutalbum. They are co-producing the album with Jeff Balding. TheirBillyCurringtonmusic mixes sultry delta blues withclassic country influences.BILLY CURRINGTON(Mercury Records) Billy Currington’salbum debuted at No. 1 onBillboard’s Heatseeker’s chart. Hisfirst single "Walk A Little Straighter"was co-written and produced byanother UMPG songwriter, CarsonChamberlain. It has reached Top 10on the country singles chart.Spotlight OnANGELOCo-Writer/Co-producer ofKings of LeonUMPG’s Angelo coproducedtwo trackson Youth and YoungManhood, the newCD for critically Kings Of Leonacclaimed act Kingsof Leon (RCA). Their album is entirely co-written by theband and Angelo, who is also an arranger. They werenamed the No. 2 band to watch in 2003 by RollingStone, and NME called Kings of Leon’s debut "...One ofthe best albums in the last 10 years." Released August19, the CD entered at No. 1 on Billboard's TopHeatSeekers chart. The album sold more than100,000 units within the first three weeks of releasein the U.K. Angelo has also written songs for TrishaYearwood, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Lee Ann Womack,Jessica Andrews, Chely Wright, Sara Evans, EmmylouHarris, Patty Griffin and Brooks & Dunn.Pg.10