Concord Music Publishing has announced the launch of a new creative joint venture, Chromatic Music. Founded by chart-topping songwriter Tofer Brown, this new venture aims to develop, mentor, and raise up talent of all kinds, partnering with creators – artists, producers, and songwriters – of all genres. Chromatic Music in partnership with Concord takes off with its first signing, Nashville-based songwriter Lauren Hungate. The worldwide publishing deal, effective immediately, will cover Hungate’s full catalog.
“I first became aware of Lauren over a year ago, and the second I heard her songs I thought ‘Who is Lauren Hungate and why is she writing all of the songs I wish I’d written?’ said Tofer Brown. “I can honestly say after writing a lot together in 2021, Lauren is without a doubt one of the best writers in Nashville. She writes well beyond her years and quickly becomes fast friends with every collaborator she works with in town. I can think of no one else I’d rather have as the first writer signed to Chromatic Music and I’m grateful for Concord’s belief in Lauren and me in this next chapter of both of our careers.”
Originally from Nashville, Lauren Hungate is a country songwriter who has also seen success in the pop, Christian, R&B and folk genres.
Some of her songwriting credits include Ashland Craft’s “When a Cowboy's Heart Breaks,” Gray Robinson’s “Damsel In This Dress,” and several tracks on Rachael Neimroff’s upcoming EP. She has also frequently collaborated with Republic Records/Big Loud artist Lily Rose, including on Lily’s single “Overnight Sensation,” which accrued over 9M views on TikTok and was featured as Rolling Stone’s ‘Country Pick of the Week.’
Hungate’s songs have been featured on major Spotify playlists including New Music Friday, Radar US, Radar Country, Fresh Finds Pop, New Music Christian, and more. Additionally, she was the sole female pick for BMI Buzz’s class of 2020.
“I'm so excited to be the first signing to Chromatic,” said Lauren Hungate. “Tofer is such a champion, and it was evident upon meeting him that he is the kind of person and writes the kind of songs I want to be associated with. I am also so grateful to be joining the Concord team. They have felt like fast family, and their staff has been such a godsend in making me feel taken care of in my first deal.”
“Tofer has been an amazing creative partner with Concord for many years. He is as passionate about songwriters as we are, and we’re so proud to expand our partnership, as we work together to identify and empower the next generation of creators,” says Brad Kennard, SVP A&R in Nashville. “We’re incredibly excited to welcome Lauren as the first signing to this collaborative venture. She is a brilliant writer who is already blazing her own trail to huge success!”
Tofer Brown has seen huge songwriting success in Nashville, collaborating with some of the biggest country artists including Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Lady A, Kelsea Ballerini, Darius Rucker, Chrissy Metz, Sam Hunt, Jake Owen and more. Additionally, Brown works beyond Nashville in the pop and international markets with artists such as Jason Mraz, Duncan Laurence, Emily Weisband, Tritonal, Tom Walker, Ilse DeLange and Calum Scott. He also collaborates extensively with critically acclaimed artist Jillian Jacqueline, producing her past two albums, cowriting over half of the tracks as well as coproducing and cowriting her upcoming record slated for release later this year.
Some of Brown’s credits include the title track on the Lady A record Ocean, Little Big Town’s platinum single “Wine, Beer, Whiskey” and “Problem Child,” Hootie & The Blowfish’s “New Year’s Day,” and Jon Pardi’s single “Night Shift,” which won Brown his first BMI award. Brown has also had tremendous success in the synch space with over 75 film and television placements on every major network, including a 2019 worldwide ad campaign for Samsung.
More at: concord.com/music-publishing
L to R: Ashley Nite, Garrett Stephenson, Brad Kennard, Matt Turner, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Melissa Spillman, Courtney Allen, Jen Hubbard
