NASHVILLE, TN - Hit songwriter Ryan Hurd has extended his exclusive global publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) Nashville, it was announced today by Kent Earls, Executive Vice President/General Manager, UMPG Nashville.

Since Hurd signed his first music publishing deal with the company three years ago, he’s become one of country music’s most promising young songwriters. He has secured multiple major label cuts and had four singles on Billboard’s Country singles chart, including the No.1 “Lonely Tonight” by Blake Shelton feat. Ashely Monroe. As one of the most talented new artists and performers in Nashville, UMPG will be working to help him pursue a label deal, in addition to supporting his development and reach as a songwriter.

In making the announcement, Earls said: “From the moment we met Ryan, we knew he was not only a special songwriter but a gifted artist. He knows exactly how to paint the perfect picture with his songs. The Nashville music industry is already familiar with him as a No.1 writer and we're excited for him to be discovered as an artist as well."

"I love writing for Universal and it is so exciting to continue to work with Kent, Cyndi, and the rest of our team going forward. They are incredible publishers and even better people. It is a privilege to count them as partners in my songwriting and I have no doubt that this is exactly where I am supposed to be," added Hurd.

Hurd has continued his momentum this year, earning a nomination for Music Row’s prestigious Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year Award. He’s also recently been collaborating on upcoming projects with some of Nashville’s top writers and artists, including Jake Owen, Darius Rucker and Randy Houser.

PHOTO: Pictured L to R- Missy Wilson, UMPG Sr. Creative Director; Ron Stuve, UMPG VP A&R; Cyndi Forman, UMPG VP, Creative; Ryan Hurd; Kent Earls, EVP/GM, UMPG; Travis Gordon, UMPG Creative Director; attorney Chip Petree of Ritholz Levy.