Pictured (L-R, back row): Phil May (WCM), BJ Hill (WCM) and Benji Amaefule (WCM). (L-R, front row): Simon Tikhman (The Core Ent.), Philip Morgan and Chief Zaruk (The Core Ent.).
Country songwriter Philip Morgan has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and The Core Entertainment.
The Texas native was surronded by music from an early age from his father’s influence. In 2023, Morgan won the NSAI Online Pitch Award and was a finalist in the NSAI/BMI/Bluebird Song and Lyric contest. Settling down in Music City last year, Morgan has become known for catchy hooks and memorable melodies. He was awarded the 2024 American Songwriter Country Song the Year for “5 O’Clock Shadow,” and was the winner of the NSAI Chapter Challenge Song Contest for “Gone, Gone, Gone!”
He has written alongside Chris Sligh, Jim Jonsin, Ryan Carpenter, Chris August, Jason Duke, Marty James, Chris DeStefano and David Ray Stevens. Among his notable cuts is “How Have You Been (Letter to the County Line Girl)” by Chase Matthew. Morgan has also helped develop young artists such as Austin Michael, Jake Hess III and Hunt Pipkin.
“Phil is an emerging force in the Nashville songwriting community,” says Benji Amaefule, Manager, A&R, WCM Nashville. “He brings a valuable versatility to connect and craft timeless stories in the room. He makes an impact with artists and writers alike, with a foundation that will carry him to success in all lanes of country music.”
“Philip’s songwriting has a way of striking the perfect balance between heart and hook, and we’re excited to champion his next chapter,” add Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, The Core Entertainment.
