ArtistDirect News
Back Row Publishing Launches With Christian Yancey as Flagship Writer
When Nashville’s newest publishing house opened its doors on June 30 2026, it did so with a surprising first‑name: former Ole Miss hurdler turned hit songwriter Christian Yancey. The Nashville‑based firm, led by Vice President of A&R Lindsay Will and Director of A&R Taylor Antle, announced that Yancey would help build its inaugural catalog.
Yancey left the track‑and‑field for the studio in 2021, and since moving to Nashville he has earned more than 50 cuts with artists such as Austin Snell, Cody Lohden, McCoy Moore and Josh Ross. His first number‑one single came from Ross’s “Hate How You Look,” a track that topped the country charts in early 2026. “I am so excited to join the Back Row team,” Yancey said in a statement. “I’ve always enjoyed working with Lindsay and Taylor and am looking forward to continuing my journey with them as well as developing new relationships with the rest of the team and writers. I’ve always loved the idea of being on the ground floor of something new and working with everyone to grow it into something great. I’m thankful for the opportunity and pumped for what the future holds.”
Will, a Middle Tennessee State University graduate from Arkansas, began her career at Liv Write Play in 2018 before joining Round Hill Music in 2021. She rose from Manager, A&R to Senior Director, A&R and is a member of the Recording Academy. Named to MusicRow’s Next Big Thing list, Will added, “From my very first meeting with the team at Back Row, it was clear that our visions aligned perfectly. I’m so excited to work with a team that values hard work and putting songwriters first while also building a culture around great people who make working in the music industry fun.”
Antle, a native of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University graduate, started his career as a production manager and sound engineer before moving into publishing. He most recently served as Director, A&R at Round Hill Music. Antle said, “I’m excited to continue my publishing career alongside Lindsay and the team at Back Row. It’s the type of company and people I look forward to building something great with.”
Back Row’s launch arrives amid a flurry of high‑profile signings. On the same day, Gustavo Mioto inked a deal with Universal Music/MCA, and on June 29, Chris Sligh joined Sony Music Publishing & Ace High Music. The company’s focus is on developing new songwriting talent and expanding its catalog through strategic partnerships. By signing Yancey, Back Row gains a writer with a proven track record of chart success and a growing network of Nashville collaborators.
Yancey’s work with Josh Ross on “Hate How You Look” demonstrates his ability to craft songs that resonate with contemporary country audiences. The single’s success on radio and streaming platforms underscores the commercial potential of Back Row’s roster. Will and Antle’s experience at Round Hill Music positions them to identify and nurture talent similar to Yancey. Their combined background in A&R and publishing will help the new firm navigate the evolving landscape of music rights, streaming royalties, and songwriter development.
Back Row’s entry into Nashville’s competitive publishing scene places it alongside long‑standing giants such as Sony and Universal, as well as a growing cadre of independent outfits. The company’s emphasis on songwriter support and collaborative culture may appeal to writers seeking a more personalized partnership. As the music industry continues to adapt to digital distribution and streaming revenue models, Back Row’s strategy of pairing experienced A&R leaders with emerging writers could provide a competitive edge.
With a blend of athletic discipline, songwriting skill, and industry connections, Christian Yancey brings a strong foundation to Back Row’s ambitions. Over 50 cuts and a number‑one single attest to his ability to deliver hits. Back Row Publishing’s launch and Yancey’s signing signal a new partnership model in Nashville’s publishing ecosystem, emphasizing collaboration between writers and A&R professionals. The firm’s future will likely be shaped by its ability to attract additional talent and secure placement opportunities for its catalog. The announcement was made public on June 30 2026, and Back Row’s first projects are expected to roll out in the coming months as the firm works to secure placements for Yancey’s catalog and expand its roster.
Yancey left the track‑and‑field for the studio in 2021, and since moving to Nashville he has earned more than 50 cuts with artists such as Austin Snell, Cody Lohden, McCoy Moore and Josh Ross. His first number‑one single came from Ross’s “Hate How You Look,” a track that topped the country charts in early 2026. “I am so excited to join the Back Row team,” Yancey said in a statement. “I’ve always enjoyed working with Lindsay and Taylor and am looking forward to continuing my journey with them as well as developing new relationships with the rest of the team and writers. I’ve always loved the idea of being on the ground floor of something new and working with everyone to grow it into something great. I’m thankful for the opportunity and pumped for what the future holds.”
Will, a Middle Tennessee State University graduate from Arkansas, began her career at Liv Write Play in 2018 before joining Round Hill Music in 2021. She rose from Manager, A&R to Senior Director, A&R and is a member of the Recording Academy. Named to MusicRow’s Next Big Thing list, Will added, “From my very first meeting with the team at Back Row, it was clear that our visions aligned perfectly. I’m so excited to work with a team that values hard work and putting songwriters first while also building a culture around great people who make working in the music industry fun.”
Antle, a native of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University graduate, started his career as a production manager and sound engineer before moving into publishing. He most recently served as Director, A&R at Round Hill Music. Antle said, “I’m excited to continue my publishing career alongside Lindsay and the team at Back Row. It’s the type of company and people I look forward to building something great with.”
Back Row’s launch arrives amid a flurry of high‑profile signings. On the same day, Gustavo Mioto inked a deal with Universal Music/MCA, and on June 29, Chris Sligh joined Sony Music Publishing & Ace High Music. The company’s focus is on developing new songwriting talent and expanding its catalog through strategic partnerships. By signing Yancey, Back Row gains a writer with a proven track record of chart success and a growing network of Nashville collaborators.
Yancey’s work with Josh Ross on “Hate How You Look” demonstrates his ability to craft songs that resonate with contemporary country audiences. The single’s success on radio and streaming platforms underscores the commercial potential of Back Row’s roster. Will and Antle’s experience at Round Hill Music positions them to identify and nurture talent similar to Yancey. Their combined background in A&R and publishing will help the new firm navigate the evolving landscape of music rights, streaming royalties, and songwriter development.
Back Row’s entry into Nashville’s competitive publishing scene places it alongside long‑standing giants such as Sony and Universal, as well as a growing cadre of independent outfits. The company’s emphasis on songwriter support and collaborative culture may appeal to writers seeking a more personalized partnership. As the music industry continues to adapt to digital distribution and streaming revenue models, Back Row’s strategy of pairing experienced A&R leaders with emerging writers could provide a competitive edge.
With a blend of athletic discipline, songwriting skill, and industry connections, Christian Yancey brings a strong foundation to Back Row’s ambitions. Over 50 cuts and a number‑one single attest to his ability to deliver hits. Back Row Publishing’s launch and Yancey’s signing signal a new partnership model in Nashville’s publishing ecosystem, emphasizing collaboration between writers and A&R professionals. The firm’s future will likely be shaped by its ability to attract additional talent and secure placement opportunities for its catalog. The announcement was made public on June 30 2026, and Back Row’s first projects are expected to roll out in the coming months as the firm works to secure placements for Yancey’s catalog and expand its roster.