Nashville-based Eclipse Music Group has announced the addition of accomplished songwriter and producer Lee Starr to its publishing division, marking a significant expansion of the company’s creative roster. The Arkansas native, who developed his craft in Austin, Texas before relocating to Nashville in 2014, brings a proven track record of commercial success to the boutique company founded in 2017.
Starr’s impressive credentials include co-writing and producing Elvie Shane’s Platinum-certified No. 1 hit “My Boy,” penning Drew Green’s Gold-certified “Good Ol’ Man,” and creating Conner Smith’s viral sensation “I Hate Alabama.” His versatility extends beyond songwriting to production, having recently co-produced Ashland Craft’s sophomore album “Dive Bar Beauty Queen,” demonstrating his thorough approach to music creation.
Lee Starr’s hitmaking portfolio spans from Platinum country ballads to viral sensations, showcasing his dual talents as songwriter and producer.
The signing represents a strategic move for Eclipse Music Group, which has steadily built its reputation across publishing, artist development, and management since its founding. Operating with a personalized, hands-on approach to talent development, Eclipse has assembled a roster featuring established names like Jim McCormick and Ronnie Bowman alongside emerging talents. The company provides artists with comprehensive guidance on music distribution across major streaming platforms to maximize their reach and earnings potential.
“Lee’s professionalism and work ethic are exactly what we look for in our creative partners,” said Courtney Crist, Vice President of Publishing at Eclipse.
Starr, who secured his first publishing deal in 2018, expressed enthusiasm about joining the team, citing their experienced leadership and community-focused approach within Nashville’s competitive landscape.
The partnership potentially signals a shift in Nashville’s publishing scene, where boutique operations emphasizing personalized development compete with larger established entities. The announcement was officially made on September 4, 2025 with key figures from Eclipse Music Group in attendance. Starr’s addition strengthens Eclipse’s position as an emerging force in country music publishing, reflecting broader industry trends toward specialized, relationship-driven business models. The company continues to expand its influence across six core areas including publishing, artist development, management, and strategic partnerships.
For Starr, the move capitalizes on his journey from touring musician to hit songwriter and producer, building on his ability to craft authentic stories across country and pop genres. His signing reinforces Nashville’s continuing allure as the epicenter for songwriting talent and publishing innovation, particularly for creators like Starr who blend traditional storytelling with contemporary production approaches. The company has emphasized the importance of pursuing sync deals for their artists as a highly profitable revenue stream in today’s music industry.
