WATKINS READIES FIRST NEW MUSIC OF 2026 WITH “HEARTBREAKAHOLIC,” OUT THIS FRIDAY, MAY 15
Lauren Watkins Renews Publishing Deal with Big Loud Publishing | Images by Jessie Addleman | Download here
LEFT PHOTO ID (L-R):
Front Row: Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud), Lauren Watkins, Katie Flynn (Creative Director, Big Loud Publishing)
Back Row: Kimberly Gleason (SVP, Big Loud Publishing), Bethany Mako (A&R Manager, Warner Chappell Music), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records)
RIGHT PHOTO ID (L-R):
Kimberly Gleason (SVP, Big Loud Publishing), Bethany Mako (A&R Manager, Warner Chappell Music), Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud), Lauren Watkins, Katie Flynn (Creative Director, Big Loud Publishing), Sara Knabe (SVP of A&R, Big Loud Records)
NASHVILLE, TENN. – Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters songstress Lauren Watkins has renewed her publishing deal with powerhouse independent publisher Big Loud Publishing.
“When I walked into Big Loud for the first time five years ago, I instantly felt they were the right team for me. What started in that room has turned into years of encouragement, challenge, support, and of course, hundreds of songs that were waiting to be written,” shares Watkins. “I’m so grateful to be signing a new publishing deal with Big Loud and to start this brand-new chapter with the same hardworking, song-loving folks who believed in me from the very beginning. I feel so blessed to keep writing songs under this roof.”
“Lauren is such a brilliant songwriter and, we feel incredibly fortunate to continue working with her. She consistently writes some of the most compelling songs coming out of Nashville, and she’s only getting started. Her creativity, storytelling and energy are propelling her into a really exciting new chapter and we can’t wait for what’s next,” adds Katie Flynn, Big Loud Publishing Creative Director.
The renewed deal arrives as the Nashville native readies her first new release of 2026 with “Heartbreakaholic,” out this Friday, May 15. Written by Watkins with Will Bundy, Nicolle Galyon and Rodney Clawson, the song offers the first glimpse at what’s ahead as she leans into the honest, self-aware storytelling she has built her name on. After touring with Zach Top, Riley Green and Lainey Wilson throughout 2025, she’ll bring her new music on the road with Dylan Scott and Luke Bryan in 2026.
For tour dates and more information, keep up with Watkins at laurenwatkins.com and on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
ABOUT LAUREN WATKINS
After an acclaimed album debut and a year-plus on the road with stars like Morgan Wallen, Riley Green, and Lainey Wilson – plus Billboard accolades and a monumental first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry – Big Loud Records / Songs & Daughters artist Lauren Watkins has emerged as a proudly defiant projection of pure country-music moxy. A Nashville native inspired by crowd-pleasing outlaws like Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow, Lee Ann Womack and Miranda Lambert, Watkins’ 17-track 2024 debut, The Heartbroken Record, introduced a mainstream maverick with a thirst for lyrical truth – and an old-school country rebel whose modern instincts never succumb to trends. Coming to know the fast lane by heart, the modern-classic singer-songwriter has racked up millions of streams and rocked full-on stadiums, while learning from legendary songwriters like Nicolle Galyon, Luke Laird and The Warren Brothers. Yet In A Perfect World finds Watkins in a fresh phase, with her dreamy vocal awake to new charms and challenges. Featuring an earthy mix of sunset country and hazy heartland grit, she’s no longer expecting to get her heart broken, and not pushing the idea of home away. Produced by husband and CMA/ACM Award winner Will Bundy, with additional co-production from hit maker Joey Moi on select tracks, Watkins builds on her of-the-moment and always-organic sound; 10 co-written songs capturing the passion and promise of a new outlook. Steel guitars and ethereal atmosphere create a sense of wide-open space, while bold twang and rootsy rhythms keep the Tennessee songbird’s vocal grounded. With In A Perfect World, Watkins captured a season of growth and self-discovery, setting the stage for new music led by “Heartbreakaholic,” out May 15 – a song that finds Watkins turning her deep-feeling instincts and old heartbreak habits into something sharp, relatable and distinctly her own. She will also bring that sound to stages across the country while touring with Dylan Scott and Luke Bryan throughout 2026.
CONNECT WITH LAUREN WATKINS
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | X | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
ABOUT BIG LOUD PUBLISHING
Tailor-made by GRAMMY® Award-winning songwriter Craig Wiseman in 2003, the man in the “big loud shirt” has inspired the same bold, creative statement that cements Big Loud Publishing as one of the most successful independent music publishers in Nashville. Their stable of top-tier songwriters includes Wiseman, Joey Moi, Ashley Cooke, Blake Coddington, Brock Phillips, Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden, Grady Block, Hailey Benedict, Jacob Durrett, Jake Worthington, John Byron, Jordan Dozzi, Kashus Culpepper, Larry Fleet, Lars Pruitt, Lauren Watkins, Luke Preston, Mark Holman, Matt McCartney, Max Martin, Rafe Tenpenny, Rhys Rutherford and Rocky Block. To date, the Big Loud Publishing lineup has penned over 300 singles including three GRAMMY® Award winners (Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying,” Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and “Blown Away”), and 90 No.1 hits for artists like George Strait, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Faith Hill, Thomas Rhett and more.
Media Contacts
Olivia Hanceri + Lexi Leatherwood | OH Creative
olivia@theohcreative.com, lexi@theohcreative.com
Corey Brewer + Rachel Heatherly | Big Loud
corey@bigloud.com, rachel@bigloud.com
