Photo ID (L-R, Back row): Sony Music Publishing's Rusty Gaston, By Design's Josh Thompson, By Design's Josh Pauley
Front row: By Design's Jeremy Holley, By Design's Rod Riley, By Design's Josh Bailey
Photo credit: William King

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – By Design, the Nashville-based modern music company rooted in faith, creativity and innovation, announces a global publishing partnership with Sony Music Publishing (SMP). The partnership expands By Design's mission to empower purpose-driven creators through world-class creative. The deal establishes a new creative alliance in Nashville, with SMP providing worldwide administration services for By Design's growing roster, as well as joint-venture signings designed to nurture and expand the next generation of songwriters. Founded in 2025 under the leadership of industry veterans Josh Bailey, Jeremy Holley, Rod Riley and Josh Thompson, By Design continues to build momentum as a creative home for purpose-driven artists and songwriters who unite faith, artistry and innovation to shape culture. The company recently added Josh Pauley as Vice President of Publishing and A&R, strengthening its commitment to hands-on songwriter development and creative growth.

“Our passion for songwriters and great songs drives everything we do at SMP, and it's clear that By Design shares the same spirit,” says Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “We are thrilled to partner with their team and champion the incredible roster and catalog they're building.”

“We've always said that By Design is more than a label — it's a creative ecosystem,” added Josh Bailey, Co-Founder of By Design. “Partnering with Sony Music Publishing allows us to expand that ecosystem, giving our creatives best-in-class support on a global scale. It's about equipping creatives to tell meaningful stories and providing the infrastructure to bring those stories to life.”

“This partnership reflects what we've believed from the beginning — that great art thrives in great alignment,” said Josh Thompson, Co-Founder of By Design. “Rusty and the SMP team understand the balance between creative excellence and creator care, and together we're building a foundation that empowers writers to dream boldly and impact culture through their original design.”

By Design was formed to champion artists who lead with purpose, creators shaped by faith, driven by originality, and committed to cultural impact. The label recently announced, as part of a larger ecosystem comprised of three core entities: By Design, a modern music company where creators unlock their original design; Archetype Music, a music rights holding company that acquires Christian music catalogs; and Blueprint, a nonprofit on mission to disciple, equip and empower Gospel centered creators. By Design unveils a genre-spanning roster that includes chart-topping country artist Frankie Ballard, pop-folk storyteller Zoe Levert, rising singer/songwriter Alex Jude and sister-duo barlow, with additional artist signings to be announced.

The company operates on six key values: Kingdom vision, trusted relationships, creative excellence, strategic innovation, audience cultivation and data-driven impact — with a mission to reshape the future of music through purpose-driven creativity, industry expertise and a commitment to faith-driven innovation.

Keep up with By Design and its growing roster at bydesignmusic.com and on Instagram.

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