Sony Music Publishing Nashville has signed songwriter and artist Payton Sullivan to a worldwide publishing agreement. The signing comes as Sullivan joins Sugarland as the sole direct support act for the duo’s 2026 Ride or Die Tour, covering 21 U.S. dates this fall.
“Any team that’ll wear bikini top T-shirts for you is a ride-or-die team! I’ve been writing songs since I was five, and dreaming of this life in my bedroom, so joining Rusty, Tom, and everyone at Sony Music Publishing means the world,” Sullivan said. “None of this would be possible without the songs, and I can’t wait to write the next chapter with them.”
Tom Luteran, vice president of creative A&R (artists and repertoire), and Synnovea Halsel, manager of creative A&R at Sony Music Publishing Nashville, welcomed Sullivan to the company in a joint statement.
Born in Florida and raised near Nashville, Sullivan makes country music from Hawaiʻi. Her recent releases include “F150” and “Blondie,” the latter produced by Kristian Bush and included on Spotify’s All New Country playlist.
Before securing the support slot for Grammy Award-winning duo Sugarland, Sullivan opened shows for Eli Young Band, Midland, Chase Matthew and Redferrin.
