Capitol CMG Publishing Signs Songwriter Dave Barnes
Nov 04 2025
Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) today announces the signing of one of Nashville’s most respected and celebrated singer/songwriters Dave Barnes to an exclusive deal with its CCMG publishing division. As a fan-favorite artist and songwriter, Barnes boasts a career spanning more than 20 years with platinum-selling singles and popular solo albums. He has also penned hits for artists like Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett and Dan + Shay, with success across multiple genres including country, Christian, pop and more.
“I’m thrilled to be writing with Capitol!” Barnes declares. He explains, “Katie and the team have been such a joy to get to know, and I really admire the way they approach publishing. They cast a wide net with the kinds of songs they pitch and encourage me to write. Knowing that Capitol is beginning to push into the country market, as well as other genres, is especially exciting to me as I love writing so many different types of music. It couldn’t be a better time to step into this new season with a team that’s already shown so much support and enthusiasm.”
The GRAMMY-nominated songwriter has remarkable accolades with over 100 of his songs recorded by other artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Dan + Shay, Carrie Underwood, NEEDTOBREATHE, Billy Currington, and countless more. To date, Barnes has landed two No.1 songs at country radio with “God Gave Me You” (Blake Shelton) and “Craving You” (Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris), plus a No. 2 song with “You” (Dan + Shay) and a No.13 hit with “Like a Lady” (Lady A). He also had a No.1 chart-topper at Christian radio with Bethany Dillon’s “All I Need” in 2004. His past collaborations include artists Lindsey Stirling, Ingrid Michaelson and Ben Rector.
Katie Barolak, Capitol CMG Publishing Senior Director of Creative, shares, “I am incredibly excited to partner with Dave! I’ve been a fan of his lyrical and melodic sensibilities for years, and to be able to walk alongside him in this next chapter is a dream come true. He’s a musical force to be reckoned with, carries a remarkable work ethic, and is one of the best people in the business. It’s an honor to welcome him to the Capitol CMG Publishing family!”
