Martie Maguire and Emily Robison Land Music Publishing Deal

Sisters Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, formerly of the Dixie Chicks, have inked a publishing deal. The siblings have signed with Big Deal Music, after retaining their own publishing rights throughout most of their careers.

“As artists, Emily and I rely a lot on what other artists say about people they work with in the music business,” Maguire says. “We met [Big Deal Music's president] Kenny MacPherson several years ago when he was publishing one of our favorite songwriters, and close friend, Dan Wilson.

"Dan’s whole-hearted endorsement of Kenny, as well as the personal connection we felt when meeting the entire Big Deal Music team, made us confident in our decision to sign our first publishing deal with BDM," she continues. "I now recognize that having a great company behind you can actually impact your motivation to be more creative!”

Adds Robison, "Never before in our career have Martie and I partnered with a publisher to represent our music and champion our songs. Once we decided it was something we wanted to do, Big Deal seemed like a great fit for us -- the collaboration feels natural, and we’re excited about working with Kenny and all the great people at Big Deal."

Big Deal, which is also home to several other talented singer-songwriters, including My Morning Jacket, Missy Higgins, Brett Beavers and Tim James, are thrilled to have Maguire and Robison on their roster.

“We couldn't be more honored and excited about the opportunity to work with these two incredible women,” MacPherson says, "artists and writers who've had such enormous impact on both music and culture. Working with them has been a serious goal of mine for many years, and I’m delighted at long last to get there and excited about the results to come."

The Dixie Chicks' last studio album, 'Taking the Long Way,' was released in 2006. Maguire and Robison formed their own duo, Court Yard Hounds, as a side project and released two albums, their self-titled debut in 2010 and 'Amelita' in 2013. Their trio partner, Natalie Maines, also released a solo album, 'Mother,' in 2013, making a full Dixie Chicks reunion unlikely.

“I’ve always hoped that we would become a recording entity again, but I don’t know,” Maguire says. "I really learned to kind of let go, and I’m so happy where everything is right now. I’m so glad Natalie branched out and felt like she wanted to sing again and make a record; I think it’s actually made her more willing to play Dixie Chicks shows.

"You've got to live your life first and do your job second," she continues. "The older I get, the more laid back I am about, whatever happens, happens."