For 2014 Toyota Star Maker Jared Porter, this has meant a new publishing deal in the US and Australia.

US-based Dan Hodges Music LLC and Australian-based Dog Whistle Music have entered into a publishing co-venture, signing Porter.

Dan Hodges Music, which publishes songs recorded by Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, Billy Currington and Lee Brice, opened on Music Row in Nashville in 2008 and represents writers and clients for publishing, administration and production worldwide.

Dog Whistle Music has just announced a recorded music distribution agreement with Universal Music Australia with releases from artists including Inverell's Melanie Dyer and Victoria Avenue in the first quarter of 2015.

The Dog Whistle Music team also has interests in music production and artist services.

Dan Hodges Music LLC will provide copyright administration for its own roster of clients, as well as Dog Whistle Music Publishing interests.

The co-venture is seeking songwriters for partnerships worldwide.

For Californian-born Porter it's a huge opportunity, the perfect way to end an exciting year as the 2014 Star Maker.

It was also the year he launched his debut album, East to West, at Tamworth's Hats Off to Country last July.

Returning to Tamworth for this month's festival, where he handed over the Star Maker mantle to 2015 winner Mickey Pye, brought him full circle and he packed a lot into his week-long stay.

He played the opening concert in Bicentennial Park on January 16, the Toyota Concert for Rural Australia the following Friday, and numerous dates at a variety of venues around town.

His biggest was a gig with 2013 Star Maker Kaylee Bell and Kaylens Rain at the Courthouse Hotel, appropriately titled Live and Loud.