Publishers

Our Publisher Friends

Bobby Rymer | Courtney Allen | Cyndi Forman | Dale Bobo | Dave Pacula
Eric Olson | Janine Ebach | Kent Goolsby | Lee Krabel | Nina Jenkins Fisher
Sarah Schumacher | Rusty Gaston | Shane Barrett  Steve Bloch | Zach Green

Bobby Rymer | Owner & GM, Writers Den Publishing

Bobby spent the first 5 years in the business at Capitol Records, starting in the mailroom before moving on to the A&R department. For the past 30 years, he has been on the publishing side of things, much of it spent at the stellar boutique company Almo Irving. Some of the writers he has worked with over the years include Emmylou Harris, Mark Knopfler, Gillian Welch, Waylon Jennings, Paul Kennerley, Beth Neilsen Chapman, Mike Reid, Craig Wiseman, Annie Roboff, Patti Griffin, Peter Frampton, John Anderson, Robert Earl Keen, Gordon Kennedy, and the list really goes on and on.

Courtney Allen | Senior Director & A&R, Concord Music Publishing Nashville

According to Brad Kennard, SVP of A&R at Concord Nashville, Courtney “is one of the most passionate and fierce advocates for songwriters that I’ve ever worked with.” As a global, full-service, independent music publishing company, Concord works with everyone from Phil Collins and Imagine Dragons to Nikki Sixx and Ruston Kelly. Courtney is tasked with signing new talent to their Nashville roster that includes writers Josh Miller, Lori McKenna, Andy Albert, Sarah Buxton and more, as well as aiding in high-level signings across the company.

Since joining the team in 2021, she has been instrumental in signing Nashville-based singer-songwriter Justin Wilson, Runaway June’s Jennifer Wayne and more. She was a key contributor to Concord’s deals with country artist Russell Dickerson and hit writer/producer Corey Crowder. Additionally, she serves as liaison with Hang Your Hat, a co-venture between Concord and two-time ACM Songwriter of the Year, Hillary Lindsey.

Courtney comes to Concord from BMG where her accomplishments included signing writer/artist Matt Roy to his first publishing deal and helping secure his first #1 song “Done” by Chris Janson. Before that, Courtney worked at Starstruck Entertainment (Reba, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson) as Creative Director of publishing and also assisted in the management of developing artists.

Her current day-to-day includes pitching and providing support for Russell Dickerson, Corey Crowder, Hillary Lindsey, Justin Wilson, Tofer Brown, Lauren Hungate, Jen Wayne, Chris LaCorte, Cary Barlowe and Ruston Kelly.

Courtney will meet with you by Zoom or in person. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for her. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of her time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 3:30 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Cyndi Forman | Senior Vice President A&R, Universal Publishing

Cyndi has been a mainstay in Nashville’s music community for nearly 25 years, working with songwriters and artists including UMPG artist-writers Maren Morris, Kane Brown, Old Dominion’s Brad Tursi, Ryan Hurd, Chris Young, Caylee Hammack, and Hunter Hayes.
At When Cyndi packed her bags in 1996 to attend Belmont University, the road from Louisiana to Nashville was a familiar one. Her parents, Wayne and Peggy Forman, have had cuts by legends such as Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn and George Strait they and instilled a love of country music into their daughter at a tender age.
After obtaining her Music Business degree from Belmont University, she became Creative Director at Balmur Entertainment where she landed a steady stream of cuts. In 2002, she joined Almo Irving Music, an acclaimed publishing company home to songwriting giants like Craig Wiseman, Pat Algar, Mike Reed and Kent Robbins.
When it was acquired by Universal in 2003 she made the transition and assumed the role of Creative Director. After continued success, Forman was promoted to Senior VP A&R and, along with securing many significant cuts, she is credited with signing and developing Hunter Hayes. Currently, she works with UMPG’s stellar roster of writers and she leads the creative staff in artist and writer development as well as finding key opportunities for their songs.
According to Troy Tomlinson, Chairman and CEO at Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville, “Cyndi represents the very heart and soul of Universal Music Publishing. Her love for songwriters, her positive attitude and energizing personality permeates our entire team and our writer roster.”

Cyndi will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for her. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of her time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 4:10 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Dale Bobo | Catalog Strategist, Sony Publishing Nashville

When Rusty Gaston, CEO of Sony Publishing Nashville, needed someone to dig for gems in the deep Sony catalog, he turned to his former colleague Dale Bobo, the man who had years ago helped him found his co-venture with Warner Chappell, THIS Music.

Dale began his career in 1987 in the tape copy room of Chappell/Intersong which became Warner/Chappell after it merged with Warner Bros. Music. In his 20-plus years at the company he rose to head of the A&R department, helping the company deliver a long string of hits with songwriters like Marv Green, Steven Dale Jones, Wendell Mobley, Tim Nichols, John Rich, Wynn Varble, Chris Wallin and more.

In 2010 Kenny Macpherson, President of Chrysalis North America, brought Dale on as Exec. VP of the Nashville office. At Chrysalis his roster included songwriter Jim McCormick writer/producer Jeff Stevens who followed him to his next venture. At Dale Bobo Music Direction he provided consultation, management, and creative propulsion to music publishers, songwriters and producers, including writer/producer Brett Beavers.

When Macpherson went on to found Big Deal Music and in 2013 he brought Dale on as Sr. VP to help build the company’s Nashville presence. Until it was sold in 2020 Dale presided over a stellar roster of songwriters including Brett Beavers, Brad Tursi, Dave Berg, Bonnie Baker and Jason White,

A highly respected member of the music community, Dale has served on the Board of Directors of The Academy Of Country Music, the Country Music Association and the Association of Independent Music Publishers.

Dale will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for him. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of his time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 3:38 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Dave Pacula | Sr. VP Creative, Liz Rose Music

Originally from Long Island, NY, Dave Pacula moved to Nashville in 1997 to attend Vanderbilt University. After graduating he accepted a Paralegal position at a Nashville law firm specializing in entertainment and copyright law.

Going back to school in 2004, Dave earned an Audio Technology Diploma with Honors from SAE Institute of Technology. Internships with the RCA Records Radio Promotions department, MTV Networks 330 Post, and BMG Music Publishing ultimately led to a catalog management position at BMG in 2006. He became a Creative Manager at Universal Music Publishing Group the following year when the company purchased BMG. After 5 years with UMPG, he accepted a Creative Director position at Ten Ten Music Group. In 2014, Dave moved to Black River Entertainment and went on to serve as the company’s VP of Publishing. In 2019, Dave joined Liz Rose Music as the highly acclaimed independent publishing company’s Senior VP of Creative. Dave is a member of The Recording Academy, ACM, CMA, and AIMP.

Dave will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for him. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of his time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 4:26 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Eric Olson | Creative Director Publishing, Symphonic Distribution

After years of a thriving career as a writer/producer, Eric has added the role of publisher to his repertoire. At Symphonic, he is in charge of building the publishing roster, as well as pitching to all genres of artists and working hand in hand with the sync department, Bodega Sync, to find placements in a variety of sync avenues.

His producer credits include his co-written song “Catch My Breath” by Kelly Clarkson that sold over 1.5 million downloads and reaching the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Billboard Dance Chart. He went on to co-produce ‘Good Goes The Bye’ off of Kelly Clarkson’s ‘Piece by Piece’ album, and also co-wrote ‘Holding The Other’ with Lauren Alaina, featured on Lauren’s album, ‘Road Less Traveled.’

In 2017, Eric formed the songwriting/production team 81m with producer/songwriter Sammy Martin and began working with pop/R&B artist Conor Matthews. As a writer he has collaborated with Thomas Rhett, Nick Jonas, Ashley Gorley, Dan + Shay, Natasha Bedingfield, Danielle Bradbery, Lennon Stella, Chris Lane, Rhett Akins, and many others.

Eric will meet with you in person or by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for him. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of his time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 5:52 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Janine Ebach | GM/Owner, Ebach Entertainment

Janine founded Ebach Entertainment in January 2020. It is a Multi-Genre company combining Music Publishing, Artist & Writer Management, and Artist Development. Based in Nashville and also operating in Los Angeles , they specialize in the growth and development of new artists along with nurturing experienced talent.

Janine began as an intern for Rusty Gaston at This Music and quickly rose to the rank of Creative Director. She helped build the company into one of the most successful on Music Row with an elite roster that included 3-time ASCAP Country Writer of the Year, Ben Hayslip, Tim Nichols, Connie Harrington, Deric Ruttan, Jimmy Yeary and more.

In 2013 when Word Publishing started their Country division (now Curb Word), Janine was tapped to lead the division, and in 2017 she was officially promoted to VP of Publishing. Under her leadership the company had over 150 cuts in 2018 alone and celebrated Multiple #1 songs.

She has been an honoree of Music Row’s Rising Woman on the Row, an AIMP song champion and an active member of the W.O. Smith School Board.

Janine will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for her. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of her time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 4:54 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Kent Goolsby | Copyright & Creative Mgr. (Nashville), Red Brick Songs/Modern Works Music Publishing

A graduate of MTSU’s Music Business program, Kent got his start in the music industry as a songwriter and touring musician, before making the transition off the road to accept a role at Sony Music and later BMG in Nashville.

Since joining Modern Works Music Publishing / Red Brick Songs in 2019, Kent has expanded the roster to include iHeartRadio’s current Best New Artist Giovannie and the Hired Guns (representing their 2022 #1 Billboard Rock & Alternative track “Ramon Ayala”), Joshua Ray Walker (recently making his Tonight Show debut) and Rounder Records’ John R. Miller. Kent also works with talents such as Grammy winner Molly Tuttle (Best Bluegrass Album for ‘Crooked Tree’) and Grammy nominated Kai Welch (Best American Roots Song for “Ceiling to the Floor”).

Kent signed and developed writers and artists with releases on Warner Music Nashville, Rounder Records, New West Records, Bloodshot Records, and ATO Records – as well as many others. His passion for discovering and developing talent extends to managing song catalogs, fielding clearance requests, licensing samples, and scheduling co-writing sessions for writers.

Kent will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for him. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of his time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 6:00 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Lee Krabel | VP of Publishing, SMACKSongs

Lee Krabel has over 12 years of working with songwriters in the publishing space in Nashville, TN. He grew up in Chrisman, Illinois working on farms, where he found himself enamored by all genres of music. He developed a passion for country music specifically while serving in the US Army from 2002-2008. After his service in Iraq, he attended Belmont University, and in 2009, accepted an entry-level position in the tape room at SeaGayle Music, working amongst writers like Chris Stapleton, Lee Miller, Frank Rogers, and Chris Dubois. In 2011, he was hired on as Creative Manager at HoriPro Entertainment, working with Phil O’Donnell, Dean Dillon, Brinley Addington, Mike Walker, and Tommy Cecil, to name a few.

In 2015 Lee was elevated once again, accepting a position as Creative Director at SMACKSongs. Since then, he has helped sign and develop writers such as Aaron Eshuis, Ryan Beaver, Emily Falvey, and Josh Dorr; while also working with hit songwriters Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Josh Jenkins, Matt McGinn, and Scott Stepakoff. He has secured cuts with Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, and Jordan Davis.

Combining his passion for songwriters and our military, he has started a successful songwriter series with the USO that travels the country playing shows for active-duty soldiers, veterans, and wounded warriors.

Lee will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for him. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of his time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 4:02 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Nina Jenkins Fisher | Sr. Creative Director, Jody Williams Songs

Nina is a Nashville native who serves as the Senior Director of Creative for Jody Williams Songs–a joint venture with Warner Chappell Music Nashville–where she manages the company’s day-to-day operations and bolsters the careers of its eleven staff songwriters. The JWS roster includes Ashley McBryde, Vince Gill, Natalie Hemby, Jeremy Spillman, Driver Williams, Andy Austin, Greg Bates, Harper O’Neill, Jason Nix, Peytan Porter, and Trent Dabbs.

Nina is co-chair of the AIMP Young Professionals Committee, a Troubadour Advisory Council member at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and a board member of the Human Trafficking Survivors Court Foundation / Wings.

Nina will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for her. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of her time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 5:20 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Rusty Gaston | CEO Sony Publishing Nashville

Rusty knew when he moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University that publishing was where he belonged and his track record has proven him right. He hit the ground running with his first job at SmithHaven Music where he secured artist deals for writer/artists Jeff Bates and Will Hoge. From there he was hired by top producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jodee Messina) to run his publishing company, Song Garden, which thrived under Rusty’s guidance.

His next venture was THiS Music, a partnership with songwriting superstars Tim Nichols and Connie Harrington. With his ear for Talent, the first writer he signed was Ben Hayslip who went on to become a two-time ASCAP Country Songwriter of the year. As managing partner, he built the company into one of the most successful publishing houses on Music Row, generating over 50 ASCAP and BMI-award winning hits.

In 2019 Jon Platt, chairman of Sony, called Rusty to New York He admired the way Rusty had made THiS Music “a destination that songwriters want to come to and a culture that writers want to be a part of.” He asked Rusty to bring his magic to Sony Publishing Nashville, and agreed to also let him bring his entire staff and writer roster. Under his guidance Sony has become the Billboard #1 Country Publisher.

Rusty will meet with you by Zoom or in person. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for him. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of his time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 4:18 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Sarah Schumacher | Sr. Creative Director,  Curb Word/Country

Sarah discovered early on that her passion was working with great songs and great songwriters, a passion she can fully indulge working with the stellar roster of writers at Curb Word – Hannah Ellis, Rose Falcon, Kyle Jacobs, Matt Alderman and Billy Montana.

She began her publishing career in 2017 at Disney Music Group, where she served as a catalogue manager and handled day-to-day writer management. Her next stint was in the sync department at Reel Muzik Werks, a nationwide rights management comopany. In 2019, Sarah formed the management and development company, Darkhorse Music Management where she developed writers and managed Sony/RECORDS artist Jennifer Smestad, writer/producer, Jacob Noe and writer/producer Alex Kline who she continues to manage.

Sarah will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for her. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of her time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 5:12 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Shane Barrett | Owner/Manager, Shane Barrett Music

After graduating Belmont University with a degree in Music Business, Shane played guitar and sang background vocals with several touring acts including Lacy J. Dalton.

Moving to the business side, he began an eight-year tenure with MCA Records Nashville, eventually reporting as A&R Manager to famed producer and MCA President/Head of A&R Tony Brown. Shane signed two acts to the label during that time and found two #1 hit singles for Gary Allan.

Shane left MCA in late 2002, and the following year started his first independent songplugging company, Shane Barrett Songs, LLC. He soon found success with Faith Hill’s top 10 hit “Sunshine & Summertime” and Kenny Rogers’ top 20 hit “I Can’t Unlove You”. He was then recruited in 2006 as Nashville Creative Director for Canadian-based publishing company, ole’. Barrett’s many cuts during that time included Eli Young Band’s #1 hit “Crazy Girl” (2011 Billboard Country Most Performed Song & 2012 ACM Song Of The Year; 4x Platinum) and Billy Currington’s #1 hit “Let Me Down Easy”, as well as cuts by Martina McBride, Montgomery Gentry, High Valley, Emerson Drive, Ronnie Milsap, and Gretchen Wilson.

Since July 2010, Barrett has owned and operated his current independent songplugging company, Shane Barrett Music, LLC, which has resulted in over 450 artist cuts, including Luke Bryan’s “Too Damn Young”, Jason Aldean’s “In Case You Don’t Remember”, Craig Morgan’s 2022 radio single “How You Make A Man”, as well as cuts by Runaway June, Wynonna, Brett Young, Trisha Yearwood (feat. Kelly Clarkson), Danny Gokey, Gretchen Wilson, Jo Dee Messina, Little River Band, and many others.

Shane will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for him. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of his time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 5:44 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

Steve Bloch | Publisher, Consultant, Independent A&R / Steve Bloch Music

Steve has lived and worked in the country music industry in Nashville for 30 years.  Whether in his roles of owner/publisher of Southern Cow Music and Writer Zone Music, LLC, or as an independent A&R consultant for Giant Records, for Doug Johnson at Black River Entertainment, or for Dolly Parton’s record producer, Kent Wells, this LA transplant has always remained true to his passions of cheerleading and developing writers and promoting country songs that matter.  Steve’s current Staff writer, Scott Sean White just garnered his third Cody Johnson cut and has Bryan Martin’s new title track, Poets & Old Souls.

Zach Green |  Creative Director, Banner Music

Zach has been a songwriter advocate and champion for nearly a decade, starting his career at ASCAP in New York where he spent several years in a distributions role gaining expertise in song cataloguing, licensing and copyright. His first creative role brought him to Nashville, working with SESAC’s creative services team to sign and develop writers including KNOX, Hasting, Rudy Currence and many others.

During the pandemic Zach pivoted into publishing, starting as a Creative Coordinator for BMG Nashville in 2021. Serving an incredible roster of hitmakers, Zach learned the landscape of a successful publishing venture from one of the biggest in the world. With those skills, an insatiable drive and an extensive network from years of climbing the ropes, Zach recently accepted the position of Creative Director at Banner Music.

In addition to this role Zach is a gigging musician, founder of Red Door Hangs (popular recurring industry gatherings), and serves on SOLID’s board of directors as Social Committee Co-chair.

Zach will meet with you by Zoom. The meeting should be scheduled within one year at a time convenient for him. There is no guarantee of any outcome other than 30 minutes of his time. Bidding for this meeting will end at 5:36 pm, Sun. Oct 1st.

—