AIMP: Nashville Pubcast

00:45 - What AI means for copyright today — human authorship requirements, why AI outputs aren’t copyrightable, how training data implicates rights, and the lawsuits shaping the landscape.04:20 - Legal fights & emerging models — fair use debates, major settlements (like Audio/Suno), and how licensed AI systems may change access for artists and songwriters.10:36 - Creative risks for songwriters — why AI-assisted lyrics/melodies can destroy copyright claims, dangers of AI masters, and how using AI in co-writes affects splits and ownership.14:40 - Where it’s all going — future industry expectations, best practices for protecting your art, and why the human element will always remain essential. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

00:42 – Chris DuBois on being mentally prepared for the ebbs and not taking success for granted.02:03 – Katie Kerkhover on A&R as a service job and learning to serve artists, producers, and teams.03:35 – Randy Montana on realizing success doesn’t change who you are — you still have to wake up and do it again.04:27 – Nikki Sanz on getting comfortable with discomfort and embracing constant growth.05:27 – Tim Reynolds on staying curious and never stopping the learning process. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

00:39 – Katie Kerkhover on exercise, her reMarkable tablet, and planning her day with intention.02:13 – Tim Reynolds on using ChatGPT, Notion, and dual monitors (including vertical!) to streamline work.02:56 – Randy Montana on daring to write something stupid, weird, dark, or fun — and why those songs sometimes get cut.04:39 – Nikki Sanz on Superhuman, the email tool she swears by for managing inbox chaos.05:23 – Scott Hendricks on the Grado headphones he refuses to work without in the studio. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

00:45 – Katie Kerkhover on keeping creators involved and protected in the future of music.01:44 – Randy Montana on the widening stylistic lanes in country music.02:32 – Dave Cohen on a coming resurgence of musicianship and craft-focused songwriting.03:35 – Scott Hendricks on avoiding trends and keeping blinders on to create timeless work.04:32 – Tim Reynolds on why he sees an explosion of great music ahead. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

00:33 – Chris DuBois on preventing burnout by separating home life from the music industry.02:24 – Nikki Sanz on weekly burnout cycles, fitness, faith, and finding healthy outlets.04:24 – Chris Weier (business manager) on hobbies, hard boundaries, and the importance of staying active.05:48 – Katie Kerkhover on using a career coach, self-awareness, and knowing when to ask for help.07:31 – Randy Montana on running, outdoor meditation, and relying on faith to stay grounded. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

01:30 – How Tim Reynolds got his start in music and what led him to Big Machine.02:30 – What digital marketing actually means at a record label.03:49 – Who Tim’s key industry relationships are — from DSPs to social platforms.04:27 – The three pillars of digital marketing: artist content, digital partnerships, and fan relationships.06:02 – How a digital campaign starts: defining an artist’s brand and voice.08:12 – Turning creative vision into campaign strategy — how brand pillars become content.14:45 – Managing artist burnout and focus in a nonstop digital world.17:35 – Should artists focus on one platform or spread across many?18:58 – The difference between views and engagement — and which matters most.21:29 – Advice for artists who struggle with social media and content creation. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

01:27 – Eric’s 30-year journey in music and how he found his way to Empire Nashville.03:21 – What does a typical day look like for Eric—and how does his dual label/publishing role differ from traditional Nashville models?04:53 – How Empire approaches publishing: admin, creative, or a hybrid model?06:09 – Is Empire focused more on artists, songwriters, or a mix of both?07:27 – How does Empire identify and sign new talent in an ultra-competitive market?09:15 – Why Empire leans into unique, genre-blending artists like Shaboozey and Kevin Powers.11:42 – Did Eric know “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” would become a record-breaking hit?12:43 – The story behind Empire’s newest signing, Kevin Powers, and his connection to Shaboozey.15:51 – How A&R and publishing have evolved—and what makes Empire’s model different.18:57 – Competing (or collaborating) with the majors: how Empire views Nashville’s community.21:42 – Eric’s advice for young songwriters and publishers trying to get noticed by Empire. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

02:01 – Did Randy naturally come into songwriting, or was there a pivotal moment that pushed him toward it?04:18 – Which came first: pursuing an artist career or focusing on songwriting?06:10 – How did losing his record deal shape Randy’s career path?06:54 – How did Randy first connect with Luke Combs, and why has their partnership worked so well?10:04 – What’s Randy’s process for connecting with artists in the writing room?12:40 – How does Randy deal with periods of creative drought or “writer’s block”?15:11 – What does Randy see as the most important role of a publisher in a songwriter’s career?18:24 – What advice would Randy give to a young writer when considering publisher relationships? The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

02:44 – Chris shares his early background: growing up in Nashville and how his father’s career shaped his path.05:51 – How Sea Gayle Music was founded with Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers.08:54 – Was Chris always a writer, or did that passion develop later?15:43 – What challenges has he seen over 26 years in business, and how has Sea Gayle adapted?18:41 – Advice for those wanting to start an independent publishing company in today's climate.24:25 – Why indie publishers still matter in the Nashville ecosystem. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

01:02 – How did Dave Cohen get started, and what was his path from Canada to Nashville?05:42 – When did Dave shift from being a session player to also producing and writing?09:25 – What did Dave learn working under producer Joey Moi, and how did it shape his career?12:29 – What drives Dave to keep evolving creatively instead of getting complacent?14:34 – What are essential skills for someone wanting to become a producer today?17:26 – Does Dave mentor others, and what advice does he give to up-and-coming musicians and producers? The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

01:20 – What led Kris Wiatr to become a business manager, and what does the role actually involve?04:36 – How does Kris’s work evolve as an artist moves from development to mainstream success?06:48 – What financial habits separate successful artists from the rest?08:23 – How involved does a business manager get in record, publishing, or sponsorship deals?10:35 – What does Kris think of the ongoing catalog sales trend?14:02 – How does Kris help artists prepare for career slowdowns or financial plateaus?17:26 – What advice would Kris give to someone wanting to become a business manager?20:08 – What still excites Kris about his job after over two decades in the business? The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

01:35 – What led Nikki Sanz from touring to founding a tech company?03:33 – Did she always see herself as an entrepreneur, and how did she get started?08:02 – How does GIGGS vet users and build trust in the community?10:29 – Who’s using GIGGS: artists, management, or both?13:20 – What was the first major success moment that validated her idea?14:13 – Any user stories that stuck with her on a personal level?20:00 – Why giving back and mentoring the next generation matters to Nikki. The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

01:00 – How did working with Jimmy Bowen shape Scott’s early studio approach?08:32 – What was it like producing Gwen Stefani’s latest album?12:39 – What are the biggest changes Scott has seen in the music industry over the years?17:22 – What qualities does Scott look for before committing to an artist? The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

02:23 – What made Scott Hendricks want to get into the music business?13:35 – What makes a great producer? Is it ears, feel, or technical skill?17:39 – Why is it important for new producers to try—even if they feel unprepared?19:13 – What does it take to lead professional musicians effectively in the studio? The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

01:05 – Dale's early days in West Virginia and how he discovered country music03:24 – Moving to Nashville and landing his first job in the industry05:02 – Creating a role by digging into classic song catalogs08:26 – Early success with George Strait and others09:09 – What makes a great record executive and song plugger11:19 – How face-to-face relationships built Music Row’s foundation14:20 – Reinventing yourself through industry changes15:54 – Dale’s best advice: consistency, passion, and remembering your mentors The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

01:08 – Katie’s journey from small-town violinist to SVP at BMG03:46 – How her experience as an artist shapes her A&R approach05:22 – What A&R really looks like day-to-day—bridging the artist and the label08:36 – How Katie helps an artist build a project from scratch11:16 – What draws her to an artist and how she discovers new talent15:04 – The “secret sauce” behind BMG’s current artist success stories18:10 – How Jelly Roll’s team pulled off a massive Bridgestone Arena play in under a year20:15 – Final advice: Never forget the people who lift you up The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Introduction to Kelly Bolton, VP of A&R at Warner RecordsTim kicks off by introducing Kelly and asking her to share her journey to Warner Records.Kelly’s Start in the Music IndustryKelly discusses her internship at TKO Management, working with Toby Keith, and how she found her passion for A&R.Advice from Cliff Audretch on Publishing and A&RKelly explains the advice she received from Cliff Audretch, encouraging her to start in publishing to better understand the A&R process.Key Skills for A&R ProfessionalsTim asks Kelly to reflect on the key skills she developed during her time in publishing and how they shaped her A&R career.The Importance of Songwriters in NashvilleKelly discusses how songwriters are the heart of Nashville's music scene and how learning from them has been crucial in her development as an A&R.Confident and Teachable: A Key Balance for CreativesThe conversation turns to the qualities necessary for creatives and executives in the music industry, and Kelly shares her views on confidence vs. teachability.The Changing Role of A&R and the Influence of Coastal LabelsTim and Kelly dive into the shift of power toward LA and New York-based labels and how the Nashville sound is expanding.What Kelly Looks for in ArtistsKelly outlines what she looks for when scouting new talent—strong songwriting, authenticity, work ethic, and belief in oneself.Artist Development and Fan InvolvementThe discussion covers the long road of artist development and how fans are more involved than ever in shaping an artist's journey.The Future of A&R and Creativity in the IndustryKelly reflects on the changing dynamics of the music industry, the importance of shaking things up, and staying true to creative instincts.  The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tim emphasizes the need for artists and industry professionals to prioritize self-care, highlighting resources like MusicCares, Music Health Alliance, and Porter's Call that provide support for creatives. He also reflects on the strength of the Nashville music community and the importance of giving back.MusicCares: https://www.musicares.org/Music Health Alliance: https://www.musichealthalliance.com/Porter's Call: https://www.porterscall.com/ The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Karen Kosowski is a multi-genre writer and producer based in Nashville, TN, with roots in Winnipeg, Canada. Known for her expertise across pop, country, and rock, she combines formal music training with over 20 years of experience in songwriting, production, and engineering. Her versatility shines as she takes on roles as a writer, producer, and mixer, bringing a Swiss-army-knife approach to every project.0:50 - Were you an artist first or were you always a producer? Tell us your journey.3:12 - How did you get your technical prowess to where it’s at?4:44 - As a producer, what draws you to an artist that you want to work with?8:31 - How do you recharge/keep yourself fresh as a writer and producer?10:57 - What are some of the current challenges you’re facing?11:58 - What are some artists that you’re currently working with?15:38 - As a producer, what is it like for you to lay the “sonic foundation” on a new song you’re working on? The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

0:50 - What are the first few things you discuss with a new songwriter when you decide to work with them?8:18 - Advances - what are the current ranges for new deals?17:42 - Surrounding yourself with the right people in order to grow The AIMP Nashville Pubcast is a DiMe Collective Production Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.