In this episode, Tim sits down with Lee Krabel, SVP of Publishing at SMACKSongs, for a wide-ranging conversation about independent publishing, songwriter development, and leadership. Lee shares his unconventional path from serving in the Army to building a career in Nashville, and how his experiences at Sea Gayle Music, HoriPro Entertainment Group, and SMACKSongs shaped his approach to publishing. The conversation explores what publishers look for in writers, the difference between a talented writer and a ready writer, and why work ethic and long-term commitment are so important to developing successful careers. Lee also discusses the challenges facing young writers today, including social-media comparison, finding a unique creative voice, and navigating publishing deals. He closes with lessons on developing young executives and the importance of one simple principle that has guided his career: show up.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Kourtney Kirkpatrick, SVP of Sync at Concord Music Publishing, for a deep dive into the world of music synchronization. Courtney breaks down what sync actually means, how licensing works across publishing and master rights, and the key details writers need to understand when pitching their music for TV, film, advertising, and trailers. She also explains the difference between catalog and frontline music, how music supervisors use briefs, and how writers can create music that works for picture without sacrificing their own artistry. The episode is packed with practical advice for songwriters interested in sync—from having splits and contacts organized to providing instrumentals, acapellas, stems, and lyric sheets so opportunities can move quickly.

What does a music publisher actually do—and what should songwriters expect from that relationship? In this episode of the AIMP Nashville Podcast, host Tim Hunze sits down with Melissa Spillman, Vice President of A&R at Concord Music Publishing and AIMP Nashville board member, to unpack the role publishers play in helping songwriters build sustainable careers. Melissa shares her journey from Texas to Nashville, discusses the qualities she looks for in emerging writers, and explains why work ethic, momentum, and creative identity matter just as much as talent. The conversation also explores today's evolving publishing landscape, the growing use of AI tools like Suno for demos, differences between Nashville and Los Angeles publishing models, and why Nashville remains one of the world's premier songwriting communities. Whether you're pursuing your first publishing deal or simply want a better understanding of how the business works, this episode offers practical advice and valuable industry insight from one of Nashville's leading publishing executives.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Mike Giangreco, President of A&R and Publishing at Big Loud, to discuss what it takes to build successful songwriters and creative careers in today's music industry. Mike shares his journey from growing up in Tennessee and discovering the music business through Belmont University to working his way up through internships before eventually leading one of Nashville's premier publishing teams. The conversation explores the evolving role of publishers, the importance of developing writers as individuals, and why every songwriter requires a unique strategy rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. From identifying exceptional talent to building creative ecosystems and adding value wherever you can, Mike offers practical insight for anyone hoping to build a lasting career in music publishing, A&R, or songwriting.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Zebb Luster, Executive VP and Artist Manager at River House Artists, for a deep dive into artist development in today's music industry. Zebb shares his unlikely journey from an agricultural background in Florida to becoming one of the key figures behind River House's growth. Along the way, he discusses how building songwriter rounds helped him create relationships throughout Nashville, why songs remain the foundation of every successful artist career, and how River House has evolved into a full-service company spanning publishing, label services, and management. The conversation explores what artist development really means in 2026—from songwriting and branding to social media strategy, fan engagement, and long-term consistency. For artists trying to cut through the noise, Zebb offers practical advice on building a sustainable career rather than chasing overnight success.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Chris Kappy (manager of Luke Combs) for one of the most raw and inspiring conversations of the season. Kappy shares his unconventional path—from spending 15 years building fan-first experiences on cruise ship festivals to taking a massive risk at 42 years old to manage an unknown artist. What followed was a full leap of faith: no income, living on a couch, and doing every job imaginable—just to bet on Luke Combs. This episode is a masterclass in belief, partnership, and building a career the hard way. From grinding it out one fan at a time to developing one of the biggest artists in the world, Kappy breaks down what it really takes to win in this business—and why authenticity, fan connection, and relentless work ethic matter more than anything else.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Annie Ortmeier, co-president of Triple Tigers Records, for a deep dive into the evolution of the music business and what it takes to stay ahead of it. Annie shares her unconventional path into the industry, from early roles in e-commerce and digital marketing to helping shape the streaming era at a major label. Now at Triple Tigers, she’s helping lead one of the most successful label models in Nashville by bridging the gap between radio and digital strategy. The conversation covers everything from adapting to new technology, navigating industry resistance to change, and how data has transformed decision-making—while still respecting the power of radio. Annie also breaks down what it looks like to build an artist’s brand the right way, highlighted by the breakout success of Russell Dickerson and the importance of aligning identity with music.

In this episode, Tim sits down with Jessi Stevenson, founder of Perfect Game Creative, to talk about building a career in the music industry and what it really takes to develop talent. Jessi shares her journey from Belmont student to nearly a decade at Warner Chappell, and now stepping out to launch her own company. The conversation dives into writer development, the importance of relationships, and the often-overlooked traits that separate good from great, like work ethic, teachability, and patience.

In this Season 9 kickoff, Tim takes a step back from interviews to deliver a personal reset. Using his journey with drums as a metaphor, Tim explores how easy it is to drift away from the very thing that once brought joy—especially in a demanding industry like music. What starts as passion can slowly become pressure, comparison, and burnout. This episode is a reminder to reconnect with your why, embrace being a beginner again, and rediscover creativity as something playful, not performative.

In the season finale, Tim dives head-first into one of the most intense and fast-moving topics in the music industry: AI and copyright. This solo episode breaks down what’s legally happening right now, why human authorship is still the rule of law, how lawsuits and licensing deals are reshaping the future, and what songwriters, artists, and producers should — and should not — do with AI tools today.
 A must-listen for anyone protecting their catalog, writing songs, or navigating the next era of music creation.