In this episode, Tim Hunze sits down with Tim Reynolds, VP of Digital Marketing at Big Machine Label Group, to unpack how artists can build their brands and connect with fans in today’s fast-changing digital landscape. Tim breaks down the pillars of digital marketing, how campaigns are built from the ground up, and the evolving relationship between labels, platforms, and fans. He shares stories from his work with artists like Riley Green and gives practical advice for artists who struggle with content creation, social strategy, and burnout. From understanding engagement metrics to finding your first 1,000 fans, this episode is a goldmine for anyone trying to grow their presence in music’s digital age.

With more than 25 years’ experience in Nashville’s music industry, Eric Hurt was EMPIRE’s first hire for its Nashville division. As VP of A&R and Publishing, Hurt’s focus was to create more in-roads in the country genre for EMPIRE; leading to EMPIRE’s signing of breakout artist Shaboozey.  Shaboozey has risen to become a global star with his Billboard #1 “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”.  This smash broke the record as the longest country radio hit in history (7 weeks at #1 on country radio), is the longest running #1 in Billboard Hot 100 history, the first artist / song in history to go #1 across 4 different radio formats and continues to break records and blaze new trails for what it means to be “country”. Hurt was listed as a 2025 Billboard Country Power Player, was featured in Billboard's 2020 Indie Power Players list as well as Billboard's 2020 Country Power Players list. Additionally, Eric serves as a Governor on the Board of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter as well as serving as a Board member for non-profit Send Musicians To Prison.

In this episode, Tim Hunze sits down with hit songwriter Randy Montana, who shares his journey from growing up in a musical family to building a career that’s included both an artist deal and nine number-one songs. Randy reflects on the pivotal moments that pushed him toward songwriting, how losing his record deal became the best thing that ever happened to him, and the long-standing creative bond he shares with Luke Combs. He also discusses the importance of relationships in the music business, how he approaches co-writing with artists, and what role publishers have played throughout his career. Packed with honesty, humor, and practical advice, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience and collaboration.

On this episode of AIMP Nashville Pubcast, Chris DuBois—hit songwriter, publisher, and co-founder of Sea Gayle Music—joins Tim Hunze for a deep and personal dive into his career. Chris shares how his early tape-copying job at PolyGram launched his lifelong journey in music, the formation of Sea Gayle alongside Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers, and how the company defied the odds to become one of the most successful independent publishers in Nashville. From songwriting philosophies to how the role of publishers has evolved, Chris offers heartfelt stories, practical advice, and unmatched insight into the ever-changing music industry.

In this episode, Tim Hunze is joined by Dave Cohen, one of Nashville’s top session players who has carved out an impressive multi-lane career as a producer, songwriter, and musician. Dave opens up about his path from Canada to Music Row, his early touring years, how mentorship shaped his producer journey, and what ultimately drew him into songwriting. He also shares the challenges of constantly evolving, staying inspired, and why building a diverse skillset is critical in today’s industry. Packed with honesty, humor, and industry insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone charting a creative path in music.

In this episode, Tim Hunze sits down with seasoned business manager Kris Wiatr of Wiatr & Associates for a deep dive into what it means to manage the financial lives of artists, songwriters, and creatives. Kris breaks down the real responsibilities of a business manager—from budgeting and buying homes to negotiating deal terms and planning for long-term success. He also shares his perspective on catalog sales, artist sustainability, and why financial education should start early in a career. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the business side of the music industry.


In this episode, Tim Hunze sits down with Nikki Sanz, the founder and CEO of GIGGS — a rapidly growing platform revolutionizing how live event professionals connect, get hired, and build careers. Nikki shares her journey from touring with Eric Church to launching a tech startup aimed at solving the chaotic, word-of-mouth hiring process in the live production world. She opens up about the struggles of entrepreneurship, raising nearly $1M after hitting rock bottom, and why mentorship, hustle, and community are essential to her mission. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to start something from scratch — or how live gigs actually come together behind the scenes — this episode is for you.

In part two of our conversation with legendary producer Scott Hendricks, we go deeper into his philosophies on leadership, creative instinct, and what truly makes an artist stand out. He reflects on lessons learned from his mentor Barry Beckett, his experience producing Gwen Stefani’s recent project, and how the industry has shifted away from songwriter-driven records. Scott also shares what he looks for when signing or producing talent — and why some of the most talented artists still don't succeed. This episode is packed with timeless advice for producers, artists, and industry pros alike.

In part one of this two-part episode, legendary producer and label executive Scott Hendricks joins Tim Hunze for a deep-dive into his incredible 40+ year career. From discovering his passion after watching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan to producing 80+ No. 1 hits for artists like Blake Shelton and Alan Jackson, Scott shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. He breaks down what makes a great producer, why confidence matters in the studio, and how surrounding yourself with talent can elevate the entire process. Whether you're an artist, aspiring producer, or just a fan of country music history, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Dale Dodson brings decades of Nashville history to life in this episode, sharing stories from his time on Music Row. From his early radio days to breaking hits with George Strait, Dale dives deep into publishing, songwriting, artist development, and how the industry has evolved—all while reminding us why passion and persistence still matter most.

Katie Kerkhover, SVP at BMG, shares her journey from musician to A&R executive and offers a behind-the-scenes look at artist development. She discusses building projects from the ground up, what she looks for in new talent, and how BMG’s collaborative culture fuels artist success.

In this episode of the AIMP Nashville Pubcast, host Tim Hunze sits down with Kelly Bolton, VP of A&R at Warner Records. Kelly takes us through her journey from managing artists to transitioning into publishing and A&R, sharing valuable insights on the creative side of the music industry. They discuss what it truly means to be an A&R professional, the importance of songwriters in Nashville, and the evolving landscape of country music. Kelly also opens up about how her unique experience shaped her current role at Warner Records, as well as her thoughts on how the industry is changing.

Tim Hunze kicks off Season 8 with a deeply personal solo episode, reflecting on the challenges that led to a temporary hiatus for the podcast. He opens up about personal loss, the pressures of balancing his career and the podcast, and the importance of mental health in the music industry. Cheers to Season 8! We’re excited to be back!

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.

Thomas David "T.D." Ruth is a partner at Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP, specializing in entertainment law since 2005. With a decade of prior experience in the music industry, he has managed artists, produced concerts, and pioneered digital distribution. In 2003, T.D. launched one of the first companies offering lossless audio distribution, setting trends in consumer licensing and artist rights. His clientele includes Grammy-winning musicians, athletes, and actors, as well as start-ups in the entertainment and tech sectors. T.D. is known for his expertise in brand development, trademark law, and rights of publicity.

Johnny Cloherty is the CEO and Co-founder of Songfluencer, a global and innovative creative marketing agency known for its expertise in turning followers into fans. By strategically pairing songs, artists, and brands with key tastemaker influencers on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Songfluencer excels in music-forward social media marketing. Under Johnny's leadership, the agency leverages a team of industry veterans and Gen Z experts, ensuring a unique blend of experience and contemporary insight. Johnny sits down with Tim to discuss social media influencing, campaigns and how to improve your digital footprint in social media.

Kris Lamb is the EVP and General Manager of Big Machine Records. In his previous role as Senior Vice President of Promotion and Digital, he spearheaded the radio and digital strategies for the Big Machine Records imprint. This label features an impressive roster of artists, including Tim McGraw, Carly Pearce, Midland, and Jackson Dean, among others. Kris joins Tim to discuss the evolving radio landscape and the intricacies of promotion.

On this episode of the AIMP Pubcast, we are joined by Tim Wipperman, Managing Director for the global independent music giant ONErpm in Nashville. Prior to his time at ONErpm, Tim was the senior executive at Warner for nearly 30 years. He also served as president of Anthem Music Publishing in 2019. The longtime music executive joins the show to discuss the differences between indie and traditional labels, especially how it pertains to new and rising artists.

When two big-time songwriters Jimmy Robbins and Tony Martin join the Nashville AIMP Pubcast to discuss the modern-day writing room, you may not expect the insightfulness of what it takes to be a Nashville songwriter. Tim is joined by these two to discuss the evolution of the writing room and how to weather changes in the creative climate of songwriting.

Position Music is an independent publisher, record label and management firm. Established in 1999 and still led by their founder Tyler Bacon, Position Music boasts a multinational presence and a continually growing staff. As experts in music licensing and synchronization, marketing, A&R, and artist management, they are helping shape a new era in the industry with our innovative, full-service, artist-centric approach.