journalfront

Music

Taylor Lindsey Takes the Helm at Sony Music Nashville

2024-11-18

Taylor Lindsey's appointment as Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville marks a significant milestone. With a rich background and extensive experience in the music industry, she is set to lead the company into a new era. This transition comes as Randy Goodman prepares to retire after a decade of service. Additionally, Ken Robold has been named president and chief operating officer, strengthening the leadership team.

Commitment to Collaboration and Community

In a statement, Lindsey expressed her gratitude for the opportunity. "Along with Ken and the incredible SMN team, we are committed to fostering collaboration with our artists, creators and fans. We will create a vibrant community that not only honors our rich heritage in storytelling but also redefines the sound of country music for generations." This commitment is at the core of her leadership approach, aiming to build strong relationships and drive innovation.

Background and Achievements

Lindsey has been deeply involved with Sony Music Nashville since 2021. She started as head of A&R and most recently served as vice president. During this time, she has worked closely with renowned Sony artists such as Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Megan Moroney, Maren Morris, and Mitchell Tenpenny. Her expertise in artist development and A&R has played a crucial role in the success of these artists.Before joining SMN in 2013, Lindsey was featured on Billboard's Women in Music and Country Power Players lists. She worked in A&R at BMG Music Publishing, where she represented Grammy-award winning songwriters like Hillary Lindsey and Tony Lane. This diverse experience has equipped her with the skills and knowledge needed to lead Sony Music Nashville.

New Leadership Team

Ken Robold's appointment as president and chief operating officer is a significant addition to the leadership team. He has also been on Billboard's Country Power Players list and joined SMN in 2015 as executive vice president and COO. Previously, he was president of Zac Brown's Southern Ground Artists and spent 22 years at Universal Music Group. His extensive experience and leadership skills will complement Lindsey's and help build a new era for Sony Music Nashville.

Impact on the Nashville Music Scene

The news of Lindsey and Robold's appointments means that all three major labels in Nashville are now headed or co-headed by women. Cindy Mabe is chair/CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville, and Cris Lacy is co-chair/co-president of Warner Music Nashville alongside Gregg Nadel. This shift in leadership highlights the growing presence and influence of women in the Nashville music scene.It also means that the heads of the three Nashville majors have changed hands over the past two years. Lacy and Ben Kline replaced chairman/CEO John Esposito at Warner at the end of 2022, while UMGN chairman/CEO Mike Dungan left his post in 2023, with Mabe officially taking over in April 2023. This period of transition has paved the way for new leadership and fresh perspectives.Lindsey and Robold's leadership is expected to have a profound impact on the Nashville music scene. They will work together to foster creativity, support artists, and drive the growth of the country music genre. With their combined expertise and vision, Sony Music Nashville is poised to continue its success and make significant contributions to the music industry.

Zo Harris, a highly accomplished musical director, composer, and educator, has made significant strides in the music world. His collaborations with renowned figures like rapper Pitbull and singer-songwriter H.E.R. have brought a new dimension to the musical landscape. Leslie La Barre's photos beautifully capture these moments.

Unlock the Musical Magic with Zo Harris

Musical Director Extraordinaire

Zo Harris is not just any ordinary musical director. With a background in creative music technology, he brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to his collaborations. His ability to work with big names in the music industry, such as rapper Pitbull and singer-songwriter H.E.R., showcases his versatility and talent. He has a deep understanding of different genres of music, including R&B, classical, rock, and traditional Indian music. This diverse range of knowledge allows him to create captivating musical experiences that resonate with audiences. 1: Zo Harris's journey as a musical director began with a passion for music. His dedication and hard work have led him to collaborate with some of the most influential artists in the industry. His work with Pitbull and H.E.R. has not only gained him recognition but has also inspired aspiring musicians around the world. His ability to bring out the best in each artist and create a harmonious musical synergy is truly remarkable. 2: In addition to his work as a musical director, Zo Harris is also a talented composer. His compositions are a fusion of different musical styles, creating a unique sound that is both captivating and memorable. His compositions have been featured in various music projects, showcasing his ability to create music that transcends boundaries and connects with people on a deep level.

Educator with a Vision

Zo Harris is not only a successful musician but also an excellent educator. He believes in the power of education and strives to share his knowledge and expertise with aspiring musicians. His approach to teaching is unique, as he combines theory with practical experience, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of music. 1: Harris understands that music is not just about playing an instrument or composing a song. It is about understanding the various aspects of music and how they come together to create a beautiful sound. He encourages his students to explore different genres of music and learn from different musical traditions. This broadens their perspective and helps them develop their own unique musical style. 2: Through his teaching, Zo Harris has inspired many students to pursue a career in music. His students have gone on to achieve great success in the music industry, thanks to his guidance and support. His dedication to education is evident in the way he interacts with his students and the passion he brings to his teaching.

Olympic Anthem Arranger

One of Zo Harris's most notable achievements is being the first African American to arrange the national anthem for the Olympics. This is a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his musical prowess. 1: Arranging the national anthem is a challenging task that requires a deep understanding of music and a sense of patriotism. Zo Harris's arrangement of the national anthem was a masterpiece that captured the essence of the country and its people. His attention to detail and his ability to create a powerful musical statement made his arrangement stand out. 2: Harris's achievement as an Olympic anthem arranger has opened doors for other African American musicians and has paved the way for greater representation in the music industry. His success has inspired young musicians of color to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence in their craft.

Masterclass Series Impact

The Masterclass series hosted by Eckerd's music discipline has been a great success in informing students about the art of music. Through experts like Zo Harris, students have gained valuable insights and knowledge about the music industry. 1: The series has provided students with a platform to interact with industry professionals and learn from their experiences. Zo Harris's participation in the series has been a highlight, as his words of wisdom and practical advice have inspired students to pursue their dreams and work hard to achieve their goals. 2: The Masterclass series has also helped to build a community of music lovers and aspiring musicians at Eckerd College. Students have had the opportunity to network with each other and with industry professionals, which has opened up new opportunities for them.Eckerd's music discipline is committed to providing students with broad opportunities to interact with professionals in the industry. Through initiatives like the Masterclass series, students are able to gain valuable insights and connections that will help them in their future careers. Zo Harris's contributions to the music discipline have been invaluable, and his impact will be felt for years to come.

Canadian political punk rockers Propagandhi find themselves in a creative rut following the passing of their creative inspiration, Henry Kissinger. Frontman Chris Hannah reveals the difficulty of putting pen to paper without the possibility of Henry Kissinger ever hearing their new songs. A portrait of Kissinger taped to a dartboard in the band's rehearsal space has finally been taken down. Hannah expresses his hope for an afterlife where Kissinger is eternally deafened by the voices he silenced on Earth. There is even a wish that Satan might play 'Resisting Tyrannical Government' in his cell for millennia.

Record Label's Hopes for a New Muse

Staff at Propagandhi's current record label, Epitaph Records, are eager for the band to find a new muse soon. Brett Gurewitz, co-founder of Bad Religion and owner of Epitaph Records, sympathizes with Propagandhi's writer's block. He mentions that Bad Religion haven't even texted each other since the death of Pat Robertson. Gurewitz is hoping to release new music from Propagandhi soon and has been signing them up for every conservative political campaign newsletter he can find. He hopes one of these MAGA chuds will inspire the band. Personally, he would love to see them write a concept album about Marjorie Taylor Greene.

The Complex Relationship Explained

Political science experts delve into the complex relationship between imperialist, reactionary politicians and leftist punk bands. Dr. Renee Loer, Dean of Political Sciences at the University of Winnipeg, explains that the bond between punk artists and fascists is parasitic. The former feeds off the latter like a remora on a manta ray. Politicians provide the rage, substance, and reason for existence. Without this antagonistic relationship, bands like the Misfits or Sunny Day Real Estate emerge. These bands are great but don't inspire action beyond re-watching Night of the Living Dead or brooding.

Hannah's Search for Kissinger's Spotify History

As of press time, Chris Hannah took a unique approach. He contacted a hacker to acquire Henry Kissinger's Spotify history. It was a surprising discovery as it turned out that Kissinger was more of an Anti-Flag guy. This unexpected revelation adds another layer to the band's story and their struggle to find a new creative direction.