Beth Hamilton
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
Beth Hamilton is a seasoned veteran in the music industry and has been with WME since 2016. In her role as an agent, she manages the daily touring opportunities for multiple artists, including Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, The Cadillac Three, Caylee Hammack, Caitlyn Smith and others.
Prior to being an agent, Hamilton began her career working at music venues—notably the Lucas Theatre in Savannah, Georgia—before joining the former William Morris Agency as an assistant booking the Northeast territory. In 2008, she transitioned into artist management at Modern Management working with Josh Turner, Sara Evans and Diamond Rio before returning to the agency side of the business in 2016 to work alongside WME Nashville office Co-Head Jay Williams.
Outside of being a respected agent, she actively volunteers her time supporting the Women of Endeavor mentorship program and offering career guidance to young females aspiring to make an impact in the music business.
Hamilton will be honored as part of the current class of MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row on March 23.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in northeast Ohio on a 200-acre farm. My grandparents lived next door. My mom still lives in my childhood home.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What were your dreams then?
It was very much a small town life centered around church, family and farming, which was great in a lot of ways. But I always, from the time I was little, wanted to live in a big city. I now appreciate where I came from, but I had dreams outside of my hometown.
Were you musical as a kid?
I liked music and a lot of it was centered around church. When I was 12 or 13, I started playing piano in church. That was my musical start. I went to a few Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant concerts. I listened to a lot of rock music, but did not really get into country until college.
What did you do in college?
I got a degree in psychology, but I didn’t really know what I wanted my path to be. I just knew I wanted to do something different, something fun. I had a couple of friends who were moving to Nashville—some of them were trying to be artists and some of them were on the business side. I thought, “That actually sounds kind of fun. I’m just gonna go on a whim.” So I moved down here without a job and I didn’t really know anyone.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
How did you get your start?
I had a couple of temp jobs at first. I had a friend at the Dove Awards, so I worked for them for a couple of months to help with the show. I worked in the office at the Ryman as an assistant and I got to know people at the Ryman. I got a little disillusioned—I thought I would move here and would have this certain level of success really quickly and it was a little bit frustrating. I decided go back to grad school, so I actually went back to Virginia to James Madison University for a year. The second I got there, I thought I made the biggest mistake of my life. [Laughs]
Near the end of my first year, my old boss at the Ryman—Paul Couch—called me and said, “I was just offered a job and took it. I’m going to be the Executive Director of this small performing arts theater in Savannah, Georgia. If you want to come work for me, move here and you can have whatever job you want.” My immediate response was, “Yes, I’m there.”
What was that time like?
It was an old, 1920s movie theater that was turned into a 1,200 seat theater. It had been under this huge restoration project for over 12 years and it was finally going to open. Paul and I were the ones laying the groundwork to get the theater operating. I was very young and very green, but was given a tremendous amount of responsibility. For example, I was just shown a blank space in the lobby and told, “That’s going to be your box office. Figure it out.” I was the Events Manager there, but we were a really small team, so I did a little bit of everything and I loved it.
I was there a couple of years. It was operating as a nonprofit and long story short, they gave it to the Savannah College of Art & Design who brought on their own staff to run it. I loved Savannah so much and I tried to stay there, but I knew returning to Nashville would give me more opportunities to work in music.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What was your next move?
Barry Jeffrey—who works at WME and has been responsible for so many hires—knew I was really interested in this side of the business. I came back to town and started as an assistant at WME, which was the William Morris Agency at the time, and was an assistant there for about three and a half years and got accepted into the agent trainee program.
Paradigm soon offered me an agent job. They were expanding their fair and festival department, so I went over there and was the first female agent in their Nashville office. After about a year, I joined Ted Greene and Modern Management to oversee touring for their clients including Sara Evans, Diamond Rio and Josh Turner. I already had great relationships with them from working with their team on the agency side.
What did you learn from your time in management that you bring into your role as an agent now?
As an agent, you are taking into account so many factors in touring. On the management side, you have a whole set of additional details to consider. You’re looking at budgets and every little expense that goes into being on the road. You are leasing buses, hiring band and crew, and you’re seeing some of the challenges we don’t see as much on this side. I was talking to production managers and tour managers all day long every day, and having to solve problems from that side of things, so coming back here I’ve gained another set of knowledge. I’m certainly not a production or technical expert, but I can talk that language.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What brought you back to WME?
I will say this: from the second I left, my inner circle was either still at the agency or they were people that I had met there. I missed the people and culture. I don’t have regrets because I think things happen the way they should, but I always missed it. Keith Miller—who I worked for here and is my biggest mentor—I was still talking to him multiple times a day. I went to lunch with him at least once a week.
I got a call from Becky Gardenhire and she said, “Hey, I have this idea that I wanna throw out to you and I think you’re going to say no, but I just want you to listen and think about it. Jay Williams is in need of a right-hand person, not just another assistant. With his roster and the amount of responsibility he has, I think that you would be perfect for it and it could be the next step that you’re looking for.” I respect her so much, so I told her I would think on it, but in my mind I was concerned I’d be taking a step back. I decided to go to lunch with Jay and just talk it over. We ended up having a two-hour lunch and I left so excited. It was an amazing opportunity. So I returned to WME to work alongside Jay and then in 2019, I was officially promoted to agent. I still work really closely with him on everything, which has been a great working relationship.
Now, with Jay, you work with Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde and more. What was it like when you first came on?
When I started with Jay, Chris Stapleton‘s big shift was happening where he was becoming an arena and amphitheater headliner. That was really exciting to be a part of. At the time, Brothers Osborne was just in the middle of their first club tour. I’ve been able to have a big hand in their growing success as touring artists. I now also work closely with Ashley McBryde and I’ve seen her grow so much as an artist, and I’m excited to help take her headline touring to the next level.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What’s a day in the life like for you?
It’s a little bit of everything. We’re working with artists on the club and theatre level, all the way up to stadiums and everything in between. I’m constantly on the phone with managers and interacting with other agents in the office. A lot of days it is putting out fires.
As an agent, we cover more than just routing tours. It’s podcasts, television, film, brand partnerships, books and more. We’re having those bigger conversations and figuring out what other paths an artist wants to explore and how we can bring those opportunities to them.
Which part of your job is most fulfilling?
When a tour you’ve been working on for months gets announced, it’s fulfilling to see everything come full circle. Going to live shows is always fulfilling too, especially when I’m surrounded by my colleagues. Everyone contributes to the success of our clients and it’s rewarding to see our hard work come to life. I am also so lucky to work with artists whose talent and music I truly admire.
Who are your mentors?
Keith Miller is by far my biggest mentor. He retired a couple of years ago from WME. I was his assistant when I worked at the William Morris Agency. To be honest, I was a little scared of him at first. [Laughs] But he quickly became one of my closest friends. He is so smart about deals and numbers. He pays attention to the smallest detail and every dollar matters to him. He remains one of my closest confidants to this day and I still go to him for guidance.
Jay Williams is one of the best in the business. He’s genuine. His relationships with his clients are like nothing I have ever seen. He’s friends with them and he knows them well. He knows music. He treats people with a great amount of respect and I feel lucky to be able to work with him every day.
What is some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Have thick skin and the best advocate for you is you. Your family, your mentors and your coworkers all care about you, but you still have to advocate for yourself. You know in your gut if something is right or something is wrong. You also can’t assume that someone else knows you have a passion for something.
You will be honored as one of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row tomorrow. What has your experience been like as a woman in the industry?
I will say from the time I first became an agent at Paradigm to now, it’s significantly different. It’s significantly better. There are certainly still challenges, but we have so many more women working here now and in leadership positions. Becky is a Co-Head here in Nashville and Lucy Dickins is the Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring. I have spent a little time with her and she’s incredibly smart, a great person and a great advocate for women.
We have a mentorship program here where you’re paired with an assistant or a newer hire, and I think that’s really important, especially females supporting other females. You should always look out for the future leaders who are coming up behind you. It’s important to spend time with not only your peers in this industry, but also those aspiring to learn and grow in their careers.
Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, More To Play ACM Lifting Lives Topgolf Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughACM Lifting Lives has added an all-star Concert On The Green to its annual Topgolf fundraiser on Wednesday, May 10 at Topgolf The Colony, ahead of the 58th ACM Awards.
Taking place after the golf tournament, the concert brings reigning ACM Album of the Year winner Morgan Wallen, reigning ACM Songwriter of the Year Hardy, reigning ACM New Female Artist and Song of the Year winner Lainey Wilson, Ernest, Bailey Zimmerman, and DJ 13lackbeard to the stage on the Topgolf green to raise money and awareness for ACM Lifting Lives.
The separately ticketed concert will be presented by VGT by Aristocrat Gaming, and General Admission tickets on the green are separate from the Topgolf Tee-Off and Rock On tournament access and will be available to ACM Members, ACM A-List subscribers, 58th ACM Awards ticket holders, and Topgolf Friends and Family through an exclusive presale starting today (March 23). Remaining tickets will be available for a general public on-sale beginning this Friday, March 24 through AXS. Those who have purchased bays for golf will be able to remain in their bay for the concert, with the bay serving as a suite to watch the show.
“ACM Lifting Lives does great work providing aid in times of need to folks inside and outside of the music industry,” Wallen shares.“My band and I are excited to help them raise funds to continue doing this amazing work.”
“The support of country music artists and the industry as a whole are who make the impactful work of ACM Lifting Lives possible,” says ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director Lyndsay Cruz. “We are so thankful to Morgan, Hardy, Lainey, Ernest, Bailey and DJ 13lackbeard for volunteering their time to help us raise money and awareness, and we know music fans in Texas will be blown away by this all-star lineup!”
In addition to distributing more than $4 million to date through its Covid Relief Fund, ACM Lifting Lives provides critical support through the Diane Holcomb Emergency Relief Fund, annual commitments to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Music Health Alliance, and the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, and individual grants to organizations that reach communities all across America.
City National Bank Opens New Office At 17th & Grand
/by Sherod RobertsonCity National Bank’s Nashville Entertainment Team
City National Bank has officially opened its new office space at 17th & Grand. Located at 1005 17th Ave. S., Suite 600, the new location marks City National Bank’s presence on Music Row for more than a decade.
The bank has a long and proud history of serving the entertainment industry in Nashville and across the country. City National Bank’s Nashville Entertainment Team is led by Sr. VP, Manager, Diane Pearson and Sr. VP, Manager, Lori Badgett.
City National Bank opened their previous Music Row office at 54 Music Sq. E., in 2011 with a celebratory grand opening on Sept. 12, 2011.
Frank Ray Most-Added At Country Radio With “Somebody Else’s Whiskey”
/by Caela GriffinPictured (L-R, front row): Lexi Willson, Frank Ray, Jon Loba and Carson James. (L-R, back row): Mary Forest Campbell, JoJamie Hahr, Adrian Michaels, Matt Vieira and Stan Marczewski. Photo: CRS/Kayla Schoen
Frank Ray is this week’s most-added artist on country radio with his newest single “Somebody Else’s Whiskey.” Written by Ray, Derek George and Frank Rogers, the track was released on March 20.
Ray announced the single, from his label debut EP Getcha Some, during his set at Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music showcase on March 15.
The Stoney Creek Records’ artist is also currently serving as support on Old Dominion’s “No Bad Vibes Tour.” Along the way, the former police officer will be launching his First Responders Mental Clarity or “FRAY” initiative. “FRAY” uses music to provide tools and resources to first responders in their time of need.
Rachel Mac Signs With Capitol Christian Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughRachel Mac and team with Capitol Christian Music Group.
Singer-songwriter Rachel Mac has signed with Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG).
At age 15, Mac was the youngest contestant on season 20 of The Voice. She was chosen by celebrity judge Nick Jonas to be on his team and finished as a finalist in fourth place.
A lifelong student of music, Mac began singing and playing piano at a very young age. She is a worship leader who plays multiple instruments. Her earliest memories of music come from church, as she and her two sisters were raised by a single father who was also a worship leader.
“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Rachel Mac to CCMG,” says Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy, Co-Presidents of CCMG. “It was evident to both of us as soon as we met Rachel that her sound and vision are wholly unique and that she is a very special artist. We can’t wait to release her music to the world and are excited about all that is ahead.”
‘Breland & Friends’ Set To Livestream From The Ryman
/by Liza AndersonBreland is bringing his second annual “Breland & Friends” concert at the legendary Ryman Auditorium on April 4 to fans worldwide via Mandolin Live Stream. Featuring performances by the Platinum artist and special guests, the show benefits Nashville’s Oasis Center and their mission to aid local at-risk youth.
Lecrae and Tyler Hubbard have joined the previously-announced lineup, which includes Alana Springsteen, Ashley Cooke, Danielle Bradbery, Gary LeVox, Ingrid Andress, K. Michelle, Nate Smith, Temecula Road, Tenille Townes and X Ambassadors.
Tickets for the “Breland & Friends” livestream are available now. For more information, click here.
Following the event, Breland will hit the road on Walker Hayes’ “Duck Buck Tour” and Shania Twain’s “Queen of Me Tour” this summer, with stops at Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Gulf Coast Jam, Country Fest and Boots and Hearts Music Festival.
The Mulehouse Promotes Tracy McGlocklin To General Manager
/by Caela GriffinTracy McGlocklin. Photo: Courtesy of The Mulehouse
The Mulehouse has promoted Tracy McGlocklin to General Manager, effective immediately. The 55,000-square-foot music and event venue operates in downtown Columbia, Tennessee.
McGlocklin joined The Mulehoouse in 2021 as the Head of Business Development, following her time as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Advent. The previous decade, she honed her music industry chops in Sony Music Nashville’s Sales and Marketing division. In 2001, McGlocklin founded Mission Management, and spent 13 years representing Little Big Town, Darryl Worley and more.
She holds a Recording Industry Management Bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), and resides with her many rescue animals on her family’s century farm, Pleasant Valley Farm in Columbia.
“We’ve all witnessed Tracy’s drive, second to none, her attention to detail, and her willingness to simply do whatever it takes and it’s awe-inspiring,” says The Mulehouse Co-Owner and former national radio personality Blair Garner.
Co-Owner Eric Garner adds, “Tracy’s promotion will allow both Blair and I the bandwidth to focus on future phases of The Mulehouse’s growth. There are plans to expand the existing space, and to add a hotel and restaurant to the property. We are so grateful for all the hard work she’s already done, and can’t wait to see all she will achieve in her new role.”
“The Mulehouse is an absolute godsend for both me and my hometown,” says McGlocklin. “It’s enriching the culture and bringing nationally-recognized talent to Columbia. As an eighth-generation Columbian, I’m proud to be a part of something so big for our special community.”
Willie Nelson To Be Honored With The LBJ Liberty & Justice For All Award
/by Steven BoeroWillie Nelson. Photo: by Pamela Springsteen
The LBJ Foundation will present its most prestigious honor, the LBJ Liberty & Justice for All Award, to Willie Nelson on Friday, May 12 at a gala dinner at the LBJ Presidential Library.
A lifelong advocate for farmers, alleviating food insecurity and support of rural communities, Nelson embodies President Lyndon Baines Johnson‘s commitment to public service, particularly in the areas of farming and food security.
Net proceeds from the gala tribute will benefit the newly established Willie Nelson Endowment for Uplifting Rural Communities at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, a part of The University of Texas at Austin. The endowment will fund research and student fellowships focused on sustainable agriculture, eliminating hunger, resilient energy, sustainable water and natural disaster recovery to benefit rural and farm communities.
“Willie Nelson is a national treasure who gained fame through his sheer musical talent and won hearts as someone who truly cares about the lives of his fellow Americans,”says Larry Temple, Chairman of the LBJ Foundation Board of Trustees. “A product of rural Texas, Willie has never forgotten where he comes from. His longtime efforts to raise money and awareness for family farmers through Farm Aid and numerous other endeavors to help those in need throughout his career make him a true inspiration.”
President Johnson and Nelson share similar backgrounds as rural Texans, aware of the struggles of those who work in the agricultural industry. As President Johnson said in a 1965 Special Message to Congress on Agriculture, “The bounty of the earth is the foundation of our economy. Programs in every aspect of our nation’s life depend on the abundant harvests of our farms.” Nelson has long supported our nation’s farmers through Farm Aid, established in 1985, which has raised over $70 million for those who own and operate family farms throughout the United States. He has also helped raise millions around disaster relief, for families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks and for veterans, as well as working toward environmental and animal advocacy, and voting rights.
Nelson has won multiple Grammy Awards, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993, received a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998, and was awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2015.
Lukas Nelson To Release New Album This Summer, Unveils First Single Video
/by Lorie HollabaughLukas Nelson. Photo: Shervin Lainez
Lukas Nelson‘s latest album, Sticks and Stones, is slated for July 14 via 6ACE Records/Thirty Tigers. Nelson debuted the video for the first single, “More Than Friends” with Lainey Wilson today (March 22) on CMT.
“When I wrote ‘More Than Friends,’ I had always envisioned it as a duet,” he shares. “I am a big fan of Lainey and she was at the top of my list of artists I wanted to sing with me on this track. When we sent her the song, I was thrilled to hear back that she loved it and wanted to do it.”
“‘More Than Friends’ is a modern-day take on the musical, kindred spirits of icons like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers,” says Wilson. “I’m so honored to be able to work with someone as talented as Lukas. His artistry and storytelling within music is unlike any other.”
Across the twelve tracks on Sticks and Stones, Nelson explores the universal human experiences of love, celebration, longing and humor. Self-produced by Nelson and his longtime band, POTR, the collection captures the group’s musical power and the electric live performances they’re known for.
“This album is about celebrating the human connection, joy and excitement,” says Nelson. “We went from quiet and introspective on A Few Stars Apart to something big and fun to really showcase the band’s talent and performance. You can listen to the album Sticks and Stones from start to finish and get the songs to dance to and then the quiet, poignant songs. To me, this album is the perfect setlist.”
Additionally, Nelson and POTR will kick off their spring headline tour on April 1 in Charles Town, West Virginia. The band will visit 18 cities, with two nights in Wilmington, North Carolina as well as stops in New Orleans, Texas and four shows in Southern California, followed by a nine-show run across the U.K. and Ireland in June.
My Music Row Story: WME’s Beth Hamilton
/by LB CantrellBeth Hamilton
Beth Hamilton is a seasoned veteran in the music industry and has been with WME since 2016. In her role as an agent, she manages the daily touring opportunities for multiple artists, including Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde, The Cadillac Three, Caylee Hammack, Caitlyn Smith and others.
Prior to being an agent, Hamilton began her career working at music venues—notably the Lucas Theatre in Savannah, Georgia—before joining the former William Morris Agency as an assistant booking the Northeast territory. In 2008, she transitioned into artist management at Modern Management working with Josh Turner, Sara Evans and Diamond Rio before returning to the agency side of the business in 2016 to work alongside WME Nashville office Co-Head Jay Williams.
Outside of being a respected agent, she actively volunteers her time supporting the Women of Endeavor mentorship program and offering career guidance to young females aspiring to make an impact in the music business.
Hamilton will be honored as part of the current class of MusicRow’s Rising Women on the Row on March 23.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in northeast Ohio on a 200-acre farm. My grandparents lived next door. My mom still lives in my childhood home.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What were your dreams then?
It was very much a small town life centered around church, family and farming, which was great in a lot of ways. But I always, from the time I was little, wanted to live in a big city. I now appreciate where I came from, but I had dreams outside of my hometown.
Were you musical as a kid?
I liked music and a lot of it was centered around church. When I was 12 or 13, I started playing piano in church. That was my musical start. I went to a few Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant concerts. I listened to a lot of rock music, but did not really get into country until college.
What did you do in college?
I got a degree in psychology, but I didn’t really know what I wanted my path to be. I just knew I wanted to do something different, something fun. I had a couple of friends who were moving to Nashville—some of them were trying to be artists and some of them were on the business side. I thought, “That actually sounds kind of fun. I’m just gonna go on a whim.” So I moved down here without a job and I didn’t really know anyone.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
How did you get your start?
I had a couple of temp jobs at first. I had a friend at the Dove Awards, so I worked for them for a couple of months to help with the show. I worked in the office at the Ryman as an assistant and I got to know people at the Ryman. I got a little disillusioned—I thought I would move here and would have this certain level of success really quickly and it was a little bit frustrating. I decided go back to grad school, so I actually went back to Virginia to James Madison University for a year. The second I got there, I thought I made the biggest mistake of my life. [Laughs]
Near the end of my first year, my old boss at the Ryman—Paul Couch—called me and said, “I was just offered a job and took it. I’m going to be the Executive Director of this small performing arts theater in Savannah, Georgia. If you want to come work for me, move here and you can have whatever job you want.” My immediate response was, “Yes, I’m there.”
What was that time like?
It was an old, 1920s movie theater that was turned into a 1,200 seat theater. It had been under this huge restoration project for over 12 years and it was finally going to open. Paul and I were the ones laying the groundwork to get the theater operating. I was very young and very green, but was given a tremendous amount of responsibility. For example, I was just shown a blank space in the lobby and told, “That’s going to be your box office. Figure it out.” I was the Events Manager there, but we were a really small team, so I did a little bit of everything and I loved it.
I was there a couple of years. It was operating as a nonprofit and long story short, they gave it to the Savannah College of Art & Design who brought on their own staff to run it. I loved Savannah so much and I tried to stay there, but I knew returning to Nashville would give me more opportunities to work in music.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What was your next move?
Barry Jeffrey—who works at WME and has been responsible for so many hires—knew I was really interested in this side of the business. I came back to town and started as an assistant at WME, which was the William Morris Agency at the time, and was an assistant there for about three and a half years and got accepted into the agent trainee program.
Paradigm soon offered me an agent job. They were expanding their fair and festival department, so I went over there and was the first female agent in their Nashville office. After about a year, I joined Ted Greene and Modern Management to oversee touring for their clients including Sara Evans, Diamond Rio and Josh Turner. I already had great relationships with them from working with their team on the agency side.
What did you learn from your time in management that you bring into your role as an agent now?
As an agent, you are taking into account so many factors in touring. On the management side, you have a whole set of additional details to consider. You’re looking at budgets and every little expense that goes into being on the road. You are leasing buses, hiring band and crew, and you’re seeing some of the challenges we don’t see as much on this side. I was talking to production managers and tour managers all day long every day, and having to solve problems from that side of things, so coming back here I’ve gained another set of knowledge. I’m certainly not a production or technical expert, but I can talk that language.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What brought you back to WME?
I will say this: from the second I left, my inner circle was either still at the agency or they were people that I had met there. I missed the people and culture. I don’t have regrets because I think things happen the way they should, but I always missed it. Keith Miller—who I worked for here and is my biggest mentor—I was still talking to him multiple times a day. I went to lunch with him at least once a week.
I got a call from Becky Gardenhire and she said, “Hey, I have this idea that I wanna throw out to you and I think you’re going to say no, but I just want you to listen and think about it. Jay Williams is in need of a right-hand person, not just another assistant. With his roster and the amount of responsibility he has, I think that you would be perfect for it and it could be the next step that you’re looking for.” I respect her so much, so I told her I would think on it, but in my mind I was concerned I’d be taking a step back. I decided to go to lunch with Jay and just talk it over. We ended up having a two-hour lunch and I left so excited. It was an amazing opportunity. So I returned to WME to work alongside Jay and then in 2019, I was officially promoted to agent. I still work really closely with him on everything, which has been a great working relationship.
Now, with Jay, you work with Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, Ashley McBryde and more. What was it like when you first came on?
When I started with Jay, Chris Stapleton‘s big shift was happening where he was becoming an arena and amphitheater headliner. That was really exciting to be a part of. At the time, Brothers Osborne was just in the middle of their first club tour. I’ve been able to have a big hand in their growing success as touring artists. I now also work closely with Ashley McBryde and I’ve seen her grow so much as an artist, and I’m excited to help take her headline touring to the next level.
Photo: Courtesy of Beth Hamilton
What’s a day in the life like for you?
It’s a little bit of everything. We’re working with artists on the club and theatre level, all the way up to stadiums and everything in between. I’m constantly on the phone with managers and interacting with other agents in the office. A lot of days it is putting out fires.
As an agent, we cover more than just routing tours. It’s podcasts, television, film, brand partnerships, books and more. We’re having those bigger conversations and figuring out what other paths an artist wants to explore and how we can bring those opportunities to them.
Which part of your job is most fulfilling?
When a tour you’ve been working on for months gets announced, it’s fulfilling to see everything come full circle. Going to live shows is always fulfilling too, especially when I’m surrounded by my colleagues. Everyone contributes to the success of our clients and it’s rewarding to see our hard work come to life. I am also so lucky to work with artists whose talent and music I truly admire.
Who are your mentors?
Keith Miller is by far my biggest mentor. He retired a couple of years ago from WME. I was his assistant when I worked at the William Morris Agency. To be honest, I was a little scared of him at first. [Laughs] But he quickly became one of my closest friends. He is so smart about deals and numbers. He pays attention to the smallest detail and every dollar matters to him. He remains one of my closest confidants to this day and I still go to him for guidance.
Jay Williams is one of the best in the business. He’s genuine. His relationships with his clients are like nothing I have ever seen. He’s friends with them and he knows them well. He knows music. He treats people with a great amount of respect and I feel lucky to be able to work with him every day.
What is some of the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Have thick skin and the best advocate for you is you. Your family, your mentors and your coworkers all care about you, but you still have to advocate for yourself. You know in your gut if something is right or something is wrong. You also can’t assume that someone else knows you have a passion for something.
You will be honored as one of MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row tomorrow. What has your experience been like as a woman in the industry?
I will say from the time I first became an agent at Paradigm to now, it’s significantly different. It’s significantly better. There are certainly still challenges, but we have so many more women working here now and in leadership positions. Becky is a Co-Head here in Nashville and Lucy Dickins is the Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring. I have spent a little time with her and she’s incredibly smart, a great person and a great advocate for women.
We have a mentorship program here where you’re paired with an assistant or a newer hire, and I think that’s really important, especially females supporting other females. You should always look out for the future leaders who are coming up behind you. It’s important to spend time with not only your peers in this industry, but also those aspiring to learn and grow in their careers.
Ingrid Andress Performs On NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk’ Series
/by Lorie HollabaughIngrid Andress. Photo: Acacia Evans
Ingrid Andress appeared on the renowned NPR “Tiny Desk” concert series, sharing stripped-down, live versions of “Feel Like This,” “Yearbook” and her No. 1 debut single, “More Hearts Than Mine.”
Andress is currently on the road for her headlining “The Good Person Tour” and will continue the global trek tomorrow night in Grand Rapids, Michigan before heading overseas in May and wrapping up in Norway. She is also set to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago, Illinois this summer.
She recently released the deluxe version of her sophomore album Good Person (Deluxe) featuring three brand new tracks, including “Runnin” feat. JP Saxe. The album also includes her current single, “Feel Like This.” Andress also recently earned her second career No. 1 with the Platinum-certified hit “Wishful Drinking” feat. Sam Hunt.