Nashville Briefing’s Power Players 2023

Welcome to our first annual Power Players list. First things first, this is of course only a partial list of the many great leaders in Nashville. Don’t email us saying we left out so and so or such and such (we’ll prob get those emails regardless). If you want to know who directly drives culture in Nashville, get to know this list.

Before we dive in, a shout-out to our sponsor, ONErpm, for being an amazing partner on this issue. They also play a massive part in the vibrant culture here in Music City and around the world. Alright, the time has come. Let's dive in! - Zak Kuhn (Founder, Nashville Briefing)

Ali Harnell

Live Nation, President and Chief Strategy Officer | Live Nation Women

Hometown - Atlanta, GA

Bio - Ali Harnell leads female-led/female-powered tours, events and initiatives for Live Nation, with a mission to drive gender equity. Harnell joined Live Nation in 2019 and has produced tours for Oprah Winfrey, Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, Alex Cooper’s Unwell Tour, among others, and executive produced the Grammy nominated song “A Beautiful Noise,” recorded by Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile. Harnell spent 15 years as a SVP at AEG Presents where she oversaw national tours, ran regional divisions, and co-founded and curated international country music festival Country2Country throughout the UK, Europe, and Australia. Harnell has twice been named IEBA’s Promoter of the Year and was named Venues Today’s Woman of Influence. She is a ten-time Billboard Women in Music honoree, a five-time Billboard Nashville Power Player, and has been named on the Nashville Business Journal “Women in Music City” list, multiple times. As an active fundraiser, she has helped raise tens of millions of dollars collectively for causes and nonprofits, producing large scale benefit events annually. Harnell serves on the Boards of MusiCares, Music Artists Coalition, and LIFEbeat. She is an Advisor to Save The Music Foundation, Women in Music, and delegate to the Hollywood Commission, as well as a voting member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Favorite workout song: “To Whom It May Concern” by Sam i

First industry job: HMV Records NYC

First concert: Dolly Parton / Kenny Rogers

BJ Hill

Warner Chappell Music, SVP of A&R

Hometown - Ann Arbor, MI

Bio - Hailing from Ann Arbor, MI, BJ came up playing drums in jazz and blues bands, but he got the bug for country music while in high school and moved to Tennessee. After studying recording at MTSU, he eventually found his way to the dream job he didn’t know he wanted - working with songwriters. BJ is now Sr. VP of A&R for Warner Chappell Music and, except for one-year working in A&R at Universal Records, BJ has been with Warner Chappell since 2002. Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Wendell Mobley, Laura Veltz and Matt Ramsey are a few of the multi-#1 hit songwriters he has signed or worked closely with. Some of his other signings include Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney of Dan+Shay, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady A. BJ has also secured outside cuts and singles on records by Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Chris Young, Lee Ann Womack, Lonestar, Martina McBride, Lee Brice, Trace Adkins, Eli Young Band, Montgomery Gentry and others. 

Favorite spot in Nashville for a business meeting: Patterson House

Dream business mentor / hero: Nicklas Lidstrom

Go to coffee order: Extra dry cappuccino with a whisper of caramel

Brandi Brammer 

UTA, Senior Vice President, Global Music Operations

Hometown - Crowley, LA

Bio - Brandi Brammer is senior vice president of global music operations at UTA, the leading global talent, entertainment, sports and advisory company. In her role, Brammer leads the operations of UTA Music worldwide, managing human resources, legal and business affairs, finance, facilities and technology initiatives. Previously, Brammer served as UTA’s vice president of people and business partnerships. Before joining UTA in 2021, Brammer served as vice president of human resources at WME and led HR for the music division. She also previously worked at CAA, helping triple the size of their Nashville office and eventually overseeing HR for the company’s music and sports divisions across the Southeast. Earlier in her career, Brammer worked at the Academy of Country Music as director of events. Throughout her 20-years in the business, Brammer has received recognition for her efforts to advance the representation of women in the music industry, with many of the women she's hired and mentored now serving as agents or executives within the industry.

Favorite book you always recommend: I read one of the first editions of All You Need to Know About The Music Industry by Donald S. Passman when I was in college. It gave me a base knowledge that I used as I was entering the business. I continue to recommend the book when helping young professionals navigate their careers. 

Favorite concert: Although I usually say the epic Foo Fighters show @ the Ryman on Halloween Night in 2014, there is one other that stands out for me. I was visiting Prague in 1998 and saw a Jimmy Page/Robert Plant concert poster on a café wall. It was written in Czech, but I could see that the show was that night, so I asked around, made my way to the venue, borrowed a sign to buy tickets from a fan, and ended up watching these legends from third-row center. 

Favorite spot in Nashville for a business meeting: Honestly, my favorite meeting spot is in the UTA office - a three-story, mid-century building which was the former downtown Carnegie Library. With floor-to-ceiling (possibly over 20 ft) windows, a modern design, and a great vibe, I love bringing people into the space.

Candice Watkins

Big Loud Records, SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records

Hometown - Montclair, NJ

Bio - With over 15 years of dynamic, hands-on experience, Candice Watkins brings proven leadership and expertise to Big Loud Records. Featured three times on Billboard’s annual Country Power Players list, Watkins has executed bold cross-platform campaigns that have propelled Big Loud’s roster to new heights. She designed and launched campaigns for projects like Morgan Wallen’s history-making #1 albums Dangerous: The Double Album and One Thing At A Time; HARDY's genre-bending albums A ROCK and the mockingbird & THE CROW, Hailey Whitters’ critically acclaimed third album RAISED, and many more. She’s championed dynamic new music releases from MacKenzie Porter, Ashley Cooke, Lily Rose, Griffen Palmer, Lauren Watkins, Jake Worthington, Stephen Wilson Jr., and more. Candice remains integral to the day-to-day workings of the label’s partners and imprints, like Songs & Daughters and the newly-launched Big Loud Texas. She is a member of NARAS, and serves on the boards of the CMA, ACM, Nashville Equality Center, and the Teen Dream Center.

Go to coffee order: Black coffee. If I'm feeling indulgent, then an almond milk or oat milk latte.

Favorite concert: U2 in Dublin at Croke Park

Dream business mentor: Berry Gordy, Cynt Marshall, Simon Sinek.

Charlene Bryant

Universal Music Group Nashville, Senior Vice President, Business Development & Strategy

Hometown - Canton, Ohio

Bio - Belmont graduate Charlene Bryant is pioneering the Business Development and Strategy department at Universal Music Group Nashville. She is also at the helm of her artist management company, Riveter Management, where she worked with young hip-hop star Trippie Redd. She was named one of Billboard’s Hip-Hop and R&B Power Players in 2020 and 2021, and was part of CMT and mtheory’s inaugural Equal Access Development Program. Acknowledging her leadership in the community, Nashville Business Journal recognized her with the Women in Music City Award in 2018 and 2019. Charlene serves on Belmont University’s Curb College Advisory Board and is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

Favorite book you always recommend: The Baddest Bitch in the Room: A Memoir by Sophia Chang

First industry job: managing a live music venue The Underground in Cincinnati, Ohio (sadly it's closed now)

Favorite workout song: 50 Cent - I Get Money

Jenna LoMonaco

ONErpm, Head of US Marketing

Hometown - Brooklyn, NY

Bio - Jenna LoMonaco is a Digital Marketing expert who has used her love of music and knowledge in the social media space to help break up-and-coming artists into the mainstream music space for over 18 years. After studying audio production and working at a recording studio straight out of college, she truly started her career in PR at Girlie Action in 2005. In 2007 Jenna got her first big role at an up-and-coming record label, Glassnote records, as the Head of New Media. There she helped break artists such as Mumford & Sons, Phoenix, and Childish Gambino. After 5 years at Glassnote, she left to join the new Label Services branch at Kobalt. Jenna worked in the digital department where she handled digital strategy for artists such as Martina McBride, Lenny Kravitz, and Big & Rich. In 2015, as Island Records was relaunched as a solo label, Jenna joined the Island team to run the Digital Marketing department. In this position, she began to work with a newly signed artist, Shawn Mendes. She also led the digital marketing efforts for artists such as Jessie Reyez, Nick Jonas, The Killers, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Tove Lo, Fall Out Boy, and Demi Lovato. In 2021, Jenna joined ONErpm to lead their US Marketing team. Since then she has doubled their marketing staff and launched new marketing services including Digital Strategy, Brand Partnerships and Sync.  

Favorite spot in Nashville for a business meeting: Hawkers in East Nashville. The food is amazing and its a great vibe for a casual business dinner.

First industry job: Technically my first Music Industry job was as Studio Manager at Water Music in Hoboken New Jersey. However my first job ever ever was at Sam Goody selling CD's so that could count also!

Favorite concert: Getting to see Paul McCartney play at Firefly Festival was a magical experience

Joseph Conner

Essential Broadcast Media, Senior Director

Hometown - Clinton, KY

Bio - Joseph Conner works with power players every day from the team at Essential Broadcast Media (EBM) to the artists and brands whose stories they share. Conner has been with EBM for almost six years and during his time there has overseen national campaigns for the firm’s expansive roster, launching everything from albums, films, comedy specials and more. With an interest in elevating both female and queer artists as well as voices of color, he has served as a megaphone for actor/comedians such as Taylor Tomlinson and Fortune Feimster while also helping champion the music and develop the stories of up-and-coming artists such as Annie Bosko, Jordyn Shellhart and Angie K.  He also works with superstars like Scotty McCreery and Music City staples Ryman Auditorium and Ole Red. Conner currently serves on the board of directors for Music Health Alliance and is a past board member of Nashville Pride, TEDxNashville and The Heimerdinger Foundation. Conner is a 20-year PR veteran with a career that spans entertainment, events (Bonnaroo), restaurants (Loveless Cafe), healthcare and nonprofit (The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation).

Go to coffee order - Green Tea Lemonade Sweetened 

First concert - Van Halen - For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge Tour

Favorite concert - This year, Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour...I went three times!

Juli Griffith

Manager/Owner, PunchBowl Entertainment

Hometown - Edmond Oklahoma

Bio - With more than 30 years experience as a music publisher in Nashville, Juli has represented over 100 songwriters with 600+ cuts. She led the publishing company Magic Mustang Music to be awarded SESAC Publisher of The Year 3 times, which was a first for any independent publishing company. In 2020 she was introduced to rising superstar Megan Moroney by Kristian Bush from Sugarland, which led her to transition into management full-time. In 2022 she opened up her own management firm, PunchBowl Entertainment, and now represents both Megan and Kristian.

Favorite concert: Foo Fighters - Wrigley Field

First concert: Huey Lewis and the News - Hip To Be Square tour

Favorite spot in Nashville for a business meeting: Del Frisco in the Gulch - my second office

Katie Anderson

Creative Artists Agency, Music/Comedy Touring Leadership; Strategy & Operations

Hometown - Muscotah, KS 

Bio - Katie Anderson is a member of the North American Music & Comedy Touring leadership team which oversees the Operations of the Touring Group at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which is the leading entertainment and sports agency. Anderson is based in the Nashville office where she works alongside the Global and North American heads of the Music & Comedy Touring department (Rob Light, Mitch Rose, Rick Roskin, and Darryl Eaton) on operational oversight, strategic development, organizational design and growth, and overseeing the department’s day-to-day financials and people management. She also works closely with the Agency Operations team, led by CAA chairman, Kevin Huvane and CFO Carol Sawdye. 

First industry job: When I was in law school at KU, I began as an intern at IMG Football (later CAA Football) in Kansas City, working for Tom Condon. The opportunity Tom gave me changed my life & career, and I'm forever grateful to him for giving me a shot and believing in me. 

First concert: Tom Petty - that was such a core memory- how could I not fall in love with live music?!

Favorite workout song: “Tambourine” by Eve is up there!

Michelle Tigard Kammerer (MTK)

Amazon Music, Head of Country Music 

Hometown - Valley Center, KS

Bio - As Amazon Music’s Head of Country, Michelle Tigard Kammerer has galvanized the growth and evolution of the genre since joining the team in 2021. Michelle leads all efforts to grow country music listening on Amazon Music through new initiatives and collaborations. She and her team oversee one of country’s most influential brands— Country Heat. Michelle also spearheaded the Academy of Country Music Awards strategy for Amazon Music as it streamed for the first time on Prime Video in 2021; it was the first major award show to stream live exclusively on a digital platform. Michelle oversaw the release of the groundbreaking Amazon Music documentary For Love of Country, has led exclusive livestreams with artists including Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Carrie Underwood, and Walker Hayes, and has launched the wildly popular Country Heat Weekly Podcast with hosts Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson.

Favorite book you always recommend: Crucial Conversations

Favorite spot in Nashville for a business meeting: Snooze on Main St in East Nashville

Dream business mentor: Bill Mayne

Ryan Beuschel

The Neal Agency, Head of Business Development

Hometown - Sparta, MI

Bio - Hailing from Michigan, Beuschel’s career began as an intern at Universal Music Publishing Group where his passion for great songs was ignited. After graduating from Hope College, Beuschel continued to hone his ear for talent at Universal Music Group as an A&R manager. Beuschel’s experience includes additional stops at ASCAP (as associate director of membership) and, most recently, at Warner Chappell Music (as vice president of A&R / strategy.) During his time at WCM, he was named to Billboard’s 40 under 40 list for signing some of country music’s fastest rising stars including 2022’s most-streamed all-genre debut artist Bailey Zimmerman. In addition to up-and-coming talent, he directly supported established artists and writers including TNA client Riley Green. Having recently joined TNA, Beuschel will aid in artist development across all of The Neal Agency roster, and spearhead and oversee the launch of TNA Publishing. Beuschel currently resides in Nashville with his wife, Liz, and daughter, Reese. 

First industry job: A&R at Universal Music Group

Favorite spot in Nashville for a business meeting: J Alexander’s

Favorite book you always recommend: Green lights (audible version)

Taylor Lindsey

Sony Music Nashville, SVP, A&R

Hometown - Washington, GA

Bio - Taylor Lindsay is the SVP of A&R at Sony Music Nashville, where she oversees SMN’s dynamic new A&R team. She also signs and develops a diverse roster that includes recorded music icons, breakthrough acts, and newcomers. Prior to taking on her current expanded role, Lindsey was directly involved with the development of artists such as Old Dominion, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and Mitchell Tenpenny, among others. Before joining SMN, Lindsey was at BMG where she signed and developed the careers of songwriters and artists, as well as pitched the catalogs of 13 chart-topping songwriters including her award-winning sister, Hillary Lindsey. A respected industry executive, Lindsey has been included in a number of industry power lists including Billboard’s 40 Under 40 (2018), Billboard’s Women In Music (2018, 2019 & 2023), Billboard’s Country Power Players (2022), Variety’s Hitmakers Impact (2020), Variety’s ‘Young Leaders In Music” (2019) and more. She is  a graduate of the 2019 Class of Leadership Music.

Favorite book you always recommend: The Last Lecture

Dream business mentor: Dr. Dre

Favorite concert: U2 at Vandy’s stadium

Tracy Martin

The Core Entertainment, President

Hometown - Abbotsford, BC Canada

Bio - The CORE Entertainment is one of the world’s fastest growing independent entertainment collectives. Representing a dynamic talent roster, the company saw the success this year of streaming/chart-topping sensation Bailey Zimmerman. Spearheading the release of Zimmerman’s 2x platinum-certified record (which includes No.1 singles “Fall In Love”, “Rock and a Hard Place” and “Religiously”), Zimmerman has surpassed 3 billion streams and has broken multiple records. Other clients include Nate Smith, who scored his first #1 at country radio with “Whiskey On You”, and Austin Shawn, who celebrated his reign as a 12x Billboard chart-topping producer. In addition, Martin continues to develop and amplify the rising careers of many including platinum certified Universal Nashville recording artist Josh Ross who was named the 2023 CCMA Awards Breakthrough Artist of the Year. This year the company also announced the launch of Core Records, in partnership with Universal Music and their producer’s division.

First industry Job: Festival promo team at CMT Canada

Fav spot in Nash for a business meeting: Halls Steakhouse

First concert: Rod Stewart: Vagabond Heart Tour

Victoria Mason

Warner Music Nashville, svp, strategic marketing + analytics

Hometown - Bourbon, IN

Bio - Victoria (Torie) Mason is Senior Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Analytics at Warner Music Nashville, where she oversees the digital, partnerships, touring and analytics teams. She is among those leading Nashville’s charge to integrate predictive analytics and emerging technology into country music. An active member of the Music City community, Mason is on the board of Directors for Leadership Music and has been honored on the annual Billboard Women in Music list. She graduated with a degree in marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and joined WMN in 2011 after three years of experience at Nielsen. In addition to her role in the industry, Mason is a new mom to a daughter she calls “the absolute most objectively exceptional baby in the land.”

First concert: Backstreet Boys

Favorite book you always recommend: A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (Betty Smith)

Go to coffee order: Black, tiny splash of cream

Zebb Luster

River House Artists, Vice President and General Manager

Hometown - Fort Myers, FL

Bio - Zebb Luster is the VP/GM at River House Artists, where he oversees RHA’s label, publishing company, and the successful artist development program. Luster has helped grow and sign a robust roster that includes country artists and songwriters such as Luke Combs, Jameson Rogers, Drew Parker, Austin Snell, Georgia Webster, Trey Lewis, Kasey Tyndall, Grant Gilbert, Reid Haughton, Pillbox Patti, Old Hickory, and more. He simultaneously signed non-country artists/songwriters Knox, Zach Seabaugh, Ryan Charles, and Brother Elsey. Luster was instrumental in expanding RHA’s publishing company, earning over 12 number-one hits to date. RHA writers have been at the helm of more than 12 Luke Combs multi-platinum singles, as well as radio hits for Jake Owen, Ashley McBryde, Zac Brown Band, and more. Originally from Fort Myers, Florida, Luster moved to Nashville in 2015 where he began hosting YNOTWednesdays, the successful songwriters round. Additionally, he hosts “MI HYW,” a podcast that has hosted actor Chrissy Metz and country artists Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Mitchell Tenpenny, and more.

First concert: Neal McCoy

Favorite workout song: “Throw It Up” by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, Pastor Troy

Go to coffee order: Anything iced coffee