NASHVILLE, TN (CelebrityAccess) — On October 28, the Country Music Association (CMA), in partnership with Whiskey Jam, hosted their first Artist Academy in Nashville, providing a platform for emerging artists while helping them to connect with professional development resources.
For the inaugural event, more than 60 artists participated in sessions that included topics such as financial wellness, legal issues, mental health, management, social media, and digital music streaming.
CMA’s Director of Industry Relations, Kate Watson, and Whiskey Jam Founder Ward Guenther kicked the event off with opening remarks that were followed by a round of panel discussions that included booking agents discussing how artists can build a career in touring, financial experts on tax preparation, and legal advisors on how to protect yourself in the business.
Mental health resources were on hand as well, and the event included participation from organizations like Porter’s Call, Music Health Alliance, and MusiCares.
The day wrapped with a networking happy hour, providing an opportunity for artists and industry professionals to connect with peers.
Notable attendees at the inaugural CMA Artist Academy event included Beth Hamilton of WME, Sam Forbert of CAA, Jeffrey Hasson of UTA, Matt Runner of Wasserman, and Adi Sharma of Neal Agency, who participated in a booking panel led by Whiskey Jam Founder Ward Guenther. Financial insights were provided by Kella Farris of Farris Self & Moore and CMA Board Chairman, alongside Sarah Hamner of Wiatr & Associates. David Crow, Partner at Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan, offered legal guidance, while mental health resources were discussed by Beth Barcus of Porter’s Call, Debbie Carroll of Onsite Workshops, and Tatum Allsep of Music Health Alliance. Other contributors included Brent Watkins of Pancoast Benefits on health insurance, Darby Leiber of Make Wake on artist management, and Lindsey Feinstein and Stevie Escoto of Girlilla Marketing on social media strategies.
