On Location in Nashville

Immersive Songwriters Workshop

Young songwriters and producers come together as lived experience and stories turn to song. The workshop will focus on helping songwriters develop relationship intelligence (RI) so they can do what they love, and be better bolstered for success in the face of AI.

Speakers: singer-songwriters Stella Prince and Summer Joy, Jaxon J Huffman, Hollywood & Mind

The Heart of Nashville – Community

We’ll highlight Nashville’s deeply ingrained ethos of community and collaboration, rooted in its role as the songwriting capital of the world, and delve into the critical role of empathy and kindness to enable individuals to flourish personally and the community to thrive.

Speakers: Brittany Schaffer, Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, Belmont 

Visual Storytelling + Mental Health

Margaret Hart, YouTube's head of industry and label relations in Nashville, will lead this conversation about the power of visual storytelling centered on Ashley McBryde’s narrative.

Speakers: Margaret Hart, YouTube; Ashley McBryde, singer/songwriter; Mike Dupree, Warner Music Nashville; John Peets, manager (Eric Church, Ashley McBryde)

Artist Wellbeing – The Opportunity For Meaningful Support

This conversation will delve into challenges and opportunities to elevate self-care and industry care for singer/songwriters, as well as the ways artists connect with their fans to break stigma and elevate mental health out in the culture.

Speakers: singer-songwriters Gayle and Sam Williams, Leslie Fram, FEMco

Ashley Gorley Fireside

Acclaimed songwriter Ashley Gorley will share his mental health journey, challenges and opportunities for non-performing songwriters, the deep connection songs can have in lifting fans’ mental health and building community. Ashley will also shine a light on The Okay Project, a mental health initiative in which he’s partnered with Jelly Roll and OnSite Foundation.

Speakers: Ashley Gorley, Cathy Applefeld Olson, Hollywood & Mind

Writers Room < > Therapy Session – Challenge and Catharsis                                

Songs have a way of touching our souls and our senses like no other medium. Many of the most powerful songs are rooted in challenge. This session will explore the concept of the writers room as a “therapy session” – delving into challenge, catharsis, healing and art.

Speakers: singer/songwriters Chase McDaniel, Madeline Edwards, Maggie Rose

Executive Roundtable

The mental wellness of the massive ecosystem of music industry people working behind the scenes—from the C suite down to junior positions, major and indie companies alike—takes center stage in this conversation. It’s time to openly share pathways forward to care for those who need to be “the rock” for the artist community.

Speakers: Kevin “Chief” Zaruk, The CORE Entertainment

Reception & Calls To Action                                                  

Food, drink, community and calls to action and other meaningful moments at the mic and in the room.