#1 Rusty Gaston: Love + Fun = Success

Explicit content warning

03/27/19 • 71 min

On episode 01 of The Golden Rules, Partner and General Manager of THiS Music Publishing, Rusty Gaston, talks about success in the music business.
- How he got into the music business
- What he looks for in songwriters
- His golden rules for success in life and business
#QOTD Love + Fun = Success
#Knowledge
- Never giving up
- Providing a service like no other
- Be consumed with the details
- Action creates action
- Love what you do
For those not in the music industry, a publisher is someone who signs songwriters, gets their songs placed on albums, sets up co-writes, and helps guide songwriters into the most successful opportunities.
Rusty hit the ground running with his first job at SmithHaven Music where he secured artist deals for writer/artists Jeff Bates and Will Hoge. From there he was hired by top producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jodee Messina) to run his publishing company, Song Garden, which thrived under Rusty’s guidance. His next venture was THiS Music, a partnership with songwriting superstars Tim Nichols and Connie Harrington. As managing partner, he has built the company into one of the most successful publishing houses on Music Row.
As General Manager and Partner of THiS Music, Rusty Gaston oversees all creative and day-to-day operations of the publishing company he owns with partners/songwriters Tim Nichols and Connie Harrington. The roster of writer/artists he manages included Nichols (Live Like You Were Dyin) and Harrington (I Drive Your Truck), as well as Ben Hayslip (2011 & 2012 ASCAP Songwriter Of The Year), Jessi Alexander (The Climb), JT Harding (Different For Girls), Jimmy Yeary (I Drive Your Truck), Marv Green (Shotgun Rider), Deric Ruttan (What Was I Thinking), and Molly Reed (Centricity Records). His approach to music publishing is much like an artist/management relationship — he sees it as imperative to create and manage opportunities/brands for all his writers. Previously, Gaston spent five years as GM of Song Garden Music, a publishing company owned by producer Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw/Faith Hill).
Rusty Gaston is a force of nature. His relentless drive and passion for growing songwriters’ careers are legendary in Nashville and beyond.

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#5 John Ozier: Be a No Secrets Leader

On episode 05 of The Golden Rules, Vice President of Ole Music Publishing, John Ozier, shares his music publishing journey, writing hit songs, and his golden rules for life and business.
- How he got into the music business
- How he balances writing #1 hit songs & being a publishing executive
- His golden rules for success in life and business
#QOTD You're only as good as your reputation
#QOTD Everyday we start back at zero
#Knowledge
- Walk toward the barking dog
- Be a no secrets leader
- Be present in everything
- Tell the truth and respect others
- Do it for the right reasons
- Take more responsibility gracefully
- How he balances writing #1 hit songs & being a publishing executive
- His golden rules for success in life and business
- Ten #1 songs in 2018
For those not in the music industry, a publisher is someone who signs songwriters, gets their songs placed on albums, sets up co-writes, and helps guide songwriters into the most successful opportunities.
John Ozier is young, straightforward and honest. He has built his successful 14-year career from the ground up by staying true to his passions, trusting his gut, and good old fashion hard work.
He has served as Executive Director of Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) and won the Nashville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 to name a few.
John has been responsible for over 20 #1s as an A&R executive, a publisher, and as a songwriter. In 2016-2017, Ozier led the Creative team to over 100+ singles internationally, including #1s by Randy Houser, Kelsea Ballerini, LOCASH, Jason Aldean, Dan + Shay, Justin Moore, Chris Janson, Brantley Gilbert, Brett Young and more.
John has not rested on his laurels and has the track record to prove it. Over his career, he has placed songs recorded by Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Florida Georgia Line, Rodney Atkins, Clay Walker, Love & Theft, Ronnie Dunn, Jo Dee Messina, and many more.
In 2010, Ozier was responsible for four songs in the Top 15 on the Billboard country charts, including the longest-ever running single, Lee Brice’s “Love Like Crazy,” at 56 weeks. More recently, he was responsible for No. 1s by Rodney Atkins (“Take A Back Road”) and Lee Brice (“A Woman Like You” and “I Drive Your Truck”).
He is also a published songwriter with cuts by Lee Brice, Kelli Pickler, Charlie Worsham, Kid Rock, Josh Thompson, Tyler Farr, American Young, Air Supply, and others. He co-wrote Lee Brice’s multi-week No. 1 and platinum single, “Hard to Love," which won a BMI Award in 2013, as well as an NSAI Award for 'Top 10 Songs I Wish I'd Written.' Ozier also co-wrote Tyler Farr's 34-week #1 and Gold Single, "Whiskey In My Water."
John believes in the Golden Rule, treat people the way you want to be treated. He also prides himself on work ethic, leadership, and truth. It's the combination of those values mixed with a great ear for songs, and the talent to craft one, that makes him not only unique in the industry but one of the best publishing executives in the business.