#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.

Next Episode

#4 Peter Hartung: Never, Ever Ever, Give Up

On Episode 04 of The Golden Rules, Peter Hartung shares his journey to success in the music industry and his golden rules for life and business.
Peter Hartung, President of L3 Entertainment and manager of Country Music artists - Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, and Tyler Rich stops by the studio.
Golden Rules:
▪Family - Above all else
▪Be honest, be forthright, say what you mean
▪Don't be afraid to ask questions
▪The body is a gift, take care of it
▪Never, ever ever, give up
▪Don't hesitate to do what needs to be done, to keep the dream
alive.
Peter has 40 years of music industry experience. He's been a touring musician, a promoter, personally received two record deals, been a booking agent, founded multiple companies before starting L3 Entertainment.
Over that short time, Peter has led his team and artists to multiple Number #1 singles, Platinum selling albums, Hundreds of Millions of Streams, and several awards.
His connections in the music industry run as deep as his core values, and that's what sets Peter apart in the business. His approachable demeanor, know-how, resolve, and ability to build lasting friendships is something we can all learn from.