MAKING MUSIC TODAY

Whitefish Songwriter Festival Industry Panel

September 19, 2:00 pm at 101 Central.  Admission is free with an all-access pass or an all-day Saturday pass.

The music industry is evolving faster than ever before—and today's songwriters, artists, producers, and executives are navigating an entirely new landscape. Making Music Today brings together some of Nashville's most respected creative and business leaders for an engaging conversation about where the music industry is headed, what's changing, and what every songwriter should know to succeed.

Whether you're an aspiring songwriter, a music fan, or an industry professional, this panel offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the people helping shape today's music business. Through candid discussion, behind-the-scenes stories, and audience Q&A, our panelists will explore the challenges, opportunities, and innovations redefining songwriting and artist development in 2026.

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FEATURED PANELISTS

  • NATHAN CHAPMAN

    Three-time Grammy Award-winning producer, songwriter, and musician, Nathan Chapman is best known as the producer behind Taylor Swift's first five groundbreaking albums, including Fearless, Speak Now, Red, and 1989. With more than 17 No. 1 records as a producer and songwriting credits recorded by artists including Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Lady A, Shania Twain, and Dan + Shay, Nathan has helped launch and shape some of country music's biggest careers. 

  • BJ HILL

    BJ Hill is Senior Vice President of A&R for Warner Chappell Music Publishing in Nashville, where he has spent most of his career since joining the company in 2002. He has signed or worked closely with some of Nashville’s most successful songwriters and artists, including Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Wendell Mobley, Laura Veltz, Bailey Zimmerman, Matt Ramsey, Dan + Shay, and members of Lady A. Hill has also helped secure cuts and singles for artists including Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Chris Young, Martina McBride, Lee Brice, and many others.

  • PRESTON RODIE

    As Vice President of A&R at Republic Records, Preston Rodie works with one of the world's leading record labels, helping discover, develop, and guide the next generation of artists. With previous A&R leadership roles at Warner Records and RCA Records, Preston brings valuable insight into artist development, label strategy, and what record companies are looking for in today's rapidly changing marketplace. 

  • ASH BOWERS

    Award-winning songwriter, producer, recording artist, and music executive Ash Bowers has enjoyed success from multiple sides of the business. Today he focuses on artist development, publishing, and helping emerging talent build sustainable careers while continuing to champion great songwriting as the foundation of lasting success.

  • JULES WORTMAH

    MODERATOR

    Jules is a veteran strategic communications, branding, and entertainment executive with more than three decades of experience building brands and launching careers. As founder of Wortman Works Media & Marketing, she helps emerging companies and talent develop compelling brand strategies, positioning, partnerships, and marketing campaigns. With leadership experience at Warner Bros. Records, MCA/Universal, and Atlantic Records, Wortman brings deep industry expertise and a powerful cross-industry network.

FEATURED DISCUSSION TOPICS

  • Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every aspect of music creation—from lyric generation and production to vocal cloning and mastering. But can AI truly replicate human emotion, lived experience, and authentic storytelling? Our panel will explore where AI is becoming a valuable creative tool, where it raises ethical and legal concerns, and why human creativity remains the heart of unforgettable songs.

  • With more than 100,000 new songs uploaded to streaming platforms every day, standing out has never been more challenging. Our panelists will discuss how songwriters and artists can build audiences, develop meaningful careers, leverage social media without losing authenticity, and create opportunities in today's direct-to-fan economy.

  • The traditional path to success has changed dramatically. Publishing deals, independent careers, sync licensing, songwriting camps, co-writing, and artist development all look different than they did just a decade ago. This discussion will examine how professional songwriters are adapting, where new revenue opportunities are emerging, and the skills today's writers need to build long-term careers.

Making Music Today offers an inside look at the conversations shaping Nashville and the music industry today. Whether you're writing your first song, pursuing a publishing deal, producing records, or simply fascinated by the creative process, this lively discussion provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn from some of the industry's most accomplished songwriters, producers, executives, and creative leaders.

Cari Klepper | Whitefish Songwriter Festival | 206.713.3000

A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization supporting music education and bringing great music to Whitefish and the Flathead Valley.  EIN - 33-2644796.