Get ready for an insightful chat with music publishing execs Michael Knox (peermusic Nashville), Nate Lowery (Cornman Music), and Kos Weaver (Goat Island), sharing stories from their early days in the biz! Moderated by MaryAnn Keen (BMI), these independent publishers will dish the ups, downs, and pivotal moments that shaped their careers and companies. Hear how these experiences still impact today’s music publishing landscape and get a peek into what’s next. A light breakfast & coffee will be offered before the conversation begins. Don’t miss out on this chance to hear from the pros who’ve made waves in the industry!

PARKING/DIRECTIONS: Parking is located at the Pine Street Parking Garage on Pine Street, behind The Pub (first hour is free). From the garage, walk west to 11th Ave and cross the street. The MLC building is the brick building on the corner of 11th and Pine Street. Enter the building from the side facing Noble Park. Use the call box on the right of the door and select suite 200 – let them know you’re there for the Back Then Breakfast.

Thank you to our main sponsor, FirstBank!!

ABOUT THE PANELISTS: 

MICHAEL KNOX – Most noted for his production work with country superstar and ACM Dick Clark Artist of the Decade recipient Jason Aldean, Michael Knox celebrates 31 number ones, over 60 million singles and over 30 million albums sold during his production career. Other production credits also include Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Trace Adkins, Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, Clay Walker, the hit TV series “Nashville”, Tim Montana, as well as his father, the late, great Buddy Knox (“Party Doll” fame 1957), among others. Throughout his career, Knox has received one CMA Award for producing the 2011 Album of the Year My Kinda Party (Jason Aldean) and four ACM Awards, including his latest for producing the 3 week #1 2021 ACM Single of the Year “If I Didn’t Love You” (Jason Aldean/Carrie Underwood).  In addition, Knox was also named one of Billboard’s Country Power Players in 2020 & 2021. In 2018, Michael formed Music Knox Records (in conjunction with BMG) and also launched the syndicated radio show Knox Country 360 in 2020.  In 2022 & 2023, Knox and co-host Shalacy Griffin were nominated for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year from the Academy of Country Music. Michael currently serves as President of peermusic Nashville and has previously served on the CMA and ACM Board of Directors

NATE LOWERY – Nate Lowery grew up in Florence, Alabama watching the songwriting business firsthand.  His father, songwriter Donny Lowery, scored big with songs like “Old Flames” (Alabama) and “Why Does It Have To Be Wrong or Right” (Restless Heart). After moving to Nashville, he began his career at Windswept Publishing, in the time honored tradition of working in the Tape Copy Room. From there, he was hired by Chris Oglesby to help build his new company, Oglesby Writer Management, which was part of 19 Entertainment, producers of American Idol. His next move was to the newly formed Cornman Music, founded by hit songwriter Brett James. Nate is the president and co-owner of Cornman Music and has been with the company since its inception in 2007. He has signed the likes of Caitlyn Smith, Erik Dylan, Josh Miller, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan and Graham Barham to their first deals and worked closely with Kip Moore on his first few albums.

KOS WEAVER – Goat Island is on an unprecedented tear. After only a little over fours years in operation and two songwriter/artist signings, the music publishing division has secured five #1 songs and over 200 multi-genre major label artists cuts. The record label division is equally hot releasing music on genre bending songwriter/artist phenom Jaxson Free and recently partnering with MCA on powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Jacob Hackworth who will be impacting country radio in April. Kos has built a career that spans 40 years and includes experience in all facets of the music industry. Most recently, he was Executive Vice President overseeing the US and Nashville operations for BMG. During his tenure at BMG, the Nashville office achieved unprecedented success with over 40 #1 songs; Kos took BMG from outside the top 10 in country publisher rankings to #3. At the same time, he launched successful record campaigns with Alabama and Danny Gokey, and spearheaded the 2017 $105 million dollar acquisition of Broken Bow Records. He led a team that started at 30 and grew to over 200 employees, artists and songwriters all while maintaining record growth and profitability. He also founded management firm, Curo KR, that developed country artist Canaan Smith to Double Platinum success. Curo has since blended into the Goat Island family of businesses. Kos has worked alongside a wide variety of creators: Alabama, Jason Aldean, Shy Carter, Scooter Carusoe, Brantley Gilbert, Kings of Leon, Jim Lauderdale, Hillary Lindsey, Carly Pearce, Margo Price & Stephen Wilson Jr. He is a voracious multi-genre music listener who cannot help but share his enthusiasm for the future of creativity and its related commerce with artists that are as committed to living a life in music as he is. Bob Dylan has been quoted as saying, “the purpose of life is to create.” Kos’s past, present and future is in service of his desire to help creators with that mission.