Today we’d like to introduce you to Clay Myers.
Hi Clay, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I moved to Nashville in 1986 from Orange Park, Florida with one goal: get close to great songs and the people who know how to turn them into careers. My first real break was working at Maypop Music, owned by the band ALABAMA, where I learned the publishing side from the inside—how catalogs are built, how writers are developed, and how the business actually moves.
From there, I stepped into larger leadership roles, including helping build and run a new publishing division at Reba McEntire’s Starstruck Entertainment, where the standard was simple: develop extraordinary writers and deliver songs that compete at the highest level. ([Wendy Pearl PR][1]) That path expanded into representing catalogs and facilitating deals at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), and later serving as GM/VP at Roy Orbison Music/Still Working Music—experiences that sharpened my perspective on both the creative process and the long-term value of rights.
After decades across publishing, management, catalog strategy, and talent development—including building teams, signing writers, and working with companies like Big Tractor Music and MV2 Entertainment—I realized there was a major gap for independent artists and writers: plenty of talent, but not enough true strategy, accountability, and “next-step” execution. ([NEW ROOTS][3]) In 2020, I launched Nashville Music Consultants to bring Music Row-level guidance to developing artists, songwriters, publishers, and production teams—helping them clarify the plan, protect their time and money, and take consistent action that moves the needle.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
All journeys with traveling will present some struggles along the way. The music industry has changed so much from the 80’s. 90’s. 00’s, and even more change have happened in the last five years that are always causing new exciting challenges for artists, songwriters, publishers, labels, agents, and artists.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nashville Music Consultants. LLC?
Nashville Music Consultants is a boutique, Nashville-based consulting firm I founded to help developing artists and songwriters stop guessing and start executing a clear, professional plan. At the simplest level: we build strategic action plans that protect two things artists routinely lose without guidance—time and money—and we help them take consistent, measurable steps forward.
We provide hands-on, customized guidance across the real “career-building” levers that move an independent artist forward, including:
* **Artist development + roadmap planning** (milestones, timelines, weekly priorities)
* **A&R and song search / collaboration strategy** (finding the right songs and the right rooms)
* **Brand and imaging development** (positioning, visuals, photo/stylist coordination, message clarity)
* **Release strategy + execution** (practical planning and accountability around launches)
* **Project management + industry navigation** (connecting the dots so the artist isn’t spinning)
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor starts with clarity and consistency. First, get specific about what you want guidance on—songs, branding, release strategy, or industry navigation—because the right mentor is the person who has done what you’re trying to do and can help you make better decisions, not simply the biggest name. Then put yourself in the same rooms consistently—writer rounds, workshops, showcases, industry events, and local music communities—so you stop being a stranger and start building trust over time. When you reach out, make it easy for them to say yes by asking one focused question, sharing concise materials, and showing that you’ve already done the work. The best mentorships usually begin as professional relationships where someone notices you’re prepared, coachable, and follow through—then they lean in. Warm introductions help, but your reliability is what turns an introduction into an actual mentor relationship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nashvillemusicconsultants.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claymyers
