Rising Stars: Meet Cara Hogan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Hogan.

Hi Cara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began in the music industry very early, managing local bands while at MTSU, studying Recording Industry Management, Marketing and Business. My first position was as an intern for Georgeann Galente, former wife of music industry great Joe Galante. Artists on the roster were The Bellamy Brothers and Joy Lynn White.

At the time, I modeled and was in several music videos which were super popular at the time on MTV and CMT. I even dabbled as a VJ myself. However, I always knew that I wanted a job that used my brain and that I wasn’t interested in being in the limelight. In my 20’s, I was discovered working at Bass Berry and Simms law firm by an attorney who could see my drive and interest. He mentioned me to his client, the new owners of Gibson Guitar, and I was hired as the GM of their educational division, Gibson Kids. While at Gibson for over 25 years, I played many roles including International Director of Entertainment Relations. I was also a key member of the Marketing & Development team for Epiphone. In that role, I facilitated the development of many signature models with artists including Jack Casady, Loretta Lynn, Nancy Wilson, Jeff Baxter, Noel Gallagher, Alex Lifeson, Frank Iero, Jay Jay French to name a few. I put on large and small-scale events, worked in philanthropy, headed up marketing efforts that co-branded with large corporate groups and acted as liaison between the brand and many well know artists and industry greats. In addition to a long career with Gibson, I also owned and operated a historic 1825 wedding and events location called Spring Haven Mansion, managed and advised several artists, and am currently the Executive Director of The Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival. This is an amazing festival the 3rd weekend of August, hosting over 25 #1 Hit Songwriters and 60 selected songwriters in the Great Smoky Mountains with shows all over Gatlinburg and surrounding cities.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. My first mentor, Georgeann Galante, let me know about the “Good Ole Boy” network in the industry. Unfortunately at the time, it was very tough for a woman in this business, much less one who wanted to be anything more than support staff. I remember interviewing for jobs and literally and blatantly being asked for sex if I were given the job. Things are definitely better than they used to be, but even when I was in an executive position, I was sexually harassed by one of my bosses. There are all kinds of bully’s, my advice is to know your worth and stand your ground. The good news is, if you are a hard-working, strong person of your word, someone will always support you. In any job, if you are authentically you, you can’t lose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, in addition to consulting, I am the Executive Director of the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival and am. I think what I am best at is what they call “herding cats”. What that means is getting the creative artists, songwriters, brides, musicians, and industry folks to do whatever it is they need to do on task. I think I also have a knack for putting businesses and artists together so they mutually support each other. I think that is why I have always been drawn to management. Figuring out all the little details, matching them to the right person, place, thing seems to be my superpower. I am also doing some manager-ish work for songwriters and artists either from another country or new to the business. I love giving people the tools to do their best without micro-managing the results. Everyone in Nashville sells the dream of a record deal. I am not. What I do is help everyone be the best they can be by assisting with introductions, lining up key players, making sure the people are quality, contracts, booking, setting up endorsements, a PR team, and social media. Some people need to work on songwriting, others press and PR, some songwriters need a person to put them out there, book their shows, and festivals, and keep them valid. I think having someone you can trust in this position is super important.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I think most people would be surprised that I am a songwriter myself. I have spent my entire career in the music industry behind the scene, and I was happy there. But when I was going through a really rough time, my friend and hit songwriter, Steve Dean, encouraged me to write. I managed Steve in the past and working at Gibson, my musical tastes includes all genres, making a pretty good combination. Putting your soul out there in the music, then seeing your music relate to other people is an honor. It truly is a healing art that is shared by the writers, performers and listeners.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.gatlinburgsongwriters.com
• Instagram: gatlinburgsongwritersfestival
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GatlinburgSongwritersFestival 

Image Credits
Photo: Cara Hogan L to R Victoria Venier, President, Cara Hogan, Executive Director Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival Photo: Jack Bouher