Paul Worley is head of A&R at Warner Brothers Records Nashville. Also a guitarist and producer, he has produced albums for some of country music's biggest stars, including Big & Rich and the Dixie Chicks.
Paul Worley talks about his background of having many different positions and experiences in the music industry. Paul discusses how he started a career at music row and describes how he advanced and began making contacts with songwriters and publishers in Nashville. He goes on to say that after some more experience he got the opportunity to produce and became heavily involved in a publishing company which led to a job with Sony and then Warner Brothers.
Paul Worley talks about the country music scene and songwriting community in Nashville. He talks about the access artists have to great songwriters in Nashville and that most songwriters in Nashville can be found within a ten block radius. Paul makes the point that Nashville is not just a country music city but a very diversified music scene. He goes on to talk about the significance of country music that defines mainstream America and how it includes a wide genre that has a fan base encompassing all demographics.
Paul Worley discusses what a producer should do to fulfill the needs of the artist and the record label. He believes that once you begin working with an artist, you have to blend numerous sound design elements that enhance the artist and the music their recording. He goes on to discuss the similarities and differences between the production styles of country music and other genres.
Paul Worley, discusses various ways a person is signed to a record label. The first point he makes is how many artists get recognized by a label through a publisher. Paul also mentions stpes to tak in order to get a record deal by making contacts with people within the industry and getting exposure through new forms of media.
Paul Worley explains what it takes to be successful in the music industry. He makes the point that you need to be able to give a performance by yourself and have a great voice. Paul then discusses the criteria he believes makes a hit such as a good melody, meaningful lyrics and a distinctive voice. He advises bands to compare their music to songs in the mainstream and decide whether it could compete with major label music.
