AIMP: Nashville Pubcast

In this episode, Tim sits down with Zebb Luster, Executive VP and Artist Manager at River House Artists, for a deep dive into artist development in today's music industry. Zebb shares his unlikely journey from an agricultural background in Florida to becoming one of the key figures behind River House's growth. Along the way, he discusses how building songwriter rounds helped him create relationships throughout Nashville, why songs remain the foundation of every successful artist career, and how River House has evolved into a full-service company spanning publishing, label services, and management. The conversation explores what artist development really means in 2026—from songwriting and branding to social media strategy, fan engagement, and long-term consistency. For artists trying to cut through the noise, Zebb offers practical advice on building a sustainable career rather than chasing overnight success.

In this episode, Tim Hunze sits down with hit songwriter Randy Montana, who shares his journey from growing up in a musical family to building a career that’s included both an artist deal and nine number-one songs. Randy reflects on the pivotal moments that pushed him toward songwriting, how losing his record deal became the best thing that ever happened to him, and the long-standing creative bond he shares with Luke Combs. He also discusses the importance of relationships in the music business, how he approaches co-writing with artists, and what role publishers have played throughout his career. Packed with honesty, humor, and practical advice, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience and collaboration.

In this episode, Tim Hunze is joined by Dave Cohen, one of Nashville’s top session players who has carved out an impressive multi-lane career as a producer, songwriter, and musician. Dave opens up about his path from Canada to Music Row, his early touring years, how mentorship shaped his producer journey, and what ultimately drew him into songwriting. He also shares the challenges of constantly evolving, staying inspired, and why building a diverse skillset is critical in today’s industry. Packed with honesty, humor, and industry insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone charting a creative path in music.

In this episode, Tim Hunze sits down with Nikki Sanz, the founder and CEO of GIGGS — a rapidly growing platform revolutionizing how live event professionals connect, get hired, and build careers. Nikki shares her journey from touring with Eric Church to launching a tech startup aimed at solving the chaotic, word-of-mouth hiring process in the live production world. She opens up about the struggles of entrepreneurship, raising nearly $1M after hitting rock bottom, and why mentorship, hustle, and community are essential to her mission. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to start something from scratch — or how live gigs actually come together behind the scenes — this episode is for you.

In part one of this two-part episode, legendary producer and label executive Scott Hendricks joins Tim Hunze for a deep-dive into his incredible 40+ year career. From discovering his passion after watching The Beatles on Ed Sullivan to producing 80+ No. 1 hits for artists like Blake Shelton and Alan Jackson, Scott shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. He breaks down what makes a great producer, why confidence matters in the studio, and how surrounding yourself with talent can elevate the entire process. Whether you're an artist, aspiring producer, or just a fan of country music history, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

Katie Kerkhover, SVP at BMG, shares her journey from musician to A&R executive and offers a behind-the-scenes look at artist development. She discusses building projects from the ground up, what she looks for in new talent, and how BMG’s collaborative culture fuels artist success.

Tim Hunze kicks off Season 8 with a deeply personal solo episode, reflecting on the challenges that led to a temporary hiatus for the podcast. He opens up about personal loss, the pressures of balancing his career and the podcast, and the importance of mental health in the music industry. Cheers to Season 8! We’re excited to be back!

Thomas David "T.D." Ruth is a partner at Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP, specializing in entertainment law since 2005. With a decade of prior experience in the music industry, he has managed artists, produced concerts, and pioneered digital distribution. In 2003, T.D. launched one of the first companies offering lossless audio distribution, setting trends in consumer licensing and artist rights. His clientele includes Grammy-winning musicians, athletes, and actors, as well as start-ups in the entertainment and tech sectors. T.D. is known for his expertise in brand development, trademark law, and rights of publicity.