By Justin Thorn, Reporter
Refinement Records, located in Draper, Utah, hosted a workshop last weekend for local singer songwriters.
The workshop, titled Publishing Master Class, had two very distinguished guest speakers: Nashville publishers Bobby Rymer and Chris Oglesby. These men have played a major part in the careers of singers like Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, George Strait, Rascal Flats and many more.
On the first night of this two day event, an ‘open mic fight’ was held for local artists to strut their stuff. Bobby and Chris were there to judge and seek local talent.
The second day got even more interesting as songwriters submitted their best songs to Rymer and Oglesby. 20 people were selected to perform their music and be critiqued.
Four of these performers were selected for some rare one-on-one time with one of the two producers, to be instructed on how they could improve their music and make it in the country music industry.
The day also held other activities, such as a session with professional songwriter Tom Worth, a publishing Q-and-A session with Rymer and Oglesby and a session learning how to write songs for the marketplace.
“I came to Nashville wanting to be a musician, knowing without a doubt I’d be bigger than Kenny Rogers,” Oglesby, pointing at his stomach, said, “and I am. I ended up in publishing, and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Oglesby talked to those people eager to find their way into the music industry about the various career paths available. He acknowledged that many believe the only place they want is to be in the spotlight, singing or playing an instrument.
“Your plans may change,” Oglesby said, “and you need to be willing to roll with it. Put yourself with people of similar interests.”
Refinement Records, the host of this event, encourages local talent to further their music and follow their dreams. They specialize in artist development, marketing and recording. If interested, you can hit up www.refinementrecords.com and contact them.
