by Rick Grant
Michael Knox is a bonafide Nashville Cat, meaning that he’s a highly successful music producer with a track record of hit artists. Currently, he’s got several projects on his plate. He’s involved with producing Jason Aldean’s self-titled platinum album on Broken Bow Records, including the top 10 hit single, ‘Hicktown’, top 5 single, ‘Amarillo Sky’, and the Billboard and R&R number 1 hit single, ‘Why’. He’s also part of Crossing Dixon’s recording process and is busy promoting their tour, but still finds the time to work with other artists.
Michael knows what it takes to produce a hit artist, and how the music biz works. His past list of credits are impressive, proving both his musical ear for quality songwriting and his business acumen. He got his start as an executive for Warner/Chappell Music (1992-2002) where he was responsible for writer and artist development and song placements. His aggressive style left his stamp on more than 150 million records. His productions and promotion skills helped the rise to stardom of many artists, such as John Rich (Big & Rich) Vicky McGehee, Gretchen Wilson, Blue Miller, Terry McBride and others. Michael was also involved in the promotion of the careers of Faith Hill, Tim McCraw, George Strait, Tracy Byrd.
Michael Knox will be hosting the From Tree Hill to Nashville – Songwriters & Songbirds Festival October 23 & 24 with a Q&A session on October 23 from 5 to 6:30 pm. Then on Saturday, October 24, Michael will hold court from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm in the Amphitheater. He will also judge the top 3 artists performance winners of the songwriting contest.
Having a producer of Knox’s caliber is a rare opportunity for budding songwriters to learn about what it takes to be successful in an overcrowded business that’s difficult to break into. If you have the talent and drive, Michael is the guy to produce and promote your artistry.
He’s looking forward to taking a break in Jacksonville, listening to new artists and answering their questions. “I want to listen to what they have to say. I remember trying to get ahead as a new artist and no one would listen to me. So now I’m in a position to listen to new songwriters and what they have to say, and try to give them the benefit of my experience.”
“The main thing I want to tell these songwriters is; you don’t have to sell your house and sacrifice everything to have a career in the music business. In other words, there are other avenues to get ahead.”
He’s also hoping to encourage these artists to understand that they can get started locally, in a much less crowded market. “So many people drop everything and come to Nashville hoping to get noticed, when in fact, they may have a more successful situation in their home town. My job is to get these talented artists noticed and help them produce a great debut record.”
“Then if they have the drive and work ethic to move ahead, then like Jason Aldean, they can get into the upper levels of the business. In my case, it’s about artists respecting me enough to trust my judgment. But respect and trust are earned, and I have the credentials and track record to back up my advice.”
Michael came off as a regular guy who works hard for his stable of artists. To get noticed in today’s music biz, it takes people like Michael Knox connecting the dots. The artist has enough to worry about just performing and writing songs. Michael is an important point man and record producer who knows the business.
The From Tree Hill to Nashville – Songwriters & Songbirds Festival will be a treat for musicians and the audience alike, surrounded by nature’s symphony of cicadas in a setting that sparks creativity. The new amphitheatre facility is designed to be extremely user-friendly. You can see and hear new artists and, if you are an artist, get advice from Michael Knox. What better way to enjoy an autumn afternoon than listening to original music while lounging in a chair or on a blanket?
See the schedule for the fest below. For additional information call (904) 724-4646 or visit treehill.org.
From Nashville to Tree Hill Music Festival Music Festival Schedule
October 23 Private Q & A with Michael Knox @ Tree Hill for all Festival entrants. Michael Knox Bio- click here.
5 – 6:30 pm – All Festival entrants are invited to a private Q & A with Michael Knox. This is your opportunity to ask an expert about the inside scoop of what it takes to be successful in the Nashville Music Business.
October 24 Festival Schedule – 10 am – 6 pm:
10 am – Doors open
10:15 – 10:40 am – Welcome by Tree Hill ED, VI Productions and Michael Knox.
10:40 – 11 am – Mike Shackleford performs.
11 am – 12:30 pm – Top 3 Songwriters perform 2 songs in the amphitheater. Michael Knox will award winner prizes.
12:45 – 1:45 pm – Michael Knox Q & A in the amphitheater.
2 – 3:30 pm – Top 3 Artist Performance winners will perform 2 songs each. Michael Knox will award winner prizes.
4 – 5 pm – Honorable Mention for Up & Coming Artist awarded by Michael Knox.
5:10 – 5:30 pm – Willie Mae performs.
5:30 – 6 pm – Media Meet & Greet.
$5 General Admission to Festival on October 24 for ages 6 and up.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the festival. Festival entrants will have their CD’s available for purchase. Go to http://www.treehill.org/musicfestival for more information.
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