VP Artist Marketing/Industry Relations, Pandora

FROM WHERE YOU SIT, WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHANGE IN THE NASHVILLE LANDSCAPE?
In the past few years, Nashville has become so much more than the mecca of country music. Pop and rock stars such as The Black Keys, Jack White, Colbie Caillat, Steven Tyler and even Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine all live there. And when you ask them why, they’ll not only answer that it’s cheaper, better for raising kids, etc., but also that this is where they do their best songwriting. The songwriting community here is booming as much as the recording industry, and Nashville’s songwriters are seeing success way beyond country’s borders.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ADJUST TO THAT CHANGE?
Pandora is looking at Nashville as a music community, not just a country-music space. We’re building programs to address all genres of music as well as all the music makers—the artists, producers and songwriters. Working closer with songwriters is key to Pandora naturally becoming more aligned with the overall Nashville community.