11 years ago, this week, I lost my job. I was given one paycheck and no severance, with 3 young kids at home. I’m honestly not sure how, but somehow, I knew I should rent an office and go in to work the next day. With much prayer and my wife Susan’s support, that’s what I did. The phone started ringing while I was sitting on the floor trying to put together my new cheap, pressboard desk that I bought at target. Within 2 days, 6 companies and writers had hired us to represent them for the Nashville market. In addition, I was able to sign a few writers to my own publishing company. That was the day I started DHM. Over the years, the company has been blessed with a couple of number #1’s and many cuts with major label artists reaching gold and platinum status in the Nashville country market. Controlling our foreign admin also brought our clients and writers wonderful opportunities around the world leading to us opening DHM’s Australian arm DHM Endeavour. We have enjoyed a few #1’s there, and many cuts on major label artists in addition to making lifelong friends on the other side of the world.
The biggest thing I have learned is that the music business is hard, but it can be done. Resist the urge to run to hills. Persist and plow through. Utilize your relationships. As a publisher, writer or whatever job you have in the music business, you must always be willing to reinvent yourself. I was forced to and am grateful. The minute you think someone should respect you for what you’ve done in the past is the moment your career is in the past. I’m thankful for my wife, who dotted the I’s and crossed the T’s and loved me whether I had a big song that year or not. I’m thankful to God for protecting us in our most vulnerable moments. I’m thankful for all the companies and writers we’ve represented as a publisher or consultant and am always looking for new clients that we can help for the Nashville market. Here’s to the next 11 years!
We appreciate all the artists that have recorded DHM pitched or published songs. Just to name a few…
Nashville – Billy Currington, Kelsea Ballerini, Keith Urban, Martina McBride (2), Reba McEntire (3), Chris Young, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Kenny Rogers (2), Swon Brothers, Josh Kelley, Faith Hill, Randy Houser (2), Lee Brice, Tracy Byrd, Marie Osmond, Clay Walker, Blaine Larsen
Australia – Travis Collins (4), Adam Brand (2), Caitlyn Shadbolt, Amber Lawrence (3), The Wolfe Brothers, Brad Butcher, Christie Lamb (4), Dianna Corcoran (2), Karin Page, Rachael Fahim (2), Mickey Pye, Kaylee Bell(2), Jason Owen, Victoria Avenue (2), Jared Porter (4), Kaylen’s Rain (2), Brad Cox (2)
