This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Musicians looking for the next big break will have a chance to learn from the best in the business — Nashville music publishers Bobby Rymer and Chris Oglesby — and get a shot at advancing their careers at two special events Sept. 20 and Sept. 21 at Refinement Records in Draper.
Rymer and Oglesby have agreed to critique 20 original songs at a day-long master class on Sept. 21 and then hold private, one-on-one sessions that day with four songwriters, with the intent of pitching the best songs to artists, films and TV shows in Nashville.
Adam Reader, president of Refinement Records, said in a release: "This could be that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity local artists have been waiting for. Both of these experts have had enormous success in their own personal careers as well as being associated with and developing the biggest names in the music industry. They are looking for talent and this master class could be a door-opener for Utah musicians."
The class will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Refinement Records headquarters, 12244 South Business Park Drive, Suite 270, Draper, Utah.
The cost is $65 when registering online, or $75 at the door, and includes lunch. To register, go to http://www.refinementrecords.com/publishingmasterclass or call 801-890-1480.
Rymer and Oglesby will also be guest celebrity judges at an ALL STAR Open Mic Fight on Friday, Sept. 20 from 7:30-10 pm. Ten of the best local artists will perform original songs, receive feedback, and have the chance to get their songs heard by publishers. The winner goes home with a cash prize of $250. Tickets are $10, and will be available at the door and also at http://www.refinementrecords.com/openmicfight.
Rymer has held senior executive positions at major record labels and was instrumental in developing the careers of Emmylou Harris, Trace Adkins, Faith Hill, Jo Dee Messina, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Jamie O'Neal, George Strait and dozens more.
Oglesby has been associated with dozens of hit songs including Carrie Underwood's "So Small," "Temporary Home," and "Last Name"; Rascal Flatts' "Prayin' for Daylight"; George Strait's "Check Yes or No"; Kenny Chesney's "Young" and "The Good Stuff"; Lone Star's "Amazed"; Mark Wills' "19 Something"; Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying"; Keith Urban's "Only You Can Love Me This Way," and Martina McBride's single "God's Will." Two of Oglesby's recent musical projects have resulted in No. 1 records: Kip Moore's "Somethin' 'Bout a Truck" and Jake Owens' "Alone with You," as well as tracks with Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Eminem, Kenny Chesney and others. Chris Oglesby currently works with songwriters Dan Couch, Steve McEwan, Jerry Flowers, Rodney Crowell and Bobby Hamrick.