This past July, Harnen made Billboard Magazine’s “First-Ever Nashville Top 50 Power Players” list at No. 45. “I am thrilled to be on that list. There are so many great people on that list, and it is an honor to be recognized for what you do,” he said.
His plans for the future with the Big Machine Label Group include to continue “finding great music and great artistry,” as well as to develop them and taking them to the next level. “The plan is to continue seeking out music that moves a society,” he said.
Regarding his job descriptions as Executive Vice President of the Big Machine Label Group and President of Republic Nashville, he said, “Being President of Republic Nashville, I oversee the label and everybody on that staff reports directly to me. As Executive Vice President, Scott Borchetta utilizes me for artist development, A&R, promotion with all five companies.”
Republic Nashville is comprised of such artists as Florida Georgia Line, Eli Young Band, Cassadee Pope, The Band Perry and A Thousand Horses.
For aspiring singers, songwriters and producers, he recommended they stay true to themselves. “Don’t try to be like anybody else. At the same time, work very hard, because it is a craft and it needs to be practiced repeatedly. You can’t get on a PGA tour by playing golf twice a week. You need to put in the time, and if you are unique with your style, you have a greater chance of being successful,” he said.
When asked how he balances a professional life and a family life, Harnen shared, “First of all, I have an amazing wife, Lynn. She is the reason I came to Nashville. She is my best friend and an amazing mother to our two children, and the entire family loves music.”
For Harnen, the key to longevity in the music industry is “customer acceptance.” “As long as the fans love what you are doing, and there is an honest relationship, the fans will stay with you,” he said. “Be as honest in your creations and delivery of your art and strive for greatness. The plan is pretty straightforward. It’s the execution of that plan that can be a challenge.”
Particularly impressive about Harnen is that he had a Top 10 hit with his band Jimmy Harnen & Synch with the ballad “Where Are You Now” in the 80’s. The song’s title is quite ironic since people walk up to him to this day and ask him “Where are you now?” The song was a big record in 1989, which reached the Top 3 on the adult contemporary charts, and afforded him the privilege to share the stage with such musical acts as Bon Jovi, Michael Bolton and Bad English. “It was amazing fun and it gave me a Harvard-like education to the music business,” he said.
On working with Scott Borchetta, the president and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group, he said, “Scott is one of my best friends, and he taught me a lot when I first came to town, and he continues to educate me today. He is always very fair and he challenges me, and I respect him beyond words. It couldn’t be better.”
To learn more about the Big Machine Label Group, check out its official website.
