Key Takeaways
- Ree Guyer is a successful music publisher and owner of Wrensong Publishing, with a career spanning over three decades.
- She has worked with numerous notable artists and songwriters, including Billy Barber, Jon Vezner, Ashley Monroe, Jon Randall, and Trevor Rosen.
- Guyer has been instrumental in launching the careers of several singer-songwriters and has won multiple awards for her work, including three Song of the Year awards.
- She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between work and life, and has learned to forgive and forget in order to avoid bitterness in the music industry.
- Guyer’s company, Wrensong Publishing, has been responsible for numerous hit songs and has played a significant role in shaping the country music landscape.
Introduction to Ree Guyer
Ree Guyer was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from St. Mary’s University with a degree in Child Psychology and Studio Arts. After college, she held two jobs: one as a production potter for Sansei Pottery and another as a sales position for Wrensong Publishing, a company founded by her father, Reyn Guyer. The initial concept of Wrensong was to help professional jingle writers get their commercial songs recorded by major recording artists. Guyer’s early experiences in the music industry were shaped by her father’s creative influence and her own passion for sales and music.
Early Career and Move to Nashville
In 1985, Guyer landed her first cut with the help of her friend, Bob Doyle, and the song "Little Things" became a No. 1 single for the Oak Ridge Boys. This success led Guyer to move to Nashville and open the Music Row office for Wrensong Publishing. She signed her first staff writer, Jon Vezner, in 1986, and within 18 months, he had his first two singles, including the award-winning song "Where’ve You Been." Guyer’s experiences in Nashville were marked by her determination to succeed and her willingness to take risks in the competitive music industry.
Working with Notable Artists and Songwriters
Guyer has worked with numerous notable artists and songwriters throughout her career, including Billy Barber, Jon Vezner, Ashley Monroe, Jon Randall, and Trevor Rosen. She was instrumental in launching the careers of several singer-songwriters, including Ashley Monroe and Jon Randall, and has won multiple awards for her work, including three Song of the Year awards. Guyer’s ability to identify and nurture talent has been a key factor in her success, and she has been praised for her dedication to her writers and her passion for great songs.
Lessons Learned and Advice
Throughout her career, Guyer has learned the importance of finding a balance between work and life. Her father’s advice to find balance and avoid bitterness has been a guiding principle for her, and she has made a conscious effort to forgive and forget when wronged by others in the industry. Guyer’s experiences have also taught her the value of taking risks and being open to new opportunities, and she has been willing to adapt and evolve in order to stay successful in the ever-changing music industry.
Legacy and Current Projects
Today, Guyer is still actively involved in the music industry, and her company, Wrensong Publishing, continues to be a major player in the country music landscape. She is currently working with new writers, including MaKayla Lynn and Conor Matthews, and is excited about the potential for future success. Guyer’s legacy is marked by her numerous awards and accolades, as well as her contributions to the careers of countless artists and songwriters. Her dedication to great songs and her passion for the music industry have made her a respected and beloved figure in Nashville, and her influence will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion
Ree Guyer’s career is a testament to her hard work, determination, and passion for the music industry. From her early days as a production potter and salesperson to her current role as a successful music publisher, Guyer has always been driven by her love of great songs and her desire to help others succeed. Her legacy is a reminder that success is possible with dedication and perseverance, and her contributions to the music industry will continue to inspire and influence future generations of artists and songwriters.
