Publisher Writer Experience with Lauren Funk and Gilles Godard

 Discover Sooner, the company accelerating the attention of publishers to unsigned songwriters and artists, has announced the Publisher Writer Experience with Lauren Funk and Gilles Godard. This three-month interactive mentoring and songwriting program is designed for songwriters and artists where participants have the option to choose and work with either publishing professional during the duration of the program. Songwriter applications are due by May 22 with more details at discoversooner.com/pwe.

Because leading publishing companies are extremely selective about who they choose to work with, developing relationships can take years. The Publisher Writer Experience accelerates introductions between publishers and writers and helps new relationships naturally develop over time. Songwriters work one-on-one for 3 months under the direction of a publisher who advises some of the most commercially successful writers in the world. 

Gilles Godard says, “As a publisher, I have always had an open-door policy because there are so many undiscovered artists and writers out there. You just never know where you will find that next 3 minutes of magic, that song that can change the world! If you have talent and you are trying to break into this music industry, I want to meet you!”

“Lauren and Gilles know the uncertainty songwriters face and the heavy lifting that needs done to pursue a career in music. They represent some of the best publishing companies in Nashville and can transform a songwriter's career. We are proud to provide songwriters with opportunities like this,” stated Nancy Deckant

Both Lauren Funk and Gilles Godard are an integral part of the music industry, helping artists and songwriters alike find success through their music. At Endurance, Lauren oversees the creative aspects of writers Jimmie Allen, Matt Stell, Scooter Carusoe and Paul Sikes. Gilles has extensive experience in both business and writing. In addition to guiding Anthem's growth, Gilles won numerous awards for his own songwriting, including two BMI awards and four SOCAN awards. Over 400 of his songs have been recorded by artists such as Terri Clark, Patty Loveless, Anne Murray, Ednita Nazario, Dan Seals, Ricky Skaggs and others.

About Lauren Funk:
Lauren Funk is the Sr. Creative Director at Endurance Music Group. Her roster includes Jimmie Allen, Matt Stell, Scooter Carusoe, and Paul Sikes. Before starting at Endurance she spent seven years working at Big Yellow Dog music with Grammy award-winning artists and songwriters Maren Morris, Meghan Trainor, Josh Kear, and Daniel Tashian. During her time there, she signed hit writers Jim Beavers who has had Dierks Bentley numbers ones as well as writer/producer Dave Pittenger who penned the global number one pop hit "abcdefu" Lauren has secured numerous cuts with artists like Gary Allan, Jessie James Decker, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Chris Lane, LoCash, Dustin Lynch, Michael Ray, Runaway June, Blake Shelton, Josh Turner and more. 

About Gilles Godard: 
Gilles Godard has been with Anthem for 15 years, first as a writer, then as its Chief Creative Officer, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and now Senior Vice President Publishing. He has been an integral part of the company’s growth. During his tenure, Gilles has been instrumental in facilitating major acquisitions such as Jody Williams Music containing several Taylor Swift cuts, including White Horse, Tim McGraw, Pictures to Burn, Fearless and Teardrops on My Guitar, the Blacktop Catalog with cuts by Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton and Joey & Rory, the Better Angels Catalog which includes cuts by Thompson Square, Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley and Kip Moore. Gilles was also instrumental in identifying and initiating the Timbaland deal for Anthem, which includes cuts by Justin Timberlake, Suit & Tie, Mirrors, Sexyback, and cuts by Jay Z Holy Grail, featuring Justin Timberlake, Beyonce as well as the acquisition of the Paul Cardall catalog among others.


About Sooner:
Sooner LLC (DiscoverSooner.com) connects vetted unsigned songwriters to major publishers and industry professionals. Our mission is to help the next generation of songwriters and artists expand their network of music professionals. The company has helped songwriters connect directly with publishers and collaborate with signed and unsigned writers since it launched in 2020. Learn more at https://www.discoversooner.com Facebook, Instagram @discoversooner.