Kirby Mathews
- VP of Publishing, Back Blocks Music
With more than a decade of experience in Nashville's music industry, Kirby Mathews currently serves as Vice President of Publishing at Back Blocks Music, one of Nashville's fastest-growing independent artist development and publishing companies. Founded in 2020 by Billboard Power Player Rakiyah Marshall, Back Blocks Music has earned a reputation for its innovative approach to developing artists and songwriters, helping launch the careers of rising stars such as Lily Rose and Ashley Cooke while celebrating hit songs recorded by artists including Morgan Wallen and Chris Lane.
An accomplished publishing executive known for her keen A&R ear and unwavering dedication to songwriter development, Kirby has consistently been at the helm of hit-driven catalogs throughout her career. Her professional roots began at Play It Again Music under Dallas Davidson, followed by her success as the founding publisher at WinSongs Music Publishing with Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Chris DeStefano. Most recently, before joining Back Blocks Music, she served as Senior Director of Publishing/A&R at Riser House, where she championed a diverse and successful roster of writers, including Dallas Wilson, Mitchell Tenpenny, Michael Whitworth, and Jake Mitchell.
Her contributions to the industry have earned her membership in The Recording Academy and recognition as one of MusicRow Magazine's "Next Big Thing" honorees. A Houston native and University of Georgia alumna, Kirby believes the heart of great publishing is serving the songwriter.
“I've dedicated my career to elevating songwriters and protecting their craft because, at the end of the day, there is nothing more powerful than a song.”