Lee Krabel, VP of Publishing, SMACKsongs

Lee Krabel has over 12 years of working with songwriters in the publishing space in Nashville, TN. He grew up in Chrisman, Illinois working on farms, where he found himself enamored by all genres of music. He developed a passion for country music specifically while serving in the US Army from 2002-2008. After his service in Iraq, he attended Belmont University, and in 2009, accepted an entry-level position in the tape room at SeaGayle Music, working amongst writers like Chris Stapleton, Lee Miller, Frank Rogers, and Chris Dubois. In 2011, he was hired on as Creative Manager at HoriPro Entertainment, working with Phil O’Donnell, Dean Dillon, Brinley Addington, Mike Walker, and Tommy Cecil, to name a few.

In 2015 Lee was elevated once again, accepting a position as Creative Director at SMACKSongs. Since then, he has helped sign and develop writers such as Aaron Eshuis, Ryan Beaver, Emily Falvey, and Josh Dorr; while also working with hit songwriters Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Josh Jenkins, Matt McGinn, and Scott Stepakoff. He has secured cuts with Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Morgan Wallen, and Jordan Davis.

Combining his passion for songwriters and our military, he has started a successful songwriter series with the USO that travels the country playing shows for active-duty soldiers, veterans, and wounded warriors.