When APA’s Frank Wing tapped Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo microbiology major Kylen Sharpe after 13 months of getting nowhere in Music City, the Newport Beach, Californian was determined to make the opportunity count. Today, the CAA agent behind Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Aaron Watson, Avenue Beat and Tim McGraw still believes that, “for all the strategizing, rules and gameplay, great songs and great artists still win.”

With the disruption, what’s the biggest hurdle?
The rules keep changing, so the biggest hurdle is to stay ahead of the game. You have to continue being curious and keep learning to stay current.

Best lesson learned?
Follow your heart, trust your gut and don’t sign anyone unless you absolutely love the music.