About Us

Jeremy D Smith
President

As Founder and President of the Montgomery, Alabama based label, Jeremy's vision for Rye Records clearly defines itself as a label with strong commitment to its artists and to the music buying public. Additionally, as President, Jeremy anticipates great expectations for Rye Records, and it ability to start a revolution in the music industry. He believes a combination of traditional business values and focus on customer service creates a successful business environment. Jeremy, along with his associates, started Rye Records, LLC with one philosophy, "Revolutionize the music industry".

"It just seems so simple; bring artists and consumers together, in a way that does not disenfranchise either. Right now, many artists are unhappy with the one-sided deals labels are offering. They want to own the product of their creation. Consequently, consumers are unhappy with high prices and limited access to the music they want to hear. If Rye Records uses cutting edge technology combined with smart business ethics, bridging the gaps, amending and accomplishing these, then we will revolutionize the music industry." - Jeremy D Smith

While serving as E-Commerce Manager for a large financial services company, Jeremy diligently learned what encompasses a successful, quality focused business. This experience ultimately sharpened Jeremy's vision for Rye Records. He genuinely believes Rye Records will be at the forefront of leading innovation in the music industry for many years to come.



Jason Stricklin
Senior Vice President of Artist and Repertoire

As the Senior Vice President of Artist and Repertoire for Rye Records, Jason provides insight for future trends and scouting for the Rye portfolio of artists, as well as, direction and creative force behind the music, with regard to producing and/or adequate detail polishing. Additionally, the MTSU recording industry graduate provides creative services and ideas for graphic art and design, along with written album reviews and press and bio composition content.

While many of Jason's studies concentrated on music industry at the university, he also gained marketing experience throughout, from interning at EMI Publishing in Nashville to being published in Dr. Tom Hutchison's, Marketing of Recordings textbook - a 1998 SWOT Analysis of Interscope Records. Furthermore, being an independent musician, Jason spends countless hours creating promotional materials for shows and concerts, be it flyers, sniping, website design, decals, t-shirts, cover art - whatever it takes for promotion. Every detail is important.

Being a fellow ASCAP singer-songwriter and Rye artist, Jason additionally showcases and shares his musical talents with the Rye family, further disposing of and breaking down the barriers between business and artist.



John Gaines
Senior Vice President of Technology

As the Senior Vice President of Technology for Rye Records LLC, John provides easy access to Rye Records and its artists through the World Wide Web. John is responsible for administering Rye's corporate network and security as well as its external internet presence. Additionally, Mr. Gaines leads the company's customer technical support department, which provides support for RYERecords.com.

With many years experience in technical customer service, networking, network operating systems, server hardware, and database utilities and how to make them all work together, John plays a vital roll in keeping the digital front of Rye Records available and easily accessible to both the musicians and their audience. John also manages end user support which provides technical help on Rye Records' systems for Rye Records' employees, partners, and customers.

John is committed to using every technology available to enable Rye Records' artists the ability to spread their music throughout the world.



Ben Killen
Senior Vice President of Media and Marketing

Ben is a product of the University of Alabama's nationally acclaimed College of Communication and Information Sciences, and its championship winning AdTeam. While on the team, as Interactive Media Director, Ben played an integral role in developing and producing the team's fully integrated marketing campaign for internet giant, Yahoo!Inc.

Always technologically savvy, Ben brings to the table a refreshing balance of both technical and creative talents born from a long history of imagination and inquisitiveness. His years of experience as a freelance web developer and graphic designer have yielded award-winning ability not only in the area of concept development but professional production design, as well.

Killen is also a musician. Though he plays a variety of instruments,if you asked him, he'd tell you he's a vocalist. And, like so many today, Killen finds himself fed-up with the current state of the music industry. Ben is excited about the opportunities presented him by Rye Records, but moreso by the opportunities Rye Records presents for the music industry! Rye has the potential to revolutionize the future of the industry as we know it; and Ben is excited to be there every step of the way.