Jeff Walker, CEO of the AristoMedia Group, is a music industry veteran of almost 40 years. A graduate of Australia’s Sydney University, Jeff earned a degree in Economics with a major in Accounting & Law. He moved to Nashville in 1975, forming Aristo Music Associates, Inc. five years later in April 1980. Under his guidance, The AristoMedia Group, a multi-faceted marketing and promotion company in the music industry, has adapted to changes in the industry and has grown to include five key departments: Aristo P.R. (publicity/public relations), AristoVideo (video promotion), Marco Promotion (radio promotion), AristoWorks (digital marketing and web development) and Marco Club Connection (dance club promotion).
Throughout his time in the music industry, Walker has recieved many awards for his dedication to the industry and to promoting Country music around the world. He is the recipient of the 1996 CMA President’s Award and CCMA’s 1998 Leonard T. Rambeau International Support Award. Other honors include Operation Troop Aid “Certification of Appointment” and International Ambassador by International Country Music Day Organization. Most recently, Walker received the 2013 Jo Walker Meador Award at the CMA International Awards. The award is given to someone who has promoted the Country music format in markets outside of the U.S.
Walker currently serves on the boards of the Country Music Association and the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. Previous Board positions have included the Academy of Country Music, The Canadian Country Music Association, Leadership Music, NARAS (The Recording Academy) and the Nashville Film Festival, where he served as President in 2004-05.
Q: Where is your hometown? And why did you decide to come to Nashville?
A: My hometown is Sydney, Australia. That is a long story – read my bio!
Q: What is one interesting fact about you?
A: I have a Bachelor of Economics from Sydney University and am a certified chartered Accountant in Australia.
Q: What is your favorite Nashville eatery?
A: My favorite eatery is Sam’s Sports Bar. It is simple with lots of variety.
Q: What is your favorite music venue?
A: My favorite music venue is London’s Royal Albert Hall. My wife, Terri, opened for Don Williams there during the early 80’s.
Q: If you could only pick one, what would be your all-time favorite song?
A: My favorite song is “My Wish,” written by Jeffrey Steele performed by Rascal Flatts. I always think of my children when I listen to the lyrics.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: My hobbies include relaxing at my second home, Marco Island. I enjoy Sci-Fi films, such as Star Trek, Star Wars, etc.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in Nashville on the weekend?
A: I enjoy simply hanging out. There are so many things to do, especially in summer.
Q: If you could have any super power, what would it be?
A: My super power would be to predict the winning Powerball numbers.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
A: My family is my greatest achievement.
Q: What is something interesting that is on your bucket list?
A: I want to win the Powerball.
Q: What is one type of food that you could not live without?
A: I could not live without fruits and vegetables.
Q: What actor would you want to play you in the movie of your life? Why?
A: I would want Matt Damon to play me. He is an all-around good guy. He is the guy next door who excels.
Q: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
A: I would go to Bora Bora to unwind. It just looks so great.
Q: What TV or movie series are you obsessed with right now?
A: I am obsessed with The Walking Dead
Q: What did you ‘want to be when you grew up’ as a kid?
A: I wanted to be a movie actor.
Q: If time or money weren’t an issue, what would you be doing right now?
A: I would grow the business faster and give more to medical research.
Q: Music That Has Shaped Your Life (Top 5):
A: 1. Beatles- Abbey Road: I have so many memories attached with this.
2. Johnny Cash- Greatest Hits: This was my first introduction to country music.
3. Carole King– Tapestry: It combines great songwriting and music together.
4. Elton John- Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
5. George Strait- 50 Greatest: Personifies the best in merging traditional with contemporary country music
Q: An “important” piece of music you just don’t get:
A: I do not get anything that is angry rap or alternative.
Q: A television show you can’t miss, but hate to admit you watch:
A: I can’t miss, but hate to admit that I watch Two and a Half Men.
Q: If you could spend the day with any person (living or deceased), who would it be?
A: I would spend the day with my Mother (deceased). I didn’t spend enough time with her in her later years. I always think of her when I hear the song “One More Day.”
Q: What is your life goal?
A: My life goal is to, “live long and prosper.”
Q: Take a picture of your favorite work coffee mug and explain.
My favorite work coffee mug is my “Daily Beagle” mug. It is a tribute to my #1 pet beagle, Bailey.
Jeff Walker
CEO
The AristoMedia Group
615-269-7071