About ESQ Artist Management
ESQ Artist Management is dedicated to nurturing and empowering artists and songwriters. Our passion for music and the individuals who create it drives everything we do. We offer a comprehensive range of services including artist management, development, project development, consulting, mentoring, branding, and social media. At ESQ, we believe in providing personalized attention to each of our clients, guiding them towards achieving their goals and reaching new heights in the music industry. Founded in 2018 by Michelle Goble, a seasoned music industry executive with over 30 years of experience.
About Michelle Goble
Michelle Goble, a native of Gastonia, North Carolina, discovered her passion for music through the soulful harmonies of Southern gospel. Though she lacked musical talent herself, her deep love for the art form inspired her journey to Nashville at just 17. Starting as a nanny for Southern gospel icons The Freemans, she quickly transitioned into artist management, launching her storied career by working with the legendary Tammy Wynette in 1991.
Over an impressive 33-year career, Goble has carved a remarkable path in the music industry, holding pivotal roles across artist management, media relations, and organizational leadership. Her 13-year tenure at ASCAP as Director of Media Relations was a defining chapter. She managed Nashville’s marketing and publicity budget, nurtured emerging songwriters, and fostered key industry relationships. She was instrumental in producing high-profile events such as No. 1 parties and the red carpets for the ASCAP Country and Christian Music Awards, further solidifying her reputation as a creative force behind the scenes.
In 2007, Goble relocated to Los Angeles to serve as Senior Vice President of Membership & Industry Relations for the Academy of Country Music. During her six-year tenure, she spearheaded membership growth, modernized the ACM Awards voting process by transitioning it online, and strengthened connections between the Academy and its members. Goble served as staff liaison to the ACM Board of Directors, guiding key committees such as the Awards Voting Committee. Under her leadership, the Songwriter of the Year Award was reinstated in 2011 after being presented only once before in 1965.
Goble also played a key role in elevating the ACM’s public presence through groundbreaking initiatives, including the first-ever ACM Fan Jam during the 46th Annual ACM Awards, ACM Weekend on Fremont Street, and the ACM Stage at the National Finals Rodeo. One of her most transformative achievements was reimagining the ACM Honors awards show. Her leadership turned the event from a private board gathering into a celebrated public production at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. This move amplified recognition for non-televised award recipients, drawing fans and industry professionals alike to honor the often-overlooked contributors to country music.
Returning to artist management in 2013, Goble joined Gellman Management, where she coordinated television productions for celebrated artists like Jennifer Nettles, Patty Smyth, and Brandy Clark. She also managed Americana legend Jim Lauderdale and fostered emerging talent such as Cross Atlantic. In 2018, she returned to Nashville full-time to establish her own management company, ESQ Artist Management, dedicated to nurturing new talent.
Her philanthropic efforts include serving as a former board member for Women Rock for the Cure and coordinating the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament for 13 years. In recognition of her efforts, Goble was honored with the Music Row Ladies Golf Tournament Directors Award in 2006.
Today, Michelle Goble stands as a respected figure in the music business, blending strategic vision with a deep commitment to fostering innovation and connection across the industry.