Ebie McFarland
President/CEO Essential Broadcast Media
Ebie McFarland's interest in PR began while attending Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee from 1999-2003. She was active in several school organizations and served as Publicity Chair for Vandy Cares (AIDS Awareness Organization in conjunction with Nashville Cares) as well as Dance Marathon. In-between classes and work, McFarland booked bands at a local Nashville establishment and handled advertising and PR efforts on behalf of the shows.
Upon graduation in 2003, McFarland applied for an entry-level position at a local PR firm in Nashville where she worked for four years, signing artists such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Montgomery Gentry, Clay Walker, Hootie & The Blowfish, and Sister Hazel. There, she was able to obtain first-hand experience in event PR with clients such as Country Thunder USA festivals, Unique Lives' presentation of Dr. Maya Angelou, where McFarland produced, arranged opening talent (Montgomery Gentry and the Fisk Jubilee Singers), and secured PR coverage of the event, and was an active member of the team that handled media exposure and credentials for Cracker Barrel's "Songs of the Year" event in 2006 with artists Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood, and Merle Haggard. She led a PR campaign on behalf of legendary artist Lynn Anderson that garnered a Grammy nomination for "The Bluegrass Sessions," and she arranged the campaign and launched album releases for artists such as Van Zant (Get Right With The Man) and Clay Walker (Fall).
In July of 2007, McFarland founded her own company, Essential Broadcast Media, LLC, where she began working with Jo Dee Messina, Corey Smith, and Hootie & The Blowfish—landing three performances for Messina on the Today Show in less than three months. McFarland now continues PR efforts for artists Hootie & The Blowfish (Vanguard Records), Darius Rucker (Capitol Nashville), Colt Ford (Average Joes Entertainment), Darren Kozelsky (Major 7 Entertainment/Spinville), Jypsi (Arista Nashville), and Brantley Gilbert (Average Joes Entertainment). EBM collaborates with Jim Havey PR to represent Randy Houser (Universal Records South), and Golden Music Nashville's Williams Riley Band. In addition, McFarland serves on the boards for Nashville State Community College, City of Hope, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee.
Ebie McFarland may be reached via email at ebie@essentialbroadcastmedia.com or by calling 615-327-3259.
Leigh Parr, Publicist ;)
Beginning in summer 2000, Leigh Parr was a summer intern with the William Morris Agency, one of the largest and most diversified entertainment agencies, in Beverly Hills, California. Leigh considered the opportunity a chance to have fun within the entertainment field, but after completion of day 1, she quickly realized her love for the industry and redirected her education to make a career in the profession.
After graduation, Leigh rejoined the WMA team (now William Morris Endeavor Entertainment) in Nashville, Tennessee in February 2002. Leigh’s focus centered around booking for WMA’s country roster -- both national and international dates. The knowledge, relationships, and experience gained after nearly five years with the agency helped pave the way for Leigh to join a management team working to expand their presence in Nashville—McGhee Entertainment. There, Leigh was introduced to the full scope of the support group behind an artist--from radio promotions, PR, and branding to band memebers, road managers and book keeping. Leigh quickly settled-in and found her niche being involved in the day-to-day decisions ranging across all facets of an artist’s career.
In August 2009, Leigh Parr made one more move when an opportunity opened to join Essential Broadcast Media. Leigh now oversees media campaigns and national strategies in addition to assisting with day-to-day press inquiries for the company.
Leigh may be reached by email at leigh@essentialbroadcastmedia.com or by calling 615-438-4855.
Amanda French, Publicist 
Amanda French joined Essential Broadcast Media in the fall of 2009 as a part-time employee following her summer internship. She is currently wrapping up her degree in Public Relations and Music Business from Belmont University, scheduled to graduate in May 2010. Although she isn’t a native of Music City USA, Amanda was drawn to the town after her graduation from Assumption High School in Louisville, KY because of her love for music. After serving as the Features Editor of her high school newspaper, she knew she had a calling to be a writer, and the appeal of moving to Nashville was that she could combine her passions of writing and music to help advance artists’ careers.
In her first year at Belmont, Amanda declared her major as PR and became actively involved as the publicist for the largest student organization on campus, Belmont Service Corps. Later, she acquired a position on the Showcase Council as the publicist for Belmont’s 2009 Country Showcase, inviting GAC’s Nan Kelley to host the event and implementing the first off-campus PR campaign ever developed for the Series. In 2007, Amanda interned with Jessie Schmidt and Darlene Bieber of Schmidt Relations, assisting with tour press and clip reports for Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, the Grand Ole Opry, and Carrie Underwood. A semester later, she increased her depth of experience in an internship with Elle Butler, formerly the Public Relations Manager at GAC, writing press releases, formulating pitches, crafting creatively-targeted campaigns and helping to execute the “Next GAC Star” televised competition. Her most recent escapade included traveling with the crew of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno for various segment shoots and working out of the NBC studios in Los Angeles as a production assistant.
Amanda was introduced to Essential Broadcast Media in April 2009 after attending a local media mixer hosted by Ebie McFarland. When she saw there was an opportunity to interview for an internship, she immediately took the initiative to apply. Currently, she handles tour press for active touring bands on the EBM roster and helps with day-to-day administrative duties. She couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the positive synergy at the firm and looks forward to working hard on behalf of all current and future clients.
Amanda can be reached by email at amanda@essentialbroadcastmedia.com or by calling 615-327-3259.
Christopher Harston, Wardrobe Stylist/Creative Collaborator EBM ;)
Christopher Harston's passion and knowledge of the apparel industry first developed while attending university in the mid 90's. Graduating from Western Kentucky University with dual degrees in Marketing and Textile/Apparel Merchandising, Harston garnered priceless knowledge and experience while holding various positions at Castner Knott department store throughout college. Harston also held positions with a Men's Tailored Clothing Specialist (trained on how to fit garments by a Master Tailor) in addition to positions as a Personal Shopper and Assistant Special Events Coordinator. Harston also completed a summer study program and internship in New York City prior to graduating. This program revolved around sessions at the esteemed Fashion Institue of Technology where he gained an understanding and appreciation for the art of Couture and how trends evolve and affect our culture.
Upon college graduation Harston continued to broaden his knowledge and communication skills by continuing to work for the venerable corporation that helped fund his education. He earned a variety of promotions that spanned over a period of 12 years and 5 different department store entities. Harston excelled at executive level positions including Upper-level Store Management, Visual/Apparel Merchandising Director(s), Regional Director-Personal Shopping Service, Creative/Special Events Coordinator (Nashville and Virginia), and Buyer-in-Training for Bridge/Designer Sportswear. Harston made a bold step forward and left corporate fashion behind when he resigned from Macy's in fall of 2006. "It was not a difficult decision to leave a thriving career. The opportunity to pursue a freelance career path excited me... I could then re-spark my passion into a more rewarding, creative segment of the industry. Finally...creative freedom!!!"
Since spring 2007 Harston has already earned a solid reputation as in individual that knows how to interpret trends and fashion for each of his clients. Clients have praised his ability to hold a stellar reputation while exerting professionalism and enthusiasm.
Most recently Harston has embarked upon an exciting forward thinking collaboration with the newly formed Essential Broadcast Media. "Wow! Such an opportunity to work under the EBM umbrella with Ebie McFarland at the wheel is such a privilege and an opportunity to collaborate with someone with vision and integrity!"
"I am excited and thrilled at the thought of approaching wardrobe styling as more than shopping. Our clients will stand tall as they begin to receive positive media attention and increased confidence--not to mention global respect as pillars of style and sophistication."