ERIC JOHNSON

Eric Johnson is the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of N.I. Music Group, an artist development company dedicated to helping singers, songwriters, actors, and performers build successful careers in entertainment.

Before becoming an executive, Eric spent years as a recording artist, songwriter, and touring performer. He was one-half of the pop-rock duo SHYTOWN, which was discovered by music executive Dave Morris and signed to W.F. Leopold Management, the management company led by Bill Leopold, whose roster included artists such as Maroon 5, Melissa Etheridge, and Dave Koz. During their career, SHYTOWN wrote for and collaborated with artists connected to major labels including Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group, while performing thousands of live shows across North America and Europe.

As an artist, Eric toured nationally and internationally, opening for major acts, performing sold-out shows, and appearing on television through Dick Clark Productions’ “Unfinished Business” on Fuse TV. SHYTOWN’s music was featured by the NHL and Canadian national broadcasts, and Eric has shared stages with artists including T-Pain, Baby Bash, Twista, Rihanna, and many others. He also performed at major events including B96 Summer Bash in Chicago in front of more than 50,000 fans.

Throughout his career, Eric has collaborated with a wide range of artists, writers, and producers across pop, rock, and urban music. His work includes projects involving *Sean Kingston, The Struts, Puddle of Mudd, Jay McGuiness (The Wanted), Lance Bass (NSYNC), Soundmaster T, and numerous major-label songwriters and producers. He has co-written songs with Wes Scantlin of Puddle of Mudd, contributed to projects connected to Kelly Clarkson, and participated in songwriting and development sessions for both emerging and established artists.

Eric’s journey is built on perseverance. A former four-year college baseball player on a full athletic scholarship, he was cut from his team during high school  but fought his way back the following season, ultimately breaking school records. That experience shaped the mindset he brings to every artist he mentors: resilience, belief, and the willingness to outwork the competition.

Today, Eric combines decades of experience as an artist, songwriter, performer, producer, and executive to help develop the next generation of talent. Through N.I. Music Group, he has worked with thousands of artists and families worldwide, providing professional songwriting, production, recording, branding, career strategy, and industry education.

Beyond music, Eric has extensive experience in television, film, and commercial entertainment. His family has appeared in projects for Disney, Foot Locker, HBO Max, Chicago Fire, and numerous national advertising campaigns. This unique background allows him to guide young performers in building careers across music, acting, and content creation.

Eric’s mission is simple: help talented people believe bigger, develop faster, and create opportunities that turn dreams into reality. For him, “Nothing’s Impossible” isn’t just the meaning behind N.I. Music Group—it’s the philosophy that has guided his entire career.

A&R / HEAD OF CREATIVE / LEAD SONGWRITER

Danny Jay is an award-winning songwriter, recording artist, and the Head Songwriter for N.I. Music Group. With more than two decades of professional songwriting, recording, and touring experience, Danny has helped develop artists across pop, rock, country, and contemporary music while building a reputation as one of the company’s most sought-after creative collaborators.

Before joining forces with Eric Johnson, Danny was establishing himself as a successful solo artist. After both artists gained momentum on Chicago’s legendary B96, radio personality and music executive Eric Bradley introduced the two, leading to the formation of the pop-rock duo SHYTOWN. What began as a songwriting partnership quickly evolved into a career spanning more than 20 years, hundreds of performances, national tours, television appearances, and collaborations with major artists, producers, and songwriters.

As one-half of SHYTOWN, Danny performed on stages across North America and Europe, appearing at festivals, colleges, theaters, and major concert venues. The duo appeared on Dick Clark Productions’ “Unfinished Business” on Fuse TV, where Suge Knight expressed interest in signing the band, praising the group’s commercial potential and unique sound. SHYTOWN’s music was also featured during NHL broadcasts and national television programming, helping expand the band’s reach across North America.

Throughout his career, Danny has worked on projects connected to artists including *Sean Kingston, The Struts, Puddle of Mudd, Jay McGuiness (The Wanted), Lance Bass (NSYNC), Soundmaster T, and numerous major-label songwriters, producers, and recording artists. His songwriting and development work has also included collaborations and sessions connected to artists such as Kelly Clarkson, while helping develop songs across multiple genres.

Danny’s songwriting abilities earned the attention of legendary Nashville producer and publisher Keith Stegall, the producer behind more than 30 No. 1 records for Alan Jackson. Impressed by the songwriting chemistry between Danny and Eric Johnson, Stegall brought the duo into the Nashville songwriting community, opening doors to collaborations with some of Music City’s most respected writers, including Leslie Satcher, Will Robinson, Marcus Hummon, and many others. These opportunities helped establish Danny as a versatile songwriter capable of creating commercially competitive songs while maintaining authenticity and emotional connection.

Now based in Nashville, Tennessee, Danny continues to write daily for artists around the world while serving as the lead songwriter for N.I. Music Group. He works directly with the company’s artists, helping them transform their stories, experiences, and emotions into professionally crafted songs ready for recording, release, and commercial opportunities.

Known for his ability to connect with artists of all ages and backgrounds, Danny combines real-world industry experience with a passion for mentorship and creative development. Whether writing a debut single for a young artist or collaborating with seasoned performers, his focus remains the same: creating songs that move people and stand the test of time.

After more than 20 years of friendship, songwriting, recording, and performing together, Danny and Eric remain creative partners dedicated to helping the next generation of artists succeed. Through N.I. Music Group, Danny continues to play a central role in shaping songs, developing talent, and helping artists find their voice in today’s music industry.

LEAD AUDIO ENGINEER, MIXING, MASTERING

Marcus Colbert is the Head Audio Engineer, Mixing Engineer, and Mastering Engineer for N.I. Music Group, bringing more than a decade of experience working alongside artists, producers, songwriters, and record labels at the highest levels of the music industry.

Based at the legendary Studio City Sound in Los Angeles, Marcus works under the mentorship of Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer Tom Weir, whose studio has been home to countless major-label recordings. Throughout his career, Marcus has engineered sessions for numerous established artists and has contributed to thousands of recordings across pop, rock, country, urban, and film projects.

His credits include work connected to artists such as Selena Gomez, Christina Perri (“Jar of Hearts”), and a wide range of major-label talent. Beyond music, Marcus has also contributed to audio production for film and television projects, earning a reputation as one of the most detail-oriented engineers in the business.

Known for his technical expertise and creative instincts, Marcus oversees the organization, editing, vocal comping, session preparation, mixing, mastering, stems, and final delivery of N.I. Music Group productions. His ability to manage complex recording sessions while maintaining exceptional audio quality has made him an invaluable part of the company’s success.

Marcus has worked closely with Eric Johnson for more than 10 years, dating back to the early days of N.I. Music Group. Their longstanding partnership is built on loyalty, trust, and a shared commitment to delivering world-class productions for every artist who walks through the door.

Whether he’s fine-tuning a vocal performance, building a mix from hundreds of tracks, or preparing a master for worldwide release, Marcus approaches every project with the same goal: creating records that sound competitive at the highest level while preserving the emotion and authenticity of the artist’s vision.

Today, Marcus continues to serve as the technical backbone of N.I. Music Group, helping transform songs from ideas into polished, professional releases heard around the world.

VP OF A&R / PRODUCTION COORDINATOR 

Michael Johnson is a producer, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, and creative collaborator with N.I. Music Group. A lifelong musician, Michael has spent years helping artists transform ideas into fully realized records through live instrumentation, arrangement, production, and sound design.

Working alongside his brother, Eric Johnson, Michael has contributed to hundreds of recordings, bringing a musician’s perspective to every project. His ability to layer guitars, piano, bass, drums, and other live instruments allows him to create productions that feel authentic, emotional, and timeless. Whether producing a powerful rock anthem, an intimate ballad, or a modern pop record, Michael focuses on finding the sounds that best tell the artist’s story.

Michael played an instrumental role in the development of numerous projects, including rock productions connected to Puddle of Mudd, where his passion for heavy guitars, live instrumentation, and rock arrangements helped shape the sound and energy of the recordings. His deep understanding of rock music, combined with his versatility across multiple genres, makes him a valuable creative force within the N.I. Music Group team.

Outside of music, Michael works professionally as a therapist, dedicating his career to helping people navigate life’s challenges. That unique background gives him a rare ability to connect with artists on a personal level, understanding not only what they want to say, but how they want listeners to feel.

At N.I. Music Group, Michael’s mission is simple: help artists turn emotion into music by creating productions that are honest, powerful, and unforgettable. Through thoughtful arrangements, live musicianship, and a deep understanding of storytelling, he helps bring songs to life in a way that resonates long after the music ends.

AUDIO ENGINEER / PRODUCER

Ethan Shevin is an audio engineer, producer, and mixer whose international perspective and modern production approach have made him a valuable member of the N.I. Music Group team. Originally from Paris, France, Ethan divides his time between Europe and the United States, spending approximately six months each year in Los Angeles working alongside artists, songwriters, producers, and engineers on a wide range of recording projects.

Known for his exceptional ear, creative instincts, and strong pop sensibility, Ethan has built a reputation for helping artists elevate their performances while maintaining the authenticity and emotion that make great records connect with audiences. His work spans recording, vocal production, editing, mixing support, and session engineering, making him a versatile asset throughout the creative process.

Ethan’s growing list of professional accomplishments includes engineering work connected to major-label releases, including a credit on Miley Cyrus’s latest album, further demonstrating his ability to contribute at the highest levels of the music industry. His attention to detail, technical expertise, and collaborative spirit have earned the respect of artists and producers on both sides of the Atlantic.

When in Los Angeles, Ethan works closely with the N.I. Music Group team, helping develop and produce music for emerging and established artists across multiple genres. Whether he’s tracking vocals, refining arrangements, building sessions, or assisting with final production, Ethan brings a level of professionalism and creativity that consistently helps artists achieve their best work.

Combining European influences with contemporary American production techniques, Ethan continues to establish himself as one of the industry’s rising engineering talents. His passion for music, commitment to excellence, and ability to translate creative ideas into polished recordings make him an important part of the N.I. Music Group family and a trusted collaborator for artists looking to create world-class records.