Industry Veteran Skip Bishop Announces New Label

Music industry veteran Skip Bishop announced the launch of record label HitShop Records this morning (1/9) and will serve as President of the new company. Country star Ronnie Dunn and longtime friend of Bishop attended the press conference to introduced the new label head at Nashville’s Sirius XM Studios. HitShop Records, a subsidiary of Ramblin’ Music Group, will be distributed by Warner Music Nashville.
“This is one of the most innovative and creative gatherings of musical talent and staff I’ve ever seen,” said Bishop. “The young, brilliant minds and compelling musicians involved are building a new model of discovery from the street up. This is the new label configuration of the future! Everyone at HitShop is deeply committed and involved in studying the new paths music fans walk. We look forward to a productive relationship with Warner Music Nashville.”
“Skip is one of the most savvy and creative executives in Nashville,” added John Esposito, President, Warner Music Nashville. “His track record for breaking hit records is what excited us to be in business with him and his team. We’re pleased to be providing this impressive new label with distribution services and to be working closely with this team.”
HitShop is launching with a diverse lineup of music makers including pop funk duo Gimm+Icky, whose music has been heard in national promo spots for ABC and E!; and Fort Payne, Alabama native Weston Burt, who cut his teeth playing over 150 dates a year while in college at Auburn University. Weston starts his country radio promotion tour today after performing with Gimm+Icky at this morning’s press conference.
Bishop’s 40-year career in radio and records includes serving as President/CEO, Bishop Bait & Tackle Marketing; Sr. VP Promotion at RCA Records in New York; MCA Records in Los Angeles; and Sony Music in Nashville.
Diane Monk-Harrison, whose promotion experience includes Arista Nashville, Columbia and MCA Records, will take the helm as VP Promotion for HitShop Records. The radio promotion staff will include East Cost Director Rick Baumgartner; West Coast Director Kelly Symone; and Director, Secondary Promotion and National Promotions Coordinator Will Hamrick.
A&R will be let by Emmy Award winning composer Cliff Downs, alongside VP, A&R Micah Wilshire. Rounding out the team is National Director, Digital Marketing Tim Gerst and Sr. Executive Assistant Amara Hall. HitShop staff can be contacted at:
Skip Bishop, skip@hitshoprecords.com, 615-730-6344
Diane Monk-Harrison, diane@hitshoprecords.com, 214-824-4124
Rick Baumgartner, rick@hitshoprecords.com, 615-730-6344 ext. 109
Kelly Symone, kelly@hitshoprecords.com, 916-868-3331
Will Hamrick, will@hitshoprecords.com, 615-730-6344 ext. 102
Cliff Downs, cliff@ramblinmusic.com, 615-730-6344 ext. 101
Micah Wilshire, micah@ramblinmusic.com, 615-730-6344
Tim Gerst, tim@hitshoprecords.com, 615-730-6344
Amara Hall, amara@hitshoprecords.com, 615-730-6344
For more information visit www.hitshoprecords.com.