Anthony Martini & Rich Barner Launch Nashville-Based Label & Management Firm

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Anthony Martini, Rich Barner

Music industry veteran Anthony Martini and multi-media entrepreneur Rich Barner have partnered to launch Gravel Road, a new Nashville-based record label and management firm.

The venture’s roster includes Compton Cowboys, Randy Savvy, Justbrandon and producer Scattered Brains. Out of the gate, Compton Cowboys, whose mission of connecting community through horses and music has been featured on Good Morning America and in the LA Times, has collaborated with brands like Ariat, Walmart and Burberry. Chart-topping, Gold-certified producer Scattered Brains has worked with Jelly Roll, Struggle Jennings, Yelawolf and Justbrandon.

Recognized by Billboard as a Power Player, Martini has experience in varying sectors of the music industry. The New Jersey native’s early management client, Tyga, became an international star under Martini’s guidance, achieving chart-topping hits, Grammy nominations and millions of records sold. Martini has also worked with Jelly Roll, Killer Mike and Lil Dicky in their early years.

Under Martini’s prior label, Commission Records, Lil Dicky’s album Professional Rapper debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Rap Album chart, selling millions and achieving four Platinum singles. Commission Records signed several more acts and notched 14 Platinum records, five Gold records and a top 10 chart share on Mediabase before Martini sold the company in 2019. Most recently, Martini served as CEO of Royalty Exchange, guiding the platform to become one of the world’s largest marketplace for buying and selling music royalties, closing $90 million in deals and pioneering the first NFT containing publishing royalties.

“I’ve always been drawn to artists who take the road less traveled, and that is the significance of the Gravel Road,” says Martini. “We partner with artists who don’t follow someone else’s path but want to blaze their own.”

Barner is a serial entrepreneur who has worked with top talent across multiple verticals. His film company, Global Pictures Media, has produced films for Robert DeNiro, Keanu Reeves, Woody Harrelson and more. His fragrance company was recently honored by the New You Awards with Best Innovation in Fragrance for ASH by Ashley Benson.

“I’m excited to create amazing partnerships with artists,” says Barner. “At Gravel Road, our acts will get the best of both worlds: the flexibility and freedom of an indie but with the resources and muscle of a major. “

Lorie Hollabaugh
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