
The Academy of Country Music has unveiled its 2026-2027 Board Of Directors and Officers.
The officers include Chair Jeff Krones (CAA), President Becky Gardenhire (WME), Vice President Rusty Gaston (Sony Publishing), Treasurer Carmen Romano (FBMM), Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb (WME), Parliamentarian Duane Clark (FBMM) and Secretary Haley Montgomery (Academy of Country Music).
“The Academy of Country Music is proud to bring together leaders from across the industry who share a commitment to advancing Country Music and supporting the artists, songwriters and professionals who make this community so special,” says Andy Schuon, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 term, this Board’s collective experience, passion and perspective will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the Academy’s impact, create new opportunities for our members and celebrate the music and people at the heart of our industry.”
For this term, 12 directors-at-large were appointed and 19 directors were elected to the ACM Board of Directors. This year, qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Vice-President. Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.
ACM Board Of Directors 2026-2027:
OFFICERS
Chair of the Board: Jeff Krones, CAA
President: Becky Gardenhire, WME
Vice President: Rusty Gaston, Sony Publishing
Treasurer: Carmen Romano, FBMM
Parliamentarian: Duane Clark, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms: Gayle Holcomb, WME
Secretary: Haley Montgomery, Academy of Country Music
**
AFFILIATED
Chappel McCollister, The.Team (formerly Wasserman)
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Jackie Campbell, Results Global
Jackie Jones, RIAA
Jeremy Holley, By Design Music
ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER
Ashley McBryde, Artist
Carly Pearce, Artist
Dave Cohen, Musician
Derek Wells, Spirit Music/Producer/Songwriter
TJ Osborne, Artist
DIGITAL MARKETING/DISTRIBUTION
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Tim Foisset, Spotify
MANAGER
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment
Martha Earls, Neon Coast
MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom
MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Warner/Consultant
Shannan Hatch, SESAC PRO
RADIO
Charlie Cook, Radio Industry
Mike Moore, Cumulus
Tim Roberts, Audacy
RECORD COMPANY
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Candice Watkins, Capitol Records Nashville
Jennifer Way, EMPIRE Records
Katie Dean, Leo33
Stephanie Wright, MCA
SONGWRITER
Lee Thomas Miller, Songwriter
TALENT AGENT
Andrew McWilliams, Evergreen
Nate Towne, WME
TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
Bob Durkin, Southern Entertainment
VENUE
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
TOURING
Scott Scovill, Moo TV
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Amy Bryan-Fosgate, Activated Events
Andy Moats, Pinnacle
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
BJ Hill, Warner Chappell
Brian Wolf, Maverick
Chris Lisle, CLLD, LLC / The Touring Career Workshop
Curt Motley, United Talent Agency
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Ian Cripps, Atlantic Outpost
Jake Basden, Blue Highway
Jodi Dawes, Blue Highway
JoJamie Hahr, BBR Music Group
Meghan Kehoe, Sony Music
Meredith Jones, CAA
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment
Randi Tolbert, Qprime
Robert Knotts, Lost Highway
Rod Phillips, iHeartMedia
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Sara Knabe, Big Loud
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Storme Warren, TV and Radio Personality
Tom Lord, Redlight Management
Ward Gunther, Whiskey Jam
PAST CHAIRS
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Randy Bernard, RWB Management
EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
Charlie Cook, Radio Industry
Darin Murphy, CAA
Ken Tucker, Radio Industry
Mark Hartley
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Rod Essig, CAA
Mack Geiger’s Debut Album ‘Dying in This House’ Due In November
/by Lorie HollabaughRECORDS Nashville/Columbia Records artist Mack Geiger is set to release his debut album, Dying In This House, on Nov. 6. Geiger is offering another taste of the new album with the new track “How It Ends,” out now.
“Dying In This House channels a broken man’s walk through loneliness, heartache, denial, but also glimmers of hope,” shares Geiger. “I’ve always been drawn to songs which painted pictures. I feel like this album does that. Furthermore, songs that explore brokenness, because despite our constant endeavor to achieve outside flawlessness, each one of us experience battles that push us further than we can bend.
“Amidst the ballads are moments of remembrance of who the character is” he continues. “Grounding that sparks motivation and pride to push forward. Opportunity to dust yourself off and just get back in the ring. A collage of work with Keith Stegall and Jared Adlam bringing 12 tracks onto a canvas. Dying In This House. Country music.”
Geiger has solo writing credits across Dying In This House on “Jesus & Jones,” “Pouring,” “Nothing Like Grandma,” “Mess Of Blues,” “You Don’t Deserve Me,” “Walk A Straight Line,” “String By,” and the album’s title track. The album also features songs penned by Rodney Clawson, Will Bundy, Bart Butler, Seth Ennis, Tim Nichols, Tony Martin, Mark Nesler, and more.
Geiger’s star continues to rise as his breakout single “String By” has surpassed 104.5 million global streams, reached No. 3 on Spotify’s Viral 50 USA, and reached the Top 40 on the Global Country Shazamchart. Geiger will continue his “When It’s Pouring Tour” across North America this November and December, including a return to the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 7. In 2027, Geiger will return to his home country to tour Australia alongside Brooks & Dunn.
Dying in This House Track List:
1. “His and Hers” (Wyatt McCubbin, Seth Ennis, Rob Snyder)
2. “How Crazy Is That?” (Tim Nichols, Tony Martin, Mark Nesler)
3. “String By” (Mack Geiger)
4. “Dying In This House” (Mack Geiger)
5. “Just Called To Let You Know” (Mack Geiger, Jim Beavers, Bart Butler)
6. “You Don’t Deserve Me” (Mack Geiger)
7. “Nothing Like Grandma” (Mack Geiger)
8. “Walk A Straight Line” (Mack Geiger)
9. “How It Ends” (Mack Geiger, Rodney Clawson, Johnny Clawson, Will Bundy)
10, “Mess Of Blues” (Mack Geiger)
11. “Pouring” (Mack Geiger)
12. “Jesus & Jones” (Mack Geiger)
Cledus T. Judd Inks With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lauryn SinkPictured: Spencer Nohe (WCM), Phil May (WCM), Benji Amaefule (WCM), Austen Adams (WCM), Kayce Russell (WCM), Cledus T. Judd and Allen Mitchell (Reverie Ranch). Photo: Courtesy of WCM
Country comedian and recording artist Cledus T. Judd has signed with Warner Chappell Music.
The signing follows the release of his latest single, “Just Another Day In Parodies – Cease & Desist.”
Judd first entered the country music scene in the mid-1990s with tracks including “I Love NASCAR,” “My Cellmate Thinks I’m Sexy,” “How Do You Milk a Cow” and “If Shania Was Mine.” His catalog includes 12 albums along with dozens of singles and music videos. Over his career, Judd’s tracks have been recorded by Rascal Flatts, Montgomery Gentry and others. He has toured alongside Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts and Toby Keith. Judd signed with Reliant Talent Agency earlier this year.
Neon Coast Taps Nikki Boon As Chief Creative Officer
/by Lauryn SinkNikki Boon. Photo: Courtesy of Neon Coast
Neon Coast has named Nikki Boon as Chief Creative Officer.
Boon has spent a decade with the company, working closely with Kane Brown and Nightly. She began her time there as Brown’s tour manager and has since played an integral part in earning his 14 chart-topping hits, 21 billion global streams and more. She was recently named one of five Executives on the Rise in Billboard’s annual country music issue.
In this new role, Boon will provide creative oversight and direction for every artist at Neon Coast, home to a multi-genre roster that also includes Restless Road, Randall King and Julia Cole. Boon also adds international strategy to her role, ahead of Nightly’s January 2027 Asia and Australia tour dates.
“Nikki’s creative thinking is second to none. She has a passion for our artists that you can feel in every conversation she has,” says Martha Earls, Founder and Owner of Neon Coast. “Nikki dreams bigger than anyone I know and has the rare ability to take an idea beyond the unexpected and see possibilities others can’t imagine. Bringing that vision, creativity, and unique perspective to every artist on our roster is one of the greatest ways we can invest in their success.”
“I’m so grateful to Kane, who showed me from his earliest days on the road how powerful a real connection with fans can be, to Nightly, who taught me every angle of what it takes to be an independent artist today, and to Martha Earls, who has always encouraged me and our whole team to dream big, chase ideas and go after our own big wins,” shares Boon. “In this new role, I’m excited to support each artist’s manager, building on what they’ve already created and finding new ways to connect with fans at home and around the world.”
Davis Cook Signs With Rich MGMT
/by Madison HahnenChase Miller (Rich MGMT), Davis Cook and Brendan Rich (Rich MGMT). Photo: Corey Miller (Midtown Motion)
Singer-songwriter Davis Cook has signed with Rich MGMT.
The Jacksonville native introduced his sound to country music with his 2025 single “Bless My Heart,” which has earned more than 1.5 million Spotify streams. He continues to grow his catalog with songs like “Rent Free,” “Money Down” and “Ghost Town.”
“We are fired up to have Davis Cook under the Rich MGMT roof,” says Rich MGMT Founder Brendan Rich. “He’s an incredible young talent with an insanely bright future, and we can’t wait to get to show everyone what he’s been cooking.”
“After my first meeting with Brendan and his team, I knew Rich MGMT was where I was meant to be,” adds Cook. “Since teaming up with them, I haven’t looked back or had a single regret. So pumped to continue to grind everyday with this amazing team!”
Cook will release his new single, “Evergreen,” on November 6.
He is signed with WME for booking and Warner Chappell Music/Twelve6 Entertainment for publishing.
Industry Ink: Laura Veltz, Big Loud, Kameron Marlowe, Craig Morgan, Mallory Murphy, More
/by Lauryn SinkLaura Veltz To Host Inaugural ‘Songwriter Soup’ Fundraiser
Laura Veltz will host the inaugural Songwriter Soup fundraiser on Jan. 13 at The Listening Room in Nashville. Walker Hayes will join Veltz during the round, with additional songwriters to be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now.
Big Loud Raises More Than $7k For Cancer Research
Pictured (L-R): Taylor Tucker (Office Manager, Big Loud), Jamie Baranski (Coordinator, Sync, Big Loud), Patch Culbertson (EVP/GM, Big Loud), Jessy Blackman (Coordinator, Media/PR, Big Loud), Owen Pinion (Executive Assistant, Big Loud), Lauren Thomas (SVP, Promotion, Big Loud Records), Sarah Headley (Director, Promotion, Big Loud Records), Ava Boney (Director, A&R, Big Loud Rock), Ashley Petro (Executive Assistant, Big Loud Records). Photo: Matthew Pinion
Big Loud laced up for the second straight year with Music’s Team for a Cure, the T.J. Martell Foundation’s peer-to-peer fundraising program, at Run Nash on Saturday, Oct. 24. The team raised more than $7,300 for cancer research, topping its $5,000 goal.
Kameron Marlowe Performs At Detroit Lions Halftime Show
Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Courtesy of Detroit Lions
Kameron Marlowe took the stage at the Detroit Lions Halftime Show during their game against the Green Bay Packers over the weekend.
Marlowe performed “I Won’t” and “No Need For Leavin’,” both set to be featured on his upcoming self-titled album dropping Jan. 22.
Craig Morgan Performs National Anthem at Tennessee Titans’ Salute To Service Game
Craig Morgan. Photo: Jessie Rogers/Tennessee Titans
Craig Morgan performed the national anthem at the Tennessee Titan’s Salute To Service game on Oct. 25.
The special game included a surprise on field moment as Morgan helped to honor U.S. Army combat veteran Marcus Hollis, who was injured while serving our nation. He joined as the Titans and Permobil presented Hollis with a custom wheelchair.
Station West Names Mallory Murphy Director Of Operations & Creative Development
Mallory Murphy.
Station West has named Mallory Murphy as Director of Operations and Creative Development. Murphy brings more than a decade of entertainment operations and production experience, most recently at Activision/Raven Software.
“Station West has the talent, facilities and expertise to make world-class music,” says Murphy. “My focus is helping create more opportunities for that music, and the people behind it, to reach new audiences and industries.”
Gillian Smith Signs With Angel Oak Music Group
Gillian Smith has signed with Angel Oak Music Group for management, publishing and label services.
Smith has made appearances at Carolina Country Music Fest and Barefoot Country Music Fest, and supported Parker McCollum, Cole Swindell, Craig Morgan, Jon Pardi and Bailey Zimmerman. She was named Best Female Country Artist at the 2025 Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame Awards. Smith’s new single “Old Flame” is set for release on Nov. 13.
Talent, charisma, and charm rarely combine in one artist. Gillian Smith is the total package,” says Jon Lawhon, President, Angel Oak Music Group
“I have been fortunate enough to work with Gillian since she was 19, and even then her talent and hard work surpassed grown adults in this business. I feel so blessed to get to continue to work with her and her records moving forward, and to expand her team with Angel Oak.” says Sam Grow.
Jason Lovins Band Signs With StowTown Records
Jason Lovins Band.
The Jason Lovins Band has signed with StowTown Records. The band made their label debut with their new single “We’re Letting Hope In.”
“The Jason Lovins Band has carved out a unique space in the music industry through impactful music that carries a powerful message,” says StowTown Records President and CEO Landon Beene. “Our StowTown Records team is honored to be the first to represent this amazing group with label support, and we believe deeply in both the music and the potential to expand their reach within the broader worship community.”
“Beyond the artistry, there is a sincere passion to serve and inspire others, and we are excited to help champion that calling and the impact it can have on the Church and beyond,” adds StowTown Records Director of A&R Mary Alice Lovelace.
Garth Heads North To Canada In December On ‘Blame It All On My Roots Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks has announced he’s taking his “Blame It All On My Roots Arena Tour” to Hamilton, Ontario Dec. 4- 5 at TD Coliseum.
General on-sale for the dates begins Nov. 6 here.
Brooks has already surpassed over 500,000 tickets sold so far this year on his tour, with upcoming dates in Kansas City Nov. 6-7, and a four-date run in Seattle Nov. 12-15.
Megan Moroney, Mackenzie Carpenter, More Celebrate 18th Annual Opry Goes Pink
/by Lorie HollabaughMegan Moroney flipped the switch, turning the Opry Barn pink. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry joined in the fight against breast cancer once again this year at its 18th Annual Opry Goes Pink celebration Tuesday night (Oct. 27).
Megan Moroney flipped the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink in commemoration of the night, and also performed during the special evening. Additional performers on the lineup included Mandy Barnett, Mackenzie Carpenter, Deana Carter, Briley King, Benny G and rising newcomer and breast cancer survivor Jillian Cardarelli, who made her Opry debut.
Songwriter Jessie Jo Dillon, Benny G’s mother, Ali Goldsmith, and Andrea Canning, correspondent for Dateline NBC, were guest announcers for the show, which was presented by Humana and sponsored by Vanderbilt Health. Five dollars from every ticket sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen to aid in the fight against breast cancer.
Jillian Cardarelli performs. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo
Dateline NBC’s Andrea Canning serves as Guest Announcer. Photo: Grand Ole Opry, by Chris Hollo
Wynonna Adds 2027 Dates To ‘Hard Truth Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughWynonna Judd. Photo: Thomas Crabtree
Wynonna has added dates to her “The Hard Truth Tour” for 2027.
Wy is kicking off the New Year with shows throughout the South and Midwest, with stops in Indianapolis, Detroit, Charlotte, and more through March 27. Artist pre-sale tickets for Wynation Fan Club members begins today (Oct. 28) with general public on sale starting Oct. 30.
The tour will support Wynonna’s album The Hard Truth, which released on Oct. 2. The 10-track project was Judd’s first time co-writing an album, and the collection weaves some of her most painful trials with resounding joy and triumph. On the dates, fans can expect to hear Wynonna’s unvarnished truth, along with the timeless hits fans have loved throughout her career.
“The Hard Truth Tour” Dates:
11.06.26 | Oxford, AL | Oxford Performing Arts Center
11.07.26 | North Charleston, SC | North Charleston Performing Arts Center
11.09.26 | West Palm Beach, FL | The Kravis Center
11.11.26 | Tampa, FL | Straz Center
11.13.26 | Roanoke Rapids, NC | Weldon Mills Theatre
11.14.26 | Bristol, VA | Hard Rock Live Bristol
11.19.26 | Bethlehem, PA | Wind Creek Event Center
11.20.26 | Northfield, OH | Northfield Park Racino – Center Stage
11.21.26 | Gary, IN | Hard Rock Live Northern Indiana
02.13.27 | San Antonio, TX | Tobin Center for the Performing Arts
02.16.27 | Austin, TX | ACL Live at The Moody Theater
02.18.27 | Kansas City, MO | Uptown Theater
02.19.27 | Springfield, MO | Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
02.20.27 | Hot Springs, AR | Oaklawn Event Center
03.04.27 | Indianapolis, IN | Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
03.05.27 | Grand Rapids, MI | GLC Live at 20 Monroe
03.06.27 | Detroit, MI | The Fillmore
03.07.27 | Rockford, IL | Hard Rock Casino Rockford
03.10.27 | Morristown, NJ | Mayo Performing Arts Center
03.12.27 | Charles Town, WV | The Event Center at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
03.13.27 | Lancaster, PA | American Music Theatre
03.14.27 | Wilmington, NC | Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
03.19.27 | Charlotte, NC | Ovens Auditorium
03.20.27 | Hiawassee, GA | Anderson Music Hall
03.21.27 | Dothan, AL | Dothan Civic Center
03.26.27 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium
03.27.27 | Nashville, TN | Ryman Auditorium
ACM Unveils 2026-2027 Board Of Directors & Officers
/by Lauryn SinkThe Academy of Country Music has unveiled its 2026-2027 Board Of Directors and Officers.
The officers include Chair Jeff Krones (CAA), President Becky Gardenhire (WME), Vice President Rusty Gaston (Sony Publishing), Treasurer Carmen Romano (FBMM), Sergeant-at-Arms Gayle Holcomb (WME), Parliamentarian Duane Clark (FBMM) and Secretary Haley Montgomery (Academy of Country Music).
“The Academy of Country Music is proud to bring together leaders from across the industry who share a commitment to advancing Country Music and supporting the artists, songwriters and professionals who make this community so special,” says Andy Schuon, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 term, this Board’s collective experience, passion and perspective will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen the Academy’s impact, create new opportunities for our members and celebrate the music and people at the heart of our industry.”
For this term, 12 directors-at-large were appointed and 19 directors were elected to the ACM Board of Directors. This year, qualifying professional categories were elected by the Academy’s membership. In addition to those elected, director-at-large positions have been appointed by the Chair, Vice-Chair, and Vice-President. Directors are elected from each category based on the number of members in that category. Each director serves a staggered two-year term.
ACM Board Of Directors 2026-2027:
OFFICERS
Chair of the Board: Jeff Krones, CAA
President: Becky Gardenhire, WME
Vice President: Rusty Gaston, Sony Publishing
Treasurer: Carmen Romano, FBMM
Parliamentarian: Duane Clark, FBMM
Sergeant-at-Arms: Gayle Holcomb, WME
Secretary: Haley Montgomery, Academy of Country Music
**
AFFILIATED
Chappel McCollister, The.Team (formerly Wasserman)
Deana Ivey, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.
Jackie Campbell, Results Global
Jackie Jones, RIAA
Jeremy Holley, By Design Music
ARTIST/MUSICIAN/PRODUCER/ENGINEER
Ashley McBryde, Artist
Carly Pearce, Artist
Dave Cohen, Musician
Derek Wells, Spirit Music/Producer/Songwriter
TJ Osborne, Artist
DIGITAL MARKETING/DISTRIBUTION
Sally Seitz, Apple Music
Tim Foisset, Spotify
MANAGER
Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management
George Couri, Triple 8 Management
Kerri Edwards, KP Entertainment
Martha Earls, Neon Coast
MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS
Kristie Sloan, The GreenRoom
MUSIC PUBLISHER/PRO
Cyndi Forman, UMPG
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, Warner/Consultant
Shannan Hatch, SESAC PRO
RADIO
Charlie Cook, Radio Industry
Mike Moore, Cumulus
Tim Roberts, Audacy
RECORD COMPANY
Benson Curb, Curb | Word Entertainment
Candice Watkins, Capitol Records Nashville
Jennifer Way, EMPIRE Records
Katie Dean, Leo33
Stephanie Wright, MCA
SONGWRITER
Lee Thomas Miller, Songwriter
TALENT AGENT
Andrew McWilliams, Evergreen
Nate Towne, WME
TALENT BUYER/PROMOTER
Aaron Spalding, Live Nation
Adam Weiser, AEG Presents
Bob Durkin, Southern Entertainment
VENUE
Kevin Ream, Cheatham Street Warehouse
Troy Vollhoffer, Premier Global Production
TOURING
Scott Scovill, Moo TV
DIRECTORS AT LARGE
Amy Bryan-Fosgate, Activated Events
Andy Moats, Pinnacle
Beth Laird, Creative Nation
BJ Hill, Warner Chappell
Brian Wolf, Maverick
Chris Lisle, CLLD, LLC / The Touring Career Workshop
Curt Motley, United Talent Agency
Ed Warm, Joe’s Live
Erika Wollam Nichols, The Bluebird Cafe
Howie Edelman, Durango Artist Management
Ian Cripps, Atlantic Outpost
Jake Basden, Blue Highway
Jodi Dawes, Blue Highway
JoJamie Hahr, BBR Music Group
Meghan Kehoe, Sony Music
Meredith Jones, CAA
Patrick Moore, Opry Entertainment
Randi Tolbert, Qprime
Robert Knotts, Lost Highway
Rod Phillips, iHeartMedia
Ryan Beuschel, The Neal Agency
Ryan Redington, Amazon Music
Sara Knabe, Big Loud
Scot Calonge, Richards & Southern
Shannon Sanders, BMI
Shawn McSpadden, Range Media Partners
Storme Warren, TV and Radio Personality
Tom Lord, Redlight Management
Ward Gunther, Whiskey Jam
PAST CHAIRS
Chuck Aly, Country Aircheck
Cris Lacy, Warner Music Nashville
Ebie McFarland, Essential Broadcast Media
Lori Badgett, City National Bank
Randy Bernard, RWB Management
EX OFFICIO PAST CHAIRS
Butch Waugh, Studio2bee
Charlie Cook, Radio Industry
Darin Murphy, CAA
Ken Tucker, Radio Industry
Mark Hartley
Paul Barnabee, FBMM
Rod Essig, CAA
Back Row Music Launches Management & Label Divisions
/by Lauryn SinkChris Koegen, Alexa Fasulo, Michael Kozelj and Adam Skuse. Photo: Courtesy of Back Row Music
Back Row Music, the Nashville company behind Back Row Publishing, has launched its artist management and record label divisions.
Chris Koegen will serve as President, Artist Services and Alexa Fasulo joins as Vice President, Artist Development and Marketing. Co-Founder and artist manager Michael Kozelj will work alongside the growing team as President, with Adam Skuse serving as CEO.
Based in Nashville, Koegen brings 20 years of label and artist experience in the U.S. and abroad. His prior experience includes Amazon, Big Machine and WHY&HOW, working with artists such as Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, Georgia Ku, Tyler Braden and more.
“Truly extraordinary creators possess ambitions that extend far beyond regional boundaries, requiring a dedicated partner to realize that potential. Having navigated the label, digital, and management sectors across both North America and Europe, experience has proven that exceptional music relies on a cohesive team to reach global audiences. Reuniting with Alexa and joining forces with Adam, Michael and team provides a phenomenal base. Together at Back Row, we are establishing an artist-centric hub designed to support our roster wherever their vision leads,” shares Koegen.
Based in New York, Fasulo is the founder of THRVE Music Co. and brings nearly a decade of experience across the label, management and live sides of the business. After early stints at Republic Records, Live Nation and Bravado, she joined Universal Music Group’s eCommerce & Label Services team in 2020. Following the 2025 launch of THRVE Music Co., she built and executed release strategy, paid and social campaigns, direct-to-fan programs and tour marketing, growing a client roster, including KALEO, Cole Phillips, Angel White and Georgia Ku, among others.
“Reuniting with Chris and joining Adam, Michael and the incredible Back Row family, where everyone shares the same artist-first mindset, is exactly what drew me in,” says Fasulo. “It all starts with the artist’s vision, and our job is to bring it to life. We each bring something different to the table, and in an industry that’s always changing, that lets us stay ahead and set our artists up to win. I’m so excited to build out this team and start this next chapter. We’re ready to champion our artists, help them make some noise and create something special together.”
Kozelj, a Nashville-based artist manager and entrepreneur, is also president of Starseed Entertainment, where he manages Dean Brody, The Reklaws and Nate Haller.
“I couldn’t be more excited to dig in alongside this group of world-class people and build Back Row together,” adds Kozelj. “We all share the same belief that the best artist development happens when everyone is pulling in the same direction, with the artist and their vision at the center of every decision. There’s an incredible amount of experience, creativity and relationships around this table, and I’m fired up about what we’re building together and the opportunities we can create for our artists.”