Matt Maher
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
As a Founding Partner at Activist, Matt Maher oversees the careers of The Lumineers, Bobby Weir, Young The Giant, Dwight Yoakam, Brittney Spencer, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Empire of the Sun and Felicity, as well as Dead & Company alongside Irving Azoff and Steve Moir. Maher helped The Lumineers grow into a stadium act, and they were the most played artist at Triple A radio in 2022. Among his other achievements are Yoakam earning the BMI President’s Award and induction into the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. Prior to Activist, Maher was a partner at Roar Management where he spent a decade overseeing the skyrocketing career of Zac Brown Band.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up? What was your childhood like?
I grew up in Old Tappan, New Jersey—in the far northeast corner of the state, about 15 miles from New York City. It was an amazing place to grow up. Even though we were so close to one of the biggest cities in the world, my town was about two and a half miles wide. It had 4,000 people and no stoplights. There were three farms in the town when I was a kid, and almost everybody walked or rode their bikes to school. It was pretty idyllic—very small town vibe back then.
Pictured (L-R): Matt Maher, Simone Felice, The Lumineers’ Jeremiah Fraites, David Baron, The Lumineers’ Wesley Schultz, Anna Kolander, Bernie Cahill
When did you become interested in music?
I was surrounded by music since I was really young. My father sang all the time, he had a beautiful voice. He would sing and whistle joyfully every morning while he was getting ready for work and listening to the standards on his favorite AM radio station: Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and more. I was also the youngest of 5 kids and had the benefit of my older siblings’ record collections with all different genres like country, rock, etc. I started playing guitar when I was a kid, but not very well. When I was about 12 years old, my best friend and I charged the neighborhood kids a quarter to see us play about two and a half songs in my backyard. I strummed an out-of-tune, cheap classical guitar and he played the trumpet—a great combo!
In college, I started writing songs and playing fraternity parties with a buddy of mine. After college, we moved to Nashville, made and sold our own CDs, and toured the country as an acoustic duo that eventually morphed into an indie rock band along with another friend from college. Leslie Fram—of CMT—was the PD at 99X in Atlanta at the time, and she put one of our songs in heavy rotation. We ended up signing a record deal with Capitol Records in LA and an EMI publishing deal. That was in the mid-to-late ‘90s. We never actually put out an album on Capitol, but we spent a lot of the label’s money and learned a ton.
Pictured (L-R): Bernie Cahill, Wesley Schultz, Matt Maher, Tom Lewis, Alex Bruford
How did you get into the music business?
When I signed to Capitol, I was also working at Calypso Cafe on Thompson Lane along with a bunch of other Nashville musicians. My girlfriend at the time, who is now my wife, wisely suggested that I take a job working for a young lawyer who had just started an entertainment practice in Nashville. She said I needed a fallback plan. Truly, it was one of the most fortunate things to ever happen to me, as that’s how I started working with my current business partner, Bernie Cahill. It was his law practice and it grew quickly over the next three years. Bernie essentially taught me how to read and mark up contracts, and how to be a paralegal. I learned so much about the actual business of music. Most importantly, I discovered that I really loved helping other creatives with their careers—which was super fulfilling. So, we talked about getting into management. Bernie started a management company with our current partner, Greg Suess, and a couple of other guys in LA, and I was the very first employee. I went from artist to manager overnight, and eventually, I became a partner.
You eventually started managing the Zac Brown Band. Tell me about that.
It was amazing. Great artist, great band. When we started working with Zac and the band, they were playing for door deals in clubs and in a few short years, we helped Zac Brown Band go from clubs to stadiums. What an incredible journey!
What is one of your favorite memories from that time?
Zac and the band were playing a special Veterans Day broadcast for HBO. They were asked to play “Fortunate Son” with Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen. I’ll never forget, after the band and Dave had sound-checked, we were all standing on the stage just talking. Then Springsteen, who was and is my hero from growing up in New Jersey, glided up onto the stage with some serious purpose, his guitar strapped on and ready to go. He went straight over to Zac and Dave and wham! He just dug in on his telecaster. No words, just boom—right into the song. The band followed Springsteen’s lead and kicked into gear with Zac, Dave and Bruce standing in a triangle in the center of the stage all jamming on their guitars with big smiles on their faces. [Us managers] quickly tried to step aside because the music was just happening! It was such a moment, feeling the power and joy of these sick artists playing together for the first time.
Pictured (L-R): Activist Partners Kristina “Red” Tanner, Greg Suess, Matt Maher, Caitlin Stone Jasper, Bernie Cahill, Liz Norris
How did Activist come about?
Prior to starting Activist, we were already managing the Grateful Dead and Michael Franti, who are such amazing activists—it’s just in their DNA. When we felt it was time to make a change from our business at that time, we really wanted to create a culture and a company that incorporated that same purpose of social responsibility, and Activist Artists Management was born. As we all know, music can be such a powerful force for good and a unique catalyst for change. Frankly, just calling ourselves “Activist” has helped to create more opportunities for our clients to give back and I think helped to spark additional ideas or actions for our clients to do good through their art. It has to be the right fit and it’s always up to the client to decide what feels right, but we try to bring them the possibility. For instance, we aim to eliminate more greenhouse gas pollution than we create, and we’ve turned that knowledge into action for hundreds of tour dates for our clients. And, we’re happy to share what we’ve learned in this regard with anyone else in the industry, we’re open source with this information.
What is your favorite part about working with artists at Activist?
There are so many favorite parts. I’m so proud to represent our clients who create amazing art and are true leaders in this world. I’m fortunate to have extraordinary business partners, and incredible partners throughout the industry. As I get older, I really treasure seeing our younger employees grow personally and professionally. I have a lot to be thankful for. I could go on and on, but for instance, I watched The Lumineers sell out Wrigley for the first time this year, Dwight Yoakam gives me musical history lessons on a regular basis, Bobby Weir texts me about guitar pedals, and I’m watching Brittney Spencer quietly and bravely knock down walls day after day. I’m pretty lucky
Pictured (L-R): Matt Maher, Brittney Spencer, Caitlin Stone Jasper
What is something people might not know about you?
That I was a co-writer on a Top 25 Country song in the ‘90s.
Who have been some of your mentors?
I don’t have one primary mentor. I’ve had a lot of people along the way, including my business partner, Bernie Cahill. He taught me a lot about business, and I taught him about the creative. I consider all of my partners at Activist to be mentors in one way or another. Everyone has their own skills and areas where they excel. Bernie and Greg Suess, who are my Activist co-founders and then our partners, as well as Liz Norris, Kris Tanner and Caitlin Stone—I seek their counsel and learn from each of them all the time. We help each other to be better.
I’d probably say that my father was one of my biggest mentors. I didn’t actually learn this story until after he passed away, but it’s now one of my favorites that speaks to his character. When I was playing little league baseball, my dad was my coach. And every year, there was a draft where all the coaches would get together and select their teams. Apparently, at the draft, my father would declare, “just give me everybody that you guys don’t want.” So my team was filled with all the misfit kids, the kids who were labeled “hyper,” who got into fights, who got into trouble or desperately wanted attention. Looking back, we were definitely the Bad News Bears, but we made the playoffs! Remembering how competitive some of the other parent-coaches were, it still makes me proud to know that my dad quietly made that choice.
Pictured (L-R): Carl Young, Matt Maher, Michael Franti, Caitlin Stone
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Early on in my management career, I asked my brother-in-law for his best piece of business advice. He was the CEO of Ritz Camera at the time. He said to me, “Opportunity is around you every day. Most people just don’t open their eyes—look around.” I was in the car on the way to the office, and after I hung up, I stopped at Starbucks. Starbucks had launched their music compilations, so I looked at the CD at the counter and decided to buy one. At the time, we were managing The Bees, a band that was fronted by Daniel Tashian before he became a producer. I found the name of somebody at Starbucks on the back of the package, tracked them down and got a Bees song added to a Starbucks compilation. Such a great lesson that I still follow to this day.
What does success mean to you?
Success is trust—knowing that I’ve earned the trust of the people in my life. Success is the trust that your family puts in you that you’re going to provide and be there for them. Success is the trust afforded by the incredible artists that give us the opportunity to share in their careers, and the trust that your partners and your team have in you. My partners at Activist are amazing, our team is amazing, and we get to work with A-plus agents, business managers, labels, publishers, publicists and touring crews. If you work hard and earn the trust of the people around you, the business will come. You also have to trust yourself that you are up for the job. That feels like a pretty good way to measure success.
Becca Walls Exits Big Machine Label Group
/by Liza AndersonBecca Walls
Big Machine Radio Host & Content Manager Becca Walls exited Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) on Monday (April 3) after seven years with the company.
When Walls first joined BMLG, her position was created to bring freelance projects in house as well as manage and host Big Machine Radio, the label’s online radio platform.
Her responsibilities then evolved to include handling all of the label group’s in-house artist interviews for cut by cuts, EPKs, digital pieces and other promotional content. Walls wrote the BMLG Weekly Prep, booked and ran satellite radio tours and round robins, produced album specials for radio and DSPs, voiced and produced commercials, hosted various events and more.
“It has been my privilege to work with Scott Borchetta, Sandi Borchetta, Dave Kelly and the entire team at BMLG. I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to learn, grow, sharpen my skill sets and expand my knowledge about the business. I have also adored working with our incredible roster of artists,” says Walls.
While exploring full-time and freelance opportunities, Walls will continue her role as an on-air member of Broadway and Friends—the reigning ACM National Personality of the Year winners—and will continue to provide artist content to Benztown’s AmeriCountry Prep.
She can be reached at nashvillebecca@gmail.com.
Midland & Sixthman Announce Last Resort Cruise For 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughMidland is teaming up with event service Sixthman for The Last Resort Cruise, sailing from Miami, Florida to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas April 1-5, 2024.
Aboard the Norwegian Pearl, the Last Resort Cruise will showcase four days and nights filled with music performances from Midland along with Orville Peck, Flatland Cavalry, Hayes Carll, Mike and the Moonpies, The Texas Gentlemen, Madeline Edwards, Kaitlin Butts, Jaime Wyatt, Stephen Wilson Jr., Jonathan Terrell and David Garza.
Additionally, the upcoming voyage will include sets from Disko Cowboy, the DJ offshoot of disco cowboy nightlife brand Vinyl Ranch, as well a live taping of Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ With The Boys—hosted by NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan—autograph and photo sessions, blackjack and flip cup tournaments, contests, karaoke and more.
The Last Resort Cruise will be presented in association with Insólito, the premium tequila designed in partnership with Midland. Insólito Tequila will be on board with offerings including a premium tequila tasting with the band and a special cocktail.
“We’ve always felt like we have some of the best fans in country music, and when we were given the opportunity to curate a four-day cruise ship with our Midlandero community, it was an easy decision,” says Midland. “We booked an all-star lineup with some of our favorite artists and pals, we’re stocking the boat full of Insólito Tequila, and we’ll be hosting daily experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s really a dream vacation and we couldn’t be more excited to set sail.”
First round pre-sale signups are available now through April 16. All pre-sales will secure a cabin photo opportunity with Midland. Public on-sales will follow on April 21. For more information, click here.
Industry Ink: Priscilla Block, Blanco Brown, CRS, More
/by Caela GriffinPriscilla Block Celebrates Festival Season With SHEIN
Priscilla Block. Photo: Courtesy of Shein
Global fashion and lifestyle online retailer, SHEIN, is gearing up for festival season and announcing its latest capsule collection curated by country singer-songwriter Priscilla Block.
The SHEIN x Priscilla Block collection is inspired by the singer’s personal style and features the looks she’ll be wearing during her Stagecoach and Hangout Music Fest performances this year. From rhinestone fringe, neon colors to classic denim styles, the collection includes 90 pieces offered in size XS to 4XL that encapsulate the country star’s very own festival wardrobe.
“Working with SHEIN has been such a fun and exciting experience for me,” Block shares. “I’ve been a fan of the brand for some time now, so it’s really cool to curate my first-ever fashion collection with SHEIN. I wanted to choose pieces that anyone could wear, no matter their shape or size.”
She continues, “We’ve taken the classic country styles I love the most and added my own sassy-glam twist to create a real country-meets-city chick vibe. I know it’ll have everyone who wears it feeling like a star, whether you’re partying on a boat with friends or wanting to be best dressed this festival season! Shopping hasn’t always been easy for me especially when it comes to sizing and affordability. With this collection I can say that I am so proud of the final outcome and can’t wait for you to be the most confident you this season!”
Blanco Brown Rocks With Sailors and Service Members On USO Tour
Blanco Brown, center, poses for a photo with Capt. Dave Pollard, Capt. Nicholas DeLeo, executive officer and Command Master Chief Nicholas Wallace during a USO concert, March 25, 2023.
Country music hitmaker and viral sensation Blanco Brown joined the United Sercive Organizations for a four-day tour (March 25-28). Brown spent two days with Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 777) before joining service members and their families at Naval Station Rota in Rota, Spain.
This was the first tour for Brown and part of the USO’s ongoing efforts to boost the morale of U.S. troops and their families stationed around the world.
During his touring time, the singer-songwriter performed two electrifying concerts that had U.S. troops line dancing to his hit song “The Git Up.” Additionally, Brown had a meet and greet with top Sailors from the George H.W. Bush, was a guest judge for their talent show, and visited with thousands of service members. In Spain, Brown hosted a troop appreciation picnic lunch and performed a thrilling concert in front of the blended multi-service, multi-nation crowd of Spanish and American community members.
“The USO tour was amazing, far beyond anything I’ve ever imagined,” Brown shares. “I had a lot of fun, and the experiences will live with me and through me for the rest of my life. I would love to get back out there and support the troops as much as I can because my purpose is bigger than my brand.”
CRS Content Now Available For Streaming
Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has announced that content taken from various sessions of this year’s conference is now available at CountryRadioSeminar.com. Country Radio Seminar 2023 was March 13-15 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
The Digital Music Summit is among the video highlights, including the following sessions: “How They Built It: Fancy Like Its Path,” “Flex-Ability: Marketing Without a Map,” “Meeting Listeners Where They Are,” and more.
The tribute video to Charlie Monk, a Fireside Chat with NAB’s Curtis LeGeyt, the CRS Honors (featuring Avery Anna, Kelsea Ballerini, and Carly Pearce), and the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2023 reveal are available along with daily event video recaps. CRS 2023 will be uploading more sessions to the website in the upcoming days.
Alchemy Artist Services Celebrates One Year Anniversary
Pictured (L-R): Kaitlyn “KP” Parmenter, Jeremy Gold
Alchemy Artist Services, founded and led by Kaitlyn “KP” Parmenter and Jeremy Gold, is celebrating one year of providing bespoke digital marketing services to record labels, management companies and independent artists.
In their first year, Parmenter and Gold executed digital campaigns for All Time Low, Michael Franti, Brandy Clark, Universal Music Nashville, Larkin Poe, Lauren Daigle, Visionary Media Group (O.N.E The Duo, Cody Belew, Leigh Nash, Clayton Anderson), MILCK, and more.
“I could not have asked for a better business partner and friend than Jeremy Gold — I consider him to be one of the brightest minds in Nashville, and it’s an honor to work alongside him every day,” KP says. “In our first year, I am most proud of our ability to meet artists and music industry teams where they are by creating custom offerings that address their most pressing needs.”
Adds Gold, “When I first met KP during our management careers, I was struck by their sense of personal integrity, commitment to client trust, and drive to create a meaningful work experience. In our first year of business together, I’m most proud of our efforts to integrate these values into Alchemy’s business operations.
CITYPAK, Reliant Talent To Provide Backpacks To Nashville’s Homeless
Reliant Talent Agency has partnered with non-profit organization CITYPAK to provide custom designed backpacks to Nashville’s homeless population. The initiative will take place over April 30 through May 2, and will see the distribution of 1,000 backpacks to individuals and families who are experiencing homeless or in housing transition.
CITYPAK was launched in 2012 by music industry executive and Reliant Talent Agent, Ron Kaplan, to provide custom-designed backpacks to those who are unhoused. The organization has since provided over 95,000 backpacks in more than 150 cities across the U.S. and around the world.
CITYPAKs will be distributed at four outreach events in Tennessee, in partnership with local non-profits that help serve year round. The innovative packs feature an integrated poncho, reflectors, anti-theft loops, and special pockets to protect personal items from the elements, providing added safety, security, and mobility for the user. In addition, Bombas has donated 2,000 new, unworn socks to be included with the distributions.
“I’m so grateful for this opportunity for Reliant Talent and CITYPAK to make a meaningful impact on the Nashville community, and am humbled to be partnering with some amazing local organizations that are doing important work year-round to serve neighbors in need,” shares Kaplan. “By providing custom-designed backpacks to the un-housed, we hope to improve the quality of life for those in need, and to promote dignity in homelessness—one PAK at a time.”
Among the volunteers signed up to distribute homeless packs are some of the staff members from Reliant Talent. To learn more about CITYPAK and to get involved in this initiative, visit www.citypak.org/donate.
Brent Mason To Be Featured In CMHOF’s Nashville Cats Series
/by Lorie HollabaughThe ongoing series highlights musicians and session singers who have played important roles in either the recording studio or concert tours. The program will take place on Saturday, May 20, at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater. Nashville Cats is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and a program ticket is required for admittance.
As one of the most recorded guitarists in history, Mason estimates that he has created distinctive instrumental hooks on more than a thousand Billboard Top 10 hits spanning four decades. He has been named the CMA Musician of the Year twice and the ACM Guitarist of the Year a record 11 times.
Born in Van Wert, Ohio, Mason grew up in a musical family and taught himself to play guitar at age five. After appearing on local television programs and playing in bands in Ohio, he moved to Nashville and began working with the Don Kelley Band. Chet Atkins saw Mason play and invited him to appear on his Grammy-winning 1985 album, Stay Tuned, which included top guitarists George Benson, Larry Carlton, Earl Klugh, Mark Knopfler, Steve Lukather and Dean Parks.
Mason’s early sessions included recording with Lee Greenwood, Dan Seals, Randy Travis and Keith Whitley. In the 1990s, he worked several sessions a day as one of the most in-demand session guitarists in Nashville. Mason played on hits by Toby Keith, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain, Steve Wariner, Trisha Yearwood, Brooks & Dunn, Glen Campbell, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs and George Strait.
In 2009, he won a Grammy for Country Instrumental of the Year for his work on Brad Paisley’s “Cluster Pluck,” and he played on Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country,” the 2019 CMA Single of the Year. He has also performed on hits by Luke Combs, Josh Turner, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Lee Ann Womack and Chris Young. Mason recorded two albums of his own, and as a songwriter, has cuts by Lee Greenwood, Johnny Mathis, Collin Raye, Billie Joe Spears, Jim Ed Brown & the Browns, Conway Twitty and Keith Whitley.
The interview will be illustrated with archival photos as well as audio and film clips. Following the program, Mason will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters.
Tanya Tucker To Release New Album ‘Sweet Western Sound’ June 2
/by Lorie HollabaughTanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish
Tanya Tucker will release a new album, Sweet Western Sound, June 2 on Fantasy Records. The leadoff track from the project, “Kindness,” is out today.
Produced once again by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings, Sweet Western Sound reunites the award-winning trio following the release of Tucker’s 2019 album, While I’m Livin’. Her first new album in 17 years, While I’m Livin’ won the Grammy for Best Country Album as well as Best Country Song for its touching single, “Bring My Flowers Now.”
Earlier this week, Tucker was announced as an inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. She will be minted into the hall alongside Patty Loveless and songwriter Bob McDill later this year.
Sweet Western Sound features contributions from Bernie Taupin, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, JT Nero, Billy Don Burns and Craig Dillingham, as well as a voicemail-generated rhyme from Tanya’s hero and close friend, the late great Billy Joe Shaver, which opens and closes the album.
“Sweet Western Sound is another revelation and I’m excited to see what folks think of our new endeavor,” says Tucker. “It’s always a trip working with Brandi and Shooter. I didn’t know if we’d be working together again on a new album after While I’m Livin’!! But we did it! Lots of new things we did this time and I even co-wrote some of the songs, which means a lot to me. Brandi says we’re magic together, and I’m starting to believe her!!!!”
Sweet Western Sound Track List:
1. Tanya (written by Billy Joe Shaver, Tanya Tucker)
2. Kindness (written by Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)
3. Breakfast In Birmingham featuring Brandi Carlile (written by Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin)
4. Waltz Across a Moment (written by Shooter Jennings)
5. Ready As I’ll Never Be (written by Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker)
6. The List (written by Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker)
7. Letter To Linda (written by Tanya Tucker, Shooter Jennings)
8. City of Gold (written by JT Nero)
9. That Wasn’t Me (written by Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth)
10. When The Rodeo Is Over (Where Do the Cowboys Go?) (written by Billy Don Burns, Craig Dillingham)
My Music Row Story: Activist Artists Management’s Matt Maher
/by LB CantrellMatt Maher
As a Founding Partner at Activist, Matt Maher oversees the careers of The Lumineers, Bobby Weir, Young The Giant, Dwight Yoakam, Brittney Spencer, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Empire of the Sun and Felicity, as well as Dead & Company alongside Irving Azoff and Steve Moir. Maher helped The Lumineers grow into a stadium act, and they were the most played artist at Triple A radio in 2022. Among his other achievements are Yoakam earning the BMI President’s Award and induction into the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. Prior to Activist, Maher was a partner at Roar Management where he spent a decade overseeing the skyrocketing career of Zac Brown Band.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up? What was your childhood like?
I grew up in Old Tappan, New Jersey—in the far northeast corner of the state, about 15 miles from New York City. It was an amazing place to grow up. Even though we were so close to one of the biggest cities in the world, my town was about two and a half miles wide. It had 4,000 people and no stoplights. There were three farms in the town when I was a kid, and almost everybody walked or rode their bikes to school. It was pretty idyllic—very small town vibe back then.
Pictured (L-R): Matt Maher, Simone Felice, The Lumineers’ Jeremiah Fraites, David Baron, The Lumineers’ Wesley Schultz, Anna Kolander, Bernie Cahill
When did you become interested in music?
I was surrounded by music since I was really young. My father sang all the time, he had a beautiful voice. He would sing and whistle joyfully every morning while he was getting ready for work and listening to the standards on his favorite AM radio station: Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and more. I was also the youngest of 5 kids and had the benefit of my older siblings’ record collections with all different genres like country, rock, etc. I started playing guitar when I was a kid, but not very well. When I was about 12 years old, my best friend and I charged the neighborhood kids a quarter to see us play about two and a half songs in my backyard. I strummed an out-of-tune, cheap classical guitar and he played the trumpet—a great combo!
In college, I started writing songs and playing fraternity parties with a buddy of mine. After college, we moved to Nashville, made and sold our own CDs, and toured the country as an acoustic duo that eventually morphed into an indie rock band along with another friend from college. Leslie Fram—of CMT—was the PD at 99X in Atlanta at the time, and she put one of our songs in heavy rotation. We ended up signing a record deal with Capitol Records in LA and an EMI publishing deal. That was in the mid-to-late ‘90s. We never actually put out an album on Capitol, but we spent a lot of the label’s money and learned a ton.
Pictured (L-R): Bernie Cahill, Wesley Schultz, Matt Maher, Tom Lewis, Alex Bruford
How did you get into the music business?
When I signed to Capitol, I was also working at Calypso Cafe on Thompson Lane along with a bunch of other Nashville musicians. My girlfriend at the time, who is now my wife, wisely suggested that I take a job working for a young lawyer who had just started an entertainment practice in Nashville. She said I needed a fallback plan. Truly, it was one of the most fortunate things to ever happen to me, as that’s how I started working with my current business partner, Bernie Cahill. It was his law practice and it grew quickly over the next three years. Bernie essentially taught me how to read and mark up contracts, and how to be a paralegal. I learned so much about the actual business of music. Most importantly, I discovered that I really loved helping other creatives with their careers—which was super fulfilling. So, we talked about getting into management. Bernie started a management company with our current partner, Greg Suess, and a couple of other guys in LA, and I was the very first employee. I went from artist to manager overnight, and eventually, I became a partner.
You eventually started managing the Zac Brown Band. Tell me about that.
It was amazing. Great artist, great band. When we started working with Zac and the band, they were playing for door deals in clubs and in a few short years, we helped Zac Brown Band go from clubs to stadiums. What an incredible journey!
What is one of your favorite memories from that time?
Zac and the band were playing a special Veterans Day broadcast for HBO. They were asked to play “Fortunate Son” with Dave Grohl and Bruce Springsteen. I’ll never forget, after the band and Dave had sound-checked, we were all standing on the stage just talking. Then Springsteen, who was and is my hero from growing up in New Jersey, glided up onto the stage with some serious purpose, his guitar strapped on and ready to go. He went straight over to Zac and Dave and wham! He just dug in on his telecaster. No words, just boom—right into the song. The band followed Springsteen’s lead and kicked into gear with Zac, Dave and Bruce standing in a triangle in the center of the stage all jamming on their guitars with big smiles on their faces. [Us managers] quickly tried to step aside because the music was just happening! It was such a moment, feeling the power and joy of these sick artists playing together for the first time.
Pictured (L-R): Activist Partners Kristina “Red” Tanner, Greg Suess, Matt Maher, Caitlin Stone Jasper, Bernie Cahill, Liz Norris
How did Activist come about?
Prior to starting Activist, we were already managing the Grateful Dead and Michael Franti, who are such amazing activists—it’s just in their DNA. When we felt it was time to make a change from our business at that time, we really wanted to create a culture and a company that incorporated that same purpose of social responsibility, and Activist Artists Management was born. As we all know, music can be such a powerful force for good and a unique catalyst for change. Frankly, just calling ourselves “Activist” has helped to create more opportunities for our clients to give back and I think helped to spark additional ideas or actions for our clients to do good through their art. It has to be the right fit and it’s always up to the client to decide what feels right, but we try to bring them the possibility. For instance, we aim to eliminate more greenhouse gas pollution than we create, and we’ve turned that knowledge into action for hundreds of tour dates for our clients. And, we’re happy to share what we’ve learned in this regard with anyone else in the industry, we’re open source with this information.
What is your favorite part about working with artists at Activist?
There are so many favorite parts. I’m so proud to represent our clients who create amazing art and are true leaders in this world. I’m fortunate to have extraordinary business partners, and incredible partners throughout the industry. As I get older, I really treasure seeing our younger employees grow personally and professionally. I have a lot to be thankful for. I could go on and on, but for instance, I watched The Lumineers sell out Wrigley for the first time this year, Dwight Yoakam gives me musical history lessons on a regular basis, Bobby Weir texts me about guitar pedals, and I’m watching Brittney Spencer quietly and bravely knock down walls day after day. I’m pretty lucky
Pictured (L-R): Matt Maher, Brittney Spencer, Caitlin Stone Jasper
What is something people might not know about you?
That I was a co-writer on a Top 25 Country song in the ‘90s.
Who have been some of your mentors?
I don’t have one primary mentor. I’ve had a lot of people along the way, including my business partner, Bernie Cahill. He taught me a lot about business, and I taught him about the creative. I consider all of my partners at Activist to be mentors in one way or another. Everyone has their own skills and areas where they excel. Bernie and Greg Suess, who are my Activist co-founders and then our partners, as well as Liz Norris, Kris Tanner and Caitlin Stone—I seek their counsel and learn from each of them all the time. We help each other to be better.
I’d probably say that my father was one of my biggest mentors. I didn’t actually learn this story until after he passed away, but it’s now one of my favorites that speaks to his character. When I was playing little league baseball, my dad was my coach. And every year, there was a draft where all the coaches would get together and select their teams. Apparently, at the draft, my father would declare, “just give me everybody that you guys don’t want.” So my team was filled with all the misfit kids, the kids who were labeled “hyper,” who got into fights, who got into trouble or desperately wanted attention. Looking back, we were definitely the Bad News Bears, but we made the playoffs! Remembering how competitive some of the other parent-coaches were, it still makes me proud to know that my dad quietly made that choice.
Pictured (L-R): Carl Young, Matt Maher, Michael Franti, Caitlin Stone
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Early on in my management career, I asked my brother-in-law for his best piece of business advice. He was the CEO of Ritz Camera at the time. He said to me, “Opportunity is around you every day. Most people just don’t open their eyes—look around.” I was in the car on the way to the office, and after I hung up, I stopped at Starbucks. Starbucks had launched their music compilations, so I looked at the CD at the counter and decided to buy one. At the time, we were managing The Bees, a band that was fronted by Daniel Tashian before he became a producer. I found the name of somebody at Starbucks on the back of the package, tracked them down and got a Bees song added to a Starbucks compilation. Such a great lesson that I still follow to this day.
What does success mean to you?
Success is trust—knowing that I’ve earned the trust of the people in my life. Success is the trust that your family puts in you that you’re going to provide and be there for them. Success is the trust afforded by the incredible artists that give us the opportunity to share in their careers, and the trust that your partners and your team have in you. My partners at Activist are amazing, our team is amazing, and we get to work with A-plus agents, business managers, labels, publishers, publicists and touring crews. If you work hard and earn the trust of the people around you, the business will come. You also have to trust yourself that you are up for the job. That feels like a pretty good way to measure success.
ACM & Black Music Action Coalition Accepting Applications For OnRamp Program
/by Lorie HollabaughThe ACM and The Black Music Action Coalition have announced the opening of applications for its OnRamp program, which is a partnership for a guaranteed income program for 20 young, Black members of the music community, including artists and industry professionals, in Nashville.
The OnRamp program, focused on improving inclusivity and equity within Music City, aims to empower the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers by granting access to personal and professional development opportunities, community mentorship, industry exposure, access to exclusive Academy membership panels and tentpole live events, and visibility with Academy Board members and industry leaders. Additionally, through the program, each participant will receive a $1,000 monthly stipend for one year.
To qualify, applicants must identify as African-American, be a resident of the Greater Metro Nashville area (Davidson, Dickson, Maury, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson counties), and demonstrate financial need as determined by the Self Sufficiency Calculator. OnRamp applications close Friday, April 28 and candidates accepted into the program will be notified in June, when the program will begin in tandem with the celebration of Black Music Month and to commemorate the Black Music Action Coalition’s third anniversary. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at acmcountry.com/onramp by April 28.
“The Academy has a rich history of fostering diversity and inclusion in the country music industry both on stage and behind-the-scenes, and we see this partnership as a particularly impactful way to continue our committed work to making the statement ‘Country Music is for Everyone’ a true reality,” says ACM CEO, Damon Whiteside, at the launch of the program. “We’re excited to work with BMAC on this pivotal and transformative work for our Nashville community by increasing opportunities for young professionals from diverse backgrounds in our industry.”
“It speaks volumes for the Black Music Action Coalition and the Academy of Country Music to join forces to launch a guaranteed income program in Nashville for emerging Black artists and young professionals. I applaud Damon Whiteside, the ACM Board and the Level Up team for sharing our vision and becoming true partners with BMAC on a direct impact solution that will begin to address long standing racial inequalities that exist in this country,” shares Co-Founder/Co-Chair of the Black Music Action Coalition, Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, at the launch of the program.
This inaugural program will initially be funded by the Black Music Action Coalition, the Academy of Country Music, and industry partners, and powered by social impact agency BreatheWithMe. The organizations are encouraging corporations and companies operating in Nashville and beyond to make a financial contribution to OnRamp as a means of powering their future equity and inclusion programs. OnRamp is one of many guaranteed income programs BMAC will be announcing throughout the year.
The members of the ACM LEVel Up: Lift Every Voice program’s 2022 cohort will be playing an active role in guiding the OnRamp program and bringing it to life. The two-year curriculum is designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of country music into new audiences that transcend demographics and geography.
Morgan Evans Embraces ‘Life Upside Down’ On Upcoming New EP
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Evans is releasing his new EP, Life Upside Down, on April 21. His latest single from the project, “On My Own Again,” is out now, with a brand new video featuring footage taken from his five-part documentary series.
The clip showcases Evans’ travels from around the world as he picks up the pieces following major life changes and looks forward to the thrilling uncertainty. The uplifting track was penned by Evans with Zach Kale and Geoff Warburton, and was produced by Chris DeStefano.
“Eight shows, seven countries, three bicycles, two goats and one camel,” recalls Evans of the video for the new single. “For a song documenting a poignant moment in my life, I thought it’d be appropriate to make a video the same way. I invited the guys behind the ‘Over For You’ music video and the docuseries on the road in Morocco, Europe, Ireland and the U.K. for one of the adventures of my life so far.
“I called the EP Life Upside Down because this collection of music could only have come from this time, when my life felt exactly that,” he continues. “To me, these five tracks journey through unexpected heartbreak, self-rediscovery, new beginnings and a newfound gratitude for the present moment.”
Evans is currently on the road with Brett Young for “5 Tour 3 2 1,” and will also provide support on select dates with Billy Currington.
Life Upside Down Track Listing:
1. “Over For You”
2. “On My Own Again”
3. “Hey Little Mama”
4. “All Right Here”
5. “Over For You (Live in Melbourne)”
Rachel Fontenot & Katie Dean Announce New Independent Label, Leo33
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Daniel Lee, Natalie Osborne, Katie Dean and Rachel Fontenot. Photo: Robby Klein
Industry veterans Rachel Fontenot and Katie Dean have announced the launch of Leo33, an independent record label based in Nashville.
With Fontenot (Marketing and Operations) co-leading with Dean (Promotion and Artist Development), the label’s initial core team also includes Daniel Lee (A&R) and Natalie Osborne (A&R).
Pictured (L-R): Rachel Fontenot, Katie Dean. Photo: Robby Klein
The company is named after the constellation, and embodies characteristics of the lion and lioness: courage, confidence and cooperation and nods to the iconic LP’s RPM, a music enthusiast’s nostalgic yet contemporary format for experiencing music. The company aims to position creativity front-and-center at every stage of the experience as a Leo33 artist, from the initial deal through music creation, marketing, streaming, promotion and distribution.
“As the industry evolves, so does the role of the label,” says Dean. “We’re trying to build a model for the future—an entrepreneurial approach that combines the resources of a major with the agility and focus of an independent.”
“The members of this team have experienced so many different facets of this industry—each has a unique perspective and passion,” notes Fontenot, highlighting that the core team’s backgrounds include decades at major record labels and publishing companies.
Dean most recently spent nearly 18 years at Universal Music Group, the last seven at the helm of the MCA Nashville imprint. She has had a hand in the careers of artists including Sam Hunt, George Strait, Kacey Musgraves, Vince Gill, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban and more. Prior to UMG, Dean spent time at the Country Music Association, Disney’s Lyric Street Records, Music.com, AristoMedia and Mediabase. Contact Dean at katie@leo33music.com.
Fontenot began her career with BMG Nashville—later Sony Music Nashville— where she held several roles within the company including production, sales, artist development and international. She eventually serving as Director of Marketing & Artist Development at Sony. Fontenot launched her own artist consulting firm in 2017, with a focus on marketing strategy and artist development. She most recently served as VP of Marketing & Artist Development at UMG Nashville. Throughout her career Fontenot has been involved in major projects by artists including Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Sara Evans, Martina McBride, Maren Morris, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi and more. Contact Fontenot at rachel@leo33music.com.
Lee has served as Creative Director for independent publisher Ten Ten Music Group, as VP of Creative for global music entity BMG, in A&R at Warner Records LA and as President of Altadena, an independent label and publishing venture he founded with late hit songwriter and producer Busbee. Lee was instrumental in the career of Carly Pearce, while also working closely with multi-award winning songwriter Hillary Lindsey and Busbee as he became an in-demand producer for artists such as Morris, Keith Urban and Gwen Stefani. Contact Lee at daniel@leo33music.com.
Osborne, formerly of Downtown Music Publishing, served as Senior Creative Director after beginning as their first intern and quickly working her way up, playing a crucial role in building the company’s office, culture and team. Under her guidance, Downtown signed successful and emerging songwriters such as Madi Diaz, Alex Hall, Fancy Hagood, Sarah Buxton, Lucie Silvas, The Brummies and Yola. She also worked with influential songwriters such as Kendell Marvel, Kelly Archer, Marc Beeson and Big Al Anderson. Contact Osborne at natalie@leo33music.com.
Nathan Wilson Signs With Round Hill Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Round Hill’s Mike Whelan, Nathan Wilson, Round Hill’s Lindsay Will and Bob Squance. Photo: Courtesy of Round Hill Music
Nathan Wilson has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Round Hill Music, which has celebrated over 70 No. 1 songs since opening their doors in 2014.
In the past year, the Kentucky native has amassed over seven million streams across all platforms and over 12 million views on TikTok. His upcoming single, “Good at Getting Gone,” drops on April 14.
“Nathan is the full package, and I am beyond excited for Round Hill to be a part of his career,” says Lindsay Will, Round Hill Director of A&R. “He has a powerful voice combined with natural talent, an incredible work ethic and the ability to craft great songs. I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes.”
“When I was 10, my mom bought me my first guitar,” shares Wilson. “If you told me that guitar would lead me moving to Nashville to pursue a dream of writing songs and playing music, I would’ve told you that you’re crazy. Thank you to Lindsay and to Round Hill for giving me the opportunity to do what I love and am truly passionate about. We’ve been working hard and we’re just getting started.”