Skip Bishop launches HitShop

SKIP'S NEW SHOP: Music-biz vet and Nashville stalwart Skip Bishop is launching a new label venture, HitShop Records, which will be distributed by Warner Music Nashville. Promising a "new model of discovery from the street up," Bishop says the company's staff is "deeply committed and involved in studying the new paths music fans walk." The label's staff includes VP Promo Diane Monk-Harrison and promo directors Rick Baumgartner, Kelly Symone and Will Hamrick; A&R execs Cliff Downs and Micah Wilshire; Digital Marketing guru Tim Gerst and Sr. Exec Asst. Amara Hall. HitShop's roster features Gimm+icky and Weston Burt. Rumors that artists will be eligible for unlimited BBQ at participating local eateries could not be confirmed at presstime. (1/9p)