MANAGERS WEIGH IN ON TRYING TIMES

In a world of “Book tour, set up album, do awards shows, build brand, create momentum, repeat,” Nashville’s managers have never had to manage so much uncharted water. And yet, Music City’s best career captains are meeting the challenges—of no shows, streaming versus physical, massive societal unrest and COVID complications—with their usual thoughtful consideration and willingness to innovate.

Holly Gleason asked 12 of them about how they're handling a radically altered reality. Their responses are in Music City; individual links below:

Clarence Spalding, Maverick
(Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Reba)

Seth England, Big Loud
(Morgan Wallen, HARDY)

Melanie Wetherbee, Red Light Management
(Jon Pardi, Jillian Jacqueline)

Chris Kappy, Make Wake Artists
(Luke Combs, Niko Moon, Hailey Whitters)

Lynn Oliver-Cline, River House Artists
(Luke Combs, Chrissy Metz)

Mary Hilliard, Red Light Management
(Dierks Bentley, Elle King, Hot Country Knights, Tucker Beathard)

Martha Earls, EFG Management
(Kane Brown)

Bruce Kalmick, Triple 8
(KALEO, Whiskey Myers, BRELAND)

Marion Kraft, Shopkeeper Management
(Miranda Lambert, Tenille Townes)

Matt Graham, BRND Management
(Midland, Hailey Whitters)

Blythe Scokin, Bluejacket Management
(Ingrid Andress)

Tom Lord, Red Light Management
(Gabby Barrett, Chris Janson)

Fletcher Foster, F2 Entertainment
(Runaway June)