Newly formed joint venture Hit and Run Music aims to provide freedom for independent artists by offering development, marketing and distribution services in what founders call a “new model” of business.
Music industry veterans Scott Brickell, Ron Smith, and Chase Swayze of BrickHouse Entertainment and the new Hit and Run Music label along with Rusty Harmon (former Hootie and the Blowfish manager and founder and President of Vere Music), have partnered with Vere Music on Hit and Run Music based in Nashville.
Collectively, the venture’s four principals have been behind artists including Hootie and the Blowfish, MercyMe, Amy Grant, CAIN, Faith Hill, Vince Gill, Michael W. Smith, Audio Adrenaline, Switchfoot, Phil Wickham, the VeggieTales franchise and more.
The business was created to serve new and established independent artist across all genres of music. Hit and Run Music projects will be distributed through ADA, which is part of the Warner Music Group family of companies.
Harmon said in a release that because today’s music industry is ever evolving, artists have more freedom and access than ever before.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
“But with that freedom, there is still a need for marketing, distribution, and execution of a strategy,” he added. “Hit and Run Music and Vere have combined to provide the elements needed for a successful career. We are excited about this new model and the team we have assembled.”
Swayze added in the release that Hit and Run Music is a great way for artists to pair marketing strategy and distribution in a nontraditional way.
“Our structure allows artists to focus on writing and recording great music while our team implements marketing strategies and grows their career,” he said. “The label landscape is changing and I am excited about this new venture.”
Hit and Run Music will office out of BrickHouse Entertainment in Franklin, Tn.
Melonee Hurt covers music and music business at The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee. Reach Melonee at mhurt@tennessean.com, on X @HurtMelonee or Instagram at @MelHurtWrites.
