Industry Ink: Song Suffragettes, First Company Management

Song Suffragettes Donate $10K To Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund

Pictured (L-R): Jenna McDaniel, Candi Carpenter, Jenny Ray, Tasji Bachman, Kalie Shorr, Jenna Paulette, Emma White, Chloe Gilligan, Gracie Schram, Regan Stewart, Emma Lynn White. Photo: Quinton Cook

Nashville’s all-female singer-songwriter collective, Song Suffragettes, celebrated the donation of $10,000 for the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund yesterday (Aug. 27). The money was generated through digital sales and streaming of their song “Time’s Up.”

In January, the group pointedly addressed gender inequality and sexual misconduct against women with their song and accompanying music video. The song was penned by CMT Next Women of Country member Kalie Shorr and Lacy Green.

“As the song and music video continue to be embraced, we look forward to writing even more checks to the TIME’S UP Legal Defense Fund. Hopefully more media outlets and social media influencers will continue to help spread the word about the song, the organization and most importantly, discrimination issues against women.” said Todd Cassetty, founder of Song Suffragettes.

Mike McCloskey Joins First Company Management

Pictured (L-R): Mike McCloskey, general manager; Brandi Wagner, artist manager; Kevin Kookogey, general counsel

Mike McCloskey has joined the First Company Management team as general manager. McCloskey succeeds First Company’s longtime general manager Dave Wagner, whose scope of responsibility has increased within the firm.  

With 20 years of experience in artist management, label operations and concert promotions, McCloskey will oversee the artist roster, managers and team strategy for First Company, one of CCM music’s top multi-faceted entertainment firms. He will also handle day-to-day management duties for GRAMMY®-nominated, Dove Award-winning singer/songwriter Ryan Stevenson, among other artists.   
 
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mike to the First Company family,” said Wes Campbell, president and founder, First Company Management. “Mike’s vast experience and knowledge of the music business is an invaluable asset for our team and growing roster.” 
 
First Company has also expanded the role of artist manager Brandi Wagner, as well as general counsel Kevin Kookogey. Wagner’s duties now include strategic and brand management for new clients and liaising with label and live show partners. Kookogey will continue to provide legal counsel for First Company’s executive team, while also offering a diverse range of support to the firm’s artists and managers.  
 
Along with McCloskey and Wagner, the First Company artist management division includes industry veterans Derek Bruner, manager of chart-toppers 7eventh Time Down; as well as Jason Davis, manager of breakthrough singer/songwriter Austin French.