In the fast-paced, ever-changing world of the music industry, where the lines between independent artists and mainstream stars often blur, one entity has stood firm as a lifeline for up-and-coming talent: MTS Management Group/MTS Records. Founded in 2010 by seasoned music industry professional Michael Stover, MTS has built a solid reputation for nurturing indie artists and helping them achieve success. With a fresh distribution deal with Virgin Music Group/Universal through BGA Music/LRT Music, the company is poised to take its artists to new heights.
Highlighting the challenges experienced by independent artists, Michael Stover offered insights into the founding of MTS Management Group. “I saw a clear need for indie artists to access the kind of comprehensive support typically reserved for major label artists. I envisioned creating a unified platform that would provide artist management, public relations, promotions, radio support, record label backing, and social media/influencer campaigns,” he said. Stover emphasized that his objective has always been to empower talented artists who may lack the necessary resources or expertise to reach a wider audience.
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Since its establishment, MTS has emerged as a significant force in the indie music landscape, collaborating with an array of artists from different genres. Stover’s dedication to offering an all-encompassing approach to artist management distinguishes MTS from its competitors.
A Diverse Roster of Talent
MTS is proud to represent a diverse group of artists, each bringing their unique flair and narrative. One notable artist is Sarantos from Chicago, who has been making his mark since 2014. “Sarantos has captured 57 awards to date, and his latest single, ’14,’ is resonating powerfully with teens,” Stover noted. Sarantos’ ability to merge various musical styles and his genuine engagement with his audience have endeared him to many.
North Carolina’s Pam Ross, with her roots in Houston, has created her signature sound, dubbed “Pam Music,” which is a blend of rock, Americana, and country elements. “Her music has attracted over 350,000 streams on Spotify, and she was recently crowned Musician of the Year at the 2023 Whos Hoo Country Music Awards,” Stover shared. Her latest track, ‘Doublewide,’ has quickly become a crowd-pleaser.
New York City’s HeIsTheArtist stands out with his soulful Christian R&B tunes, heavily influenced by his spiritual journey. “His song ‘Sympathy Sonata (Rock Rhapsody)’ draws inspiration from Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and has topped the UK iTunes R&B charts,” Stover highlighted, pointing out the artist’s innovative approach.
Stover also shined a spotlight on country music star Pamela Hopkins. “Pamela has received multiple accolades, and her recent single, ‘Walk of Honor,’ was awarded Song of the Year at the 2024 Arkansas Country Music Awards,” he stated. With over a million Spotify streams, Hopkins is fast becoming a prominent figure in country music. Her latest, “Burn It Down” drops on September 27th.
The Key to Pamela Hopkins’ Success
When queried about what drives Pamela Hopkins’ continual success in the country music scene, Stover quickly credited her relentless work ethic and her knack for storytelling. “Pamela connects authentically with her audience through the relatable tales woven into her songs,” he explained. Looking ahead, MTS is dedicated to expanding her reach both nationally and internationally through vigorous promotional campaigns and new collaborative ventures.
Arkansas Connections: Zach McKenzie and Cliff & Susan
Further highlighting MTS’s connection to Arkansas, Stover discussed artists Zach McKenzie and the duo Cliff & Susan. “Zach McKenzie captured the 2012 Arkansas Idol, which took him to Hollywood on ‘American Idol,’” Stover mentioned. His recent single, ‘The Day That I Found You,’ has been well-received, climbing the UK iTunes country charts.
The married duo Cliff & Susan have also made significant strides. “Their dynamic performances and heartfelt lyrics have not only garnered accolades but their rendition of Van Morrison’s ‘Into the Mystic’ landed in the Top 20 radio hits in the US,” he added. Their on and off-stage chemistry has forged a genuine connection with their fans that is palpable in their music.
Building Stories Through Music
Stover emphasized the importance of narrative in promoting artists such as Cliff & Susan. “Their journey as a married couple greatly influences their creative process, something we highlight in our promotional strategies,” he noted. This narrative-centric approach helps forge a deeper connection between MTS artists and their audiences.
Working with Mentors and Community-Driven Artists
Stover also highlighted the significance of collaborating with artists who have a positive impact on their communities, like DPB, a musician, mentor, and motivational speaker. “His latest track, ‘I Feel So Good Today (Happy Mix),’ carries an anti-bullying message, supporting his commitment to fostering positive change,” Stover remarked.
Innovating Across Genres
MTS encourages artists to push genre boundaries. The Curse of K.K. Hammond, for example, has revitalized the blues scene with her Southern Gothic horror-inspired tunes. “K.K.’s innovative music requires a tailored promotional strategy to connect her with the right audience,” Stover explained. And it’s worked…Upon release, her debut album hit #7 on the US Billboard Blues Albums chart.
Future Stars: Bill Abernathy and Alex Krawczyk
The Americana artist Bill Abernathy is known for his compelling storytelling which has garnered him a devoted fanbase. “Bill’s authenticity and heartfelt compositions resonate deeply with listeners,” Stover praised.
Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee Alex Krawczyk writes songs centered on themes of hope and healing. “Her music offers comfort, particularly in tough times, and her poignant lyrics provide solace to her listeners,” he added.
Additional MTS Artists: A Closer Look
MTS’s roster includes a broad spectrum of talented musicians, each charting their unique paths in the industry. Here’s a glimpse at more artists making waves:
Eddy Mann, based in Philadelphia, creates spiritually enriching music that includes hits like ‘Hope of the World’ and ‘Hallelujah,’ both of which topped the UK iTunes Christian Chart. “Eddy’s deep faith and hopeful messages have cultivated a large, dedicated following,” Stover shared.
Richard Lynch, a stalwart in the country music scene with a career spanning over 40 years, remains relevant through his authentic sound and dedication to veterans via his Love Tattoo Foundation. “Richard’s strong community ties and genuine approach keep him prominent in the industry,” Stover noted.
Australian/Canadian powerhouse vocalist Robert Ross has dominated the Australian Country Music charts with his blend of traditional and contemporary sounds. His track ‘Drink Em Down’ continues to gain traction. “Robert’s global appeal is evident as he connects with audiences worldwide,” Stover observed.
Jeff Christie, famed for his classic hit ‘Yellow River,’ continues to evolve with new projects like ‘Here & Now.’ “Promoting a legend like Jeff involves blending his rich history with efforts to introduce his music to new audiences,” Stover explained.
Eleyet McConnell from Urbana, OH has received accolades such as Band Single of the Year for ‘Surrender’ at the ISSA Awards. “Angie and Chris’ raw, authentic sound strikes a chord with their fans,” Stover remarked.
Country/Americana artist Jeremy Parsons from San Antonio is gaining attention with his new single ‘The Garden.’ “Jeremy’s distinctive storytelling ability deeply resonates with his listeners,” said Stover.
Ashley Puckett, from North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, has made a splash with her debut album ‘Never Say Never.’ “Her latest single, ‘Anchor,’ is gaining momentum, marking her as a rising star in the country scene,” Stover commented.
Pittsburgh’s own Gary Pratt has achieved multiple #1 hits in the US with his powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. “Gary is currently working on his next album, and we’re excited about his upcoming projects,” Stover added.
The Pittsburgh-based quartet Vento, Ziggy, Hawk & McCarthy are collaborating on the forthcoming single ‘Spaghetti Western’ from their debut album, “Four Ever.” “Each artist brings a unique element to this project, which promises to be distinctive,” Stover stated.
Fronted by Tim Tye, Midnight Sky has been nominated at both the Josie Music Awards and HIMAwards. “Their emotional music has established a strong bond with their audience,” Stover shared.
Veteran artist Luanne Hunt continues to excel in the country and Americana scenes with numerous No. 1 hits, including her latest single ‘Ghosts of a Simpler Time.’ “Luanne’s enduring appeal in the music industry is a testament to her talent,” Stover remarked.
Patti Spadaro, another Pittsburgh-based music veteran has her chops on full display with her latest, an anthem for Women’s Empowerment, called “Glass Shatters.” She hopes to ignite the Kamala Harris campaign with her uplifting single.
Known for her distinctive blend of country and Christian music, Lady Redneck has cultivated a loyal following. “Her forthcoming project, ‘A Child of God,’ featuring her daughter Brynn, is anticipated to strengthen her presence in both genres,” Stover concluded.
With an impressive 750,000 streams on Spotify, Pete Miller has carved out his niche in the music scene thanks to his genuine sound. Stover mentioned, “His latest single, ‘The Dazzling Kimberly,’ is making waves, and his debut album, *’Live On Record,’* has been warmly embraced by listeners.”
Hailing from Pittsburgh, Miss Freddye is a blues icon whose commitment to charitable efforts and passion for the genre have garnered her numerous awards. Stover remarked, “Her new release, ‘Slippin’ Away,’ not only highlights her incredible talent but also her profound connection to the blues.”
The Road Ahead
As for the future, Stover envisions a promising path for MTS Management Group, particularly following their recent distribution agreement with Virgin Music Group/Universal. “This collaboration opens up amazing possibilities for our artists. We’re thrilled about the chance to reach wider audiences while preserving the personal touch that has always been key to our success,” he stated.
For emerging independent artists, Stover shared some valuable advice: “Always stay true to yourself, put in the effort, and be patient. Surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it.”
As MTS continues to advocate for independent musicians, Michael Stover’s commitment and vision are paving the way for a brighter future for many talented artists in the music industry. With a varied roster and exciting opportunities on the horizon, MTS is well-equipped to maintain its leadership in supporting indie musicians.
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