Make Wake Artists has appointed Matt Shay as its first general manager, expanding the leadership of the Nashville-based management firm whose roster includes Brent Cobb and Jon Bellion.
Shay will oversee a team of nearly 50 staff responsible for artist management, in-house marketing, tour strategy, content planning, merchandise development and other services across the company’s roster.
Founded in 2015 by Chris Kappy with Luke Combs as its sole client, Make Wake Artists has grown into a full-service operation spanning country, Americana, folk, pop and other genres.
Shay brings more than 30 years of experience in artist management, A&R (artists and repertoire), label leadership, and film and television production. He most recently founded the firm ARTIST MGMT and previously served as president of C3 Management. He joins Make Wake with his own management clients, including Bella McCormick and Chris Ryan.
Chris Kappy, founder of Make Wake Artists, said:
“I met Matt five years ago and we hit it off right away. He understood my vision and respected that I wanted to do things differently because everyone told me what I was doing wasn’t ‘how things are done.’ Matt brings that ethos to Make Wake. I wasn’t looking for someone who would simply agree with everyone. I needed a forward-thinking leader who could challenge conventions and continue to move us forward. Our culture is thriving, and adding him to the organization is a win for our team, our artists, and the future of Make Wake.”
