(NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 23, 2013) – Big Sky Media Nashville LLC has acquired independent label Way Out West Records, which is helmed by Nashville Music Row veteran Clif Doyal. Also in the deal are Doyal’s related artist service companies including management and booking firm the Clif Doyal Agency, publicity/marketing arm CDA Promotions-Nashville, and Parrot Picks Publishing Group. Doyal is a partner in Big Sky and will head the umbrella company as COO.
Way Out West Records has launched a website for the label and service companies at www.wayoutwestrecords.net. Co-founded in 2008 by Doyal, Tim Russell and flagship artist Shawna Russell, the Way Out West roster also includes Country band LiveWire.
New hirings at the Clif Doyal Agency include booking agent Phillip Hager and management assistant Justin Woods.
“This is a very exciting time in today’s ever-evolving industry,” states Doyal. “It has been a longtime goal of mine to have this group of companies under one roof providing a nurturing and friendly environment for artists to grow their creativity while providing a palette of services to meet their needs.”
Doyal continues: “I have always been a multi-tasker and a passionate supporter of the ‘farm team’ approach to artist development. With our business model we are able to form joint ventures and strategic partnerships with outside companies to provide the additional muscle that our artists need to thrive in the marketplace while giving them the laser beam focus and hands-on development that they need to grow their careers.”
The Clif Doyal Agency opened its doors in 1984 in Oklahoma City before relocating to Nashville in 1991 where it was instrumental in the early booking development of Toby Keith, Lonestar, Little Texas, Ricochet and other artists before shifting its focus to artist and label management in 2004. The company, which currently manages Russell and LiveWire, has re-launched its booking division for developing artists. It also offers talent buying and event management services and is the buyer and music producer for the July 4 “Summer OilPatch Festival” in Drumright, Okla., one of the largest annual events in the state.
Since its founding in 2004, the publicity and marketing company CDA Promotions-Nashville has represented a diverse roster of clients from multiple genres including Thompson Square, Andy Fraser (formerly of 70’s Rock band Free), Stella Parton, David Allan Coe, The Roys and The Cherokee National Youth Choir, among others. The firm currently handles PR for Way Out West Records, the “Summer OilPatch Festival,” Russell and LiveWire (LiveWire in association with Martha Moore of so much MOORE media).
With the acquisition by Big Sky, Parrot Picks Publishing Group will be re-launched. In its history Parrot Picks has placed music with artists and in television and films including American Bullfighter and Ty Murray: King of the Cowboys. The company will be announcing new hirings and writer signings to its roster in the coming weeks.
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