Make Wake Artists Launches New Label Division
Make Wake Artists, the Nashville-based music management company behind some of today’s top industry-disrupting artists, is proud to celebrate its 10-year anniversary this month. Founded in 2015 when Chris Kappy began managing Luke Combs, the company has grown from a bootstrap startup into an award-winning team representing chart-topping, genre-bending voices across country, Americana, rock, folk, pop and beyond.
Over the past decade, Make Wake Artists has built a reputation for a bold “Fans.F1rst.” strategy and for rethinking the traditional management model. Its 20+ artist roster has earned multiple Diamond/Platinum/Gold certifications, No. 1 singles, and sold-out worldwide tours while continuing to cultivate the next generation of storytellers. See its full roster HERE.
As the company’s founder and Chief Navigation Officer (CNO), Kappy’s mission is to guide artists’ careers with purpose, integrity, and creativity. Make Wake Artists has become synonymous with championing authentic talent and helping artists connect deeply with their fans. The company is best known for its long-standing testament to an Artist.F1rst., Fans.F1rst. philosophy.
“When I started Make Wake Artists in Nashville 10 years ago, my dream was to build a home where artists could thrive; where their music, their values, and their vision would be protected and amplified,” Kappy said. “Luke Combs was the first artist to believe in that vision, and together we’ve been able to share his music with millions of fans worldwide. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built, and this anniversary is as much a celebration of our entire roster, and our incredible team as it is of the company itself.”
As the company continues to define its place in music, MWA is expanding artist services beyond digital strategy, public relations, and merchandise with a new in-house label division designed to give every artist on its roster the ability to release music on their own terms. The department will be led by experienced marketing professionals: Alicia Mathews (Head of Marketing & Commercial Partnerships), Brianna Steinitz (Director of Administration & Operations), and Myles Hoffman (Marketing Manager).
MAKE WAKE ARTISTS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF FANS.F1RST. MANAGEMENT
COMPANY EXPANDS ARTIST SERVICES WITH NEW IN-HOUSE LABEL DIVISION
Download HERE
September 29, 2025 – Make Wake Artists, the Nashville-based music management company behind some of today’s top industry-disrupting artists, is proud to celebrate its 10-year anniversary this month. Founded in 2015 when Chris Kappy began managing Luke Combs, the company has grown from a bootstrap startup into an award-winning team representing chart-topping, genre-bending voices across country, Americana, rock, folk, pop and beyond.
Over the past decade, Make Wake Artists has built a reputation for a bold “Fans.F1rst.” strategy and for rethinking the traditional management model. Its 20+ artist roster has earned multiple Diamond/Platinum/Gold certifications, No. 1 singles, and sold-out worldwide tours while continuing to cultivate the next generation of storytellers. See its full roster HERE.
As the company’s founder and Chief Navigation Officer (CNO), Kappy’s mission is to guide artists’ careers with purpose, integrity, and creativity. Make Wake Artists has become synonymous with championing authentic talent and helping artists connect deeply with their fans. The company is best known for its long-standing testament to an Artist.F1rst., Fans.F1rst. philosophy.
“When I started Make Wake Artists in Nashville 10 years ago, my dream was to build a home where artists could thrive; where their music, their values, and their vision would be protected and amplified,” Kappy said. “Luke Combs was the first artist to believe in that vision, and together we’ve been able to share his music with millions of fans worldwide. I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built, and this anniversary is as much a celebration of our entire roster, and our incredible team as it is of the company itself.”
As the company continues to define its place in music, MWA is expanding artist services beyond digital strategy, public relations, and merchandise with a new in-house label division designed to give every artist on its roster the ability to release music on their own terms. The department will be led by experienced marketing professionals: Alicia Mathews (Head of Marketing & Commercial Partnerships), Brianna Steinitz (Director of Administration & Operations), and Myles Hoffman (Marketing Manager).
“My mission for this division is to support our independent artists with major-level execution while allowing them to maintain creative freedom, and the space to tell their story through music on their own terms,” Mathews said. “It’s been a dream to grow this from the ground up during my time here. I’m incredibly grateful to Kappy for championing my vision and for instilling his Fans.F1rst. philosophy into everything we do. I’m so proud of this team and what we’re building, but what truly matters is fostering the connection between an artist and their fans. The fans are the ones who give us the opportunity to do meaningful work in this space.”
As Make Wake Artists marks 10 years, the team remains focused on the same north star: championing artists with a Fans.F1rst. approach and building careers that last. The company continues to represent a growing roster of acclaimed artists, each with a unique voice and vision, and with the launch of its new label division, it looks ahead to its second decade while staying committed to its founding mission.
At Make Wake Artists, our mission is to discover, develop, and elevate our artists. We are committed to fostering true artistry, providing unreasonable support, and building enduring careers. Rooted in trust, care, and passion, we strive to align our artists with their fans, authentically.
