WME has acquired Nashville-based music agency Red 11 Music, it was announced Friday (April 14). As part of the deal, Red 11 Music’s founder and CEO Jon Folk will join WME as partner.
Red 11 Music has represented country and Americana artists including American Aquarium, Jack Ingram, Jon Wolfe, Turnpike Troubadours, Shooter Jennings, Mike and the Moonpies, Them Dirty Roses, Steve Wariner, Muscadine Bloodline, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, and Giovannie & The Hired Guns.
Red 11 Music has had offices in both Nashville and Austin, though a WME representative tells Billboard that all Red 11 staffers will now be located in WME’s Nashville office. Five Red 11 employees will join Folk in transitioning to WME, including agent Geoff Turner, and coordinators Josh Green, Dan Kuklinski and Jeremy Upton, as well as agent assistant Lindsey Wines.
“We have long-admired Jon and the business he has built with Red 11. Jon and his team have a proven track record of success, and we look forward to working with them to grow the Americana genre even further,” said WME’s Nashville office co-heads Becky Gardenhire, Joey Lee and Jay Williams via a statement. “We are excited to welcome Red 11’s clients to WME and connect them to our portfolio of industry best assets and capabilities.”
“We’re thrilled to be joining WME and the incredible resources and expertise they bring to the table,” added Folk. “Our clients can expect even greater levels of service and opportunity in this exciting new chapter.”
Recent signings from WME’s Nashville office include Nate Smith, Harper Grace, Meghan Patrick and Mackenzie Carpenter. In February, the Endeavor-owned agency revealed a round of promotions, including several in its Nashville office. In 2022, WME clients represented over 60% of all headlining slots at the top-country music festivals.
