Industry Vets Form New Label

Legendary producer Mark Bright, artist manager Cole Johnstone and record label veteran April Rider have entered into a strategic alliance with ADA Worldwide to create new entertainment company Foundry Records, a full-service independent record label based out of Nashville, Tenn. that is dedicated to long-term artist development and will include a diverse roster of artists. The venture’s first signings, details on the label’s full staff and office location will be revealed soon.

“I am beyond excited to be in business with Mark, April and ADA on this label,” said Johnstone, who will serve as General Manager of Foundry Records. “I’ve helped create and operate many artist-owned independent label imprints over the years from a management standpoint and this was the natural next step. When the opportunity presented itself for the three of us to partner together and create Foundry Records, it was a no brainer. Mark and April are both well-known and highly respected executives in the industry and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

In his role as General Manager, Johnstone will oversee all day-to-day label operations, while continuing to operate Johnstone Entertainment where he guides the careers of Shenandoah and Austin Merrill. Prior to forming Johnstone Entertainment in 2015, Johnstone also helped manage the careers of Big and Rich, Randy Owen, John Rich and The Farm at Morris Higham Management.

Bright, whose legendary accomplishments as a producer, corporate executive, publisher and hit songwriter have all been well-documented throughout his three-plus decades in Nashville, will oversee A&R for the label while continuing to produce for a variety of artists. Past collaborators include Carrie Underwood, Reba, Sting, Vince Gill, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, Billy Ray Cyrus, Luke Bryan, Shakira and more.

Rounding out the Foundry Records team is Rider, who will serve as VP of Marketing and Promotion. Her background includes work with artists such as Tim McGraw, Lee Ann Womack, Deana Carter, Rodney Atkins, Lee Brice, Hank Williams Jr., Gary Allan, Logan Mize, Maggie Rose and Leann Rimes throughout her time as SVP Promotion at Curb Records, General Manager of BBR’s Stoney Creek Records and artist management at RPM Entertainment Group.

ADA Worldwide, the independent distribution division of Warner Music Group, will support Foundry Records across sales and distribution on a global scale.