Country Music Veteran Troy "Tracker" Johnson Launches TRACK Mgmt

Troy "Tracker" Johnson, a highly respected figure in the country music industry, is launching his own full-service management company, TRACK Mgmt. This exciting development follows nearly a decade of significant contributions to Big Loud Management, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous successful artists. The launch of TRACK Mgmt represents a new chapter in Johnson's already impressive career, and it's poised to make a significant impact on the Nashville music scene.

A New Venture, A Stellar Team

The new venture, a partnership with Live Nation, will officially commence in January 2025. Johnson will be joined by a strong team comprised of Emily Smith and Drew Magid, both experienced artist managers. The impressive initial client roster includes some of country music's biggest names: Hardy, Dallas Smith, Jake Worthington, and McCoy Moore. Notably, Hardy, Dallas Smith, and Worthington will continue their relationship with Big Loud Records while McCoy Moore is currently unsigned.

Johnson's career spans over two decades, marked by consistent success in touring and artist management. He has worked alongside major artists, including the likes of Hardy, Morgan Wallen, and Florida Georgia Line, demonstrating his keen eye for talent and his ability to guide artists to the peak of their potential. This experience is a testament to his expertise and strategic acumen within the industry.

A Legacy of Success and Collaboration at Big Loud Management

Johnson's departure from Big Loud Management, which is scheduled to wind down its artist management division by the end of 2025, marks a significant shift in the industry landscape. The partners at Big Loud, Seth England, Joey Moi, and Craig Wiseman, expressed their pride in Johnson's new endeavor. They highlighted his significant contributions during his ten-year tenure and extended their support for his future success. Their statement emphasized the incredible journey they shared and their excitement for TRACK Mgmt's upcoming achievements.

Big Loud Management's Future and Continued Success

Big Loud Management's decision to wind down its artist management arm is a strategic move that will allow them to focus on their label and publishing divisions. England, in an interview with Billboard, cited a desire for improved work-life balance as a contributing factor. He also clarified that he would remain at the helm of the records and publishing divisions. Despite the changes, England reassured management clients outside of Tracker’s new team that they would receive assistance in finding new representation. The transition illustrates a focus on long-term strategic planning and prioritizing sustained success within a company's core competencies.

Big Loud’s artist management roster will continue to include several other artists, indicating a commitment to talent development and ongoing partnerships. While Morgan Wallen and Ernest recently departed from the management arm, they maintain their affiliation with the label, demonstrating a commitment to continuity. The shift in focus reinforces Big Loud's dedication to their other business divisions and underscores their strategic vision for the future.

Tracker's Journey: From Texas Roots to Nashville Heights

Johnson's journey is an inspiring example of hard work and dedication in a competitive industry. Hailing from South Texas, he initially carved his niche in the Texas country music scene during the early 2000s before making the move to Nashville. In addition to his work with many artists mentioned earlier, he contributed to the success of other prominent artists like Chris Young, Mackenzie Porter, and Ashland Craft. This demonstrates the breadth and depth of his expertise, ranging across several subgenres of country music. His nickname, “Tracker,” is a testament to his organizational skills and dedication in keeping track of the numerous aspects of managing touring artists and their careers.

Johnson’s success is a testament to his dedication, experience, and ability to build strong, lasting relationships. His move to establish TRACK Mgmt marks not just a personal milestone, but also a significant event for the country music industry, promising exciting developments and continued success for years to come. The launch of TRACK Mgmt is a significant milestone, highlighting the ever-evolving dynamics of the country music industry and the crucial role of effective artist management. The future of TRACK Mgmt looks bright, setting the stage for growth and many more collaborative success stories in the music industry. It is also notable that the new venture will create more opportunities for emerging talent within the country music genre. His journey underscores the importance of perseverance and networking, illustrating how a strategic approach can lead to achieving long-term success in a highly competitive field.