Big Machine Label Group and Cumulus Media have chosen music industry Jim Weatherson to serve as general manager of their Nash Icons record label and live events joint venture.
Nash Icons, a strategic partnership between the two entertainment and media companies, was created last month to expand the Nash platform by showcasing Nashville’s talent from the last 25 years. In addition to the partnership with Big Machine, Cumulus will introduce Nash Icons branding on some owned-and-operated radio stations and syndicate Nash Icons content to affiliate stations through WestwoodOne.
Weatherson has a 35-year history of working with some of the biggest musical talents and brands. He most recently led the Nashville office of 19 Entertainment, owner of the “American Idol” franchise, and previously led projects for Taylor Swift in a management role at 13 Management.
He was appointed general manager at Walt Disney Records in 2006. He oversaw the branded releases of “Hannah Montana,” “High School Musical,” “Cars” and “Tron.” His projects featured music from Miley Cyrus, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, John Mayer, Daft Punk and others.
Nash Icons provides a new distribution platform for country music artists. Nash Icons is a complement to the more contemporary-focused Nash brand. The brand is based at the Nash Campus in Nashville, a multimedia facility devoted solely to producing and distributing content based on the country music lifestyle.
Cumulus Media combines local programming with nationally syndicated media, sports and entertainment brands. The company provides exclusive content that is fully distributed through approximately 460 owned-and-operated stations in 90 U.S. media markets.
The Big Machine Label Group is led by President and CEO Scott Borchetta and encompasses Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., Republic Nashville, Dot Records, Nash Icons and publishing company Big Machine Music.
