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Nashville-based boutique management firm Music City Management (MCM) announces its first new artist signing in eight years with the addition of emerging Integrity Music songstress and “The Voice” semifinalist Holly Brand. The Christian/Country newcomer joins an intentionally small family of talent at MCM, which has provided long-term representation for Marc Martel and Jason Gray. Industry veteran and MCM founder Josh Petersen will handle day-to-day management for Brand.
“Holly’s songs caught my attention from the first time I put her demos on in my pickup truck — secular country melodies with gospel-centered lyrics. She has a powerful, unique voice that reminds me of why I have always loved country music. Then I heard her sing live and was hooked,” Josh Petersen shares. “As an artist manager, you look for an artist to work with who sounds as good on stage as they do in the studio. Holly has a bright future, and I believe she can quickly be a leading voice in the Christian/Country marketplace.”
The daughter of a former music minister, Brand grew up singing in her small country church. Merging her southern upbringing with her love for Jesus, the Mississippi native had the opportunity to open for country superstar Blake Shelton when she was only 10 years old. She later went on to compete on NBC’s “The Voice,” where she finished in the Top 8 during Season 23. Fusing country instrumentation with faith-fueled lyrics, the newcomer recently signed an exclusive publishing and recording contract with Integrity Music, and Platform Artists represent her for booking representation. Brand will be releasing new music this fall through Integrity Music.
“I knew from my first meeting with Josh that we would make a great team. I have a deep respect for his tenacity, drive, and wisdom, and I couldn’t have chosen anyone better to partner with and to help build my career,” Holly Brand adds. “I am so excited to see what the future holds and honored to say my team feels complete with Josh Petersen and Music City Management.”
Brand’s signing is the latest in a series of notable milestones for MCM and Peterson. Together, Petersen and Martel have created the largest Queen tribute band in the world, "One Vision of Queen,” which has performed shows in more than 40 countries, with Martel being described by the New York Times as a vocal doppelgänger for Freddie Mercury. Collectively, Martel’s viral videos have been viewed more than 350 million times across YouTube and Facebook. Additionally, the former lead singer of Christian band Downhere lent his voice to Oscar-winning biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Furthermore, his recording of the Christmas classic “Silver Bells,” featuring Christian music icons Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, earned the No. 1 spot on multiple charts in 2019.
Alongside Gray and Centricity Music, Petersen created the popular “SiriusXM’s Acoustic Storytime hosted by Jason Gray,” a monthly Christian songwriters round held live in Brentwood, Tenn., and aired later on SiriusXM’s The Message. Gray recently renewed his contract with both Centricity Music and Centricity Publishing for his 19th year, making him the longest-signed artist in the label’s history.
ABOUT HOLLY BRAND: Born and raised in Meridian, Mississippi, Holly Brand has always had a heart for telling meaningful stories through music that point people to Jesus. As the daughter of a former minister of music, she felt a calling to weave music and faith from an early age. Her music journey started with her singing in a small country church and has since seen her open for Blake Shelton at the age of 10, make the Top 8 on NBC’s “The Voice,” and, most recently, sign her first recording and publishing contract with Integrity Music in Nashville. Drawing from her roots, Brand infuses modern country melodies with powerful faith-inspired lyrics to craft a sound that’s new and unique, playfully dubbed “Magnolia Made.” Now based in Nashville, Tenn., with her husband, she’s been writing and refining songs for her debut project, collaborating with some of the industry’s top writers and producers, and sharing her heart on stages across the country.
ABOUT JOSH PETERSEN/MUSIC CITY MANAGEMENT (MCM): Josh Petersen has spent the last 20 years working in almost every capacity of the music industry in Nashville, Tenn. After spending a few years working in radio as an on-air talent, he transitioned into the record label side of music — serving roles in marketing, sales, radio promotion, booking, and tour strategy at four different record companies. He founded Music City Management (MCM) in 2013 and has worked with a variety of different artists in the Country, Rock, Pop, Christian, and Bluegrass genres, focusing on creating ongoing opportunities for his clients and helping them achieve their musical goals and aspirations.
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