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Interview with MTS Mangement – Michael Stover talks about his business and shares advice for independent artists to succeed.
MuzicNotez: First off, it’s an honor to be doing this interview with you, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us.
When did you start your business? What motivated you to create this business?
MTS Management (Michael Stover): Honestly, it was divine appointment. I didn’t set out to start a music Management, promotions, and publicity agency…or a record Label. It was completely serendipitous. Here’s how it all went down: I was working at Guitar Center, in the drum department. I ran into a former bandmate of mine, who by the way, is one of my current clients, Xander Demos (XDB, Ripper Owens, James Rivera.) He was telling me about a mutual friend/former bandmate, Bryan Cole, who had recorded a killer country album with some Nashville heavyweights. I looked Bryan up, and I started playing drums for him locally.
From there, I started seeking out managers for him, but was running into alot of brick walls. After speaking with David Lowry, whom I consider a good friend and mentor, I asked Bryan if I could take the reins as his manager, and he agreed. After some successes with Bryan, I officially started my company on March 1, 2010, so we’re in our 15th year of business, and things couldn’t be better! I truly believe that God had this career in mind for me from the start…it just took me a while to listen and surrender to His will.
What sets your services apart from all the rest? How are you unique?
Facebook.com/mtsmanagement.records
Instagram: @mtsmanagement
X: @mtsmanagement
Michael: I try to offer an all-inclusive, one price fits all, one-stop shop for indie artists. Everything from press release writing to distribution of that press release across newswires and my contact database, curated over 15 years. We have the built-in relationships to get our artists radio airplay and charting, even Mediabase and Billboard charting! I’ve got some great relationships that have gotten our artists big-time press opportunities on network TV and radio, as well as sites and magazines like Rolling Stone, Billboard, Music Row, Country Music People, OK!, and the list goes on and on…
We also do iTunes and spotify playlist promotions, awards submissions, and licensing for TV/Movies. We’ve had songs on ABC’s “The Goldbergs!” Love that show! I’m probably forgetting alot, but there’s not too much that we don’t offer. Something else that sets us apart, is the family atmosphere. I call it the “MTS Family.” I take what I do very personally, as it’s my name on the line everytime I take on a new client. So, I treat them the way that I would want to be treated. I work hard… and I expect the same from my artists. You can’t go into this ½ way… you get back what you put in.
Another thing is… when you work with MTS, you’re working with ME. It’s not like I have 10 agents working below me, and I’m just the face of the company. You get me. You’ll get my experience and my resources. You get my ethical, quasi-workaholic habits. lol.
What’s the ultimate goal you want to achieve with your business? What are your goals?
Michael: My ultimate goal would be to have artists know that when they trust me with their music, that they can rest assured that I am doing everything I can to promote them and to get them to the next level in their careers. I want them to know that MTS is an honest and ethical and trustworthy alternative to some of the “sharks” that are out there in this business. I mean, I’d love for MTS to be synonymous with Indie Music, but the field is large…
What do you think is the most exciting independent artist you have promoted recently?
Michael: : Tough question. They are all my “family” members, so to choose one would be very unfair. I think the most UNIQUE artist I’m working with is The Curse of KK Hammond. She’s a UK based slide blues guitar singer-songwriter and enigma. lol. Her debut LP hit the Billboard Blues Albums Top 10! Her latest music video, “Walk with Me Through the Fire” is an EPIC production. You need to check it out!
What kind of services do you offer artists?
Michael: : Anything and everything, except booking. I don’t do booking. lol.
Independent music artists work very hard to be heard. What piece of advice would you give to an indie artist to help them succeed?
Michael: :it’s age-old. Don’t quit your day job. This business is EXPENSIVE. Everyone has their hand out to be paid. If you don’t have funding to help you pay for things, you’re dead in the water. You can have a great recording, but if you have no way to promote it, and rise above the literal millions of other competitors, why did you spend money to record in the first place? It’s like having a Ferari in the driveway, and no keys to start it. So, be realistic. Nobody owes you anything. Spend money wisely, but be prepared to spend money, if you’re serious about getting your project heard.
What do you think is the biggest trend in 2025 for promoting music?
Michael: :Easy. Tiktok. Probably the #1 fastest growing outlet for music promotion. If you are not working on building your TikTok audience, you’re missing out on a HUGE market. That, and licensing. Licensing pays well! Don’t be afraid to write stuff that can be used for film/tv. I have clients who have been able to pay for a full year of promotion from one placement. If you want to be paid well..write music that has licensing potential.
Anything else you wish to say about yourself or your music? Any message for your fans?
Michael: : I hope everyone who reads this will stop by www.mtsmanagementgroup.com and check out what we’re up to and what we’ve been doing for the past 15 years. It’s been an incredible ride, and I look forward to working hard for my clients for another 15+!
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