Industry Veteran, Dennis Disney, Named Vice President at Maxximum Artist Group

Aaron Benward Joins Company as Director of National Promotions in L.A.Additional Moves Announced

 

Long-time industry veteran, Dennis Disney, has joined Maxximum Artist Group as Vice President. The announcement was made by Mitchell Solarek, President of the Nashville-based artist management and development company. In this newly-created position, Disney will oversee daily operations for the firm that manages award-winning artists and producers, including Natalie Grant, Danny Gokey, Bernie Herms, Donald Lawrence, and others.

 

unnamed (2)“Dennis and I have known each other for over 18 years, having first met and worked together when he was head of marketing at Benson Music for Natalie Grant’s debut album,” states Solarek. “We reconnected this fall when he worked with us on the launch of Natalie’s new album.” Grant’s Be One project (Curb Records) released November 13, 2015 and debuted No. 1 on Billboard Magazine’s Top Christian Albums chart.

  “We have ambitious plans to grow the impact of our artists and expand the footprint of our business,” Solarek continues. “Over these past few months, it became clear that Dennis was suited to take an executive role with our firm. With his three decades of experience as an artist manager, record label executive, publishing executive, business owner, and university adjunct instructor, he brings an abundance of insight and expertise uniquely qualifying him to lead the operations of Maxximum.”

  First beginning in marketing at Word Records in 1985, moving into the manager role for Steven Curtis Chapman (1987-1990), and then back to the corporate side of the business, Disney has held leadership and executive positions at major companies in addition to operating his own agency. Notably, as Vice President of Marketing at Benson Music (Provident/Sony), he oversaw the faith-based team for Bob Carlisle’s Double-Platinum Butterfly Kisses (2.5 million units sold), Fred Hammond’s Platinum-selling double-album Pages of Life, and 4HIM’s Gold album, The Basics of Life. Most recently at Worthy Publishing, as Vice President of Marketing he led the book publisher’s marketing team on John Hagee’s ECPA Gold Medal book, Four Blood Moons (over 700,000+ in print), and The Jeremiah Study Bible (over 250,000+ in print), the top-selling Study Bible in 2014. Since 2009, Disney has been an adjunct instructor at Belmont University in Nashville, teaching a course on “Entertainment Distribution and Promotion.”

  Says Disney, “I’m thrilled to formally reconnect with Mitchell and to join the talented team at Maxximum Artist Group as we passionately serve the artists, writers, and producers who work hard to create life-affirming content.” In other Maxximum moves:

  Aaron Benward is joining the company as Director of National Promotions and Development and will helm a Los Angeles office for Maxximum. Benward is a former solo artist, founding member of Curb Records’ three-time ACM-nominated “Duo of the Year ,“Blue Country,” and creator of the Las Vegas-based live show, “Nashville Unplugged: The Story Behind the Song.” He will facilitate national promotion across broadcast, streaming, and event platforms on behalf of Maxximum artists.

  MarQuis Hardin has been hired as Management Assistant/Social Media Coordinator. A former intern at Maxximum, Hardin recently graduated from Belmont University’s Music Business program.

  Rounding out the Maxximum staff are artist managers Kristi Brazell (who oversees the day-to-day management for Natalie Grant), Penny Railey (responsible manager for Danny Gokey), and project coordinator, Ben Pogue. “I’m thankful to have such wonderful talent on our team,” Solarek says. “Each brings a level of creativity, expertise, and network that strengthens our ability to fulfill our mission to influence those who influence hearts and minds.” About Maxximum Artist Management:

  Maximum Artist Management is a Nashville-based artist management and devel-opment firm founded in 1998 by Mitchell Solarek. Currently, the firm’s roster includes four-time Gospel Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year and Grammy® nominee, Natalie Grant; Grammy® nominated producer Bernie Herms (Josh Groban; Barbra Streisand; Natalie Grant); Grammy® and Stellar® award-winning artist/producer Donald Lawrence; American Idol alumnus, Danny Gokey; singer/songwriter Kolby Koloff; new artist 3for3; and Koryn Hawthorne.

MAXX RECORDINGS GOES TOP 10 WITH DEBUT ACT 3FOR3 READIES SINGER/SONGWRITER KOLBY KOLOFF AT RADIO THIS WEEK

MAXX RECORDINGS GOES TOP 10 WITH DEBUT ACT 3FOR3 READIES SINGER/SONGWRITER KOLBY KOLOFF AT RADIO THIS WEEK

KOLOFF HITS THE CHARTS WITH “GROW” FROM HER UPCOMING 2016 RELEASE


NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 20, 2015) – Riding the wave of the burgeoning label’s debut act 3for3’s entry into the Top 10 at CHR radio with “Halfway,” Maxx Recordings is set to release teen singer/songwriter Kolby Koloff, who rose to notoriety on the hit Lifetime TV series “Preacher’s Daughters.” Her self-penned debut “Grow,” is delivered to radio this week. Kolby Koloff single “Grow” addresses the notion of learning how to let go and grow with your faith in hand. “And with some sun and with some rain, a little shelter from the pain, with some patience and some time you'll see... it will grow and grow” is a simple lyric that provides profound wisdom in a young lady who has experienced a lot of challenges in a short 19 years. Kolby’s path to the stage was not one she dreamed of as a child. But with some convincing from her family and putting her experiences to paper, she delved in deep to offer her take on maneuvering life with God as her guide into a collection of stunning insights and hope.

The result is a five-song EP featuring elegant, heartfelt songs designed not only to showcase Kolby’s evolving vocal style — think a dash Natalie Merchant and a bit of Edie Brickell — but also to highlight her desire to communicate both faith and familiarity to a generation with so many options, both good and bad, in front of them every day. For more information, please visit Kolby Koloff EPK.

About Maxx Recordings:

Maxx Recordings is a full service recorded entertainment group that is a division of Maximum Artist Group. Owned and founded by industry tastemaker Mitchell Solarek, the label was the next natural step in his trifecta of companies. While not genre specific, the label is focused on creating music for those that love the Top-40 sound coupled with a positive lyrical approach. Maxx is in partnership with New Day Christian and Sony Red for distribution of the multi-genre enterprise that is home to hot new group 3for3, former reality TV star Kolby Koloff and high school standout Riley Clemmons. Maximum Artist Group is the home to such award-winning artists as Plus One, Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey. Maxx Publishing is experiencing hits across all platforms that consist of a small stable of writers. Maxx Recordings is based in Nashville, Tennessee and is a privately held company.

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For further information: Jules Wortman Wortman Works Media & Marketing 615. 260.9985/ jwortman@wortmanworks.com www.maxxrecordings.com

3FOR3 BRINGING FRESH NEW SOUND ACROSS THE COUNTRY ON AIR 1 POSITIVE HITS TOUR

Band’s debut single “Halfway” garners most added status at radio as they ready first EP 3for3 on MAXX Recordings
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 15, 2015) – MAXX Recordings new group 3for3 is taking their talent on the road for the Air 1 Positive Hits Tour on the heels of their July 24th debut EP release 3for3 featuring the single “Halfway.” For tickets and more information, please visit http://cms.air1.com/positive-hits-tour.aspx.  The EP is now available for preorder here.
The guys of 3for3 may be newcomers to the music scene, but Spencer Lloyd, Benji Schuler and Josh Davis prove that success can come at any age. Equipped with bounding energy, strong storytelling and an inspiring message, the guys are creating a sound that is all their own. Hailing from Arkansas, Spencer Lloyd is an American Idol alum and worship leader. Benji Shuler is a skilled lyricist from Music City, and Josh Davis is a small-town teenager with a big voice.
The trio’s debut single “Halfway” was co-written by member Benji Schuler and backed by award-winning producer Bernie Herms. With a five-song EP release this month and plans to deliver a full-length project in 2016, the future is bright for 3for3.  “Halfway” is already inside the TOP 20 at radio.
Catch 3for3 on tour:
August 27                             Indianapolis, IN         Northview Church
August 28                             Columbus, OH          Ohio Theatre
August 29                             Knoxville, TN             Knoxville Civic Auditorium
August 30                             Lexington, KY            Northeast Christian Church
Sept.  1                                 Cincinnati, OH           Taft Theater
Sept.  2                                 Kansas City, MO       First Baptist Raytown
Sept. 3                                  Tulsa, OK                  Tulsa Ballroom@ Cox Business
Sept. 13                                Houston, TX              Bayou Music Center
Sept. 14                                San Antonio, TX        Castle Hills Church
Sept. 15                                Midland/Odessa        Wagner Noel Performing Arts
Sept. 16                                Phoenix, AZ               Grand Canyon University Arena
Sept. 17                                San Diego, CA           Shadow Mnt. Community CH
Sept. 22                                Oxnard/Ventura         Oxnard PAC
Sept. 23                                Livermore, CA           Cornerstone Fellowship
Sept. 24                                Reno, NV                   Grace Church
Sept. 25                                Sacramento, CA         Bayside Church
Sept. 26                                Fresno, CA                 Cornerstone Church/Wilson
Sept. 28                                Anaheim, CA              City National Grove
Sept. 30                                Henderson, NV          Central Christian Church
October 1                             Albuquerque, NM       Kiva Auditorium
October 2                             Oklahoma City, OK    Bethany First Church Nazerene
October 3                             Jackson, MS              Broadmoor Baptist
About 3for3:
A refreshing new and effervescent sound is emerging from Nashville, TN through a dynamic group of young men known as 3for3. Spencer Lloyd, Benji Shuler, and Josh Davis make up the vibrant new trio. They are poised to follow in the illustrious footsteps of cutting edge male groups and blaze a trail of their own by spreading a message of hope through God’s love in a relevant way. The members of 3for3 have collectively been primed for musical success. Benji, Josh, and Spencer grew up singing and being heard by audiences in church, local events, and on national platforms like American Idol.  Group member Spencer Lloyd ranked in Top 15 on the hit show and has continued to hone his talent by contributing his talents to 3for3.  3for3encompasses singers, songwriters, and a lyricist delivering an edge to their style of music that will reach across genres and span various age groups. Their lead single “Halfway” showcases their rich vocal styling, tight lyrics, and their passion exudes through the message of the song. Take a moment and go a little deeper to understand the heart and pulse of 3for3.
Hailing from Tennessee and Arkansas the members of 3for3 were groomed and shaped for greatness. Collectively the group has been graced with family members who were successfully involved in the music industry and are musically inclined. So it’s in their DNA. They were able to see firsthand how to execute quality showmanship and how to connect with audiences.  They all began singing, performing, and being immersed in musical environments at a young age.With drive and determination to create a legacy in the musical arena they all sought opportunities to express their musical prowess. And so the journey began to create this powerhouse male group.
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Download high resolution image here.

MAXX RECORDINGS’ HAS ITS OWN TRIPLE CROWN WITH LABEL LAUNCH, RADIOACTIVE DEBUT ARTIST 3for3 AND ITS FIRST SINGLE “HALFWAY” CLAIMING MOST ADDED HONORS AT RADIO AS TRACK HITS ITUNES TODAY, JUNE 9th

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MAXX RECORDINGS’ HAS ITS OWN TRIPLE CROWN WITH LABEL LAUNCH, RADIOACTIVE DEBUT ARTIST 3for3 AND ITS FIRST SINGLE “HALFWAY” CLAIMING MOST ADDED HONORS AT RADIO AS TRACK HITS ITUNES TODAY, JUNE 9th

3for3 Gears Up For National Tour This Summer

Group took part in the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America during the Charlotte handoff with a performance of “Halfway” from their upcoming July 24th EP

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 9, 2015) – 3for3, the new buzz band composed of Spencer Lloyd, Josh Davis and Benji Shuler celebrate their debut single “Halfway” as the most added single onBillboard Magazine’s Christian HOT AC/CHR singles chart. The trio is the debut act from the newly minted MAXX Recordings and is produced by award-winning producer Bernie Herms. The vibrant trio made their first official appearance last week at the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America Event in Charlotte, North Carolina where they introduced “Halfway.” Purchase their new single: HERE.

“I hope you’ve fastened your seatbelts,” says the elated president of Maxx Recordings Mitchell Solarek. “Kudos to a great team with a strong independent heart. It is humbling and energizing to see ‘most added’ beside our debut act 3for3. These three guys have worked really hard to bring a strong message in their music and we couldn’t be more proud than to launch our label with this news and this group,” he added.

3for3 has been traveling the US over the past month introducing their new music and themselves to the industry and fans to a great response. During the introductory tour, the guys were also invited to participate in the Charlotte leg of the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America and walked away knowing how special it is for their music to resonate as soundly as it is, evidenced by the response they received at the relay.

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“What an honor to be able to debut our music amongst some of the most inspiring people,” says Spencer Lloyd of 3for3. “To be a part of an event that is designed to mobilize a nation for inclusion and respect echoes our mission with our music,” continued Josh Davis of 3for3.

“Halfway,” co-written by the group’s Benji Shuler, along with Sam Mizell and Emily Weisband, is a song about God’s unconditional love and that it is never halfway. “We are loved by him all the way,” says Shuler. “We produced this song pumped with energy, as we feel it should be given the message of being loved so strongly,” he continued.

3for3 is planning a busy summer with the release of “Halfway” today, an EP on July 24th and a major tour announcement soon. Their vast array of influences and talent, coupled with a message of Hope, will appeal to a diverse audience as the trio heads out to share their story and make an impact on today’s generation.

RED and New Day distribute Maxx Recordings. CAA books the group and Wortman Works Media & Marketing handles publicity. An all-star team made up of Chris Hauser, Matt Ingle, Katie Green Donna Del Sesto and Jen Mouttet handles promotion.

About 3for3: 3for3 derives from the bible scripture Psalm 34:3, which reads in The Message Bible version, “Join me in spreading the news together, and let’s get the word out.” Hailing from Tennessee and Arkansas, Benji, Josh and Spencer formed the group under the leadership of Mitchell Solarek. Collectively, the group has a strong lineage of success in the music industry. Armed with great storytelling, the trio pulls from their influences like TobyMac, Lecrae, Aretha Franklin, John Mayer and others as they set their career into motion and join their peers in spreading a message of Hope through music. Groomed and mentored by award-winning producer, songwriter and composer, Bernie Herms, the trio is poised to make a mark with their groundbreaking body of music.

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Connect with 3for3: Website: www.3for3music.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/3for3 Twitter: https://twitter.com/3for3 Instagram: https://instagram.com/3for3/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC35-7DxjNjlKiRjImhtlrQA

For interviews or other information, please contact: Jules Wortman Wortman Works Media & Marketing 615.260.9985 jwortman@wortmanworks.com

MAXX RECORDINGS LAUNCHES WITH NEW BUZZ BAND 3FOR3

MAXX RECORDINGS LAUNCHES WITH NEW BUZZ BAND 3FOR3

FULL SERVICE LABEL FOUNDED AND LED BY MUSIC INDUSTRY VETERAN MITCHELL SOLAREK

MAXX RECORDINGS SET TO RELEASE MULTI-GENRE RECORDINGS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SONY RED DISTRIBUTION AND NEW DAY CHRISTIAN

MAXX PUBLISHING CONTINUES GROWTH WITH CHART-TOPPING SONGS AND NEW SIGNINGS

NASHVILLE, TENN. (MAY 14, 2015) -- Maxx Recordings, a full service label founded and led by Maximum Artist Group’s Mitchell Solarek, introduced it’s first signing, buzz band 3for3, at a star-studded launch party in Nashville tonight. The group is set to launch a single next month, as well as a tour this fall. Additionally, Solarek announced that the full-service entertainment group is partnering with Sony RED and New Day Christian for distribution of the multi-genre enterprise and has also signed Kolby Koloff and Riley Clemmons. Maximum Artist Group is home to award-winning artists such as Natalie Grant, Donald Lawrence, Danny Gokey and award-winning producer Bernie Herms.

unnamed 3for3, Mitchell Solarek, Ed Leonard, Natalie Grant, Bernie Herms, Riley Clemmons and Kolby Koloff Photo Credit: Aaron Crisler

Maxx Recordings President Mitchell Solarek says, “Through it's initial signings, Maxx Recordings is committed to impacting fans of Top 40 songs by supporting and working along side artists who’s music and lyrics are positive and relevant in today’s music culture. Maximum Artist Group has always been committed to developing and introducing emerging talent into the market and Maxx Recordings is an extension of that commitment. We are proud to welcome 3for3, Kolby and Riley to our Maxx family."

"I am very excited and pleased to begin this arrangement with New Day including Mitchell and Maxx Recordings," said Sony RED President Bob Morelli. "Mitchell's overall contributions including A&R and Management have been outstanding in the genre, and will continue with his first RED distributed releases coming this spring. RED's Sales and Marketing contribution, along with a history of success in Contemporary Christian, will assist Maxx in attaining maximum results."

Ed Leonard of New Day Christian Distributors echoed these remarks saying, "Every once in a while, a new label explodes onto the scene and changes everything. Maxx Records is poised to join the ranks of these culture-changing labels. Mitchell Solarek has done a phenomenal job putting together the talent and focusing production on a hot, new sound. I can't wait to see the Maxx impact that results."

3for3 is a pop trio consisting of Josh Davis, an all-star football player, Spencer Lloyd, an American Idol alum and Benji Shuler, the son of iconic CCM artist Kim Hill. Producer Bernie Herms (Josh Groban, Barbra Streisand, Natalie Grant and Danny Gokey) is at the helm of 3for3’s debut music. Their single “Halfway” hits radio June 5th, and their EP will be available June 30th. Plans for a full project launch are slated for January 2016.

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Kolby Koloff is a reality TV star that has appeared on two seasons of the popular LIFETIME network series, “Preacher’s Daughters.” She is currently in the studio with Grammy Award-winning producer Drew Ramsey. Rounding out the initial artist signings is Nashville-native and Brentwood High School freshman, Riley Clemmons. Both artists are working on their debut projects.

Maxx Recordings is the trifecta for Solarek who moved to Nashville in 2000 in hopes to tap his successful modeling agency into the music world. It wasn’t long until he discovered CCM megastar Natalie Grant in a Washington state church and signed her to management. Solarek continued his streak by creating and managing Christian hit group, Plus One, one of the most successful debut artist launches in CCM music history. Aside from the lucrative management company, Solarek has executive produced Mary Mary, a reality series on WE tv that recently wrapped its 4th season with record high ratings, and is seeing the fruits of Maxx Publishing. This year celebrates 7 years of success for the company that has been a part of several No. 1 records and top performing songs, such as Tenth Avenue North’s “By Your Side,” Jake Owen’s “Alone With You,” and Tyler Farr’s “Whiskey In The Water.”

Maxx Recordings is located at 4219 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, Tenn. 37215. Phone is 615.322.9555.

Management team and additional partners will be announced shortly.

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SOCIALS:

www.maxxrecordings.com www.twitter.com/MaxxRecordings / @MaxxRecordings http://www.facebook.com/MaxxRecordingsLabel http://www.instagram.com/maxxrecordings

For further information/ media contact:

Jules Wortman Wortman Works Media & Marketing 615.260.9985 or jwortman@wortmanworks.com