Austin Neal, Founder of The Neal Agency. Photo: Tanner Gallagher
Austin Neal, a third generation country music booking agent and artist advocate, has launched The Neal Agency.
Designed to be a smaller, more artist-focused organization, the eight-act company aims to create touring plans that embody and build upon each artist’s individuality. Neal’s initial roster includes Morgan Wallen, Chase Rice, Hardy, Ashland Craft, Ernest, Riley Green, John Morgan, and Seaforth.
“I hope to have an agency that’s reflective of the kinds of relationships with my artists that I have with the people I’m starting this agency with,” shares Neal. “I truly care about each person and the vision of what that artist wants to build. Beyond long careers and relationships, it’s a way to make a community of people through touring.”
Neal’s background includes time in management, working with both Big & Rich and Bruce Kalmick while at Triple 8. He returned to the agency business at his father Kevin Neal’s urging. The third generation agent is also following in the footsteps of his grandfather Bob, who managed Elvis and then opened the original Neal Agency in Nashville in the mid-60s after stints in Memphis and California booking Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, Sonny James and Jerry Lee Lewis.
“My father grew up in this business with his father,” adds Neal. “He learned not just how to make deals, set up tours and build careers, but a wonderful sense of ethics and how to spot real talent. He did that with Jason, FGL and Morgan, and carried on the family tradition.
“My grandfather, who was a disc jockey, concert promoter and owned a record store understood recognizing talent, then helping the artists realize their potential. He brought people together, and that’s something I hope the new Neal Agency will do, too.”
The Neal Agency is located in the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood in Nashville.
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