Mission Statement:
“We are a multi-faceted Christian entertainment and artist development company whose purpose is to uniquely teach Biblical principles through the artists we serve.”
Hello. My name is Mike Smith, and I’m president of Michael Smith & Associates and a thirty year veteran artist manager. I’ve had the privilege of shaping the careers of numerous artists in the Christian music industry. My management agency is just one facet of a company that includes two record labels, a booking agency, a men’s ministry and even a conference company.
My experience in the music business is as broad as it is deep. After starting out as the owner of an established music store I relocated to Nashville in 1980 and purchased a recording studio from Porter Wagoner to launch an independent label. There I learned the management process from the beginning.
During that time, I developed management theories and strategies I later used with several well-known country music acts. I then discovered an emerging genre that would forever change the focus of my company: Positive Country. I built a roster of talent that would come to define the format. When I transitioned from Country to Christian acts, I knew it was going to take more than just a different Rolodex! I found that this market not only cared about the art but also the motivation and character of the artists—ones that not only excited me with their music but who also shared my faith values.
Today I continue to identify, nurture and develop exciting new talent while maintaining relationships with artists who have been with me for years. Additionally I head a conference company representing various ministries and businesses including GodMen and The Conference on Artist Management. I also founded Pure Blue Records (a concept label moving towards artists) and Right Minded Records (a comedy label co-founded with Brad) which are under my umbrella.
My company is a family business, working side by side with my wife of over forty years and also my son Scott. Kyle Johnson has become a part of my family, too, while Nipper our Jack Russell terrier is the true focal point of all of us. I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Mike
