Four Heavy Music Managers Unite to Form Upper Hand Management

Josh Pulgarin and Scott Lee of SL Management have teamed with Good Fight Management execs Jackie Andersen and Ryan “Dog” Nelson to form a new company, Upper Hand Management.

The ethos:

• Upper Hand seeks to utilize its founders’ collective experience across touring, artist management, merchandising, ticketing, and festivals to provide “more creative and extensive support” to its roster.

Backstories:

• At SL Management Lee and Pulgarin developed the careers of artists such as Currents, Kublai Khan TX, and Bodysnatcher.

• Andersen and Nelson built their roster as part of Good Fight Management, which will continue beyond their departure.

• Lee is a co-founder of merch supplier Armada, as well as Sound Rink, a premiere VIP ticketing platform.

• In addition to her role as an artist manager, Andersen heads SharpTone Records, dedicated to genres such as metalcore and hardcore.

• Nelson owns Merch Connection, a merchandising and ticketing company serving the alternative/hardcore scene.

Roster:

• Upper Hand launches with a roster including 156/Silence, Alpha Wolf, blessthefall, Bodysnatcher, Currents, Emmure, Heavensgate, Job For A Cowboy, Kublai Khan TX, Shadows Fall, Stick To Your Guns, The Acacia Strain, and more.

What they said:

• Ryan “Dog” Nelson: “Managers who aren’t in the same company hold their cards close. When you’re in business with the person, it’s easier to share openly. The biggest value of us talking all the time and exchanging expertise is the opportunities this will bring to all the bands on our roster.”