BRUCE KALMICK

CEO & FOUNDER

Bruce Kalmick is the CEO and Founder of WHY&HOW. Bruce first embraced his entrepreneurial spirit during his childhood in Charleston, SC. “At 10 years old, I had my own little lawn mowing company,” he recalls. “I’d go door to door to sign clients, and I was eventually making 500 bucks a month. My passion was for music though. By the time I got to high school, I wasn’t the kid playing guitar in a local indie band. Instead, I was the guy offering to do the band’s marketing.”

Bruce graduated from Texas State University. In 2005, Bruce founded the booking agency, KB Talent, employing seven agents and a digital department working a 50-act client roster including Whiskey Myers. The year 2008 saw him sell KB Talent and quickly grow his Nashville footprint, signing Chase Rice and opening an office on Music Row. In addition, his first move into Alternative came with the signing of Grammy-nominated Icelandic rock band KALEO in 2014.

Bruce was a Billboard Power Player in 2018 and 2019 and has been featured in Billboard’s “40 Under 40.” Pollstar nominated Bruce for “Manager of the Year” in 2014.

In 2020, Bruce started WHY&HOW, which represents over 20 clients and has team members based in major cities across the United States.

Since 2012, Bruce has invested, led rounds, and sat on boards for RBI BASEBALL, The Recording Academy, Mizzen and Main, CANTEEN, Treaty Oak, Waterloo #9, Aba Austin, Nevr-Nevr Nashville, Julius Son Gin and more.

Outside of business, Bruce spends the bulk of his time with his wife and two children at their home in Austin, TX. “The “WHY” and the “HOW” have always been the first steps to every partnership in this business,” shared Kalmick upon the company’s launch, adding “W (Wyatt) & H (Hazel) are two very adorable redheads that call me Dad; so, it’s a perfect name for this important and timely next step.”

EDDIE KLOESEL

Executive Vice President, the Head Touring & Sponsorships

Eddie Kloesel is the Executive Vice President, the Head Touring & Sponsorships and an Artist Manager at WHY&HOW. Eddie has been in the music industry since 2005 and spent his first 8 years on the road handling just about anything that was thrown at him. Eddie has significant experience in tour management, production management, monitor engineering, merchandise management and tour accounting.

In 2020 and Eddie joined Bruce at WHY&HOW, bringing his wealth of experience to those same clients as well as directly oversees Chase Rice, Southall, The Weathered Souls, Matt Koziol, Reid Haughton Whiskey Myers and The Duck Family.

In addition to managing artists Eddie has also been involved with brands such as Airstream, Bespoken Spirits, Canteen, Chevrolet, Bud Light, Coors Banquet, HUK, HEYDUDE, Miller Lite, Mountain Dew, and US Cellular an many others

HALIE HAMPTON MOSLEY

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | NASHVILLE

As the VP of Roster Operations, Halie serves alongside CEO Bruce Kalmick and the executive team to determine and oversee the goals and initiatives of the WHY&HOW roster and staff while managing multiple company wide projects. Striving to meet and uphold the company's strategic goals, mission, and values, Halie works closely with artists, staff, and leadership to identify, develop, and support artists and personnel with their career development and goals.

Halie is a Nashville native who began her career in the music industry in radio promotion for Arista Nashville before moving to Maverick Nashville, where she worked in management support roles for artists like Rascal Flatts and Brooks & Dunn while managing Rachel Wammack alongside Clarence Spalding.

She most recently served as the Day-to-Day Artist Manager for Diamond-selling duo Florida Georgia Line at Hit Farm Management in partnership with Full Stop Management led by Irving Azoff and Jeffrey Azoff.

CHRIS KOEGEN

GENERAL MANAGER, HEAD OF GLOBAL STRATEGY | NASHVILLE

Chris Koegen brings 15+ years of label and artist experience in both the US and International music space. Chris spent several years working in music at Amazon in the US before relocating to the UK in 2013. In 2014, he joined Big Machine to lead international operations including launching Big Machine UK as a standalone label within Universal Music, working with Taylor Swift, Cadillac Three, Thomas Rhett and more on their international strategy.

Chris re-joined Amazon in 2017, working across business development and music publishing before moving to lead the Artist Relations and Original Content strategy for the UK. He has executed nearly 100 exclusive artist content projects with the likes of Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne, Rita Ora, Foals, Sigala, Martin Garrix, Royal Blood, Bugzy Malone, Lewis Capaldi, and many more, securing two top 5 singles in the UK charts (Ellie #1, Jess #3) and executive producing two feature length film projects (Foals, Bastille).

EVAN KAUFMANN

SENIOR VP, CREATIVE I AUSTIN

Evan Kaufmann is the Executive Creative Director at WHY&HOW. Throughout his career, Kaufmann has seamlessly blurred the line between the music and film industries, having directed content for major musicians, creative agencies, record labels and independent studios alike. His work has been featured in Rolling Stone, FastCompany, MTV, as well as top curated art/film blogs such as Short Of The Week, BoooooomTV, and FilmShortage. Evan’s unique insight and knowledge of both industries have made him a key commodity in curating and developing memorable and impactful creative content for clients and partners alike.

AVERY BASHAW

MARKETING DIRECTOR I CO-HEAD OF TOUR MARKETING I AUSTIN

Avery Bashaw is a Marketing Director & and Co-Head of the Tour Marketing Department at WHY&HOW. Avery has been in the music industry since 2012 and spent her first 4 years working jobs like Production Assistant, VIP Concierge & Tour Marketing Intern. In 2018, Avery became the Marketing Manager for Chase Rice, Kelleigh Bannen, Tyler Braden and Seaforth. Fast forward to 2020 and Avery joined Bruce at WHY&HOW, where she is currently the responsible marketing director to Chase Rice, Whiskey Myers, Kelleigh Bannen, Danielle Bradbery & the Duck Family.

Born and raised in Austin, TX, Avery graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Minor in Communications/Advertising from the Moody College of Communications.

The Nashville Briefing's 30 Under 30 - Class of 2023

MELANIE MOORE

MARKETING DIRECTOR I CO-HEAD OF TOUR MARKETING I HOUSTON

Melanie Moore is a Marketing Director and Co-Head of the Tour Marketing Department at WHY&HOW based in Houston, Texas. Melanie started off at a boutique artist management company in Austin, TX helping with marketing and concert promotions. From there, she went to the radio side and helped with digital and social marketing for one of the top country stations in the US. To hone in on her digital marketing skills, she then went to a small digital agency located in Houston where she was the senior strategist on all digital marketing efforts for new and existing clients. Getting back to music, she went to Live Nation where she spent 6+ years doing concert promotion for clubs, theaters, arenas, amphitheaters, and stadiums.

MATT STUBBS

ARTIST MANAGER / MANAGER, A&R I NASHVILLE

Matt Stubbs is a Day to Day Manager at WHY&HOW. Matt is a native of Houston, TX and currently lives in Nashville. Matt has over 7 years of experience in the music industry and works as a Day to Day manager for Tyler Braden, Echosmith and Cole Phillips. Matt lives his life inspired by music and constantly displays it through his hard work and dedication.

Matt graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the Butler School of Music and a Business Minor from the McCombs School of Business.

HARRISON KLEIN

SENIOR MANAGER I NASHVILLE

Harrison Klein is a Senior Artist Manager at WHY&HOW based in Nashville, Tennessee. Harrison has had a variety of experiences across the music industry. He started his career as an assistant to Doc McGhee and worked his way to day-to-day responsibilities within McGhee Entertainment. Since then, Harrison has worked in digital distribution, publishing, artist development and various day-to-day roles at Red Light Management before joining the WHY&HOW team in 2021.

Harrison graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Business Marketing and Music Industry studies.

Music Row Magazine's Next Big Thing - Class of 2024

ALLIE PETKO

ARTIST MANAGER I NASHVILLE

Allie Petko is an Artist Manager at WHY&HOW based in Nashville, Tennessee. Allie began her career on the marketing side running point for artist/brand partnerships for clients such as Pepsi, Lipton, Fritos, MTN DEW, and Durango Boots until transitioning into management. Allie took on day-to-day responsibilities for various clients until joining the WHY&HOW team in 2022 as a manager.

Allie graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Communication and Information Sciences.

Music Row Magazine's Next Big Thing - Class of 2023

KATHERINE KOEGEN

MARKETING MANAGER I NASHVILLE

Katherine is absolutely obsessed with music and worked in A&R for Warner many years ago with artists like Rilo Kiley, Hot Hot Heat and The Flaming Lips. After that, her career veered into the fashion industry working in buying, merchandising and editorial content. She was also part of the team that launched Amazon Fashion. After moving to London in 2013, she worked in a number of different industries like mobile telco and online gambling, even a freelance stint at Sony Music, working across all aspects of content management, copywriting and editorial.

CHRIS ALEXANDER

ARTIST MANAGER I MOUNT VERNON

Chris Alexander is a Day to Day Manager at WHY&HOW. His career in music started in 2007 when Chris helped his good friends form the band known as Whiskey Myers. Since then, Chris has toured all over the world as Whiskey Myers' Tour Manager.

In his off time, Chris enjoys hunting and fishing and spending time with his wife Macy and their two sons.

BRENDAN MCCARTHY

MARKETING MANAGER - UK | LONDON

Hailing from Ireland with a background working in live events, Brendan’s passion for Country and Americana led him to Nashville where he worked at the distinguished Music Row PR company PLA Media, working on projects for Emmylou Harris, Lynn Anderson and as part of the team that launched The Johnny Cash Museum. During this time he ran PR for acclaimed venue Belcourt Taps, promoting nightly songwriters events which featured a who’s-who of future stars.

Since his move back across the pond he has worked in marketing, radio promotion and campaign management for a range of clients including independent label Fretsore Records. Brendan has worked with the Americana Music Association UK since 2015, joining as a member of the board in 2018.

Brendan joins WHY&HOW in February 2022 as part of the international marketing team.

AARYN CANTU

MARKETING MANAGER I NASHVILLE

Aaryn Cantu started in the music industry in 2017 with back to back internships with Bruce Kalmick. After graduation, she was hired as a Marketing Assistant for Chase Rice, Kelleigh Bannen, Seaforth, ZZ Ward, and more. In March of 2020, the pandemic put a pause on Aaryn’s career in music and she pivoted to a role in Digital Marketing. There she expanded her skillset working with retail clients and advertising on platforms such as Google, Bing, YouTube, and TikTok. In 2022, Aaryn’s passion for music led her back to the industry as she joined the WHY&HOW Marketing team.

An Austin, TX native, Aaryn graduated from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media & Mass Communication with a minor in Business Administration.

ALEXA FASULO

HEAD OF DIGITAL | NEW YORK

Alexa Fasulo is Head of Digital at WHY&HOW. She brings artist development and branding experience from the label, live, and merchandising side of the business. Alexa began her career in the industry interning at Republic Records, Bravado, and Live Nation. After graduation, she moved on to work in eCommerce & Label Services at Universal Music Group for Island Records and Verve Label Group. While there, she strategized and launched D2C campaigns for Shawn Mendes, The Killers, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas and more.

As a singer, Alexa has always followed her passion for music. Born and raised in New York City, she attended the “Fame” high school, LaGuardia, where she enjoyed collaborating with other artists and cemented her desire to pursue a career in the business.

Alexa graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Entrepreneurship and a minor in Music.

CHLOE' STRICKLAND

ARTIST MANAGER I AUSTIN

Chloe’ Strickland is on the management team at WHY&HOW. Chloe’ has experience interning for the Walton Performing Arts Center and Crush Music Group. She also has backstage experience with Twenty One Pilots and has assisted the Front of House Manager at the Wal-Mart Amphitheater. After graduating from college, Chloe’ moved to New York City to work for Warner Music Group. Prior to WHY&HOW, Chloe’ was a Promotion Assistant at Elektra Music Group. 

Chloe’ graduated from The University of Arkansas with a degree in Journalism, Advertising and Public Relations.

ERIC RADFORD

ARTIST MANAGER I AUSTIN

Eric Radford is a Management Assistant at WHY&HOW. Eric is passionate about developing artists and showcasing their art to share their stories. He has worked with Texas performers and producers across hip-hop, rock, house and techno. In partnership with Austin’s NPR station, KUTX, Eric produced recurring showcases as a platform for locally underserved genres and audiences. In addition to production planning, Eric has helped to secure underwriting and promotional opportunities with his network in Austin.

At WHY&HOW, Eric supports other WHY&HOW clients including Whiskey Myers, Read Southall Band and The Weathered Souls.

Eric graduated from the University of Redlands with an International Business degree.

OLIVIA DAHLSTROM

ARTIST MANAGER I NASHVILLE

Olivia Dahlstrom is a Day To Day Manager at WHY&HOW. Born and raised in western South Dakota, Olivia always had a passion for music, which led her to attending college in Nashville.

Olivia graduated from Belmont University with a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Business Administration.

At WHY&HOW, Olivia is focusing on providing management to WHY&HOW clients including ZZ Ward and Saint Motel.

RHIANNON FERRONETTI

MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT | NASHVILLE

Rhiannon Ferronetti is a management assistant at WHY&HOW. Rhiannon got her start in the music industry in live music, working at multiple historic venues such as the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom and the Ryman Auditorium. Following her move to Nashville, she began her career in management.

At WHY&HOW, Rhiannon provides management assistance to clients including Whiskey Myers, Chase Rice, Matt Koziol and Reid Haughton.

Rhiannon graduated from the University of New Haven with degrees in Music Industry and Theater Arts.

TATE HOTZ

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO BRUCE KALMICK | NASHVILLE

Tate is an Executive Assistant at WHY&HOW. Tate moved to Nashville from St. Louis, MO to pursue a career in music management. He has experience interning for Make Wake Artists, where he assisted on projects for Luke Combs, Niko Moon, Flatland Cavalry and some of their other clients. Tate began working for WHY&HOW in November 2022.

Tate graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Enterprise Leadership.