CRAIG DUNN LAUNCHES ONE SPARK ENTERTAINMENT
In Partnership with mtheory, Management Company Launches with
Flagship Artists Sara Evans and Everette on Roster
Adds Nicole Lewis as Management Coordinator
Photo Credit: Peyton Dollar
Veteran artist and brand manager Craig Dunn has launched his newest endeavor, One Spark Entertainment in partnership with mtheory. With more than 20 years of experience in the music industry managing artists and building comprehensive digital marketing, merchandising, ticketing and fan club campaigns, label operations and revenue development, Dunn continues to leverage his multi-faceted background with long-time client, multi-platinum ACM and CMA award-winning artist, Sara Evans and critic and industry favorite, Broken Bow Records duo Everette joining the roster.
"The idea behind the name of One Spark Entertainment came to me in the middle of the night as I was unable to sleep, excited about starting the new chapter of leading my own management company. The phrase of ‘it only takes one spark to start a fire’ popped into my head and just wouldn’t leave, no matter how many other ideas I considered,” reflects Dunn. “It just takes one spark of imagination or an idea to start a fire. I’m excited to bring my years of artist management, digital, event management, merchandise, road experience, and revenue generation across music, touring, TV and literary to One Spark Entertainment as we service the current roster and grow the company strategically, partnering with multi-talented artists that share the same creative passion and drive to create, innovate and grow as a team to reach the next level of success. Having known and previously worked with most of the senior team at mtheory, I’m thrilled to call them partners and bring their expertise and creative thinking to the roster.”
“The senior Nashville team at mtheory have known Craig for more than a decade and could not be more excited to be part of his new venture,” shares mtheory Chief Executive Officer Cameo Carlson. “His forward-thinking approach to management and spirit of teamwork are exactly what we look for in our manager partnerships. Being able to add strategy and marketing resources to the incomparable Sara Evans and up-and-coming superstars Everette is just icing on the cake!"
Prior to One Spark Entertainment, Dunn was Vice President at Collective Artist Management beginning in 2012 and served as Senior Vice President at digital marketing & merchandise company Music City Networks (MCN). There, he gained experience working with clients including Lady A, Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town, Brad Paisley, Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Rascal Flatts, and more, overseeing the artists’ digital marketing, websites, fan clubs and fan-focused events. During his tenure at MCN, Dunn also launched a ticketing division to help facilitate the growing need for presale and VIP ticketing for the firm’s client roster.
In addition to their client signings, One Spark Entertainment adds to the full-time staff with the hiring of Nicole Lewis as Management Coordinator.
For more information, visit onesparkent.com.
About mtheory:
Founded in 2010, mtheory is an artist development, marketing, strategy and operations infrastructure designed for artist managers. As the music industry continues its rapid evolution, managers have been required to play a much more active role in the artist development process. To address this challenge, mtheory provides managers with the additional manpower and specialized knowledge required to be successful. Our services include: strategic marketing, DSP relations, product management, tour marketing and production expertise, business affairs, digital and social marketing, CRM and analytics. In addition, we have distribution, production, and financing capabilities that enable artists and managers to operate in a truly independent environment.
mtheory currently works with approximately 25 artist managers, representing over 100 artists across a diverse range of genres. Our management clients represent leading artists such as Twenty Øne Pilots, Jelly Roll, Galantis, Masego, Zac Brown Band, Tyler Childers and many others.