Alex Evelyn, the founder of Big Al Management, is helping to redefine Nashville’s music landscape with her approach to artist development and sound production. With an audio engineering degree from Belmont University and a passion for nurturing raw talent, she established her full-service artist management and development company. Her keen ear has led her to discover notable talents like Ysa and Camille Parker, who have garnered attention from publications like Billboard and even secured TV placements. Get to know this week’s FACE of Nashville!
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I’m originally from Bethlehem, PA, and I moved to Nashville, where I graduated from Belmont University with a degree in audio engineering. I started my career in radio as a program director at a local station in Nashville. In that role, I discovered an interest in marketing, data analysis, and business development.
What are your earliest music memories? Who are the first artists who influenced you?
My family has always had a deep appreciation for music and encouraged me to express myself, whether it was through school plays or the church choir. Dave Grohl sparked my interest in playing drums, which led me to pursue a study in percussion at the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts.
Another artist who has played a significant role in my life is Rihanna. She continuously pushes boundaries in every area, whether sonically through her music or with her philanthropic work outside of music, such as the Clara Lionel Foundation and Fenty Beauty.
What inspired you to launch Big Al Management?
I launched Big Al Management to fill a void I saw in the market for a boutique artist-focused management company that utilizes technology and strategy to empower artists at various career stages. Our commitment to evolving alongside our changing industry allows us to identify and support artists we feel can make an impact with fans regardless of genre. The artists my team signs receive hand-tailored strategies for their specific goals.
What are the biggest challenges of being a woman in your field?
One of the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field is navigating through old-fashioned sexism, such as people making assumptions based on my gender and age rather than my work. There are still significantly fewer female managers than male managers in the music industry. However, it’s exciting to see more and more female executives, such as Martha Earls, CEO of Neon Coast, and Sylvia Rhone, the first woman CEO of a major record label.
What burgeoning artists should we have on our radar?
We are developing Camille Parker, who is creating a genre called Southern Pop, alongside alternative R&B producer/artist Ysa. Ysa has received numerous recognitions across multiple networks, such as Netflix and Hulu. I’ve also been keeping an eye on artists Sadie Fine, Bren Joy, and Hero The Band.
What is one thing about you that would surprise us?
I am a big video game player.
Where can we find you on your day off?
I recently started learning golf! You can find me on the golf course.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
No dream is crazy if it’s meant to be.
What three things can’t you live without (outside of our most common answers: faith, family, and friends)?
Netflix, music, and Chick-fil-A
LIGHTNING ROUND
What was your most memorable recent meal? I recently had a pasta dish named the Radiatori Vodka from Pelato here in Nashville.
Top five songs on your playlist right now? “The Sweetest Taboo” by Sade. “Endless Night” by Maeta. “|| HANDS || HEAVEN” by Beyoncé. “Love Language” by SZA. “Rose Colored Lenses” by Miley Cyrus.
Favorite Nashville venue for live music? AB Hillsboro Village is my favorite venue in Nashville to discover new talent.
Favorite hidden gem in Nashville? I enjoy kayaking at Percy Priest Lake. It is my hideaway place.
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Meet more inspiring Nashville women over at our FACES archives!
