JD Groover. Photo: Mitch Wallis
Chris DuBois, CEO of Sea Gayle Music, has established a new management firm, 1221 Artist Management, in partnership with JD Groover, Senior Creative Director/A&R of Sea Gayle Music, and Geoff Ogunlesi of The Ogunlesi Group.
While rising through the ranks at Sea Gayle for the past six years, Groover has simultaneously worked as a tour manager for a major label recording artist. This experience has prepared him to take on the role of VP of Management for 1221, while continuing in his current position at Sea Gayle Music. Ogunlesi and DuBois will oversee 1221 Management while maintaining their respective operations within The Ogunelsi Group and Sea Gayle Music.
“In today’s publishing world, having turnkey management services is a natural way to grow and support an artist’s career. To have folks who know how to establish an artist’s foundation rooted in publishing is key, and we’re elated to see JD naturally step into this role,” shares DuBois of Groover. “We are thrilled to create a path for JD’s expansion into management while continuing his role at Sea Gayle.”
The Ogunlesi Group is an entertainment and music management company based in Hollywood. Founded by Ogunlesi, the firm’s roster spans genres, including Young Thug, charlieonnafriday, Reyna Roberts, Gashi and more.
“In one of my early first trips to Nashville, I had the opportunity to meet and spend time with Chris, JD and the broader Sea Gayle team. I was blown away by not only their abilities and their prowess, but also their value systems,” Ogunlesi shares. “Their sense of community and camaraderie is in line with my own values within my company. As our company has thought about expanding into the country space and into Nashville, we wanted to do so with integrity as I have the utmost respect for the culture and the people involved. The creativity within the parties in this partnership is unmatched, and we are grateful to be a part of this venture together.”
“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity presented by Geoff and Chris,” Groover adds. “Chris and Sea Gayle Music helped me get my foot in the door years ago, enabling me to learn the publishing side of the business, and that, coupled with my time on the road touring, have felt like the most incredible way to see the impact a song can truly have. My passion for songs, songwriters, the development of artists and this community could not be stronger, and I am honored to represent 1221 and Sea Gayle in this new capacity.”
Read DuBois at [email protected], Groover at [email protected] and Ogunlesi at [email protected].
LB Cantrell is Editor/Director of Operations at MusicRow magazine, where she oversees, manages and executes all company operations. LB oversees all MusicRow-related content, including the publication’s six annual print issues and online news. LB is a Georgia native and a graduate of the Recording Industry Management program at Middle Tennessee State University.
Read More: Chris DuBois, JD Groover & Geoff Ogunlesi Form 1221 Artist Management