Average Joes Entertainment

Last updated
Average Joes Entertainment
Founded2008 (2008)
Founder Colt Ford, Shannon Houchins
Distributor(s)Average Joe's Ent. Group, LLC
Genre
Country of origin U.S.
Location Nashville, Tennessee
Official website www.averagejoesent.com

Average Joes Entertainment Group is an American record label specializing in alternative country, country rap and country music. The label was founded in 2008 by country rap artist Jason "Colt Ford" Brown and producer Shannon Houchins. Ford has released six studio albums for the label, five of which have reached the top 10 of the country albums charts including 2012's chart topping #1 "Declaration Of Independence" which also charted at #2 on the rap albums chart. 2014's "Thanks For Listening" charted #1 on the rap albums chart and # 2 on the country albums chart. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

Average Joes is also responsible for launching the careers of other artists such as Brantley Gilbert, LoCash Cowboys, Tyler Farr, The Lacs and many more.

The label's audiences attract a sizable, rural and working-class audience by describing features of modern rural life in proud detail, staging concerts at mud bogs and buying a stake in the mud racing  Mega Truck Series.

Average Joe's roster also includes Montgomery Gentry, Lenny Cooper, Bubba Sparxxx, Cypress Spring and more.

Other previous notable artists include Rehab, Corey Smith, Sunny Ledfurd, Josh Gracin, Moonshine Bandits, Kevin Fowler and Demun Jones.

[4]

History

Average Joes Entertainment was formed in 2006 by CEO Shannon Houchins, country-music artist Colt Ford and restaurateur Zach McLeroy. AJE released its first album, Colt Ford's "Ride Through The Country" on July 4, 2008 which quickly brought notoriety to the new label. Soon after Average Joes artist roster added such acts as Brantley Gilbert, Corey Smith, Montgomery Gentry and Locash.

In 2010, Backroad Records was formed as a subsidiary of Average Joe's, specializing in country rap. Its roster features The Lacs, Lenny Cooper, Bubba Sparxxx, Danny Boone from Rehab, Demun Jones from Rehab, Moonshine Bandits, Charlie Farley, Redneck Social Club and Twang & Round. Backroad also releases an annual compilation series titled "Mud Digger". Volume 1 was released on August 3, 2010 and features songs from Average Joe's Entertainment and Backroads Records artists such as Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, The Lacs, Corey Smith and Sunny Ledfurd. Backroad as since released ten volumes of the popular title. [5]

In addition to country music, Average Joe's founded a southern urban genre-oriented subsidiary imprint called AVJ Records, specializing in southern rock, pop, R&B and hip hop artists, including Nappy Roots, Anamul House and Rehab.

In 2014, AVJ was also converted into a country-rap brand. Rehab was the only previous artist that remained on AVJ. A minor re-alignment also took place at this time moving Demun Jones and new artist Sarah Ross to the Average Joes brand and Danny Boone and Twang & Round to AVJ.

Marketing

In the early days of Average Joes, the company used unique practices what they referred to as "hi-tech/low-tech" marketing, where they leaned on both digital "direct to fan" social marketing along with face-to-face integrations tied in with artist's tours. Many of their early tours were in non-traditional small market venues that mostly included mud bogs and parks. [6]

Through this practice the company built massive direct to fan data bases.

Management

Average Joes Entertainment also formed a management arm that started in 2009 under the name Fullscope and was originally steered by Ken Madson. In 2011, Fullscope was re-branded as Average Joes Management [7] and in 2019 rebranded as Arcade Management. [8] Arcade is currently headed by Jamie Reeder. Past and current management clients include Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert, The Lacs, Tyler Farr, John Michael Montgomery, Sister Hazel, Gaelic Storm, Josh Gracin, Nappy Roots, Bubba Sparxxx and more.

Film and television

In 2011, Average Joes formed Hideout Pictures to focus on film and television. Recent projects include CMT's Still The King starring Billy Ray Cyrus, Joey Lauren Adams and Madison Iseman, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot directed by Kevin Smith, 3022 starring Kate Walsh, Omar Epps and Miranda Cosgrove and more.

Other subsidiaries

AJE also owns motor-sports league Mega Truck Series and clothing line Slinger.

Label roster

Artists on Average Joes Ent.

ALUMNI

Average Joes Imprint

Backroad Imprint

AVJ Records Imprint

Related Research Articles

Bubba Sparxxx American rapper

Warren Anderson Mathis, better known by his stage name Bubba Sparxxx, is an American rapper from Georgia. His singles include "Deliverance", "Ugly", and "Ms. New Booty", the latter of which peaked at number 7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

Country rap is a fusion genre of popular music blending country music with hip hop–style rapping.

Kevin Fowler American singer-songwriter

Kevin Fowler is an American singer-songwriter. He has released five studio albums, and has charted four singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including the top 40 hit "Pound Sign (#?*!)". In addition, he wrote Sammy Kershaw's 2003 single "Beer, Bait & Ammo", Mark Chesnutt's 2004 single "The Lord Loves the Drinkin' Man" and Montgomery Gentry's 2009 single "Long Line of Losers".

<i>Dark Days, Bright Nights</i> 2001 studio album by Bubba Sparxxx

Dark Days, Bright Nights is the debut studio album by American hip hop recording artist Bubba Sparxxx from Georgia. It was released on October 9, 2001 via Interscope Records. Recording sessions took place at Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles, at the Frat House, Down the Hall Studios, 1210 Studios, Mix it in the Mix, and the Dungeon Recording Studio in Atlanta. Production was handled by Shannon Houchins, Timbaland, Khalifani, Organized Noize, and Gerald Hall. It features guest appearances from Timbaland, Backbone, Bohagon, C.I., Duddy Ken, Kosha, Sebastian and Sleepy Brown.

Rehab (band) American band

Rehab is an American Southern hip hop group from Warner Robins, Georgia. The band has recorded seven albums, including two each for Epic Records, Universal Republic and Average Joes Entertainment. Currently the band is Independent with distribution from ONErpm. They are mainly known for their 2008 hit, "Bartender Song ".

Colt Ford American singer-songwriter

Jason Farris Brown known professionally as Colt Ford, is an American singer, rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, and former professional golfer best known for his music fusing the country and rap genres. He has released seven albums via Average Joes Entertainment, which he co-founded. Ford has charted six times on the Hot Country Songs charts and co-wrote "Dirt Road Anthem", a song on his 2008 album Ride Through the Country, which Jason Aldean later covered on his My Kinda Party album. Ford was the first, and so far only, artist to have a Number One album on Billboard Top Country Albums and Top Rap Albums.

<i>Ride Through the Country</i> 2008 studio album by Colt Ford

Ride Through the Country is the debut album released by country rap artist Colt Ford. It was released on December 2, 2008 on the independent Average Joe's label. It features guest appearances by John Michael Montgomery on the title track as well as an appearance from Jamey Johnson on "Cold Beer". "Dirt Road Anthem" was later covered by co-writer Brantley Gilbert on his album Halfway to Heaven, and once again by Jason Aldean for his album My Kinda Party, both from 2010.

Brantley Gilbert American country rock singer

Brantley Keith Gilbert is an American country rock singer, songwriter and record producer from Jefferson, Georgia. He was originally signed to Colt Ford's label, Average Joes Entertainment, where he released Modern Day Prodigal Son and Halfway to Heaven. He is now signed to the Valory division of Big Machine Records where he has released four studio albums—a deluxe edition of Halfway to Heaven, Just as I Am, The Devil Don't Sleep, Fire & Brimstone, and 11 country chart entries, four of which have gone to number one. He also co-wrote and originally recorded Jason Aldean's singles "My Kinda Party" and "Dirt Road Anthem."

<i>Declaration of Independence</i> (album) 2012 studio album by Colt Ford

Declaration of Independence is the fourth studio album by American country rap artist Colt Ford. It was released on August 7, 2012 through Average Joe's Entertainment Group. The album includes the singles "Answer to No One," "Back" and "Drivin' Around Song."

The Lacs is an American country rap duo that consists of Clay "Uncle Snap" Sharpe and Brian "Rooster" King. At first, the group also featured Brandon Herndon on the three self-released albums on Side Ya Mouth Records.

JB and the Moonshine Band

JB and the Moonshine Band is an American Texas country group from East Texas composed of JB Patterson, Gabe Guevara, Hayden McMullen and Chris Flores. In 2010, they signed to Colt Ford's record label, Average Joe's Entertainment. Their 2012 album Beer for Breakfast charted on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

<i>190 Proof</i> 2012 studio album by The Lacs

190 Proof is a studio album by American country rap group The Lacs. It was released on April 3, 2012 via Average Joes Entertainment. Recording session took place at Phive Starr Stuidios in Atlanta. Production was handled by Shannon Houchins and Phivestarr Productions. It features guest appearances from Bubba Sparxxx and Crucifix. The album peaked at number 68 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in the United States.

<i>Pain Management</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Bubba Sparxxx

Pain Management is the fourth album by the American rapper Bubba Sparxxx. It was released on October 15, 2013, by Average Joes Entertainment and Backroad Records. It was his first album in seven years and has guest appearances by Colt Ford, Rodney Atkins, Danny Boone, Dan Rockett, Crucifix, Dirt Reynolds, Daniel Lee and The Lacs.

Shane Dollar American rapper

Shane Johnson known as Shane Dollar, is a rapper who was born on June 30, 1980, in Suffolk, Virginia. He has performed with celebrity acts including Obie Trice, Cappadonna, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Nottz Raw, Cassidy, Bubba Sparxxx, Yelawolf, Nappy Roots, Ying Yang Twins, Mac Lethal, Ras Kass, Keith Murray, Nine, Canibus, Nature, Ces Cru, Lil Wyte, Kurupt and Rampage.

Lenny Cooper is an American country rap singer-songwriter. Cooper is signed to Colt Ford's record label, Average Joes Entertainment, and released his debut album, Diesel Fuel, in 2012. Cooper's second album, Mud Dynasty, was released on May 7, 2013. It sold 3,000 copies in its first week of release, debuting at number 34 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 198 on the Billboard 200.

Blacked Out is a studio album by American country rap duo Moonshine Bandits from California. It was released on July 17, 2015 via Average Joes Entertainment. It features guest appearances from Bubba Sparxxx, Colt Ford, Crucifix, Demun Jones, Durwood Black, D. Thrash of Jawga Boyz, Jeff McCool, Lenny Cooper, Redneck Souljers, Sarah Ross and The Lacs. The album peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

Calicountry is the fifth studio album by American country rap duo Moonshine Bandits from California. It was released on February 4, 2014 via Average Joes Entertainment and Suburban Noize Records. It features guest appearances from Big B, Charlie Farley, Colt Ford, Danny "Boone" Alexander, Durwood Black, Jeremy Penick, Sarah Ross and The Lacs. The album peaked at number 126 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

Ed Pryor Musical artist

Ed Pryor is an American music video director and record producer.

<i>Baptized in Bourbon</i> 2017 studio album by Moonshine Bandits

Baptized in Bourbon is the seventh studio album by American country rap duo Moonshine Bandits from California. It was released on March 3, 2017 via Average Joes Entertainment. It features guest appearances from Bubba Sparxxx, Colt Ford, Crucifix, David Allan Coe, Demun Jones, Durwood Black, JellyRoll, Matt Borden, Outlaw, The Lacs and Uncle Kracker. The album peaked at number 111 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.

<i>Heres to You</i> (Montgomery Gentry album) 2018 studio album by Montgomery Gentry

Here's to You is the ninth studio album by country music duo Montgomery Gentry through Average Joes Entertainment. It was released on February 2, 2018, after the death of duo member Troy Gentry. The album includes the single "Better Me".

References

  1. Talbott, Chris (4 June 2010). "Ford takes a different country road". GoErie.com. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  2. "Average Joes Entertainment Marks 10th Anniversary". billboard.com. 20 November 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2018.
  3. "CMT and Average Joes Entertainment to Host Live Stream Event". cdxnashville.com. 20 February 2013. Retrieved 20 February 2013.
  4. "A Godfather of Country-Rap on His 2000s Hits and Lil Nas X". New York Times. 17 April 2019. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  5. "About". Backroad Records. Retrieved 19 Apr 2012.
  6. "The Unlikely Rise Of Hick-Hop". Wall Street Journal. 5 July 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  7. "Full Scope Rebrands as Average Joes Management". musicrow.com. 11 August 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
  8. "Average Joes Launches Arcade Management". pollstar.com. 22 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
  9. "Sam Grow Signs With Average Joe's Entertainment". musicrow.com. 31 January 2019. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  10. "Average Joes Entertainment Signs Jeremy McComb To Record Deal". allaccess. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
  11. "Montgomery Gentry Sign With Average Joe's Entertainment". cmt.com. 4 March 2011. Retrieved 4 March 2011.
  12. "Montgomery Gentry Returns To Average Joe's Entertainment". goncc.com. 15 November 2016. Retrieved 15 November 2016.
  13. "Average Joes Entertainment Signs Smo". allaccess.com. 10 June 2019. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  14. "Bubba Sparxxx Addresses Overcoming Drug Addiction& Relaunching His Career". hiphopdx.com. 30 October 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2013.
  15. "Mudhole Marauder: The Ballad Of Bubba Sparxxx". vice.com. 8 June 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
  16. "The Voice's Adam Wakefield Signs With Average Joe's Entertainment". musicmayhemmagazine.com. 26 June 2018. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
  17. "Carter Winter Joins Average Joes Entertainment Roster". mjsbigblog.com. 1 October 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2018.
  18. "Average Joes Inks Corey Smith". musicrow.com.com. 23 November 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  19. "Locash Cowboys Ink Deal With Average Joes Entertainment". cdxcd.com.com. 6 December 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
  20. "Average Joes Entertainment to Distribute The LACS' New Label Imprint". focusonthe615.com. 11 July 2016. Retrieved 11 July 2016.