About Us
artists are creative. we are innovative.
Jared Mangum
Founder & CEO
Jared Mangum began his journey in digital marketing back in 2012, where he built a nationwide insurance agency from the ground up before selling it and transitioning full-time into the music industry. What started as consulting and branding for artists quickly turned into full-scale management and label operations—culminating in the launch of Innovative Music Group (IMG), a modern record label built for the new era of independent music.
Jared has worn every hat in the business—starting by helping artists brand themselves, then managing their social media, and eventually stepping in as a full-time day-to-day manager. After enough artists told him they'd sign with him if he launched a label, he built IMG as a true artist-first home with the infrastructure to compete against the majors.
Today, Jared is deeply hands-on with every aspect of the creative process. He works closely in the studio with artists and producers, handling all executive production to ensure every song meets Innovative's standards. Once the music is finished, he personally oversees the digital distribution pipeline, coordinating playlist pitching and maximizing exposure across editorial and curated playlists on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and YouTube.
This digital-first, marketing-backed approach gives IMG artists a real edge—helping them launch faster on platforms already powered by hundreds of thousands (and even millions) of active listeners. Mangum’s unique blend of tech-driven strategy, hands-on creative leadership, and deep loyalty to his roster makes him one of the most dynamic new label executives in the industry.
Daphne mccool
Co-Founder & CFO
Daphne McCool is a seasoned music industry professional, talent buyer, and entrepreneur whose career spans more than a decade across artist management, booking, tour management, consulting, and live-event innovation. She began her career in the music business in 2012 and quickly established herself as a driving force behind artist development, touring strategy, and venue growth.
With extensive experience in artist management and booking, Daphne has worked closely with developing and established artists, guiding branding, touring, and career strategy while building strong relationships with venues, promoters, and buyers nationwide. Her background in tour management includes overseeing multi-state tours, live productions, logistics, and on-site execution for artists and events of all sizes.
Daphne is widely recognized as a pioneer in integrating live music into off-road parks, successfully blending entertainment and motorsports long before it became a national trend. Beginning in 2012, she was among the first in the industry to introduce large-scale live music programming into off-road parks across the United States, helping transform those venues into full-scale entertainment destinations. Her work in this space includes consulting and advising off-road parks and venues nationwide on booking, branding, infrastructure planning, and event monetization.
Today, Daphne is the Owner of Innovative Talent Agency and Co-Owner of Innovative Music Group, where she continues to focus on talent buying, artist branding, consulting, and strategic growth across the live music and events industry. Known for her hands-on approach and ability to connect artists, venues, and audiences, she remains a trusted industry leader with a proven track record of building sustainable, creative, and profitable entertainment platforms.
bob conway
Director of Booking & A&R
With over 15 years of experience in talent booking, and tour management, Bob Conway has earned a reputation as one of the most grounded and respected figures in live music logistics. He built his name in the Texas Red Dirt scene, managing large-scale shows, booking and touring schedules across the South and Midwest before relocating to Nashville in 2025 to take his career to the next level.
After interviewing with several talent booking agencies across Music City, Bob found his home with Innovative Music Group (IMG)—drawn to their fresh, forward-thinking approach and commitment to true artist partnerships. Unlike traditional labels or agencies, IMG isn’t just signing talent; they’re building careers with them, and Bob plays a critical role in that mission.
Today, Bob handles the day-to-day operations of all talent booking for IMG—coordinating tour routes, negotiating contracts, securing headline opportunities, and ensuring artists are positioned for maximum visibility and profitability. In addition to booking, Bob leads the A&R division, scouting and finding the next wave of artists who are ready to rise with the Innovative platform.
Known for his sharp eye, strategic thinking, and loyalty to the artists he works with, Bob is helping guide IMG into its next chapter as a serious force in the independent music space.
bill mcdermott
Music Producer | Songwriter
With over two decades of experience in music production, songwriting, and artist development, Bill McDermott has earned his place as one of the most respected names in the Nashville music scene. From chart-topping hits to critically acclaimed albums, Bill has worked with some of the biggest names in country and Americana music—including Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, and Brett Eldredge and more—helping shape their sound with his signature balance of creative instinct and sonic precision.
As a longtime producer at OmniSound Studios, Bill helped build the studio’s reputation for quality and consistency before its eventual closure. In January 2024, he joined Innovative Music Group as a full-time, in-house Producer—a move that marked a new era for the label. Now at the helm of IMG’s artist recording division, Bill brings not only elite-level production experience, but a true hands-on approach, guiding artists from vocal tracking to final mix with a relentless commitment to excellence.
Whether he's behind the board producing radio-ready singles, or mentoring artists through their first EP, Bill McDermott sets the gold standard. His ear for quality and ability to draw out each artist’s authentic sound has made him a cornerstone of IMG’s success—and a force behind its goal of becoming a label that can compete with the majors.
maggie carlos
Publicist & Brand Manager
Maggie is a passionate, powerhouse creative who brings fresh energy, small-town grit, and sharp industry instincts to the IMG team. At just 23 years old, she already carries a deep understanding of music marketing, artist branding, publicity, and videography — backed by formal training from Middle Tennessee State University and a relentless work ethic rooted in her Tennessee upbringing.
Specializing in artist development, digital storytelling, and media outreach, Maggie is dedicated to amplifying the voices of IMG artists through bold branding, strategic press, and innovative campaigns. Whether she’s building a buzz-worthy rollout, crafting powerful visuals, or landing the next headline, Maggie approaches every project with heart, hustle, and a deep respect for the artist’s story.
At IMG, Maggie plays a key role in shaping public perception and ensuring our artists don’t just get seen — they get remembered.
maybe you??
Social Media Marketing & Management
Innovative Music Group is seeking a Social Media Marketing & Management Coordinator to grow and manage our artists’ digital presence across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify.
Role Overview:
You’ll oversee artist content calendars, post daily content, track analytics, pitch releases to Spotify, and help drive engagement and fanbase growth across platforms.
Responsibilities:
Manage and post content across major social platforms - Track performance metrics and fan engagement - Pitch releases and monitor growth on Spotify - Help develop short-form video strategies (Reels, TikTok, Shorts) - Support overall branding and visual consistency
Qualifications:
Social media or music industry experience - Strong understanding of country music and digital trends - Tools: Meta Business Suite, Spotify for Artists, Canva, CapCut, etc. -
Nashville-based or remote for the right candidate.