In an industry often driven by hidden agendas and short-term gains, Whistleblower Management Inc. has officially launched with a clear mission: to bring transparency, loyalty, and artist-first values back to the forefront of country music.

Founded by seasoned music executives Ricky Smith (Smith Music Group) and Dan Dugan (5 Lively Stones), Whistleblower was created to serve as a trusted advocate for independent artists navigating the complexities of the modern music business. With decades of combined experience in artist development, touring, publishing, and business operations, the Whistleblower team understands the importance of protecting the artist’s vision while building sustainable, long-term careers.

“At Whistleblower, we believe the artist’s voice should always be the loudest in the room,” said Co-Founder Ricky Smith. “We’ve seen too many artists lose control of their careers because of bad deals or lack of proper representation. Whistleblower exists to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

Whistleblower Management offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support artists in every aspect of their careers, including:

• Artist Development & Career Strategy
• Business Infrastructure & Financial Oversight
• Tour & Merchandise Management
• Licensing & Publishing Administration
• Brand Partnerships & Media Relations

With a focus on building a strong, transparent business foundation for each artist, Whistleblower ensures that creative freedom is never compromised for short-term success.

“We’re not interested in quick wins,” said Smith. “We’re building careers that will stand the test of time.”