Heavy Music Managers Form Upper Hand Management, With Clients Currents, Kublai Khan TX, Bodysnatcher, More

Four music managers specializing in heavy music – Josh Pulgarin, Scott Lee, Jackie Andersen, and Ryan “Dog” Nelson – have come together new artist management company Upper Hand Management. 

“There’s a consistency throughout the artists we work with,” says Pulgarin. “That consistency is rooted in a shared set of values and work ethic. They care deeply about what they do, work hard, and are focused on building something that lasts. Those are the same principles that define Upper Hand and the people behind it.”

The formation is a union of forces from two prominent management companies — SL Management, which Lee and Pulgarin operated under previously, while Anderson and Nelson built their roster as part of Good Fight Management. which will continue operating following their departure.

Since 2021, SL Management’s roster has grown artists from the club level to large venues, with artists including Currents, Kublai Khan TX, and Bodysnatcher. 

Lee is a co-founder of Armada, a go-to merch supplier for the music community, and in major festivals, as well as VIP ticketing platform Sound Rink. In addition to her role as manager, Andersen heads SharpTone Records. 

Nelson owns Merch Connection, a merchandising and ticketing company serving the alternative/hardcore scene. 

The focus of all four managers is long-term stability for their bands on and off the road, according to the announcement, which describes the four members of Upper Hand as “driven by integrity, adaptability, and a commitment to doing what’s right for each client.” 

“Managers who aren’t in the same company hold their cards close. When you’re in business with the person, it’s easier to share openly,” Nelson notes. “The biggest value of us talking all the time and exchanging expertise is the opportunities this will bring to all the bands on our roster.”

Upper Hand Management clients:

• 156/Silence
• Alpha Wolf
• BIG ASS TRUCK I.E.
• blessthefall
• Bodysnatcher
• The Callous Daoboys
• Currents
• Devil’s Cut
• Disembodied Tyrant
• Dreamwake
• Emmure
• Fromjoy
• Gates to Hell
• Gideon
• Heavensgate
• Holder
• Invent Animate
• Job For A Cowboy
• Kublai Khan TX
• No Cure
• Shadow of Intent
• Shadows Fall
• Soul Blind
• Stick To Your Guns
• Synestia
• The Acacia Strain
• Vomit Forth