After dedicating over twelve years to First Company Management, industry veteran Derek Bruner has launched Verity Artist Management, signaling a significant shift in the Christian music landscape. The move represents a strategic evolution in artist representation within the faith-based entertainment sector, where Bruner has cultivated extensive expertise working alongside established figures like Wes Campbell and Brandi Wagner since the mid-2010s.
First Company Management, established in 1995, provided Bruner with a robust foundation in Christian music management through its representation of acclaimed artists such as Newsboys, Ryan Stevenson, and 7eventh Time Down. During his tenure, Bruner contributed to career development strategies that resulted in Grammy nominations and Gold-certified singles, establishing a track record of success that now underpins his independent venture.
The launch of Verity Artist Management introduces a potentially disruptive force in Christian music representation. Industry analysts note that Bruner’s departure from an established management firm to create his own company may signal new approaches to artist development and marketing strategies.
Bruner’s independent venture disrupts traditional Christian music management paradigms, heralding innovative approaches to artist development.
Verity enters the market at a time when faith-based entertainment continues to expand across diverse platforms and audience segments. Bruner’s extensive experience could help Verity’s artists develop diverse income streams through merchandising, sync deals, and digital sales alongside traditional performance revenue. The firm will likely build upon Bruner’s experience working with First Company Management, which played a significant role in the success of the “God’s Not Dead” film franchise.
The Christian music industry, which has seen significant evolution in recent years, may experience increased competition and creative business models as Verity establishes its client roster and operational approach. During his time at First Company Management, Bruner helped guide 7eventh Time Down as their hit “God Is On The Move” achieved Gold certification from the RIAA for exceeding 500,000 units in sales.
The timing of Verity’s launch coincides with broader transformations in music consumption and artist career development. Bruner’s decision to establish an independent management firm reflects growing trends toward specialized representation in niche music markets. The new venture will likely emphasize strategic promotion through social media advertising and playlist placement to maximize artist visibility in an increasingly digital landscape.
With his extensive network of industry connections and proven experience guiding Christian artists through career milestones, Bruner’s Verity Artist Management appears positioned to influence the next chapter of faith-based music entertainment and potentially reshape industry standards for artist representation.
