(L-R) Maddie Medley, Kohl Almire and Charlie Holt. Photos by Curtis Wayne Millard
Nashville Management Company Focuses on Artist-First Strategy, Creative Collaboration and Inclusive Representation
Kohl Almire, one of the few transgender artist managers in the music industry, has officially launched Under Color, a new artist management company rooted in long-term artist development, creative partnership and purpose-driven digital engagement. With over seven years of experience in artist management, A&R and digital marketing, Almire brings a rare combination of high-profile artist campaign experience and values-based leadership. His roster includes Kobalt Music‘s singer-songwriter Maddie Medley and Charlie Holt, former bassist of Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
Almire is passionate about building a home for artists that celebrates identity and protects creative freedom, a unique viewpoint that earned him a spot in the highly competitive 2025 Equal Access cohort, an accelerator program led by mtheory and supported by CMT, CMA, Opry, BMI and RIAA.
“Under Color translates to ‘under belly’ – aka the underbelly of an animal. To me it means practicing the ‘soft side’ of artist management,” Almire explains. “The projects I do best on are the ones where the artist has a strong creative vision and pulls me in to supplement it. It’s about meeting artists where they are, helping them orchestrate dream projects, and finding meaningful ways to connect with their audience.”
“Kohl brings seven years of deep, varied experience in the music industry—and with Under Color, he’s channeling that knowledge into something powerful,” says mtheory’s CEO, Cameo Carlson. “As a trans man and a strategic, creative force, he’s redefining what leadership looks like in Nashville. His perspective isn’t just valuable—it’s vital. mtheory is proud to be part of his journey through the Equal Access program and beyond, and we believe his voice will help shape a more dynamic and forward-thinking future for our entire industry. Under Color reflects the future of artist management: fearless, visionary and unapologetically original.”
(L-R) Maddie Medley, Kohl Almire and Charlie Holt. Photos by Curtis Wayne Millard
Before launching his own company, Almire spent over six years at Red Light Management, where he served as a day-to-day manager and helped shape digital campaigns for major artists including Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Brent Cobb, Moon Taxi, Jessy Wilson, Grouplove, 99 Neighbors, and Maddie Medley.
One of Under Color’s flagship artists, Maddie Medley, has continued to gain momentum under Almire’s leadership. The Nashville-born, Denver-based singer-songwriter is celebrating her latest cut “Fool Myself” on Anderson East’s recent album, has toured with Brent Cobb, opened for Rainbow Kitten Surprise at the legendary Troubadour, signed a publishing deal with Kobalt Music, and formerly released music under Elektra/Low Country Sound. Her unique blend of poetic lyrics and genre-defying vocal performances has drawn comparisons to artists like Adrienne Lenker and Fiona Apple.
“Kohl is an incredible, supportive manager who always has my best interests in mind and keeps me completely grounded in my artistry. I feel so lucky everyday that he’s in my corner making sure that we’re continuously moving in alignment with my creative goals,” said Maddie Medley.
“Regardless of your art medium or degree, Kohl will see you as a person first,” said Under Color’s other flagship artist, Charlie Holt.
Almire is a graduate of the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, where he earned a BBA in Digital Marketing and minored in Studio Art with a focus in photography.
For more information or to connect with Under Color, visit under-color.com or follow @_undercolor.
Kohl Almire. Photo by Curtis Wayne Millard.
About Under Color
Under Color is an artist management company founded in 2024 by music industry professional Kohl Almire. Rooted in long-term artist development, strategic branding, and purpose-driven digital engagement, the company was created to serve as a collaborative, inclusive home for artists with bold creative vision. The name Under Color refers to the soft underside of an animal, a symbol of the vulnerability, intuition, and creative instinct that Almire centers in his approach to management. Rather than shaping artists into industry molds, Under Color is built to meet artists where they are and help bring their ideas to life, from music releases and visual storytelling to fan engagement and beyond.
Under Color currently represents singer-songwriter Maddie Medley, known for her poetic, genre-defying work, and Charlie Holt, former bassist of Rainbow Kitten Surprise. The company is based in Nashville and works with artists across genres who are shaping culture through authenticity and artistry.