New Female-Run Management Company Launches From Belmont Students

Two freshmen in Belmont’s Curb College announced in late 2025 that they’re starting River & Row Management, an independent female-run management company.

Students Emma Harger and Annie McNamara announced this in late 2025. 

“We want to be the first in the line of fire when it comes to safety, especially in live music. There are so many instances where you are taken advantage of, your intelligence is watered down,” Harger said.

Harger has experience managing live music through working with community-oriented nonprofit music groups like Wisconsin’s Stevens Point City Band.

McNamara, who has since shifted to focusing on other artists’ work rather than her own, learned about artist development from cultivating her own career while performing alongside

Molly Tuttle and opening for Luke Combs. 

When discovering new artists, Harger said they “have to believe in their art.”

An artist’s sense of commitment to their musical career is deeply valuable to Harger and McNamara.

“Are they already booking their own shows? Are they writing every day? Are they making an initiative to post content? What are they doing without us?”

This professionalism and sense of drive helped their first artist Monica James feel confident signing with them.

“We had several meetings going over the contracts… they were very flexible and clear about what they wanted to do,” said James.

Emma Harger (left) and Annie McNamara (right), courtesy of Harger and McNamara.

Like many artist managers at Belmont, Harger and McNamara are both in the Curb College of Music Business and Entertainment.

Harger and McNamara still see flaws in Curb College they want to fix. 

“There is a level of competitiveness that isn't necessary… we're not about that; we're about putting everybody on a stage. Everybody deserves a spotlight,” said Harger.

Going forward, the first goal of River & Row Management is to spread its network and encourage other students to get involved in the music industry. 

You can keep up with the progress of River & Row Management at @river.row.mgmt on Instagram and on their website.

Written by Louise Geri