The mission of Backyard Records is to discover and record the best vocalists and independent musicians we can find and to expose this music to music lovers like you. We sign the artists we love, and help them make the best records they can. That's the easy part. The tough part is getting it to the attention of other people who feel the same way we do. While you are here, please visit our artist's pages. We are confident you will be as captivated by their music as we were.

Michael Harris

Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

2015 Board of Directors michael@backyardrecords.net

Michael holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Saint Leo College and an A.S. in Applied Sciences from the University of South Carolina.

Michael co-founded Backyard Records with Michelle Holder in 2004 to provide a platform for deserving independent artists to spread their music and talent to a greater audience. Michael's background in planning and financial management have provided the board with direction and solid financial footing. Early on, his musical interests were Led Zepplin and Fleetwood Mac. But lately, his tastes have morphed into a fondness for folk stars Antje Duvekot and David Gray.

 

Michelle Holder

VP A&R

2015 Board of Directors holder@backyardrecords.net

Michelle is a co-founder of Backyard Records and provides the board with a unique performer’s perspective. She has studied music at the University of Chattanooga and has performed with many notable artists. Michelle's background and passion for music make her an ideal choice to head up our Artist and Repertoire group. She has always enjoyed the music of the Carpenters, James Taylor, and lately Ruthie Foster.


Megan Hollenbeck

VP Communications

2015 Board of Directors megan@backyardrecords.net

Megan holds a BA in Communications from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Megan is a media enthusiast who spends much of her time creating video and photo content for various organizations. She co-founded "Chattanooga Organized For Action" in 2010 and also helped start the Theater for the New South in 2011. Megan's involvement in promoting local causes and her familiarity with local and regional media make her an ideal fit for our expanding presence in the Chattanooga market. As to her musical tastes, Megan enjoys the indie variety: St. Vincent is her spirit guide, and she also enjoys Radiohead, The Dirty Projectors, and Deerhunter. She wants to be Patti Smith when she grows up.

 

Stuart Wooden

VP Information Technology

2015 Board of Directors stuart@backyardrecords.net

Stuart holds a Bachelors degree in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee and an A.S. in Engineering from Dalton College.

Stuart brings significant expertise in Information Technology to the board. He has worked in the field for over twenty years and is a trusted and experienced leader. While growing up, his favorite bands were REO Speedwagon, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Led Zeppelin. Elton John and Bob Seger were also high on the favorites list. He now enjoys a great variety of music including classical, blues, and even some country music, to go along with old time rock and roll.

Van Gough

Director of Quality

2015 Board of Directors van@backyardrecords.net

Van holds a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology, as well as ASQ
Certifications as a Certified Quality Engineer and Six Sigma Black Belt.


Van has worked in the local music scene as a Promoter, Sound Engineer
and sometimes as a roadie.  He has a wide array of music influences
including Johnny Cash, Bob Seger, John Cowan, Allyson Kraus, Levon Helm and Sam Bush.  His most recent musical interests include Rhiannon Giddens, The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Emi Hamilton and Jeanna Bobbitt.

 

Pressure Video

Take Me To Heart video

Hurtin and Blue video