In 2009, The Bugle Boy Foundation launched the Talent Trust Fund in the spirit of creating a fair and sustainable business model for artists and their relationship with the recording industry.
The Talent Trust financially assists selected artists with the production/publicity of a new studio recording, allowing the artist complete ownership and creative control. Artists are paid in advance for their future Bugle Boy shows to assist with the financial burdens of an album release. In return, the artist agrees to perform once a year at the Bugle Boy until they have reimbursed the Talent Trust fund through their door receipts. The reimbursed funds are then used to assist the next Talent Trust Recipient.
This is a full circle business model that creates sustainability for the artist, the venue and the future Founder’s Choice recipients. It represents a complete departure from the traditional music industry label-driven production process, which often requires artists to give up creative control and significant ownership rights in order to produce an album.
Artists tell their Talent Trust Story
Bugle Boy Foundation Talent Trust Recipients
Elizabeth Wills – 2009
In October 2009, Singer/Songwriter Elizabeth Wills was selected by Bugle Boy Founder Lane Gosnay as the first participant in the Bugle Boy Foundation’s Talent Trust. Ms. Wills received financial backing from the Foundation for her studio recording, Love Comes Home produced by famed Austin producer Mark Hallman, who is known for his work with such artists as Carole King, Eliza Gilkyson Sara Hickman and Ani DiFranco.
Kat Edmonson – 2011
On Saturday, April 9, 2011 during a powerful, emotional musical performance, Elizabeth Wills passed the honor of being the Bugle Boy’s Founder’s Choice Talent Trust recipient to critically acclaimed jazz singer Kat Edmonson. Ms. Edmonson received Talent Trust funds to assist her with the release of her album Way Down Low recorded at New York City’s famed Avatar Studios with legendary producers Phil Ramone and Al Schmitt. BACK STORY…
John Fullbright – 2012
On Saturday, August 11, 2012 John Fullbright earned the Bugle Boy Foundation’s third coveted Talent Trust Award. The Foundation provided key support for Fullbright’s sophmore album release of From the Ground Up. Soon after the album release, Fullbright performed at the Grammy’s and received a Grammy nomination for 2012 Best Americana Album for From the Ground Up. Fullbright says he is incredibly grateful to the Foundation for selecting him for the honor. BACK STORY…
Woody Russell– 2013
On Friday, May 17, 2013, Grammy nominee John Fullbright passed the Talent Trust torch to Woody Russell making Mr. Russell the 2013 Bugle Boy Foundation’s Talent Trust Award recipient. Soon after receiving the Talent Trust funds, Woody Russell released his highly anticipated self produced album Delicious Days. BACK STORY…
Chubby Knuckle Choir– 2014
On Saturday, November 8, 2014, the first full band Talent Trust recipient went to the Chubby Knuckle Choir (CKC). CKC used the Talent Trust funds to release their CD titled “Reveille”. The CD title was chosen as a direct nod to the Bugle Boy with CKC saying the honor became their “wake-up call.” BACK STORY…
Jack Barksdale– 2020
Jack Barksdale is a 12-year-old singer/songwriter from Texas. Inspired by folk, rock, and blues legends, Jack started performing original music at the age of nine. BACK STORY…