About Us
Music Veterans Behind 2602’s Acoustics
2602 Sound Stage is an impressive, state-of-the-art rehearsal stage in the heart of Music City. Designed and engineered by one of Nashville's top music producer, James Stroud and the CEO of Big3 Entertainment Group, William "Bill" Ewards, their expertise in audio engineering makes 2602 one of the best sounding rooms in Nashville.
James Stroud
“As a Label Executive and a Producer, I’ve wanted a rehearsal studio that was a cut above,” says James Stroud. “I thought it would be great to have a place to send artists where I could be confident that they’re getting quality acoustics and a private work space. When I was approached about the partnership opportunity, I took one look at the space and knew it would make an amazing sound stage.”
Known for his award-winning production skills as well as his success as a top ranking music industry executive. James Stroud has worked with a wide range of talent over the years including Toby Keith, Tracy Lawrence, Charlie Daniels Band, Hank Williams Jr., Barbara Mandrell, Neal McCoy, Lee Greenwood, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Billy Currington and many others. Stroud, who headed Giant Records (1992), launched Dreamworks Records (1997), and served as Co-Chairman of Universal Music Group Nashville (2005 & 2006), recently launched a new label, STROUDavarious Records. To call him a legendary Producer would be an understatement; Stroud, who has won numerous awards for Producer and Album of the Year, has produced 95 #1 hits and numerous albums, which have collective sales of over 52 million.
William “Bill” Edwards
“Having a presence here in Nashville since 2003 and launching my concert promotion company, Bill Edwards Presents, in 2007, I’m fully aware of how important a high quality rehearsal studio is for the artists,” says Bill Edwards. “I’m delighted that this venture provided a perfect opportunity for James Stroud and I to collaborate again and I look forward to 2602 Sound Stage being a successful part of the Nashville music community for a long time to come.”
Combining a life long passion for music with astute business acumen, Bill Edwards is the backbone of the innovative independent entertainment company, Big3 Entertainment Group, LLC which was formed in 2000 and includes Big3 Records, Big3 Nashville, Big3 Studios, Bill Edwards Presents and now 2602 Sound Stage. With Edwards at the helm as Chairman and CEO, Big3 Records, assembled an impressive artist roster which included Jon Secada, Cheap Trick, Stryper, Carnie Wilson, Rick Derringer and others. A concert promotion company, Bill Edwards Presents, was added to the entertainment group in 2007 and was launched with a star-studded concert starring Alicia Keys, Josh Groban and John Mayer. Bill Edwards has developed the Big3 Entertainment Group into a multi-faceted entertainment company, putting them on the map in a very short period of time.