BRETT ORRISON / FOUNDER
Brett Orrison is a respected sound engineer, producer, and talent buyer with over 25 years in the music industry. From mixing and mastering records to producing live broadcasts and curating festivals, his expertise has shaped some of the most exciting sounds in modern music.
Raised on a KOA campground in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, Brett’s musical journey began in New Orleans before he moved to Austin, Texas, in 2006. He has worked with world-renowned artists, including Jack White, Widespread Panic, The Black Angels, Leon Bridges, Black Pumas, van Morrison, keith richards, Galactic, and many more.
As a front-of-house (FOH) engineer, Brett has mixed some of the most legendary concert events, including Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday at the Hollywood Bowl, John Lennon’s 75th Birthday Celebration at Madison Square Garden, Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia, The 40th Anniversary of Bob Marley’s Exodus, and The Life & Songs of Merle Haggard
As a producer and engineer, Brett has mixed and or mastered records for King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, The Sword, Jack white, Roky Erikson, and Widespread Panic, with over 210 credits to his name. His contributions as a film composer include PBS, Discovery Channel, and showtime documentary films.
Brett also has 20 years of talent-buying experience, curating shows, and festivals that celebrate blues, zydeco, brass bands, and jazz. He spent over a decade booking the Shedhed Blues Festival, featuring legends like Bobby Blue Bland, Percy Sledge, and Buddy Guy.
As the founder of Spaceflight Records, Brett has championed equitable artist deals, providing independent musicians with access to record label services, manufacturing, and distribution.
BRYAN RICHIE / DIRECTOR OF ARTIST RELATIONS
Bryan Richie is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and audio engineer with a career spanning over two decades in the worlds of rock, metal, and electronic music. Best known as the bassist and synth player for The Sword, Bryan helped shape the band's signature heavy, riff-driven sound, contributing to multiple chart-topping records and international tours. In addition to performing, he also recorded and mixed The Sword’s first two albums, establishing their raw, powerful sonic identity.
Beyond his work with The Sword, Bryan is the creative force behind Galactic Protector, a synth-driven solo project exploring cinematic soundscapes and futuristic electronic music. His ability to blend atmospheric textures with deep, resonant melodies has made Galactic Protector a standout in the world of instrumental and ambient music.
As a producer and audio engineer, Bryan has worked with a diverse range of artists, utilizing both analog and digital techniques to craft recordings with rich textures, powerful dynamics, and immersive sonic landscapes. His expertise in mixing, mastering, and live sound production has made him a sought-after figure in the music industry.
Bryan is also deeply involved in music advocacy and community development. He serves as the President of Music on Main, a non-profit organization based in Taylor, Texas, dedicated to supporting live music and fostering a thriving local music scene. Through Music on Main, Bryan helps bring world-class performances and artist development initiatives to the community, reinforcing his commitment to expanding access to music and the arts.
Currently based in Austin, Texas, Bryan continues to push sonic boundaries, working on new musical projects, producing records, and shaping the future of independent music. Whether on stage, in the studio, or leading community initiatives, his dedication to high-quality sound and innovative music production remains at the core of his work.
SAM DOUGLAS / SPACEFLIGHT TV / DEVELOPMENT / CONTENT CREATION
Samuel Wainwright Douglas is an award-winning documentary filmmaker known for his compelling storytelling, deep cultural explorations, and keen eye for capturing the essence of American life and artistry. His films often focus on social movements, creative communities, and untold histories, bringing a cinematic lens to stories that challenge perspectives and inspire change.
With a career spanning over two decades, Samuel has directed, produced, and edited numerous acclaimed documentaries, including "Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio", which explores the intersection of architecture and social justice, and "Through the Repellent Fence", a visually stunning film that follows an Indigenous land art installation along the U.S.-Mexico border. His work has screened at Sundance, SXSW, and other major film festivals, earning widespread critical acclaim for its poetic visual style and deeply human narratives.
Samuel's storytelling approach blends investigative depth with artistic sensitivity, ensuring that each project resonates beyond the screen. Whether documenting countercultural movements, environmental issues, or artistic expression, his films bring nuance, authenticity, and a sense of place to every frame.
A longtime Austin-based filmmaker, Samuel continues to push the boundaries of documentary cinema, collaborating with visionary artists, musicians, and activists to amplify stories that might otherwise go unheard. His dedication to thoughtful, immersive storytelling makes him a vital voice in contemporary documentary filmmaking.
RICK PIERIK / DIRECTOR OF SALES AND DISTRIBUTION
Rick Pierik is the founder and driving force behind Nine Mile Records, an independent label dedicated to supporting innovative artists and fostering a sustainable music ecosystem. With a career spanning over two decades, Rick has helped shape the careers of emerging and established musicians, providing artist-friendly label services, distribution, and strategic career development.
As an industry veteran, Rick has a deep understanding of both the creative and business sides of music, allowing him to guide artists through the ever-evolving landscape of independent music. Under his leadership, Nine Mile Records has built a reputation for quality, integrity, and a commitment to artist-first principles, ensuring that musicians maintain creative control while reaching wider audiences.
Beyond the label, Rick is an advocate for independent music, working to create fair and equitable industry opportunities for artists. His expertise in physical and digital distribution, branding, and marketing has made Nine Mile a respected name among artists, fans, and industry professionals alike.
Based in Austin, Texas, Rick continues to champion independent music, pushing forward-thinking models that allow artists to thrive on their own terms. His passion for discovering, developing, and supporting musicians remains at the core of everything he does.