Wealthspire’s Ground Control hits new high note with music management acquisition

Wealthspire’s Ground Control hits new high note with music management acquisition
Wealth management firm’s business advisory arm adds business reputed for financial intricacies of the music business.
FEB 18, 2026

Wealthspire’s Ground Control Business Management has taken a significant step in its growth strategy by finalizing the purchase of Nashville’s Wiles + Taylor & Co., a boutique business management and tax advisory firm focused on the music industry.

The deal marks Ground Control’s first acquisition outside California and brings deep touring, royalties and music revenue expertise into its platform, widening its service capabilities for artists, songwriters and industry executives.

Last month Ground Control acquired Ceres Financial Management, a firm providing business and wealth management to entertainers, entrepreneurs, and other high net worth individuals in the LA area. The latest addition to the firm further bolsters its capabilities to support these groups.

“Supporting top-tier artists and their teams has been central to Ground Control’s mission for years, and this partnership accelerates what we can deliver,” said Chris Bucci, chief executive officer of Ground Control. “Wiles + Taylor adds a high-caliber team on tour operations, royalty administration, and the real-world complexity behind modern music income. Together we can offer a more seamless model with precision at scale and with the discretion and high-touch service our clients expect.”

Founded in 1986 by Gary Smith, Wiles + Taylor has built a reputation for helping clients navigate the financial intricacies of touring, global income tracking, royalties and risk management tied to domestic and international engagements. Its Nashville team, including partners Steve Eggart and Kevin Dalton, will now bolster Ground Control’s ability to serve artists’ personal finances alongside operational and global priorities.

“Joining Ground Control helps us scale and continue growing without compromising our culture,” said Dwight Wiles, president of Wiles + Taylor. “As touring and global revenue streams grow more complex, artists need advisors who understand both the details and the broader strategy. This partnership gives us additional infrastructure to keep serving our clients’ evolving needs while preserving continuity for our talented team.”

Rob Taylor, vice president of Wiles + Taylor, emphasized the cultural fit and shared long-term vision, saying the firms can now “elevate and empower our next generation of leaders and ensure long-term stability as we grow.”

The acquired business will continue operating out of Nashville, tapping into one of America’s most vibrant music hubs. The transaction brings roughly 65 new employees into Ground Control’s fold and reinforces music as a dedicated sector within its broader advisory offering.

Ground Control remains part of Wealthspire’s integrated advisory network, retaining its name while benefiting from the larger platform’s scale and resources.

Latest News

Indy B-D rep linked to troubled Texas real estate deal
Indy B-D rep linked to troubled Texas real estate deal

Texas securities regulators initially accused Lasater RE Fund of fraud in June but later dropped those claims.

LPL adds $1 billion Salt Lake City teams from Northwestern Mutual
LPL adds $1 billion Salt Lake City teams from Northwestern Mutual

Cornerstone Advisors and Clear Pointe Wealth Management mark an unusual double-team addition for LPL as recruiting run extends in Utah.

SEC accuses fund operator of defrauding investors in $9.6M mobile home scheme
SEC accuses fund operator of defrauding investors in $9.6M mobile home scheme

Investors were promised guaranteed returns from mobile homes that never existed

FINRA orders American Portfolios to pay $1.6 million over UIT failures
FINRA orders American Portfolios to pay $1.6 million over UIT failures

The Osaic-acquired broker-dealer failed to catch reps steering 295 clients into costly early UIT sales, regulator finds.

Why I traded transactional sales for fee-based financial planning
Why I traded transactional sales for fee-based financial planning

Rick Hu of Midas Wealth breaks down the fee-based planning shift that transformed his advisory practice and reshaped client relationships 

SPONSORED In the Age of AI, Trust Becomes the Advisor's Greatest Asset

As AI makes financial information more accessible than ever, Lana Hock explains why human judgment, trust, and empathy remain the qualities clients value most in a financial advisor

SPONSORED Direct indexing webinar targets tax-loss harvesting amid market swings

Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains