Nashville,TN-based Morris Light & Sound is to become part of Solotech. Initially created by Dale Morris to cater to large-scale music tours such as Alabama, the firm also brings InteRise, providing a new level of expertise in corporate events and houses of worship for Solotech. Although founded in Canada in the 1970s, Solotech is now a truly global entity with no plans to move Morris from its base in the US.
We spoke to Mickey Curbishley, president of Live Productions from Solotech and Zack Morris, COO, from Morris about this optimistic move in the middle of the pandemic.
What aspects of Morris Light & Sound look like a good fit for Solotech?
We share a common DNA for excellence and that is key to why we are here today: welcoming the team of experts at Morris into the Solotech family and becoming part of a combined growth story.
- Business wise, we have similar models, which from day one is creating great value - notably we both have two divisions: Live productions and Systems Integration.
- Both organizations are focused on the delivery of excellence to our clients and we both have worked with major artists and on large scale projects. Solotech: Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion, The Rolling Stones and Morris with Alabama, Kenny Chesney, Florida Georgia Line, to name just a few.
- Moreover, Morris is a renowned and well-positioned player in the Nashville area, which is a perfect fit to solidify and expand our existing capabilities and footprint in the United States.
Can you share more details on the particular market niche that Solotech wants to expand into?
Solotech is among the top players in the AV industry and we have been for more than 40 years. What has kept us moving and kept our position as a global player is the drive for innovation and to always evolve. During the pandemic we have managed to bring to life new solutions, notably with streaming services and solutions, opening new studios and staying in front of the crowd by looking into emerging and game-changing technology. We have proved we are here to stay and we are providing even more depth to our services to our global client base. The industry will be back and things will be different, and we will be ready for it.
It is also key to know that Solotech is well established in Sales and Systems Integration globally with our brands (ProSound, SSE Audio, etc.) and we play in over 10 different verticals including AV installation and services for houses of worship, businesses, education, government, sports, theme parks, in addition to our ecommerce platform. Solotech is unique in the sense that on top of entertainment it also provides equipment, solutions, staff, after-sales services (and more!) to countless venues, projects, buildings, etc., all over the world.
Everyone is suffering at the moment because of the pandemic, can you expand on why Solotech is optimistic enough to invest in the acquisition when many others are tightening their belts? What signs are you seeing that the industry will rebound soon?
Solotech remains very strong and this time is key for us. We are consistently active with all integration and installation work. This segment of our business has been continuously operating to deliver services and has even expanded the opportunity to invest in AV. Furthermore, we are preparing with confidence for the live productions part of our business to return and our goal is to be fully ready for all of our clients’ needs upon the restart of activities. This acquisition is part of our strategy in order to strengthen even more Solotech’s leading positioning in audiovisual and entertainment technology. Together with Morris, this reinforces our positioning as an industry innovator, locally and globally, and also contributes to a solid future.
While many people are still working from home, will there be any physical moves for Morris Light & sound to integrate more fully into the Solotech family?
Nashville is an important and large market and we intend to stay and pursue growth with our two organizations. We will carefully plan our integration with this in mind.
Did the industry climate during COVID influence the decision to join Solotech or did it just seem like a good fit?
Solotech approached us regarding the acquisition and in discussions it became immediately apparent that our company cultures and values aligned and presented an opportunity for an expanded presence and services for both companies.
What do you think Morris brings to Solotech that it was lacking before?
The synergy of the two companies will maximize access to a larger pool of expertise and state-of-the-art technology around the globe.
Do you expect any major staffing or culture changes due to the acquisition by Solotech?
Solotech’s global footprint presents expanded opportunities for the Morris team.