The Kirk Pasich Project is a name to watch. Though it’s not representative of an artist, group, or collective, it’s the brainchild of music aficionado and entertainment industry ally Kirk Pasich. For artists, it’s a platform for exploration and, for listeners, a unique production and music discovery experience.

The Kirk Pasich Project is a new musical entity Pasich formed to bring his production concepts to life through collaboration with various artists. “To put it simply, I’m a music junkie who’s been lucky enough to be surrounded by a talented community of musicians. They’re my impetus for this project,” Pasich said. He also revealed that he took inspiration from the Alan Parsons Project, a musical entity that released eleven concept albums showcasing different talents between 1976 and 1987. “I formed The Kirk Pasich Project following the footsteps of the great engineer and producer Alan Parsons. I want to provide a vehicle for my ideas while also introducing listeners to new artists showcased in a unique studio setting.”

Pasich’s ‘music junkie’ streak didn’t come out of nowhere. In fact, he entered the world of music through early classical training as an organist, beginning at age five. Growing up, he played the church organ and went on to do small gigs before doubling down on his law career. In the 1980s, Pasich joined Paul Hastings out of law school, where he cultivated expertise in both entertainment law and insurance coverage.

His first high-profile entertainment case was representing jazz legend, Woody Herman. Herman was facing eviction while dealing with severe medical issues. Pasich successfully led a legal battle involving the IRS, earning Herman’s house back. The firm then worked to sell the house for a fair price and set up a foundation to raise money for Herman and other ailing musicians. The foundation provided a seed donation to MusicCares, today the largest music support organization through the National Academy of Recording Sciences. As he entered the press again in connection with the death of Chris Cornell of Soundgarden and Audioslave, a client, and a dear friend. “We originally met through insurance, but we shared a common love of music, and our friendship developed over the years,” Pasich shared.

In 2014, Kirk Pasich took a leap in actualizing his love for music by co-founding Blue Élan Records. His vision for the indie label was that it could become an artists’ haven free from the exploitative practices that characterize the broader industry. Later a Forbes article would dub the label the most “artist-friendly” in the business. “We have this slogan –– it’s about the music, it’s about the artist, it’s about collaboration,” Pasich said. “We mean it. That is our mantra. I tell every artist, regardless of their experience in the industry or how long they’re with us, I want them to be able to say that this was the best experience they’ve ever had in the music industry. Nothing else to me is as important as that being their experience.”

Three years later, Pasich founded an independent law practice, Pasich LLP, to complement his new label. Their existing home, a regional firm, merged with an international firm in a move that would inhibit the team’s ability to protect their clients’ interests. At the time, Pasich explained, “You’ve got to be in a position where you don’t have to worry about external forces to your practice and what you do for your clients upsetting that balance.” Today the firm has grown to 16 attorneys, with three offices in New York and California. “We are dedicated to representing insurance policyholders, and not representing insurance brokers, insurance agents, or their affiliates. I think we’re pretty damn good at it,” Pasich asserted. Pasich LLC’s client roster is confirmation enough: Since its launch, the firm has represented prominent names in entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Madison Square Garden, Metallica, and Shakira.

When the pandemic hit, Pasich witnessed the impact on the entertainment community firsthand. He represented artists looking to recoup losses due to canceled shows and continued to seek opportunities to help Blue Élan artists grow their careers. He eventually connected with engineer Zackary Darling and music producer Zachary Ross to found KZZ Music, a company with the explicit intent of unlocking opportunities for artists to advance their careers. Officially formed in 2021, KZZ Music helps artists create career-defining records and produce unique video experiences. The production company helps artists hone their unique sounds and refine their brands with the goal of finding them long-term homes with record labels.

Now Pasich’s path in the music industry has taken another turn with the formation of his own musical entity, The Kirk Pasich Project. The project’s first release is an EP titledOne Woman Army,featuring Scout Durwood on vocals. The EP is a unique blend of modern pop and classic rock that includes an inspired take on the Beatles’ classic, “Help,” as well as a cover of the Killer’s 2013 Christmas single, “Christmas in L.A.” Up next, Pasich plans to debut a rock opera titledRadio (Alone at Night)is set to debut in May 2023 with shows in New York and Los Angeles. Scout Durwood is once again a contributor, along with Bernie Barlow, Bryan Stephens, Jenny Luke, and more. Pasich is also working on a benefit album featuring original music in honor of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Alliance for Children’s Rights.