MBW spotted that Sony Music was up to something in Nashville in December – after the major posted two job ads for a yet to be announced venture. Now we know what that venture is.
Sony has teamed with Sandbox Entertainment Founder and former UMG exec Jason Owen and producer/writer Shane McAnally to launch Nashville imprint, Monument.
The label will sign “genreless, superstar artists” with a focus on singer/songwriters, Owen told Hits.
Alongside Owen as Co-President, Katie McCartney, former Universal Music Nashville Director, Marketing & Artist Development, is SVP of Marketing and Label Operations.
Owen will continue leading Sandbox, and Monument is based out of the firm’s office in Nashville.
Songwriter Caitlyn Smith (pictured) is one of the first signees after writing with Meghan Trainor, John Legend, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Lady Antebellum and Jason Aldean.
Country act Walker Hayes is also on Monument’s roster.
Discussing the venture, Owen said: “I thought at some point I’d probably get involved with a label. I like the way labels work: the structure and the teams.
“Working with Shane, we feel like we can connect the process for both sides, and create new models for those artists who defy the obvious.”
jason owen, sandbox entertainment/monument
“Having managed, I understand the career dynamics and the timing to know how and when to apply certain things from the label side.
“Working with Shane, we feel like we can connect the process for both sides, and create new models for those artists who defy the obvious.”
McAnally, who holds two Grammy Awards for work with Kacey Musgraves and has also written and produced for Kelly Clarkson, Kenny Chesney and more, added: “I’d work for years developing a sound alongside an artist, then the labels decided what happened next.
“I’d work for years developing a sound alongside an artist, then the labels decided what happened next. I really wanted to keep my hands on some of these projects and see them all the way through.”
shane mcanally
“I really wanted to keep my hands on some of these projects and see them all the way through.
“Jason has an unbelievable eye for talent, and really shares my passion for music: to makes records and discover artists who fire him up seems like a good way to go about doing business.”
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