San Francisco based independent label, distributor, and publisher EMPIRE and New York based +1 Records have entered a new global partnership.
Under the agreement, EMPIRE will distribute and provide label strategy to +1 Records’ roster of artists, inclusive of their label partner, Honeymoon.
+1 will also play a key role in further establishing EMPIRE’s presence in New York, emphasized by EMPIRE’s recent success with Brooklyn hip hop artist Sheff G.
EMPIRE will work alongside +1 Records on the rollout and continued development of breakout hip-hop artist Rejjie Snow and Coast Modern.
This partnership will kick off immediately with the release this week of Coast Modern’s first single Puppy Llama, from their forthcoming album due out in 2020 on +1 Records / EMPIRE.
“We look forward to working with the +1 Records team and their diverse stable of artists as well as sharing knowledge in this ever evolving industry.”
Ghazi, EMPIRE
“Similar to EMPIRE, Jonny and Nat have built up +1 Records the old fashioned way – through artist development,” said Ghazi Shami, founder and CEO of EMPIRE.
“We look forward to working with the +1 Records team and their diverse stable of artists as well as sharing knowledge in this ever evolving industry.”
“Our new partnership with EMPIRE feels natural, synergistic and complementary. We’re looking forward to disrupting this industry together.”
Jonny Kaps, +1
Jonny Kaps (pictured left), co-founder of +1 added: “If there is one constant at +1, it is that we constantly evolve. We are known for our ability to adapt and embrace the changes in the music industry.
“We’re committed to artist development, fostering an environment of creativity, and forming strategic partnerships to deliver for our artists. Our new partnership with EMPIRE feels natural, synergistic and complementary. We’re looking forward to disrupting this industry together.”
“While A&R in the industry has become increasingly data driven, we always focus on the music first and are willing to take chances on artists that we believe in.”
Nat Hays, +1
Nat Hays (pictured right), co-founder of +1, said: “Our mission is to continue to champion artists that don’t necessarily fit the status quo.
“While A&R in the industry has become increasingly data driven, we always focus on the music first and are willing to take chances on artists that we believe in. The culture at EMPIRE empowers us to be ourselves
“EMPIRE doesn’t play by the rules, and we love that.”
EMPIRE also launched in Nashville last month with its first key hire, Eric Hurt, as Vice President of A&R.
Picture Credit: Jason McDonald
Music Business Worldwide
