AWAL, Kobalt’s recording company, has signed a new recordings deal with artist and producer, Steve Lacy via 3QTR.
The AWAL recordings deal offers the Grammy-nominated Lacy services to help launch and promote his debut solo album, “Apollo XXI,” which was released on May 24th and includes the acclaimed single, “N Side.”
Other tracks from the record include “Playground,” which was Zane Lowe’s “World Record” on Beats 1/Apple Music and “Hate CD,” which was Annie Mac’s “Hottest Record” on BBC Radio 1.
AWAL CEO, Lonny Olinick said of the deal, “Steve has made a name for himself as an innovative and authentic artist and versatile producer. He is one of the most important voices of his generation and we feel very fortunate to partner with him as he tackles the next phase of his career as a solo artist.”
Steve Lacy started his career as the guitarist and producer for The Internet’s third studio album, Ego Death in 2015, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Contemporary Urban Album.
In 2017 Lacy released his debut solo material, the six-song EP, Steve Lacy’s Demo on 3QTR/AWAL, while other members of The Internet also launched solo projects, all supporting one another. Lacy performed songs from the release, including “Dark Red” and “Some,” as part of The Internet’s global tour.
He performed his first solo shows that year ranging from Soulection and Camp Flog Gnaw festival stages to the El Rey in LA and the Observatory in Santa Ana. Lacy also produced material with Kendrick Lamar, receiving praise for his work on the album, DAMN, released in 2018.
That year in July, The Internet released its widely celebrated fourth album, Hive Mind. Other recent collaborations include Solange, Vampire Weekend, J.Cole, Mac Miller, Blood Orange and Kali Uchis, and Lacy is featured on and co-produced “Pony Fly” with Mac DeMarco on Matt Martian’s second solo album released in April 2019 on 3QTR/AWAL.
David Airaudi, Lacy’s manager and founder of 3QTR added, “The future of the music industry is artist ownership and control with the team executing the artist’s vision – AWAL offers just that and we are excited to work together to bring Steve’s art to life.”
Sarah Landy, AWAL’s SVP Client Development, who worked with 3QTR from initial launch of Steve Lacy’s Demo with AWAL in early 2017 on through spearheading the album deal, expressed, “Steve Lacy is a culture-defining artist and his debut album is a magnificent force of art that we are energized to support globally under Lacy’s creative direction.”
Steve Lacy released his debut solo LP, “Apollo XXI” on May 24, 2019, celebrating his 21st birthday. His North American tour will begin in Fall 2019 and dates will be announced later this year.Music Business Worldwide
