SAN FRANCISCO (CelebrityAccess) – San Francisco based independent label, distributor, and publisher EMPIRE and New York-based +1 Records have entered a new global partnership.
Under the terms of the deal, EMPIRE will distribute and provide label strategy to +1 Records’ roster of artists, including those of +1’s label partner Honeymoon, while +1 will help to further establish EMPIRE’s presence in New York.
Of the deal, Ghazi Shami, founder and CEO of EMPIRE, said: “Similar to EMPIRE, Jonny and Nat have built up +1 Records the old fashioned way – through artist development. 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.”
Jonny Kaps, 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.”
Nat Hays, 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.”
The first release under the new partnership is from indie-pop duo Coast Modern, whose new single “Puppy Llama,” dropped earlier this week. Going forward, EMPIRE will work alongside +1 on the rollout and continued development of the group, as well as that of breakout rapper Rejjie Snow.
