New West Records

Wikipedia

New West Records
Founded1998 (1998)
FounderCameron Strang
DistributorsRedeye Distribution (US)
PIAS Group (EU)[1]
GenreIndie rock, alternative country, Americana
Country of originU.S.
LocationNashville, Tennessee
Athens, Georgia
Official websitenewwestrecords.com

New West Records is a record label based in Nashville and Athens, Georgia. It previously had offices in Burbank, California and Beverly Hills, California.[2] From 2013 to 2018, New West's records in the U.S. were distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance,[3] and since September 2018, Redeye Distribution has taken over U.S. distribution.[4] New West Records exclusively releases CDs and DVDs for the award-winning television program Austin City Limits.[5]

History

New West Records was founded in 1998 by Cameron Strang with the mission of promoting “real music for real people.”[6] Over the years, the label became a key player in the Americana, indie rock, and alternative country scenes, releasing albums that topped the Billboard Top 200 and earned Grammy recognition.[7]

In 2007 and 2008 New West was recognized by NARM as the entertainment software supplier of the year. [8]

In 2010, New West Records acquired Antone’s Records and Watermelon Records, two labels with a focus on Texas blues, soul, and rock. This acquisition expanded New West's catalog and contributed to its presence in the roots and Americana music scenes.[9]

In 2011, Cameron Strang left New West to take on the role of CEO of Warner Chappell Music, marking a significant transition in the label's leadership.[10]

In 2014, John Allen was named President of New West Records and its various imprints. Under his leadership, the label's operations were consolidated, and the main office was moved to Nashville, further establishing New West's presence in the heart of the Americana and country music scenes.[11]

New West executive George Fontaine Sr received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2023 Americana Music Honors & Awards for his work with the label.[12]

Artists

New West Records is home to a number of Grammy Award-winning artists including Dwight Yoakam, Steve Earle, Rickie Lee Jones, Kris Kristofferson, and Delbert McClinton. The label roster features Sara Watkins, 49 Winchester, Los Lobos, Ben Folds, The Devil Makes Three, JD McPherson, Buddy Miller, Corb Lund, Nikki Lane, Rodney Crowell, John Hiatt, James McMurtry, Caroline Rose, Richard Thompson, Nada Surf, Sunny War, The Wallflowers, Jaime Wyatt, and more.[13] The catalogue includes releases from Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell, All Them Witches, Shovels & Rope, Justin Townes Earle, Patty Griffin, Old 97's, Ron Gallo, Vic Chesnutt, Aaron Lee Tasjan, American Aquarium, and Tony Joe White.[14]

Awards

New West Records has received numerous award nominations and wins, including recognition at the Grammy Awards and Americana Music Awards.[15]

Grammy Awards

YearCategoryNominee(s)WorkResult
2024Best Americana AlbumRodney CrowellThe Chicago SessionsNominated[16]
2023Best Country Solo PerformanceWillie Nelson"Live Forever"Won[17]
2023Best Contemporary Blues AlbumNorth Mississippi AllstarsSet SailNominated[18]
2022Best Americana AlbumLos LobosNative SonsWon[19]
2022Best Americana AlbumJohn Hiatt & the Jerry Douglas BandLeftover FeelingsNominated[20]
2021Best Folk AlbumThe Secret SistersSaturn ReturnNominated[21]
2021Best Contemporary Blues AlbumNorth Mississippi AllstarsUp And RollingNominated[22]
2021Best Folk AlbumThe Secret SistersYou Don't Own Me AnymoreNominated[23]
2018Best American Roots SongRodney Crowell (featuring Rosanne Cash, John Paul White)"It Ain’t Over Yet"Nominated[24]
2017Best Traditional Blues AlbumLuther DickinsonBlues & BalladsNominated[25]
2015Best Americana AlbumJohn HiattTerms of My SurrenderNominated
2015Best American Roots SongJohn Hiatt"Terms of My Surrender"Nominated
2014Best Americana AlbumBuddy Miller & Jim LauderdaleBuddy & JimNominated
2012Best Folk AlbumSteve EarleI'll Never Get Out Of This World AliveNominated
2011Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or other Visual MediaVarious ArtistsCrazy HeartWon
2011Best Song Written for Motion Picture, Television, or other Visual MediaRyan Bingham & T Bone Burnett"The Weary Kind" (from Crazy Heart)Won
2010Best Contemporary Folk AlbumSteve EarleTownesWon
2008Best Contemporary Folk AlbumSteve EarleWashington Square SerenadeWon
2008Best Country Collaboration with VocalsSteve Earle"Days Aren't Long Enough"Nominated
2006Best Contemporary Blues AlbumDelbert McClintonCost of LivingWon
2006Best Male Country PerformanceDelbert McClinton"Midnight Communion"Nominated
2005Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel AlbumBuddy MillerUniversal United House of PrayerNominated
2003Best Contemporary Blues AlbumDelbert McClintonRoom to BreatheNominated
2002Best Contemporary Blues AlbumDelbert McClintonNothing PersonalWon

Americana Music Honors & Awards

YearCategoryNominee(s)WorkResult
2023Duo/Group of the Year49 WinchesterNominated
2023Emerging Artist of the YearSunny WarNominated
2022Duo/Group of the YearLos LobosNominated
2022Song of the YearJames McMurtry"Canola Fields"Nominated
2021Album of the YearSteve EarleJ.T.Nominated
2020Duo/Group of the YearBuddy & Julie MillerNominated
2018Emerging Act of the YearLilly HiattNominated
2017Song of the YearRodney Crowell (featuring Rosanne Cash, John Paul White)"It Ain’t Over Yet"Won
2017Album of the YearRodney CrowellClose TiesNominated
2017Emerging Artist of the YearAaron Lee TasjanNominated
2016Instrumentalist of the YearSara WatkinsWon
2015Song of the YearJohn Hiatt"Terms of My Surrender"Nominated
2015Song of the YearSteve Earle & The Dukes"You're The Best Lover That I Ever Had"Nominated
2015Emerging Artist of the YearNikki LaneNominated
2014Album of the YearRobert EllisThe Lights From The Chemical PlantNominated
2014Artist of the YearRobert EllisNominated
2014Duo/Group of the YearThe Devil Makes ThreeNominated
2014Instrumentalist of the YearBuddy MillerWon
2013Album of the YearBuddy Miller & Jim LauderdaleBuddy & JimNominated
2013Duo/Group of the YearBuddy Miller & Jim LauderdaleNominated
2013Artist of the YearBuddy MillerNominated
2013Artist of the YearRichard ThompsonNominated
2013Song of the YearRichard Thompson"Good Things Happen To Bad People"Nominated
2012Emerging Artist of the YearRobert EllisNominated
2012Instrumentalist of the YearBuddy MillerNominated
2012Song of the YearSteve Earle"Waiting On The Sky To Fall"Nominated
2012Album of the YearSteve EarleI'll Never Get Out Of This World AliveNominated
2011Artist of the YearBuddy MillerWon
2011Instrumentalist of the YearBuddy MillerWon
2010Song of the YearRyan Bingham"The Weary Kind" (from Crazy Heart soundtrack)Won
2010Instrumentalist of the YearBuddy MillerWon
2010Artist of the YearSteve EarleNominated
2009Album of the YearBuddy & Julie MillerWritten In ChalkWon
2009Artist of the YearBuddy MillerWon
2009Duo/Group of the YearBuddy & Julie MillerWon
2009Song of the YearBuddy & Julie Miller"Chalk"Won
2009Instrumentalist of the YearBuddy MillerWon
2009Song of the YearThe Flatlanders"Homeland Refugee"Nominated
2008Artist of the YearSteve EarleNominated
2008Lifetime Achievement Award for SongwritingJohn HiattWon
2008Instrumentalist of the YearBuddy MillerWon
2006Duo/Group of the YearDrive-By TruckersWon
2006Album of the YearDelbert McClintonCost of LivingNominated

See also

References

  1. "[PIAS] Artist & Label Services - [PIAS]". Retrieved 2016-09-12.
  2. "About New West Records". www.newwestrecords.com. Archived from the original on 2016-08-13. Retrieved 2016-04-25.
  3. "ADA Adds New West, Sumerian Records to Distribution Roster (Exclusive)". Billboard.
  4. "Redeye Signs Distribution Deal with New West Records". 5 September 2018.
  5. "New West Records". Do512. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
  6. "Warner Bros Records boss Cameron Strang: 7 lessons from my career - Music Business Worldwide". Music Business Worldwide. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 2016-04-25.
  7. "Warner Music Group Names Cameron Strang CEO of Warner/Chappell Music; Acquires Southside Publishing". Billboard.
  8. "(BW) NARM Recognizes New West Records with an Award for Entertainment Software Supplier Of The Year--Small Division". Chron. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
  9. "New West Records". Discogs.
  10. "Warner Music Group Names Cameron Strang CEO of Warner/Chappell Music; Acquires Southside Publishing". Billboard. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
  11. Sarah Skates (November 4, 2014). "New West Opens Nashville Office Led By John Allen". MusicRow. Retrieved May 19, 2025.
  12. Grein, Paul (14 September 2023). "Here Are the Performers & Presenters for the 2023 Americana Honors & Awards". billboard.com. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  13. "Artists | New West Records". newwestrecords.com. Archived from the original on 2016-09-18. Retrieved 2016-09-12.
  14. Nicholson, Jessica (September 5, 2018). "Redeye Signs Distribution Deal with New West Records". Retrieved May 1, 2025.
  15. "Winners & Honorees". Americana Music Association.
  16. "Rodney Crowell". Grammy Awards.
  17. "Willie Nelson Wins "Best Country Solo Performance" for "Live Forever" At The 65th Annual Grammy Awards". Grateful Web. February 6, 2023.
  18. "North Mississippi Allstars". Grammy Awards.
  19. "Los Lobos". Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
  20. "Leftover Feelings nominated for Grammy!". John Hiatt. December 10, 2021.
  21. "The Secret Sisters". 1504.
  22. "North Mississippi Allstars". Grammy Awards.
  23. "The Secret Sisters". Grammy Awards.
  24. "The Secret Sisters & Rodney Crowell Garner 2018 GRAMMY Award Nominations". The Country Note. November 28, 2017.
  25. "Luther Dickinson". Grammy Awards.