Sony’s Label Group has announced the launch of its new urban imprint Battery Records, a label focused on reviving the practice of developing young talent. Battery’s first round of budding artists spans the South: Sunny Valentine from Texas, Sir Will from Atlanta, and Nashville’s Lil’ Goonie, signed to Jive/Zomba. Additionally, Battery will accept established artists who are still viable in the marketplace but seek new situations that include non-traditional deal models.
Neil Levine, the former head of Capitol Music Group’s urban division, is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of Battery Records, reporting to recently appointed BMG COO Ivan Gavin. Other tasks under the Battery banner include releasing material from the BMG catalogue, and overseeing the early-stage development of certain acts signed to labels such as RCA’s J Records or Zomba’s Jive Records.
“This will provide a broader platform and offer a greater margin of success for our evolving urban artists and new artists in general,” said Tom Carrabba, Zomba Label Group’s executive vice president and general manager.
