Top Indie Publisher Starts Record Label

The Ettes have been signed to the new label, Krian Music Group.

The Royalty Network, a New York-based independent publishing house that represents a diverse spectrum of songwriters and producers from the likes of Pete Seeger and Justin Townes Earle to Buck$ and Sizzla, has just announced the formation of a sister record label called Krian Music Group.

Krian, which will be distributed by Universal/Fontana, will release upcoming albums from Nashville’s The Ettes, dance-rockers VHS Or Beta, as well as Buck$ and Richie Loop.

Interestingly, Frank Liwall, the President of both Royalty and Krian, says the company was inspired to launch the label after seeing a gap in the marketplace.

“We looked at artists we had been publishing, with successful film and television licensing histories, and realized a number of great acts were without a label home,” says Liwall.

While record labels have done their best to weather the downturn in the sales of recorded music, publishers have stayed afloat in the changing industry by maximizing exposure for artists through things like film and T.V. placements, as well as lucrative video game placements.

With Royalty’s lead, it wouldn’t surprise many in the industry if more publishing entities used their existing networks and relationships to provide label services for artists.