New West Records
Record label
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
| New West Records | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Founder | Cameron Strang |
| Distributors | Redeye Distribution (US) PIAS Group (EU)[1] |
| Genre | Indie rock, alternative country, Americana |
| Country of origin | U.S. |
| Location | Nashville, Tennessee Athens, Georgia |
| Official website | newwestrecords |
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, Pylon (band), 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
Americana Music Honors & Awards
| Year | Category | Nominee(s) | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Duo/Group of the Year | 49 Winchester | — | Nominated |
| 2023 | Emerging Artist of the Year | Sunny War | — | Nominated |
| 2022 | Duo/Group of the Year | Los Lobos | — | Nominated |
| 2022 | Song of the Year | James McMurtry | "Canola Fields" | Nominated |
| 2021 | Album of the Year | Steve Earle | J.T. | Nominated |
| 2020 | Duo/Group of the Year | Buddy & Julie Miller | — | Nominated |
| 2018 | Emerging Act of the Year | Lilly Hiatt | — | Nominated |
| 2017 | Song of the Year | Rodney Crowell (featuring Rosanne Cash, John Paul White) | "It Ain’t Over Yet" | Won |
| 2017 | Album of the Year | Rodney Crowell | Close Ties | Nominated |
| 2017 | Emerging Artist of the Year | Aaron Lee Tasjan | — | Nominated |
| 2016 | Instrumentalist of the Year | Sara Watkins | — | Won |
| 2015 | Song of the Year | John Hiatt | "Terms of My Surrender" | Nominated |
| 2015 | Song of the Year | Steve Earle & The Dukes | "You're The Best Lover That I Ever Had" | Nominated |
| 2015 | Emerging Artist of the Year | Nikki Lane | — | Nominated |
| 2014 | Album of the Year | Robert Ellis | The Lights From The Chemical Plant | Nominated |
| 2014 | Artist of the Year | Robert Ellis | — | Nominated |
| 2014 | Duo/Group of the Year | The Devil Makes Three | — | Nominated |
| 2014 | Instrumentalist of the Year | Buddy Miller | — | Won |
| 2013 | Album of the Year | Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale | Buddy & Jim | Nominated |
| 2013 | Duo/Group of the Year | Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale | — | Nominated |
| 2013 | Artist of the Year | Buddy Miller | — | Nominated |
| 2013 | Artist of the Year | Richard Thompson | — | Nominated |
| 2013 | Song of the Year | Richard Thompson | "Good Things Happen To Bad People" | Nominated |
| 2012 | Emerging Artist of the Year | Robert Ellis | — | Nominated |
| 2012 | Instrumentalist of the Year | Buddy Miller | — | Nominated |
| 2012 | Song of the Year | Steve Earle | "Waiting On The Sky To Fall" | Nominated |
| 2012 | Album of the Year | Steve Earle | I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive | Nominated |
| 2011 | Artist of the Year | Buddy Miller | — | Won |
| 2011 | Instrumentalist of the Year | Buddy Miller | — | Won |
| 2010 | Song of the Year | Ryan Bingham | "The Weary Kind" (from Crazy Heart soundtrack) | Won |
| 2010 | Instrumentalist of the Year | Buddy Miller | — | Won |
| 2010 | Artist of the Year | Steve Earle | — | Nominated |
| 2009 | Album of the Year | Buddy & Julie Miller | Written In Chalk | Won |
| 2009 | Artist of the Year | Buddy Miller | — | Won |
| 2009 | Duo/Group of the Year | Buddy & Julie Miller | — | Won |
| 2009 | Song of the Year | Buddy & Julie Miller | "Chalk" | Won |
| 2009 | Instrumentalist of the Year | Buddy Miller | — | Won |
| 2009 | Song of the Year | The Flatlanders | "Homeland Refugee" | Nominated |
| 2008 | Artist of the Year | Steve Earle | — | Nominated |
| 2008 | Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting | John Hiatt | — | Won |
| 2008 | Instrumentalist of the Year | Buddy Miller | — | Won |
| 2006 | Duo/Group of the Year | Drive-By Truckers | — | Won |
| 2006 | Album of the Year | Delbert McClinton | Cost of Living | Nominated |
