Aspiring musicians and music fans alike are taking note of IU Records, an innovative new label out of Texas that is taking lessons learned from business incubation and applying them to the music industry. IU Records’ first release is from partnering artist Nathan Quick, a Houston native and winner of multiple Houston Press Music Awards. Bryan, TX-based community and economic development company Advent GX is behind the label, working to build a vibrant music ecosystem as a way to create economic opportunity and improve quality of life.
Leveraging its experience in concert production at Grand Stafford Theater and Ice House on Main in downtown Bryan, TX and building on its Musician-in-Residence Program, Advent GX launched IU Records, a development record label that partners with musicians at an early stage to develop their music career and increase their reach.
IU Records is bringing a new approach to artist development by leveraging entrepreneurship and innovation in support of emerging musicians. Following the best practices of business and technology incubator, the Innovation Underground, IU Records supports musicians similarly to entrepreneurs. Both seek to bring their vision to life and need strong business skills and innovative technology. IU Records brings guidance and assistance with a variety of services, including music distribution, music video production and creative services, publicity and PR, digital presence, sales, as well as global tour management.
“Artists may not typically see themselves as entrepreneurs, but we do,” explains Advent GX President and IU Records co-founder Jose Quintana. “It’s well established that effective support for entrepreneurs is a good economic investment. Similarly, it’s well known that live music and the music industry can be big booms for locally economies while enhancing quality of life. As an economic development firm working in rural and underserved communities, IU Records is a strategic collaboration on our part to do more to enhance vitality in communities by serving and supporting musicians.”
IU Records collaborators include successful musicians and first-class industry subject matter experts, locally, nationally, and internationally. Director of the Texas Music Office Brendon Anthony has provided valuable guidance since IU Records’ inception. The label’s alliance with its Amsterdam-based partner also allows IU Records privileged access to the European music market.
Houston native and multi-Houston Press Music Award winning singer songwriter Nathan Quick is the first musician to partner with IU Records. His music mixes genres including classic rock and roll, southern rock, blues and Americana. Quick just released his first single Southern Miles on May 31 which was premiered in Glide Magazine: http://bit.ly/NQ-SongPremiere and whose video was produced by IU Records. His album Howling at The Moon will come out this fall.
As this first partnership with Nathan Quick expands, IU Records will continue to broaden its impact and work with new talent in order to create musician-friendly communities.
