Rounder Records has completed its move to Nashville, as was first announced last Fall. Their facility in Burlington, MA has now been closed, though founding partners Ken Irwin, Bill Nowlin and Marian Leighton Levy will continue to work from their homes in the Boston area.
Also remaining in the northeast is publicist Regina Joskow, who works from an office in New York City.
The company is now headquartered in Nashville’s Gulch District, at 1209 Pine Street, Suite 100. Rounder President John Virant heads up the team, which also includes Vice President of A&R, Scott Billington; newly appointed Vice President of A&R, Tracy Gershon; and Director of Project Management, Eliza Levy.
Rounder’s is a classic rags-to-riches story, starting with three college kids selling LPs from the back of their cars in 1970, growing into an internationally recognized specialty music label today. They’ve been involved in the development of artists as varied as George Thorogood, J.D. Crowe, and Alison Krauss, and today they are the artistic home of Steve Martin, RUSH, Gregg Allman, Raffi, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Carlene Carter, Steep Canyon Rangers, Tony Trischka, and Della Mae. Krauss continues to record for Rounder, the only label to be associated with her since her debut.
Concord Music Group purchased Rounder in 2010, though it has remained under the three founders’ management. In tandem with the move to Nashville, Concord has moved their newly purchased children’s music label, Music For Little People, under the Rounder brand.
Concord President and CEO Glen Barros says the fit is right for everyone.
“In many ways, the move to Nashville feels like a natural transition. The region’s deeply-rooted, artist friendly culture and its surrounding business community make it the ideal home for Rounder. Additionally, Music For Little People is a great label that will strengthen Rounder’s commitment to quality entertainment for children. We couldn’t be more excited about this next chapter in the company’s incredible story.”
In March of 2013 Concord Music Group was purchased by Wood Creek Capital Management, LLC, partnered with a an investment group consisting of several senior Concord managers.
It looks like Rounder will be around for some time to come.
