PUBLIC RECORDS LAUNCHES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA
For immediate release
PUBLIC RECORDS LAUNCHES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC CANADA
Created by Gavin Sheppard; first signings include new releases from
Pilla B, Surauchie and Tiara Thomas
19 APRIL 2018 (Toronto, ON) - Public Records is a Toronto-based label, launching today in partnership with Universal Music Canada, the country’s leading music company. Founded by Gavin Sheppard (co-creator of The Remix Project) the label springs from his fifteen years of incubating talent and providing platforms for music in Toronto.
“Public Records is a platform for great music and good people,” explains Sheppard. “We support honest storytellers and artists who are pushing boundaries, as well as up the charts.”
The sound of Public Records reaches across genres – with a sound that is, “inspired by cities and the people in them,” said Sheppard. At the heart of the partnership between Public Records and Universal Music Canada, is a focus on addressing gaps for developing new urban artists and music in the Canadian industry.
Sheppard notes, “There is incredible music being made all over the world. What's been lacking in the urban music community, particularly in Canada, is the proper infrastructure to launch and then sustain people's careers.”
In response to this, Public Records is putting genuine and raw talent at the forefront through a behind-the-scenes approach to refining the craft of the talent they work with, while executing a tailored strategy in order to support each artist’s growth.
“Gavin is an unparalleled community builder. Through The Remix Project, he's a proven, passionate leader who mentors, develops and promotes great artists,” said Jeffrey Remedios, President & CEO, Universal Music Canada. “Public Records will share Toronto’s talent with the world. This is exactly the kind of project we’re here to support.”
Public Records launches with three artist signings: Pilla B, Surauchie and Tiara Thomas.
The first release from the newly formed label is an EP from singer-songwriter Tiara Thomas, called FWMM (Fucking With My Mind). Recently completing a European tour with close friend, recording artist/performer H.E.R., Tiara is set to embark on her first solo tour in America this month. Listen to FWMM here: https://umc.lnk.to/FWMM.
“Tiara Thomas is a perfect example of someone who is unabashedly herself. Her music represents a search for both love and freedom that so many of us seek,” said Sheppard.
Pilla B is from Rexdale, Toronto. His project “1 Year To The Day” or #1YTD is produced by Harley Arsenault and executive produced by Noah “40” Shebib. This will be the first project 40 execute produces outside of the OVO brand. Due out on May 11, #1YTD marks one year to the day that Pilla B was shot and his best friend and collaborator, Yung Dubz, was killed beside him.
The project marks his growth and evolution from that point turning tragedy into triumph.
Public Records will also release music from Surauchie, a singer and song-writer with powerful vocals and an honest charisma that reflects Toronto’s burgeoning urban youth culture.
Equally adept at party records as heartfelt ballads, Surauchie is a fresh talent with an exciting future.
Follow Public Records:
https://www.instagram.com/onpublicrecords/
About Gavin Sheppard
Gavin Sheppard is the Founder and Owner of Public Records. He is most widely known for his role as Co-Founder of The Remix Project, which has played an important part in the careers of many of the artists and creatives at the centre of the urban music and cultural industry in Toronto. His work as a consultant (dvsn, Jessie Reyez, and Pvrx), as a manager (FrancisGotHeat, Logan Staats), and as a host of the classic college radio program “The Soundcheck Show” on CHRY 105.5 FM are among the highlights of his music career. Sheppard is a TED Fellow, a Yale World Fellow and is also the co-Founder of Quiet As Kept, a management company and agency in Toronto.
About Universal Music Canada
Universal Music Canada is Canada's leading music company, engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content. Home to the most comprehensive catalogue of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMC is committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship in broadening opportunities for our artists on both the domestic and world stages as well as creating new experiences for fans.
Universal Music Canada is part of Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment.
For more information:
Gavin Sheppard
Public Records
416.951.4793
Ashley Ballantyne
Universal Music Canada
416.718.4090
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