Milk & Honey Launches Label for Songwriters’ Support

The music industry is witnessing a notable development with Milk and Honey, a prominent music management company, announcing the launch of its new venture, Milk and Honey Records. This move signals a strategic expansion for the company, aiming to offer unparalleled support and opportunities for songwriters, a foundational element often at the heart of their operations.

The Rationale Behind the Launch

In an evolving musical landscape where artists and their management increasingly operate with greater independence from traditional major labels, Milk and Honey identified a timely opportunity to enter the record label space. Lucas Keller, founder of Milk and Honey, articulated this shift, noting that many artists are now building substantial independent careers. He emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to its songwriting community, stating that Milk and Honey has always prioritized the interests of its songwriters.

A Songwriter-Centric Approach

A distinctive feature of Milk and Honey Records’ model is its commitment to providing songwriters with a significant share of master points. The company has publicly stated its intention to gift a “sizeable amount,” potentially double-digit percentages, of master points directly to songwriters as a production royalty. This approach aims to transcend performative gestures, offering tangible financial benefits and a more equitable distribution of revenue generated from recorded music. Furthermore, the label is focusing on transparent marketing commitments and friendly deal structures, including the flexibility to engage in one-off track deals, which can be particularly appealing in today’s single-driven market.

Distribution and Market Focus

Milk and Honey Records has secured a physical and digital distribution agreement with The Orchard, a subsidiary of Sony Music. This partnership provides a robust framework for global reach, ensuring that the label’s releases can effectively reach audiences worldwide. The roster for Milk and Honey Records is primarily envisioned to feature pop and dance music, aligning with genres that often benefit from strong songwriting and production. The label’s strategy is to foster an environment where creative talent, especially songwriters, can thrive with comprehensive backing and advantageous deal terms.

Conclusion

The establishment of Milk and Honey Records represents a significant stride in the music industry’s ongoing evolution, particularly for the songwriting community. By prioritizing generous master point allocations and transparent, artist-friendly deals, the label aims to support songwriters in a manner described as “like never before.” This initiative by Milk and Honey reflects a growing trend towards empowering creators and fostering more equitable partnerships within the music ecosystem, potentially setting a new standard for how songwriters are valued and compensated in the future.