PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sound Mind Network, the Philadelphia-based addiction recovery nonprofit, today announced the formation of SMN Records, a new record label to help up-and-coming artists reach their potential while aiding individuals during addiction recovery & mental health challenges. Music industry heavyweight and Ruffhouse Records co-founder Joe "The Butcher” Nicolo, a nine-time Grammy winner, will serve as the President of SMN Records.
“I've been fortunate to spend an entire career witnessing the power of music and personal creativity,” says Nicolo. “I am excited and honored to help empower the recovery community through SMN Records. Our artists are some truly special talents, and through our label, their gifts are going to help so many others realize theirs.”
Singer-songwriter Tony Luke, Jr., who cofounded the nonprofit with Joe Nicolo and Joseph G. DiGiacomo after losing his son to a struggle with addiction, explains the label as a natural extension of the network’s mission to inspire.
“Music is the ultimate healing force, a universal language that conveys emotion across all identity barriers,” said Luke. “I believe the strength of personal creative passion is a natural recovery tool. With the launch of SMN Records, we can further spread that concept, and bring hope to lives that truly need it.”
SMN Records will pact with Lightyear Entertainment, who will provide worldwide distribution through Virgin/UMG. Arnie Holland, CEO of Lightyear, said “We are honored and delighted to expand our business relationship with our longtime friend Joe Nicolo, who is undeniably one of the finest producers ever, and expect great things from the new label.”
The label’s first releases include singles from Kathy Sledge and Nashville's ElectraQueens performing Tom Bell’s “You Are Everything”, “One More Night” by Tony Luke Jr., and "British Invasion” by Kevin and Michael Bacon.
All label proceeds will benefit Sound Mind Network programs and affiliates dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding addiction while helping those in need realize and fulfill their life's potential. Beneficiaries to date include Rock to the Future, Say it With Clay, and SixDegrees.org.
Sound Mind Network today also named Geoff Gordon (Regional President, Live Nation Northeast), to its national board of advisors, as well as John Moser (MBB Management), Jonathan Rowe (SPIN, MBB Management), and Randy Nemeroff (Perk Plans).
“I look forward to serving on the board at Sound Mind Network and working closely with Joe, Tony and Joseph in making a difference for those who may be struggling with addiction and mental health issues,” said Gordon. “Through the power of music, we can all make a difference.”
The calling of Sound Mind Network is to inspire those struggling with addiction, mental health, and trauma to use their personal passions as a creative-based recovery alternative.
For more information, visit Sound Mind Network’s website at soundmindnetwork.org and @soundmindnetwork on Instagram.
In addition, SMN Records has started a GoFundMe to raise money for the label's launch.
DIRECT LINKS FOR CUT-AND-PASTE USAGE BY PRESS OUTLETS
SMN Records
https://soundmindnetwork.org/smn-records/
Kathy Sledge and Nashville's ElectraQueens performing Tom Bell’s “You Are Everything”
https://onerpm.link/592533028476
Kevin & Michael Bacon’s "British Invasion"
“One More Night” by Tony Luke, Jr.
"After Midnight" by Ryan Brown (written by Tony Luke, Jr.)
https://soulspazm.ffm.to/aftermidnight
Rock to the Future
Say it With Clay
https://www.sayitwithclay.org/about-say-it-with-clay
SixDegrees.org
For more information on the nonprofit, visit Sound Mind Network’s website at soundmindnetwork.org
Sound Mind Network Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/TheSoundMindNetwork/
SMN Records has started a GoFundMe to raise money for the label's launch
