(Atlantic Records) Canvasback Music, the three-year-old label founded by A&R veteran Steve Ralbovsky, has inked a worldwide partnership with Atlantic Records. Atlantic will provide full label services for Canvasback releases, with distribution via WEA and Warner Music International. In addition, as part of the pact, Atlantic will house Ralbovsky's management company, Beekeeper Artists. Ralbovsky's career highlights include forging the original Def Jam label deal, and signing such artists as Soundgarden, The Strokes, Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket, Ray LaMontagne, and David Gray.The premiere release under the new Canvasback/Atlantic venture will be the acclaimed debut album from the London-based group Fanfarlo, entitled "RESERVOIR." The band is currently in the midst of a whirlwind bi-coastal U.S. tour to herald the album's forthcoming Stateside arrival, set for October 13th.
Launched in 2006, Canvasback Music made its debut with the release of the lauded soundtrack to the film "ONCE" – featuring the Oscar-winning, Grammy-nominated "Falling Slowly." Over the past three years, as part of its original deal with Columbia Records, the label also released recordings by Manchester Orchestra, Annuals, and Wild Sweet Orange.
In addition, Ralbovsky recently opened Beekeeper Artists, whose clients include Warner Bros. recording artist Rachael Yamagata and noted producer Scott Litt (R.E.M., Indigo Girls, Patti Smith, Replacements, Incubus, et al.).
In addition to Ralbovsky, the Canvasback/Beekeeper team includes: Jack Hedges, who serves as Marketing Director for the label and handles touring, logistics, and finance for the management arm; Dan Chertoff, A&R and web management; and Joanna Katz, air traffic control.
"Steve ranks among the most brilliant and accomplished A&R people in the business," said Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman. "His exceptional track record is defined by a rare combination of instinct, vision, and taste. The artists he has discovered and nurtured have not only reaped commercial success, but have triumphed creatively as well – standing out in the musical landscape with original voices and distinctive sounds. Steve not only has great ears, but he knows how to inspire his artists to do their best work. We are very happy to welcome Steve, Canvasback, and Beekeeper into the Atlantic family, as we continue our mission to invest in great A&R and true artist development."
"I am thrilled to partner with Atlantic Records in our new joint label and management ventures," said Steve Ralbovsky. "The Atlantic team is fantastic, and it's exciting to be with a company with such a rich history. We plan to provide the best environment for our artists to realize their vision and develop careers for the long term, and I can't think of a better place to make that happen. I want to thank Lyor Cohen, Julie Greenwald, and Craig Kallman for bringing me into the family and giving Canvasback and Beekeeper such a warm welcome."
During his 25-plus years of A&R experience, Ralbovsky has been responsible for signing and developing some of the most successful and influential artists in modern music. Beginning his career in tour and artist management, he moved into A&R in 1983, when he joined EMI Records. Shifting to Columbia Records the following year, Ralbovsky put together the deal that brought Rick Rubin's and Russell Simmons's newly established Def Jam label into the Columbia fold, including releases from the Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy. Among his other Columbia signings were T Bone Burnett, Matthew Sweet, and the Outfield.
During ensuing stints as head of A&R at A&M, Elektra, Arista, and Interscope, Ralbovsky recruited such groundbreaking artists as Soundgarden, Soul Asylum, Anthrax, Nanci Griffith, Ween, and the Breeders. In 1999, he became Senior VP of A&R for RCA Records, where he inked The Strokes, David Gray, Kings of Leon, Ray LaMontagne, and My Morning Jacket, among others. In 2006, he left RCA to launch his own label imprint, Canvasback Music.
