Monument Records, the country label whose artists include Walker Hayes, Brandon Ratliff and Tigirlily Gold, is folding, Sony Music confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
Tigirlily Gold is moving over to Sony Music Nashville, though the status of the rest of Monument’s roster hasn’t been clarified yet. Most of the staff is departing, and the remaining active aspects of Monument’s business will be overseen by Sony Music Nashville, Sony said.
Veteran country music executive and talent manager Jason Owen had revived Monument eight years ago alongside producer Shane McAnally, The Tennessean reported at the time. As The Hollywood Reporter first reported on Sunday, Owen — who also who manages Kacey Musgraves and Kelsea Ballerini through his company Sandbox — is now taking on Billie Eilish and Finneas as their manager as well. Through Sandbox, Owen will continue to work with Sony Music, the company said.
Katie McCartney, Monument’s general manager, is leaving for an unspecified new role that she’s expected to be announcing soon. She was appointed Monument’s GM back in 2020. Before taking the helm, McCartney held roles at both UMG Nashville and Sony Music Nashville.
Country Aircheck first reported the news on Monument’s closure. The label was originally founded in 1958 by and served as the home of Roy Orbison for some of his best-known songs, like “In Dreams” and “Oh, Pretty Woman.” Monument had also signed artists including Kris Kristofferson and Dolly Parton.
Since the 2017 revival, Monument’s biggest success was perhaps Hayes’ viral “Fancy Like,” which became a massive country crossover hit, while restaurant chain Applebee’s started using the song in commercials. “Fancy Like” has gone six times platinum.
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