New Canadian Country Label New Motor Records Is Up and Running
Distributed by ADA/Warner Music Canada and headed by industry veteran Joelle May, the label's roster features country stars Aaron Goodvin and Chris Buck, new signing Paige Rutledge and folk/Americana artist Meredith Moon. The label relaunches the former Sakamoto Music imprint.
Aaron Goodvin
There's a new independent label on the Canadian country music scene.
New Motor Records has officially launched under Red Boot Entertainment Group Inc., rebranding the imprint formerly known as Sakamoto Music following its acquisition.
The label is distributed by ADA/Warner Music Canada, and pledges to broaden its scope in terms of genre, while continuing its commitment to artist development. Joelle May is leading New Motor's charge as general manager. Armed with almost two decades of experience across all corners of the music business – from national touring to global publicity campaigns – she's a highly respected member of the Canadian industry.
“I am beyond thrilled to continue the legacy of what was built with Sakamoto Music and carry it forward into a new era as New Motor Records," says May. "We have lots of new plans to implement in the coming months, and are tremendously excited to branch out to multiple genres with artists like Meredith Moon, while staying true to the country roots that grew the business initially with Aaron Goodvin and Chris Buck and new addition Paige Rutledge.”
Originally launched in 2022 under the Sakamoto Music name – as part of the award-winning Sakamoto Agency – New Motor Records now operates independently under Red Boot Entertainment Group. The group also includes Red Boot Live (formerly known as Sakamoto Promotions), a concert promoting company that has been producing live events in Canada since 2019, including such artists as Bryan Adams, ZZ Top, Old Dominion and Cody Johnson.
New Motor Records artist roster includes multi-platinum CCMA Award winner Aaron Goodvin, who released his latest EP Drinkin’ Hand on June 20, continuing his relationship with the label from its Sakamoto era. B.C. country mainstay and award-winning songwriter Chris Buck is also on the label, and he's also the producer of the second annual Boots ‘n Boats Festival in Lake Country, B.C. Genre-defying and critically-acclaimed folk/roots singer-songwriter-multi-instrumentalist artist Meredith Moon (who happens to be the daughter of Canadian icon Gordon Lightfoot) is also preparing her next album for a fall release on the label.
Rising country artist Paige Rutledge, who released her label debut single “Whatcha Gonna Do” last week, is the newest addition to New Motor's roster.
