Nigel Jenkins, who is most easily recognizable as the manager for Halifax quintet Hillsburn, is launching a new record label, LHM Records. The label quietly launched back in February alongside its decidedly loud debut release of Hillsburn’s The Wilder Beyond, which is distributed by Montreal-based Select Distribution. And LHM Records already have their second project lined up: Winnipeg-based hip-hop group, The Lytics.
LHM Records’s aims, Jenkins explains, will be to help artists reach broader audiences and grow their fan bases by putting together and executing strategic marketing plans for the release of new music.
“I couldn’t be happier to officially announce the new label and our first two releases,” says Jenkins. “I’m thrilled to be launching with two great emerging Canadian groups and excited to work with more artists in the future. As the role that labels play continues to evolve with the changing industry landscape, I’m excited to invest time and capital in developing new ways to help artists find and cultivate their fan bases, both online and on stage.”
Jenkins, with his background in law and extensive experience with several facets of the music industry, brings a lot to the table. At the core of it seem to be a recognition of the need for further infrastructure in the east coast’s music scene and a passion for it.
He says that there were two main factors that played into his decision to start his own label.
“The first was that I wanted to be able to provide record-label services to the artists I’m working with,” continues Jenkins. “I started in the industry as an artist manager. An important part of that job is finding and chasing down other partners for the artists you represent. Sometimes it can be challenging to find the right agent, label, etc., but someone still needs to fill those roles.
The second reason for starting the label was a recognition that what I am building at Laughing Heart Music is a full-service music business. I offer artist management, booking and now record label services. My long-term vision is to bring on support personnel for each of these three divisions so that we can support artists in all facets of their businesses.”
Jenkins says that because of his existing business and the skills he’s had to develop out of necessity, he’s able to offer services to artists that they’d expect from a record label.
“We have physical and digital distribution through Select Distribution, and great relationships with publicists, radio trackers, streaming platforms and marketing professionals that can be brought in on a project-by-project basis to provide support.
My deal structures are friendlier, and unlike a lot of independent labels, I’m investing time and money in to the projects I take on because I was already doing it as an artist manager, and formalizing the business structure and distribution arrangement will be to the benefit of anyone I work with in the future. Rather than self-releasing and starting from scratch, artists can come and access the services and experience what we bring to the table.”
Whether it’s simply Jenkins’ personal preferences or a recognition of the strength in diversity, LHM’s two initial projects couldn’t be more different. East coast superstars Hillsburn are all heartfelt harmonies, while Manitoba’s The Lytics draw influences from Mos Def, The Pharcyde, and A Tribe Called Quest.
“It won’t be one sound,” says Jenkins of the sort of artists he’ll be working with.
“I don’t listen to one kind of music, and I don’t work with one kind of artist. We’ll put out great music with great people, and hopefully we’ll release some records that will stand the test of time.”
The Lytics will be releasing their fourth album Float On this September via LHM Records.