Coming off their 2020 Grammy nomination for “Best Contemporary Blues Album,” Southern Avenue has signed a new record deal with Renew Records/BMG. Currently in their hometown’s analog haven, Memphis Magnetic Recording with multi-Grammy winning producer Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Susan Tedeschi, The Tragically Hip), the band is busy at work on a new LP with release plans for mid-2021.
“We couldn’t be more excited,” said Jonathan Schwartz, long-time manager for Southern Avenue. “To partner with BMG, a well-respected, world renowned company with a massive global reach, coupled with the intimate ‘indie’ vibe of Renew Records, it just feels right.”
Ori Naftaly, founding member and lead guitarist of Southern Avenue expounds further. “Renew Records gets us. They are dedicated to organic, real music which is what Southern Avenue is all about. Couldn’t be happier with this partnership and look forward to great things in 2021 and beyond.”
Since Southern Avenue released their debut album on Stax Records in 2017 (the first Memphis band signed to Stax in over 40 years), the band has proven to be a touring juggernaut. Playing over 150 shows per year and having performed in 15 countries on three continents, they have built a strong international fan base through their soulful brand of roots music, danceable grooves and their universal, heartfelt message of positivity and hope. A fiery festival favorite, Southern Avenue has delivered powerful, uplifting sets at Bonnaroo, Firefly, Electric Forest, Lockn’, Beale Street Music Festival, Waterfront Blues and many, many more.
“To say that this year has been challenging is a gigantic understatement,” acknowledges founding member and lead singer for Southern Avenue, Tierinii Jackson. “We’re so thankful for the team at Renew/BMG for believing in us and our music, now more than ever. We can’t wait to share our best album yet with y’all and hope that it has as strong a healing effect on listeners as it does on us making it.”
“Southern Avenue is the perfect band for Renew, combining roots, blues, soul and that special Memphis flavor. We are thrilled to be working with them on this upcoming release,” adds David Hirshland, BMG EVP.
