The SRG-ILS Group embraces new technologies and is at the forefront of business models that support artists and labels who want to fully participate in their careers, their recordings, and their publishing. SRG-ILS is comprised of an independent label, The SoNo Recording Group, and a sub distribution & label services firm both of which through a range of services are dedicated to redefining the relationship between music creators and the marketplace. SRG-ILS is partnered with some of the most influential companies that bring music to the marketplace around the world including The Universal Music Group, Caroline Music, and Entertainment One Distribution.
The SoNo Recording Group was established in 2012 by entrepreneur, musician, and producer Claude Villani as an artist oriented recording label. Our repertoire includes iconic singer songwriter Gino Vannelli, R&B superstar Brian McKnight, award-winning vocal group Take 6, virtuoso Jam Band Twiddle, Hawaiian songstress Anuhea, and American Idol standout Joshua Ledet.
The SRG-ILS Group’s label services and distribution division is home to such diverse recording artists as Dada Life, Rachael Sage, The Hip Abduction, Randy Bachman, David Clayton-Thomas, Fred Eaglesmith, Emily Kinney, and Eric Johnson alongside hundreds more.
The company is headquartered in Norwalk, CT with satellite offices in Los Angeles, CA and Toronto Canada. The executive staff includes Claude Villani; Group CEO, Michael Cusanelli; Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Dominique Zgarka; Shareholder and Senior Advisor for Distribution Services, Charles Phillips; Key Shareholder and Strategic Advisor, Ross Vannelli; Director of Publishing and Jay Reason; Label Manager for Creative Services.
Producer, song writer, and musician Tim Kelley has joined the team as Head of A&R. Tim Kelley is one of the most successful and prolific executives in the history of the recording industry. As part of the production duo The Funktwons, Tim’s 25-year career has resulted in worldwide sales of almost a half billion albums, multiple Grammy Awards, and collaborations with the top artists and executives in the business.
In 2018, Craig Davis, former Vice President of Promotion at Capital Records and Vice President of Urban Promotion at Jive Records, joined SRGILS as Urban Radio Consultant.
“I can’t say enough thanks to my brother Claude Villani, thee global CEO of everything, my resurrector, and the man who truly understands what it means to be a great protector and distributor of art the way an artist could only dream of having on his side.” – Brian McKnight
“OMG, a record executive that can actually hear!” – Ron Saint Germain
” Claude Villani has created a music group that has values of the “Old School”. Claude loves music and understands the challenges of the industry. SRG/ILS has an experienced team that is embracing the new technologies and business models that support their artists. Claude is unique as a President and CEO as he is an accomplished musician and businessman who is “artist friendly”. Joshua Ledet and I are proud to be associated with the SRG/ILS Group and Claude Villani.” – Brian Avnet, Artist Manager (Michael Buble, Josh Groban, David Foster, Joshua Ledet)
“In today’s industry, Claude has figured out a way to benefit all parts of the process and get folks paid. I am looking forward to this new chapter with SRG-ILS.” – Tim Kelley, Producer (Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, TLC)
“CV is an “artist first” CEO. He believes in his artists, and puts them first, which creates an environment where creativity thrives. It’s a rare thing these days, when so many company’s only care about the bottom line” – David Thomas, 10x Grammy Winner, member Take 6
