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 the most influential company bringing music to the marketplace around the world, The Universal Music Group.
The SoNo Recording Group was established in 2012 by entrepreneur, musician, and producer Claude Villani as an artist-oriented recording label. Our repertoire includes R&B icon Brian McKnight, Reggae and Pop luminaries UB40, Modern Soul Man Kenny Lattimore, Award-winning vocal group Take 6, R&B Love King Raheem DeVaughn, R&B star Avant, Hip-Hop Soul duo Ruff Endz, Jazz impresario Michael Phillips, sultry Hip-Hop/R&B singer and actress Brave Williams, Soul, R&B songstress Vivian Green, Hawaiian / Reggae singer songwriter Anuhea, and legendary singer songwriter Gino Vannelli.
The SRG-ILS Group’s label services and distribution division is home to such diverse labels and artists as guitarist Eric Johnson’s Vortexan, legendary drummer Carmine Appice’s Rocker Records, the originator of Hick Hop Cowboy Troy, Jazz ingenue Diana Panton, singer songwriter Rachael Sage’s MPress Records, Kwame Holland’s Make Noise, Swedish Electronic due Dada Life, Reggae singer songwriter Mishka, and 90’s Alternative artist Heather Nova.
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; General Manager, Dominique Zgarka; Executive VP and Senior Advisor for Distribution Services, Charles Phillips; Key Shareholder and Strategic Advisor, Charles Hinnant; Shareholder and Advisor to the CEO, Craig Davis; Senior Vice President, Jay Reason; Senior Director, Label Catalog, Brian McKnight; Director of A&R, Ross Vannelli; Director of Publishing, Ra-Rael Blanco: Public Relations, Sean Guest; Radio Coordination, and Sydney Brown; Social Media.
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.
“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
“Claude , your the man 👍 I can’t tell you how great it is that after shopping this record for months and getting all sorts of offers from majors and independents, you were the guy because your all heart and every time we spoke , you had listened to the record again and had something to say about the music Your a one of a kind and that’s why we went with you, the passion and the heart, Rare gem in this business!” – UB40
“I’ve been in the music business close to 40 years, I’ve met people from all walks of life, some good, some not so good, the greatest value to me is ones character. Claude has been blessed with double character, number one, his personality assures me when I talk to him we’re going to have a great laugh, number two, like it or hate it he shoots straight from the hip. Honesty, integrity equal longevity in this game!!” – Johnny Gill, Platinum selling solo artist – New Edition – LSG
“Thank you Claude Villani at SRG for keeping the song alive.” – Gino Vannelli
“CV is a visionary. He fully understands both the music business and it’s constantly evolving paradigms as well as the need to empower the artist. As an artist I have the opportunity to create my legacy and flourish in ways unimaginable in the past.” – Mike Phillips – Saxophonist, Jazz Musician, former Musical Director for Prince 3121.
“OMG, a record executive that can actually hear!” – Ron Saint Germain, Producer (U2, Soundgarden, Whitney Houston)
“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
