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 International Superstar Chaka Khan, R&B icon Brian McKnight, Reggae and Pop luminaries UB40, R&B royalty Lalah Hathaway, multi-faceted superstar Keke Palmer, chart topping R&B new comer Keithian, R&B/Soul trio After7, R&B star Avant, Soul, R&B legend Angie Stone, Jazz and R&B sensation Aneesa Strings, award-winning R&B crooner Ruben Studdard, virtuoso guitar player Erick Walls’ Soul and Rock band BLACK WAAT3R, and legendary singer songwriter Gino Vannelli.
The SRG-ILS Group’s label services and distribution division is home to such diverse labels and artists such as Texas Blues imprint Gulf Coast Records with artists Mike Zito, Popa Chubby, and Albert Castaglia, 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, and Kwame Holland’s Make Noise.
In 2023 The SoNo Recording Group launched SRG Jazz featuring some of the most influential and up and coming artists in the genre such as Mike Phillips, David Benoit, Lalah Hathaway, Jeff Lorber, Xavier Gordon, Jeff Bradshaw, Alan Hines, and Damien Escobar. SRG Jazz inaugurated its launch with a #1 Jazz radio hit, “Taboo”, penned by SRG/ILS CEO Claude Villani and performed by Damien Escobar.
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 of Business Affairs, Sander Shalinsky; Senior Advisor to the CEO, Dan Patrick; Shareholder and Brand/Media Consultant, Charles Phillips; Key Shareholder and Strategic Advisor, Charles Hinnant; Shareholder and Advisor to the CEO, Craig Davis; Senior Vice President, Walter W. Millsap III; VP of Artist Relations, Jay Reason; Senior Director, Label Catalog, Ross Vannelli; Director of Publishing, Ra-Rael Blanco: Public Relations, Sydney Brown; Social Media and DSP Coordination, and H “Bee” Boisseau; Project Manager.
“I’m very proud to be with SRG/ILS, a company that’s run by a real musician, Claude Villani, who understands that the needs of artists have been overlooked for years” – Chaka Khan
“Partnering with SRG-ILS has been crucial in terms of being able to present the visuals that I was thinking of for the album and to really hone in on the music.” – Lalah Hathaway
“Claude , you’re 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 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
“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)
“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
