Sony Music launches new domestic label

To mark the release of Remembrance, a touching 24-track tribute to the soldiers of World War One, Sony Music Australia has launched domestic A&R label Masterworks.

Denis Handlin, AM Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Entertainment Australia and New Zealand and President Asia, made the announcement this week. The label will be headed up locally by Sony Music Australia’s Senior A&R Director, Robert Rigby.

“At Sony Music Australia, we strive to be market leaders in all genres of music," Handlin said. The launch of Masterworks as a domestic A&R label is part of our strategic plan to deliver more quality projects suitable for the discerning consumers in the adult contemporary, crossover and soundtrack music market.”

Established in 1927 under the name Columbia Masterworks, the label has 90 years of international history and has been the vehicle for some of the world’s finest musical talent over the years.

It was intended for releases of classical music and artists, as opposed to popular music, and issued cast recordings, soundtrack albums and spoken-word recordings under the Masterworks name.

Remembrance has been released in the lead-up to ANZAC Day and features over sixty minutes of songs and poetry about the war and diggers, along with a host of new tracks.

Contributors to the album include Russell Morris, 2016 Australian International Opera Award Scholarship recipient Nathan Ley, Damien Leath, as well as Lee Kernaghan, Colin Buchanan and Sara Stoner, who teamed up to bring the inspirational track Song Of Australia.  

The late Jon English also makes a special appearance on the album, reciting In Flanders Field and The Legacy Ode. Acclaimed jazz musician James Morrison provides a haunting closing performance with a new recording of The Last Post.

The album is emotionally anchored by 2GB radio broadcaster Alan Jones AO who reads poetry over the top of an intricate soundscape to create a truly unique listening experience. 

Remembrance was produced by James Kempster who has also worked alongside other local artists including Olivia Newton-John and Shannon Noll.