Sumerian Records

Last updated
Sumerian Records
Sumerian Records.jpg
Founded2006;18 years ago (2006)
Founder Ash Avildsen
Distributor(s) Virgin Music [1]
Genre
Country of originUnited States
LocationLos Angeles, California
Washington, D.C.
London, United Kingdom
Official website sumerianrecords.com

Sumerian Records is an American record label based in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and London. [2] The label was founded in 2006 [3] by Ash Avildsen. [4] [5] They have signed artists such as Black Veil Brides, Crosses, Poppy, Bad Omens, Animals As Leaders, and I See Stars. In early 2022, Sumerian acquired Behemoth Entertainment, a comic book and video game publisher, in order to increase their merchandise options and further expand the brand. [1]

Contents

History

Founded in 2006 in his Venice Beach apartment, Sumerian Records founder Ash Avildsen first released the records Akeldama by The Faceless and For What It's Worth by Stick to Your Guns in order to let people know the label would be dedicated to underground music but also to diversify the genres of the label, as the former falls under deathcore while the latter is typically described as Melodic Hardcore. [6] After waiting a year to release another record, in order to ensure third band on their label was "totally doing their own thing independent from everything else going on in the scene", Sumerian released The New Reign by Born of Osiris. Ash later commented on this release in a 2012 interview with Lambgoat by stating "There is something to be said for not putting out too many records each year to where we're able to give focused energy to each band and album rather than always having several releases come out each month". Sumerian has continued to follow this philosophy throughout its near two decade tenure, never surpassing more than thirty artists on the label at one time and typically following a one record a month release schedule. [7]

Since its inauguration, Sumerian has had several seminal artists in the rock, emo, and alternative genres perform on late night television, such as Asking Alexandria, [8] [9] I See Stars, [10] and Crosses(†††) [11] on Jimmy Kimmel , Bones UK on Seth Meyers, [12] and most recently The Smashing Pumpkins on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon . [13]

Current roster

Artists formerly with label

Releases

Charts and sales certifications

Sumerian has garnered three RIAA certified gold records. Their first two awards originated from two singles on Asking Alexandria's debut album Stand Up and Scream (2009): "The Final Episode" [17] and "Not The American Average". [18] [19] Their third was Bad Omens' breakthrough single, "Just Pretend" (2022). [20]

In 2014, Sumerian reunited Grammy-winning [21] actor/rapper Ice-T's Body Count [22] and released its highest-selling album in 20+ years, Manslaughter . [23]

In 2020, they released the first true solo album for Jonathan Davis, lead singer of Korn. [24] [25] The lead single for Jonathan's album "What It Is" [26] went Top 5 at Rock Radio which was a first for Jonathan outside of KoRn. [27] [28]

Sumerian delivered the highest charting alternative radio song for the Smashing Pumpkins in 12+ years for their lead single "Cyr" off their latest album. [29] [30]

Achievements and awards

In 2010, The Grammy Museum at LA Live had a Golden Gods: History of Heavy Metal Exhibit where the original, band sticker-covered Sony Vaio laptop that founder Ash Avildsen started the label on was displayed as a historical item. [31]

In 2017, Sumerian received its first Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for Periphery. [32] [33] That year saw Sumerian also have their first box office theatrical film release in American Satan , [34] [35] which debuted in select AMC theatres across the country [36] and went top 20 in its opening weekend on box office mojo. [37] The movie was picked up by Miramax for distribution [38] [39] and Showtime for first window domestic SVOD [40] in the US and SKY in the UK. [41] [42]

In 2018, Sumerian won the best independent label award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods in the UK and accepted the award on stage at the O2 in London. [43] [44]

In 2019, they received another "Best Metal Performance" Grammy nomination for Between The Buried And Me. [45] [46] In 2019, Guitar World listed two Sumerian artists in the top four guitarists of the decade, Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders and female solo artist Nita Strauss, [47] who in addition to her solo career and being Alice Cooper's guitarist, [48] also plays the national anthem for the home games for the LA Rams at Sofi Stadium [49] and for WWE, [50] most recently at WrestleMania 37. [51]

In 2020, the label received its first Best Rock Performance Grammy nomination for Bones UK. [52] [53]

In 2021, Sumerian received the first-ever Grammy nomination in the history of the Recording Academy for a female solo artist in the Best Metal Performance category for Poppy, [54] [55] who also performed at the premiere ceremony. [56]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Smashing Pumpkins</span> American alternative rock band

The Smashing Pumpkins are an American alternative rock band from Chicago. Formed in 1988 by frontman and guitarist Billy Corgan, bassist D'arcy Wretzky, guitarist James Iha, and drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, the band has undergone several line-up changes since their reunion in 2006, with Corgan being the sole constant member since its inception. The current lineup consists of Corgan, Chamberlin, and Iha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D'arcy Wretzky</span> American bassist (born 1968)

D'arcy Elizabeth Wretzky is an American musician. She was the original bassist of the alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins and is credited on their first six studio albums. She left the band in 1999. She has also been a member of Catherine and performed with Filter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metal Blade Records</span> American independent record label

Metal Blade Records is an American independent record label founded by Brian Slagel in 1982. The US office for Metal Blade is located in Sherman Oaks, California. It also has offices in Germany, Japan, Canada, and the UK. The label currently is distributed in the US by The Orchard, and internationally by Sony Music Entertainment. It was distributed by Warner Bros. Records in the United States from 1988 to 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rise Records</span> American record label

Rise Records is an American record label currently based in Beaverton, Oregon, mainly focusing on alternative rock, heavy metal, and punk rock music artists.

Ferret Music was an American independent record label turned Warner Music Group subsidiary, founded in 1996. The label is owned by metalcore band NORA's vocalist, Carl Severson, and based in West Windsor, New Jersey. Ferret recently started an imprint called New Weathermen Records. Warner Music Group's Alternative Distribution Alliance acquired a stake in Ferret Music in August, 2006, and as a result is currently distributed by Fontana Distribution, Alternative Distribution Alliance and eOne Music.

Artery Recordings was an American record label based in Sacramento, California founded in 2010 as an imprint of Razor & Tie by Eric Rushing, owner of The Artery Foundation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andy Biersack</span> American singer

Andrew Dennis Biersack, formerly known as Andy Six, is an American singer. He is the founder and lead vocalist of the rock band Black Veil Brides and is its only remaining original member. In 2014, he started a solo music project under the moniker Andy Black and released his debut album, The Shadow Side, in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Danny Worsnop</span> English singer

Danny Robert Worsnop is an English singer most prominently known as the lead vocalist of rock bands Asking Alexandria and We Are Harlot. He has worked with several artists including I See Stars, With One Last Breath, Breathe Carolina, Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, All That Remains, and Testarossa, providing guest vocals on several songs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nita Strauss</span> American guitarist (born 1986)

Vinita Sandhya Strauss is an American rock musician. She is currently a touring guitarist for Demi Lovato and Alice Cooper and has a successful career as a solo artist. Strauss is regularly featured on the covers of worldwide print magazines including Guitar World and Guitar Player, was the first female signature artist with Ibanez guitars, and became the first female rock solo artist in 32 years to hit number one on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Bruce</span> English musician

Benjamin Paul Bruce is an English musician. He was the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of rock band Asking Alexandria until his departure in January 2024 and has also performed as a solo artist. Bruce founded the band while he was living in Dubai but the band split and he moved back to the United Kingdom, where he then started the band again under the same name with Danny Worsnop.

Ashley Gregory Avildsen is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and the founder and CEO of Sumerian Records and Sumerian Films. The son of director John G. Avildsen, he wrote and directed the film American Satan (2017) and the scripted series Paradise City (2021).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Show Yourself (Mastodon song)</span> 2017 single by Mastodon

"Show Yourself" is a single by American progressive metal band Mastodon, off of their studio album Emperor of Sand. It peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in 2017, making it their highest-charting song to date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bad Omens</span> American rock band

Bad Omens is an American rock band from Richmond, Virginia, formed in 2015 by vocalist and producer Noah Sebastian, guitarist Nicholas Ruffilo, and bassist Vincent Riquier. The band was later joined by guitarist and producer Joakim "Jolly" Karlsson and drummer Nick Folio, releasing their critically acclaimed debut self-titled album in 2016 under Sumerian Records. Their second full-length album, Finding God Before God Finds Me, was released in 2019, with a deluxe edition released in 2020. Their third album, The Death of Peace of Mind, was released in 2022, and spawned the sleeper hit "Just Pretend", which has become Bad Omens' biggest hit to date.

<i>Black Labyrinth</i> 2018 studio album by Jonathan Davis

Black Labyrinth is the debut solo studio album by American vocalist Jonathan Davis. The album was released on May 25, 2018, through Sumerian Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kneel Before Me</span> 2018 dubstep single

"Kneel Before Me" is a song by American DJs Slander and Crankdat, featuring the English rock band Asking Alexandria. It was released on August 9, 2018 by Monstercat and Sumerian Records and was included a week later on the compilation album Monstercat Uncaged, Vol. 5.

<i>I Disagree</i> 2020 studio album by Poppy

I Disagree is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter Poppy. it was released through Sumerian Records on January 10, 2020. It marks her first release on Sumerian following her departure from Mad Decent in 2019, as well as her final collaborative project with Titanic Sinclair before the end of their creative partnership in 2019. I Disagree debuted at number 130 on the Billboard 200 for the week of January 25, marking Poppy's first entry on the chart. The album also experienced moderate chart success in Australia and the United Kingdom, debuting atop the Rock & Metal Albums Chart in the latter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bloodmoney</span> 2019 single by Poppy

"Bloodmoney" is a song by American singer-songwriter Poppy. It was released through Sumerian Records on November 6, 2019, alongside an official music video, and it served as the third single from her third studio album I Disagree (2020). It was nominated for Best Metal Performance at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards, making Poppy the first solo female artist to be nominated for the award.

<i>American Satan</i> (franchise) Film franchise

The American Satan franchise consists of American supernatural-thrillers centered around a hard rock band; including one limited theatrical movie, a sequel television series, and studio albums released by the faux band from the franchise. The overall plot centers around a fictional band named The Relentless, who make a contract with a nefarious supernatural force in attempts to reach their dreams of fame. Created by Ash Avildsen, the events are based on supposed real-life experiences he's had in the music industry.

<i>Paradise City</i> (TV series) Musical drama series

Paradise City is an American musical drama television series created by Ash Avildsen for Amazon Prime Video. It is a sequel to and continuation American Satan (2017), and second installment in the franchise of the same name. The series premiered on March 25, 2021.

References

  1. 1 2 Wiseman, Andreas (March 23, 2022). "Sumerian Records & Films Acquires Comic Book Publisher And Gaming Company Behemoth". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  2. ↑ "Jill Pedone joins Sumerian Records as Chief Strategy Officer". 18 February 2021.
  3. ↑ "Label Profile: Sumerian Records". Alternative Press #263 (June 2010), p. 38.
  4. ↑ "VEIL OF MAYA Signs With SUMERIAN RECORDS Archived 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine ", Blabbermouth.net, January 11, 2008, retrieved 27 March 2010
  5. ↑ "FELLSILENT Inks U.S. Deal With SUMERIAN RECORDS Archived 2011-06-06 at the Wayback Machine ", Blabbermouth.net, October 1, 2008, retrieved 27 March 2010
  6. ↑ "Ash Avildsen (Sumerian Records) interview". Lambgoat.com. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  7. ↑ "Sumerian Records". Discogs .
  8. ↑ "David Arquette/Mike Birbiglia/Asking Alexandria". IMDb . 11 April 2011.
  9. ↑ "Asking Alexandria Setlist at Jimmy Kimmel Live, Los Angeles". setlist.fm.
  10. ↑ "I See Stars to perform on Jimmy Kimmel Live". Alternative Press . 12 May 2011.
  11. ↑ "Watch Crosses (†††) perform on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'". Alternative Press . 12 February 2014.
  12. ↑ "Bones UK Complete Pandemic Postponed U.S. Late Night TV Debut". Loudwire . 9 September 2020.
  13. ↑ "Watch The Smashing Pumpkins Perform On The Tonight Show Starring…". Kerrang.com. 2 December 2020. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  14. ↑ "From First To Last sign with Sumerian Records - News - Alternative Press". Alternative Press. 13 January 2015.
  15. ↑ "Lilith Czar is the King of Rock". Papermag.com. 19 February 2021.
  16. ↑ "OMENXIII signs with Sumerian Records, drops new single and video". Lambgoat.com. 7 May 2022.
  17. ↑ "Hellhound Music — Coming Soon". Hellhoundmusic.com. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  18. ↑ "Asking Alexandria & in This Moment Singles Go Gold in the U.S." Theprp.com. 6 April 2017.
  19. ↑ "L.A. Metal Label Sumerian Records Has Spent 10 Years "Not F—-in' Selling Out"". Laweekly.com. 18 May 2016.
  20. ↑ "Gold & Platinum". riaa.com. 3 August 2023.
  21. ↑ "Ice-T". Grammy.com. 22 April 2021.
  22. ↑ "Sumerian Records Signs Body Count". Metalsucks.com. 10 December 2012.
  23. ↑ "BODY COUNT: 'Manslaughter' First-Week Sales Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. 18 June 2014.
  24. ↑ "Jonathan Davis interview: Solo album, nu-metal and new Korn material". NME . 15 May 2018.
  25. ↑ "Jonathan Davis Confirms 'Black Labyrinth' Solo Album Title". Loudwire . 19 March 2018.
  26. ↑ "Hear Jonathan Davis' "Spiritual" New Solo Song "What It Is"". 26 January 2018.
  27. ↑ "Jonathan Davis". Billboard .
  28. ↑ "Korn". Billboard .
  29. ↑ "R/SmashingPumpkins - Cyr has now been on the charts as long as Zero". Reddit.com. 28 January 2021.
  30. ↑ "R/SmashingPumpkins - Cyr is actually doing quite well on the radio right now". Reddit.com. 25 December 2020.
  31. ↑ "In Conversation: Ash Avildsen". Increativecompany.com. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  32. ↑ "Periphery". Grammy.com. 23 November 2020.
  33. ↑ "Metal Upstarts Baroness, Gojira & Periphery Reflect on 2017 Grammys, Why They 'Had a Blast Losing'". Billboard .
  34. ↑ "In American Satan, Game of Thrones' John Bradley eats plates of coke". Theverge.com. 24 October 2017.
  35. ↑ "American Satan". IMDb . 13 October 2017.
  36. ↑ "American Satan". Amctheatres.com. 12 October 2017.
  37. ↑ "American Satan". Boxofficemojo.com.
  38. ↑ "Thanks to Miramax, the whole world gets to see American Satan. | Dropping out of college, Pulp fiction, Rock and roll". Pinterest.com.
  39. ↑ "Film Review: American Satan". New-transcendence.com. 13 February 2018.
  40. ↑ "'American Satan' is coming to Showtime". Alternative Press . 27 June 2018.
  41. ↑ "American Satan Is Now Available On Sky!". Kerrang.com. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  42. ↑ "AMERICAN SATAN now available on Sky Cinema; TV series spin-off 'Paradise City' set to launch". Thenoisecartel.com. 11 June 2018.
  43. ↑ "Winners of the Metal Hammer Golden God Awards 2018 Announced". Udiscovermusic.com. 11 June 2018.
  44. ↑ "Metal Hammer Golden Gods hammered out". Completemusicupdate.com. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  45. ↑ "Between the Buried and Me". Grammy.com. 23 November 2020.
  46. ↑ "Meet First-Time GRAMMY Nominee Paul Waggoner". Grammy.com. 15 January 2019.
  47. ↑ "The 20 best guitarists of the decade". Guitarworld.com. 30 December 2019.
  48. ↑ "Nita Strauss discusses how she came to play with Alice Cooper, how to stay healthy on the road, and more". Guitargirlmag.com. 27 November 2017.
  49. ↑ "NITA STRAUSS to 'Set the Tone' at LOS ANGELES RAMS' Home Games This Season". Blabbermouth.net. 23 August 2020.
  50. ↑ "Nita Strauss shreds the US national anthem at WWE's NXT TakeOver: Stand and Deliver". Guitarworld.com. 8 April 2021.
  51. ↑ "Nita Strauss on Kicking off WrestleMania 37 Week". Wrestlinginc.com. 7 April 2021.
  52. ↑ "Bones UK". Grammy.com. 15 December 2020.
  53. ↑ "BONES UK Take 'People Power' to the Grammys - Interview". Loudwire . 24 January 2020.
  54. ↑ "Poppy: First Solo Female Metal Grammy Nominee is Out to Smash More Boundaries". Revolvermag.com. February 2021.
  55. ↑ "Poppy". Grammy.com. 22 April 2021.
  56. ↑ "Poppy to Play New Song During Grammys Premiere Ceremony". Loudwire . 14 March 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.