Industry executives Daniel Oakley, Darren Potuck and Cage the Elephant co-founder/guitarist Brad Shultz have partnered to form the new label Parallel Vision, it was revealed to Billboard on Wednesday (May 14). Additionally, the Nashville and Los Angeles-based label announced it has formed a joint venture with Big Loud Rock (the alternative/rock imprint of Big Loud Records) to sign its flagship artist, rock duo Girl Tones.
Composed of sisters Kenzie and Laila, Girl Tones has opened shows for Cage the Elephant in Europe and later joined The Velveteers and hey, nothing on those acts’ stateside shows. In July, the duo will join Silversun Pickups on a run of North American shows and is also slated to play festivals including Lollapalooza, Shaky Knees and Austin City Limits.
To mark the signing, Girl Tones released its new single and video, “Blame,” on Wednesday. Described as “vintage-tinged,” the Casey Pierce-directed video was filmed at Nashville’s Dive Motel and plays up the trope of sibling rivalry.
“We’ve been friends for nearly two decades, each carving out different corners of the industry — artist, executive, creative, while also working and creating together throughout those years,” said Oakley in a statement. “Brad had spent the last several years developing and producing artists while Darren and I worked with major music and entertainment companies.”
Added Shultz, “We were presented with a chance to have our own outlet to further develop and release the music. Parallel Vision is that avenue. It’s honestly a blessing the way it all came together. Girl Tones is the perfect first chapter. They’ve gone from local stages to global releases and touring internationally in under a year — and we’re just getting started.”
On the label’s partnership with Big Loud Rock, Potuck added, “At Parallel Vision, we’re driven by a desire to support artists who push boundaries. Partnering with Big Loud Rock gives us the infrastructure and momentum to take that vision to a much bigger audience — without compromising the art. We’re excited to build something that respects creativity while delivering at the highest level.”
Joey Moi, a Big Loud partner and president at Big Loud Rock, added, “Big Loud Rock is honored to be in partnership with the renowned team at Parallel Vision and their first signing Girl Tones. As part of our label’s mission to develop the next generation of alternative-rock artists, these strategic partnerships will be part of our core mission as we continue to build and take this company to new heights.”
Big Loud Rock is also home to artists including Blame My Youth, Bizzy and Sikarus.
