Big Loud Records Takes Lessons from Legendary Indie Labels en Route to Winning Variety Hitmakers Platinum Decade Award

Were not just an indie label. Were an angry startup, says producer Joey Moi, who leads Big Loud Records alongside Seth England and Joey Moi. The label has managed to balance its independent spirit while achieving major success, notably with country superstar Morgan Wallen.

When asked about the labels that inspired Big Loud, the founders avoided the usual Nashville references. Instead, England highlighted a cherished Motown boxed set, shaped like the Detroit house where it all began. Holding it, he said, I was fascinated by Berry Gordys story But inspiration also came from places like A&M, and from entrepreneurial ventures such as John Janicks Fueled by Ramen or Clive Calders Jive Records and Zomba.

England recalls a solo tour of the Motown building in Detroit as a pivotal experience: It showed me that you dont have to be a major label in a massive building to create something people envy. Motowns magic, much of it driven by Smokey Robinson, showed me how including songwriters and creators is essential.

This philosophy directly shaped Big Loud Records, which built on the foundation of Big Loud Publishing ten years ago. England explains, Motowns spirit is hard to replicate, but we do it by involving songwriters. During staff lunches, songwriters in sweatpants sit alongside our team. That environment fosters creativity and lasting collaborations.

He provides an example: Morgan and Ernest met in our hallway, discovered theyd competed against each other in high school state championships, and became creatively inseparable. That only happened because we created this collaborative space.

Big Loud maintains strict independence. Wiseman says, Weve always rejected offers to sell or merge. Distribution deals exist, but nobody owns us. We started with our own funds, and for years no one drew a paycheck. Independence is central to our mission.

England adds, Joey and I agreewere a pissed-off startup. That mentality drives us. Scott Borchetta at Big Machine exemplified the same spirit. Even with offers to join major labels, he stayed independent. Its about having a chip on your shoulder and pushing forward.

The labels structure, based on a successful publishing company, helps its artists thrive. Wiseman, a seasoned country songwriter, continues co-writing with emerging talent. Artists like Hardy, Ernest, and Miranda Lambert are deeply involved in songwriting, while Wallen frequently creates multiple songs daily in productive writers rooms. Moi notes, Our identity as a publisher-first organization made Morgan Wallen possible. Its about being close to the creative core and amplifying it.

Wiseman explains, Writers feel free to push boundaries because of Morgans openness. That freedom makes writing excitingthey know it matters.

While Wallens success is enormous, England emphasizes that the labels foundation rests on songs, not just superstars. Morgan is self-motivated. We dont have to prod him. Hes already generating ideas, writing eight to ten songs for the next record, immediately after releasing a massive 36-song album, he says. Moi adds, laughing, He sent a text weeks after the last release: Im ready to cut more songs. And I thought, Alright, time to get moving again.

This dynamic environment, dubbed Hitsville, Tennessee, reflects the blend of independence, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive that continues to define Big Loud Records.

Big Loud Records: Balancing Independence and Innovation in Country Music

Big Loud Records stands as a testament to the power of combining an independent spirit with creative innovation. Founded by Seth England and Joey Moi, the label has managed to achieve significant success, notably with country music sensation Morgan Wallen, while staying true to its "angry startup" mentality. This philosophy—fueled by a blend of entrepreneurial drive and deep respect for creative collaboration—sets Big Loud apart from traditional Nashville labels.

One of the defining principles of Big Loud is its commitment to staying independent. Despite numerous offers to sell or merge with larger companies, the label has stuck to its roots, driven by the desire to maintain full control. This determination has helped cultivate an environment that fosters creativity and attracts artists who thrive within it. The collaboration between Morgan Wallen and fellow artist Ernest, for example, only came about because the label created a space where such connections could happen organically. This untraditional setup stands in stark contrast to the more conventional and often rigid structures found in major labels.

Big Loud’s publishing-first approach has proven pivotal in shaping its success. The label's ability to remain close to the creative core of its artists, particularly in the songwriting process, has allowed its artists to push boundaries and produce music that resonates deeply with fans. Wallen, for instance, is often generating ideas and writing new material even after the release of a major album, underscoring the label’s culture of relentless creativity.

As Big Loud continues to grow, its founders maintain a clear focus on nurturing the next generation of artists. Their dedication to songwriting and providing a supportive environment for creators, while avoiding the compromises that often come with corporate mergers, ensures that the label remains a driving force in country music innovation.

Sources:

• Big Loud Records Learned From the Biggest Indie Labels in History on the Way to Winning the Variety Hitmakers Platinum Decade Award