The hummingbird music label is an independent record label founded in 2010 that focuses on releasing folk, indie pop, and singer-songwriter music. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, hummingbird has developed a reputation for supporting up-and-coming artists and helping launch successful music careers.
When was hummingbird music label founded?
Hummingbird music label was founded in 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee by music industry veterans Scott Robinson and Claire Pelote. Robinson had previously worked for record labels like RCA and Capitol, while Pelote had experience managing bands and working in artist management. The two came together to create an indie label focused on developing talented young musicians and giving them the resources to grow their careers.
What genres of music does hummingbird focus on?
The hummingbird label specializes in releasing folk, indie pop, and singer-songwriter style music. Their catalog features acoustic guitar-driven acts, as well as more orchestrated indie artists. Some common instruments found in their releases include guitar, piano, violin, and mandolin. The label has a knack for finding passionate songwriters with unique voices.
What are some hummingbird music artists?
Hummingbird has helped launch the careers of several notable musicians. Some top hummingbird artists include:
- The Lone Bellow – Americana/folk trio known for rich harmonies and rousing live shows
- Langhorne Slim – Singer-songwriter with a vintage folk/blues sound
- Emily Scott Robinson – Folk artist whose emotional songwriting has earned praise
- Odessa – Indie pop duo featuring poignant lyrics and soaring vocals
- Courtney Marie Andrews – Singer-songwriter mixing folk, pop, and country elements
- The Staves – British sister trio known for intricate melodies and tight vocal harmonies
- Bear’s Den – London indie folk band with a melancholic, cinematic sound
- Jillette Johnson – Singer-songwriter with a confessional, piano-driven style
What are some major accomplishments of hummingbird artists?
In its decade-plus in operation, hummingbird has seen its artists achieve notable successes, including:
- Multiple artists charting singles/albums on Billboard charts
- Placements on late night TV shows like Conan, The Late Show, and The Tonight Show
- Songs featured in popular TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, This Is Us, and Handmaid’s Tale
- Albums receiving critical praise (landing on year-end best-of lists, earning 4/5 star reviews, etc.)
- Successful international touring (headlining shows and major festivals in US, UK, Europe)
- Over 50 million streams on Spotify
- Headliner concert tours across North America and Europe
The label has developed a strong track record for helping talented musicians reach larger audiences.
What is hummingbird’s approach to artist development?
Hummingbird takes an organic, artist-focused approach to developing its musicians over the long-term. Key aspects include:
- Signing artists they fully believe in creatively, not just based on potential hits
- Building loyal fanbases through constant touring and online outreach
- Letting the artists craft their sound/image with creative guidance instead of excessive oversight
- Patience to let artists develop over multiple albums rather than quick breakthroughs
- Flexible release schedules driven by the artists’ needs rather than label dictates
- Fostering collaboration through opening slots on tours, guest vocals, and artist communities
This process has allowed hummingbird to cultivate highly dedicated followings for its musicians over time, leading to lasting success.
Where is hummingbird music based?
Hummingbird is based in Nashville, Tennessee. Their headquarters office is located on Music Row, the famous neighborhood in Nashville that has been home to countless record labels, studios, and music industry offices since the 1950s. Nashville’s reputation as “Music City” and its rich history in multiple music genres has helped provide hummingbird access to fantastic creative talent and industry resources.
Why is the label named ‘hummingbird?’
In an interview, co-founder Scott Robinson explained how they chose the label name hummingbird to represent:
- The constant motion and inherent beauty of hummingbirds
- The dependence on flowers and community, like musicians depend on fans and collaborators
- The fragility yet resilience of hummingbirds, like that of artists
- The determination of hummingbirds chasing their purpose, mirrored in musicians pursuing their art
The name hummingbird perfectly encapsulates the spirit of dedication, vulnerability, and interconnectedness that the label seeks to foster in its artists.
What has been hummingbird’s impact on the music industry?
In its first decade, hummingbird music label has made an impressive impact, including:
- Providing a platform for over a dozen rising indie musicians who have gone on to wider success
- Earning a reputation as a tastemaker label with a keen ability to discover talent
- Contributing to the revival of folk/acoustic music popularity behind artists like The Lumineers and Mumford & Sons
- Adding diversity and innovation to the Nashville music scene through its varied roster
- Inspiring other indie labels to follow their artist-focused, community-driven approach
- Changing perceptions of Nashville as more than just a country music town
Both Robinson and Pelote have been recognized in annual music industry power rankings like Billboard’s Indie Power Players for their influence. With its growing stable of talented musicians, hummingbird continues to expand its cultural impact year after year.
What is in store for the future of hummingbird?
Hummingbird’s future looks bright as it enters its second decade. Some exciting developments on the horizon include:
- Releasing new albums from Langhorne Slim, Odessa, and other popular label artists
- Expanding their artist roster with fresh young talent
- Organizing high profile tour packages that combine multiple hummingbird acts
- Increased focus on syncing their songs for TV, ad, and movie placements
- Potential collaborations with major labels as their upstarts gain renown
- Leveraging streaming and social media to grow their audience internationally
- Putting on their own indie music festival featuring their talent
While staying true to their artistic ethos, hummingbird aims to continue breaking new musicians and elevating their thriving community. Their passionate team suggests an exciting new decade lies ahead.
Conclusion
For over 10 years, hummingbird music label has established itself as a vital force in the indie music landscape. By fostering talented young artists and helping build loyal fanbases organically, hummingbird has developed a reputation as both tastemaker and career accelerator. Key artists like The Lone Bellow and Courtney Marie Andrews represent the label’s discerning ear and star-building capabilities. While staying grounded in its home base of Nashville, hummingbird also expands the music industry’s horizons by embracing a global community of fans and musicians. With its artist-first principles and progressive practices, hummingbird music promises to keep contributing inspired new sounds and spreading its wings even further in the years ahead.
