MAKE YOUR NEXT RECORD IN NASHVILLE.
Major label-caliber Nashville record production for serious independent Country, Americana, and Folk singer-songwriters.
MAJOR LABEL-CALIBER. NASHVILLE MADE.
Your record shouldn’t sound “good for an independent artist.” It should sound great. Period.
Century Music Group brings independent artists together with first-call Nashville session musicians, GRAMMY-nominated engineers, and premier recording studios—the same caliber of professionals working on major-label and nationally released records.
Members of our production team have credits spanning George Strait, Reba McEntire, Taylor Swift, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, and many others.
The goal isn’t simply to record your songs. It’s to make a record that can stand alongside major releases.
FIRST-CALL NASHVILLE MUSICIANS • GRAMMY-NOMINATED ENGINEERS • PREMIER NASHVILLE STUDIOS
THE MUSIC IN MOTION.
Inside the Nashville recording process with independent artists, first-call session musicians, engineers, and production professionals.
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Century Music Group also produces professional video for artists, businesses, brands, and creative projects in Nashville.
Recent Recordings.
Hear major label-caliber Nashville records produced by Art Ward for Century Music Group.
READY TO MAKE YOUR NEXT RECORD?
FROM THE ARTISTS.
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“Century Music Group took my songs to a completely different level. The musicianship, production, and finished records exceeded my expectations.”
Michael R. — Denver, CO
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“Art understood what I wanted my music to be and helped shape the songs without changing who I am as an artist.”
Sarah L. — Toronto, ON
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“I came away with a professional record I’m proud to release and a team I’d absolutely want to work with again.”
Jake M. — Austin, TX
BEYOND THE Record.
For some artists, making the record is only the beginning.
Century Music Group also works with select artists through music publishing and artist development, creating opportunities for the songs and helping artists navigate what comes next.
Depending on the artist and the music, that can include song development, release strategy, industry connections, and potential opportunities for the songs.
It starts with making a great record. Where it goes from there depends on the music.
BUILT ON EXPERIENCE.
For more than 30 years, Art Ward has worked with artists, songwriters, musicians, and music industry professionals in Nashville and beyond.
As founder and president of Century Music Group, Art oversees the company's creative direction and work with artists across record production, music publishing, artist development, artist management, and independent record label activities.
That experience shapes how Century Music Group approaches every artist, every project, and every opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Century Music Group works primarily with independent Country, Americana, Folk, and roots-oriented singer-songwriters who want to make professional records in Nashville.
We look for serious recording artists with strong songs who are ready to invest in professional Nashville record production.
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Century Music Group is a Nashville music company, not a recording studio.
We develop and produce records around each artist, bringing together the Nashville musicians, engineers, studios, and production professionals best suited to the music.
You're not simply booking studio time. We're involved from creative development through the finished master.
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Century Music Group handles the Nashville record production process from pre-production through finished masters.
We review the songs, develop the material and creative direction, assemble the production team, and coordinate recording, vocals, overdubs, mixing, and mastering.
Every record is built around the artist and the music.
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Yes. Century Music Group produces its records in Nashville, and artists should plan to travel to Nashville for their recording sessions.
We coordinate the production schedule in advance and bring together the musicians, engineers, studio, and production team needed for the project.
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The cost of professional Nashville record production depends on the number of songs and scope of the project.
For selected artists, Century Music Group may share in the production investment as part of a broader relationship.
After reviewing your music and goals, we'll recommend a project and discuss the investment before you make any commitment.
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Yes. We can produce a new version of a song you've recorded previously.
However, Century Music Group generally does not take finished master recordings produced elsewhere and simply represent or develop them. Our work begins with developing the music and creating the new record together.
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Yes. Artists retain 100% ownership of the master recordings Century Music Group produces for them.
Music publishing rights are separate from master ownership and are addressed independently when a publishing relationship is part of the opportunity.
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Yes. Century Music Group works selectively in music publishing and artist development in addition to record production.
When there's a mutual fit, our relationship with an artist can extend into publishing, songwriting, artist development, release strategy, industry introductions, and other opportunities.
Not every production project includes these areas. We build the relationship where it makes sense for the artist and the music.
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Independent singer-songwriters can submit music through the Tell Us About Your Music form below.
Send links to 1–3 songs that best represent you as a recording artist. Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, SoundCloud, website, and social media links are welcome.
We want to hear you as the lead vocalist, preferably performing your own material. If we believe there may be a fit, we'll contact you.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MUSIC.
Century Music Group works with independent Country, Americana, Folk, and roots-oriented singer-songwriters ready to make professional records in Nashville.
We’re currently considering new artists. Tell us about yourself, your music, and what you’re looking to accomplish. Share 1–3 songs that best represent you—demos, work tapes, and previous releases are welcome.
We review every submission personally. If we believe there may be a fit, we’ll reach out to start a conversation.
You'll receive a confirmation email after submitting your project.
If you don't see it within a few minutes, please check your spam or junk folder.
GUIDES FOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS.
Practical guides for independent artists who want to make better records, release their music with a plan, and make informed decisions about what comes next.
INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD • LIFETIME UPDATES INCLUDED
Learn how professional records are made in Nashville—and how to prepare for your own recording project with a clear understanding of the process.
INSIDE THE NASHVILLE RECORDING PROCESS
Making a professional record involves much more than booking a studio.
This guide takes you inside the Nashville recording process—from preparing your songs and working with session musicians to recording, mixing, mastering, and building a professional catalog.
You'll understand what happens at each stage, what decisions matter, and how to approach your next recording with confidence.
INSIDE THIS GUIDE
- How professional records are made in Nashville
- The difference between demos and master recordings
- How Nashville session musicians work
- What happens during a professional recording session
- How to prepare your songs before entering the studio
- Mixing, mastering, and preparing the final record
- How to build a professional recording catalog over time
WHO THIS GUIDE IS FOR
Designed for independent singer-songwriters who:
- Write and record their own songs
- Plan to release original music
- Want to make professional-quality recordings
- Are considering recording in Nashville
- Want to better understand the professional recording process
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN
A practical understanding of how professional Nashville records are made—and the knowledge to make better decisions about your songs, your recording budget, and your next project.
INSTANT DOWNLOAD
- Digital PDF guide
- Immediate access after purchase
- Lifetime updates included
ABOUT CENTURY MUSIC GROUP
Century Music Group is a Nashville music company working with independent Country, Americana, Folk, and related roots-oriented singer-songwriters through record production, music publishing, and artist development.
Since 1999, we've worked with independent artists to develop their songs and make professional Nashville records.
That experience shapes this guide. It's designed to give independent artists practical insight into the professional recording process and help them make more informed decisions about their music.
If you're thinking about making your next record in Nashville, we'd like to hear your music.
Learn more and tell us about your music at
CenturyMusicGroup.net
A PRACTICAL RELEASE SYSTEM FOR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS
Making the music is only part of the job. What happens before and after release day can determine whether a song builds momentum—or simply disappears.
The Ultimate Music Release Strategy gives independent artists a clear system for planning, releasing, and promoting their music without relying on guesswork.
From preparing weeks in advance to keeping a release moving after it goes live, the guide walks you through the process step by step.
Built from more than 25 years of working with independent artists through Century Music Group.
WHO THIS GUIDE IS FOR
- Independent singer-songwriters releasing original music
- Artists planning singles, EPs, or albums
- Artists preparing to release professionally produced music
- Artists who want a clear plan instead of figuring it out as they go
Whether you're preparing your first serious release or trying to improve the way you release music you've already been making, the same principle applies:
Don't wait until release day to start thinking about the release.
INSIDE THE GUIDE
✓ How far ahead to begin planning your release
✓ A step-by-step single and project release timeline
✓ What to do before, during, and after release day
✓ Social media, playlist, email, and press strategy
✓ Release checklists you can follow project by project
✓ How to position each release as part of your larger artist story
✓ Templates and examples you can use immediately
✓ A repeatable structure you can use for future releases
BUILT FROM REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Century Music Group has worked with independent artists since 1999.
This guide brings together practical release strategies, planning, and lessons learned from helping artists develop their music, make professional records, and navigate what comes after the recording is finished.
It's not a promise of overnight success or guaranteed streams.
No hype. No shortcuts. Just a practical system you can actually use.
FORMAT & ACCESS
- Instant digital download (PDF)
- Works on phone, tablet, and computer
- Checklists, templates, and examples included
- Lifetime access
If you're serious about releasing your music with more intention—and less guesswork—this is your roadmap.
ABOUT CENTURY MUSIC GROUP
Century Music Group is a Nashville music company working with independent Country, Americana, Folk, and related roots-oriented singer-songwriters through record production, music publishing, and artist development.
Since 1999, we've helped independent artists develop their music, make professional Nashville records, and navigate what comes next.
If you're thinking about making your next record in Nashville, we'd like to hear your music.
Learn more and tell us about your music at
CenturyMusicGroup.net