AN ARTIST-FIRST NASHVILLE MUSIC COMPANY
MAKE THE RECORD YOU'VE ALWAYS IMAGINED.
Partnering with independent artists to create exceptional records and build meaningful music careers.
THE BEST RECORDS ARE BUILT ON RELATIONSHIPS.
Since 1999, Century Music Group has partnered with independent Country, Americana, and Folk artists who value collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to great music.
Every artist has a unique story, vision, and set of goals. That's why every relationship begins with a conversation about your music, where you want to go, and how we can help you get there.
From there, we build the right partnership for each artist. That may include record production, publishing, artist development, release strategy, or other opportunities that help move your music and career forward.
Because when the relationship comes first, the right path becomes clear.
SEE HOW WE WORK.
Go behind the scenes and experience how Century Music Group partners with independent artists to bring exceptional music to life.
THE MUSIC SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
Listen to a selection of recent music created in partnership with independent artists.
WHAT ARTISTS ARE SAYING.
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"Century Music Group made me feel like a true partner. Every conversation was focused on what was best for me and my music."
Michael R. — Denver, CO
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"They took the time to understand where I wanted to go as an artist before recommending the right path forward."
Sarah L. — Toronto, ON
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"I came away with more than a great record—I left with a trusted team, greater confidence, and a clear direction for my career."
Jake M. — Austin, TX
MEET OUR FOUNDER.
With more than 35 years of experience in the music industry, Art Ward founded Century Music Group in 1999 to help independent artists build lasting careers through trusted relationships and an artist-first approach.
Known for his honest guidance and long-term perspective, Art works closely with each artist to understand their vision and build the right partnership. That may include record production, publishing, artist development, release strategy, or other opportunities that support their goals.
For more than two decades, that philosophy has remained the same: put the artist first, build relationships that last, and help independent artists make great music while making confident decisions about their careers.
"Great recordings can open doors. What artists do after those doors open often matters even more."
— Art Ward
Frequently Asked Questions
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Being artist-first means every relationship begins with understanding you—your music, your goals, and where you want your career to go. Rather than offering the same path to every artist, we build the right partnership based on your vision. That may include record production, publishing, artist development, release strategy, or connecting you with Nashville's creative community.
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We primarily partner with independent Country, Americana, and Folk artists who are serious about their music and value collaboration, honest communication, and long-term relationships. Whether you're preparing to record your first project or planning your next chapter, we're looking for artists who are committed to building something meaningful.
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Every relationship starts with a conversation. We'll listen to your music, learn about your goals, and discuss where you are in your career. From there, we'll determine whether we're the right fit and what the best next step might be. Every artist's path is different, and we believe the right partnership starts with honest guidance.
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No. While many artists partner with us for record production, that's not always where the relationship begins. Some artists first connect through publishing, songwriting, artist development, release planning, or other creative opportunities. We focus on building long-term partnerships rather than offering one-size-fits-all services.
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We don't view publishing as simply placing songs. For the right artists, publishing becomes the beginning of a broader creative partnership. It gives us the opportunity to invest in your songwriting, help you develop your catalog, create new opportunities, and support your long-term career as both a songwriter and recording artist.
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Every artist's path is different. Depending on your goals, we may help with record production, song development, publishing, artist development, release strategy, creative collaboration, and introductions to Nashville musicians, engineers, studios, and other industry professionals. The focus is always on building the right opportunities—not simply checking boxes.
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Century Music Group primarily works with independent Country, Americana, and Folk artists. While every artist is unique, we specialize in helping artists whose music fits naturally within those communities.
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Century Music Group is based in Nashville, Tennessee. We work with independent artists from across the United States and around the world, bringing them together with Nashville's world-class musicians, engineers, songwriters, and recording studios.
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The first step is simple: tell us about your music. Share your songs, where you are in your career, and what you're hoping to accomplish. If it feels like we're the right fit for one another, we'll schedule a conversation and explore how we can help move your music and career forward.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR MUSIC.
Century Music Group partners with a select number of independent artists each year so we can build meaningful, long-term relationships and give every artist the attention they deserve.
If you think we might be the right fit, tell us about your music, your goals, and where you hope to take your career. We'll listen, learn about your vision, and if it feels like the right partnership, we'll reach out to schedule a conversation.
Every submission is reviewed personally and kept confidential.
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.