Producer-Led Since 1999
ABOUT CENTURY MUSIC GROUP
Founded in Nashville. Built Around Songs.
Century Music Group is a Nashville-based music production and artist development company founded in 1999.
We work with independent singer-songwriters and recording artists through music production, artist development, release strategy, and selective publishing support designed to help artists create stronger music and build sustainable careers.
A PRODUCER-LED APPROACH
Century Music Group was built from the recording studio outward.
Founded in Nashville in 1999, CMG was created around the belief that strong songs and strong recordings create the foundation for long-term artist growth.
Rather than focusing on a single part of the music business, our approach connects music production, artist development, release strategy, and selective publishing support into a process designed to help artists move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
Every artist’s goals are different. Some are preparing to record their first project. Others are building catalogs, planning releases, or exploring publishing opportunities.
Our role is to help artists evaluate opportunities, strengthen their material, and make informed creative and career decisions based on their individual goals.
Depending on the needs of each project, CMG works alongside a network of experienced Nashville musicians, engineers, studios, and creative professionals to help bring each artist’s vision to life.
While the music industry continues to evolve, the importance of great songs, strong recordings, and meaningful artist development remains the same.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Century Music Group works primarily with independent singer-songwriters and recording artists creating original music.
Many of the artists we work with are looking for more than a recording project. They are seeking stronger songs, better recordings, clearer direction, and long-term momentum around their music and careers.
While every artist and project is different, CMG is generally the best fit for artists who are serious about their craft, committed to growth, and interested in building something meaningful over time.
GOOD FIT
• Independent singer-songwriters
• Recording artists creating original music
• Artists preparing to record new music
• Artists seeking development and creative guidance
• Artists planning future releases
• Artists interested in long-term growth
GENERALLY NOT THE RIGHT FIT
• Lyric-only submissions
• AI-generated music
• Artists seeking guaranteed record deals
• Projects without original music
• Artists looking for overnight success
MEET ART WARD
With over 30 years of experience in recording, artist development, publishing, radio, and label-side roles, Art Ward is the founder and President of Century Music Group, a Nashville-based music production and artist development company established in 1999.
Art works directly with singer-songwriters and recording artists to develop original songs, create professional recordings, and help artists move forward with greater clarity and momentum through music production, artist development, release strategy, and selective publishing support.
Working alongside experienced Nashville musicians, engineers, and studios, Art provides the creative direction and strategic guidance behind each project.
“My goal is simple — to help serious singer-songwriters develop great songs, create professional recordings, and move forward with confidence.”
— Art Ward
Century Music Group was built around the belief that stronger songs, stronger recordings, and better decisions create stronger careers.
Rather than focusing on a single part of the music business, CMG combines music production, artist development, release strategy, and selective publishing support into a process designed to help artists move forward with greater clarity and purpose.
WHAT SETS CMG APART
• Producer-led since 1999
• Nashville-based recording and artist development
• Focused on independent singer-songwriters and recording artists
• Artists retain ownership of their master recordings
• Selective publishing support for qualifying songs and projects
• Long-term development rather than one-time transactions
• Personalized guidance based on each artist’s goals
• Original music only
WHAT MAKES CMG DIFFERENT
THE CMG PROCESS
Artists begin by submitting their music, background information, and project goals for review.
SUBMIT YOUR MUSIC
1
We review the music, goals, and overall project to determine whether there may be a good fit and identify potential opportunities.
PROJECT REVIEW
2
If appropriate, we’ll discuss the project, answer questions, and explore possible next steps based on the artist’s goals.
DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES
3
Whether the focus is music production, artist development, release strategy, publishing support, or a combination of services, we develop a plan tailored to the project.
DEVELOP A PLAN
4
Projects move forward at different paces, but every step is built around creating stronger music, clearer direction, and long-term momentum.
5
MOVE FORWARD
frequently asked questions
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Century Music Group was founded in Nashville, Tennessee in 1999 and has worked with independent singer-songwriters and recording artists for more than two decades.
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Century Music Group provides music production, artist development, release strategy, and selective publishing support for independent singer-songwriters and recording artists.
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Yes. While CMG is based in Nashville, we regularly work with artists from across the United States and Canada. We also review select submissions from international artists when there appears to be a strong fit for the project and services being considered.
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No. Many artists travel to Nashville for recording projects, while others begin the process remotely through song reviews, consultations, and project planning.
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No. Every submission is reviewed individually, and CMG works selectively with artists and projects that appear to be a good fit for the company’s approach and services.
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Artists retain ownership of their master recordings. Publishing arrangements, when offered, are evaluated separately and only apply to specific songs and projects.
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No. CMG is a producer-led music production and artist development company. While some artists may pursue label, publishing, or other opportunities, CMG does not operate as a traditional record label.
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The first step is to submit your music and tell us about your project. After reviewing the material, we’ll determine whether there may be a good fit and discuss potential next steps if appropriate.
submit Your Music
Interested in learning more about Century Music Group?
If you’re an independent singer-songwriter or recording artist creating original music, we’d be happy to learn more about your project.
Submit your music, tell us about your goals, and provide any relevant project information for review.
Every submission is reviewed individually. If there appears to be a potential fit, we’ll reach out to discuss possible next steps.
You’ll receive a confirmation email after submitting.