Two Southern record labels, Emphasis Records and Alternative/Urban Records, operate under the umbrella of Atlanta Music Group, an independent music company owned and run by professional musicians with more than three decades of combined experience in record label management, music publishing, performing, and studio work. The company was founded in 1986 and operates from Atlanta with a stated focus on releasing what it describes as “quality-authentic-music” from both new and established artists, without the commercial constraints of major label agreements.
The label’s genre focus spans classic Blues, Rock, Southern Rock, Folk, Celtic, Soul and Funk, and Rhythm and Blues, emphasizing traditional roots across all of these styles. Artists currently featured on the roster include John Breen, Stevie Hawkins, Eric Quincy Tate, Donnie McCormick, Wayne “Bear” Sauls, and Justin Hawkins.
Recent releases include John Breen’s album “Origins,” a Celtic and bluegrass fusion record available as a physical CD for $9.99 and as a digital download for $7.99 through the label’s online store. Stevie Hawkins released a new single that was mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London. The label has also successfully placed music in film and television licensing: Stevie Hawkins’ song “Only You” was licensed for use in “Thriller,” a Blumhouse Productions film distributed by Netflix.
Atlanta Music Group operates an online store for both physical and digital music sales and actively distributes promotional music to radio broadcasters to support artist visibility across terrestrial and streaming formats. The company’s stated philosophy prioritizes artist creative freedom over commercial formulas, with an emphasis on delivering stellar, authentic musical performances across genres. The dual-label structure, pairing Emphasis Records with Alternative/Urban Records, allows the group to serve distinct audience segments, from roots, folk, and Celtic listeners to urban and alternative music fans, under a single operational framework based in Atlanta. New and established artists interested in the label can contact the company directly through the website.