Genre: Country/Americana, Folk, Indie
Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara Records is a purpose-driven and values-based business, first and foremost. We celebrate everything we love about Santa Barbara and the tremendous power of music to affect mind, body and soul. But more than just releasing great music, we intend to generate meaningful, cultural and economic impact in our community. This model has proven success nationwide by engaging and supporting a wide variety of businesses —recording studios, rehearsal spaces, venues (bars, clubs, hotels and restaurants), festivals, photographers, videographers, graphic designers, printers, makers and purveyors of goods, marketing firms, broadcast media, and more.

We also walk our talk by signing artists to fair trade deals in which they are partners and collaborators not dependents. We’re particularly proud that our artists represent the diverse influences and inclusive ideals of Americana music while still giving voice to an authentic and original perspective. This music is rooted in that ephemeral magic of central California — Americana music through a Santa Barbara lens.

While we’re exporting some of what we love about the Santa Barbara experience through music and goods, we will also offer educational opportunities to artists on better ways of sustaining their own businesses. So, the answer to the question, “Who in their right mind would start a record label these days?” …is “Us!” We invite you to join us. We hope you love what you hear.

Billy O’Connell
General Manager, Santa Barbara Records