Music creator David Fanning announces the launch of Off Road Records in partnership with Reservoir Media, Inc. (NASDAQ: RSVR). Off Road Records is a forward-thinking record label dedicated to reshaping the music industry by focusing on two core principles: empowering the creators behind the music and nurturing the development of artists into sustainable careers.
“Since I decided to pursue a music career, starting a label that changes the economics for the stakeholders has been a dream of mine,” said Off Road Records President David Fanning. “Everything I have accomplished up to this point has given me the confidence to build an artist and songwriter-focused label that compensates the creators.”
With Fanning as President of Off-Road Records, music industry veteran Jamie Graves will serve as SVP of Marketing and Promotion and report directly to Fanning. Both are partners in the company.
“Reservoir is led by visionaries like President and COO Rell Lafargue and John Ozier (EVP, Creative), and this would not be possible without their partnership,” Fanning continued. “I couldn’t be more excited to start this alongside my longtime and talented friend Jamie Graves and the support and belief of the Reservoir team.”
Off Road Records will distribute and market releases via Reservoir’s label platform, Reservoir Recordings, which will also provide other label services.
Reservoir President and Chief Operating Officer Rell Lafargue added, “As David’s publisher for the last three years, we have seen his ability to identify and support rising talent and drive it straight to the top. We are excited about his vision for Off Road Records and look forward to helping bring it to life.” He added, “This investment is also a great opportunity to continue growing Reservoir’s recorded music business together with creators we believe in.”
Based in Nashville, Off Road Records is proud to announce the signing of its first artist, singer-songwriter Dylan Davidson. Davidson will release his debut single, “Wine Night,” on Friday, March 14. Pre-save/pre-add the song here.
Davidson’s journey in music began as an escape but evolved into a powerful force for connection. Raised in Tennessee with a deep love for the arts, his path took a profound turn when he became a caregiver for his grandfather and later his father, finding solace in music through his father’s 1980s Washburn acoustic guitar.
Sharing covers and original songs on socials, his raw, heartfelt lyrics resonated with millions, building a devoted community. Life’s hardships—including his mother’s battle with cancer, his father’s heart transplant, and the loss of a close friend—have shaped his artistry, imbuing his music with deep emotion and authenticity.
Davidson blends vivid storytelling with soaring melodies, using music to process life’s complexities and inspire others.
L to R: Off Road Records President David Fanning, Dylan Davidson and Off Road Records SVP Marketing and Promotion Jamie Graves | Photo Credit: Sam Aldrich
ABOUT OFF ROAD RECORDS
Off Road Records is a forward-thinking record label dedicated to reshaping the music industry by focusing on two core principles: empowering the creators behind the music and nurturing the development of artists into sustainable careers. Off Road Records believes in a future where both creators and artists thrive, creating a fairer, more sustainable music ecosystem for all. They are committed to ensuring that these creators benefit more from the success of their work, bringing greater equity to the music-making process. Having said that, the label is committed to giving master share back to the songwriters and those who play such a pivotal role in bringing the music to life.
In a time when artist development has become increasingly rare, the label takes pride in offering a platform where new talent can flourish. Off Road Records is deeply invested in honing the skills of its artists and providing them with the tools they need to refine their craft. More than just creating music, it focuses on building long-lasting careers, helping its artists connect with its audience, and growing its fan base organically.
ABOUT RESERVOIR
Reservoir is an independent music company based in New York City and with offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, Toronto, London, and Abu Dhabi. Reservoir is the first female-founded and led publicly traded independent music company in the U.S. Founded as a family-owned music publisher in 2007, Reservoir represents copyrights and master recordings including titles dating as far back as 1900 and hundreds of #1 releases worldwide. Reservoir frequently holds a Top 10 U.S. Market Share according to Billboard’s Publishers Quarterly, was twice named Publisher of the Year by Music Business Worldwide’s The A&R Awards and won Independent Publisher of the Year at the 2020 and 2022 Music Week Awards.
Reservoir also represents a multitude of recorded music through Chrysalis Records, Tommy Boy Music, and Philly Groove Records and manages artists through its ventures with Blue Raincoat Music and Big Life Management.