John Michael Montgomery Starts Own Record Label

11/6/2007 Stephen L. Betts John Michael Montgomery has a new title: Chief Executive Officer of his own independent record label, Stringtown Records. The first project to be released will be John Michael’s tenth studio album. Citing the appeal of creative control, the current success of indie labels, and the ability to nurture country music’s future artists, as reasons for the label’s creaton, John Michael says, “I have always been intrigued with the production side of this business and I want to give others an opportunity like I've had. Every aspect of my career has prepared me for this new venture.” John Michael Montgomery returns to the studio this fall with famed producer Byron Gallimore to create a flagship album for the label. The two worked together before, co-producing John Michael Montgomery’s 2004 album, Letters from Home. Following the completion of his new album, John Michael plans to start looking for other promising artists to sign. Stringtown Records was named after a small community in Mercer County, Kentucky, near John Michael’s home. “The town has all the necessities a guy like me would ever want,” he says. “A place to fix your truck, a few other amenities, and neighbors to help ya out if ya need it. That’s how I’d like my label to be – a nice community with people who care about what they’re doing. As I traveled back and forth to my farm, it always crossed my mind that it would be a great name if I ever started my own label.”