David Fanning announces the launch of Off Road Records in partnership with Reservoir 14 Mar 2025
Label debuts with singer-songwriter Dylan Davidson
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.
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THE HEADLINES
TikTok unveils its Year in Music Report (see Digital)
Coldplay, U2, Ed Sheeran named most popular touring artists of the millennium (see News)
King Gizzard, having pulled music from Spotify in protest, find genAI clones on the platform (see Digital)
UK parliamentarians join call to regulate most powerful AI systems (see News)
Martin Mills is trying to thwart a record industry takeover by Universal (see Features)
IMPF says members should reject AI deals that do not value songs properly (see News)
Which songs do we replay the most? (see Analysis)
Spotify Wrapped 2025 goes live (see Digital)
Daddy Yankee files lawsuit against former manager and third parties for alleged royalty scheme (see News)
EU touring: Impact of Brexit worsening, says UK Music report (see Reports)
ORCA released a report analysing the economic investments and social impact of nine leading independent record labels (see Reports)
Jorja Smith’s label requests share of royalties from ‘AI-cloned’ song (see News)
A creative nation is a thriving nation (see Opinion)
Australian report also highlights how other non-US English-speaking countries are hit by algorithms (see Reports)
AI slop: Spotify, Tunecore, and credibility (see Comment)
