Jamie O’Neal Launches Independent Record Label
O’Neal, whose hits include “There Is No Arizona,” “When I Think About Angels,” and “Somebody’s Hero,” will oversee every aspect of Momentum Label Group, including serving as the producer to some of the label’s expanding roster.
“I’m so excited about this amazing opportunity,” says O’Neal. “I’ve had my own studio for many years, and being a part of the creative process has always been one of my favorite things about the music business. By having our own label, we can now help introduce the world to some exceptionally talented new artists.”
The key team on staff assisting O’Neal with the label will be her father and manager, Jimmy Murphy, who will serve as Momentum’s General Manager and Partner; music industry veteran John Ettinger, who will head up the Radio Strategies portion of the label; Jessica Northey, who will oversee the label’s Social Media/Web Strategies division; and John Christian, who will head up West Coast promotions.
Murphy has spent his whole life in the music business as a recording artist in New Zealand, where he was a star on the Australian Bandstand. Most recently, his songs have been featured on the Desperate Housewives soundtrack and America’s Funniest Home Videos. In addition to managing O’Neal, Murphy also oversees the careers of his other daughter, Minnie Murphy, as well as Momentum’s flagship artist, Rachele Lynae.
Ettinger’s career in the music business began more than 20 years ago at Mercury Records, where he was a key player on the regional team that launched the careers of Sugarland, Billy Currington, Love and Theft, Toby Keith and Shania Twain. It was his role as VP at Mercury where he also met O’Neal and played an instrumental part in propelling her red-hot career.
Christian’s 25-year experience in the music industry with programming and broadcasting will be an asset to Momentum Label Group, as he will continue to utilize his knowledge and expertise with those in the country radio field where he has worked as a key consultant with stations across the United States.
Also involved with the launch of Momentum Label Group will be Rick Kelly, Marco Music Group; Bobbe Morhiser, Marco Club Connection DJ & Dance Promotion; and Craig Bann, Aristo Media’s Video Promotion and Marketing Department. Publicity for the label will be handled by Schatzi Hageman of Hot Schatz PR.
Look for Momentum Label Group’s flagship artist, Rachele Lynae, to release her debut single, “Party ‘Til the Cows Come Home” in March.
