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ATO Records

ATO Records (According To Our Records) is an American based in , founded in 2000 by musician and manager to support artists and foster their careers through a musician-centric approach. The label emerged from the vision of Capshaw, alongside key figures like Chris Tetzeli and , who emphasized deliberate promotion and passion-driven signings, beginning with the re-release of David Gray's breakthrough album in March 2000, which achieved platinum status and marked ATO's early commercial success. Over the decades, ATO has built a diverse roster spanning rock, indie, blues, and alternative genres, prioritizing long-term artist development over short-term trends. The label's catalog includes acclaimed acts such as My Morning Jacket, Black Pumas, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Alabama Shakes, Brittany Howard, and Rodrigo y Gabriela, among others like Primus, Drive-By Truckers, and Chicano Batman. ATO has earned recognition for its role in nurturing talent, with artists securing at least six Grammy wins and over 30 nominations as of 2025, including a nomination for Best New Artist for Alabama Shakes in 2013, three wins for the band in 2016, a win for Rodrigo y Gabriela in 2020, and two solo wins for Brittany Howard in 2021 and later, plus multiple nods for Black Pumas and Brittany Howard in categories like Album of the Year. In 2019 alone, the label received seven Grammy nominations across artists including Black Pumas, Brittany Howard, Emily King, Altın Gün, and Rodrigo y Gabriela. Under President Jon Salter, ATO continues to operate independently, offering resources like internships in marketing and promotion while maintaining artist-approved policies for live recordings.

Overview and Background

Founding and Key Figures

ATO Records was founded in 2000 by musician and his manager as an dedicated to supporting artists' careers. Capshaw, who established Red Light Management in 1991 to represent the and other acts, partnered with Matthews to create the label, initially named "According to Our Records" (ATO). The venture emerged from discussions in late 1999, with the goal of providing a platform for musicians emphasizing creativity and long-term development over commercial pressures. Key early executives included Chris Tetzeli and Michael McDonald, who handled day-to-day operations alongside the founders. Tetzeli, a longtime associate of Capshaw from his management work, contributed to the label's business structure, while McDonald, previously the tour manager for the Dave Matthews Band, brought operational expertise from live music logistics. Matthews and Capshaw maintained active involvement in creative and strategic decisions, ensuring the label's alignment with their vision for artist-focused operations. The label established its headquarters in New York City to serve as the operational base, facilitating proximity to the music industry ecosystem. Initially, ATO operated as a joint venture with RCA Records (under BMG), which provided distribution support and shared ownership until the founders bought out RCA's stake in late 2007.

Mission and Operational Philosophy

ATO Records operates as an artist-centric independent label, emphasizing long-term career development over short-term commercial gains. Founded in 2000 as a joint venture but becoming fully independent in late 2007 after buying out its RCA Records partner, the label prioritizes creative freedom and holistic support for artists across their professional journeys. The name "ATO" stands for "According To Our Records," reflecting a commitment to meticulously nurturing and documenting artists' evolving careers beyond mere album releases. This philosophy manifests in comprehensive assistance, including marketing, touring, and merchandising, often integrated through partnerships with Red Light Management, co-founded by ATO's originator Coran Capshaw, to foster sustainable growth. Central to ATO's operational model is its status as a truly entity, free from label constraints, which allows for tailored strategies that align with individual artists' visions. After independence, ATO managed its own distribution arrangements while maintaining control over releases. By , it entered a distribution agreement with (under ), and as of , distribution in the is handled by UMG's Label & Artist Services, preserving autonomy while expanding global reach. This approach contrasts with traditional label practices by granting artists greater and decision-making power, particularly in areas like live recording policies where personal use and fan trading are encouraged. The label's philosophy extends to embracing a diverse array of genres, including , , and , to cultivate an inclusive roster that highlights unique voices without genre-specific silos. By focusing on career-building rather than one-off hits, ATO supports artists in retaining master rights where possible, promoting a model that empowers creative control and long-term viability in an industry often dominated by exploitative contracts. This dedication to independence and artist empowerment has positioned ATO as a beacon for musicians seeking collaborative partnerships that prioritize artistic integrity.

Historical Development

Early Years (2000–2009)

ATO Records began its operations in 2000 with a focus on supporting emerging and established artists through artist-friendly deals and creative freedom. The label's first major signing came in 2001 with , marking a pivotal moment in building its initial roster. This was followed by signings of , artist , and musician , diversifying the label's sound across , , and genres. Key early releases highlighted the label's potential, starting with David Gray's in 2000, which benefited from promotion tied to founder ' network and achieved platinum status in the U.S. Ben Kweller's debut full-length album Sha Sha followed in 2002, earning critical acclaim for its pop-infused rock and establishing Kweller as a cornerstone artist. These releases, along with projects connected to the Dave Matthews Band's circle, such as Gray's U.S. breakthrough, demonstrated early successes in bridging indie credibility with broader commercial appeal. Under a joint venture distribution deal with RCA Records from 2000 to 2006, ATO gained access to wider marketing and physical distribution resources, enabling national reach for its catalog. The partnership ended in 2006 when ATO bought back RCA's share, allowing the label to operate independently amid shifting industry dynamics. This transition coincided with the 2008 global financial crisis, which severely impacted independent labels through plummeting physical sales and reduced retail space for music. ATO navigated these challenges by leveraging diversified revenue streams, including artist management ties and touring synergies from co-founder Coran Capshaw's Red Light Management, ensuring survival and continuity into the digital era.

Expansion and Milestones (2010–Present)

During the , ATO Records solidified its roster through continued partnerships with established acts and strategic signings that broadened its reach. In 2013, the label signed a U.S. distribution deal with , a service of , enhancing its marketing and promotional capabilities. My Morning Jacket, a cornerstone artist since the label's early days, released their sixth studio album in 2011, which debuted at number 5 on the and reinforced the band's critical acclaim under ATO's banner. The label also marked a significant breakthrough with , whose debut album Boys & Girls arrived in 2012, selling over one million copies worldwide, earning Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Best Rock Performance (for the song "Hold On"), and establishing the band as a Grammy-winning force in . Entering the 2020s, ATO adapted to the dominance of digital streaming by prioritizing artists with global appeal and viral potential. ' self-titled debut in 2019, followed by a deluxe edition in 2020, earned four Grammy nominations related to the album, including Best New Artist (2020) and , , and Best Rock Performance (2021), with tracks like "Colors" achieving gold certification and millions of streams on platforms such as . This era highlighted ATO's focus on and funk acts capable of transcending borders through online discovery. Key milestones underscored ATO's resilience and cultural engagement. In June 2020, the label released the compilation Silence Is Not An Option to support initiatives, featuring contributions from artists including of , My Morning Jacket, and , with proceeds benefiting the and organizations. Amid the , ATO artists pivoted to virtual performances, though specific label-wide events were not prominently documented. Recent developments reflect ongoing growth through reissues and new material. In 2024, ATO celebrated the seventh anniversary of ' The Desaturating Seven (originally released in 2017) with a limited-edition midnight rainbow splatter vinyl, maintaining the band's presence on the roster. By 2025, issued the single "Little Lord Fentanyl" on a limited 7-inch white vinyl via ATO, signaling continued collaboration. International expansion gained momentum with acts like , whose 2025-2026 tour schedule includes dates across Europe, including sold-out shows in , the , and the , building on their Grammy-nominated psych-folk sound to reach global audiences.

Artist Roster

Current Artists

ATO Records' current roster as of November 2025 features a diverse array of over 20 active artists across , soul/R&B, , , and experimental genres, reflecting the label's commitment to innovative and genre-blending talent. Many artists maintain long-term multi-album deals, such as flagship act My Morning Jacket's partnership since 2004, while recent additions like Adrian Quesada's solo projects highlight ongoing expansion. The lineup includes Grammy-nominated acts and prolific collaborators, fostering a collaborative environment that emphasizes artistic growth and cultural impact.

Indie Rock

  • My Morning Jacket: The band's enduring association with ATO since 2004 positions them as a cornerstone of the label's indie rock catalog, with multiple albums released under the imprint.
  • Brigitte Calls Me Baby: Signed in recent years, this Chicago-based quartet brings garage-infused indie rock, marking ATO's investment in emerging Midwestern talent.
  • Friko: The duo's raw, emotive sound has solidified their place in ATO's indie roster through innovative releases blending punk and introspection.
  • Mattiel: Atlanta's garage rock duo continues their multi-album partnership with ATO, known for high-energy tracks that bridge retro and modern influences.

Soul/R&B

  • Black Pumas: Co-founded by and Eric Burton, the duo earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and remains a key /R&B pillar with subsequent acclaimed releases.
  • Allen Stone: This ful vocalist has upheld a steady multi-album deal with ATO, delivering genre-blending R&B that draws from classic influences.
  • Brittany Howard: As a artist post-Alabama Shakes, Howard's powerful and rock fusion has defined her ongoing ATO tenure with critically praised projects.
  • Emily King: The New York-based singer-songwriter's blend of R&B and continues through ATO, with her 2023 album Special Occasion earning Grammy nominations.
  • Nick Hakim: The New York-based artist's introspective and explorations continue through ATO, emphasizing experimental production.

Psychedelic Rock

  • King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard: Announced a licensing deal in 2018 with their Flightless imprint, the Australian band's prolific output has become a label highlight, with multiple albums distributed via ATO.
  • Adrian Quesada: Expanding from , Quesada's 2025 solo album Boleros Psicodélicos II showcases influences, released exclusively on ATO.
  • Altin Gün: This Turkish-Dutch psych-folk ensemble's global fusion sound has thrived under ATO's multi-album agreement since their 2018 debut.
  • Chicano Batman: The group's and blend sustains their active status with ATO through vibrant, dance-oriented releases.
  • Primus: The veterans, reunited with their classic lineup, continue ATO partnership via reissues and potential new projects as of 2025.

Folk/Americana

  • Amanda Shires: A prominent figure in Americana, Shires' songwriting and fiddle work anchor her long-standing multi-album deal with ATO.
  • Blind Pilot: The indie folk outfit's atmospheric storytelling has defined their enduring collaboration with ATO since the early 2010s.
  • Briscoe: This Texas duo's rootsy folk rock represents ATO's focus on regional emerging acts with heartfelt narratives.
  • Drive-By Truckers: The Southern rock band's politically charged Americana continues with ATO, including their 14th studio album in recent years.
  • Mt. Joy: The Philadelphia band's folk-pop anthems have propelled their growth under ATO's multi-album framework.
  • Shakey Graves: Alejandro Rose-Garcia's looping folk style continues to evolve through ATO releases, blending blues and indie elements.

Experimental/Other

  • Amyl and the Sniffers: The Australian punk rockers' high-octane energy fits ATO's experimental edge, with recent albums amplifying their international presence.
  • Rodrigo y Gabriela: The Mexican guitar duo's acoustic fusion of , rock, and Latin styles remains a staple, with their 2023 album In Between Thoughts… A New World on ATO.
  • They Are Gutting a Body of Water: This project's noisy, immersive sound marks their rising profile within ATO's lineup.

Former Artists

ATO Records has seen several notable artists depart over the years, often due to contract expirations, shifts toward independence, or personal circumstances, leaving behind significant contributions to the label's catalog. These former signees helped shape ATO's reputation in the early 2000s through the mid-2010s, with key releases that achieved commercial and critical acclaim. Alabama Shakes joined ATO in 2011 after building buzz with early recordings, marking a pivotal signing for the label's rock roster. Their tenure lasted through the release of two major albums: Boys & Girls (2012), which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album, and Sound & Color (2015), which topped the Billboard 200 and won three Grammys including Best Alternative Music Album. The band's departure around 2015 followed the success of Sound & Color and aligned with a hiatus driven by personal reasons, including frontwoman Brittany Howard's health challenges and solo pursuits. Post-ATO, Howard released solo albums Jaime (2019) and What Now (2024) still via ATO, but the band as a unit shifted to Island Records for their 2025 single "Another Life," their first new material in a decade, preceding a reunion tour. Ben Kweller was an early ATO signee, debuting with Sha Sha in 2002 after prior indie work, followed by On My Way (2004) and the self-titled Ben Kweller (2006), which blended and folk influences to critical praise. His approximately seven-year tenure (2001–2008) ended when his contract expired, prompting him to launch his own imprint for greater creative control. Since departing, Kweller has released albums like Go Fly a Kite (2012) and Circuit Boredom (2021) independently via , while continuing to tour and produce; in 2025, he issued Cover the Mirrors, an album processing the tragic loss of his son, further solidifying his evolution as a mature songwriter. Gov't Mule aligned with ATO during a transitional period after bassist Allen Woody's 2000 death, releasing The Deep End, Volume 1 (2001) and Volume 2 (2002), collaborative efforts featuring guest bassists like Flea and John Entwistle that honored Woody while revitalizing the band's sound, plus the live The Deepest End (2003). Their early 2000s tenure (roughly 2001–2004) concluded as the group pursued independence and other partnerships, reflecting a desire for self-management in the jam band scene. Post-ATO, Gov't Mule issued albums via labels like Blind Pig and Evangeline before signing with Fantasy Records under Concord; by 2025, they remain active with releases like Peace... Like a River (2023) and extensive touring, including their annual New Year's runs. Patty Griffin signed with ATO in the early 2000s following a dropped deal at A&M, delivering four albums during her six-year stint (2002–2008): 1000 Kisses (2002), Impossible Dream (2004), Children Running Through (2007), and contributions to compilations, establishing her as a cornerstone of ATO's Americana output with introspective songcraft. She parted ways amicably as her contract concluded, seeking new creative avenues including genre explorations. Afterward, moved to for Downtown Church (2010), then New West and primarily for subsequent works like American Kid (2013), Servant of Love (2015), and the self-titled Patty Griffin (2019), which earned a Grammy for Best Americana Album; through 2025, she continues touring and writing, often collaborating on soundtracks and with artists like . Chris Whitley, an early ATO artist known for his blues-rock fusion, released Rocket House (2001) during his brief tenure in the early 2000s, featuring collaborations with and showcasing his raw guitar work. His association ended tragically with his death from on November 20, 2005, at age 45, after battling the illness for just weeks. Whitley's ATO output contributed to his legacy as an underrecognized innovator, with posthumous releases like Soft Dangerous Shores (2006) appearing via other labels, ensuring his influence persisted in blues and alternative circles.

Notable Achievements and Impact

Key Releases and Discography Highlights

ATO Records' catalog features a diverse array of landmark albums that span genres and have garnered significant commercial and critical attention. Among the early releases, Patty Griffin's 1000 Kisses (2002) stands out for its intimate folk-rock sound, earning widespread critical acclaim and later recognition as one of the best albums of the decade. The album's raw, live-in-the-studio recording approach highlighted Griffin's songwriting prowess and helped establish ATO's reputation for nurturing talent. My Morning Jacket's Z (2005) marked a pivotal moment for the label, serving as the band's major-label debut and achieving strong chart performance by debuting at No. 67 on the 200. The album's expansive arrangements and ' soaring vocals solidified My Morning Jacket's status as innovators, contributing to ATO's growing influence in the alternative scene. In more recent years, ' Sound & Color (2015) exemplified the label's rock output, blending , , and experimental elements to critical and commercial success; certified in the U.S., it earned four for its bold evolution from the band's debut. Similarly, ' self-titled debut (2019) fused with retro grooves, receiving Grammy nominations including for for its deluxe edition. These releases underscore ATO's ability to champion genre-blending acts that resonate broadly. King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard's prolific partnership with ATO includes standout albums like (2017), which introduced microtonal scales to their psych-rock palette and topped Rate Your Music's all-time ATO albums list, reflecting the band's innovative boundary-pushing. The Australian septet's output on the label, including the thrash-metal homage (2019), highlights ATO's support for high-energy, . Compilations have also played a role in showcasing ATO's roster diversity, such as the 2020 digital release Silence Is Not an Option (Turn This Up), which featured tracks from artists including , My Morning Jacket, and to benefit , , and the . By 2025, ATO's catalog encompasses hundreds of releases across its artist roster, demonstrating sustained growth in indie and .

Awards, Recognitions, and Industry Influence

ATO Records has garnered significant accolades through its artists' successes at major award ceremonies, underscoring the label's role in elevating independent music. In 2016, Alabama Shakes, signed to ATO, won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album for their album Sound & Color, marking a pivotal recognition for the band's raw, roots-infused rock sound. Similarly, Black Pumas, another ATO act, received multiple Grammy nominations in 2020, including for Best Rock Performance for their single "Colors," highlighting the label's knack for championing soulful, genre-blending acts that resonate broadly. In the Americana genre, Patty Griffin, an early ATO signee, was honored as Artist of the Year by the Americana Music Association in 2007, with her album Children Running Through also winning Album of the Year, affirming ATO's early contributions to folk and roots music excellence. The label itself has earned industry recognitions that reflect its stature among independents. In 2013, ATO and Alabama Shakes received A2IM Libera Awards for Best Live Act of the Year and Breaking-Out Artist of the Year. Throughout the decade, ATO artists amassed numerous Grammy nominations, including eleven in 2020 alone across categories like Best New Artist and Best Americana Album, positioning the label as a consistent Grammy contender among indies. As of 2025, ATO artists continue their success, with Alabama Shakes announcing a reunion tour and new material, and Black Pumas earning a total of seven Grammy nominations. ATO's influence extends beyond awards to pioneering artist-centric practices in the independent sector. Founded in 2000 by Dave Matthews and manager Coran Capshaw, the label emphasizes long-term career building over short-term gains, offering flexible contracts and creative control that have become models for other indies seeking to prioritize artist welfare. This approach has inspired similar philosophies at labels focused on sustainable partnerships, fostering a shift toward more equitable deals in an industry often criticized for exploitative terms. Through its integration with Red Light Management—also co-founded by Capshaw—ATO provides comprehensive mentorship for indie acts, combining label support with touring expertise and strategic guidance to nurture emerging talent from signing to global exposure. On a broader scale, ATO has contributed to the revival and diversification of by signing and promoting acts that blend traditional rock with innovative, inclusive sounds. Releases from artists like My Morning Jacket and helped sustain the indie rock ethos during the 2000s and 2010s, bridging jam-band roots with modern while amplifying underrepresented voices in the genre. The label's roster, featuring diverse talents such as and , has played a key role in broadening indie music's , promoting genre fusion and global perspectives that enrich the independent scene up to 2025.