Warner Records Launches Crime & Punishment Label
The new joint venture label with producer Tony Berg announces singer-songwriter Elle Bramhall as its first artist.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Music — General
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Warner Records and producer Tony Berg have officially launched a new joint venture label titled Crime & Punishment Records. The new label has signed singer-songwriter Elle Bramhall as its debut artist.
Why it matters
The venture aims to focus on identifying and developing young, ambitious artists within the competitive music industry. It combines the resources of Warner Records with the production expertise of Tony Berg, who has spent five decades in the music business.
Producer Tony Berg has a deep background in hit-making, having co-produced SOMBR's 2025 debut album and Phoebe Bridgers' 2026 album Lost Weekend. SOMBR also earned a Best New Artist nomination at the 2026 Grammy Awards under Berg's guidance.
The players
Tony Berg
He is a veteran producer who co-runs Sound City Studios in Los Angeles and has maintained a career spanning five decades.
Warner Records
This major record label has been led by Chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck since 2017.
Elle Bramhall
She is a singer-songwriter and the first artist signed to the newly established Crime & Punishment Records label.
SOMBR
This artist received a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards after releasing a debut album in 2025.
Phoebe Bridgers
She is a prominent musician who released the album Lost Weekend in 2026.
The details
The label will operate as a vehicle to champion emerging talent through its partnership structure. Tony Berg, who co-runs the historic Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, brings significant production experience to the new entity.
Timeline
October 22, 2026: Warner Records and Tony Berg announced the joint venture.
2026: SOMBR was nominated for a Best New Artist Grammy and Phoebe Bridgers released the album Lost Weekend.
2025: SOMBR released the debut album I Barely Know Her.
2017: Aaron Bay-Schuck began his tenure as Chairman and CEO of Warner Records.
Industry Dynamics
The establishment of the new label follows the creative legacy of Sound City Studios, where Berg continues to develop emerging talent. This partnership reflects a broader trend of major labels formalizing boutique ventures to secure early-stage artist development.
Listeners can anticipate new music releases from Elle Bramhall as she begins her development cycle with the label. Updates on the label's roster and upcoming debut projects will likely become available through standard music streaming and digital platforms.
The takeaway
Collaborative ventures between experienced producers and major labels often serve as incubators for new artistic voices in the mainstream market. Fans of the indie-pop and singer-songwriter scenes should keep an eye on this new label as it builds its inaugural roster.
Further reading
Explore more industry developments in the Music — General section.
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