EL Recordings Partners with Symphonic Distribution to Amplify Black Americana Legacy
New York, NY — September 2025 EL Recordings, the independent record label founded by genre-defying Black Americana artist Queen Esther, is proud to announce a new distribution partnership with Symphonic Distribution via their Symphonic Starter program.
This alliance marks a significant evolution in EL Recordings’ mission to uplift underrepresented stories through bold, roots-driven music. With a focus on Black American narratives in alt-Americana, country, and roots-based traditions, Queen Esther’s label now gains access to a wider global audience through Symphonic’s respected and artist-first platform.
“I’ve spent my career creating on my own terms. Symphonic understands the kind of artist I am and what I’m building. This partnership allows me to stay independent, keep my masters, and still expand globally without compromising my vision as I prepare to release my most powerful album to date. It’s the best of both worlds.” – Queen Esther, founder of EL Recordings
The partnership kicks off with the highly anticipated February 2026 release of Queen Esther’s fifth studio album, Blackbirding — a haunting and historically grounded work inspired by her artist residency on the Gettysburg battlefield. The album explores the weaponization of memory, America’s unfinished Civil War, and the evolving legacy of racialized violence, framed through Queen Esther’s singular voice and songwriting.
With support from Symphonic, EL Recordings will be expanding its reach across digital platforms while maintaining complete creative independence and ownership of its master recordings and publishing.
About EL Recordings:
Founded by Queen Esther, EL Recordings is an independent music label based in New York City dedicated to elevating Black voices in overlooked American musical traditions. With a catalog that blends jazz, country, rock, and spirituals, the label’s work reframes history through a modern, Black feminist lens.
About Symphonic Distribution:
Symphonic Distribution is a global digital music distribution and marketing company built for independent artists and labels. With a focus on empowering creators, Symphonic offers tools, services, and insights to help musicians succeed on their own terms.