Lucas Thomashow, formerly the Senior Vice President of Japanese entertainment conglomerate Avex’s US arm, has announced the launch of his new record label, SANA.
Based in Los Angeles, SANA is a joint venture between Sony Music artist and label services company Santa Anna, independent record label LISTEN TO THE KIDS and Thomashow himself.
Described as a “boutique cutting-edge music company,” SANA aims to provide services for emerging artists, backed by the support and resources of a major label.
Thomashow brings a wealth of experience to SANA, having previously founded and built Avex’s front-line label SELENE, which signed and developed artists such as Sadie Jean and Austin George. Under his leadership, SELENE achieved notable success, including gold certification for Sadie Jean’s single WYD Now?.
Beyond artist development, Thomashow played a key role in Avex’s overall strategy and operations. He contributed to the development and marketing of the girl group XG and oversaw the S10 publishing joint venture, which includes the signings of Jasper Harris, HARV and Shenseea.
Additionally, Thomashow played a significant role in Avex’s launch of Blue Suede Records, a record label established in partnership with TikTok star Ari Elkins, and worked strategically across Avex’s $25 million venture fund.
The partnership with Santa Anna will facilitate distribution, marketing, and promotion for SANA, while LISTEN TO THE KIDS’s A&R and marketing teams will contribute to SANA’s strategic direction and label development.
Santa Anna, founded in January of this year by Todd Moscowitz, founder of Alamo Records, is led by former Geffen Records General Manager Lee L’Heureux, now serving as current President of Alamo Records. Alamo was acquired by Sony in a “nine-figure” deal in 2021.
In the short time since its launch, Santa Anna has expanded its reach by launching a record label called Great Day Records in partnership with Baroline Diaz, former Vice President of A&R at Interscope Records, and signing a distribution deal with LISTEN TO THE KIDS.
LISTEN TO THE KIDS, founded in 2020 by CEO Conor Ambrose, has signed artists such as Yeat, Alexander 23, and ericdoa. The label also manages Billboard Hot 100 writer/producer Omar Fedi.
“I’m extremely excited to be partnering with two amazing labels and teams.”
Lucas Thomashow
Lucas Thomashow said: “I’m extremely excited to be partnering with two amazing labels and teams. Conor and LISTEN TO THE KIDS are an innovative organization whose ideals align with SANA’s philosophy.
“Todd and Lee are building something very unique with Santa Ana, and their team is an inspiration by how they move quickly, and strategically.”
“Lucas has an entrepreneurial mindset and we’re impressed with everything he has built at Avex.”
Todd Moscowitz and Lee L’Heureux
Todd Moscowitz and Lee L’Heureux added: “Lucas has an entrepreneurial mindset and we’re impressed with everything he has built at Avex.
“We’re excited about partnering with SANA to bring the power behind the next generation of up and coming artists.”
“Lucas’s outside of the box thinking and original approach to the music industry makes him an incredible partner for us to build a new label.”
Conor Ambrose
Conor Ambrose said: “Lucas’s outside of the box thinking and original approach to the music industry makes him an incredible partner for us to build a new label”Music Business Worldwide