About 1840 Music
1840 Music is an independent music company founded by Christopher Foust as a mechanism to take full control of his masters, rights, and creative output. Built on the foundation of artistic freedom, 1840 Music is more than just a record label—it is a fully integrated music house that allows for the writing, recording, and release of music across multiple genres, all while maintaining complete ownership and artistic integrity. Christopher Foust, a seasoned songwriter, producer, and musician, established 1840 Music as a response to the limitations imposed by traditional music industry structures. By creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for his various musical projects, Foust has been able to explore his broad creative range without restrictions. From alternative rock and indie pop to country and cinematic soundscapes, 1840 Music serves as the home for a diverse catalog of music that transcends boundaries.
Christopher Foust
Christopher Foust is the founder of 1840 Music with over 20 years of touring, label, production, songwriting, & performance experience.
The Team
Learn more about the small team that mkes up the team of 1840 Music, providing marketing, publishing, & production services.
Advisory Board
Our advisory board is made up of Nashville music industry and marketing professionals, providing invaluable insight to our team.
The Vision and Mission
At its core, 1840 Music exists to foster musical innovation while maintaining full creative and business independence. The mission is simple: to create, control, and distribute music with complete artistic freedom. This philosophy allows Foust to write and produce music that is authentic, dynamic, and reflective of his expansive artistic vision.
1840 Music operates under the belief that an artist should never have to compromise their creativity due to industry expectations or contractual limitations. By keeping control of the masters and publishing rights, Foust ensures that his work remains under his ownership, giving him the flexibility to license, distribute, and market music in a way that aligns with his artistic and financial goals.
The Imprints of 1840 Music
To facilitate its expansive creative scope, 1840 Music is structured into several imprints, each serving a unique purpose within the company:
- Glen Rock Records – The primary record label under 1840 Music, Glen Rock Records is the home for a wide array of releases across different genres. It serves as the main vehicle for distributing music under Foust’s various projects, including Foust, Majestic Swayzee, Ohio Valley Panic, and Old Oak Embassy.
- Knuckle Drag Music Publishing – This publishing arm manages the rights and licensing for all of Foust’s compositions. Whether for commercial releases, film and TV placements, or synch opportunities, Knuckle Drag Music Publishing ensures that the intellectual property is protected and monetized effectively.
- Foust Town Productions – A full-service production house specializing in high-quality recording, mixing, and mastering. Foust Town Productions allows for complete control over the recording process, ensuring that every song maintains the sonic identity and production quality that Foust envisions.
Custom Music for Film, TV, and Synch
Beyond artist releases, 1840 Music is also a powerhouse for custom music production tailored for film, television, and synch placements. With a deep understanding of composition, scoring, and sound design, Foust has the ability to create original music that enhances visual storytelling.
Through Knuckle Drag Music Publishing, 1840 Music offers licensing opportunities for film and television producers looking for high-quality, original compositions that fit a wide range of moods, styles, and narratives. Whether it’s a haunting cinematic score, an uplifting commercial track, or a driving rock anthem, 1840 Music provides expertly crafted music designed for synch opportunities.
Independent Spirit and Creative Control
The independent ethos of 1840 Music is a defining characteristic that sets it apart from traditional record labels. By remaining self-sufficient in all aspects of production, distribution, and licensing, 1840 Music operates with an artist-first approach.
Christopher Foust’s vision was to build a structure where an artist is not at the mercy of industry gatekeepers. Through direct-to-fan distribution, strategic partnerships, and a focus on synch licensing, 1840 Music has established itself as a model for independent artists seeking complete control over their work.
This independent approach allows for greater flexibility in release schedules, marketing strategies, and creative collaborations. Without the constraints of major label bureaucracy, 1840 Music is free to adapt, evolve, and experiment with innovative ways of reaching audiences.
A Commitment to Quality and Authenticity
At 1840 Music, quality and authenticity are paramount. Every release, whether an album, single, or custom composition, is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The goal is not just to create music, but to create music that resonates, tells a story, and leaves a lasting impact.
By maintaining a high standard for songwriting, production, and sonic identity, 1840 Music ensures that every piece of music released under its banner stands out in a crowded industry. This commitment to excellence is what continues to set 1840 Music apart as a true independent force.
The Future of 1840 Music
Looking ahead, 1840 Music is poised to expand its reach while staying true to its founding principles. With a growing catalog of diverse music and an increasing presence in the world of film and synch licensing, the company is set to further solidify its reputation as a premier independent music house.
Plans for the future include:
- Expanding the catalog with new releases across all projects.
- Developing strategic partnerships for wider distribution and licensing opportunities.
- Enhancing custom music production services for film, TV, and commercial projects.
- Continuing to push the boundaries of genre and sound through innovative recording and production techniques.
Through all of this, 1840 Music remains dedicated to its original mission: to create, control, and distribute music with complete artistic freedom. As the industry continues to evolve, 1840 Music stands as a beacon for independent artists looking to carve their own path and maintain ownership over their creative legacy.