NEWS

NEW MOTOR RECORDS LAUNCHES UNDER RED BOOT ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, FOLLOWING THE ACQUISITION OF SAKAMOTO MUSIC

INDUSTRY VETERAN JOELLE MAY NAMED GENERAL MANAGER; ROSTER INCLUDES AARON GOODVIN AND CHRIS BUCK PLUS NEW SIGNINGS MEREDITH MOON AND PAIGE RUTLEDGE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2025

Canadian independent music label New Motor Records has officially launched today under Red Boot Entertainment Group Inc., rebranding the imprint formerly known as Sakamoto Music following its acquisition. Distributed by ADA/Warner Music Canada, New Motor Records expands on its country roots to embrace a bold, multi-genre vision with a clear commitment to artist development. 

New Motor Records is led by industry veteran Joelle May, General Manager, who brings nearly two decades of experience across all corners of the music business – from national touring to global publicity campaigns. Her recent nominations for Business Professional of the Year (BCCMA, 2025) and Entrepreneur of the Year (Women in Music Canada, 2024) underscore her commitment to championing great music and identifying emerging voices.

“I am beyond thrilled to continue the legacy of what was built with Sakamoto Music and carry it forward into a new era as New Motor Records,” says May. “We have lots of new plans to implement in the coming months, and are tremendously excited to branch out to multiple genres with artists like Meredith Moon, while staying true to the country roots that grew the business initially with Aaron Goodvin and Chris Buck and new addition Paige Rutledge.”

Originally launched in 2022 under the Sakamoto Music name – as part of the award-winning Sakamoto Agency – New Motor Records now operates independently under Red Boot Entertainment Group. The group also includes Red Boot Live (formerly known as Sakamoto Promotions), a concert promoting company that has been producing live events in Canada since 2019 (including Old Dominion, Cody Johnson, Bryan Adams and ZZ Top) across all manner of venues, from clubs to NHL arenas.

New Motor’s artist roster currently includes:

• Multi-platinum CCMA Award winner Aaron Goodvin, who released his latest EP Drinkin’ Hand on June 20, continuing his relationship with the label from its Sakamoto era
• Country mainstay and award-winning songwriter Chris Buck, currently working on new music, and producer of the second annual Boots ‘n Boats Festival in Lake Country, BC
• Genre-defying artist Meredith Moon, preparing her next album for a fall release
• Rising country standout Paige Rutledge, who dropped her label debut single “Whatcha Gonna Do”, TODAY, June 27, 2025!

Media contact:
Adam Gonshor
Collabo PR
adam@collabopr.com