Loma Vista Recordings

Loma Vista Recordings is an American independent label founded in 2012 by Tom Whalley in Los Angeles, in partnership with Republic Records (Universal Music Group). It is home to St. Vincent, Miguel, Rhye, and Show Me the Body, and has released catalog from Soundgarden and Sylvia Robinson. The label operates as a joint venture with Republic Records and uses UMG's global distribution. Show Me the Body have expanded their international music community into an independent label, recording studio, and community organizing platform, including their In Broad Daylight festivals in New York and Los Angeles.

Loma Vista was founded by Tom Whalley, who previously served as chairman of Warner Bros. Records and president of Capitol Records. The label's name means "hill view" in Spanish. Its roster reflects Whalley's taste for artist-driven alternative, indie, R&B, and hardcore. The label's signings of St. Vincent (whose albums have won GRAMMYs) and Show Me the Body (whose hardcore community organizing extends beyond music) show a commitment to artists with distinct identities and cultural impact.

How Loma Vista Operates

Loma Vista runs dedicated A&R under founder Tom Whalley from its Los Angeles headquarters. It operates as a joint venture with Republic Records, combining independent curation with UMG's global distribution and marketing. The label's strength is Whalley's industry experience and his ability to sign artists with distinct artistic identities. Show Me the Body's expansion into their own label, recording studio, and community organizing platform (including In Broad Daylight festivals) shows the label supports artists who build beyond music.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you make alternative, indie rock, R&B, or hardcore with a distinct artistic identity, Loma Vista is a respected independent label with major-label distribution. Its track record with St. Vincent and Show Me the Body shows it can develop artists who win GRAMMYs and build cultural movements. The Republic Records partnership gives it UMG's global reach while preserving independent curation.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

• Master ownership: Loma Vista (via Republic and UMG) owns your masters under a standard deal.
• Highly selective: Loma Vista signs very few artists each year.
• No unsolicited demos: Loma Vista does not accept cold submissions.
• Joint venture structure: The Republic Records partnership means deal structures involve both labels.

Related Resources

• Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Loma Vista deal contains
• Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The joint venture model
• How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building an artistic profile
• Republic Records - Loma Vista's distribution partner
• Loma Vista Recordings Official Site - Roster and releases