As first reported on Radio-Info.com Oct. 16, independent publishing company Sea Gayle Music is expanding into the record label side. It has now been revealed that the new label is a joint venture with Sony Music Nashville.

As previously reported, Sea Gayle Records launches with debut artist Jerrod Niemann (pictured), who has been a Sea Gayle writer for five years and previously had a label deal on the short-lived Category 5 Records. Niemann’s new single, “One More Drinking Song,” was sent digitally to country radio Oct. 15 with an add date of Nov. 23. Rob Dalton and his team at independent promotion firm New Revolution Entertainment have been retained to work it to radio. Once the deal between Sea Gayle and Sony is signed, Niemann will be assigned to Sony’s Columbia Records roster, and that label’s promotion team will join in the efforts at radio.

The publishing company, owned by the songwriting/producing team of Chris DuBois, Brad Paisley and Frank Rogers, has 16 artists on its roster, including its three principals. The new joint label venture with Sony was a logical fit since Paisley has spent his decade-long recording career on Sony’s Arista Nashville imprint.

Niemann self-financed and co-produced his upcoming album with David Brainard while in between labels deals. A release date for the project has not yet been set.