Our Story

Meet the team that helped build the careers of innovative music artists including Awolnation, Kygo, Kelly Clarkson and others. Parts + Labor Records is a full-service, artist-led music company. In real terms, that means we transparently care about each artist we sign. We respect our roster, our team, their art and their potential.

We've created an environment that empowers emerging artists and builds meaningful careers. As a modern music company stacked with energetic creatives, we are laser-focused on making adventurous and authentic records with artists we love and respect. Our world-class studio is professionally designed and built on classic analog gear and the best modern technology.

And, just as important, we don't stop with the finished record. Getting the songs into the hearts and ears of a global audience is a challenge we embrace. We collaborate with amazing marketing talent to construct and execute sustainable launch campaigns that build consistent momentum. We believe in simplifying the relationships, being transparent, open and honest. These are the tenants we live, breath and create by. We pride ourselves on being small, fast and agile – able to meet artists where they are, and take them where they've never been.

Our Team

Jimmy Messer - President & CCO

Ian Olsen - Chief Development Officer

Originally from the Pacific NW, Ian Olsen grew up in the backdrop of the drizzly, flannel wearing - over-caffeinated, Sub Pop scene. Often referred to as the “Seattle Sound” or more simply Grunge, these bands heavily fueled his interest in music and continue to do so to this very day. Ian moved to Los Angeles ten years ago and has spent his career as a pioneering innovator of some of the best restaurant concepts in the marketplace. Most recently, Ian has helmed Lemonade Restaurant Group as co-founder and chief development officer, where he focuses on growth/development, future programming, and the restaurant’s unique design. In 2009, chef/founder Alan Jackson and Ian became operating partners of the California based Lemonade – forging a dynamic relationship that has helped to redefine the fast-casual dining experience for today’s food savvy diners by reinterpreting the modern cafeteria. Lemonade owns and operates 28 store locations in Southern California and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Ian oversees growth for Parts + Labor Records while identifying long-term value through top-tier parternships.

John Isbell - Talent Agent / Artist Management

John Isbell started in the entertainment industry right after graduating from Pepperdine. From auspicious beginnings (including hand-washing Daryl Hall’s silk underwear and John Oates’ silk shirts) John has traveled the world of entertainment working with multi-platinum artists, A-list actors and some of the best comedians in the world.

John’s first taste of the music business was a trial by fire. Hired to tour manage the Orange County seminal punk band T.S.O.L., from there, the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame duo Hall and Oates came calling (see above), then Social Distortion, then Law School (yes law school). After law school John started managing bands. This time it was gold and platinum recording artist Better Than Ezra and then from there he went on to manage multi-platinum Grammy award winning Beck.

Throughout his entertainment career John has always thrived in managing people (not so much hand washing their underwear). Whether its the big name star or the local lighting crew, he’s always found a way to connect and get the best out of people.

CARL HARRIS - BRAND AGENT

With more than 30 years of brand marketing, television, live event and athlete management experience, Carl Harris has earned a PHD in entertainment and marketing. Carl manages brand relationships, creating valuable partnerships between the label, our artists and relevant brands.