Dominique Zgarka and Claude Villani have merged their respective musical empires to create a pure music marketing and distribution firm with a private boutique label.

Zgarka’s Toronto-based Independent Label Services Group (ILS) and Villani’s Connecticut-based Sono Recording Group (SRG) is branded now as the SRG-ILS Group.

In a press release, the two principals stated: “We are very excited to announce the formation of a new force within the music community. The merger of these two innovative companies will allow for artists, producers, and independent labels to be able to reach the global marketplace more efficiently, effectively, and achieve maximum growth and income potential.”  

SRG, established in 2012 by entrepreneur, musician, and producer Villani as an artist oriented recording label, now includes recordings by Canadian singer-songwriter Gino Vannelli, R&B superstar Brian McKnight, award-winning vocal group Take 6, Vermont rock outfit Jam Band Twiddle, Hawaiian songstress Anuhea, and 2012 American Idol runner-up, Joshua Ledet.

Zgarka founded the ILS Group in 2014 as a label services and distribution company handling a menu of services for the independent recording artist.

Among its client list are Dada Life, Rachael Sage, The Hip Abduction, Wolfgang Gartner, David Clayton-Thomas, Fred Eaglesmith, Lee Aaron and Honeymoon Suite.

The relationship between the two companies began when SRG founder Villani brought his label to ILS for distribution. 

Recognizing the opportunity ILS presented, Villani invested to become one of the key partners in the company and “as both companies grew it became obvious that merging the companies would both enhance the efficiency for SRG titles while expanding services to ILS artists and labels,” the two said in a joint statement.

The newly formed company is headquartered in Norwalk, CT. 

The executive staff includes Claude Villani; Group CEO, Michael Cusanelli; Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Dominique Zgarka; Director of Distribution Services, Charles Phillips; Key Shareholder and Strategic Advisor, Ross Vannelli; Director of Publishing, Jay Reason; Label Manager/Creative Services, and Dane Liska; Label Manager/Production. 

Zgarka is continuing to operate from Toronto.