Warner Records and Producer Tony Berg Form Crime & Punishment Records, Sign Elle Bramhall

Warner Records has launched a joint venture with producer Tony Berg, forming Crime & Punishment Records, which has signed singer-songwriter Elle Bramhall as its first artist. Music Business Worldwide reported the venture was announced on October 22, 2026, and will focus on developing new artists, according to the company.

Berg's Crime & Punishment Records Signs Elle Bramhall

Berg has worked as a producer, musician and A&R executive across a career of more than five decades. "Crime & Punishment Records is intended to champion young, ambitious artists," Berg said. "Right now, I'm seeing a return to lyric content, harmonic ambition, and musical curiosity."

Berg said he has worked with Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tom Corson and Chris Morris at Warners over the past eight years, as he did when producing records for Mo Ostin, Lenny Waronker and Michael Ostin. "And I'm thrilled that Elle Bramhall is our debut signing," Berg said. "She is an extraordinary young artist with a point of view that is at once fresh and timeless."

Warner Records Group Chairman and CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck said Berg "is in rarified air as an elite producer" and called bringing the joint venture to Warner Records "an easy decision." Berg co-produced SOMBR's 2025 debut album I Barely Know Her, released via Warner Records, and the album was written entirely by SOMBR. SOMBR, born Shane Boose, was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Crime & Punishment Records is launching in early 2027 with the debut by Elle Bramhall, and that Berg aims to counter industry corporatization by supporting young artists.

Warner Records' Recent Label Ventures

Warner Records is a major American record label and wholly-owned subsidiary of Warner Music Group, according to akta.pro company records. The label was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, with an estimated revenue of $1 billion-$5 billion and a headcount range of 501-1000. Aaron Bay-Schuck is Co-Chairman and CEO of Warner Records Group, and Tom Corson is Co-Chairman and COO of Warner Records.

Warner Records' Partnership Run Before the Berg Deal

In July 2026, Warner Records partnered with Sickamore's three times LOUDER, naming Brooklyn R&B artist Laila! as the flagship artist, Music Business Worldwide reported. In August 2026, Warner Records appointed Jeff Sosnow as president of Reprise, Billboard reported. In September 2026, Warner Music launched Warner Records Germany in Berlin, appointing Lea Londa as director, Music Business Worldwide reported.

Crime & Punishment Records' Early 2027 Launch

The Los Angeles Times reported that Crime & Punishment Records is launching in early 2027 with the debut by Elle Bramhall.