Born from the shared belief of founders Cliff Simms and Tracy Cunliffe that music should be driven by artistry, not algorithms, Stone Rolla Media began in 2020. "We wanted to build something that placed creativity over consumerism," says Simms, reflecting on the company's origins during the pandemic. "It's about making space for great songs and the people who write them, instead of just chasing the next trend."
With offices in London and Los Angeles, the boutique publisher represents a diverse roster of songwriters, bands, producers, and composers across the indie rock and alternative genres. The company provides global publishing administration, sync licensing, and placement opportunities spanning commercials, television, film, and gaming.
Simms began his career at a well-known music publishing company in London in 2001. Stone Rolla was born out of frustration with what he calls an increasingly "transactional" creative landscape. "We always wanted to slow things down and focus on craftsmanship, the art of the song," Simms says.
The partnership between the co-founders has spanned more than two decades, an enduring collaboration that grounds the company's philosophy. Their shared experience across publishing, production, and artist development gives Stone Rolla its identity, one built on mentorship and meaningful relationships rather than volume.
Every artist signed to Stone Rolla's roster enters a customized deal, typically three to five years in length, designed to reflect their career stage, achievements, and social reach. Yet what defines the company is the collaboration instead of the contract. Artists receive individualized guidance, mentorship, and exposure through co-writing sessions, international song camps, and collaborations with other publishers and producers.
Simms describes the process as both developmental and opportunity-driven. "A songwriter can have incredible talent, but if no one hears their work, they will never break through," he says. "Sometimes our job is to create the opportunity that doesn't yet exist, by pairing emerging writers with established ones or pushing songs toward the right projects."
This hands-on approach has become Stone Rolla's hallmark. The team's boutique scale allows them to work directly with every client. "With us, every writer knows their emails will be answered, their songs will be pitched, and their progress will be tracked," Simms says.
According to Simms, Stone Rolla focuses on sync licensing, which can allow their music to be featured in well-known global productions, such as television dramas, feature films, and major brand campaigns. However, the company prefers to let the quality of their work speak for itself rather than naming specific partners. The result is exposure that amplifies visibility without compromising authenticity.
Beneath the business operations lies a deeper purpose: a belief in artistry as a long game. "We are trying to build careers that last," Simms says. That ethos informs everything from the company's talent-scouting process to its commitment to creative integrity.
Looking ahead, Stone Rolla plans to expand beyond its indie-rock roots into the top 100 songwriter and producer arena by 2026, while continuing to nurture independent voices. The goal, Simms says, is to bridge indie creativity with mainstream opportunity, without losing the sense of authenticity that defines the brand.
For a company that began during the pandemic, Stone Rolla Media has built its foundation on trust, mentorship, and genuine artistry. Its founders remain committed to a guiding principle that music, first and foremost, should move people, not just markets.
