Syntax Creative is moving its headquarters from San Diego to Nashville, bringing the independent music distributor closer to many of its clients and industry partners.
The company has operated from Southern California throughout its development from a record label into a digital distribution and marketing business. Syntax Creative CEO Timothy J. Trudeau said Nashville had gradually become the more practical home for its next chapter.
“After 20 years of hearing people say, ‘That’s my favorite city,’ when they found out where I’m from, I finally get to move to my favorite city,” Trudeau said. “It’s time to think less about the weather and more about what would be best for our clients and our families.”
Trudeau has traveled to Nashville for business since 2001, sometimes making the trip twice in one month. Many of the company’s clients are based in and around Music City, while several digital platforms with which Syntax works maintain a presence there.
Operating outside Nashville once gave Syntax a useful distance from the traditional music business, but the physical separation became less practical as its roster and partnerships expanded.
The move will also reduce the amount of time Trudeau spends traveling away from his wife and four children.
“Moving to Tennessee allows me to be closer not only to our clients and partners, but more importantly, to my wife and four kids,” Trudeau said. “Less travel means more time at home with my family.”
Brandon Musser, Syntax Creative’s vice president of operations, said the relocation will make it easier to maintain relationships that have largely developed through calls, email and occasional meetings.
“We’ve had years of deep relationships with people that we only meet once in a while,” Musser said. “I’m looking forward to having closer proximity and the ability to meet more often. And on a personal note, it’ll be nice not to have to water my lawn.”
Nashville’s central location also gives Syntax easier access to clients and events throughout much of the country. The company said Tennessee’s lower cost of living was another factor in the decision.
For Trudeau, the move represents more than a change of office address. His family arrived in San Diego after previous generations pursued new opportunities of their own, and he said remaining there simply because it was familiar would run against that example.
“They had the guts to risk it all and make major moves,” Trudeau said. “Who am I to live off the fumes of their hard work without contributing my own effort to this cause?”
Syntax Creative represents more than 130 independent record labels and expects to complete its move to Tennessee in the coming weeks.