About
What is Madcap Records?
A Modern-Day "Brill Building"
Madcap Music Group is an independent record label and production company in Northern California, founded by former major-label executive and producer Kelly Rutledge. Built on decades of industry experience, Madcap combines traditional artist development with a modern, independent approach to releasing music.
We believe great records start with great songs. In an industry increasingly driven by algorithms and AI, Madcap remains committed to authentic storytelling and real recordings. Our singles-first strategy enables fast execution without compromising quality.
Madcap integrates label services, publishing, production coordination, and artist development under one roof. Based in Northern California, we pair classic recording techniques with emerging technology like Sony 360 Reality Audio.
About the founder
Madcap Music Group was founded by Kelly Rutledge, a major-label A&R executive, producer, engineer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. She began her career as a studio engineer at The Village in Los Angeles, working alongside top producers and engineers.
She moved to Virgin Records as an A&R executive, mentored by Ron Fair in both production and executive operations. There, she helped develop emerging acts including Bastille and Grizfolk. She later joined Capitol Records, contributing to early A&R development for Maggie Rogers, alongside projects for Katy Perry and Cold War Kids, and served as an A&R consultant for Motown Records and APG/Atlantic.
Internationally, Rutledge worked in London's creative community at Tileyard, writing and producing across international song camps. She founded Madcap Music Group to consolidate nearly two decades of major-label, studio, and publishing experience into a single platform.