In 1994, Capitol Records announced the establishment of a new label, Metro Blue Records. Formed as a sister label to the legendary jazz label Blue Note Records, Metro Blue's focus has been on highly original contemporary pop artists. "As a vehicle for many different styles of music," Capitol Records President/CEO Gary Gersh said at the outset, "Metro Blue will give us the opportunity to expand Blue Note's horizons beyond straight-ahead jazz." Blue Note/Metro Blue President Bruce Lundvall added that his intention was to "build roster of highly gifted and visionary artists from all areas of the globe, who, by virtue of their originality and musicality, can achieve long-term careers. I believe this approach will establish the perfect pop adjunct to the quality jazz roster we have developed on Blue Note." In addition to providing a stateside home for established artists like Brazilian superstar Marisa Monte, Portugal's sensational Madredeus, the label has signed Miami-based singer/songwriter Nil Lara, Jamaican pop artist Andru Donalds, and most recently, Irish producer/composer Donal Lunny.