Signed: Freddie Gibbs Goes AWAL; Madison Beer Inks With WME
Written by djfrosty on November 12, 2024
Rapper Freddie Gibbs signed with AWAL. The announcement coincided with the surprise release of Gibbs’ long-awaited album, You Only Die 1nce, which dropped Nov. 1. AWAL senior vp/head of urban music Norva Denton previously attempted to sign Gibbs twice before finally partnering with him at his former label, Warner Records. Denton went on to executive produce Gibbs’ 2022 album, $oul $old $eparately, alongside Gibbs and Gibbs’ manager/partner Ben “Lambo” Lambert. “Happy to be where they want me…I feel Celebrated,” said Gibbs in a statement. “I’m Awal Shawty! I love the freedom… We’re able to create at our own pace and it feels good at this stage in my career.”
Madison Beer (“Make You Mine,” “15 Minutes”) signed with WME for global representation. The singer-songwriter recently finished her The Spinnin Tour, which hit 63 venues on multiple continents. She continues to be managed by Tina Kennedy at Full Stop, with legal representation by Kenny Meiselas at Grubman, Shire, Meiselas & Sacks.
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Vocalist/producer/writer Oliver Tree (“Life Goes On,” “Alien Boy”) also signed with WME. According to a press release, Tree has garnered more than 2 billion streams across major platforms. His third studio album, Alone In a Crowd, was released in September 2023. He continues to be managed by Dan Awad and Paul Donatelli at Good Luck Have Fun, with legal representation by Nicky Stein.
Hard rock band Saliva signed with Judge & Jury Records, the label founded by producer Howard Benson and Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace. The first release under the deal is the new single “Time Bomb.” Saliva is managed by Frank Mastalerz, Dino Kourelis and Bob Hathaway at FM Music Management and booked by Ian “Newy” Koletsis at Sound Talent Group and Spencer Zubrow at Pinnacle Entertainment.
Also signing to Judge & Jury Records was L.A. metal band Butcher Babies, coinciding with the release of its new single, “Sincerity.” The band is managed by Zachry Yoshioka at Powerline and booked by Jim Sennett and JJ Cassiere (North America) and Ian Fintak (rest of the world) at 33 and West.
Tunde Adebimpe, the frontman for TV on the Radio, signed a solo recording deal with Sub Pop and released the new single “Magnetic,” his solo debut. Adebimpe’s solo debut album is slated for release next year.
“Country-infused” sister quartet The BoykinZ signed to Quality Control Music, marking the indie label’s first country music signing. The group’s latest single, “Fell in Love With a Cowboy,” will be released on Friday (Nov. 15). The BoykinZ is managed by Craig King at Gentle King Group.
Singer-songwriter Ali Sethi (“Pasoori”) signed an exclusive global distribution deal with The Orchard for his label Zubberdust Media. Sethi plans to release new music later this year and into 2025. He’s managed by Aroop Sanakkayala at Roopster Entertainment.
Egyptian artist Amr Diab signed an exclusive partnership with Sony Music Entertainment Middle East. The multi-album deal includes the acquisition of Diab’s music catalog, including popular tracks like “Inta El Haz,” “Zay Manty” and “Ya Ana Ya La.”
Warner Music Nashville signed Texas native Braxton Keith to its roster. Keith just released the song “Fall This Way” from his upcoming EP Blue, out Dec. 6. Keith is managed by Alex Torrez and Emily Vincent at Torrez Music Group and booked by Andrew McWilliams at Evergreen Artist Group. – Jessica Nicholson
ONErpm signed Nashville-based artist Tyler Rich, who has notched RIAA-certified gold singles “The Difference” and “Leave Her Wild.” ONErpm will release the first single from Rich’s sophomore full-length album this fall. – Jessica Nicholson
Indonesian R&B duo Galdive signed with Mom+Pop Music and released the first single under the new deal, “Night Charade.” More music will be released soon.
Wynn Williams signed with CAA for exclusive booking representation. Texas native Williams, known for songs including “Country Therapy,” is signed with GCE Records and has opened shows for Randall King, Aaron Watson, Cody Johnson and others. – Jessica Nicholson
Japanese-British artist, model and influencer Hana Kuro signed a global production/management deal with Handcraft Entertainment, marking the second major signing for the J-pop-focused company following Anna Aya earlier this year.