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label signings

Following her departure from longtime home Sony Music Nashville last year, Miranda Lambert has signed a new deal with Republic Records. Nashville’s Big Loud will provide country radio promotion and marketing efforts as part of its partnership with the Universal Music Group-owned label. 
As the first salvo in the new deal, Lambert will release the new track “Wranglers” on May 3. It will mark her first new music since the release of her 2022 album, Palomino. “’Wranglers’ is a tale of a woman taking her power back. I think we can all identify with the character in this song, because we have all had a time in our life that we needed to find a way to find our strength and also get a little revenge on someone that did us wrong or hurt us,” she said in a statement.  Lambert will likely premiere the song during the seven-time CMA female vocalist’s headlining Stagecoach Festival appearance this Saturday (April 27).

Lambert’s affiliation with Republic comes as the New York-based label has moved more into country music and further into its partnership with Big Loud; in March, Big Loud inked a multi-year distribution deal with Mercury Records/Republic for all of its acts. Previously, only releases by Big Loud acts Morgan Wallen, Lily Rose and Dylan Gossett had gone through the partnership. Notably, Gossett is signed to Big Loud Texas, an imprint Lambert and Jon Randall started last year through Big Loud. 

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“Being in Texas with Jon, recording where I cut my teeth as a young artist, felt like coming home. I thought about the women — and men — who’ve lived, loved and found power in my music, and I wanted to get back to the root of those spaces,” continued Lambert, who is managed by Marion Kraft. “Talking to [Republic founder/chairman Monte [Lipman], [Republic founder/vice chairman] Avery Lipman and the team at Republic, as well as [Big Loud CEO] Seth [England] and the Big Loud folks who are leaning in, everyone understood my desires and vision for this next era of my music. Aligning like that is empowering; it gives you a license to really chase it. Signing with Republic has inspired me to find the sweet spot for me and all the people like me. I can’t wait for everyone to hear ‘Wranglers,’ and the rest of this record.”  

“Miranda Lambert’s legacy as both a consummate storyteller and legendary performer speaks for itself. Her new music is spectacular and we are thrilled and honored to welcome her to Republic Records in partnership with Big Loud,” added Monte Lipman.

Lambert added that the move has been inspiring. “Having a new home has given me a hunger I didn’t realize I still had inside me,” she said. “This song feels like it could be on the same record as ‘Gunpowder & Lead’; it has that same fury. I can’t wait to get out there with this new label and this new music… Monte Lipman and his team fire me up!” 

“Gunpower & Lead,” featured on Lambert’s second album, 2007’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, became her first top 10 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. 

There’s no word on when Lambert will drop a new album, but Republic president/COO Jim Roppo said in a statement, “As she puts the final touches on her fantastic new body of work, it has all the hallmarks of her signature sound, yet she continues to push herself as a songwriter, producer and performer. We’re all at the beginning of a very special moment, and we’re grateful to be on this journey with her.”

Lambert, the most awarded artist by the Academy of Country Music Awards, recently wrapped her residency in Las Vegas and will be on the road through September, during which time she will headline several music festivals. 

Ice Spice signed with PPL for the collection of her neighboring rights royalties. The company, which also recently signed Lewis Capaldi, will collect royalties on the rapper’s behalf for the use of her music on radio, TV and in public spaces worldwide.
Singer-songwriter Dasha, who scored a breakthrough hit with “Austin” this year, signed with WME for global representation in all areas. The rising star also recently signed with Warner Records. She’s managed by Alex Lunt at Type A Management.

BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records artist Elvie Shane signed with WME for global representation in all areas. His agent team includes WME Nashville office co-head Becky Gardenhire along with Jon Folk, Doug Neff, Lance Alleman and Caleb Fenn, who will work alongside various agency departments for bookings in touring, brand partnerships, digital, TV and film. Shane is set to release his newest album, Damascus, on April 19. – Jessica Nicholson (652k)

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Afro-dancehall artist Stonebwoy signed a global distribution and label services deal with ADA Worldwide, through which he released his latest single, “Ekelebe.” The agreement also includes the Nigerian rapper’s sixth studio album, which is slated for release later this year. He’s managed by Casey Kobia at KVO Talent.

Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana signed a global recording deal with Warner Music India, with the first release under the agreement expected to drop next month.

Independent singer-songwriter and producer yaeow (a.k.a. Lars Haggstrom) signed a global licensing deal with AWAL for his catalog and 10 upcoming songs. His first single under the agreeement, “still that kid (deep down),” will be released on May 2, with his debut album to follow.

Atlantic Records/Anemoia Records signed Bossa, a 17-year-old artist from Palm Springs, Calif., who spans various genres including hip-hop and dance. The labels will release his new single, “Go Crazy,” on Friday (April 19). He’s managed by Jen Park and Kirsten VanHoose.

Mexican indie artist Girl Ultra (a.k.a. Mariana de Miguel) signed with Ninja Tune imprint Big Dada, “a label run by Black, POC & minority ethnic people for Black, POC & minority ethnic artists,” according to a press release. Her first single on the label is “rimel.”

Echos, the artist project of Alexandra Norton, signed with Outlast Records, with the single “CAROUSEL” marking the first drop under the deal. She’s managed by Derek Brewer at Shelter Music Group.

Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment (formerly BMLG Records) signed Noah Hicks via a joint venture with Red Creative Records. The Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment roster also includes Riley Green, Chris Janson, Brett Young, Lady A and Greylan James. Georgia native Hicks earned a viral hit on TikTok with “I Can Tell You’re Small Town,” followed by “Dirt on It.” He’s represented by Red Light Management and WME. – Jessica Nicholson

North London producer, DJ, composer and multi-instrumentalist Jasper Tygner signed with Ninja Tune via its imprint Technicolour, which released his latest single, “Before Me.” He’s managed by Tom Aldridge at Salt Music and booked by Evan Greenberg at CAA.

The Felice Brothers signed to Million Stars, the label started by Conor Oberst; it will release the band’s new album, Valley of Abandoned Songs, on June 27. The band is booked by Eric Dimenstein at Ground Control Touring in North America and David Hughes at the Free Trade Agency for Europe and the United Kingdom.

Country singer Payton Smith signed with The Familie for management. The signing coincided with the release of his new EP, Up From Here, on Combustion Music. He’s booked by WME.

ONErpm Nashville signed singer-songwriter and American Idol alum Britnee Kellogg and released her new song, “Hell in a Handbag.” Kellogg is booked by The Kinkead Entertainment Agency in Nashville. – Jessica Nicholson

Country newcomer Timmy McKeever signed with Droptine Recordings, which released his new single, “Bullet Proof,” on April 5.

R&B artist Ariel signed with Mello Music Group. The label released her latest single, “Something Amazing,” on Thursday (April 11).

Provident Entertainment, a division of Sony Entertainment, signed The Voice season 22 finalist bodie. For his first single, the Los Angeles native released a cover of Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude,” which he performed on the season finale of The Voice. Provident Entertainment’s roster also includes Kirk Franklin, Lake, CAIN, Zach Williams and Casting Crowns. – Jessica Nichlson

Chicago band Babe Report signed with Exploding in Sound, which will release the band’s debut album, Did You Get Better, on May 31.

Lewis Capaldi signed with U.K.-based music licensing company PPL for international neighboring rights royalty collections. The company will collect royalties for the use of Capaldi’s music on radio, TV and in public spaces globally. Capaldi is managed by Ryan Walter at Interlude Artists.
Lil Mosey (“Blueberry Faygo”) and his label, Love U Forever, signed a global distribution partnership with Cinq Music ahead of his currently untitled EP to be released this spring. The first single from the EP, “Life Goes On,” debuted on March 22.

“Wine into Whiskey” singer Tucker Wetmore inked a deal with WME for global booking representation. Wetmore, who moved to Nashville in 2020, signed a publishing deal in 2023 with Rakiyah Marshall‘s Back Blocks Music. He follows “Wine into Whiskey” with his new release, “Wind Up Missin’ You.” – Jessica Nicholson

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Mexican singer-songwriter Beto Vega signed with Downtown Artist & Label Services. In addition to global distribution and marketing, Vega (“Me Dicen Nini” with Markitos Toys) will also take advantage of the company’s catalog management and full-service campaigns for future releases, including his upcoming track, “Los Brothers” with Edgardo Nuñez. Vega is booked by Luis Del Villar at Gerencia 360.

Pop/R&B singer-songwriter CIL signed with The Familie for management. The 21-year-old Fort Collins, Colo., native was recently signed to Warner Records by the label’s CEO, Aaron Bay-Schuck.

Turkish-Italian DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist Carlita signed with Ninja Tune via its imprint Counter Records, which released her latest single, “Time.” She is booked and managed by Alberto Bragado.

Ukrainian band Okean Elzy signed with Warner Music, which will release the group’s first entirely-English album globally, including in the United States, where Elektra will handle distribution. The band is preparing for a series of charity gigs for its Help for Ukraine Tour, with shows slated in Ukraine and other European countries including Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany and Poland. The group is represented by manager Joel Mark at 9122 Management and Brian Cohen and Joe Friel at WME for booking.

Shaznay Lewis, formerly a member of U.K. group All Saints, partnered with Absolute Label Services for the release of her first solo album in 20 years. Titled Pages, the album is set for release on May 17. Lewis is represented by Wayne Russell at Massive Management and Solomon Parker at Wasserman for booking.

Hip-hop/R&B artist (and actual gas station owner) WRKINSILENCE signed a distribution and licensing deal with 10K Projects, which will release his debut EP later this year. He is managed by Lauren Fukawa.

Alt pop-rock artist Zoe Ko signed to Big Loud Rock, an imprint of Big Loud Records, in partnership with producer and songwriter management company, publisher, record label and A&R consulting company Double Down 11. She is managed by Ava Solomon at NXTWAVE.

Melbourne, Australia-based vocalist, lyricist and producer Vetta Borne signed with [PIAS] Australia, which put out her latest track, “40-40.”

Americana singer-songwriter Cassandra Lewis signed to Elektra/Low Country Sound, which will release her forthcoming major label debut album, Lost in a Dream, later this year. She’s managed by Mark Cunningham at Red Light.

Country singer Kanaan Brock signed to 10th Street Entertainment for management. His debut single, “Sinner and Saint,” is out now.

M Music & Entertainment Group and Freddie Records signed up-and-coming norteño artist Nathan Acosta. The record deal comes ahead of his upcoming debut single, titled “Solo” and penned by Jesse Turner (of Grupo Siggno), which is set for release on April 19. Born in San Antonio, Tex., Acosta is a singer-songwriter and accordion player who was most recently on tour with Grupo Siggno and Jennifer Peña across the United States and Mexico. “This is an absolute dream come true for me,” Acosta said in a statement. “Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of being able to record and play music in front of big crowds.” – Griselda Flores

Nelly signed with WME for global representation. The rapper and singer’s most recent album, Heartland, was released in 2021 and peaked at No. 7 on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart, while the single “Lil Bit” featuring Florida Georgia Line remained at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Digital Song Sales chart for three weeks. Signed to RECORDS (Sony Music), Nelly also recently launched MoShine, a moonshine brand.
Symphonic metal band Nightwish renewed its contract with Nuclear Blast, reaching a new global multi-album deal with the label that it first signed with 20 years ago. The label also announced that it signed American death metal band Gatecreeper, which will release its third album, Dark Superstition, on the Nuclear Blast on May 17. Gatecreeper is represented by managers James Vitalo and James Grottola at Gold Theory Artists and booking agent Merrick Jarmulowicz at Ground Control Touring.

Play It Again Sam, an imprint of the [PIAS] label group, will release Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds‘ forthcoming album under a global license, in partnership with Cave’s label, Bad Seed. Titled Wild God, the album is slated for release on Aug. 30.

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Activist Artists Management signed folk-pop singer-songwriter Weyes Blood for management. She will be represented by Activist founding partners Bernie Cahill and Matt Maher, along with Activist senior director of A&R/creative Anna Kolander and head of global marketing Chris Ruff. Weyes Blood’s most recent album, And In the Darkness, Hearts Aglow, reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s Heatseekers Albums chart. She has performed at festivals including Coachella and Pitchfork and toured throughout the United States, Europe and Australia.

Indie-electronic pop group Metronomy signed with Ninja Tune, which released the band’s latest single, “Nice Town.” It marks the first release from the band’s upcoming Posse EP Volume 1 follow-up.

UTA signed country band Ole 60 for global representation in all areas. The group will continue being represented by Davis Danziger, Wales Toney and Ty Little at Whale Tale Management and lawyer Matt Cottingham. Coming up, Ole 60 is slated to support Dylan Gossett and Charles Wesley Godwin on their upcoming tours and will play the Grind City Music Festival in Memphis.

New York band Wild Pink signed with Fire Talk Records, which released the group’s label debut, the single “Air Drumming Fix You,” on Mar. 7. The group is booked by Ryan Farlow at Arrival Artists (North America) and Joren Heuvels at Hometown Talent (United Kingdom, EU and Asia) and managed by Joseph Marro at Lesser Matters. The band has a publishing deal with Downtown.

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Abbey Cone signed with Downtown Artist & Label Services for distribution. Her first release under the Downtown banner is a live cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” Cone’s team also includes Amanda Quinton of Quinton Digital for management, Wasserman Group for booking and Warner Chappell Music/T.R.U.T.H. for publishing.

Veteran British singer-songwriter Dave Mason signed an exclusive management deal with Red Light in Atlanta. His team at the firm consists of Charlie Brusoc and Nick Manarino, which will work with Mason on his forthcoming music releases as well as the release of his memoir, which is slated for release this summer. He’s booked by Alec Vidmar and Darius Sabet at UTA.

Philadelphia artist Julia Pratt signed to RECORDS (Sony Music), which released her latest single, “Carolina,” last week in advance of a new EP. Pratt is managed by Doug Neumann and Josh Roth at Standards Music and booked by Seth Rappaport at Paladin Artists.

Singer-songwriter Alli Walker signed with RECORDS Nashville. To celebrate the partnership, Walker has released the track “I Like Big Trucks,” adding a country flavor to the 1990s Sir Mix-a-Lot hit “Baby Got Back.” Josh Easler, executive vp of promotion & commercial strategy for RECORDS Nashville, says, “The RECORDS Nashville team is always looking for artistry that stands out, and Alli Walker does just that. We are excited to get started amplifying what she is already having success with.” – Jessica Nicholson

Nashville punk band Winona Fighter, fronted by Chloe Kinnon, signed with Rise Records and shared a new single and music video, “I’m in the Market to Please No One.” More new music is slated for release this year. The band is booked by Justin Edwards at WME and managed by Michael Iurato at In De Goot Entertainment.

Country artist Dusty Black signed with Brown Sellers Brown and Stone Country Records for management and label representation, respectively. Black was formerly the CEO of Black Tie Moving before making the transition to artist.

ADA Japan signed a deal to distribute, promote and market Japanese-language songs by the Korean boy group One Pact via its South Korean label and entertainment agency, Armada Entertainment. Jump-starting the partnership was ADA’s release of One Pact’s debut local single, “Must Be Nice.” The band came to prominence after appearing on the Korean TV music audition series Boys Planet and the rap battle show High School Rapper 4.

MaKenzie signed with Warner Records, which released her new single, “Maybe” featuring TA Thomas, on Friday (Mar. 15). The R&B artist is managed by Tarek “Terk” Stevens at Terk Entertainment Group and attorney Donald Woodard at Carter + Woodard. Also at Warner Records, alt-rocker Willy Cobb signed with the label’s War Buddha Records imprint, which released his debut single, “Cigarette Smell,” on Friday (Mar. 15). Cobb is managed by Neil Mason at Red Light.

How to Dress Well (a.k.a. Tom Krell) signed with Sargent House for the release of his forthcoming album, I Am Toward You, which is set to drop May 10. He is managed by Shaun MacDonald at Codex Management.

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville signed Alison Nichols, who earned a viral TikTok hit with her debut release, “is it just me?”, followed by her latest release, “HOOPS.” Nichols, who is of Asian-American heritage, grew up in Georgia and gleans influence from the Texas country music scene. – Jessica Nicholson

British-Chinese sibling duo Esme Emerson (Esme and Emerson Lee-Scott) signed with Communion Records and released its new single, “Please,” on the label, with an EP due later this year. The duo is booked by rowan@infinitefuture.co.uk.

Musician and social media influencer Peet Montzingo signed a management deal with Do Less. The signing coincided with the release of his HARV-produced debut single, “Party With a Weirdo,” on Friday (Mar. 15) through Vydia.

Punk band Gloom Girl MFG signed with R+D Artist Group for management ahead of the release of its Cage the Elephant-produced EP, POLYCRISIS. Additionally, the group recently signed with Reliant Talent Agency for booking. Gloom Girl MFG is signed to Los Angeles-based label Signs From the Universe.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne has signed with Monument Records and will now be managed by Little Big Town‘s Karen Fairchild, who is stepping into music management.
Led by co-presidents Shane McAnally and Jason Owen as well as general manager Katie McCartney, Monument will reissue Lynne’s 1999 album, I Am Shelby Lynne, on Apr. 5 in honor of its 25th anniversary, with a limited-edition vinyl release slated for the summer.

Meanwhile, Lynne is also working on her new studio album with Fairchild, fellow singer-songwriter Ashley Monroe and producer/engineer/mixer Gena Johnson (Ashley McBryde‘s Lindeville, Chris Stapleton‘s Starting Over).

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Lynne, who moved back to Nashville in 2018, said in a statement, “It’s good to be back in Nashville. Being back in this city has lit me up. I’ve come full circle and I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.”

Since issuing her 1989 debut album, Sunrise, Lynne has traversed genres including country, rock and pop with her music. In the early 1990s, several of her songs, including “Things Are Tough All Over,” cracked the top 30 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart, while her sixth studio album, 1999’s I Am Shelby Lynne, featured the top 20 Billboard Triple A chart hit “Gotta Get Back.” The album also led to Lynne winning best new artist at the 43rd annual Grammy Awards. She has also picked up honors including the ACM Awards’ top new female vocalist accolade. Additionally, she has been featured in movies and TV shows including Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line.

In addition to Little Big Town, Fairchild has written songs recorded by Kelsea Ballerini and Anne Wilson. In a way, Lynne’s signing to Monument Records marks a full-circle moment for Fairchild as well, as Little Big Town’s 2002 self-titled debut album was released on the label (the group has been with Capitol Nashville since 2008).

McAnally said in a statement, “Artists like Shelby Lynne come once in a lifetime. Her impact on artists and fans alike, including me, has been deep and wide. I’m so proud to be a part of bringing her artistry back to the forefront with new music.”

Fairchild added, “It feels important to reintroduce Shelby Lynne’s genius to a fresh wave of artists and fans. I’m blown away by her profound knowledge of music and the enormity of her talent. Shelby’s uniqueness lies in her extraordinary capacity to delve into human pain and beauty through her powerful voice and storytelling.”

Capitol Records Nashville artist Jon Pardi (“Head Over Boots,” “Heartache on the Dance Floor”) signed with WME and will be represented by multiple departments across the agency, including touring, brand partnerships, TV, film and digital. Pardi is managed by Red Light Management’s Gaines Sturdivant and C3 Management’s Charlie Walker. – Jessica Nicholson
British rock band Sleep Token signed with RCA Records. The group is an anonymous, masked collective led by a singer who goes by the name Vessel. Sleep Token is represented by manager Ryan Richards at Future History Management; booking agent Nick Storch at Independent Artist Group for North and South America; and booking agent Paul Ryan at UTA for the rest of the world. It was previously signed to Spinefarm/Universal.

Australian band Crowded House signed a global record deal with BMG for its upcoming eighth studio album, Gravity Stairs, which is slated for release on May 31.

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Bluegrass singer-songwriter Wyatt Ellis signed with WME for global representation. Ellis, who recently released his debut album Happy Valley, is represented by Red Light Management’s Neil Mason and Tom Lord, with Morris Public Relations/Alison Auerbach P.R. overseeing public relations/artist development. The Andrea Roberts Agency is handling radio promotion. “Blue Smoke” feat. Marty Stuart, a song from Happy Valley, was recently in the top spot on Spotify’s New Grass Playlist. – Jessica Nicholson

WME also signed musician and comedian Morgan Jay, whose TV credits include MTV’s Wild’n’Out, Peacock’s Girls5Eva, NBC’s Bring the Funny and Night Court. Jay boasts nearly 3 million TikTok followers and will soon announce a global tour, in addition to already-scheduled dates. He will next be seen in Comedy Central’s Stand-Up Featuring special and the Netflix Is a Joke Festival. He’s managed by Matt Sadeghian of Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Josh Sandler of Granderson Des Rochers.

Digital music company Believe launched PLAYCODE, a new imprint dedicated to the Japanese hip-hop scene, and signed three artists: ¥ellow Bucks, Red Eye and Issei Uno Fifth. This marks Believe’s latest expansion in Japan after launching operations in the country in October.

Melbourne, Australia-based band Glass Beams signed to Ninja Tune ahead of the release of its new EP, Mahal, which is set for release on Mar. 22. The band’s booking representatives are Wasserman agents Brad Owen and Tom Windish in North and South America and Wasserman’s Michael Harvey-Bray for the rest of the world, excluding Australia and New Zealand, where the group is repped by James Ware at WAT artists.

Alt-rock band Dexter and the Moonrocks signed with Nashville-based Severance Records, a division of Big Loud Rock. Its first single on the label, “She Likes Girls,” was released Wednesday (Feb. 14). the band is represented by Mike Krug at WME and manager Chris Schoemann at Lion’s Claw Entertainment.

Rapper and singer-songwriter TK Kravitz (“Ocean”) signed with MNRK Music Group for management. Currently without a label, Kravitz is also represented by VA Premiere Booking out of Atlanta.

MNRK also signed Cleveland-based alternative metal band A Killer’s Confession to its MNRK Heavy imprint globally. “Greed,” the first single under the deal, will be released on Mar. 15, with an album slated for fall. The band is represented by booking agent Andrew Goodfriend at TKO.

French-born singer, model, dancer and actor Lucky Love signed with UTA for live representation worldwide, excluding France. Love released his debut EP, TENDRESSE, in April 2023; he is signed to Belem Music.

Country singer-songwriter Jenna Paulette signed with indie label Leo33. Her debut album, The Girl I Was, was released in March 2023.

Sugar Pit, the rock project of Carbondale, Ill.-based artist Kian Stevens-Winston, signed with Atlantic/Good Luck Have Fun. His debut single on the labels, “Pay Me,” releases on Wednesday (Feb. 21).

Country singer-songwriter Carson Wallace signed with Red Light Management, where he will be represented by Enzo DeVincenzo and Anthony DeVincenzo. Wallace also recently signed a global publishing deal with Relative Music Group in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

UTA signed Nasvhille-based country singer-songwriter Ian Harrison, a contestant on season 22 of NBC’s The Voice, for global representation in all areas. Harrison is managed by Zach Beebe at OTR Management and Laurel Kittleson-Cobb at Rainier Entertainment. He currently has no label.

Singer and actress Freya Skye signed with Hollywood Records, a division of Disney Music Group, as well as Disney Music Publishing as a songwriter. Skye, who will next appear in the fourth installment of Disney’s Zombies film franchise, previously represented the United Kingdom in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest with the single “Lose My Head.” She will soon record her debut album. Skye is represented by Link Entertainment.

Singer-songwriter Jenna LaMaster signed a management deal with Maverick Nashville. She previously signed to Sheltered Music for publishing. Her representative at Maverick Nashville is Marne McLyman.

WHY&HOW partnered with Audio Up and Audio Chateau Records to manage Uncle Drank, the fictional character created by Audio Up founder Jared Gutstadt and voiced by Will Sasso. The character was first created for the hit Uncle Drank podcast, on which he was voiced by Sasso. Uncle Drank will release a debut album titled Eternal Sunshine of the Tropical Mind via Audio Chateau and Virgin in June, to be followed by a tour. “In the spirit of Spinal Tap and Cheech and Chong, the album will thrill music aficionados and comedy nerds alike with plenty of beer, babes, bananas, boats, bong hits and most importantly beaches,” reads a press release.

Production, label, artist management and publishing company Handcraft Entertainment partnered with long-running Japanese label and entertainment conglomerate B Zone Japan, which signed Handcraft artist Anna Aya. Her debut single, “Someone Else,” was produced by Louis Bell and Michael Africk. The single was distributed by Virgin Music globally, with the exception of Japan. Aya is also a model who has worked with Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Fendi and Louis Vuitton and appeared in numerous advertising campaigns.

Kelsea Ballerini has renewed her deal with her longtime label, Black River Entertainment. Ballerini first signed with Black River in 2013; over the ensuing decade, she has earned five No. 1 hits on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, including “Legends,” “Love Me Like You Mean It” and the Kenny Chesney collaboration “Half of My Hometown.” Variety […]

Oscar-nominated actor Kate Hudson has signed with Virgin Music Group for her recorded music debut. The first single under the deal, “Talk About Love” — co-written by Hudson with Linda Perry and Danny Fujikawa — was released on Tuesday (Jan. 30). Hudson is managed by Jason Owen and Jake Basen at Sandbox Entertainment Group.
33 & West Talent Agency is expanding its music roster. In a signing spree, the company has announced the addition of rapper Dharius, rap group La Santa Grifa and hip-hop artist Charles Ans. According to the company, the addition of the three Mexican acts “reinforces the agency’s existing Latin music roster and further signifies 33 & West’s commitment to diversity, aligning with the growing influence and the overdue recognition of Latin artists in the United States.” – Griselda Flores

Zerb has signed with UTA for global representation outside his native Brazil. The DJ is managed by Gabriel Tofoli at Salt N Pepper Management and signed to Th3rd Brain Records with distribution by FUGA.

ADA UK has signed emerging U.K. rapper Nemzzz to an album deal. The company has also signed a deal with Dutch EDM DJ Chuckie and his Voltage label. Nemzzz is booked by Craig D’Souza at WME. Chuckie is represented by managers Sergio Bienati and Kevin Harris at Club Class as well as booking agents Simon Halliwell and Aaron Cook at Active Talent Agency (Europe and Asia); Charlie Irwin at Spin Artist Agency (United States); and Sophie van Deventer at Storm Agency (Benelux).

German American indie-pop artist Noah “NoMBe” McBeth has signed a global record deal with Position Music. His first single with the company, “Space for Two,” is slated for release on Friday (Feb. 9). NoMBe is managed by Eric Vogel and James Hadid at JET Management and booked by Alex Becket and Mike Mori at CAA. He is also signed to Position for publishing.

Nettwerk has signed L.A.-based indie-pop artist renforshort and L.A.-based singer-songwriter Rose Betts. Renforshort’s first release on the label will be “serpentine” and Betts’ will be “War,” with both tracks set to drop on Friday (Feb. 9). Renforshort is represented by Riley Kirkwood at CAMP Management and agents Zac Bluestone and Tom Windish at Wasserman. Betts is represented by Jeremy Skaller, Jared Cotter and Madison Bickel at The Heavy Group and agents David Zedick, Alana Gitt and Akhil Hegde at UTA.

Phil Vassar has signed with agents Nick Meinema and Travis James at Action Entertainment Collaborative for global booking representation. Vassar is kicking off his 2024 tour on Feb. 29 in Savery, Wyo. He is managed by Amy Millslagle; his label is American Soul.

Baton Rouge, La.-based singer-songwriter Odie Leigh has signed with Mom + Pop, which released her new song, “No Doubt,” on Jan. 25. Leigh is represented by manager Eric Jones at Homestead Artists and booked by Wasserman’s Yitzi Peetluk and Lindsay McDowell in North America, and by the agency’s Rob Challice and Laura Flynn in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Athens, Ga.-based indie rock band Futurebirds has signed a global recording deal with Dualtone Records, a MNRK Music Group company. A new album is slated for release later this year. The band is represented by Dawson Morris at GT Music Group and Jon Prine at Wasserman.

Nashville-based management company Big Al Management, led by founder/CEO Alex Evelyn, has signed CMT Next Women of Country alum Camille Parker to its roster. Parker recently released her debut EP and was featured on Apple TV’s original series My Kind of Country. – Jessica Nicholson

Page 1 Management has signed Nashville-based songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Evan Cline and L.A.-based artist/songwriter/producer Sayak Das to its roster; both will be represented by Nina Musolino out of Nashville. Das is slated to release new music this year.

Country singer-songwriter Auburn McCormick has signed with the newly launched, Nashville-based label Rose & Thorn Records, founded by Connor Rankin and co-founded by Jared Scott.

Rock band Shinedown has expanded its deal with WME by signing a global deal with the agency, which previously represented the band in the United States and Canada only.
“The touring industry is ever evolving, and live music and performance means everything to us. I have said it before, and I will say it again… Shinedown only has one boss, it just happens to be everyone in the audience,” said Shinedown vocalist Brent Smith in a statement. “We have been working with Ron Opaleski at WME in the United States and Canada for many years. We feel now is the time to take our partnership global. We are extremely honored and excited to be working with Lucy Dickins and her international team at WME. We are fully focused on the future and we are ready to go!!!”

Earlier this month, Shinedown extended its record for the most No. 1s in the history of Billboard‘s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart when it again hit the peak with “A Symptom of Being Human,” the band’s 19th leader on the tally. Its most recent album, Planet Zero (Atlantic Records), debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 in July 2022, marking the group’s fifth top 10 album.

Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Alex G has signed with RCA Records. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of Alex G’s 2024 North American tour, which kicks off June 7 at New York’s Governors Ball; he’s also slated to support Foo Fighters on select dates of the band’s Everything or Nothing At All U.S. stadium tour. Alex G is managed by Tyler Richman at weekday and booked in North and South America by Greg Horbal at Wasserman Music; Matt Pickering-Copley at Primary Talent International books him for the rest of the world.

Sixpence None the Richer (“Kiss Me”) has signed with Deep South Entertainment for management after reuniting for the first time in 12 years. The news arrived with the announcement that the band’s hit 1997 self-titled album will be re-released on vinyl by Curb Records.

MNRK Music Group has signed Indian singer-songwriter Guru Randhawa for management in partnership with Randhawa’s Mumbai, India-based management firm Exceed Entertainment. Randhawa is represented by CAA for booking; his label is T-Series.

Canadian reggae-fusion band MAGIC! has signed with ONErpm, which will release all of the group’s future projects globally. The group’s first release on ONErpm is the track “Good Feeling About You,” which will appear on the band’s forthcoming album, Inner Love Energy, slated for release later this year. MAGIC! is booked by Seth Rappaport at Paladin Artists.

Norteño group Código FN has signed a management deal with Gorge Prajin‘s Prajin Parlay, the management company home to Peso Pluma, Santa Fe Klan and Jasiel Nuñez, among others. Prajin Parlay works in partnership with Peso Pluma’s record label, Double P Records. The five-member group — composed of Ernesto Tito León, Danny León, Ramiro Luna, Martín Parra and Manuel Villalpando — blends tumbado and bachata styles into the traditional accordion-powered norteño sound. – Griselda Flores

Verve Label Group has announced two new signings: indie singer-songwriter Phosphorescent (aka Matthew Huock) to Verve Records and experimental jazz-punk trio The Messthetics to Impulse! Records. Verve Records will release Phosphorescent’s upcoming album, Revelator, on Apr. 15, preceded by the title track on Jan. 24. Impulse! will release Messthetics’ new song, “Emergence,” on Jan. 24, and their upcoming album on Mar. 15. Phosphorescent is represented by manager Nick Stern and booked by CAA. The Messthetics is booked by Timmy Hefner at Ground Control Touring.

Regional Mexican newcomer Los Esquivel has signed a management deal with WK NXT, a division under WK Entertainment spearheaded by Chris Duque and Renato Francis. The new partnership includes co-management and worldwide bookings with Seitrack and an exclusive deal with Zamora Live for U.S. bookings. Most recently, Los Esquivel — composed of brothers Sebastian and Eugenio Esquivel — scored its first entry on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart with “Alucin,” a collaboration with Marca Registrada, which landed at No. 49 on the tally dated Jan. 27. – Griselda Flores

James Vincent McMorrow has signed a label deal with Nettwerk. The news arrived alongside the announcement of his forthcoming single, “Stay Cool,” which will be released on Friday (Jan. 26). McMorrow is managed by Ken Allen and Michael Roe at Faction Music.

North African and Middle Eastern artist Mohamed Ramadan has signed a partnership with Wassim “Sal” Slaiby‘s music management company SALXCO in a deal that includes booking representation. The signing coincides with the announcement of “Akwaba,” Ramadan’s official anthem (alongside Magic System and Yemi Alade) for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations soccer competition. His label is Universal Arabic Music.

South African artist Maxwell Jardine, who performs as 9lives, has signed to PULSE Music Group, which released his latest single, “MULTIMILLIONAIRE” with Trippie Redd and Odetari, on Friday (Jan. 19). 9Lives is represented by manager Dan Woolston of Higher Ground MGMT and booking agents James Gosnell and Mitch Blackman at APA.

Singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi (“The Other Side.”) has signed with Warner Records, which released his latest single, “Scared to Start,” on Jan. 12. Marcagi is managed by Andrew Marcagi and Alex Brahl and represented by Joe Atamian and Geoff Meal at Wasserman for booking.

Grammy-nominated composer, songwriter and producer Stephan Moccio has signed with Decca/Republic Records under a joint agreement. On May 10, he will release a new album, Legends, Myths and Lavendar, with “The Wanderer” serving as its first single. In addition to his solo output, Moccio has collaborated with artists including Miley Cyrus, Céline Dion and The Weeknd.

Singer-songwriter Chase McDaniel signed to Big Machine Records, which will release his new EP, Blame It All on Country Music, on Friday (Jan. 26). McDaniel is represented by manager Kevin Spellman at Vector and booking agent Kevin Neal at WME.

R&B singer-songwriter Samaria signed to RCA Records, which released her new EP, Even Paradise Rains, on Jan. 12. She is represented by CAA for booking.

Country singer-songwriter Ashley Anne signed with WME for global booking representation. Her debut EP, dear dolly, was independently released on Friday (Jan. 19).

Bailee Madison — best known as an actor for her roles in films and TV shows including Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Just Go With It, The Strangers: Prey at Night and A Week Away — has signed with Jonas Group Entertainment’s Red Van Records ahead of the release of her upcoming song, “Kinda Fun,” […]