State Champ Radio label signings
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Range Media Partners signed Rita Ora and will represent the multi-hyphenate in all areas, including music, film/TV and endorsements. According to a press release, Ora has racked up more than 10 billion streams globally and scored four U.K. No. 1 singles. In the U.S., she reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a featured spot on Iggy Azalea’s 2014 hit “Black Widow.” Her most recent single is “Ask & You Shall Receive.” She also recently began her second season as a panelist on The Masked Singer and co-starred in the Disney+ original movie Descendants: Rise of Red. Ora is currently working on new music which is set for release early next year. She continues to be represented by CAA for film/TV, Wasserman for touring and Peter Paterno and Joe Carlone at KHPS Law.
BLACKPINK member Rosé signed a global deal with Atlantic Records, in management partnership with THEBLACKLABEL. As announced Tuesday (Oct. 1), Rosé will release her debut solo album, rosie, on Dec. 6. The singer first rose to worldwide fame as a member of the best-selling K-pop girl group. In 2021, her solo single “On the Ground” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts.
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Sony Music Latin signed emerging regional Mexican artist Oscar Ortiz, who has already penned songs for major acts in the genre, including his brothers Gerardo Ortiz and Kevin Ortiz. “At only 22 years old, Oscar has repeatedly demonstrated his extraordinary talent as a performer and composer, which positions him as one of the most promising voices in contemporary Mexican Music,” Alex Gallardo, president of Sony Music Latin, said in a statement. Earlier this year, Ortiz scored his first No. 1 on any Billboard chart thanks to “First Love,” his collaboration with Edgardo Nuñez, which landed atop the Regional Mexican Airplay ranking. “Reaching this point in my career was a very long process, but it was totally worth it,” Oscar added about his deal with Sony Music Latin. – Griselda Flores
Electronic artist Boris Brejcha signed with WME for global representation outside North America. In April, Brejcha released his ninth studio album, Level One, and in September dropped the single “Save My Soul” with Diplo. In 2015, he founded the music label Fckng Serious, which boasts Ann Clue, Deniz Bul, Frieder & Jakob, Julian Wasserman and Moritz Hofbauer on its roster. In 2022, he started a second label, Yellow Kitchen, that has put out music from artists including Prevision, shot by stanley, Visual Impact, concious, and Fifty Five.
Frontiers Label Group launched a new rock and alternative imprint called FLG and signed British rock band Skunk Anansie to its roster. Formed in 1994, the band scored two top 10 albums in the U.K. — 1995’s Paranoid & Sunburnt and 1996’s Stoosh, according to a press release. After releasing its third album, 1998’s Post Orgasmic Chill, the band went on hiatus in 2001 before reuniting in 2008 and releasing several more albums. Skunk Anansie has sold more than 5 million records globally, the release adds.
Nashville rock/blues artist Liam St. John signed with Group Projects, in partnership with Red Light, for management and with WME for booking. Group Projects partners Cooper Anstett and Anthony Manker will oversee St. John’s career for the firm, while Carrie Creasey will serve as his agent at WME. St. John released the EP Believer this summer.
BMG and Lucky Kid Syndrome partnered to sign emerging Shanghai-based singer, DJ, producer and songwriter Chace to a global record deal. The artist, who was the first Chinese DJ to perform at Tomorrowland, according to a press release, is slated to release a new single next month. “With the strong support from Chace’s established base in China, we are poised to successfully introduce Chace not only to the US but to audiences worldwide,” said BMG’s Dan Gill, executive vp of recorded music, Los Angeles, in a statement.
Country/rock singer-songwriter Kasey Tyndal signed with MNRK Music and released “Not As I’ve Done,” the first single off her upcoming self-titled album expected to drop early next year. She’s scheduled to open for Ian Munsick and Ella Langley at several U.S. shows through November. “Bringing Kasey to MNRK is one of the highest points of my 17 years here,” said MNRK senior vp of rock Scott Givens in a statement. “She is a world class talent who masterfully pushes the boundaries of country and rock. All of us at MNRK are excited to put the full weight of the company behind her as she moves into the next stage of her career.” Tyndal is managed by Lindsey Ray at The Steadfast Company.
Sub Pop signed Seattle-based rock band Deep Sea Diver, led by guitarist and vocalist Jessica Dobson. The group’s latest release, “Billboard Heart,” is the first song to be released off its upcoming album due early next year. It will be the band’s first album since 2020’s Impossible Weight. Deep Sea Diver notably supported Pearl Jam on several dates in 2023 and 2024.
Mom+Pop Music signed indie rock band The Kilans and released its new single “Colonel.” The group, which hails from Salt Lake City, is composed of Jack Ongman, Jacob Shultz, Cooper Brezoff and David Wiseman. The Kilans previously released the singles “Curly” and “Why is it Light Out?” and will be announcing tour dates soon.
Madison Bailey, known for her starring role on the Netflix series Outer Banks, signed with Republic Records and released her debut single, “The Grey.” Bailey is slated to release more new music soon.
Six months after announcing his departure from his long-time label home, MCA/Universal Music Group Nashville, country singer-songwriter Kip Moore has signed a global deal with label services company Virgin Music Group.
The first track through the new deal will be “Live Here to Work,” out Sept. 20. Of the song, Moore says, “It pushes the envelope a bit, but we wanted to come out swinging.” The teaser Moore posted to his Instagram shows him playing a blistering guitar lick on the rock-oriented song.
“I was excited to make this record as a truly independent artist, but wanted to remain open to partner with a team if and when it made sense,” Moore tells Billboard. “I enjoyed getting to know the Virgin team, and their tenacity, passion and their focus on a global plan made this feel like the next best step.”
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“I have been a fan of Kip’s for years now. His music’s universal themes transcend genre and appeal to a huge variety of music fans,” added Jacqueline Saturn, president of Virgin Music Group North America and executive vp of global artist relationships, in a statement. “Along with his music, his commitment to relentless touring has helped him build a powerful global fanbase. We know this next phase of his career is going to be amazing.”
Four of Moore’s five albums released through MCA reached the top 5 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, and he landed five top 5 songs on the Country Airplay chart, including his 2011 No. 1, “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck.” His most recent set was 2023’s Damn Love.
The gravelly-voiced singer’s career has not been led by country radio, but he adds, “Virgin is equipped and ready for a radio campaign if we decide that’s the best path.”
Furthermore, he says it’s too soon to gauge the difference of signing with Virgin as opposed to a Nashville-based label. “I think it’s fair to say, except for maybe the very initial releases, none of my career has been ‘traditional.’” he says. “We’ve been seeing a real growth internationally from touring there the past few years, and so it felt natural to go with a team that has tentacles in a lot of different territories, particularly the countries I have toured extensively. UMGN was really great…UMGN always let me seek my own vision. Sometimes it’s just time for a change and right now this new situation feels good. They’re eager and want to put in the work. I guess I’ll know the differences once we are off and running.”
Moore has built an especially robust following in South Africa as a live draw and will headline the inaugural Cape Town Country Festival, held Oct. 26-27, at Cape Town, South Africa’s 60,000-capacity DHL Stadium. In 2023, Moore’s three shows in Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa, sold 44,000 tickets. Prior to Cape Town, Moore has gigs in New Zealand and Australia this month. The Cape Town show will be followed by the U.S. portion of his Nomad World Tour, which starts Nov. 11 in Columbia, S.C.
Venezuelan singer/songwriter and producer NOREH has signed a record deal with 5020 Records, Billboard Español can exclusively announce Wednesday (Sep. 11).
“We are extremely pleased to welcome NOREH as a new member of the 5020 Records family,” Rafa Arcaute, president of 5020 Records, says in a press release. “His innovative approach to music and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep level make him the perfect addition to our roster of artists. We are excited about the opportunity to support his artistic development and help him achieve even greater success.”
Featured in our monthly column for emerging artists On the Radar Latin last February, when he played his first concert in the United States, NOREH has been rising in the Latin music scene since 2020, when he debuted as an independent artist with the album Asocial. This was followed by the live album Nada Íntimo (2021) and Mucho TXT (2023), an eclectic LP that included urban music, ballads, bolero, salsa and bossa nova.
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His latest release is BALADAS TATUADAS VOL. 1, a deeply personal EP launched in March this year, in which he reflects on the ups and downs of his life while exploring themes of melancholy.
“NOREH represents 5020’s artistic vision, anchored in originality, versatility and creative honesty. We couldn’t be prouder to welcome him to the family,” says Bruno Duarte, co-president of 5020 Records.
Adds NOREH: “Being part of 5020 is exciting because, like me, they believe in daring songs with soul […] I hope to live up to the other artists in the roster; I am Venezuelan and I bring with me my people, who have brought me here, and I am sure that we will all be a great team.”
The terms of the contract were not specified.
The artist, who has collaborated with established names like Jay Wheeler, Nacho, CNCO, and Servando & Florentino, is currently in the midst of his Baladas Tatuadas Tour, which has taken him through his native Venezuela, parts of the U.S., Spain and South America.
Christian Hayes, a singer-songwriter from Rome, Ga., has signed with Capitol Records. Hayes is one of Capitol’s first signings since the label realigned in February under Tom March as chairman/CEO of Capitol Music Group and Lillia Parsa and Arjun Pulijal as co-presidents.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Christian to the Capitol Records family. As a singer, songwriter and performer, he demonstrates remarkable depth,” said March in a statement. “Christian is gifted at channeling raw, genuine emotion into music that resonates with listeners and transcends genres.”
“It all still feels surreal — music has always been a part of my life and to be able to sign with such a longstanding powerhouse of a label like Capitol is more than I could’ve ever dreamt. The team at Capitol has a point to prove and so do I,” said Hayes.
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Hayes’ debut EP, Last I Love You, will come out Sept. 20. The EP’s title track, shortened to “LILY,” has been streamed more than 1.2 million times on Spotify, with more than 2 million total global streams, according to the company.
Hayes began writing poems and songs when he was seven after his grandfather, a former poet laureate for the state of Georgia, gave him a journal. He then picked up a guitar when he was eight. He was active in leading worship music at his church before enrolling in the U.S. Navy Reserve and later attending the University of Alabama beginning in 2018. He subsequently moved to Nashville and has penned more than 900 songs.
Inspired by the music of the Eagles, James Taylor and The Chicks, the singer-songwriter self-released “Leaving,” which landed on Apple Music playlists as well as Spotify’s New Music Friday Country playlist.
Hayes has already inked deals with WME for booking and Universal Music Publishing Group for publishing. “After hearing ‘LILY,’ we were huge fans of Christian’s songwriting,” said Cyndi Forman, senior VP of A&R at UMPG Nashville. “Christian’s approach to songwriting is unique, yet fits right in at a time when genres are blending.”
Hayes is managed by Wild Rose Projects’ Helena Capps.
BLACKPINK member Jennie has signed to Columbia Records as a solo artist in partnership with her record label and entertainment company ODDATELIER, it was announced Sunday (Sept. 8). The singer is slated to release a new solo single in October. The news follows last December’s revelation that all BLACKPINK members had split with their label, […]
Maddox Batson, a 14-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose breakthrough song, “Tears in the River,” made its way to the top 20 on Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart earlier this year, has signed a deal with Warner Records, the company tells Billboard. On Thursday (Sept. 5), Batson also releases a new song, “X’s” (video below).
“Just seeing what they did with [Batson’s now-Warner labelmates] Zach Bryan, Warren Zeiders, Bailey Zimmerman, all those people, it just felt like a no-brainer for me [to sign with Warner],” Batson tells Billboard via Zoom. “I could tell they were going to take care of me and not push me to do things that I don’t want to do. They make sure I do everything right for my artistry and everything that’s right for my fans.”
In March, Batson released a video for “Tears in the River” on TikTok. The clip has since surged to 12.5 million views, and the impact has spilled over into streaming — the song, which Batson wrote with Nick Bailey, Josh Dorr, Benjamin Negrin and Elysse Yulo, has earned over 6 million streams on Spotify’s platform alone.
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“It was one of my first-ever writing sessions with more than just one person,” Batson says. “We got in the room and were thinking, ‘What do girls want to hear?’ They want to hear that you want to take care of them, maybe they got out of a bad relationship, they come to you and now it’s going to be a good relationship. And that’s what we wrote.”
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Batson’s follow-up single, the polished pop-country track “I Wanna Know,” has more than 2 million streams on Spotify. But it’s not only his music that’s connecting with fans — so is Batson’s gregarious, social media-savvy persona. A TikTok clip released in February that showed him getting ready to attend a dance earned over 30 million views.
Warner Records CEO/co-chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck told Billboard in a statement, “Several members of our Warner A&R team were the first people to bring Maddox to my attention after seeing his growth online. We were immediately drawn to his star power and charisma, as well as his fantastic instincts with respect to self promotion. While the social metrics were outpacing the consumption story, what we did find is that Maddox is a naturally gifted songwriter who sees an open lane for himself and has a clear vision for how he is going to own it.
“We look forward to nurturing his artist development process as he hones his craft, works with those who will help make him better and solidify his sound, and continue to build a strong fanbase that is with him not only for his online persona but because they love the music he makes and what he represents. We are confident we have Country and Pop’s next young star in Maddox.”
Batson was born in Nashville and raised in Birmingham, Ala. Growing up, he was inspired by ‘80s and ‘90s country artists including Alan Jackson and George Strait, but also the pop sounds of artists such as Justin Bieber. Last summer, he played more than 20 shows, honing his sound and developing his musical skills through playing with his musician father.
Maddox says he was inspired to write his new song, “X’s,” after attending an Abby Anderson concert at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville.
“I walked in and of course, your boy is not old enough to drink alcohol, so the security guard drew a big X on my hand. The show was great, and when I went to the studio the next day and this guy saw the X on my hand — I promise, I shower, it was just written in Sharpie — but he saw my hand and we just wrote this song in 15 minutes. It was one of the easiest writing experiences of my life.”
Recording the song, however, was not without a minor challenge or two.
“Just seeing that song coming from the demo to the final version is just so crazy because my voice changed while we recorded those two different versions [demo and master recording] of the song,” Batson says. “So we had to [record] it in a completely different key. But seeing it come out is going to be absolutely money. I’m so excited.”
In addition to writing his own hits, Batson’s song “Tough” — which he wrote about his father and grandfathers — was recently recorded and released by Lana Del Rey (who is prepping a country album titled Lasso) and Quavo.
“I come from a long line of farmers,” Batson says of writing the song. “My mom’s dad was a tobacco farmer and my dad grew up in the construction sites, so just really work ethic-heavy people, and hopefully that got passed down.”
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Batson, who is signed with Prosper Entertainment for management, WME for booking and Warner Chappell for publishing, says he expects a project to be released in 2025. In June, he joined singer-songwriter Wyatt Flores to perform Flores’ “Please Don’t Go” during Nashville’s CMA Fest. Days later, he also became the youngest artist to perform at the popular Nashville music series Whiskey Jam, with a full-capacity audience that caused Whiskey Jam to expand entry to the normally 21-and-up show to fans of all ages.
Presently, Batson — who is starting ninth grade and transitioned to homeschool just before releasing “Tears in the River” — is balancing school with a slate of primarily weekend tour dates opening for “I Hope” hitmaker Gabby Barrett.
“Yeah, when I finish up this interview, I’m enrolling for the new school year,” he says.
Jennifer Hudson, the multi-faceted star who has won two Grammys, an Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony — making her an EGOT — signed to Interscope Records, the label announced Wednesday (Sept. 4). Her most recent music release was the original soundtrack for Respect, in which she starred as Aretha Franklin and performed all of the songs. She has not recorded an album of original material since 2014’s JHUD, which was released by RCA. Two of her previous albums, 2008’s Jennifer Hudson and 2011’s I Remember Me, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. “Jennifer has made so many important contributions to global musical culture onstage, onscreen and through her incredible body of recordings,” said Steve Berman, vice chairman of Interscope Capitol Label Group, in a statement. “She is a tour de force and we are thrilled that she has chosen to spend the next phase of her career at Interscope.”
Capitol Records, in partnership with THEBLACKLABEL, announced the launch of MEOVV (pronounced “meow”), a new five-piece K-pop girl group (composed of Ella, Gawon, Soooin, Anna and Narin) whose name was unveiled last month. Notably, THEBLACKLABEL was founded by K-pop producer Teddy Park (a.k.a. TEDDY), who was an early BLACKPINK collaborator and has also collaborated with K-pop acts including BIGBANG, G-Dragon and 2NE1. MEOVV’s debut single is now available for pre-save on major streaming services.
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Grammy-winning band Portugal. The Man signed with WME for representation in all areas. The group, which released the album Chris Black Changed My Life last year, recently wrapped up a world tour in support of the LP, including shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Ryman Auditorium. The band also has a charitable organization, Pass The Mic, that focuses on human rights, community health and the environment, with an emphasis on issues that directly impact Indigenous Peoples.
Singer-songwriter Weyes Blood signed with Blue Raincoat Artists for management. She will be represented by New York-based Ed Harris, who also manages Cigarettes After Sex, Miss Grit and Katrina Ford. Weyes Blood (born Natalie Mering) has released a total of five studio albums, including her critically acclaimed 2022 release And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow. “Like many people I have been entranced and mesmerised by the beauty of her records and her live performances,” said Blue Raincoat Music co-founder/CEO Jeremy Lascelles in a statement. “She is so revered and admired by her peers, that it is truly an honour that she has trusted Ed and the Blue Raincoat team to guide her into and through the next exciting period of her career.”
L.A.-based electronic trio Cheat Codes partnered with Create Music Group to release the group’s next crop of music, including singles and an album. The first single to be released under the deal was “BLOOM” featuring Train. The band is managed by Jon Camche and Ricardo Zambak at Seminal Music Group.
Neon Gold Records and Tove Lo‘s label Pretty Swede Records jointly signed L.A.-based singer-songwriter-producer googly eyes. Her latest single, “Internet Star,” was released on Aug. 27 and was preceded by her debut single “Bareback on the Motherf—ing Plains.” Both will be included on her debut EP, Starlet, representing the first release on Pretty Swede outside of Tove Lo’s own music. “Internet Star has such a beautiful yet witty vulnerability that I think anyone who’s had dreams that maybe didn’t go their way can relate to,” said Tove Lo in a statement.
Heather Kolker‘s Dreamshop Management signed L.A.-based artist Hemlocke Springs. The singer-songwriter recently supported Doja Cat on her European tour and released her debut EP, going…going…GONE!, last year.
Singer-songwriter Diamante signed with Sumerian Records. The announcement coincided with the release of her new single, “All for the Glory.” Diamante, who is slated to embark on a North American tour alongside Sumerian labelmates Palaye Royale, I See Stars and Weathers, has released two studio albums to date: 2018’s Coming in Hot and 2021’s American Dream.
Also signing with Sumerian was Slovenian metal band Within Destruction, which released its new single, “Demon Child,” on Aug. 28. The band, which has released five studio albums to date, is set to play several dates in the United Kingdom and Europe this fall.
Warner Music Nashville signed William Beckmann to its roster. The bilingual Texas native will release his first post-signing song, “Not That Strong,” on Aug. 30. In 2022, he released the independent album Faded Memories followed by 2023’s Here’s To You, Here’s To Me, which featured “Tennessee Drinkin’,” Beckmann’s fifth consecutive top 20 song on the Texas Regional Radio Chart, according to a press release. – Jessica Nicholson
Audio Chateau Records, the new label launched by Jared Gutstadt‘s Audio Up Media, signed Nashville-based songwriter-musician Clayton Johnson, who recently co-wrote Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s “Tough” with Del Rey at the Audio Chateau studio space in Nashville. As a songwriter, Johnson is currently signed under a joint venture between Audio Up and Universal Music Publishing Group.
Warner Records has signed Madrid-based pop singer and multi-instrumentalist Rusowsky via a joint venture with Rusia IDK, an artist collective led by Rusowsky and singer-producer Ralphie Choo.
Rusowsky (real name Ruslan Mediavilla) is a well-known figure in Madrid’s alternative music scene. He started releasing music in 2019 and has since collaborated with artists including C. Tangana, DELLAFUENTE and Choo; he’s also played festivals including AXE Ceremonia, Sonar and Lollapalooza in South America. According to a press release, he’s racked up more than 115 million global streams across his catalog.
“This partnership is emblematic of Warner Records’ storied history as a home for true artists across all genres,” said Jackson Harris, manager of A&R at Warner Records, in a statement. “Rusowsky and RUSIA IDK are inspiring a musical and cultural revolution. From head-turning music to mesmerizing live performances, I’m excited for new audiences to learn about these brilliant musicians.”
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Added RUSIA IDK founder Manuel Jubera Suárez: “This is an unprecedented partnership that not only marks a before and after in the Spanish music scene, but also represents a key to enter the American market. The intention is to open new doors for Spanish music, bringing its essence and diversity to a global stage. Thanks to Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tom Corson, Jeff Sosnow and Jackson Harris. And, of course, it would never have been possible without mori, DRUMMIE, Ralphie Choo, Rusowsky and TRISTÁN!, the true essence of RUSIA-IDK.”
Rusowsky is represented by agent Devin Landau at TBA.
Elsewhere…
Katharine McPhee signed a label deal with Nashville-based company Melody Place, which will release new music from the singer and actress early next year. McPhee is slated to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 12.
U.K. band The Last Dinner Party signed with PPL for the collection of their international neighboring rights royalties. In February, the five-piece group notched a No. 1 album in the United Kingdom with their debut studio set Prelude to Ecstasy. According to a press release, the band accumulated more than 688,000 seconds of airplay between April 2023 and May 2024, with the majority (62%) of that coming from their debut single “Nothing Matters.”
PULSE Records signed former America’s Got Talent winner Grace VanderWaal. The label released her new single, “Call It What You Want,” on Friday (Aug. 16); it will be followed by an album next spring. VanderWaal is managed by Brad Cohen at Raw Material and booked by Janet Kim at UTA.
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville signed country singer-songwriter Lanie Gardner, who first rose to attention with her rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” She was recently featured on the Twisters soundtrack with the track “Chasing the Wind” and is slated to tour with Jelly Roll and ZZ Ward. Her most recent single is “Lord Knows.”
Red Bull Records signed singer-songwriter Morgan (“ADCT”) and released her new single, “Bum Bum,” on Friday (Aug. 16). Morgan previously released collaborations with and wrote songs for the dance group Rudimental before collaborating with acts like Purple Disco Machine, Sonny Fodera and Sigma. She released her debut solo EP, Alien, in 2020.
Music, audio post-production and sonic branding company Barking Owl added composer, songwriter and producer Dan Romer to its roster. Barking Owl will exclusively represent Romer — whose scores include Beasts of the Southern Wild, ABC’s The Good Doctor and HBO MAX’s Station Eleven, among others — for advertising and branded content. His production credits include A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera’s “Say Something” and Shawn Mendes’ “Treat You Better.”
Pop-rock artist Bailey Spinn, known for her popular YouTube covers of songs including Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor,” signed with AWAL, which released the acoustic version of her viral song “Happy Ending” on Aug. 7 (to be followed by the release of her debut album). Spinn is managed by Temima Shames at Next Step Talent and booked by Jason Parent at Sound Talent Group.
Canberra, Australia band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers signed with Mom + Pop for the world (minus Australia and New Zealand). The band is ramping up for the release of I Love You Too, an extended version of its debut album I Love You, on Sept. 20; the set will feature three new songs, including the newly-released “Dull.” The Jean Teasers opened up dates for Foo Fighters in Australia and are slated to play several shows in the U.S. later this year, including a slot at Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival.
Wasserman Music signed country singer-songwriter Angie K to its roster, with Wasserman’s Nate Ritches representing her for worldwide representation. A 2024 CMT Listen Up Artist, Angie K is repped by JR Schumann for management, Huskins-Harris for business management and Essential Broadcast Media for public relations. – Jessica Nicholson
Singer-songwriter Christian Hayes, who first garnered attention when he posted a video of himself singing his song “Leaving” on Instagram in September 2023, has signed with WME, Universal Music Publishing Group and Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy for business management. He is managed by Helena Capps at Wildrose Projects. According to a press release, Hayes’ single “LILY” has racked up more than two million streams since its release this spring.
Warner Music Nashville signed The Band Loula and will release its major label debut track, “Don’t Call Me,” on Friday (Aug. 23). The band is managed by Mary Hilliard Harrington, Chip Dorsch and Christina Dunkley and booked by Grace Stern and Jay Williams at WME.
Artist-composer duo Idle Echoes (composed of Arkfoo and Jeff Dodson) has released its debut album Velvet Phoenix on the ALIBI Music label. ALIBI Music is best known as a provider of music and sound effects for licensing in film, TV, advertising, video games and more.
Lots of changes are happening for FIFTY FIFTY. Three former members of the K-pop girl group — Saena, Aran and Sio — have reportedly signed with a new label after their fallout with the group’s agency ATTRAKT. Meanwhile, ATTRAKT has announced the addition of four new FIFTY FIFTY members. On Monday (Aug. 12), IOK Company […]
Monica signed with WME in all areas. The Grammy-winning singer recently came off a supporting slot on Nick Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 Tour in North America and is prepping the release of two full-lenghts this year: R&B album MDA and country album Open Roads (executive produced by Brandi Carlile). She recently joined Brandy on a remix of Ariana Grande’s “the boy is mine” — a reimagining of the pair’s smash 1998 duet. Monica continues to be managed by Melinda Dancil.
English punk rock duo Soft Play partnered with Rise Records/BMG for the release of their new album, Heavy Jelly, which debuted at No. 3 on the UK Official Albums Chart dated July 25, 2024. The duo was previously known as Slaves before changing their name in 2022 following a backlash over their former moniker.
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ONErpm signed L.A.-based alt-rock trio Sick Puppies (“You’re Going Down”) for the release of the band’s forthcoming sixth album Wave the Bull, which is due out early next year. The album’s first single, “There Goes the Neighborhood,” was released July 26.
RECORDS Nashville signed newcomer singer-songwriter Drew Green, who has seen viral success with the song “Lotta Bit of You.” RECORDS Nashville is the boutique outpost of industry executive Barry Weiss’ label RECORDS. Green’s first RECORDS Nashville-helmed single is “Town Drunk,” while he’s also prepping an upcoming collaboration with HARDY titled “Colorado.” – Jessica Nicholson
Bruce Kalmick‘s WHY&HOW added artists Tyler Halverson and Cameron Sacky Band to its artist management roster. Halverson will be overseen by Patrick Farr while Allie Petko and Eddie Kloesel will oversee Cameron Sacky Band. Halverson has released the independent singles “Beer Garden Baby,” “Mac Miller” and “Your Bar Now,” while Cameron Sacky Band issued a self-titled 2021 EP and is set to release the full-length project Quicksand. Cameron Sacky Band is repped by The Neal Agency for booking. – Jessica Nicholson
Singer-songwriter John Morgan signed with Rich MGMT. The North Carolina native is also signed to Night Train Records/BBR Music Group and is currently on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with the song “Friends Like That” featuring Jason Aldean. Morgan also has writing credits on hits including Aldean’s “That’s What Tequila Does,” “Trouble With a Heartbreak” and “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood. Rich MGMT was founded by Brendan Rich in 2023 with a roster that also includes Matt Stell, George Birge and Darren Kiely. The company also recently added to its staff with digital coordinator Jordan Policastri, who joins day-to-day managers Sarah Paravia and Chase Miller. – Jessica Nicholson
Montreal beatmaker/instrumentalist tender spring, who is part of the Canadian indie band Afternoon Bike Ride, signed to Nettwerk for the release of the album you are now listening to a tender spring. Born David Tanton, the musician released the album’s “side a” on July 26, with the remainder to be released at a later date.
Nettwerk also signed L.A.-based, New Zealand-born Laotian artist Alisa Xayalith, who is best known as the frontwoman of The Naked and Famous. The label is set to release her new single, “Roses,” on Friday (Aug. 9), to be followed by more new music produced by Tyler Spry (OneRepublic, Tate McCrae).
Elektra Records signed Kevian Kraemer, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in New Jersey who released his debut EP Seventeen earlier this year. On Friday (Aug. 2), the label released a stripped-down version of his breakthrough track “Attention.” Kramer is managed by Chris McAndrew and Jamar Richardson at Paia Management, with legal representation by attorney Paul Rothenberg at Rothenberg, Mohr, & Binder.
Ken Pomeroy, a Cherokee singer-songwriter from Moore, Okla., signed to Rounder Records. Now based in Tulsa, Okla., Pomeroy’s song “Cicadas” was featured in an episode of the FX series Reservation Dogs. She also appeared in this summer’s Twisters, performing her song “Wall of Death” with Wilderado and James McAlister. The song is also featured on the film’s soundtrack.
Downtown Neighboring Rights signed a global deal with singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird to represent her catalog, which includes singles such as “Woman,” “Feel It Coming” and “Dark Days” with Moby.
Secretly Canadian signed singer-songwriter Brandon. The label will release his EP Blush on Sept. 13; the first single, “Without You,” was released Wednesday (July 31).
My Brightest Diamond signed to Western Vinyl, which will release her new album, Fight the Real Terror, on Sept. 13. The singer-songwriter, who just came off her originating role in Broadway’s Illinoise (based on the Sufjan Stevens album), is managed by Andrea Troolin at Ekonomisk and booked by Alex Fang at New Frontier (North America) and James Alderman at Free Trade (international). Her new song, “Have You Ever Seen an Angel,” was released July 26.
Capitol CMG has signed artist-writer Claire Leslie, who just released her label debut single, “Original.” The song was written by Leslie, Jordan Sapp and Daniella Mason. – Jessica Nicholson
Third Man Records signed Australian band The Belair Lip Bombs and will reissue the group’s 2023 album, Lush Life. It is the label’s first Australian signing. The Bombs’ second album is expected for release sometime next year.
