State Champ Radio label signings
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Producer duo Play-N-Skillz has inked a label deal with Pitbull‘s Mr. 305 Records, the company tells Billboard. The Dallas-born siblings, Juan “Play” and Oscar “Skillz” Salinas, join a roster that includes Omar Courtz, IAMCHINO and Montana Tucker, among others. “Joining Mr. 305 Records is a perfect match for us,” said Play-N-Skillz in a statement. “We […]
Houston-based rapper KenTheMan (born Kentavia Miller) signed a label deal with Roc Nation, which released her latest single, “I Love a Freak,” on Friday (July 14), with an EP on the way. The rapper, known for tracks including “Not My N*gga” and “He Be Like,” is slated to perform at Rolling Loud Miami on Sunday (July 23).
YG Entertainment K-pop group TREASURE signed a label deal with Columbia Records in the United States. Columbia will release the group’s forthcoming album in partnership with YG.
Paris-based indie distributor IDOL signed a direct artist partnership with U.S. rapper-producer (and Flatbush Zombies founding member) Erick the Architect (“Death by Dishonor,” “Let It Go”). IDOL will handle global digital distribution and marketing for his debut solo album, to be released on his own label, Architect Recording Company; the first single, “Parkour” (produced by James Blake), dropped on July 11. He is managed by Quincy Jones Productions.
Virgin Music signed an agreement with Paul Rosenberg‘s Goliath Records for Rise of the Silverback, the upcoming album from battle rapper and social media personality Nems. The album will be preceded by the single “Drip.” Nems is represented by managers Busy Rivera and Mex Guevara, the latter of whom also serves as his booking agent.
New York-based nonprofit Daniel’s Music Foundation launched Just Call Me By My Name, a new record label focused on musicians with disabilities. Distributed by The Orchard, the label will release compilation albums coinciding with “key disability awareness dates.” The first EP, Just Call Me By My Name: Volume 1, will drop on Friday (July 21). It features five artists: singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist James Ian (who has spinal muscular atrophy type 3); singer-songwriter, piano player and mixer-arranger Devin Gutierrez (on the autism spectrum and with optic nerve hypoplasia, which causes blindness); 12-year-old opera singer Iolanta Mamatkazina (who is blind); rock and blues guitarist Jake Nielsen (who has cerebral palsy); and singer-songwriter/Daniel’s Music Foundation co-founder Daniel Trush and his songwriting partner Gerard Powers. Musicians on the label are sourced through the Danny Awards, an annual awards show produced by Daniel’s Music Foundation that recognizes musicians with disabilities.
Madrid-based artist Ralphie Choo signed to Warner Records, which will release his debut album, SUPERNOVA, in partnership with RUSIA IDK on September 15. The album is preceded by the single “MÁQUINA CULONA” featuring Mura Masa.
Republic Records China signed Mandarin pop star Hannah Rebecca Jin, who has been a recording artist in her native country for over 20 years and broke through in the late ’90s with albums including Wake Up Your Ears and So Proud. The signing marks a reunion between Jin and Tony Wen, the producer Jin worked with at the beginning of her career who now serves as MD of Republic Records China. Jin’s first single for the label is a reimagined version of her hit single, “So Proud.” She will next team up with Wen to co-produce an all-new original album for the label.
Big Noise Music Group signed 16-year-old rapper and pop-punk singer and content creator Gavin Magnus to a multi-album deal. Magnus previously signed with Columbia Records at age 12. His first release on Big Noise will be the single “PSYCHO.”
New Jersey-based band Nicotine Dolls, whose lead singer, Sam Cieri, previously appeared on America’s Got Talent, signed to Nettwerk. The label will release the band’s new single, “How Do You Love Me,” off its forthcoming EP. Nicotine Dolls is represented by manager JR Schumann and booking agents Winston Simone and Sara Schlievert at Paladin Artists.
Golden State Entertainment signed tiny deaths, a project from Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Claire de Lune, who was a founding member of all-women group The Chalice alongside Lizzo and Sophia Eris. Formed in 2022, Golden State Entertainment is an affiliate company of the Golden State Warriors that creates original content. In addition to her artist career, de Lune works as a sportswriter for The Guardian, where she is a regular NBA columnist. She was previously signed to Handwritten Records.
WME signed Seedphrase (born Daniel Maegaard), an artist, DJ, entrepreneur and early-stage crypto investor whose digital art collection includes some of the rarest NFTs in the world. He is slated to drop original music this year, in addition to various Web3 releases. Seedphrase is managed by Three Six Zero.
Vere Music and Brickhouse Entertainment signed pop singer-songwriter Mary-Clair, with Vere serving as her distributor and Brickhouse as her management. The first release under the deal is Mary-Clair’s debut single, “Heaven in the Way,” which was co-written by Tedd T.
Sara Evans signed with Nashville-based label Melody Place, which she joins in partnership with her own imprint, Born to Fly Records. The country singer is slated to return to the recording studio in October to work on new music, with an expected album release in 2024. It will be her first album of original material in seven years. “When the Melody Place team approached me about working together and expanding all the things I’d already been doing with my own label — Born To Fly Records, it became clear that they share the same passion and excitement about trying new and innovative things to connect fans with music,” said Evans in a statement. Evans is represented by manager Craig Dunn at One Spark Entertainment and agents Doug Neff and Becky Gardenhire at WME.
Independent artist Petey (“Don’t Tell the Boys,” “Lean Into Life”) signed with Capitol Records, which will release his new single, “I’ll Wait,” on July 7. He’s represented by managers Ethan Silverman and William Crane and agent Tor Breon at WME. He was previously signed to Terrible Records.
Bronx rapper Scar Lip (“Glizzy Gobbler,” “This Is New York”) signed with Epic Records, which will be releasing new music from the spitter “very soon.”
Singer-songwriter Vera Sola signed to City Slang Records, which released her new single, “Desire Path,” on June 28. It’s her first new release since 2019. Sola is represented by manager Jim Martin at XXVII Arts and agent Will Church at ATC.
Country singer/songwriter and rapper C’ing Jerome (“Barn Don’t Close”) signed a record deal with Average Joes Entertainment. The label released his latest single, “Average Joe,” on June 16.
Page 1 Management added London-based songwriter/producer Tommy Sanders and songwriter/producer David Kerckhoff to its roster. Sanders will work with Rob Turnham out of Page 1’s London office and Kerckhoff will work with Nina Musolino out of Page 1’s Nashville office.
Boston band Final Gasp signed with Relapse Records, which will release the group’s debut album, Mourning Moon, on September 22. The group’s 2021 EP, Haunting Whisper, was released by Triple B Records.
MNRK Music Group signed English “tech metal” band Turin to its heavy metal and hard rock imprint MNRK Heavy.
300 Entertainment continues to bolster its roster of young talent with the signing of newest act BlakeIANA, a Midwest-based rapper on the rise for her song “BING BONG.” “When I heard BlakeIANA, I was impressed and definitely excited by the sound,” 300 Entertainment co-president Selim Bouab tells Billboard. “Once I sat down with her face-to-face, […]
ZAYN has signed a new record deal with Mercury Records, Billboard can confirm. Along with the news, the singer wiped his social media yesterday and has launched a new pre-save link and teaser in preparation for his Mercury Records debut single, which is said by the label to be arriving “very soon this summer.”
A former member of One Direction and a chart topper in his own right, ZAYN was previously signed to RCA Records. Sources close to the singer told Billboard that the new music ZAYN is making marks a major departure from the sound that defined his previous hits like “PILLOWTALK” and “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever.”
Label president Tyler Arnold says of the deal, “As soon as ZAYN and I met, I knew we had to work together. I was blown away by the new music, but just as impressed by his vision, drive and spirit. We’re honored he and his team have joined us at Mercury Records. We’ve got an incredible opportunity to tell the next chapter of his story together.”
Mercury Records was relaunched in April 2022 as a U.S. imprint of Republic Records, helmed by Arnold and Ben Adelson as president and general manager, respectively. Mercury’s roster includes Post Malone, whom Arnold signed to Republic in 2015, and James Bay, signed by Adelson in 2014. Other signees at Mercury’s launch included Stephen Sanchez, Chelsea Cutler, Jeremy Zucker, Lord Huron, Noah Kahan, BoyWithUke, Ka$hdami, Lyn Lapid and Camylio.
Mercury Records also acts as the hub for Republic’s partnerships with Big Loud Records, home to Morgan Wallen, and Imperial Music, the independent distributor that released Bo Burnham‘s Inside (The Songs).
As a solo artist, ZAYN has released three records: Mind of Mine (2016), Icarus Falls (2018), and Nobody is Listening (2021). They peaked at No. 1, No. 61 and No. 44 on the Billboard 200 chart, respectively. He has also placed six songs in the top 50 on the Pop Airplay chart, including two in the top 10. “PILLOWTALK” peaked at No. 1, and “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” reached No. 2 on the chart. The two songs also reached those same chart positions on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart as well.
You can pre-save ZAYN’s upcoming single here.
Karol G’s just-announced signing with Interscope Records had been rumored for months in Miami music circles, as far back as the release of her record-making album Mañana Será Bonito last February.
So when Interscope finally announced the signing on Monday, after what sources describe as a “lengthy” and complex negotiation, it wasn’t entirely surprising. However, new information indicates this is no ordinary record deal.
According to a source with knowledge of the negotiations, Karol G, whose real name is Carolina Giraldo Navarro, will actually be releasing music under her own imprint, Bichota Records, and will be distributed by Interscope and worked by the label. Moving forward, she will own her masters as well.
“It is one of the most ambitious deals signed by a Latin artist in recent memory,” says the source, who also said the deal is “valued at almost $100 million.”
The arrangement marks a departure from Karol G’s previous recording deal with Universal Music Latino, and seems to be more aligned with her manager Noah Assad‘s independent mentality. Assad’s other superstar client, Bad Bunny, records under indie Rimas and is distributed by The Orchard.
Karol G’s move from Latin label to mainstream label is still fairly uncommon, even at a time when Latin music’s success is growing to unprecedented levels both globally and in the United States. It follows news from April that Brazilian star Anitta signed with Republic Records, but also work with Universal Music Latin Entertainment. While stars who are signed to major labels have historically released their music jointly between Latin and mainstream labels, according to language — Shakira long released her English albums on Epic and her Spanish language albums on via Sony Music Latin, for example, and Enrique Iglesias released both on Interscope and Universal Music Latin — Karol G’s recordings will fall entirely under Interscope’s purview, with the label promoting and marketing her to both English and Spanish-language markets.
Even though Interscope doesn’t have a Latin division per se, it has a Miami office run by Latin music veteran executive Nir Seroussi and it works Interscope’s Latin projects, which also include Kali Uchis and Cuco.
Karol G’s signing to Interscope — much as with Anitta’s Republic signing — signals the Latin superstar’s intent to break into a mainstream U.S. audience and expand her brand globally even more than she has already. And although she has recorded in English in the past (in the track “Don’t Be Shy” with Tiësto) there are no immediate plans to release English language music right now, sources say.
“I’m continuously amazed at the support my fans give me, which motivates me to deliver the best of me, and I’m certain that this partnership with Interscope and their incredible team will help us continue building and making history,” said Karol G in a statement announcing the deal. “I’m thrilled to see what’s to come.”
X Ambassadors signed with Virgin Music, which recently released the band’s latest single, “Happy People” with Teddy Swims and Jac Ross; the track is part of the group’s collaborative singles project (Eg). X Ambassadors is represented by manager Seth Kallen at This Fiction as well as agents David Galea and Adam Sylvester at UTA (North America, Latin America, Australia and Asia) and Geoff Meall at Wasserman (United Kingdom/Europe). The band was previously signed to Interscope.
Actor/singer/songwriter Coco Jones signed with WME in all areas. In addition to starring on the Peacock series Bel-Air, Jones’ lead single, “ICU,” recently hit No. 1 on Billboard‘s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Jones is managed by Lydia Astrat and M88, with legal representation by Fox Rothschild. She is signed to High Standardz/Def Jam.
Composer/pianist/producer Nicholas Britell signed a label services deal with Secretly Distribution, through which the company will work with Britell on several upcoming projects and campaigns. The first of these is the Succession: Season 4 soundtrack, which Secretly released to global streaming services (via Britell’s newly launched Lake George Music Group imprint) just hours after the HBO series’ finale aired.
Cr2 Records signed an exclusive long-term artist deal with artist/producer Matt Sassari (“Give It To Me”), in partnership with Sassari’s distributor, Believe UK. Cr2’s relationship with Sassari and his label, SASS, kicked off in 2017. Over the past two years, that relationship has been supported by Believe’s dance and electronic imprint, b:electronic; under that deal, Cr2 was given access to Believe’s global marketing services. Sassari is represented by manager Stephen Macias, who also serves as his booking agent outside the United States. His U.S. booking agent is David Lewis.
Teo Glacier (“Too Much”) signed to Capitol Records, which released his latest single, “close with desires,” in May. Glacier is represented by Page 1 Management.
Singer-songwriter Katelyn Tarver signed to Nettwerk, which will release her sophomore album early next year. Tarver’s first release under the label is the single “Starting to Scare Me,” which dropped on Friday (June 2). Tarver is represented by manager David Adcock at Red Light and booking agent Andy Mack at WME.
Lee Greenwood signed with booking agency Action Entertainment Collaborative, where Charles Ray and Nick Meinema will serve as his responsible agents. Greenwood is currently slated to tour the United States as part of the 40th-anniversary celebration for his song “God Bless the USA.” Greenwood is self-managed and signed to Time Life Music.
Big Thief guitarist and singer-songwriter Buck Meek signed to 4AD, which will release his third studio album, Haunted Mountain, on August 25.
Country singer-songwriter T. Graham Brown signed an exclusive booking deal with Third Coast Talent, where he’ll be represented by Carrie Moore-Reed. Brown has U.S. tour dates starting in June and running through November.
Country vocal group Ricochet (“Daddy’s Money”) signed with Encore Music Group, which will release the band’s first album in over a decade: Ricochet Then & Now…The Hits & More. Slated for release on Aug. 18, the album will include new renditions of the group’s past hits as well as eight new songs.
New Orleans-based hip-hop/R&B artist RJAE signed to the Roc Nation label, which released his new single, “Remember That” featuring A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, on Friday (June 2) and will put out his full album, You’re the Problem, later this year. The next single from the set, “Too Gone” featuring NBA YoungBoy, releases on June 16. He is managed by Fee Banks at Good Money Global.
Singer-songwriter Jay Allen signed to ONErpm Nashville‘s in-house label. The company will also handle distribution of Allen’s forthcoming music, including his next single, “Jello Shot,” releasing June 16. Previously signed to Verge Records, Allen is represented by manager Stacy Stavola and booking agent Jeff Hill at APA.
Seattle musician Sea Lemon (born Natalie Lew) signed to Luminelle Recordings, which released her new single, “Cellar,” on May 23. She is represented by manager Brent Stiefel and booking agent Lindsay Schiffman.
New York-based artist Computerwife (a.k.a. Addie Warncke) signed to Danger Collective Records, which will release her self-titled debut album on Aug. 4. It was preceded by lead single “Lexapro,” released on Monday (June 5). She is represented by booking agent Yiwei Meng at MB Touring.
Country singer-songwriter Aidan Canfield signed with The Neal Agency for booking. Canfield is slated to perform at CMA Fest on Sunday (June 11). He’s represented by Justine Avila with The Moonshot Group for management, James Dail at Wiatr & Associates for business management and Elliot Groffman at Carroll, Guido, Groffman for legal.
Belgian electronic duo Mosley Jr signed with newly launched boutique label CORE Records as its second-ever act. CORE will release the duo’s debut album on June 30, preceded by first single “Lonestar Retreat.” Mosley Jr is represented by Gert Beazar at the duo’s own management company/label Moodfamily and booking agency Muzo Creative.
Riser House Records has signed LANCO, welcoming the group to its artist roster. Known for the two-week No. 1 Billboard Country Airplay hit “Greatest Love Story,” from the group’s 2018 debut album Hallelujah Nights, LANCO also earned an Academy of Country Music Award for new duo or group of the year, in addition to nominations […]
Lizzy McAlpine, whose TikTok-driven hit “Ceilings” topped Billboard‘s Alternative Streaming Songs chart in March while also marking her first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100, has signed with artist development company Godmode for management, Billboard can reveal.
McAlpine, who recently completed her North American tour, signed with RCA Records in April and is represented by Ben Buchanan, Marlene Tsuchii and Brian Greenbaum at CAA for booking.
Led by co-founder/CEO Talya Elitzer, Godmode’s roster also includes Channel Tres, SG Lewis and JPEGMAFIA. The company additionally encompasses a record label and publishing arm.
Poolside, the artist project of producer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jeffrey Paradise, signed with Ninja Tune imprint Counter Records after self-releasing his three previous albums via his Pacific Standard Records imprint. Poolside’s first release under the label, the single “Each Night” featuring Australian indie-pop band Mazy, dropped Wednesday (May 17). He’s represented by managers Bryan Duquette and Michael Bigham at Another Planet Management and booking agents Avery McTaggart at TBA and Latane Hughes at Wasserman.
Australian electronic rock band Pendulum signed with Mushroom Group and Universal Music Group’s global independent music division Virgin Music Group, which will release the group’s new single, “Halo” featuring Matt Tuck of Bullet For My Valentine, on June 2.
Country singer/songwriter Matt Schuster (“Vienna”) signed with WME for booking and Extended Play for management; he previously signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group.
Rock band Krooked Kings and its label home, Nobody Gets It, signed a deal with Matt Geffen‘s Coup D’Etat Music for distribution (in partnership with ADA Worldwide) and publishing (in partnership with AVEX USA). This is the first signing for Coup D’Etat’s newly-launched distribution division. The band, which just released the album All Out of Good Days, is represented by manager Wade Davis of Nobody Gets It and Alex Douma of CAA for booking.
Country singer/songwriter Tyler Halverson signed to The Erv Woolsey Company for management. Halverson recently released his major label debut single, “Her,” on Atlantic Records.
Lebanese singer Maya Diab (“Sawa,” “Habibi”) signed to Warner Music Middle East, which will release her EP, #MyMayaV, later this year. In addition to her music career, Diab is known across the Arab world as a music producer, TV personality and fashion influencer.
Los Angeles-based indie-electronic duo The Hellp (comprised of vocalist Noah Dillon and producer Chandler Ransom Lucy) signed with Atlantic Records, which released its new single, “California Dream Girl,” on March 16.
Ambient artist/mastering engineer Taylor Deupree signed to Nettwerk, which released his latest song, “Eev,” on May 12. Deupree previously released music via his own label, 12k.
Country, bluegrass and gospel duo Dailey & Vincent signed to Morris Higham Management. Made up of Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, the duo is signed to BMG Nashville and represented by booking agents Tony Conway, Brandon Mauldin and Cody Payne at Conway Entertainment Group.
Grammy-nominated production and songwriting team Futuristiks: Mike & Keys signed a two-album partnership with Lowly/Create Music Group, kicked off by the release of their new EP, 10 Toes Down featuring Casey Veggies. The duo served as executive producers on Nipsey Hussle‘s Crenshaw mixtape and have also worked with Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Lupe Fiasco, 50 Cent and more.
Los Angeles-based, Toledo, Ohio-bred rapper CNN Mikey signed to Polo G‘s label ODA (Only Dreams Achieve), which will drop the video for his ODA debut single, “FOR MY PEOPLE,” on Wednesday (May 24). CNN Mikey is managed by Mike Maloian and Patrick MacDonald of 25/7 Management.
Sony Classical signed Frankfurt, Germany-based cellist Anastasia Kobekina and will release her debut major label album early next year. Kobekina is managed by Gregor Kotow and Shannen Liu at Liu Kotow International Management & Promotion.
Lauren Records signed Talking Kind, the solo project of Big Nothing member and former Spraynard frontman Pat Graham. The label released his first song, “Damn Shame,” on Thursday (May 18).
Will Ward‘s global management, production, publishing and business development company Fourward has now launched a record label, Billboard can reveal. Dubbed Fourward Records, the label has already signed buzzy folk-pop artist Brenn! under a licensing and partnership agreement with Justin Lubliner‘s Dark Room imprint (via Interscope Records), as well as indie-rock band Sarah and the […]
