State Champ Radio label signings
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Ben Platt signs with Interscope Records, both for his own recordings and a deeper relationship that will enable the award-winning entertainer to operate an imprint, Billboard can exclusively reveal.
Currently, Platt is working on new music which will be released through Interscope at an unconfirmed future date.
“Ben is an extraordinary artist in every way,” comments John Janick, chairman and CEO of Interscope Geffen A&M, in a statement. “He’s as comfortable on a Broadway stage as he is headlining Madison Square Garden. We’re so excited to have him on the label and are looking forward to working with him and his team on his future releases.”
The Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-winning singer and actor has two full-length solo albums to his name, 2019’s Sing To Me, which peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard 200; and 2021’s Reverie, which reached No. 84 on the chart.
Set to be announced Thursday (May 11), the new arrangement is an extension to an alliance which has included the Dear Evan Hansen OST, released in 2021 via Interscope. Platt won the Tony Award for best actor in a musical for his performance in the titular role and went on to reprise his role in the Universal film adaptation.
In a joint-statement, Platt pays tribute to Interscope’s Janick, Steve Berman, Sam Riback, Michele An and the entire team as “wonderful, deeply creative collaborators on our Parade and Theater Camp albums, and I so look forward to teaming up on my next solo record and on many projects of all kinds to come.”
Details remain sketchy on Platt’s imprint, for which the artist will have the opportunity to sign and develop talent.
“I’m thrilled for Ben’s future recorded music to be coming out on Interscope, a label known for its roster of culture moving iconic artists,” enthuses Platt’s manager, Adam Mersel. “We’re looking forward to working alongside John, Steve Berman and the entire IGA team on the next phase of Ben’s career.”
PJ Harvey signed with Partisan Records, which will release her tenth studio album, I Inside the Year Old Dying, on July 7. The album — Harvey’s first since 2016’s The Hope Six Demolition Project — was preceded by the song and video, “A Child’s Question, August.” Harvey is managed by Sumit Bothra at ATC; her agents are Marsha Vlasic at AGI in North America and Alex Bruford at ATC for the rest of the world.
Rising Toronto artist ThxSoMuch signed with Elektra Records, which will release his debut EP, Sleez, on May 19, preceded by the single “Crumbled.” ThxSoMuch is managed by Tommy Kiljoy at mad world and Mac Moon; his booking agents are Jay Belin, Jesse Robbins and Robby Fraser at WME.
Country singer/songwriter/rapper David Morris signed with Virgin Music Group via a partnership with Grey Area Music. The label will release Morris’ new single, “Jenny’s Song,” on May 23.
British rock band Skunk Anansie signed with Blue Raincoat Artists for management. They will be managed by the company’s co-founder/CEO Jeremy Lascelles, in partnership with Kat Kennedy of Big Life Management (Lascelles signed the band to their first music publishing agreement in 1994 while at Chrysalis Music). Skunk Anansie was previously managed by Leigh Johnson, who oversaw the band’s career for over three decades. The group is currently working on tracks for a new album to be released next year, with plans to tour in 2024 and 2025.
Singer-songwriter BJ the Chicago Kid signed with Yeti Beats‘ Reach the World Records, a joint venture with RCA Records. His latest single, “Forgot Your Name,” was released May 3, with a second single expected soon. He is managed by Myisha Brooks; his booking agent is DeMont Callender at Wasserman.
Jonas Group Entertainment announced two new management signings: Country-pop artist/songwriter Levi Hummon (“Good Riddance,” “Paying for It”) and country singer MaRynn Taylor. Hummon is signed to Reservoir Media for publishing, while Taylor, who will work directly with Blue Raincoat CEO Phil Guerini, is signed to Black River for both recording and publishing.
Mysterious artist-producer underscores signed with Mom+Pop Music. Her first release on the label is the new song and video, “Cops and robbers.”
Swedish synth-pop duo Kite signed with Dais Records, which released their single, “Don’t Take the Light Away,” last month. Kite is represented by manager Adam Borjesson and booking agent Robin Sumpton at Luger.
Married Americana artists Mark and Maggie O’Connor signed with ONErpm Nashville, which will release their latest album, Life After Life, this summer. It will be preceded by the lead single “Verbovaya Doschechka,” which is a new arrangement of the Ukrainian folk song of the same name. Maggie will play violin and sing leads on the new album, while Mark will add harmonies while playing acoustic guitar, violin and mandolin. They’re represented by Skyline Artists for booking and managed by MOC Enterprises. They were previously signed to Sony/The Orchard for distribution.
Jazz artist/pianist/producer/composer Kayla Waters signed with Shanachie Entertaiment, which will release her label debut album, Presence, on July 7.
Australia garage rock band Girl and Girl signed to Sub Pop, which released their single, “All I See,” last month. The group is currently working on new music and touring throughout May. Girl and Girl are managed by Simone Ubaldi and Andrew Parisi; they’re signed to Virgin in Australia.
Tim Kinsella and Jenny Pulse signed to Kill Rock Stars, coinciding with the release of their new single, “Sun Inspector.” Kinsella has played with bands including Joan of Arc, Carp’n Jazz and Owls; Pulse is a vocalist, electronic musician and producer who has released dance-oriented pop songs under her own name as well as experimental soundscapes and field recordings as Spa Moans. The duo is represented by booking agent Robin Taylor at Inland Empire.
Montreal quartet Nora Kelly Band signed with Mint Records for the release of their debut album, Rodeo Clown, on August 25. The label released their new single, “Lay Down Girl,” earlier this month. The group is managed by Kathryn Huyhn at Danagement.
Americana artist and songwriter Al Staehely signed with Quarto Valley Records, which will release his new album in June. Staehely is also a music/entertainment attorney; as a musician, he has played with Spirit, the Staehely Brothers and more. He has also released music as a solo artist and written songs for acts including Bobbie Gentry, Marty Balin and Keith Moon.
Grammy-winning singer and actress Toni Braxton inked a new, all-encompassing production deal with Lifetime and A+E. Under the agreement, Braxton’s Braxtoni Production will oversee and executive produce multiple projects for the network. The production company will be based at Lifetime’s Los Angeles offices. Braxton has starred in and executive produced multiple movies for Lifetime over the last decade; in 2016, the network premiered Toni Braxton: Unbreak My Heart, a biopic about Braxton starring Lex Scott Davis as the singer.
Primary Wave Music partnered with Indian record label and music publisher Times Music. Under the deal, Primary Wave will invest “significant capital” in the company while providing resources for additional Indian catalog investments and helping accelerate the growth of its existing regional, film and non-film music catalogs by assisting the Times Music team in uncovering opportunities in the United States, Europe and other markets in A&R, branding, synch, film/TV and digital marketing, according to a press release. Times Music is looking to make further investments in Bollywood and South Indian cinema music as well as “iconic Indian catalogs,” the release states. Times Music is a subsidiary of The Times of India Group.
Warner Music Singapore and Cross Ratio Entertainment, a leading Singaporean independent record label, signed an exclusive global distribution agreement. Under the deal, Warner Music Singapore will work closely with Cross Ratio on new releases, catalogs, brand partnerships, synchronization deals and marketing events as well as on identifying and upstreaming artists. The Cross Ratio roster includes Akeem Jahat, Alfred Sim, Belinda Lee, and Derrick Hoh; the label also distributes over 200 additional artists.
Academy Award-winning composer Justin Hurwitz (Whiplash, La La Land) partnered with music-for-advertising and sonic branding company Score a Score to expand Hurwitz’s “creative energy to the world of advertising — applying his unique ability to create ‘earworm’ melodies on the big screen to short-form campaigns,” according to a press release. Hurwitz has previously worked with brands including De’Loghi, Heineken and Louis Vuitton.
Will Ward — head of the talent, music, production and incubator company, Fourward — launched Fourward Ventures, a $50 million, early-stage growth fund actively investing in sectors including health and wellness, sustainability and consumer packaged goods. The company has successfully closed half the fund and is on track to close the rest by September 15. “The company seeks brands that disrupt traditional consumer categories through innovation and aims to drive change in society through products or services,” according to a press release, and will help “to quickly scale cutting edge early-stage brands into world-class businesses.” The fund has already invested in nine companies: Audio Up, Goodles, Lomi by Pela, Mad Rabbit, Patrake, Samsara, Starface, Julie and Bryn Pharma. Ten percent of carry profits will be set aside for three different charities not named in the release.
Advertising, communications, technology and commerce holding company WPP has acquired sonic branding agency amp sound branding. Under the deal, amp will join WPP’s brand and design consultancy, Landor & Fitch, adding to the agency’s expertise in delivering immersive brand identities for companies. Amp has created sonic identities for brands including Mastercard, Mercedes-Benz, Kraft Heinz, Deloitte, Shell and General Motors.
The U.K. office of French music company Believe formed a partnership with underground dance music company Rinse to handle distribution and label services for its Rinse Recordings and Bad Music imprints. Under its new b:electronic global imprint, Believe will handle the global distribution for all Rinse and Bad Music frontline and catalog releases. Rinse will continue to handle day-to-day marketing for both imprints while benefitting from Believe’s audience development team across 50 countries, with a focus on audio and video plus editorial and marketing partnerships with digital service providers.
Warner Music UK and independent record label Brownswood Recordings formed a joint venture that will see WMUK “share its expertise in distribution, marketing, and promotion and give Brownswood Recordings access to a global network and a wealth of resources,” according to a press release. The first release under the deal will be Black Classical Music, the debut solo album from drummer/producer/artist Yussef Dayes, which is slated for release on September 8. Brownswood will continue to operate as an independent label, with its leadership team retaining creative control.
Credit Union 1 is the new name-in-title sponsor of the outdoor, 28,000-capacity venue formerly known as Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre at Tinley Park located in southwest Chicago. Now known as Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, the Live Nation venue is described as the latest addition to Credit Union 1’s entertainment naming rights portfolio in the greater Chicago area.
Insomniac Music Group partnered with free creator-safe music platform Slip.stream to make its music catalog — which includes songs from over 120 artists — to be made available and claim-free via Slip.stream’s online subscription license. Through its integration with FUGA and its Licensease API technology, Slip.stream will protect Insomniac’s copyrights on YouTube while allowing creators to use the music and monetize their videos on all platforms. The Insomniac catalog is now available to Slip.stream’s Pro and Commercial subscribers, though creators can sign up free with access to the rest of the Slip.stream catalog.
ASM Global formed a partnership with London Stadium in the United Kingdom to create additional event content for the venue’s upcoming calendar while also developing new commercial opportunities. Originally built to host the London 2012 Olympic Games, London Stadium is home to the Premier League football club in West Ham United as well as U.K. Athletics. It’s the second-largest concert capacity stadium in London.
FIVE Hotels and Resorts has struck a joint venture with Warner Music Group for the Dubai-based luxury brand’s record label, FIVE Music. To kick off the partnership, FIVE Music — alongside Warner Music Central Europe, Dabruck Creative and FIVE Music’s exclusive music publishing partner, Warner Chappell Music — is in the midst of hosting a music writing camp from April 28 to May 14 at FIVE Palm Jumeirah in Dubai with artists including Robin Schulz, Space Motion, Franky Wah and Alle Farben and songwriters including KIDDO, Bully Songs and Gez O’Connell. Through the deal, FIVE Music has also committed to establishing a state-of-the-art music studio — dubbed FIVE Music Studio — at the FIVE Palm Jumeirah.
Dequency — described as “a web3-powered, decentralised marketplace for on-chain sync licensing” — partnered with artificial intelligence music tagging and recommendation engine Cyanite, which develops AI algorithms for music analysis, tagging, search and discovery to help clients including BMG, Nettwerk, UMPG Music Solutions and more unlock the full value of their repertoire. The new agreement with Cyanite “will make discovering new, original works on the Dequency platform for use in content easier than ever,” according to a press release.
Urbano star and reggaeton veteran Chencho Corleone has launched a “new musical phase” by signing a global record deal with Sony Music Latin, the company tells Billboard. The agreement comes on the heels of Chencho’s upcoming debut album as a solo artist; he was previously one-half of the duo Plan B, who rose to fame in the early 2000s.
“I’m very happy with what we’ve been creating and what’s coming up,” said the Puerto Rican hitmaker in a statement. “I’m sure my fans will enjoy this new musical phase, adding another milestone in my career.”
Corleone is set to drop the first single from the set, “Un Cigarrillo,” on Thursday (May 4) along with a music video directed by Jessy Terrero. “I had the opportunity to sit down with production and the team to create a visual concept that projects and marks the new solo path at the beginning,” Chencho added in his statement.
The deal comes amid a career spike for Corleone. Last year, he scored his first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Hot Latin Songs chart thanks to “Me Porto Bonito” with Bad Bunny, which ruled the tally for 20 weeks. He also notched his first No. 1 on Billboard‘s Latin Airplay chart with his feature on Rauw Alejandro‘s “Desesperados.”
About the signing, Sony Music U.S. Latin president Alex Gallardo, added, “We’re extremely happy to welcome Chencho Corleone to the Sony Music family. Chencho has proved to be one of the leaders in his genre with his distinctive style and powerhouse collaborations, reaffirming his position worldwide. We are committed alongside his team to take his career to new levels and establish him as one of the biggest names in the music.”
Corey Taylor, the frontman of Grammy Award-winning and multiplatinum-selling metal band Slipknot, has signed a “global recordings agreement” with BMG to release his second solo album, Billboard has exclusively learned. The project, called CMF2, will arrive later in 2023.
“I wanted to work with BMG because they came in super hot wanting to work with me, and they’ve been keeping the fires burning for rock, punk and metal over the last few years,” Taylor tells Billboard.
CMF2 will be released on Taylor’s label imprint, Decibel Cooper/BMG, and apparently, he has an eye on helping other talent as well. He explains, “Decibel Cooper will not only allow me to release my own music and art worldwide, but it also gives me a solid way to help bolster any rad new acts I want to put on the roster. BMG is going to help me put my money where my mouth is — giving a boost to the next generation.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Corey Taylor to the BMG family,” executive vp of New York/senior vp of international marketing Jason Hradil said in a statement. “His new album is an extension of the incredible body of work he’s assembled over his career, and we can’t wait for fans around the world to hear it later this year.”
Thomas Scherer, BMG president of repertoire and marketing, Los Angeles and New York, added, “We were completely blown away after hearing Corey’s new album. His music is absolutely brilliant with the marketing skills to match. It is an honor to be the partner for such an inspiring artist and entrepreneur like Corey Taylor and amplify his vision globally.”
Taylor delivered his first solo album, CMFT, in 2020 through Roadrunner Records. It debuted at No. 44 on the Billboard 200, No. 6 on Top Rock & Alternative Albums and Top Rock Albums, and No. 3 on the Top Hard Rock Albums charts. To date, it has earned 52,000 equivalent album units, according to Luminate. Lead single “Black Eyes Blue” earned him his first No. 1 as a solo artist on Mainstream Rock Songs.
When asked how CMF2 will differ from its predecessor, he described it as “bigger, better and harder than CMFT in almost every way: The songs are sick, the music is gigantic, and the risks were off the charts. CMFT was where I came from; CMF2 is where I’m going.”
Taylor, one of metal’s best-known personalities, has a multifaceted career within and beyond the music industry. Six of Slipknot’s studio albums have reached the top three of the Billboard 200, with three of those titles debuting at the peak. The group has earned 12.1 million equivalent album units and has also logged 4.7 billion official on-demand U.S. streams and 8.3 million downloads. The nine-piece band, whose sinister, evolving masks have become one of the genre’s most identifying symbols, will tour Europe throughout June.
Taylor also fronts multiplatinum hard-rock band Stone Sour, which has been on hiatus after releasing six studio albums between 2002-2017. He penned a four-issue companion comic book to Stone Sour’s House of Gold & Bones, Part 1 and 2 projects and is a New York Times bestselling author of four nonfiction books, the latest being 2017’s America 51. He has several acting credits, including roles in the horror films Rucker and Bad Candy.
For the next entries on his résumé, “I’ve always got a ton of things going on,” says Taylor. Having acquired the Famous Monsters horror brand in late 2022, he says the enterprise is “firing up, on print and digitally,” for he is relaunching its namesake zine and intends to create toys, films and festivals under the banner. “Still in [pre-production] for Zombie Vs. Ninja, the first of the movies I’ve written; still toying with the ideas for my fifth book. You know me — can’t get rid of me!”
On April 18, BMG announced it would combine its new-release and catalog recordings businesses, in recognition of how streaming is blurring the line between catalog and front-line music. In March, the company reported that, in 2022, it enjoyed its best year in its 15-year history, with revenue up over 30% due to strong growth in publishing and recorded music, as well as its $500 million-plus investment in music catalogs and artist signings.
Artist, producer, DJ and multi-instrumentalist SG Lewis signed with multi-dimensional artist development company Godmode, founded by former Capitol Records A&R Talya Elitzer and songwriter-producer Nick Sylvester. Lewis joins a roster that also includes Channel Tres and JPEGMAFIA.
“I am thrilled to formally welcome Sam to Godmode. Sam is an incredible talent and already a part of the Godmode family, I can’t wait to see what we are going to build together,” said Elitzer in a statement.
Lewis, who performed at this year’s Coachella music festival, previously released two studio albums: 2021’s Times and this year’s AudioLust & HigherLove, both via Virgin EMI/PMR Records. As a songwriter and producer, he’s collaborated with artists including Dua Lipa, Elton John, Robyn and Tove Lo.
Scott Schreiber at UTA represents Lewis for booking.
Singer-songwriter Goth Babe (aka Griff Washburn) signed with Mom+ Pop, which recently released his debut single on the label, “Alone in the Mountains.” He’s represented by manager Sean Sheahan and booking agents Jackie Nalpant and Kiely Mosiman at Wasserman Music.
Doe Boy (“100 Shooters”) signed with Salxco for management. The rising rapper is also signed to Epic Records, which released his latest single, “Roll the Dice” featuring DeJ Loaf, on April 14.
Singer-songwriter Sarah Kinsley (“The King”) signed to Verve Forecast and Decca Records UK. Kinsley is managed by Beth Warren at Everybody’s Management.
Christian singer-songwriter Chris Davenport signed with Capitol CMG, which recently released his single, “Plead the Blood.” His debut album, Time, is slated to drop on June 30. He’s managed by the Breit Group.
Deer Tick signed with ATO Records for the release of their forthcoming album, Emotional Contracts, which is due out on June 16. The band is represented by managers Ryan Matteson and Kevin O’Halloran at Ten Atoms and agent Will Scott at CAA.
Swedish pop artist Sarah Klang signed with Nettwerk Music Group, which released her latest single, “Mercedes,” earlier this month. Klang is managed by Petter Seander at Birds Will Sing For You and Johan Calissendorff at Pangur Music; her booking agent for the United Kingdom and European Union is Bas Flesseman at Belmont Bookings.
Also signing to Nettwerk is Atlanta-based dream pop artist Bathe Alone (born Bailey Crone). The label released their latest track, “Awfully Quiet,” earlier this month. Bathe Alone released an album, Last Looks, in 2022 and an EP, Fall With The Lights Down (Louise), last year.
Chicago band Deeper signed to Sub Pop and released their debut single on the label, “Sub,” earlier this month. They’re revving up for the release of their debut album on Sub Pop later this year.
Country singer-songwriter Lauren Watkins signed with Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters. She released her debut EP, Introducing Lauren Watkins, on April 21. Watkins is represented by managers Seth England at Big Loud Management along with Nicole Galyon and Meanie Mulrain at Songs & Daughters. Her booking agent is Austin Neal at The Neal Agency.
Australian hardcore band Geld signed to Relapse Records, which will release the group’s third album, Currency//Castration, on June 9. The LP is preceded by the single “Fog of War.”
Atlantic Records has signed country singer-songwriter Tanner Usrey to its artist roster, with Usrey’s label debut single, “Give It Some Time,” releasing Friday (April 14).
Texas native Usrey was belting out Alan Jackson songs by age five, and counts artists including George Strait, the Rolling Stones and Tom Petty among his influences. Usrey quit his job as a skip tracer in 2019 and released his independent EP Medicine Man, with songs including “Beautiful Lies” earning millions of Spotify streams. In 2021, he followed with SÕL Sessions EP; a song from the project, “The Light,” soundtracked the finale of Yellowstone‘s fourth season.
“Give It Some Time,” was written by Usrey and producer Beau Bedford (Jonathan Tyler, The Texas Gentlemen).
“I started writing this song about a year and a half ago,” Usrey said via a statement. “It wasn’t one that came easy, by any means. I had the hook and a verse down when I went to start the record with Beau Bedford. And we finished the song in an hour and recorded it later that day. It’s an anthem about change, holding on to the person you love, and riding out the storm, because things will get better with time. This song means a lot to me, it’s one that I had to work at for a long time to write, and it’s our first single release with Atlantic, so I’m super excited about working together with this awesome team and seeing what we can accomplish together.”
“Tanner’s innate talent as a storyteller is evident in all of his music and we are incredibly excited to welcome him to the Atlantic family,” Ian Cripps, senior vp, A&R for Atlantic Records, added via a statement.
Last year, Usrey performed over 180 shows; in 2023, he is opening shows for artists including Elle King, Charles Wesley Godwin, and The Steel Woods.
Provident Entertainment has signed five-time Grammy winner Brandon Lake to its artist roster.
Lake’s song “Gratitude” is in its 11th week atop Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart and previously reached No. 1 on the Christian Airplay chart (where it currently resides at No. 3).
“I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Provident and for what’s to come,” Lake said via a statement. “With their team, I feel a genuine friendship and partnership, and know that there is a united goal of wanting to serve. This isn’t just about success, or trying to get the next #1; it’s about people, and serving people well.”
Lake’s most recent album, Help!, draws awareness to mental health and includes the Christian Airplay top 20 hit “Fear Is Not My Future (featuring Chandler Moore) and “Don’t Give Up on Me.” In addition to his solo music, Lake is known for his collaborations with Elevation Worship, Bethel Music and Maverick City Music. He is currently on the road on the 26-city Miracle Nights Tour with guest Benjamin Williams Hastings, and this fall, Lake will co-headline arenas on the Summer Worship Nights Tour with Phil Wickham.
“Very rarely do you get to come alongside an artist like Brandon whose songs, music, and ministry are already having such a significant impact around the world,” said Holly Zabka, president of Provident Entertainment, via a statement. “His passion for the Gospel and desire for teamwork has been evident each time we met about this new partnership. We are thrilled to welcome Brandon, his family, and the entire Brandon Lake team as new members of the Provident Entertainment family.”
“We’re thrilled to announce that Brandon Lake has signed with Provident Entertainment,” added Lake’s manager, Brandon Breitenbach. “Brandon is an exceptional artist whose music has already touched countless lives, offering a message of hope and redemption that have the power to transform hearts and minds. With Provident’s support, I’m confident that Brandon will continue to make a meaningful impact in the world. We’re excited to witness this next chapter in Brandon’s career and look forward to supporting him every step of the way.”
At this year’s Grammy Awards, Lake was honored for his work on a few songs, including “Fear is Not My Future,” which won best contemporary christian music performance/song, while his work with Maverick City Music on the 2022 EP Breathe garnered a best contemporary christian music album Grammy.
Lake previously told Billboard that he is working on a new album.
“I have a ton of songs and we are figuring out which ones will land on the new album and we are getting into pre-production,” he said. “We also have some songs on the next Elevation Worship record that are coming out, so collaboration is not slowing down.”
This is Signed, a new biweekly column that rounds up artist signings at labels, agencies, management companies and more.
Paris Hilton signed with management company YMU, where she will be represented under the recently formed FM Group banner — a new division of YMU Music led by FM president Alex Frankel and FM COO Chris Maher. The company will work with Hilton on her music business globally, including a new album that will mark her first since 2006’s Paris.
Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi, best known for his decades-long collaboration with legendary Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki, signed with Deutsche Grammophon. The deal encompasses the full scope of Hisaishi’s career as composer, conductor and pianist. His first album on the label — A Symphonic Celebration, slated for release on June 30 — contains symphonic arrangements of his original soundtracks for Studio Ghibli films including Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and My Neighbor Totoro. All tracks on the album were recorded in London by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Hisaishi.
Stockholm-based artist Waterbaby signed to Sub Pop Records globally. On March 29, she released her new single, “Airforce blue,” on the label. She is represented by managers Phil Jones and MNRK in the United Kingdom and Johan Calissendorff in Sweden as well as agent Tom Windish at Wasserman.
Nashville indie-pop singer-songwriter MORGXN signed to Nettwerk, which will release his new single, “Beacon,” on Friday. He is managed by Ron Shapiro.
MNJR, a new full-service artist and label management group launched in Nashville by Mike Reynolds and Norman Jacob, signed country band The Mavericks as well as the group’s frontman, Raul Malo, for his solo projects. Also signing with the company are alt-country group 49 Winchester and emerging artist McKinley James. The Mavericks and Malo release music through their own imprint, Mono Mundo Recordings, in partnership with Thirty Tigers; they’re booked by Clint Wiley at CAA in the United States, Nick Meinema at AEC in Canada and Nigel Hassler at CAA in other territories. 49 Winchester are on New West Records and represented by Jacob Lapidus and Will Scott at CAA for the United States and Lizzie Ford at CAA internationally. James is represented by Clint Wiley at CAA in the United States, Tom Brandt at Brando Bookings for the United Kingdom and Europe and Juan Diego at El Mico Entertainment for Spain.
Appalachian country-folk singer-songwriter Charles Wesley Godwin signed with Big Loud Records. Godwin is managed by Arthur Penhallow Jr. and Reed Turner at True Grit Management.
Producer-artist Michaël Brun (J Balvin, Ed Sheeran) signed to Astralwerks, which recently released his song “Clueless” featuring Oxlade; more music is on the way in 2023. Brun is represented by manager Ardie Farhadieh at LoyalT Management and agent Scott Schreiber at UTA.
Brazilian singer-songwriter Any Gabrielly signed to Republic Records. Formerly a member of the Simon Fuller-assembled pop group Now United, Gabrielly is managed by Fuller at XIX Entertainment.
Moroccan-American singer-songwriter Dounia signed a global distribution deal with ADA Worldwide and will soon begin releasing new singles. She is managed by Matt Geffen, Jamil Davis and Matt Bauerschmidt at The Revels Group, Carron Mitchell at Nixon Peadoby and Julie Greenberg at CAA.
“Zamrock” legends WITCH signed with Desert Daze Sound, a new record label launched by Southern California music festival Desert Daze in partnership with Partisan Records. The label will release Zango, the group’s first album in nearly 40 years, on June 2. WITCH is represented by manager Gio Arlotta and agents Joey Massa at Space Agency in the United States and Polly Miles at FMLY Agency in the United Kingdom and Europe.
TAG Music, a new record label founded by artist-turned-executive Gabe Saporta (Cobra Starship, Midtown), signed Los Angeles-based singer Sophie Powers and emo alt-rock artist Jules Is Dead under a joint venture deal with Atlantic Records. The label released Powers’ new single “Nosebleed” on March 31 and will release Jules Is Dead’s single “Red is My Favorite Color” later this month.
ONErpm Nashville announced a pair of signings: country singer-songwriter William Michael Morgan (“I Met a Girl”), who will release his Keith Stegall-produced EP on the label later this year; and singer-songwriter (and former The Voice contestant) Jesslee, whose debut single, “Unmet You,” is out now. Morgan is managed by Joe Carter and Mike Taliaferro at Carter and Company while his booking is handled by The Kinkead Entertainment Agency; Jesslee is represented by Black Label Nash Entertainment Group for both management and booking.
Hannah Georgas signed to Lucy Rose‘s Real Kind Records, which released her latest single, “This Too Shall Pass.” Georgas is managed by Jen Long, while her booking is handled by Todd Walker at Outer/Most in the United States, Julien Paquin at Paquin Agency in Canada and Colin Keenan at ATC Live in the rest of Europe.
Husband-and-wife country duo The Dryes — comprised of Katelyn and Derek Drye — signed with Wasserman Music for global representation. Formerly contestants on The Voice, the duo is managed by Carrie Lelwica.
Country singer Georgette Jones — daughter of country legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette — signed an artist management deal with Dr. Gerald Murray at Gerald Murray Music; Murray previously managed her father. Jones also signed with PLA Media for public relations.
African producer Dr. Wang signed with independent label KSR Group, which will release his new single, “Love Takes Me Higher” with Josh X, on April 21. Hailing from the Ivory Coast, Wang has produced for artists including Yannick Noah and Aya Nakamura.
Chilean singer-songwriter Polimá Westcoast signed a global deal with Sony Music U.S. Latin, Billboard has learned. With this agreement, the up-and-coming artist expands his relationship with the label after previously singing with Sony Music Entertainment Chile in 2019.
Born Polimá Ngangu Eduardo Miguel Orellana, the Santiago-born act entered the music industry in 2018 with his edgy “Trap Star,” which captured his trap star-meets-rock star attitude. Polimá Westcoast gradually made a name for himself as a local artist performing at the important Lollapalooza Chile Festival last year and at Viña del Mar International Song Festival in February.
“This is something fundamental for me that not only I worked on, but also along my great team,” the singer said in a statement. “A lot is happening with my career at the international stage. We are ready and determined to take the necessary steps to achieve the next level.”
Although Polimá has been making music for some time now, it was his Pailita-assisted track “Ultra Solo” released last year that really put him on the map. It peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Excl. U.S. chart (dated July 2, 2022). He later landed a remix alongside Paloma Mami, Feid and De La Ghetto. In the past, he’s also collaborated with J Balvin and Quevedo.
“We are very happy to continue working with Polimá Westcoast, who has proven to be one of the most talented and creative artists of his generation,” added Alex Gallardo, president of Sony Music U.S. Latin. “We are confident that together we can bring his music to new audiences worldwide. Today, we welcome him to Sony U.S. Latin, where we are committed to helping him continue to grow his name internationally and become one of the biggest names in Latin music.”
