State Champ Radio signings
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Mexican superstar Carín León has signed with WME’s global co-head of music, Kirk M. Sommer, in all areas, it was announced Tuesday (Dec. 2). Together with León’s manager, Jorge Juárez, the intention is to “grow León’s business and presence in territories beyond his current base.”
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“We are thrilled to join the WME team led by Kirk Sommer,” Juárez said in a statement. “Carín has tremendous potential to expand into other global territories. We are looking to WME to lead the way in all areas of their expertise.”
“Carín is a generational artist,” Sommer added. “In his incredible career, he has consistently broken barriers and transcended genres. We are determined to bring the full weight of WME to bear to expand Carín’s fanbase around the world and we are honored to work with both Carín and Jorge.”
Hailing from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, León — known for his signature norteño sound fused with R&B, country and pop — is one of the most versatile voices in Latin music. His debut album, Desvelada con Banda y Mariachi (2018), propelled him to quickly dominate the regional Mexican music scene. In 2021, his album Inédito debuted atop multiple charts and was named one of Billboard’s 25 Best Latin Albums of the Year.
A Grammy and Latin Grammy Award winner, León became the first Latin artist ever to play Coachella and Stagecoach in the same year in 2024, and is now set to become the first Latin artist to play Sphere in Las Vegas, with a run of seven shows set for 2026. He has also sung at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, opened for legendary British band The Rolling Stones, and sold out the impressive GNP Seguros Stadium in Mexico City, among other achievements. Earlier this year, he set an attendance record at RODEOHOUSTON with over 70,000 fans showing up to see him perform.
Last month, León took home the Latin Grammy for best contemporary Mexican music album for Palabra De To’s (Seca), which is also up for a 2026 Grammy Award for best música mexicana album.
The sheer number of artist signings announced on a weekly basis makes it difficult to keep up, no matter how closely you pay attention to the industry news cycle. That’s why every other Tuesday, Billboard compiles the latest signings to labels, distributors, agencies, management companies and more, in an effort to provide a snapshot of the latest moves in the artist space, from household names to indie stars to emerging acts.
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To start this week, label and management company XOXO Entertainment signed Grammy-winning R&B group Blackstreet. Since 2014, the group’s lineup has featured original members Chauncey “Black” Hannibal and Levi Little, along with Mark Middleton and Eric Williams.
A press release indicates that announcements regarding new music and performances from the group are forthcoming.
“We are beyond excited to partner with Blackstreet,” said XOXO president Adam H. Hurstfield in a statement. “As some of the greatest architects of that legendary 90’s RnB sound, their music shaped the soundtrack of our lives, defined an era, and left an unmistakable imprint on global culture. Around the world, fans have been yearning for that authentic feeling again, and at XOXO Entertainment, we are devoted to bringing it back, side by side with the very legends who created it. We are honored to help amplify Blackstreet’s iconic legacy into this exciting new chapter.”
In its own statement, Blackstreet added that the group “has always stood for timeless music, true artistry, excellence, and evolution. Partnering with XOXO Entertainment feels like the perfect alignment; where vision, passion, and creativity meet. As a group, we’re excited and honored to join forces with a team that shares our energy and commitment to taking BLACKSTREET into a new era. This partnership is powerful, and together we’re ready to create moments the world will remember. This next chapter will be iconic.”
Blackstreet scored a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit in 1996 with “No Diggity” featuring Dr. Dre, which spent four weeks at the chart’s summit. It also enjoyed success with tracks including “Before I Let You Go” and “Take Me There.”
Check out more of the latest artist signings below.
B2K (BPC Music Group)
The sheer number of artist signings announced on a weekly basis makes it difficult to keep up, no matter how closely you pay attention to the industry news cycle. That’s why every other Tuesday, Billboard compiles the latest signings to labels, distributors, agencies, management companies and more, in an effort to provide a snapshot of the latest moves in the artist space, from household names to indie stars to emerging acts.
First up this week, UTA signed singer-songwriter, actress and model FKA twigs for global representation in all areas. Twigs most recently released the album Eusexua Afterglow, a follow-up to her acclaimed album Eusexua from earlier this year that just nabbed a Grammy nod for best dance/electronic album. She’s slated to perform at Coachella next April.
Renowned Mexican singer Lucero is embarking on a new chapter in her career with Seitrack Records, the record label division of Ocesa Seitrack. On Oct. 29, the star, who has more than 45 years of experience in TV, film and music, signed an agreement with Octavio Padilla, the company’s director. Ranchera music will be the focus of this new phase of her career, with an upcoming album produced by Aureo Baqueiro. — Tere Aguilera
Miami company Fundamentals, led by Horacio Rodríguez, signed Ecuadorian rising star Jombriel and his longtime collaborator and producer Jøtta. Hailing from Esmeraldas, Jombriel was featured in Billboard‘s On the Radar Latin earlier this year. In March, the 22-year-old earned his first No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 with the Ryan Castro-assisted remix of his viral hit “Parte & Choke,” also featuring Alex Krack and Jøtta. Jombriel’s breakthrough single, “Vitamina” with DFZM and Jøtta, has garnered more than 325 million Spotify streams, according to Fundamentals, and is included on his debut 2025 album, Jombriel de la Suerte. Jøtta, a rising creative force in the Latin music world, is the producer behind these chart-topping hits, which blend dancehall, reggaeton and tropical sounds. — Isabela Raygoza
Check out more recent artist signings below.
Mad Tsai (Rebellion Records)
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MCA has signed country-rock band 49 Winchester to its Lucille Records imprint. On Friday (Nov. 7), the group will release its first new music since partnering with MCA: a cover of Black Sabbath‘s “Changes,” on which the group collaborated with MCA chief creative officer and Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb.
49 Winchester is currently in the studio with Cobb, crafting a full-length project slated for release next year. MCA will team up with New West Records on the upcoming album, while all subsequent 49 Winchester releases will be released exclusively through MCA.
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With a lineup that includes Bus Shelton, Noah Patrick, Isaac Gibson, Justin Louthian, Tim Hall and Chase Chafin, 49 Winchester got its start in Virginia and has become known for songs including “Russell County Line” and “Everlasting Lover.” The group will headline two shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 14 and 15. In 2023, they were nominated for duo/group of the year at the Americana Honors & Awards ceremony.
“We’re thrilled to be joining the MCA and Lucille family,” Gibson, 49 Winchester’s lead vocalist and guitarist, said in a statement. “Working with Dave Cobb is a dream, and we can’t wait for our fans to hear the new music we’re creating together.”
Chase Chafin, 49 Winchester’s bassist and co-founder, added, “So grateful to the fans and team who helped us build this to where it is today. We couldn’t be more excited for MCA to be the home of future 49 Winchester releases, and to share this next chapter with those who made it possible.“
“We are so excited to have 49 Winchester join Lucille Records,” said Mike Harris, president & CEO of MCA, in a statement. “Their mix of Southern rock is powerful and authentic, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to evolve.”
“In working with 49 Winchester it felt like they laid it all out on the line,” added Cobb. “The record is pure heart and honesty, a lotta heart, soul and love went into making this album.”
“Watching 49 Winchester’s remarkable growth and success over the past several years has been incredibly rewarding,” said John Allen, president of New West Records. “Their achievements reflect the band’s extraordinary talent and relentless work ethic, as well as the dedication of everyone at New West. Partnering once again with my longtime friend Dave Cobb is always a pleasure, and MCA is the perfect home for 49 Winchester as we work together to reach even greater heights.”
In addition to 49 Winchester, Lucille’s roster includes Lamont Landers. In February, Cobb and Harris were named the new heads of UMG Nashville, which then rebranded as MCA.
Trending on Billboard The sheer number of artist signings announced on a weekly basis makes it difficult to keep up, no matter how closely you pay attention to the industry news cycle. That’s why every other Tuesday, Billboard compiles the latest signings to labels, distributors, agencies, management companies and more, in an effort to provide […]
Trending on Billboard Clipse has taken another step forward in the duo’s post-comeback resurgence: signing to CAA. The deal comes after the revered rap duo, composed of Pusha T and Malice, ended its 15-year hiatus with the critically acclaimed album, Let God Sort Em Out. Released in July and executive-produced by Pharrell Williams, the album […]
Trending on Billboard The sheer number of artist signings announced on a weekly basis makes it difficult to keep up, no matter how closely you pay attention to the industry news cycle. That’s why every other Tuesday, Billboard compiles the latest signings to labels, distributors, agencies, management companies and more, in an effort to provide […]
Pop-rock artist Role Model has signed with Good World Management’s Brandon Creed and Dani Russin, Billboard can confirm.
Role Model joins a stacked roster of superstars at the firm, including Charli xcx, Troye Sivan, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato.
In April, Role Model parted ways with his manager, Best Friends’ Danny Rukasin, who helped the artist become a breakout star. The singer-songwriter recently scored his first Hot 100 hit with “Sally, When the Wine Runs Out.” The song is off the deluxe edition of Role Model’s 2024 album, Kansas Anymore, which arrived in February.
Role Model signed to Interscope in 2018 and released his debut album, the more alternative-sounding Rx, in 2022. But last year’s Kansas Anymore — which featured a softer, more Americana-inspired sound — changed the course of his career and helped solidify him as one to watch.
Since the release of Kansas Anymore, Role Model has opened on tour for Gracie Abrams and, more recently, celebrated two sold-out shows in Los Angeles; at one of those shows, he welcomed Reneé Rapp on stage as a surprise guest during “Sally.” Attendees at the L.A. concerts included Laufey, The Kid Laroi, Shaboozey, Shaboozey and Jason Sudeikis.
In May, it was announced that Role Model will make his acting debut in the upcoming Lena Dunham-directed Netflix film, Good Sex, starring Mark Ruffalo and Natalie Portman. He will be credited under his born name of Tucker Pillsbury.
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Creed founded Good World in August 2023. At the top of 2025, he was named Billboard‘s Manager of the Year along with his tight-knit team. In the interview, he said of signing new talent: “We are extremely discerning,” before adding, “We have room, don’t get me wrong, for the right thing.”
Brazilian sertanejo artist Gustavo Mioto signed with WME, which will focus on expanding his reach in Latin and North American markets. Over his career, the singer-songwriter has released nine albums and collaborated with Anitta, Jorge & Mateus, Fabio Jr. and more.
Tuscaloosa, Ala., band Gideon signed with Sumerian Records, which released the group’s latest single, “Til the Wheels Fall Off.” Gideon has several festival dates coming up, including at Vans Warped Tour, Louder Than Life and the New England Metal & Hardcore Fest.
Ty Herndon signed a three-album deal with Club44 Records. He just released a new version of his 1995 hit “What Mattered Most” as a duet with LeAnn Rimes. Herndon is also set to release the upcoming album Thirty, which will celebrate his three decades in country music. — Jessica Nicholson
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Country singer-songwriter Jenna Davis signed with UTA for touring. She will be repped at the agency by Jeffrey Hasson and Lauren Holland. Davis is set to release her debut album, Where Did That Girl Go?, via SMACKRecords on June 27.
Los Angeles-based artist management company MLennial signed American DJ and producer GorillaT. This year, the rising artist is set to play Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, Los Lands and more.
Chinese rapper jackzebra signed to SURF GANG Records, the evilgiane-led artist collective and record label based in New York. Jackzebra recently released Above & Beyond, a 34-track tape written during a visit to the U.S. SURF GANG recently released his new single, “Givenchy,” with evilgiane.
Big Machine Records signed country singer-songwriter Cole Goodwin. His first song for the label, “Girlfriend’s Got a Boyfriend,” was released on Friday (June 13). He’s slated to open select dates on Luke Bryan’s summer tour.
Indianapolis, Ind., “fake emo” band Summerbruise signed to SideOneDummy Records, which released the group’s new single, “Never Bothered.” The band will play a short U.S. tour this summer.
Booking agency Main Attraction Management added bluegrass artist Caroline Owens to its roster. Owens’s most recent single, “You’ve Still Got It,” has gained traction on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction, while Owens has garnered nominations from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA). She’s signed with Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Publishing, and is repped by Jules Wortman of Wortman Works Media & Marketing, who serves as both manager and head of public relations. — Jessica Nicholson
After enjoying explosive success with his 2023 single “Praise Jah in the Moonlight,” YG Marley has signed a deal with Tony Bucher‘s Hitmaker Music Group/Hitmaker Distro. The announcement on Friday (June 13) did not include any details of the agreement, but both Bucher and Marley expressed excitement for the new partnership. “We’ve worked together the […]
