State Champ Radio signings
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Chris Janson has returned to his former label home of Warner Music via a partnership with the country singer-songwriter’s Harpeth 60 Records imprint. Clay Hunnicutt leads Harpeth 60 Records’ radio promotion staff, with team members including Ray Vaughn and Lauren Bartlett. Janson previously released his first three albums through Warner, earning hits including “Buy Me a Boat” and “Good Vibes.” — Jessica Nicholson
Emerging singer-songwriter Esaú Ortiz signed with Sony Music Latin. The música mexicana artist from Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, first gained traction on social media with songs like “Triple Lavada,” which was featured on playlists such as Apple Music’s Hits 2025 and Spotify’s Éxitos México. His first official project under Sony Music Latin is said to feature “an explosive remix and heavyweight collaborations,” according to a press release. “I know I have the best team to take my music to the next level and to the ears of everyone,” Ortiz said in a statement. ” I believe we will do great things together, which makes me very happy.” — Griselda Flores
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Big Wild, a project of producer, singer, songwriter and engineer Jackson Stell, signed a label deal with Giant Music and a management deal with Ceremony Music Group. His first release under Giant was the single “You Belong Here,” which dropped April 11.
Jasmine Amy Rogers, the singer and actor who plays Betty Boop in Boop! The Musical on Broadway, signed a record deal with Nashville-based label Melody Place for the release of new original music at the end of 2025. According to a press release, the music will be “somewhere in the mainstream pop/urban world.” Rogers is also featured on the Boop! The Musical cast album set for release later this spring.
Metalcore band Wind Walkers signed with Fearless Records, which released the group’s new single and video “The End Aesthetic.” Wind Walkers just kicked off its Shapeshifter Tour on April 16 in Little Rock, Ark.
Indie-rock/dream-pop band Yumi Zouma signed with Nettwerk, which released its new single, “Bashville on the Sugar,” on Friday (April 18). Yumi Zouma is managed by Phil Jones at Tuesday’s Artists Management and booked by Alisa Preisler at Ground Control, Beckie Sugden at CAA and Sam Wald at WME. The band was previously signed with Polyvinyl Record Co.
Nettwerk also signed Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter BEL and will release her forthcoming single, “Fresh Start,” on Friday (April 25). BEL is managed by Justin Little and Chad Heimann at Brilliant Corners.
TAMLA Records and Capitol Christian Music Group (Capitol CMG) signed Peech. to their artist roster. In 2024, Peech. broke through with the single “Snowfall” and the mixtape L.I.V.E. On Friday (April 18), he released his latest single, “Don’t Miss Your Moment.” — Jessica Nicholson
Riser House Records signed indie-pop group The Wldlfe and will release the band’s new single, “Make Me Cry,” on Friday (April 25). The band is composed of Jansen Hogan, Carson Hogan, and Jack Crane.
Scotland-born, Texas-raised country singer Callum Kerr signed with ONErpm and Huff Co. Kerr also works as a model and actor. His new single, “Cold Beer Cold,” is out now.
Sony Classical signed Berlin-based pianist Alexander Malofeev, who will release his debut album for the label in the fall. Malofeev first rose to prominence in 2014 at the age of 13, when he won the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians. He has since performed with leading orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of the National Academy of Santa Cecilia, the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and Orchestra Filarmonica della Scala.
Asher White signed to Joyful Noise, which released her latest single, “Kratom Headache Girls Night,” on Tuesday (April 15). White’s most recent album, Home Constellation Study, was released on Ba Da Bing! in 2024.
Oakland-based punk band The Lucky Eejits signed with Southern California indie label HEY!FEVER Records. The group recently won a spot at this year’s San Francisco Punk in the Park Festival on May 3. Lucky Eejits is set to release new music by the end of this year.
Leading rock label Better Noise Music has announced a raft of new signings, including iconic pop-rock band Yellowcard, which will release its new album on the label later this year.
The as-yet untitled LP, which will be produced by Travis Barker, who also played drums on the album, marks something of a comeback for Yellowcard, which hasn’t released an album of new material since its self-titled set dropped in 2016 via Hopeless Records. The group is known for mid-aughts hits including “Ocean Avenue” and “Lights and Sounds” — the title tracks off the group’s two most successful albums, released in 2003 and 2006, respectively.
Also signing to Better Noise is Swedish power metal band Sabaton, which has racked up 4 billion streams on Spotify alone, according to a press release. The group has released a total of 10 studio albums, most recently on Nuclear Blast with its 2022 LP The War to End All Wars. Sabaton has landed four albums on the Billboard 200.
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Better Noise additionally signed American rock band In This Moment, which is currently in the studio working on a new album and set to drop new tracks later this year. The band has scored four entries on the Billboard 200, with its 2014 set, Black Widow, peaking at No. 8.
Finally, Better Noise signed The Rasmus, the popular Finnish rock band that has a new album set to drop in 2025.
“We are beyond excited to welcome Yellowcard, Sabaton, The Rasmus, and In This Moment to the Better Noise family,” said Better Noise president/COO Steve Kline in a statement. “These exceptional bands showcase the diversity and creativity that define our rich roster of rock and alternative artists. Each brings a proven global track record and a distinctive approach to rock music. We look forward to partnering with them and taking each band to the next level and beyond.”
The Better Noise roster also includes Five Finger Death Punch, The Funeral Portrait, Asking Alexandria and The Hu, among many others.
Charli XCX appointed PPL for the collection of her international neighboring rights royalties, joining a client list that includes Ice Spice, Kenya Grace, London Grammar, Becky Hill, Sigala, Joel Corry and Lewis Thompson.
Downtown Artist & Label Services announced a trio of new deals including with Capital Cities (“Safe and Sound”), which partnered with the distributor to support the band’s catalog and future releases, including the release of the band’s A Hurricane of Frowns album on Feb. 14. Downtown also signed with Sofi Tukker for the U.S. rights to the duo’s catalog and upstreamed Twenty One Pilots‘ self-titled debut album, originally released via Downtown-owned distributor CD Baby in 2009.
Indian singer Sid Sriram signed a joint venture with Warner Music India that encompasses recorded music, management, live performances, brand collaborations and strategic ventures focused on non-film Indian-language music. Sriram and Warner Music India will “scout and nurture a new wave of global talent” under the agreement. The first release under the deal is Sriram’s “Sivanar,” which was released on Thursday (April 3).
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Indian star Guru Randhawa also signed with Warner Music India, which will release his next album, Without Prejudice. The first single, “Gallan Battan,” was released on March 28. Randhawa’s deal covers recorded music, live experiences, fan engagement and more. The deal includes new management led by Gurjot Singh, who founded BeingU Studios.
Chicago pop-rock quintet The Walters (“I Love You So”) signed a licensing deal with Amuse, which released the band’s debut album, Good Company, late last month. Amuse is providing frontline support, including DSP optimization, playlisting, editorial relationships, marketing, design support and UGC monetization help.
Indie singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou signed with Nettwerk, which will release her first self-produced single, “You and I,” on Friday (April 11). Lou is managed by Gorka Odriozola at Independent Artists Management and booked by Brian Greenwood and Carly James at CAA.
Country band LANCO signed with UTA for representation in all areas. The band released its debut album, We’re Gonna Make It, in January; recently completed its We’re Gonna Make It tour; and is slated to play multiple fairs and festivals this summer. LANCO is managed by Bryan Coleman and Eleanor Kohl at Union Entertainment Group/Red Light Management.
Caroline Jones, a country singer-songwriter and member of Zac Brown Band, signed a recording deal with Big Machine Label Group’s Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. The label released her latest track, “No Tellin,’” on March 28.
Former We The Kingdom member Franni Cash is launching a solo career and has formed her new team, which included signing a label deal with Capitol Christian Music Group and aligning with WME for booking representation. She is managed by Round Table Management’s Hannah Gifford. As part of We The Kingdom, Cash has earned two Grammy nominations and won three GMA Dove Awards. – Jessica Nicholson
Americana band The Brudi Brothers signed with Mom+Pop Music on the heels of its viral single “Me More Cowboy Than You.”
Emerging country singer-songwriter Tyler Nance signed a management deal with Redline Entertainment in Nashville. Nance will be managed by the firm’s Larry Blackford and Wes Mayers. He released his debut EP, Wasted Chances, last year.
Ohio native and country-rock artist Preston Cooper has signed with The Neal Agency for booking representation. Cooper has released songs including “Numbers on a Mailbox” and Weak” and will release his debut album, Toledo Talkin’, on May 30. The Neal Agency’s roster also includes Morgan Wallen, Ernest, HARDY, Bailey Zimmerman, Ella Langley and Anne Wilson. – Jessica Nicholson
Grammy-nominated artist mgk (formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly) has signed with WME for representation worldwide. The global touring artist and actor (real name Colson Baker) was previously represented by UTA. mgk has notched 19 Hot 100 hits including No. 4 entry “Bad Things” with Camila Cabello in 2017, 2021’s “My Ex’s Best Friend” with […]
Lynyrd Skynyrd signed a label deal with Frontiers Music Srl, which will release the iconic rock band’s live album and DVD, Celebrating 50 Years – Live At The Ryman, taped at its 50th anniversary concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in 2022. The show featured the final performance of founding member Gary Rossington. The band is managed by Vector Management.
Downtown Neighboring Rights will manage and represent Jason Mraz‘s neighboring rights. Mraz’s catalog includes such hits as “I’m Yours,” “Lucky” featuring Colbie Caillat, “I Won’t Give Up” and “I Feel Like Dancing,” the lead single from his latest album, Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride.
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sydney Rose (“Turning Page,” “We Hug Now”) signed to Mercury Records and will release her new EP, I Know What I Want, on the label on April 4. “We Hug Now” went viral on TikTok earlier this year. Rose is booked by CAA.
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Thelma & James (“Happy Ever After You”), a duo composed of married Nashville-based singer-songwriters MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge, signed with Big Loud Records. The label released the duo’s new song, “First Love,” on March 14. Thelma & James is currently in the studio working on new music.
R&B singer JayDon signed a label deal with Usher and L.A. Reid‘s mega. The label released his single “I’ll Be Good” — which samples Usher’s “How Do I Say” — on March 14 ahead of his forthcoming EP Me, My Songs and I, which is set for release this spring. Under the name JD McCrary, JayDon is known for voicing Young Simba in 2019’s The Lion King and starring in films and TV shows including The Paynes and Little. He also appeared on Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift soundtrack.
Country singer-songwriter Cole Phillips signed with WME for global representation. The Oklahoma native will release his EP Steel Toes and Texacos on April 11 on RECORDS Nashville. The EP will feature five songs he co-wrote, including “West Tx.” Phillips is repped by WHY&HOW for management. – Jessica Nicolson
Singer-songwriter Alexandra Savior signed with RCA Records and released a new single, “Unforgivable.” Savior previously released two albums, Belladonna of Sadness and The Archer, on Columbia and 30th Century Records, respectively.
Concord and Pulse Music Group’s Pulse Records signed Nashville-based singer-songwriter Elizabeth Nichols, who released her debut single, “I Got a New One,” on Dec. 6. Pulse released her latest single, “Bad Taste,” on Friday (March 21). Nichols is managed by Dylan Bourne and James Martin at Bourne Creatives and booked by Meredith Jones Long and Cheryl Paglierani at CAA.
Third Man Records signed Austin, Texas, rock band Die Spitz. The quartet, which has previously supported Amyl and the Sniffers, Sleater-Kinney and OFF! on the road, is slated to embark on a world headlining tour starting May 28, including slots at The Governors Ball and Bonnaroo.
Mexican pop group ALMAS — composed of Alegría, Dae, Dany and Steph — has signed to Universal Music Latino. “Being welcomed to the Universal Music Latino family is more than just a milestone for us — it’s a celebration of our journey, our voices, and the strength of women in music,” the band said in a statement. “We are excited to share our story with the world and continue to push innovative boundaries while staying true to who we are.” – Griselda Flores
Also signing with Universal Music Latino was emerging Colombian artist Annasofia. Based out of Miami, Annasofia is also a musician and producer, and the signing marks “the next step” in her career, according to a press release. The 24-year-old is a graduate of Art House Academy under the mentorship of renowned producer Julio Reyes Copello. – Griselda Flores
Billy Ray Cyrus and Scott Adkins (who manages Cyrus) signed Native American guitarist, songwriter and producer Micki Free as the flagship client of the duo’s newly-formed Roam Man Management. Free, who recently released an EP, Dreamcatcher, won a Grammy for his contribution to the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack.
Americana artist Connor Daly signed with Burning Ground Entertainment for management. Daly released his debut album, Colors Fade, in July. Daly, who counts Jason Isbell, Zach Bryan and Ed Sheeran as inspirations, recently released a new single, “Curtains Never Close.” Burning Ground Entertainment also represents artists including Mic Drop, The Pretty Wild, and Tayiha. – Jessica Nicholson
Eslabon Armado‘s frontman and songwriter Pedro Tovar has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Kobalt, the company tells Billboard. The agreement was done via Tovar’s Armado Publishing; Kobalt will administer the Mexican-American artist’s entire catalog and future songs globally.
“I’m excited to join the Kobalt Music family in this new career stage,” Tovar said in a statement. “As a songwriter, I have always sought a company that values creativity and provides the necessary support to elevate my music to a global audience. I know that with Kobalt, I’ll continue growing and sharing my stories through my songs.”
Since having a major breakthrough in 2020, the sierreño act has been on a winning streak and fueling the música mexicana movement along the way.
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Over the course of four years, Eslabon released six consecutive chart-topping albums — all of which hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Regional Mexican Albums chart. In 2022, the group made history, with Nostalgia becoming the first top 10-charting regional Mexican album ever on the Billboard 200. A year later, Eslabon released its blockbuster hit “Ella Baila Sola” with Peso Pluma. The song was a runaway success and made history when it entered the Billboard Hot 100‘s top five. Last week, Eslabon released its eight studio album, Vibras de Noche II, a follow-up to the band’s 2020 set Vibras de Noche.
“Pedro Tovar is one of the most exciting artists and songwriters making music today,” added Nestor Casonu, president of Kobalt Music Latin America. “Through this partnership, we’ve had the privilege of understanding the values of an extraordinary family, led by Doña Nelly, with whom we’ve built both a professional and personal bond. I’m excited about the great things we’ll achieve together in the future.”
“At Kobalt, we want to sign songwriters who have singular voices that resonate with a wide audience,” said Teresa Romo, Kobalt’s senior creative director for Latin America. “Our partnership with Pedro Tovar represents an exciting new phase in his songwriting career, and we’re honored to support his creative independence and nurture new opportunities.”
Armado Publishing was represented in the deal by Christopher Navarro, partner at Singh, Singh & Trauben LLP.
Colombian reggaetón star Ryan Castro has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, the company tells Billboard. Born in Medellín, Castro released his debut album El Cantante del Ghetto, a nod to his journey from street busking to bona fide hitmaker, last year. “Joining Warner Chappell is a big step in my career as an […]
Heavy metal legends Megadeth signed a deal with Frontiers Label Group’s new imprint, BLKIIBLK, to release the band’s forthcoming album globally. The deal was struck via frontman Dave Mustaine‘s Tradecraft imprint.
Global avant-pop star Sevdaliza signed a global deal with Create Music Group, which will release her upcoming music via its indie label, Broke, co-founded and led by Andre Benz and Brandon De Oliveira. The imprint put out Sevdaliza’s latest single, “Maria Magdalena,” on Friday (March 7). The first release under the deal was Sevdaliza and Karol G’s “No Me Cansare,” which came out in October and has more than 70 million streams globally, according to a press release.
Kristin Chenoweth signed with UTA for representation in all areas. Best known for originating the role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked and for starring in numerous films and TV shows, the Emmy- and Tony-winning singer and actress is set to debut in the forthcoming Broadway musical The Queen of Versailles in the 2025-26 season.
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Guitarist and songwriter Don Felder, best known for his former role as lead guitarist of the Eagles, signed with Frontiers Music Srl, which will release his debut solo album later this year. Felder is managed by Charlie Brusco at Red Light.
Seattle-formed alternative rock band Minus the Bear, which broke up in 2018 before reuniting, signed with Jordyn Reese at Do Better for Artists for management. The band’s label is Suicide Squeeze Records.
Mexican-Dominican songwriter Ambar Lucid signed with Nice Life Recording Company. The label released Lucid’s new song “There Goes My Baby” on Friday (March 7).
Country Latin artist Sammy Arriaga partnered with Chris Ruediger‘s Walk Off Entertainment for the release of his upcoming music, including new single “Left My Heart in Texas,” out Friday (March 14). The deal was struck via Arriaga’s own label, Dead Rose Records.
Boutique music publisher Maison Arts launched a full-service record label, Maison Records, with a roster that includes Swedish multi-instrumentalist Arc De Soleil, writer/producers-turned-artists Social House, Cuban electronic duo Pauza, London-based electronic duo Roi Turbo, DJ Devault, and U.K.-based Afrobeats artist Not3s. Maison Records’ executive team includes Maya Michaelian as head of marketing and A&Rs Livia Piomelli and Arielle Tindel. The Orchard will provide global distribution for the label.
Curb Records signed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matthews to its roster. Matthews first found recognition as a lead vocalist and writer for Elevation Worship. He co-wrote and performed on several of the band’s songs, including “Here as in Heaven,” “Resurrecting” and “Echo,” and the group’s Here as In Heaven album. – Jessica Nicholson
Christian hip-hop duo West Indies signed with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins‘ Alienz Alive label. The duo’s self-titled debut project was released on Feb. 28.
Americana artist Connor Daly signed with Burning Ground Entertainment for management. Daly released his debut album, Colors Fade, in July. Daly, who counts Jason Isbell, Zach Bryan and Ed Sheeran as inspirations, recently released a new single, “Curtains Never Close.” Burning Ground Entertainment also represents artists including Mic Drop, The Pretty Wild, and Tayiha. – Jessica Nicholson
Venezuelan singer-songwriter Joaquina has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, the company tells Billboard. This marks her first worldwide administration agreement since her best new artist win at the Latin Grammys in 2023, which made her the youngest act to win that category at age 19. “I believe a huge part of […]
After spending the last two years navigating the fulfilling experience of writing for her peers, Sabrina Claudio is entering a new chapter of her career as the R&B singer signs with EMPIRE, Billboard can reveal. “I think my uniting with Empire was divine timing,” says Claudio, who was signed to Atlantic Records from 2018 to […]
