State Champ Radio signings
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Josh Groban signed with CAA in all areas. According to a press release, the singer has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide. In May, he will play an exclusive five-night run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Groban is managed by Diarmuid Quinn at TourDForce Productions. His attorney is Richard Leher and his publicist is Luke Burland.
Coi Leray signed a recording contract with Epic Records and signed with Cory Litwin at Range Media Partners for management. Leray released the EP What Happened to Forever on Feb. 12. She previously released music on Universal Music Group’s Republic and Island Records.
Armada Music extended its deal with D.O.D with a new long-term agreement. The British DJ/producer just released the single “Wrap Yourself Around Me” featuring NORTH. Armada is also D.O.D’s publisher via its Armada Music Publishing arm.
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Spanish electronic artist Judeline signed with WME for representation in all areas. She previously released the EP De La Luz and the album Bodhiria. Last summer, she opened for J Balvin on his European tour and is currently wrapping her second solo tour. Her upcoming set at Coachella will serve as her U.S. festival debut.
The U.K. office of Believe signed deals with three rap artists: SL, Cristal and Strandz. SL signed an artist services deal covering both frontline and back catalog, with the rapper retaining ownership of his masters and creative control. Cristale and Strandz signed distribution deals on frontline releases, with Believe providing label management, editorial and marketing partnerships at DSPs, video and audience development, and synch services.
Singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Cautious Clay (Joshua Karpeh) signed with Concord Records, which recently released his new single “No Champagne (6am).” Concord Music Publishing previously acquired Clay’s catalog in 2024.
Mexican singer Carolina Ross signed a record deal with Fonovisa/Universal after several years as an independent artist. Born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, the artist’s acoustic versions of regional Mexican hits have amassed more than 400 million streams, according to a press release. – Tere Aguilera
Pop-rock group Arrows in Action signed with Nettwerk, which will release the trio’s new album, I Think I’ve Been Here Before, on May 16, with a second installment of the album to follow.
Nettwerk also signed indie-pop artist Your Smith (formerly Caroline Smith) and released her new single “Peaches.”
Warner Music Group signed a global label deal with Japanese dance and vocal boy group PSYCHIC FEVER via Warner Music Japan, in partnership with 10K projects in the U.S. The group will release its first single under Warner Music in June.
Ontario, Canada, band Arm’s Length signed with Pure Noise Records, which will put out the group’s sophomore album, There’s A Whole New World Out There, on May 16. The album is preceded by the single “Funny Face,” which is out now.
Anthony Martini and Rich Barner‘s recently launched Gravel Road Records signed country artist Travis Bolt (“Never Tried Cocaine”). An EP is coming in the spring.
Melbourne-based band Tropical F— Storm signed to indie label Fire Records, which released the group’s new single, “Goon Show.”
DJ Python (Brian Piñeyro) signed to XL Recordings, which will release his forthcoming five-track EP, I Was Put On This Earth, on March 28 as part of the label’s “house bag series.” The first track to be released from the EP is “Besos Robados.”
Triple Tigers Records signed singer-songwriter and Tennessee native Shane Profitt. Profitt earned a top 20 Billboard Country Airplay hit with “How It Oughta Be” in 2023 and previously released the BMLG Records/Harpeth 60 Records project Maury County Line. He is currently in the studio working on new music and is managed by Maverick Nashville Management. The Triple Tigers Records roster also includes Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson and Jordan Fletcher. – Jessica Nicholson
Sony Music Nashville signed Latina country singer-songwriter Kat Luna. Luna was previously part of the duo Kat & Alex and has since released solo music including “That Girl” and “Happiest I’ve Ever Been.” She is prepping new music with producer Nathan Chapman and is represented by Neon Coast for management, UTA for booking and Warner Chappell Nashville for publishing. – Jessica Nicholson
Korean rock artist LØREN signed with L.A.-based label AYLA. LØREN previously worked as a songwriter on BLACKPINK’s The Album, including the tracks “Pretty Savage,” “You Never Know” and “Lovesick Girls.”
Warner Classics signed the all-women vocal ensemble Lyyra. The first release under the deal will be a digital single of Vienna Teng’s song “Hymn of Acxiom,” which will be released on March 7 to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Primary Wave Music has signed a marketing and administration agreement with legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb to represent a major portion of his music publishing catalog, including such classic songs as “Wichita Lineman,” “The Worst That Could Happen,” “Galveston,” “By the Time I Get To Phoenix,” the Grammy-winning “MacArthur Park” and “Up, Up and Away.” Moreover, […]
Rising música mexicana star Xavi has signed a management deal with WK Entertainment, Billboard Español can exclusively announce Tuesday (Feb. 18).
The Latin music management firm — home to superstars Carlos Vives, Maluma, Emilia, and more — and helmed by CEO/founder Walter Kolm, is expanding its superstar roster with the inclusion of Xavi, 2024’s breakout star.
“Xavi is a once-in-a-generation talent whose artistry is reshaping música mexicana,” said Kolm in a statement. “His success so far is just the beginning, and we are honored to welcome him to the WK family. With our team’s expertise and global reach, alongside Nir and his team at Interscope, we look forward to taking his career to even greater heights.”
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“I’m excited for this new stage with the new addition to my team,” added Xavi.
Known for his signature tumbados románticos and an unmatched voice, the Mexican-American singer-songwriter has captivated a new generation of listeners. His hit “La Diabla” not only topped the Hot Latin Songs chart but also tied for the second-longest reigning title of the year, dominating for 14 weeks. Additionally, “La Víctima,” Xavi’s first chart entry, reached an impressive No. 2 peak. Additionally, the star reached No. 1 on the Year-End Top Latin Artist – New chart. Xavi signed with Interscope Records in 2021.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Walter and his incredible team to Xavi’s universe,” added Nir Seroussi, EVP of Interscope. “As Xavi continues to push boundaries and reach new audiences, together we will help solidify his status as one of the most influential artists in Música Mexicana today and beyond.”
WK Entertainment is also teaming up with with Fabio Gutierrez, Xavi’s father and manager, and Latin Lifestyle Entertainment, the company that has been pivotal in developing Xavi’s career from the start. “I’m very excited about this great opportunity to work hand in hand with WK and help take Xavi to the next level in his career! I’m very grateful for everything that is happening at the moment,” Gutierrez added.
Moreover, Xavi’s booking agency, WME, will maintain its role in managing his touring, brand partnerships, and film projects in conjunction with WK and Latin Lifestyle.
Def Jam continues to stockpile talent and revamp its legacy as a music powerhouse, as evidenced by their latest signing of Dende. After an impressive run on the independent circuit, the Texas-bred star hopes to galvanize a label looking to expand its R&B division anchored by recent Grammy winners Muni Long and Coco Jones. “I’m […]
Singer-songwriter Ryan Hurd has signed with The Core Entertainment for management. The singer-songwriter will be managed by The Core Entertainment co-founders/CEOs Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, as well as Brittani Johnson. The new management deal comes as Hurd gears up to release his sophomore album, the dozen-song Midwest Rock & Roll, on March 21 via […]
Ludacris signed with UTA for representation in all areas, including music, film/TV and other ventures. The rapper is still repped by Cara Lewis Group for concert bookings in the U.S. He’s managed by Chaka Zulu and Jeff Dixon of Ebony Son Entertainment and attorney Darrell Miller of Fox Rothschild.
Longstanding electronic music producer Seven Lions signed with Los Angeles-based artist management company MLennial, with the partnership focused on all of the artist’s future endeavors, including global touring. Launched a year ago, MLennial is run by founder Mike Lisanti, formerly the COO of Prodigy Artists, and focuses on multi-genre DJs and producers in dance and bass music. “Jeff (Seven Lions) has been one of my favorite artists since the start of my journey in the music industry,” says Lisanti. “His win in the Above & Beyond ‘You Got To Go’ remix contest on Beatport inspired me to enter similar competitions for exposure back in 2012. At the time, I was part of Charity Strike, and my duo partner and I went on to win two Beatport contests shortly after Jeff’s iconic entry. That moment kickstarted my entire career in the industry. Now, managing Seven Lions at the company I’ve built from the ground up feels not only full circle but truly surreal. We’re thrilled to unveil this new chapter for Seven Lions and are committed to serving both longtime and new fans through a fresh, innovative lens.” – Katie Bain
Grammy- and Oscar-winning rapper, actor, author and activist Common signed with CAA and Anonymous Content. He continues to be represented by Ceremony Music Group, The Lede Company, SMAC Entertainment, and Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light.
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McFly signed to Absolute Label Services for the release of the U.K. pop group’s “21st birthday album,” 21 LIVE. The release follows the ITV music special McFLY: The 21st Birthday Party, which was recorded at The O2. This will be the band’s fourth album released through Absolute.
Hawaiian country artist Maoli signed with ONErpm and Huff Co., which formed a joint venture last year. He’s set to release the album Last Sip of Summer on June 27 and recently embarked on a tour that will hit New Zealand, Australia, the U.S. and Canada.
Bluegrass band The Steeldrivers signed with Sun Records, which will release the group’s new self-produced album, Outrun, on May 23.
Universal Music Group Greater China signed an exclusive, multi-year global agreement with Chinese pop star Liu Han, who has been making music in the country for four decades. The deal marks the first time that his “majority body of work,” both recording and publishing rights, will be under a single umbrella, according to a press release. “Liu Huan is a towering figure in contemporary Chinese music history, and we are proud to support his journey in sharing his extraordinary music with the world,” Adam Granite, Universal Music Group executive vp of market development, said in a statement on the deal.
DJ and producer Netsky signed with One World Artists, the official artist agency of Tomorrowland, for global management representation. The drum and bass pioneer recently released the new single “California.”
HSquared Management signed Juno Award-winning artist Jordan St. Cyr. The signing of the “Rescue” hitmaker marks the company’s second joint signing since industry executives Kelli Haywood and Leigh Holt launched the company last year. – Jessica Nicholson
Pitbull’s Mr. 305 Records signed Cuban singer-songwriter and producer WhiteStar, who is regarded as one founders of the Bajo Mundo movement alongside Farruko and IAmChino. Under the deal, WhiteStar seeks to “expand this movement while exploring new musical horizons,” according to a press release. His contributions to the Bajo Mundo genre, a style that blends reggaetón, guaracha, dembow and EDM, include projects like Farruko’s mega hit “Pepas” and “Helicóptero” by El Alfa. “Joining Mr. 305 Records is a blessing, and a dream come true,” WhiteStar said in a statement. “I’ve always known I had the potential to be a star, and this is the right time to focus on my solo career. I’m excited to work with a label I’ve always admired, one that has played a key role in my development as a songwriter.” – Griselda Flores
The Ophelias signed with Get Better Records, which is set to release the band’s Julien Baker-produced album Spring Grove on April 4. Baker sings harmonies and plays instruments throughout the album, according to a press release. The Ophelias is composed of Spencer Peppet (guitar & vocals, she/her), Mic Adams (drums, he/him), Andrea Gutmann Fuentes (violin, she/her), and Jo Shaffer (bass, they/she).
Sophia Talamas, a content creator with more than 30 million followers on social media who last year participated in the influencers’ panel at Billboard Latin Music Week, signed a record deal with Sony Music Latino and will release her first single on Feb. 21. “This song is called ‘Funeral’ and is based on ‘real events’,” Talamas tells Billboard, adding that she has been working with Sony for over a year. “It’s not that easy to release a 1st song. I have learned to have a lot of patience, especially when you also have to complement or go from influencer to artist,” she adds. “When the 2nd one comes, it should be easier and faster.” – Isabela Raygoza
Mom+Pop Music signed alt-country supergroup Chaparelle, which released a new song, “Devil’s Music,” on Jan. 31. The group — composed of Zella Day, Jesse Woods and Beau Bedford — will be releasing new music throughout the year and is slated to kick off a 2025 tour on April 3. Chaparelle is managed by Jack Gallagher and Fiona Dolan at OPEN Management.
Seven-time Grammy winner and Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste has signed with UTA for representation in all areas, the agency announced Thursday (Feb. 5) Batiste is also a composer and performer who has built a career spanning multiple genres and disciplines.
This Sunday (Feb. 9), Batiste is set to perform the national anthem at the 2025 Super Bowl in his hometown of New Orleans.
Batiste’s latest studio album Beethoven Blues, released in November via Verve Records/Interscope, blends Beethoven’s compositions with Batiste’s own approach to the piano. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Albums chart and held the top spot for five weeks. It also reached the top of the Classical Crossover Albums chart where it sat at the peak for 10 weeks.
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Batiste has earned seven top 10s on the Jazz Albums chart, including a No. 1 with 2014’s Social Music and 2018’s Hollywood Africans, which peaked at No. 2 and spent over six months on the chart. He’s also had three top 10s on the Adult Alternative Airplay chart, with 2021’s “I Need You” reaching No. 2. His song catalog (for tracks on which he is the lead performer) has registered 284.5 million official on-demand U.S. streams, according to Luminate.
Batiste received 11 Grammy nominations in 2022, eight for his album We Are and three for his music to the Pixar movie Soul. He is one of only five artists in Grammy history to receive 11 or more nominations in one year. His nominations were spread across six genre fields in addition to the General Field.
Batiste was the subject of Matthew Heineman’s 2023 documentary American Symphony, released on Netflix in partnership with production company Higher Ground. Batiste and Grammy winner Dan Wilson penned the emotional song “It Never Went Away” for the film, which earned an Oscar nomination for best original song in 2024. American Symphony also won best music film at this year’s Grammys, while a track featured in the film, “It Never Went Away,” won best song written for visual media.
A Juilliard graduate, Batiste served as the bandleader and musical director of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert from 2015 to 2022. His early Grammy recognition included a nomination for best American roots performance in 2018 for his rendition of “Saint James Infirmary Blues” and two nominations in 2020 for Chronology of a Dream: Live at the Village Vanguard and Meditations (with Cory Wong). In 2021, he won the Academy Award for best original score for Disney/Pixar’s Soul alongside Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. In 2024, he also composed the score for Jason Reitman’s film Saturday Night live on-set during filming.
Batiste additionally runs his own company with an executive team led by Jonathan Azu, Dan Shulman, Ryan Lynn and ID PR.
Lil Nas X has signed with Crush Management, joining a star-studded roster that includes Miley Cyrus, Green Day, Lorde and more, Billboard has confirmed. The firm’s other recent signings include Kesha, Labrinth and Orville Peck. The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Lil Nas was formerly managed by Adam Leber‘s Rebel Management. The […]
Red-hot Latin upstart FloyyMenor has signed with Independent Artist Group for booking. The signing follows the huge success of the 19-year-old Chilean singer-songwriter’s reggaeton hit “Gata Only” with Cris MJ, which was named TikTok’s Global Song of the Summer and Global Song of the Year in 2024. According to a press release, the track saw 50 million creations on TikTok, […]
