signings

Kehlani signed with Wasserman Music for global representation, with agents Brent Smith and Eli Gelernter serving as her representatives at the company. The signing follows the singer-songwriter’s extensive world tour supporting her most recent album, Blue Water Road.

K-pop group RIIZE signed with RCA Records via a partnership between the U.S. label and Korea’s SM Entertainment. The group’s first release under the new deal is the single “Get A Guitar,” released on Sept. 4.

Rising country star Zach Top signed with independent label Leo33. Top is managed by Bob Doyle and Associates with booking representation courtesy of Jay Williams at WME.

Lay Zhang, a popular Chinese artist, producer, actor and dancer, signed to Warner Music China. Zhang, who debuted as a member of Korean-Chinese boy band EXO before launching a solo career, is managed by Zhang Yixing Studio.

Warner Music Central Europe signed its first digital artist, Noonoouri, and released her debut single, “Dominoes” featuring German DJ Alle Farben, on Sept. 1. Noonoouri’s voice, based on a human singer’s voice, was created using artificial intelligence. The songwriters and producers on “Dominoes” will receive royalties and publishing splits, according to the announcement of the signing in The Independent.

Chrysalis Records signed several new artists: British singer-songwriter Liz Lawrence, better known as one-half of electro-pop duo Cash + David, who is set to release her first EP on the label on Sept. 29; New York art-punk band Bodega, which will release a new album early next year; British vocal harmony group The Wandering Hearts, who will also release a new album next year; pop artist Gia Ford, who just released her new single, “Alligator,” and will put out her debut album on Chrysalis next year; and British singer-songwriter Marika Hackman, who released her latest single, “No Caffeine,” on Wednesday (Sept. 6) and will also put out an album in 2024.

Kyle Dion — whose music is described in a press release as a “blend of heartfelt R&B soul-pop” — signed a global label deal with Position Music. His latest single, “Boyfriend Jeans,” was released by Position on Aug. 25. Dion is represented by Brandon Hughes of Revel Talent Agency for booking and Lauren Camp of On Camp for management.

Alt-punk band 408 signed a multi-album deal with Los Angeles-based alternative label Big Noise, which will release the group’s next single, “Break Up With Your Girlfriend,” on Sept. 29. The band is managed by Nick Bailey, with booking representation by Jason Parent; it was previously signed to Regime Music Group.

Fievel Is Glauque, a group centered around American keyboardist Zach Phillips and French singer Ma Clément, signed to Fat Possum Records, which released its new singles, “I’m Scanning Things I Can’t See” and “Dark Dancing,” on Aug. 15. The band is managed by lucas@abusiness.company and Adam Ogushwitz at UTA for booking.

MNRK Music Group signed Los Angeles-based songwriter-producer Shawn Mackey, aka Pressplayy, to its producer and songwriter management roster. Pressplayy has collaborated with artists including Jeremih, Jadakiss, Quavo, Chris Brown, E40, Jeezy and more. He also boasts a producer partnership with Mally Mall; together, they’ve produced hits for artists including Justin Bieber, Akon and Roy Woods. Pressplayy most recently collaborated on a gospel album for the late rapper DMX.

San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter Maria BC signed to Sacred Bones, which will release their sophomore album, Spike Field, on Oct. 20. The label released Maria BC’s dual single, “Amber/Watcher,” on Aug. 29. Maria BC is represented for booking by Maxwell Cann at Anniversary Group in the United States and Guillaume Brevers at Hometown Talent in the United Kingdom and Europe. They were formerly signed to Father/Daughter Records.

Comedy/music duo Austin & Colin signed to BMG/BBR Music Group, which released the duo’s new track, “Guilt Tippin’,” on Sept. 1. Austin & Colin is managed by Peter Strickland and Craig Campbell at Marathon Talent.

Country-folk artist Colby T. Helms, who hails from the Blue Ridge/Appalachian Mountains region, signed with Photo Finish Records. The label will release Helms’ debut single, “Higher Ground,” on Wednesday (Sept. 13). He is represented by Ramseur for management and New Frontier Touring for booking.

Rock-country artist Riley Thomas has signed with Elektra/DBLBLK Records, which will release his new single, “I’ll Be Damned,” on Friday (Aug. 18). Thomas scored a sleeper success with his debut single, “Cowboys Did Cocaine,” which has racked up nearly 14 million streams on Spotify since its release in June.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and watching Riley develop as both a writer and artist for years,” said DBLBLK Records founder Jameson Roper in a statement. “It’s always been a question of when — not if — his moment would arrive. I am beyond thrilled to lock arms with my true partners at Elektra. They have always identified great music and supported our artists fully. For Riley, the music may be dark, but the future is bright.”

Thomas added, “As an artist focused on the reach of my music, I knew I wanted to be with Elektra after meeting the team. I’ve long admired Gregg Nadel, Johnny Minardi, and the staff’s ability to develop and sustain career artists. Moreover, their respect for good music and commitment to fostering growth gave me confidence that this is the place for me. With the addition of a tenacious Jameson Roper and DBLBK, I’m looking forward to a long ride with this family.”

Thomas is managed by Mike Easterlin at Glen West Entertainment and Jameson Roper at DBLBLK Management. His booking agent is Nate Towne at WME.

Daughtry signed with Big Machine Records, which released the band’s latest single, “Artificial,” on Aug. 11. Fronted by Chris Daughtry, the band has released a total of six albums to date.

Country singer-songwriter Walker Hayes announced a new partnership with Monument Records and RCA Records. Under the deal, Hayes recently released a new two-track bundle titled Strait Two Stepping featuring “Stetson” and “Show Me The Country.” Hayes is managed by Robert Carlton at SMACKSongs and represented by Aaron Tannenbaum at WME.

Nashville-based alternative singer-songwriter Max Frost signed to Nettwerk, which will release his new single, “Creep Back,” on Friday (Aug. 18.) Frost is represented by Ron Shapiro and Joe Hegleman at Have Fun Management and Marsh Vlasic and Craig Bruck at IAG for booking. He was formerly signed to Atlantic Records.

CMW Entertainment struck a partnership with Sony Music’s AWAL Recordings for CMW’s flagship artist, Mudrigo, whose latest single, “UH HUH,” was released under the pact on Aug. 2. The companies will collaborate to support Mudrigo with a full suite of services globally; AWAL will support his development by offering services including A&R, global marketing, creative, synch, brand partnerships, distribution and access to real-time analytics.

Mette signed to Since ’93 and RCA Records in the United States. The labels will release her upcoming EP, METTENARRATIVE, on Sept. 22, preceded by Mette’s new single, “VAN GOGH.” She is managed by Caron Veazey at ThreeSix Zero; booking is handled by Mary Hannon and Craig D’Souza at WME for the United States and United Kingdom, respectively.

SMACK has launched SMACKRecords, adding a label branch to the company and announcing its first signing, singer-songwriter-actress Jenna Davis. SMACKRecords marks the fourth enterprise to launch under SMACK, following publishing company SMACKSongs, SMACKManagement (which reps Walker Hayes and Kylie Morgan) and digital marketing company SMACKTok. Davis will also be represented by Marissa Turk at SMACKManagement. Her debut single, “DiCaprio,” was co-written by Hayes, Kelsea Ballerini and Ross Copperman. Davis also recently voiced the main character in the horror-thriller M3GAN. – Jessica Nicholson

Rock band Sheer Mag signed with Third Man Records, marking the group’s first partnership with a larger independent label. Under the deal, Third Man will physically and digitally re-release Sheer Mag’s entire back catalog — including EPs I, II and III as well as albums Need To Feel Your Love and A Distant Call — on Oct. 27. Third Man just released the band’s latest single, “All Lined Up.” Sheer Mag is represented by manager Mike Sneeringer at Another Management Company and booking agent Timmy Hefner at Ground Control Touring.

Country duo Neon Union signed with CAA. The duo, which has played over 50 tour dates so far this year, is signed to Red Street Records and managed by Tristan Kirkbride.

Country singer-songwriter Annie Bosko signed a joint-venture management deal with Randy Bernard and Brown Sellers Brown (BSB) Management; she will be represented at the latter by Benny Brown, Jason Sellers and Angela Wheeler. Bosko also signed a label deal with Brown’s Stone Country Records and is now represented by CAA for booking.

Emerging country singer-songwriter Eli Winders signed to Atlantic Records/Bad Realm Records, which released his debut single, “Pack My Hometown,” on Friday (Aug. 11). He is managed by Layne Lindroth at C3.

Morgan Myles, the country singer-songwriter who was formerly a contestant on The Voice, signed with KZZ Music/Blue Élan, which released her new single, “Vertigo,” on Aug. 8. She’s represented by manager Ann Henningsen and booking agents Jennifer Hludzik at APA and Jared Caleb.

Singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer signed with New York-based management/distribution/merchandising company Invasion Merch and has signed a new contract with talent and literary agency Paladin Artists. Palmer recently earned two Grammy nominations and hosts the Apple Music show Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer. Earlier this year, Palmer’s Still Here documentary film was featured on PBS’ American Masters: In the Making series. – Jessica Nicholson

Singer-songwriter Ryan Larkins signed with CAA, where he will be represented by Marc Dennis. Larkins previously signed with Red Street Records, which released his debut songs as an artist — “Man That Holds the Beer” and “She’s the Tough One” — on Friday (Aug. 11).

That Chick Angel, the performance alias of Angel Laketa Moore, signed to the Azoff Company label Giant Music, which just released the music video for her TikTok-driven single, “One Margarita (Margarita Song).” Moore is also an actress, host, influencer and comedian who is currently on tour with her husband, TankDontTok, for their podcast, Is This Going to Cause an Argument. She’s represented by Realm Talent and Framework Entertainment.

Las Vegas singer/songwriter/producer/rapper Ez Mil signed to Shady Records/Aftermath Entertainment/Interscope Records. On August 11, he’s set to drop DU4LI7Y: REDUX, a deluxe edition of his 2022 album DU4LI7Y which will mark his final release on Virgin Music. The new edition will include “Realest,” a new single featuring Eminem. “I heard Ez’s music and was like, ‘this is really special” so I took it to Dre,” said Eminem in a statement. “We both agreed it would be a great fit and we wanted to work with him right on the spot.” Dr. Dre added, “I’m really only interested in working on s— that sounds different from anything else going on out there, and only then if I feel I can really bring something to it. Em played me Ez and I had that feeling…that thing that happens when we both know we’ve found something special.”

Chicago rapper/singer/songwriter Calvin “Calboy” Woods is set to release Unchained, his first album project under his own newly-established label, Loyalty N Company, with distribution through Create Music. The label is described in a press release as “representing his independence and emancipation from the shackles of RCA Records,” Calboy’s former label. The first single off the new set, “On My Own,” was released Friday (July 28).

Independent digital distributor IDOL signed global artist services deals with Nigerian afropop artist Yemi Alade via her own record company, Effyzzie Music, as well as London-based afrowave artist and Capital Xtra DJ Afro B. Alade will work with IDOL on the release of her forthcoming seventh studio album later this year, while Afro B will release several singles leading up to the release of his fourth album set to drop in 2024. Under the agreements, IDOL will handle worldwide digital distribution for all upcoming releases for both artists while also working with the artist teams on strategy, global marketing, international coordination, audience development and channel management.

Dance music agency The Gongaware Group signed DJ/producer and BBC Radio 1 Dance Party host Danny Howard. Gongaware will focus on expanding Howard’s DJ career in North and South America; he currently has residencies at Amnesia Ibiza and BCM in Mallorca, Spain. Howard serves as label head at record company Nothing Else Matters in the United Kingdom.

Old Man Canyon, a psych-pop project from Vancouver singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Jeff Pace, signed to Nettwerk, which released his latest single, “Never Apart,” on July 21. The track will be included on Old Man Canyon’s forthcoming EP, So Long Babylon, which is set for release on September 29.

Canadian pop singer/songwriter Alex Sampson (“Play Pretend”) signed to Warner Records, which released his latest single, “Want You!”, on Friday (July 28). Sampson is managed by Jesse Beer at The MGMT Company.

San Francisco Bay Area alt-pop group Finish Ticket signed with Better Noise Music, which released their latest single, “Changing,” on July 21. The group is represented by Tony Couch at C3 Management and Andrew Buck at Wasserman. Their previous label was Atlantic Records.

Singer/songwriter Jordana Bryant signed with CAA for booking representation. Bryant is signed to Riser House and is aligned with Jonas Group Entertainment for management. Bryant’s upcoming single, “Best Friend,” releases August 11, and she will be touring the United States opening shows for the music trio Girl Named Tom. – Jessica Nicholson

Los Angeles coldwave/post-punk trio Sextile signed to Sacred Bones, which will release the group’s forthcoming album, Push, on September 15. Sextile dropped their latest single, “New York,” on July 25. The band is represented by booking agent Natasha Parish at Grand Control Touring in the United States; they were previously signed to record label Felte.

Queer dance-pop artist Lynks signed to Heavenly Recordings, which released his latest single, “Use It Or Lose It,” on Wednesday (July 26). He is represented by manager Chris Bellam at underplay and booking agent Adele Slater at Wasserman outside the United States. His publisher is Domino Publishing.

Global entertainment brand Superplastic expanded into music with the announcement of its new label, Superplastic Records (distributed by Virgin Music), as well as the signing of Ghost Kidz, a “3D animated hip-hop duo” (comprised of Lil’ ILL and Filth-E) that is “voiced by two prominent hip-hop artists” who have chosen to remain anonymous, according to a press release. The music video for the duo’s single, “Goin’ Off” featuring Vince Staples, was played at Rolling Loud Miami last month. Prior to the label’s announcement, Superplastic’s previous artist collaborations included Staples, J. Balvin and Gorillaz.

Country singer/songwriter Tyler Chambers signed with Play It Again Entertainment for exclusive label representation. Play It Again released Chambers’ latest single, “Loves Me Like a Small Town,” on July 21. Play It Again’s Alyssa Ramsey is currently acting as Chambers’ management; he is signed to Warner Chappell Music for publishing.

Singer/songwriter/guitarist Jesse Ahern singed to Dummy Luck Music/[PIAS], which will release his forthcoming album, Roots Rock Rebel, on September 15. Dummy Luck is the Dropkick Murphys‘ record label. Ahern is represented by Jeff Castelaz and Benton Oliver at Cast Management, booking agent Larry Webman at Wasserman for the United States and booking agent Ed Sellers at Primary Talent Agency for the United Kingdom and Europe.

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.

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.