State Champ Radio signings
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Range Media Partners signed Rita Ora and will represent the multi-hyphenate in all areas, including music, film/TV and endorsements. According to a press release, Ora has racked up more than 10 billion streams globally and scored four U.K. No. 1 singles. In the U.S., she reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 with a featured spot on Iggy Azalea’s 2014 hit “Black Widow.” Her most recent single is “Ask & You Shall Receive.” She also recently began her second season as a panelist on The Masked Singer and co-starred in the Disney+ original movie Descendants: Rise of Red. Ora is currently working on new music which is set for release early next year. She continues to be represented by CAA for film/TV, Wasserman for touring and Peter Paterno and Joe Carlone at KHPS Law.
BLACKPINK member Rosé signed a global deal with Atlantic Records, in management partnership with THEBLACKLABEL. As announced Tuesday (Oct. 1), Rosé will release her debut solo album, rosie, on Dec. 6. The singer first rose to worldwide fame as a member of the best-selling K-pop girl group. In 2021, her solo single “On the Ground” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts.
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Sony Music Latin signed emerging regional Mexican artist Oscar Ortiz, who has already penned songs for major acts in the genre, including his brothers Gerardo Ortiz and Kevin Ortiz. “At only 22 years old, Oscar has repeatedly demonstrated his extraordinary talent as a performer and composer, which positions him as one of the most promising voices in contemporary Mexican Music,” Alex Gallardo, president of Sony Music Latin, said in a statement. Earlier this year, Ortiz scored his first No. 1 on any Billboard chart thanks to “First Love,” his collaboration with Edgardo Nuñez, which landed atop the Regional Mexican Airplay ranking. “Reaching this point in my career was a very long process, but it was totally worth it,” Oscar added about his deal with Sony Music Latin. – Griselda Flores
Electronic artist Boris Brejcha signed with WME for global representation outside North America. In April, Brejcha released his ninth studio album, Level One, and in September dropped the single “Save My Soul” with Diplo. In 2015, he founded the music label Fckng Serious, which boasts Ann Clue, Deniz Bul, Frieder & Jakob, Julian Wasserman and Moritz Hofbauer on its roster. In 2022, he started a second label, Yellow Kitchen, that has put out music from artists including Prevision, shot by stanley, Visual Impact, concious, and Fifty Five.
Frontiers Label Group launched a new rock and alternative imprint called FLG and signed British rock band Skunk Anansie to its roster. Formed in 1994, the band scored two top 10 albums in the U.K. — 1995’s Paranoid & Sunburnt and 1996’s Stoosh, according to a press release. After releasing its third album, 1998’s Post Orgasmic Chill, the band went on hiatus in 2001 before reuniting in 2008 and releasing several more albums. Skunk Anansie has sold more than 5 million records globally, the release adds.
Nashville rock/blues artist Liam St. John signed with Group Projects, in partnership with Red Light, for management and with WME for booking. Group Projects partners Cooper Anstett and Anthony Manker will oversee St. John’s career for the firm, while Carrie Creasey will serve as his agent at WME. St. John released the EP Believer this summer.
BMG and Lucky Kid Syndrome partnered to sign emerging Shanghai-based singer, DJ, producer and songwriter Chace to a global record deal. The artist, who was the first Chinese DJ to perform at Tomorrowland, according to a press release, is slated to release a new single next month. “With the strong support from Chace’s established base in China, we are poised to successfully introduce Chace not only to the US but to audiences worldwide,” said BMG’s Dan Gill, executive vp of recorded music, Los Angeles, in a statement.
Country/rock singer-songwriter Kasey Tyndal signed with MNRK Music and released “Not As I’ve Done,” the first single off her upcoming self-titled album expected to drop early next year. She’s scheduled to open for Ian Munsick and Ella Langley at several U.S. shows through November. “Bringing Kasey to MNRK is one of the highest points of my 17 years here,” said MNRK senior vp of rock Scott Givens in a statement. “She is a world class talent who masterfully pushes the boundaries of country and rock. All of us at MNRK are excited to put the full weight of the company behind her as she moves into the next stage of her career.” Tyndal is managed by Lindsey Ray at The Steadfast Company.
Sub Pop signed Seattle-based rock band Deep Sea Diver, led by guitarist and vocalist Jessica Dobson. The group’s latest release, “Billboard Heart,” is the first song to be released off its upcoming album due early next year. It will be the band’s first album since 2020’s Impossible Weight. Deep Sea Diver notably supported Pearl Jam on several dates in 2023 and 2024.
Mom+Pop Music signed indie rock band The Kilans and released its new single “Colonel.” The group, which hails from Salt Lake City, is composed of Jack Ongman, Jacob Shultz, Cooper Brezoff and David Wiseman. The Kilans previously released the singles “Curly” and “Why is it Light Out?” and will be announcing tour dates soon.
Madison Bailey, known for her starring role on the Netflix series Outer Banks, signed with Republic Records and released her debut single, “The Grey.” Bailey is slated to release more new music soon.
Day After Day Productions and Emancipated Icon Entertainment Group have announced the joint signing of Lil’ Kim and Teddy Riley for worldwide touring engagements. The partnership marks a significant milestone for both artists’ bookings globally as they embark on new chapters in their careers.
Emancipated Icon, recently formed by Emancipated Talent’s CEO Rich Murphy and Icon Entertainment CEO Greg Walker, has established a strategic partnership with Day After Day, founded and led by veteran agent Seth Shomes. Together they will represent Lil’ Kim, a legendary figure in the hip-hop world who has captivated audiences with her unique style and iconic hits including “Not Tonight (Remix),” “Crush on You,” “Lady Marmalade,” “Magic Stick,” “The Jump Off” and “Lighters Up.”
Riley, a renowned producer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of R&B and hip-hop. His iconic productions include hits like “Remember The Time” by Michael Jackson, “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown, “Baby Come Back” by The Temptations, “No Diggity” by Blackstreet and “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake. His collaboration with Lil’ Kim on the iconic track “Not Tonight (Remix)” featured Missy Elliott, Da Brat, Eve and Mary J. Blige and further solidified his status as a music industry powerhouse.
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Lil’ Kim said, “I am thrilled to be represented by Richard Murphy and Greg Walker of Emancipated Icon Entertainment Group, alongside Seth Shomes of Day After Day Productions. With their expertise and dedication, I am excited to take my touring shows around the world, ensuring that my artistry resonates in every corner of the globe. Together, we are committed to creating unforgettable experiences for my fans and pushing the boundaries of entertainment.”
Riley stated, “I am excited to have Richard Murphy and Greg Walker of Emancipated Icon Entertainment Group, along with Seth Shomes of Day After Day Productions, representing me in all areas of entertainment. Their passion and commitment to excellence will elevate my touring experiences around the world. Together, we aim to create remarkable moments for my fans and continue to shape the future of music. The journey ahead is filled with endless possibilities!”
Shomes said, “I have known Greg (Walker) and Rich for many years and have deep respect for all they have achieved in the industry. I couldn’t be happier to strategically align with them on icons such as Lil’ Kim and Teddy Riley and I can’t wait to collaborate on behalf of these legendary artists.”
“I have had the privilege of collaborating with Seth Shomes and Richard Murphy for over a decade in the entertainment industry,” Walker added. “Their creativity and vision are truly remarkable, and I couldn’t be more excited about the innovative projects we have lined up together. It’s a thrilling journey to bring our shared ideas to life with two of the most talented individuals in the business.”
“Greg and Seth have consistently demonstrated their dedication to excellence and innovation in our past projects together,” said Murphy. “Their commitment to pushing boundaries and thinking outside the box mirrors my own approach to creativity and professionalism. I have full confidence in our ability to achieve great things together and believe that our partnership will lead to even greater success and growth for all of us.”
Grammy award-winning, multi-platinum artist Maren Morris has signed with WME for representation globally. Morris was previously represented by CAA. Morris is currently managed by Red Light Management. In addition to her Grammy win, Morris has garnered five ACM Awards (including winning female artist of the year twice), five CMA Awards and three Billboard Music Awards. […]
Feid has officially signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), which will be representing the multi-platinum artist in all areas globally, Billboard can exclusively announce today (Sept. 26).
With CAA’s representation—across music, film, television, endorsements, sports, business development and more—the Colombian artist is “poised to further expand his international reach and will work closely with CAA on future endeavors, including his highly anticipated world tour,” according to a press statement.
The artist born Salomón Villada Hoyos is known for his No. 1 hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay chart such as “Perro Negro” with Bad Bunny, “Luna” with Atl Jacob, “Yandel 150” with Yandel and “Hey Mor” with Ozuna. He’s also one of this year’s top finalists at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards boasting 11 entries, including Global 200 Latin artist of the year and Latin rhythm album of the year for Ferxxocalipsis, in addition to the five he achieved for “Perro Negro” with Bad Bunny.
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Feid is also a four-time Latin Grammy nominee, where he’s up for best reggaeton performance (“Perro Negro”); best urban music album (Ferxxocalipsis); and best urban song for two tracks, “El Cielo” with Sky Rompiendo and Myke Towers and “Luna.”
Additionally, his Ferxxocalipsis World Tour that sold out dates in New York, Los Angeles, Miami and more, kicked off the Latin American leg of stadium shows with two sold-out concerts in Mexico City last month. The tour will continue through December, wrapping with three consecutive sold-out stadium gigs in his hometown of Medellín, Colombia.
Feid is managed by Luis Villamizar.
Both Feid and Villamizar are set for the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week returning to Miami Beach on Oct. 14-18, with confirmed superstars including J Balvin, Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Sanz and Peso Pluma, among many others. For tickets and more details, visit Billboardlatinmusicweek.com.
Alt-pop singer Alemeda has signed with Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) and Warner Records, Billboard can exclusively announce Friday (Sept. 20). She becomes the third female act to be signed to TDE, following SZA and Doechii.
“TDE placed trust and time in me to find my sound and develop as an artist at my own pace. I think to be signed to them means to be more than just an artist but to be a pivotal part of Black art and culture,” Alemeda said in a statement. “I’m honored to be the third woman ever signed to this historic roster of talented culture pavers. Warner also has a great understanding of who I am as an artist, and their historic success in the rock and pop genres makes me confident in our future together. I feel they were the right team to support my growth as an artist and I am excited for what is to come working with them alongside TDE.”
The news coincides with the release of the Ethiopian-Sudanese artist’s debut EP, FK IT. The 8-track project includes previously released singles like her viral 2021 debut “Gonna Bleach My Eyebrows,” “Guy’s Girl” and “I hate your face.” She also performed her latest single “I already dug your grave” on popular German performance series platform COLORSxSTUDIOS earlier this month. “This EP is the truest expression of who I am right now,” she adds. “It’s about letting go of what doesn’t serve me and embracing the chaos and beauty of being real, unapologetically.”
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“One late night in December 2019, a few months before the pandemic, I was stuck in a rabbit hole scrolling Instagram when I happened to stumble across Alemeda. She was going by Rahema Alameda at the time and was doing a cool little bop with the brightest smile to a song of hers that she hadn’t released. I immediately felt she was gonna be great,” said TDE co-president Anthony “Moosa” Tiffith in a statement. “After reaching out to her, I learned that she hadn’t put out any music yet or even recorded in a studio before, so I flew her out to Los Angeles to give her that opportunity. When she told me about her strict upbringing and how she moved from Ethiopia to Arizona, I knew she had a story to tell.”
Tiffith continues: “She’s been here for the last four years, staying focused as a student of music and developing her sound. For most managers that must sound like a long time, but artist development is the most important thing to me. It’s a blessing to work with an artist like Alemeda who shares that vision and is willing to do the work. I’m happy and beyond excited to announce her to Top Dawg Entertainment, and equally enthusiastic for our partnership with Warner!”
Warner is also excited to work alongside TDE for Alemeda.”She’s an electrifying artist with a unique voice and vision, and FK IT is just the beginning of what will be an extraordinary journey. Her ability to channel her personal experiences into raw, boundary-pushing music makes her a perfect fit for our roster,” said Warner Records co-chairman/CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck in a statement.
He adds, “[Warner Records co-chairman/COO] Tom Corson, [Warner Records executive vp/head of A&R] Karen Kwak and our entire team is thrilled to be joining forces with Top Dawg Entertainment to bring Alemeda’s innovative artistry to an even wider audience. Collaborating with TDE’s exceptional team only amplifies our excitement for this groundbreaking partnership.”
Afrobeats producer Thisizlondon has signed with Love Renaissance (LVRN), Billboard can exclusively announce on Tuesday (Sept. 17). Thisizlondon, formerly known as LONDON (real name Michael Hunter), has produced some of the biggest Afrobeats records in recent history, from Ayra Starr‘s “Bloody Samaritan” to Rema‘s Billboard Hot 100 No. 3 smash “Calm Down.” He’s also contributed […]
Warner Music Korea introduced MPLIFY, a new label designed to support Korean artists with global reach, focusing on English-language music to connect with international audiences. Samuel Ku, an executive producer at WMK, has been tasked with leading the label. The first artist signed to MPLIFY is Olivia Marsh, a Korean-Australian singer-songwriter who is set to release her debut single on all major digital platforms in October. Olivia’s sound blends pop and R&B, influenced by a wide range of artists including ABBA, John Denver, Tame Impala, and Vera Blue. A graduate of the University of Melbourne in Interactive Composition, she has worked with K-pop producers and songwriters to refine her craft. “I am delighted to sign with MPLIFY and to work with such a warm, passionate and innovative team,” Marsh said. –Marc Schneider
Big Loud Records and its Canada-based, Dallas Smith-founded imprint Local Hay Records have signed country artist Hailey Benedict. Benedict has also inked a global publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing/Local Hay. This summer, Benedict performed on the main stage at Alberta’s Big Valley Jamboree, and she’s nominated at the Canadian Country Music Awards for breakthrough artist or group of the year. –Jessica Nicholson
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Anniegee Marketing launched its artist management division, Anniegee Management, and inked a co-management deal with MUN Entertainment for Juliana Velasquez’s career development in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Founded by seasoned music industry professional Annie Gonzalez after working as senior director, global marketing at Sony Music Entertainment for over 20 years, Anniegee Marketing and Communications has developed communication strategies in the U.S. for global stars including Shakira, Gloria Estefan, Alejandro Fernández, and many more. Through its new deal with rising Colombian artist Juliana, Anniegee now branches out into artist management, while still offering its marketing and PR consulting services. In her new role, Annie Gonzalez will co-manage Juliana alongside current manager Juancho Muñoz of MUN Entertainment. –Sigal Ratner-Arias
LA-based producer and songwriter Stryv (Hamid Bashir) signed with WME across all areas. Known for his work with artists like Kanye West, Ty Dolla $ign, Jason Derulo, Galantis, and Rita Ora, Stryv recently launched his own artist project. His debut single, “Move,” a collaboration with Adam Port, gained attention after being teased at Keinemusik shows worldwide. Since its official release in June, “Move” has earned over 200 million streams on Spotify, topped the Beatport Top 100 chart, and positioned Stryv as one of the platform’s fastest-growing artists. A follow-up single is set for release later this year. Stryv also forms half of the DJ duo ORSO, alongside Twitch co-founder Justin Kan, further expanding his influence in the electronic music scene. –M.S.
Boutique music publishing company MV2 Entertainment and independent label New Lost City Records have signed singer-songwriter True Youngblood, a Georgia native and Belmont University student, who just released his debut single, “If I Were a Cowboy.” Youngblood joins MV2’s roster of writers, which includes Josh Thompson (“Wasted on You,” “Drowns The Whiskey”), Forrest Finn, Grant Vogel, Johnny McGuire and Blake Henderson. The New Lost City roster includes Youngblood, Henderson and McGuire. –J.N.
Universal Music Group partnered with acclaimed Indian composer and three-time Grammy winner Ricky Kej to launch Vedam Records, a new label dedicating to bringing authentic wellness music from India to a global audience. In his first collaboration with Vedam, Kej has released Break Of Dawn, his latest studio album. “Vedam Records presents an opportunity to compose music that is therapeutic and necessary – now, more than ever,” Kej said. -M.S.
Six months after announcing his departure from his long-time label home, MCA/Universal Music Group Nashville, country singer-songwriter Kip Moore has signed a global deal with label services company Virgin Music Group.
The first track through the new deal will be “Live Here to Work,” out Sept. 20. Of the song, Moore says, “It pushes the envelope a bit, but we wanted to come out swinging.” The teaser Moore posted to his Instagram shows him playing a blistering guitar lick on the rock-oriented song.
“I was excited to make this record as a truly independent artist, but wanted to remain open to partner with a team if and when it made sense,” Moore tells Billboard. “I enjoyed getting to know the Virgin team, and their tenacity, passion and their focus on a global plan made this feel like the next best step.”
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“I have been a fan of Kip’s for years now. His music’s universal themes transcend genre and appeal to a huge variety of music fans,” added Jacqueline Saturn, president of Virgin Music Group North America and executive vp of global artist relationships, in a statement. “Along with his music, his commitment to relentless touring has helped him build a powerful global fanbase. We know this next phase of his career is going to be amazing.”
Four of Moore’s five albums released through MCA reached the top 5 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, and he landed five top 5 songs on the Country Airplay chart, including his 2011 No. 1, “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck.” His most recent set was 2023’s Damn Love.
The gravelly-voiced singer’s career has not been led by country radio, but he adds, “Virgin is equipped and ready for a radio campaign if we decide that’s the best path.”
Furthermore, he says it’s too soon to gauge the difference of signing with Virgin as opposed to a Nashville-based label. “I think it’s fair to say, except for maybe the very initial releases, none of my career has been ‘traditional.’” he says. “We’ve been seeing a real growth internationally from touring there the past few years, and so it felt natural to go with a team that has tentacles in a lot of different territories, particularly the countries I have toured extensively. UMGN was really great…UMGN always let me seek my own vision. Sometimes it’s just time for a change and right now this new situation feels good. They’re eager and want to put in the work. I guess I’ll know the differences once we are off and running.”
Moore has built an especially robust following in South Africa as a live draw and will headline the inaugural Cape Town Country Festival, held Oct. 26-27, at Cape Town, South Africa’s 60,000-capacity DHL Stadium. In 2023, Moore’s three shows in Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa, sold 44,000 tickets. Prior to Cape Town, Moore has gigs in New Zealand and Australia this month. The Cape Town show will be followed by the U.S. portion of his Nomad World Tour, which starts Nov. 11 in Columbia, S.C.
Christian Hayes, a singer-songwriter from Rome, Ga., has signed with Capitol Records. Hayes is one of Capitol’s first signings since the label realigned in February under Tom March as chairman/CEO of Capitol Music Group and Lillia Parsa and Arjun Pulijal as co-presidents.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Christian to the Capitol Records family. As a singer, songwriter and performer, he demonstrates remarkable depth,” said March in a statement. “Christian is gifted at channeling raw, genuine emotion into music that resonates with listeners and transcends genres.”
“It all still feels surreal — music has always been a part of my life and to be able to sign with such a longstanding powerhouse of a label like Capitol is more than I could’ve ever dreamt. The team at Capitol has a point to prove and so do I,” said Hayes.
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Hayes’ debut EP, Last I Love You, will come out Sept. 20. The EP’s title track, shortened to “LILY,” has been streamed more than 1.2 million times on Spotify, with more than 2 million total global streams, according to the company.
Hayes began writing poems and songs when he was seven after his grandfather, a former poet laureate for the state of Georgia, gave him a journal. He then picked up a guitar when he was eight. He was active in leading worship music at his church before enrolling in the U.S. Navy Reserve and later attending the University of Alabama beginning in 2018. He subsequently moved to Nashville and has penned more than 900 songs.
Inspired by the music of the Eagles, James Taylor and The Chicks, the singer-songwriter self-released “Leaving,” which landed on Apple Music playlists as well as Spotify’s New Music Friday Country playlist.
Hayes has already inked deals with WME for booking and Universal Music Publishing Group for publishing. “After hearing ‘LILY,’ we were huge fans of Christian’s songwriting,” said Cyndi Forman, senior VP of A&R at UMPG Nashville. “Christian’s approach to songwriting is unique, yet fits right in at a time when genres are blending.”
Hayes is managed by Wild Rose Projects’ Helena Capps.
BLACKPINK member Jennie has signed to Columbia Records as a solo artist in partnership with her record label and entertainment company ODDATELIER, it was announced Sunday (Sept. 8). The singer is slated to release a new solo single in October. The news follows last December’s revelation that all BLACKPINK members had split with their label, […]
