State Champ Radio signings
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Maddox Batson, a 14-year-old singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose breakthrough song, “Tears in the River,” made its way to the top 20 on Spotify’s U.S. Viral 50 chart earlier this year, has signed a deal with Warner Records, the company tells Billboard. On Thursday (Sept. 5), Batson also releases a new song, “X’s” (video below).
“Just seeing what they did with [Batson’s now-Warner labelmates] Zach Bryan, Warren Zeiders, Bailey Zimmerman, all those people, it just felt like a no-brainer for me [to sign with Warner],” Batson tells Billboard via Zoom. “I could tell they were going to take care of me and not push me to do things that I don’t want to do. They make sure I do everything right for my artistry and everything that’s right for my fans.”
In March, Batson released a video for “Tears in the River” on TikTok. The clip has since surged to 12.5 million views, and the impact has spilled over into streaming — the song, which Batson wrote with Nick Bailey, Josh Dorr, Benjamin Negrin and Elysse Yulo, has earned over 6 million streams on Spotify’s platform alone.
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“It was one of my first-ever writing sessions with more than just one person,” Batson says. “We got in the room and were thinking, ‘What do girls want to hear?’ They want to hear that you want to take care of them, maybe they got out of a bad relationship, they come to you and now it’s going to be a good relationship. And that’s what we wrote.”
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Batson’s follow-up single, the polished pop-country track “I Wanna Know,” has more than 2 million streams on Spotify. But it’s not only his music that’s connecting with fans — so is Batson’s gregarious, social media-savvy persona. A TikTok clip released in February that showed him getting ready to attend a dance earned over 30 million views.
Warner Records CEO/co-chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck told Billboard in a statement, “Several members of our Warner A&R team were the first people to bring Maddox to my attention after seeing his growth online. We were immediately drawn to his star power and charisma, as well as his fantastic instincts with respect to self promotion. While the social metrics were outpacing the consumption story, what we did find is that Maddox is a naturally gifted songwriter who sees an open lane for himself and has a clear vision for how he is going to own it.
“We look forward to nurturing his artist development process as he hones his craft, works with those who will help make him better and solidify his sound, and continue to build a strong fanbase that is with him not only for his online persona but because they love the music he makes and what he represents. We are confident we have Country and Pop’s next young star in Maddox.”
Batson was born in Nashville and raised in Birmingham, Ala. Growing up, he was inspired by ‘80s and ‘90s country artists including Alan Jackson and George Strait, but also the pop sounds of artists such as Justin Bieber. Last summer, he played more than 20 shows, honing his sound and developing his musical skills through playing with his musician father.
Maddox says he was inspired to write his new song, “X’s,” after attending an Abby Anderson concert at Brooklyn Bowl in Nashville.
“I walked in and of course, your boy is not old enough to drink alcohol, so the security guard drew a big X on my hand. The show was great, and when I went to the studio the next day and this guy saw the X on my hand — I promise, I shower, it was just written in Sharpie — but he saw my hand and we just wrote this song in 15 minutes. It was one of the easiest writing experiences of my life.”
Recording the song, however, was not without a minor challenge or two.
“Just seeing that song coming from the demo to the final version is just so crazy because my voice changed while we recorded those two different versions [demo and master recording] of the song,” Batson says. “So we had to [record] it in a completely different key. But seeing it come out is going to be absolutely money. I’m so excited.”
In addition to writing his own hits, Batson’s song “Tough” — which he wrote about his father and grandfathers — was recently recorded and released by Lana Del Rey (who is prepping a country album titled Lasso) and Quavo.
“I come from a long line of farmers,” Batson says of writing the song. “My mom’s dad was a tobacco farmer and my dad grew up in the construction sites, so just really work ethic-heavy people, and hopefully that got passed down.”
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Batson, who is signed with Prosper Entertainment for management, WME for booking and Warner Chappell for publishing, says he expects a project to be released in 2025. In June, he joined singer-songwriter Wyatt Flores to perform Flores’ “Please Don’t Go” during Nashville’s CMA Fest. Days later, he also became the youngest artist to perform at the popular Nashville music series Whiskey Jam, with a full-capacity audience that caused Whiskey Jam to expand entry to the normally 21-and-up show to fans of all ages.
Presently, Batson — who is starting ninth grade and transitioned to homeschool just before releasing “Tears in the River” — is balancing school with a slate of primarily weekend tour dates opening for “I Hope” hitmaker Gabby Barrett.
“Yeah, when I finish up this interview, I’m enrolling for the new school year,” he says.
Jennifer Hudson, the multi-faceted star who has won two Grammys, an Oscar, an Emmy and a Tony — making her an EGOT — signed to Interscope Records, the label announced Wednesday (Sept. 4). Her most recent music release was the original soundtrack for Respect, in which she starred as Aretha Franklin and performed all of the songs. She has not recorded an album of original material since 2014’s JHUD, which was released by RCA. Two of her previous albums, 2008’s Jennifer Hudson and 2011’s I Remember Me, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. “Jennifer has made so many important contributions to global musical culture onstage, onscreen and through her incredible body of recordings,” said Steve Berman, vice chairman of Interscope Capitol Label Group, in a statement. “She is a tour de force and we are thrilled that she has chosen to spend the next phase of her career at Interscope.”
Capitol Records, in partnership with THEBLACKLABEL, announced the launch of MEOVV (pronounced “meow”), a new five-piece K-pop girl group (composed of Ella, Gawon, Soooin, Anna and Narin) whose name was unveiled last month. Notably, THEBLACKLABEL was founded by K-pop producer Teddy Park (a.k.a. TEDDY), who was an early BLACKPINK collaborator and has also collaborated with K-pop acts including BIGBANG, G-Dragon and 2NE1. MEOVV’s debut single is now available for pre-save on major streaming services.
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Grammy-winning band Portugal. The Man signed with WME for representation in all areas. The group, which released the album Chris Black Changed My Life last year, recently wrapped up a world tour in support of the LP, including shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Ryman Auditorium. The band also has a charitable organization, Pass The Mic, that focuses on human rights, community health and the environment, with an emphasis on issues that directly impact Indigenous Peoples.
Singer-songwriter Weyes Blood signed with Blue Raincoat Artists for management. She will be represented by New York-based Ed Harris, who also manages Cigarettes After Sex, Miss Grit and Katrina Ford. Weyes Blood (born Natalie Mering) has released a total of five studio albums, including her critically acclaimed 2022 release And in the Darkness, Hearts Aglow. “Like many people I have been entranced and mesmerised by the beauty of her records and her live performances,” said Blue Raincoat Music co-founder/CEO Jeremy Lascelles in a statement. “She is so revered and admired by her peers, that it is truly an honour that she has trusted Ed and the Blue Raincoat team to guide her into and through the next exciting period of her career.”
L.A.-based electronic trio Cheat Codes partnered with Create Music Group to release the group’s next crop of music, including singles and an album. The first single to be released under the deal was “BLOOM” featuring Train. The band is managed by Jon Camche and Ricardo Zambak at Seminal Music Group.
Neon Gold Records and Tove Lo‘s label Pretty Swede Records jointly signed L.A.-based singer-songwriter-producer googly eyes. Her latest single, “Internet Star,” was released on Aug. 27 and was preceded by her debut single “Bareback on the Motherf—ing Plains.” Both will be included on her debut EP, Starlet, representing the first release on Pretty Swede outside of Tove Lo’s own music. “Internet Star has such a beautiful yet witty vulnerability that I think anyone who’s had dreams that maybe didn’t go their way can relate to,” said Tove Lo in a statement.
Heather Kolker‘s Dreamshop Management signed L.A.-based artist Hemlocke Springs. The singer-songwriter recently supported Doja Cat on her European tour and released her debut EP, going…going…GONE!, last year.
Singer-songwriter Diamante signed with Sumerian Records. The announcement coincided with the release of her new single, “All for the Glory.” Diamante, who is slated to embark on a North American tour alongside Sumerian labelmates Palaye Royale, I See Stars and Weathers, has released two studio albums to date: 2018’s Coming in Hot and 2021’s American Dream.
Also signing with Sumerian was Slovenian metal band Within Destruction, which released its new single, “Demon Child,” on Aug. 28. The band, which has released five studio albums to date, is set to play several dates in the United Kingdom and Europe this fall.
Warner Music Nashville signed William Beckmann to its roster. The bilingual Texas native will release his first post-signing song, “Not That Strong,” on Aug. 30. In 2022, he released the independent album Faded Memories followed by 2023’s Here’s To You, Here’s To Me, which featured “Tennessee Drinkin’,” Beckmann’s fifth consecutive top 20 song on the Texas Regional Radio Chart, according to a press release. – Jessica Nicholson
Audio Chateau Records, the new label launched by Jared Gutstadt‘s Audio Up Media, signed Nashville-based songwriter-musician Clayton Johnson, who recently co-wrote Lana Del Rey and Quavo’s “Tough” with Del Rey at the Audio Chateau studio space in Nashville. As a songwriter, Johnson is currently signed under a joint venture between Audio Up and Universal Music Publishing Group.
Warner Records has signed Madrid-based pop singer and multi-instrumentalist Rusowsky via a joint venture with Rusia IDK, an artist collective led by Rusowsky and singer-producer Ralphie Choo.
Rusowsky (real name Ruslan Mediavilla) is a well-known figure in Madrid’s alternative music scene. He started releasing music in 2019 and has since collaborated with artists including C. Tangana, DELLAFUENTE and Choo; he’s also played festivals including AXE Ceremonia, Sonar and Lollapalooza in South America. According to a press release, he’s racked up more than 115 million global streams across his catalog.
“This partnership is emblematic of Warner Records’ storied history as a home for true artists across all genres,” said Jackson Harris, manager of A&R at Warner Records, in a statement. “Rusowsky and RUSIA IDK are inspiring a musical and cultural revolution. From head-turning music to mesmerizing live performances, I’m excited for new audiences to learn about these brilliant musicians.”
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Added RUSIA IDK founder Manuel Jubera Suárez: “This is an unprecedented partnership that not only marks a before and after in the Spanish music scene, but also represents a key to enter the American market. The intention is to open new doors for Spanish music, bringing its essence and diversity to a global stage. Thanks to Aaron Bay-Schuck, Tom Corson, Jeff Sosnow and Jackson Harris. And, of course, it would never have been possible without mori, DRUMMIE, Ralphie Choo, Rusowsky and TRISTÁN!, the true essence of RUSIA-IDK.”
Rusowsky is represented by agent Devin Landau at TBA.
Elsewhere…
Katharine McPhee signed a label deal with Nashville-based company Melody Place, which will release new music from the singer and actress early next year. McPhee is slated to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Oct. 12.
U.K. band The Last Dinner Party signed with PPL for the collection of their international neighboring rights royalties. In February, the five-piece group notched a No. 1 album in the United Kingdom with their debut studio set Prelude to Ecstasy. According to a press release, the band accumulated more than 688,000 seconds of airplay between April 2023 and May 2024, with the majority (62%) of that coming from their debut single “Nothing Matters.”
PULSE Records signed former America’s Got Talent winner Grace VanderWaal. The label released her new single, “Call It What You Want,” on Friday (Aug. 16); it will be followed by an album next spring. VanderWaal is managed by Brad Cohen at Raw Material and booked by Janet Kim at UTA.
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville signed country singer-songwriter Lanie Gardner, who first rose to attention with her rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” She was recently featured on the Twisters soundtrack with the track “Chasing the Wind” and is slated to tour with Jelly Roll and ZZ Ward. Her most recent single is “Lord Knows.”
Red Bull Records signed singer-songwriter Morgan (“ADCT”) and released her new single, “Bum Bum,” on Friday (Aug. 16). Morgan previously released collaborations with and wrote songs for the dance group Rudimental before collaborating with acts like Purple Disco Machine, Sonny Fodera and Sigma. She released her debut solo EP, Alien, in 2020.
Music, audio post-production and sonic branding company Barking Owl added composer, songwriter and producer Dan Romer to its roster. Barking Owl will exclusively represent Romer — whose scores include Beasts of the Southern Wild, ABC’s The Good Doctor and HBO MAX’s Station Eleven, among others — for advertising and branded content. His production credits include A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera’s “Say Something” and Shawn Mendes’ “Treat You Better.”
Pop-rock artist Bailey Spinn, known for her popular YouTube covers of songs including Olivia Rodrigo’s “Traitor,” signed with AWAL, which released the acoustic version of her viral song “Happy Ending” on Aug. 7 (to be followed by the release of her debut album). Spinn is managed by Temima Shames at Next Step Talent and booked by Jason Parent at Sound Talent Group.
Canberra, Australia band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers signed with Mom + Pop for the world (minus Australia and New Zealand). The band is ramping up for the release of I Love You Too, an extended version of its debut album I Love You, on Sept. 20; the set will feature three new songs, including the newly-released “Dull.” The Jean Teasers opened up dates for Foo Fighters in Australia and are slated to play several shows in the U.S. later this year, including a slot at Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival.
Wasserman Music signed country singer-songwriter Angie K to its roster, with Wasserman’s Nate Ritches representing her for worldwide representation. A 2024 CMT Listen Up Artist, Angie K is repped by JR Schumann for management, Huskins-Harris for business management and Essential Broadcast Media for public relations. – Jessica Nicholson
Singer-songwriter Christian Hayes, who first garnered attention when he posted a video of himself singing his song “Leaving” on Instagram in September 2023, has signed with WME, Universal Music Publishing Group and Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy for business management. He is managed by Helena Capps at Wildrose Projects. According to a press release, Hayes’ single “LILY” has racked up more than two million streams since its release this spring.
Warner Music Nashville signed The Band Loula and will release its major label debut track, “Don’t Call Me,” on Friday (Aug. 23). The band is managed by Mary Hilliard Harrington, Chip Dorsch and Christina Dunkley and booked by Grace Stern and Jay Williams at WME.
Artist-composer duo Idle Echoes (composed of Arkfoo and Jeff Dodson) has released its debut album Velvet Phoenix on the ALIBI Music label. ALIBI Music is best known as a provider of music and sound effects for licensing in film, TV, advertising, video games and more.
Liz Phair has signed a global publishing administration deal with Warner Chappell Music. The agreement encompasses her full catalog, including hits like “Why Can’t I?,” “Supernova” and “Never Said.” Phair said of the deal: “My songs represent my life’s work, and I am excited to take a fresh look at my catalog with the support of such a unique and maverick team at Warner Chappell, co-headed by the charismatic Carianne Marshall.”
Jonas Group Publishing has signed two-time SESAC songwriter of the year Justin Ebach, a writer behind hits like Luke Bryan’s “Down To One”; Jordan Davis’s multi-platinum “Singles You Up”; “Sleep Without You” and “Here Tonight” by Brett Young; and Jon Pardi’s “Your Heart or Mine.” Ebach said in a statement, “I look forward to celebrating a lot of success together.”
Iconoclast has struck a strategic partnership with Ujama Designs to acquire the intellectual property rights of Half Pint, a legend in reggae. Born Lindon Andrew Roberts, Half Pint is best known for songs like “Greetings,” “Mr. Landlord” and “Winsome,” which was covered by The Rolling Stones, and “Loving,” which was sampled in Sublime’s massive hit “What I Got.” Joe Serling and Greg Brooks from Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill represented Iconoclast, while Peter Csathy of Creative Media and David Baram of Baram & Kaiser represented Half Pint.
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Concord Music Publishing has signed Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Sammy SoSo. The deal includes his back catalog, including “Water” by Tyla, and his future works.
Reach Music Publishing has acquired select publishing assets and songwriter shares from multi-platinum writer Wyatt Durrette, including his shares in songs like “Chicken Fried,” “Toes,” and “Whatever It Is” by Zac Brown Band and “Beautiful Crazy” by Luke Combs. Wyatt’s longtime publisher, Blackstone Entertainment, will remain his publisher and will co-administer these works together with Reach.
Big Machine Music has signed singer/songwriter Lanie Gardner to her first-ever global publishing deal. The news of the deal comes just after Gardner was featured on the star-studded Twisters: The Album soundtrack with her song “Chasing the Wind.”
Avex USA has signed LA-based Nigerian producer Tyson “Zone” Kong. Though he is just 23 years old, he has already worked with the likes of Jason Derulo, Sexxy Redd, Ludmilla, Lay Bankz and more.
Prescription Songs, in partnership with Hazheart Music, has added producer, songwriter and artist atlgrandma to its roster. Though he is perhaps best known for his work as a writer and producer for Willow, SNOW WIFE, Dorian Electra, The Hellp, D4ine, Izzy Spears, ericdoa, lil aaron, Y2K and Frost Children, atlgrandma also releases his own music, including his latest track “Nightmare Blunt Rotation.”
Billie Eilish and FINNEAS have a new touring and live events agent in William Morris Endeavor (WME), a representative for the two superstars confirms to Billboard. “While grateful to their former live booking agents at Wasserman, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell have opted to have film, TV, and music handled by the same agency, WME, […]
Monica signed with WME in all areas. The Grammy-winning singer recently came off a supporting slot on Nick Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 Tour in North America and is prepping the release of two full-lenghts this year: R&B album MDA and country album Open Roads (executive produced by Brandi Carlile). She recently joined Brandy on a remix of Ariana Grande’s “the boy is mine” — a reimagining of the pair’s smash 1998 duet. Monica continues to be managed by Melinda Dancil.
English punk rock duo Soft Play partnered with Rise Records/BMG for the release of their new album, Heavy Jelly, which debuted at No. 3 on the UK Official Albums Chart dated July 25, 2024. The duo was previously known as Slaves before changing their name in 2022 following a backlash over their former moniker.
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ONErpm signed L.A.-based alt-rock trio Sick Puppies (“You’re Going Down”) for the release of the band’s forthcoming sixth album Wave the Bull, which is due out early next year. The album’s first single, “There Goes the Neighborhood,” was released July 26.
RECORDS Nashville signed newcomer singer-songwriter Drew Green, who has seen viral success with the song “Lotta Bit of You.” RECORDS Nashville is the boutique outpost of industry executive Barry Weiss’ label RECORDS. Green’s first RECORDS Nashville-helmed single is “Town Drunk,” while he’s also prepping an upcoming collaboration with HARDY titled “Colorado.” – Jessica Nicholson
Bruce Kalmick‘s WHY&HOW added artists Tyler Halverson and Cameron Sacky Band to its artist management roster. Halverson will be overseen by Patrick Farr while Allie Petko and Eddie Kloesel will oversee Cameron Sacky Band. Halverson has released the independent singles “Beer Garden Baby,” “Mac Miller” and “Your Bar Now,” while Cameron Sacky Band issued a self-titled 2021 EP and is set to release the full-length project Quicksand. Cameron Sacky Band is repped by The Neal Agency for booking. – Jessica Nicholson
Singer-songwriter John Morgan signed with Rich MGMT. The North Carolina native is also signed to Night Train Records/BBR Music Group and is currently on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with the song “Friends Like That” featuring Jason Aldean. Morgan also has writing credits on hits including Aldean’s “That’s What Tequila Does,” “Trouble With a Heartbreak” and “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood. Rich MGMT was founded by Brendan Rich in 2023 with a roster that also includes Matt Stell, George Birge and Darren Kiely. The company also recently added to its staff with digital coordinator Jordan Policastri, who joins day-to-day managers Sarah Paravia and Chase Miller. – Jessica Nicholson
Montreal beatmaker/instrumentalist tender spring, who is part of the Canadian indie band Afternoon Bike Ride, signed to Nettwerk for the release of the album you are now listening to a tender spring. Born David Tanton, the musician released the album’s “side a” on July 26, with the remainder to be released at a later date.
Nettwerk also signed L.A.-based, New Zealand-born Laotian artist Alisa Xayalith, who is best known as the frontwoman of The Naked and Famous. The label is set to release her new single, “Roses,” on Friday (Aug. 9), to be followed by more new music produced by Tyler Spry (OneRepublic, Tate McCrae).
Elektra Records signed Kevian Kraemer, an 18-year-old singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer based in New Jersey who released his debut EP Seventeen earlier this year. On Friday (Aug. 2), the label released a stripped-down version of his breakthrough track “Attention.” Kramer is managed by Chris McAndrew and Jamar Richardson at Paia Management, with legal representation by attorney Paul Rothenberg at Rothenberg, Mohr, & Binder.
Ken Pomeroy, a Cherokee singer-songwriter from Moore, Okla., signed to Rounder Records. Now based in Tulsa, Okla., Pomeroy’s song “Cicadas” was featured in an episode of the FX series Reservation Dogs. She also appeared in this summer’s Twisters, performing her song “Wall of Death” with Wilderado and James McAlister. The song is also featured on the film’s soundtrack.
Downtown Neighboring Rights signed a global deal with singer-songwriter Lady Blackbird to represent her catalog, which includes singles such as “Woman,” “Feel It Coming” and “Dark Days” with Moby.
Secretly Canadian signed singer-songwriter Brandon. The label will release his EP Blush on Sept. 13; the first single, “Without You,” was released Wednesday (July 31).
My Brightest Diamond signed to Western Vinyl, which will release her new album, Fight the Real Terror, on Sept. 13. The singer-songwriter, who just came off her originating role in Broadway’s Illinoise (based on the Sufjan Stevens album), is managed by Andrea Troolin at Ekonomisk and booked by Alex Fang at New Frontier (North America) and James Alderman at Free Trade (international). Her new song, “Have You Ever Seen an Angel,” was released July 26.
Capitol CMG has signed artist-writer Claire Leslie, who just released her label debut single, “Original.” The song was written by Leslie, Jordan Sapp and Daniella Mason. – Jessica Nicholson
Third Man Records signed Australian band The Belair Lip Bombs and will reissue the group’s 2023 album, Lush Life. It is the label’s first Australian signing. The Bombs’ second album is expected for release sometime next year.
Big Sean has signed a new management deal with Brandon Silverstein’s S10 Entertainment, Billboard has learned. The Detroit rapper was previously managed by Roc Nation, with whom he had been for a decade.
“Brandon shares the vision, understands where I’m headed, and I’m incredibly excited to work with him and the S10 team,” Sean said.
The news comes on the heels of another major announcement: the Grammy-nominated artist recently revealed his sixth solo full length will arrive on Aug. 9 and is titled Better Me Than You. The album follows a return to the charts for Sean, who earlier this month hit No. 24 on the Hot 100 thanks to his feature on Eminem’s “Tobey” alongside BabyTron. It became his 55th entry on the chart.
“Big Sean is an incredible talent who, even after topping charts, breaking records, winning awards and headlining across the world, is just getting started,” says Silverstein, S10 founder and CEO. “I can’t wait for fans to hear the new music.”
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As the artist wrote on social media after sharing the album’s release date: “Its Been a journey i cant wait to share with you all.”
Over on the Billboard 200, the rapper has charted seven albums in the top 10. His last three solo albums — 2015’s Dark Sky Paradise, 2017’s I Decided and 2020’s Detroit 2 — all topped the chart.
So far, Big Sean has released the lead single “Yes,” on which he dismisses critics, rapping: “Would rather give y’all my soul, I don’t have to sell it.” He’s keeping busy outside of his own rollout as well, and last week appeared alongside Rick Ross and Lil Wayne on a new DJ Premier track titled “Ya Don’t Stop.”
Silverstein currently manages Myke Towers. His previous management clients include Anitta and Normani. The company’s publishing division, S10 Publishing, boasts chart-topping clients including Jasper Harris (Tate McRae), Harv (Justin Bieber), Kavi (Tommy Richman) and more.
Pipe Bueno has inked a deal with Warner Music Latina, becoming the label’s latest signee deriving from Colombia’s música popular scene, the company tells Billboard.
The agreement was made with Bueno’s management companies Ocesa Seitrack, where he’s represented by Alex Mizrahi and Octavio Padilla, and JB Management, where he’s represented by Juan Guillermo Ballesteros. He signed with both companies last year. Campaigns for the 32-year-old Colombian artist will be managed and operated from the Warner Música Mexicana division in Los Angeles, with the support of Warner Music Mexico.
“At some point, I envisioned being backed by one of the best record labels in the world, and without a doubt, Warner Music is one of them,” said Bueno in a statement. “I am excited to know that today I am signing with a company that has begun to believe in Colombian regional music, and has its eyes set on our genre. I have high expectations, and Warner Music’s support will be crucial in achieving everything I have in mind.”
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“For us, making this signing happen was very important,” added Ballesteros. “We have achieved an incredible partnership with a total focus on everything that surrounds Pipe Bueno…his music and all his projects as a brand. We want to elevate the Colombian genre to another level, and we are confident we have found the best way to do it with Warner Music.”
Under the new deal, Bueno announces his upcoming album. According to a press release, it “promises a unique fusion, showcasing his Colombian regional music while honoring and celebrating Mexican regional music.” His debut single under the label, “Una Pregunta” featuring Gerardo “El Jerry” Coronel, premieres Thursday (July 25).
“We are delighted to welcome Pipe Bueno to the Warner Music family,” said Roberto Andrade Dirak, MD of Warner Music Latina. “His dedication and passion for Colombian popular music are inspiring, and we are proud to be part of this new stage in his career.”
Rubén Abraham, GM of Mexican music at Warner Music Latina, added: “He’s an artist who respects and deeply understands the essence of Mexican regional music. His upcoming album is a great opportunity to continue boosting Pipe’s career in Mexico and the United States; it features high-level collaborations that reinforce Pipe’s credibility and respect in Mexican music.”
The artist born Andrés Felipe Giraldo Bueno launched his self-titled debut album in 2008 and has since risen to pioneer “la música popular Colombiana,” a musical genre that fuses traditional folk music from the Paisa Region with Regional Mexican elements, such as mariachi and ranchera. The genre is locally known as “música de cantina” and is played at every parranda, parties that feature local music and food. Bueno has since laced the genre with urban and pop rhythms by teaming up with artists such as Wisin, Zion and Darrel. He has also collaborated twice with his good friend and colleague Maluma on the tracks “La Invitación” (2014) and “Tequila” (2020). The former track peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay chart in 2017.
MARINA signed with Janelle Lopez Genzink (Sabrina Carpenter) at Volara for management. The artist, who previously recorded as Marina and the Diamonds, has released a total of five albums; her most recent, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land, dropped via Atlantic in 2021. Volara signed a strategic partnership with Red Light Management in 2023.
Canadian rock band Finger Eleven signed with Better Noise Music (Five Finger Death Punch, Asking Alexandria). The label will release the group’s forthcoming album next year, to be preceded by first single “Adrenaline” on Aug. 2. Finger Eleven is currently supporting Creed on its Summer of ’99 tour.
U.K. electronic-pop outfit London Grammar signed with PPL for the collection of its international neighboring rights royalties. The group has released a total of three albums and is due to release a fourth, The Greatest Love, on Sept. 13.
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Phoebe Bridgers‘ Saddest Factory Records signed trans singer-songwriter jasmine.4.t. The label released her latest single, “Skin On Skin” (produced by Bridgers and her Boygenius bandmates Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus) on July 16. Based in Manchester, jasmine.4.t is the first U.K. signee to Saddest Factory.
Italian singer Michele Morrone signed to New York-based indie label 477 Records. Morrone, also an actor who starred in Netflix’s 365 Days, is currently at work on his third studio album.
Country-rock duo Lakeview (Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy) inked with UTA for exclusive global representation in all areas. The duo broke through with the single “Home Team” and recently issued the new song “Money Where Your Mouth Is” featuring Gideon. – Jessica Nicholson
Singer-songwriter JD Clayton signed with Nashville-based roots, Americana and bluegrass label Rounder Records. Clayton released his debut album, Long Way from Home, in early 2023. He’s slated to embark on a fall tour beginning Aug. 30.
Country singer Kashus Culpepper signed with CAA. According to the agency, Culpepper has played sold-out headline club shows throughout the South and opened shows for Charles Wesley Godwin, Charley Crockett and Needtobreathe. He recently signed with Big Loud Records, which released his first-ever single “After Me?” on June 21.
Folk singer-songwriter Olive Klug signed with Tommy Alexander and Paige Maloney at Wasserman Music for global representation. Klug released their first album, Don’t You Dare Make Me Jaded, on Aug. 11, 2023. They toured throughout 2023 with Kevin Atwater, Odie Leigh and Daisy the Great, with more tour dates to come this year, including at the North Carolina Folk Festival in Greensboro.
Colombian hitmaker Nanpa Básico has signed a record deal with 5020 Records, the company tells Billboard. The 31-year-old singer-songwriter from Medellín, Colombia (born Francisco David Rosero Serna) has made a name for himself thanks to his socially conscious, raw lyrics and a signature style that blends hip-hop with reggae and regional influences. His latest album, […]
