John Mayer has launched Sob Rock Records with Mercury Records, while STELLA LEFTY has signed a management deal with Make Wake Artists. The agreements lead a series of new label, publishing and artist partnerships.
New label and management deals
Mercury chairman and CEO Tyler Arnold welcomed Mayer to the company as the label launched alongside “Tom And Jerry,” Mayer’s first new solo release since Sob Rock in 2021. He recorded the track at Chaplin Studios, the former Jim Henson Company Lot he bought with filmmaker McG. His Las Vegas Sphere residency now spans 21 shows between April and June 2027.
STELLA LEFTY will work with Make Wake Artists founder Chris Kappy and Sophia Sansone. Her song “Boston” became her first No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. Her debut album, Long Way Home, opened at No. 1 on Spotify’s Top Albums Global and USA charts in August, and her first headlining tour begins in January.
Wiz Khalifa has partnered with 10K Projects, reuniting with its president, Marsha St. Hubert, who formerly managed his projects. After years at Warner Music Group’s Atlantic Records, he entered a recording partnership with BMG in 2023. “It’s good to be home!” he said. His album Cool is due Nov. 13 through the new partnership, following the single “The Calm.”
Publishing and independent releases
EMPIRE Publishing has signed Ozuna to a worldwide agreement covering future works, creative services and sync. EMPIRE founder and CEO Ghazi announced the deal at Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami. Kobalt began administering Ozuna’s publishing in 2017.
Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Lyanno has partnered with UnitedMasters for his next project as the company expands its Latin division. After his years with Rimas Entertainment, Lyanno owns his masters and is launching a label, Dirty Players, with Jean Lasalle. He compared his Nov. 5 single “Estamos afuera” to “Lokera” and plans a more commercial album for 2027.
Frontiers introduces NOIUS
On its 30th anniversary, Frontiers Label Group has introduced NOIUS, an invitation-only partnership model for established rock, metal and alternative acts. X Ambassadors is its first signing and will release music through FLG Records. FLG Records head Leo Nicholas called the band the label’s biggest signing to date; its single “Y.O.T.H.” (Year Of The Horse) is due Oct. 30.
