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• Hatebreed (BLKIIBLK Records)

  

  Hardcore band Hatebreed signed with Frontiers Label Group’s BLKIIBLK Records for the release of its upcoming album, due this fall.

  “BlLKIIBLK Records is proud to announce the signing of HATEBREED,” said Frontiers Records global head of A&R/BLKIIBLK label head Mike Gitter in a statement. “Not only are they a name carved into the heavy music landscape, but they are as vital and relevant a force as ever. Perhaps even more so. We are excited to work with Jamey [Jasta], who continues to bring new energy to everything he touches. Jasta and HATEBREED aren’t merely about perseverance — they’re about bringing the sound of the extreme to a new level. We’re honored to be working together.”

  Hatebreed is touring the U.S. this July. — Chris Eggertsen

• The Linda Lindas (Reprise/Warner Records)

  

  L.A.-based punk band The Linda Lindas signed to Reprise/Warner Records. The first release under the deal is the single “x=.”

  The Linda Lindas have thus far released two full-length albums: Growing Up and No Obligation. The band is set to open for Bleachers during multiple West Coast dates this fall and will appear at Tom Morello’s Power to the People festival. — Chris Eggertsen

• Imminence (Sumerian Records)

  

  Swedish band Imminence signed to Sumerian Records. The first release under the deal is the single “The Sword That Never Bends,” out now.

  “Imminence is a band that has such presence, depth and world building to their music that I was instantly captivated when I first heard them,” said Ash Avildsen, founder & CEO of Sumerian Records. “They are prolific story tellers of emotions. I have been pursuing them for years and am deeply honored they have chosen Sumerian for this next era of their career.” — Chris Eggertsen

• Jason Zhang (Universal Music Greater China)

  

  Universal Music Greater China signed Chinese Mandopop singer, songwriter and producer Jason Zhang. The company will collaborate with Zhang’s personal label, Planet Culture, on his future music, artist management, live performance and more.

  According to a press release, Zhang has released more than 17 albums and EPs and has an audience of more than 100 million across Chinese social media platforms. This spring, he played 16 sold-out shows at Beijing National Stadium, which boasted an attendance of more than 1 million fans overall, the release adds.

  Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said in a statement: “We’re delighted to welcome Jason Zhang to UMGC, whose exceptional musical talent has had great impact on Chinese music and culture. This new, holistic relationship is designed to support the next stage of Jason’s career, and in partnership with his personal label Planet Culture we look forward to taking his music to new audiences — in China, and internationally.”

  Zhang added, “Universal Music has built solid roots in the Greater China music industry and understands the original aspirations of Chinese musicians, alongside a well-established global music network. Without a doubt, it is the perfect partner for my next musical journey. Going forward, the whole team at Planet Culture and I will work hand in hand with Universal. Rooted in domestic Chinese music, we will polish authentic works meticulously, introducing original Mandarin pop across Asia and to the rest of the globe, enabling global audiences to feel the power of integrated Mandopop.” — Chris Eggertsen

• Brittney Spencer (MNRK Nashville)

  

  Country singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer signed with MNRK Nashville. Her first release on the label is the track “Sober Thoughts.” Spencer, whose debut album, My Stupid Life, came out in 2024, was featured on Beyoncé’s reimagining of The Beatles’ “Blackbird” on Cowboy Carter. She’s opening for artists including Bob Dylan, Shaboozey and Maren Morris and The Highwomen on tour later this year. — Chris Eggertsen

• Ryan Hurd (Combustion Masters)

  

  Combustion Music has signed Ryan Hurd to the company’s label arm, Combustion Masters. Hurd is managed by The Core Entertainment and represented for booking by CAA.

  “I have been a fan and friend of Ryan’s for many years, and now to get to work directly with him to promote his incredible artistry is a privilege,” Combustion founder/president Chris Farren said. “I feel certain he is making some of the best music of his career, and couldn’t be happier to stand beside him on this latest journey.”

  “I’m really proud to make music in Nashville,” Hurd said in a statement. “Chris and Falcon [Combustion Music’s Chris “Falcon” Van Belkom] have always been great friends to me and getting the chance to work with them is something I’ve looked forward to for a long time. I’m excited about what we’re making and can’t wait for everyone to hear what we have been working on.”

  “Ryan has built an exceptional career with great songs, real artistry, and a creative vision that continues to reach new audiences,” Chief Zaruk and Simon Tikhman, CEOs and co-founders of The Core Entertainment, added. “We’re incredibly proud to be working alongside him as he steps into this next chapter, and Combustion’s belief in songwriting and creative freedom make them the perfect partner.”

  Hurd is known for songs including “Chasin’ After You,” featuring Maren Morris, which reached No. 23 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 in 2021. — Jessica Nicholson

  
  
  

• Angel White (American Dogwood)

  

  Singer-songwriter Angel White has signed with Shaboozey’s American Dogwood imprint. White, a fifth-generation Texas cowboy, recently released the new single, “Lonestar Girl,” which he co-wrote with Charlie Heat and Jeffrey East. In 2025, he released the project Ghost Of The West: The Album.

  “It’s truly an honor to be a part of history — that’s what American Dogwood is to me. A family who is paving their own road and going full speed on it. I feel like together we encompass every aspect of that,” White said in a statement. “At the signing, their exact words were ‘Let’s make history’ — and that’s exactly what’s about to happen. To the grave with it.” — Jessica Nicholson

• Nicole Alexis a.k.a. N/A (Hard Working Record Company)

  

  Nashville-based alt-singer-songwriter Nicole Alexis (stylized as N/A) signed with Hard Working Record Company, which released her new single, “Goodbye,” on Friday (June 12). She released her debut EP, Mirrors and Smoke, on the label in April. — Chris Eggertsen

• Hunter Hawkins (Jonas Group Entertainment, Red Van Records, TKO)

  

  Singer-songwriter, actor and filmmaker Hunter Hawkins signed with Jonas Group Entertainment (JGE) for management and its associated label, Red Van Records. His new song, the Kenny Loggins-produced “Here Now,” releases on Friday (June 5); it will also be featured in a companion film titled Awake: Pinky’s Journey. An album will follow later this year.

  “We’re drawn to artists who bring an original perspective and creative vision, and Hunter absolutely does that,” said JGE founder and chairman Kevin Jonas Sr. “An incredibly gifted storyteller whose talents extend far beyond music, we’re thrilled to welcome Hunter to Jonas Group Entertainment and Red Van Records.”

  Hawkins additionally signed with Chris Burke and Jim Lenz at TKO for booking. — Chris Eggertsen

• Radio Free Alice (Atlantic Records)

  

  Australian new wave/post-punk band Radio Free Alice signed to Atlantic Records. The first release through the deal is the group’s new single, “Lunch Money.” The band recently performed at the Governors Ball Festival before embarking on a festival run in Europe and the U.K.

  Radio Free Alice released the EP Empty Words last year and recently completed its first North American tour. The band also opened for Geese in Australia. — Chris Eggertsen

• Dummy (Polyvinyl Record Co.)

  

  Polyvinyl Record Co., an indie label based in the Midwest, signed L.A.-based ambient rock band Dummy. On July 31, Polyvinyl will reissue the band’s first two albums, Mandatory Enjoyment and Free Energy, on physical formats. Dummy’s debut new release on Polyvinyl will be announced later this year.

  “We’d been longtime Dummy fans from afar here at Polyvinyl,” said Matt Lunsford, Polyvinyl co-founder, in a statement. “So we were delighted when Fred Thomas (Idle Ray, Saturday Looks Good To Me) — our trusted friend, artist and collaborator for over 20 years — sent a note saying the band was looking for a home for new music and encouraged us to work together. We connected with Dummy and hit it off immediately. Today, we are so excited to announce that Polyvinyl and Dummy have joined forces! We can’t wait to share what’s next.” — Chris Eggertsen

• Tommy Oeffling (22Twenty)

  

  DIY singer-songwriter Tommy Oeffling has signed a label deal with 22Twenty for the release of his upcoming album Neighbors, slated for Oct. 30. — Chris Eggertsen

• Hunter Flynn (WME)

  

  Kentucky native Hunter Flynn has signed with WME for booking representation. Over the past two years, Flynn has played nearly 200 shows across the United States and Europe. In 2025, he was named artist in residence at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, and recently announced his signing to Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, in partnership with Appalachian Soul Music.

  “Hunter is the kind of artist you feel immediately. There’s a real depth and honesty to what he creates, and audiences are connecting with it in a powerful way. Between the growth we’re seeing and the foundation he’s built on the road, he’s just getting started,” WME’s Lance Roberts and Geoff Turner said in a statement.

  “I’ve spent the last few years building this one show at a time,” Flynn added. “To now have a team like WME behind me feels incredibly meaningful. I’m proud of where I come from, proud of the music we’re making, and excited for what’s ahead.” — Jessica Nicholson

• Blake Proehl (MCA)

  

  MCA has signed Blake Proehl to its roster.

  “I couldn’t be more excited to join the MCA family,” Proehl said in a statement. “Music has changed my life in ways I never expected, and I’m grateful to have a team that believes in me and what I’m building. This week has been really special, and I feel like I’m just getting started. I can’t wait to share what’s next.”

  Prior to launching his music career, Proehl was an NFL football player, signed to the Minnesota Vikings, before he was sidelined by an injury. He soon began pursuing his passion for music.

  Proehl recently released the new song “She Got It” and is known for songs including “Crazy Stupid Love” and “Falling Into You.” MCA and Proehl celebrated the signing at MCA Presents: Live at the Skydeck, where MCA execs surprised Proehl with a custom jersey to commemorate the signing. — Jessica Nicholson

• Highway Home (Warner Records)

  

  Country trio Highway Home signed to Warner Records. The first release under the deal is the track “No More Drinkin’ Songs,” produced by Ryan Gore. The group is composed of Stanton Langley, Eamon Owen and Conner Sweeny.

  Highway Home recently played CMA Fest and Ryman Auditorium and has opened shows for Luke Combs, Sister Hazel, Sara Evans, Graham Barham and George Birge. This summer, they’re set to support Dylan Scott and Priscilla Block. — Chris Eggertsen

• DESIREE (Ninja Tune)

  

  South African producer and DJ DESIREE signed with Ninja Tune, which released her new multilingual, Afro-house single “Macho” with Emmanuel Jal. DESIREE is playing a handful of live dates this summer. — Chris Eggertsen

• Waylon Payne (Big Loud Texas)

  

  Singer-songwriter Waylon Payne has signed with Big Loud Texas and will release his upcoming album Wayward on the label on July 17.

  Big Loud Texas, co-founded by Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall in partnership with Big Loud Records, launched in 2023.

  “This album is very special to me and ‘Weed by the Wall’ is probably one of my favorite moments as a writer,” Payne said in a statement. “I’m incredibly proud to have partnered with Big Loud Texas to release this collection of songs and I sure hope folks enjoy it.”
   
  “I first heard Waylon Payne’s music in 2004, with his very first album,” Lambert added. “Called The Drifter, I’ll never forget the feelings it gave me. The honesty in his songwriting was genuinely something I’d never experienced, as well as the emotion coming across in his vocals; it made me hang on every word. Everything he has ever made inspired me — and so many artists that I know and love. It’s pure truth, and where can you find that? Wayward, which I can’t believe we get to release on Big Loud Texas, defines what I hope this label can be. Nothing short of brilliant, the truths and stories match these perfect melodies that make you feel every emotion.”

  Payne is the sole writer behind half of the songs on the 13-song project Wayward, which was produced by Frank Liddell and Eric Masse. The album follows Payne’s previous projects, including 2020’s Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me. — Jessica Nicholson
   
  

• AKRIILA (Atlantic Records)

  

  Chilean singer, songwriter and rapper AKRIILA signed with Atlantic Records, which released the rising artist’s new single, “suave” featuring Jane Remover, on June 4. AKRIILA is on the verge of completing a U.S. tour and heads to Latin America in October. — Chris Eggertsen