Other recent signings include Wiz Khalifa, Hawthorne Heights, X Ambassadors and ex-Little Mix member Perrie Edwards.
Chris Young Courtesy UTA
Chris Young signed with UTA for global representation in all areas, spanning live touring, media, filmed entertainment, brand partnerships and more.
Young released his 10th studio album, I Didn’t Come Here To Leave, in 2025. The album marked his first with his new label home, Black River Entertainment. He is set to launch his An Acoustic Christmas Tour in December.
“I’m very excited to move into this new chapter at UTA. I really feel like there is a plan and a vision for growth and moving forward,” Young said in a statement.
UTA agent Brian Hill added, “Chris is a world-class singer, songwriter, and live performer. We’re excited to welcome him to the UTA family, and we look forward to building upon the incredible foundation he’s already established. This is only the beginning!” — Jessica Nicholson
Guitarist/vocalist Lita Ford signed with Frontiers Music Srl, which released her new single, “Dracula,” on Oct. 27.
Ford began her career as a member of The Runaways in the 1970s, in which she played lead guitar. The band, which also included Joan Jett, released four studio albums that included such tracks as “Cherry Bomb” and “Queens of Noise.” Ford later embarked on a solo career and charted a total of four songs on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Close My Eyes Forever” with Ozzy Osbourne, which peaked at No. 8, and “Kiss Me Deadly,” which peaked at No. 12. Ford is a two-time Grammy nominee.
“It’s been a long journey to create this magical dark fairytale album for everyone to enjoy,” said Ford in a statement. “I needed the perfect team to make that happen and to help give this powerful record a life it deserves. I am so happy to say I have officially sealed the deal with Frontiers Music Srl, as we are thrilled, excited and ready to rise with the 1st new single on OCTOBER 27th, 2026. Good Night. Good Bye..Prepare To Die ‘DRACULA’!! Brace yourself.”
“We are incredibly proud to welcome LITA FORD to the Frontiers Label Group family,” added Jeff Stevenson, GM of Frontiers Label Group. “LITA is a true rock icon—an artist whose influence, musicianship, and unmistakable attitude have inspired generations of fans and musicians around the world. Beyond her extraordinary legacy, what excites us most is that LITA continues to look forward creatively. We’re honored that she has chosen Frontiers for this next chapter, and we can’t wait for fans to hear what she has in store.” — Chris Eggertsen
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Wiz Khalifa (10K Projects)
Image Credit: Christopher Polk/Billboard
Rapper Wiz Khalifa signed with 10K Projects and released a new single, “The Calm”, via the Atlantic Music Group (AMG) label. Khalifa has been with AMG’s parent company Warner Music Group for most of his career; he signed with Warner Records at age 18 before signing with Atlantic Records four years after that. He’s scored a total of six top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including two No. 1s: 2010’s “Black and Yellow” and 2015’s “See You Again” featuring Charlie Puth, which spent 12 weeks at the summit. The news was reported by Variety. — Chris Eggertsen
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X Ambassadors (Frontiers Label Group)
Image Credit: John Salangsang/Variety/PMC
Rock band X Ambassadors signed to Frontiers Label Group‘s new invite-only artist platform NOIUS. The platform, touted as an alternative to the traditional label model, allows artists to keep ownership and creative control while giving them access to Frontiers’ global infrastructure and expertise around marketing, PR, distribution and more. — Chris Eggertsen
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Perrie Edwards & More (Various Artists Management)
Various Artists Management announced a raft of new signings. They include 10 new artists: Perrie Edwards (Little Mix), James Vincent McMorrow, Lennixx, Bennett Coast, Hannah Grae, Karina, Jake Marsh, Jessica Doolan, Vicky Sometani and Jos Rivers. Also joining the company fold are writers and producers Jo Hill (BTS, Lauv), Cowboy Lansky (Nike, Skims, YSL) and Dillon Reed (Tiësto). Elsewhere, Alternative Songs, Various’ joint venture with Stellar Songs/Tim & Danny Music, signed Poppy Baskcomb and Ava Joe, while Various’ affiliated label, 23 Records, signed Olga Myko. — Chris Eggertsen
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Tenille Arts (Muse Creative Management)
Image Credit: Courtesy Campbell Entertainment Group
Tenille Arts signed with Muse Creative Management, led by industry exec Casadie Pederson. Pederson will oversee strategy and management across all areas. Arts is known for songs including 2021’s “Somebody Like That,” which is certified double-platinum by the RIAA. She’s also earned nominations at the ACMs, CMT Awards and iHeart Radio Music Awards over the years. — Jessica Nicholson
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SOiL (Better Noise Music)
Better Noise Music signed hard rock band SOiL and released its latest song, “ENEMY X.” The band has released seven studio albums to date and will be releasing its next album in 2027, preceded by a U.K. tour with FINGER ELEVEN this month. SOiL signed with Clive Davis‘ J Records early on, with its major label debut, Scars, released in 2001. The band is composed of Ryan McCombs on vocals, Tim King on bass, Adam Zadel on guitar and TJ Taylor on drums. — Chris Eggertsen
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ARKAI (Position Music/LindseyStomp)
Position Music signed string duo ARKAI to a joint venture label deal with Lindsey Stirling‘s LindseyStomp. The signing came through Position A&R Jake Versluis. According to a press release, ARKAI creates “emotional soundscapes perfect for film, TV, trailers, game scores, and brand campaigns.” The duo’s sophomore album, Brightside, won best contemporary instrumental album at the 2026 Grammys. A deluxe version of the album featuring four new songs is due out Nov. 13. — Chris Eggertsen
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Fly By Midnight (Position Music)
Position Music A&R Alex Ziabko signed Los Angeles-based pop-rock duo Fly By Midnight to a global deal with the label. Composed of Justin Bryte and Slavo, the band released the new single and video “Sequel” on Friday (Oct. 23). Fly By Midnight has released six albums to date. — Chris Eggertsen
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Niño Malo (Interscope Capitol Miami)
Image Credit: Courtesy of Interscope
Interscope Capitol Miami signed 11-year-old Dominican-born, Italy-based artist Bladimir Erickson Ortiz, known artistically as Niño Malo. He is the youngest artist signed by the label, in a deal led by president Nir Seroussi and associate director of A&R Raymond Velez Medina.
The signing announcement arrives with a global remix of “El Niño Malo,” due Thursday (Nov. 5), featuring Myke Towers, Dei V and Italian rap veteran Guè; the original track dropped last June. Niño Malo first drew attention in videos with rapper Kres before stepping onstage himself. His music blends hip-hop with Caribbean rhythms, delivered in Spanish and Italian. — Isabela Raygoza
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Donkey Jaw (Hey!Fever Records)
Hey!Fever Records signed Reno punk band Donkey Jaw. The label will release a collection of the band’s singles, along with new tracks, next year. The band consists of Zack Ryan on lead vocals and guitar, Sean Brenker on guitar and vocals, Jared Obregon on bass and Koedus McKinley on drums. — Chris Eggertsen
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Lefty Parker (ATO Records)
Image Credit: Lena Heinschink
Brooklyn-based artist Lefty Parker signed to ATO Records and released the single “Punish Me.” Parker is set to support mary in the junkyard on tour this month. His new album is slated for 2027. — Chris Eggertsen
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Luis Mexia (Socios Music)
Luis Mexia signed with indie record label Socios Music, co-founded by Carín León and Mexican music executive Jorge Juárez. The deal follows Mexia’s first Latin Grammy nomination as a songwriter for Xavi and Grupo Frontera’s “No Capea.” He also co-wrote León’s “Desde Que Te Tengo,” which is nominated for record of the year at the 2026 Latin Grammys.
The Sinaloa native has also written songs recorded by Grupo Firme, Christian Nodal, Pepe Aguilar and Alejandro Fernández. As a recording artist, he has released four LPs, including his most recent, Con Las Que Me Dan Sed (2025). His collaboration with Grupo Firme, “Calidad,” has surpassed 548 million Spotify streams. — Isabela Raygoza
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Davis Cook (Rich MGMT)
Image Credit: Corey Miller (Midtown Motion)
Alt-country singer-songwriter Davis Cook signed with Rich MGMT in Nashville, joining a roster that also includes George Birge, Mackenzie Carpenter and Matt Stell. His team additionally includes WME for booking and Warner Chappell/Twelve6 for publishing. His new single, “Evergreen,” drops on Friday (Nov. 6). — Chris Eggertsen
