Signed: Kehlani to Wasserman Music, While K-Pop Group RIIZE Rolls With RCA

Kehlani signed with Wasserman Music for global representation, with agents Brent Smith and Eli Gelernter serving as her representatives at the company. The signing follows the singer-songwriter’s extensive world tour supporting her most recent album, Blue Water Road.

K-pop group RIIZE signed with RCA Records via a partnership between the U.S. label and Korea’s SM Entertainment. The group’s first release under the new deal is the single “Get A Guitar,” released on Sept. 4.

Rising country star Zach Top signed with independent label Leo33. Top is managed by Bob Doyle and Associates with booking representation courtesy of Jay Williams at WME.

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Lay Zhang, a popular Chinese artist, producer, actor and dancer, signed to Warner Music China. Zhang, who debuted as a member of Korean-Chinese boy band EXO before launching a solo career, is managed by Zhang Yixing Studio.

Warner Music Central Europe signed its first digital artist, Noonoouri, and released her debut single, “Dominoes” featuring German DJ Alle Farben, on Sept. 1. Noonoouri’s voice, based on a human singer’s voice, was created using artificial intelligence. The songwriters and producers on “Dominoes” will receive royalties and publishing splits, according to the announcement of the signing in The Independent.

Chrysalis Records signed several new artists: British singer-songwriter Liz Lawrence, better known as one-half of electro-pop duo Cash + David, who is set to release her first EP on the label on Sept. 29; New York art-punk band Bodega, which will release a new album early next year; British vocal harmony group The Wandering Hearts, who will also release a new album next year; pop artist Gia Ford, who just released her new single, “Alligator,” and will put out her debut album on Chrysalis next year; and British singer-songwriter Marika Hackman, who released her latest single, “No Caffeine,” on Wednesday (Sept. 6) and will also put out an album in 2024.

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Kyle Dion — whose music is described in a press release as a “blend of heartfelt R&B soul-pop” — signed a global label deal with Position Music. His latest single, “Boyfriend Jeans,” was released by Position on Aug. 25. Dion is represented by Brandon Hughes of Revel Talent Agency for booking and Lauren Camp of On Camp for management.

Alt-punk band 408 signed a multi-album deal with Los Angeles-based alternative label Big Noise, which will release the group’s next single, “Break Up With Your Girlfriend,” on Sept. 29. The band is managed by Nick Bailey, with booking representation by Jason Parent; it was previously signed to Regime Music Group.

Fievel Is Glauque, a group centered around American keyboardist Zach Phillips and French singer Ma Clément, signed to Fat Possum Records, which released its new singles, “I’m Scanning Things I Can’t See” and “Dark Dancing,” on Aug. 15. The band is managed by lucas@abusiness.company and Adam Ogushwitz at UTA for booking.

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MNRK Music Group signed Los Angeles-based songwriter-producer Shawn Mackey, aka Pressplayy, to its producer and songwriter management roster. Pressplayy has collaborated with artists including Jeremih, Jadakiss, Quavo, Chris Brown, E40, Jeezy and more. He also boasts a producer partnership with Mally Mall; together, they’ve produced hits for artists including Justin Bieber, Akon and Roy Woods. Pressplayy most recently collaborated on a gospel album for the late rapper DMX.

San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter Maria BC signed to Sacred Bones, which will release their sophomore album, Spike Field, on Oct. 20. The label released Maria BC’s dual single, “Amber/Watcher,” on Aug. 29. Maria BC is represented for booking by Maxwell Cann at Anniversary Group in the United States and Guillaume Brevers at Hometown Talent in the United Kingdom and Europe. They were formerly signed to Father/Daughter Records.

Comedy/music duo Austin & Colin signed to BMG/BBR Music Group, which released the duo’s new track, “Guilt Tippin’,” on Sept. 1. Austin & Colin is managed by Peter Strickland and Craig Campbell at Marathon Talent.

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Country-folk artist Colby T. Helms, who hails from the Blue Ridge/Appalachian Mountains region, signed with Photo Finish Records. The label will release Helms’ debut single, “Higher Ground,” on Wednesday (Sept. 13). He is represented by Ramseur for management and New Frontier Touring for booking.

Chris Eggertsen

Billboard