California-based artist Óscar Maydon is expanding his independent music label, Rico o Muerto, by signing Victor Mendivil to a comprehensive 360 deal, collaborating with Downtown Artist and Label Companies. This strategic partnership signifies a significant growth for both parties in the competitive music industry.
The new agreement transforms Mendivil’s previous distribution partnership into a full-fledged recording contract, officially finalized at Downtown’s Los Angeles offices. With this evolution, Mendivil steps into the role of the flagship artist for Rico o Muerto, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in his music career. This move not only enhances Mendivil’s visibility but also strengthens the label’s portfolio in the dynamic music landscape.
Maydon embarked on his music journey in 2020 and quickly gained recognition with chart-topping hits like “Tu Boda,” featuring Fuerza Regida, which soared to No. 2 on the Billboard World 200 and marked his inaugural entry on the Billboard Hot 100. His rapid rise is a testament to his talent and the evolving music scene, highlighting the potential for artists to achieve significant milestones in a short timeframe.
He established Rico o Muerto last year and has since built a dedicated team of 15 professionals across key locations including Mexicali, Mexico City, Tijuana, and San Diego. The label also proudly represents a diverse roster of artists, including Omar Camacho, Regulo Molina, Carlos Manjarrez, and Fernand Angulo, showcasing its commitment to promoting a variety of musical talents within the industry.
+ TikTok has recently unveiled the beta version of TikTok Songwriter Features, an innovative set of tools and capabilities specifically designed to empower songwriters. This initiative aims to enhance the creative process and visibility for songwriters within the TikTok community.
For the first time, songwriters’ shared content will be aggregated in one dedicated space on TikTok, allowing them to showcase their original works, share stories about their creative processes, and connect with fans. This feature is expected to significantly assist music enthusiasts in discovering, utilizing, sharing, and saving additional works from their catalogs, thereby fostering a deeper engagement with the music community.
Among the first to utilize the TikTok Songwriter Features are renowned songwriters such as Lauren Christy, Toby Gad, and Justin Tranter. These tools were developed based on extensive feedback gathered from a comprehensive songwriter survey conducted by TikTok, which included insights from 871 songwriters and 18 in-depth interviews. The findings have played a crucial role in shaping the TikTok Songwriter Features, aiming to enhance discovery, monetization opportunities, and amplify the profiles of songwriters on the platform.
Jordan Lowy, the global head of music publishing licensing and partnerships at TikTok, emphasized the platform’s commitment to supporting songwriters. He stated, “We’re passionately dedicated to supporting songwriters at TikTok, which is why we built these tools to celebrate and elevate songwriters and their work on our platform. TikTok uniquely enables songwriters to highlight their musical creations alongside their own content, allowing them to narrate their stories about their music, their craft, and their lives, thereby enhancing their visibility and expanding their audience, similar to what hundreds of thousands of artist creators already do.”
+ CAA has officially signed the platinum-selling duo, LOCASH. This dynamic partnership consists of singer-songwriters Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, who are managed by Skip Bishop and Jenn Littleton at Galaxy Entertainment. The duo’s unique blend of country sounds has resonated with fans, solidifying their place in the music industry.
Last year, the multi-talented duo launched their own record label, Galaxy Label Group, which is distributed by BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. This innovative label allows Brust and Lucas to retain complete creative control over their music while simultaneously mentoring a new generation of like-minded stars, fostering the growth of fresh talent in the country music genre.
+ The T.J. Martell Foundation, an organization dedicated to funding innovative cancer research, is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary at the Annual New York Honors Gala on September 16 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This milestone event will bring together supporters and advocates in the fight against cancer, uniting them in a common cause.
In recognition of this significant anniversary, the Foundation will unveil the Circle of Legends, a new honor aimed at recognizing the visionary leaders and dedicated champions whose belief in its mission has fueled five decades of advancements in the battle against cancer. Honorees include industry luminaries such as Irving Azoff, Scott Borchetta, Tom Corson, Clive Davis, and many more, with additional names expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
“This year’s 50th anniversary marks more than just a milestone; it’s a powerful reminder of the extraordinary individuals who built this Foundation from the ground up,” said Steve Gawley, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “With the launch of the Circle of Legends, we celebrate the visionaries whose generosity and commitment have made five decades of progress possible, and we welcome the next generation of leaders who are stepping up to carry the mission forward.”
“The support of the music community has always been at the heart of our work,” said Lynn-Anne Huck, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation. “Their belief in our mission has driven real breakthroughs. As we look towards the future, we remain focused on advancing bold, high-impact research that brings us closer to a cure for cancer.”
+ Whitney Whitney, whose debut EP, “1.1,” was released on Friday, has officially signed with Atlantic Records on the same day.
Growing up between Connecticut and Manhattan, Whitney developed a passion for music influenced by icons like Elton John, Fiona Apple, Regina Spektor, and classical string arrangements. She previously released music under a different name but found her true identity when she collaborated with producer Justin Lucas, known for his work with Khalid, Alec Benjamin, and Daniel Caesar, to create her debut project as Whitney Whitney.
+ Acclaimed songwriter and producer Steve Solomon has entered into a global publishing agreement with Place Music. Solomon is known for co-writing the hit “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur, earning him nominations for two Brit Awards, in addition to producing most of Arthur’s recent album, “Bitter Sweet Love.” He also co-wrote and produced Forest Blakk’s popular single “If You Love Her,” showcasing his versatility and talent.
Recently, Solomon collaborated with Perrie on the single “Forget About Us,” co-writing alongside Ed Sheeran and David Hodges. This impressive track record highlights his growing influence in the music industry and his ability to create compelling music across various genres.
“I’ve been a fan of Steve for years. He’s a dynamic producer, songwriter, guitarist, and an undeniable creative force,” stated Mark Chipello, partner and head of A&R at Place Music. “He came up touring, so he has a deep understanding of artists and how to meet them where they are, which truly shows in the way he works. Partnering with someone I’ve respected for so long is thrilling, and doing it with Lucas Keller and the Milk & Honey team makes it feel like we’re positioned to create something truly meaningful in this next chapter of Steve’s career.”
+ Sony Music Nashville has officially signed pop singer-songwriter Ian Harrison. Harrison’s debut release on the label, “Not The One,” was made available on Friday, marking an exciting new beginning in his career.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, now residing in Nashville, Harrison grew up immersed in a mix of folk, pop, country, and rock music. “I’m so blessed to be part of the Sony Nashville team,” expressed Harrison. “I’m grateful to be surrounded by a group that truly believes in the music!”
Harrison is represented by Zach Beebe of OTRmgmt and WME, with his publishing handled by Warner Chappell.
+ Emerging singer-songwriter Juan Freer and label D Luna Music have signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Downtown Artist and Label Companies. In just six months since teaming up with esteemed executive Daniel Luna, Freer has exceeded 300 million streams across digital platforms, showcasing his rapid rise in the music scene.
The agreement with Downtown Artist & Label Companies encompasses the global distribution of Freer’s entire existing catalog, along with his debut album, which is slated for release later this year. This collaboration is anticipated to further elevate Freer’s career and reach within the music industry.
“Upon discovering Juan, we approached his project with vision and strategy, and in just four months, we helped him grow from 300K to over 5 million monthly listeners,” Freer stated. “We had already built a strong relationship with Downtown, and now, with this alliance between D Luna Music and Downtown Artist and Label Companies, we’re reaffirming our commitment to continue growing together.”
Ben Patterson, president of Downtown Artist and Label Companies, added: “It’s an honor that D Luna Music is choosing to collaborate with Downtown to foster the next generation of Música Mexicana artists and advance the genre. Daniel is an exceptional A&R and marketing force. In partnership with Downtown’s global team, tools, and technologies, D Luna Music is set to cultivate a marquee independent label of future superstars like Juan Freer.”
Exciting Developments in the Music Industry on Thursday, July 17
Eslabón Armado, the talented California-based band of brothers Pedro and Brian Tover, along with Damian Pacheco, has achieved remarkable crossover success with their modern take on Mexican sierreño music. They have officially partnered with Interscope Records, a major milestone in their career. Specific details of the deal have not been disclosed, but it represents a significant step forward for the trio.
Founded in 2017, the trio from Patterson, California has released eight studio albums, with their most recent being “Vibras Del Noche 2.” The group has celebrated several major hits, including “Ella Baila Sola,” which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart and spent an impressive 19 weeks atop the Hot Latin Songs chart. They are currently on the “Vibras de Noche” tour, further solidifying their presence in the music industry.
“Interscope is dedicated to supporting Pedro in his vision for this next chapter of his career,” stated Jose Cedeño, senior vice president and general manager at Interscope Records, in a statement. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the group’s new journey,” expressed Manny Prado, vice president of marketing and A&R at Interscope, also in a statement.
Interscope
Pictured above (L-R): Brian Tovar, Nir Seroussi, Pedro Tovar, Manny Prado, José Cedeño
+ The Grammy-winning country-pop group The Band Perry is officially marking their “return to country music” with their signing to Nashville Harbor Records, a division of Big Machine Label Group; the band also announced their partnership with Make Wake Artists for management.
“Returning home to our Big Machine/Nashville Harbor family feels like a wonderful full-circle moment for us,” expressed singer Kimberly Perry in a statement. “To bring the foundation of everything we’ve built together into a new season of creativity means the world to us.”
The group first launched their debut single, “Hip to My Heart,” in 2009 and eventually went on hiatus in 2023. The Band Perry reunites with Nashville Harbor Records alongside labelmates such as Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, Noah Hicks, Riley Green, Shaylen, and Brett Young, positioning themselves among some of the biggest names in country music.
+ Veteran executive Tracey J. Jordan has joined Emmy Award-winning and Oscar-nominated producer Suzanne de Passe and her business partner Madison Jones at de Passe Jones Entertainment as a consulting producer. This Los Angeles-based company is known for sourcing, developing, acquiring, and producing a diverse array of television, film, theater, animation, book publishing, and new media content; however, Jordan will remain based in New York, working on various projects for dJE and independent initiatives through her own company, JordanLazin Productions, which she co-founded with MTV veteran Lauren Lazin.
Jordan’s impressive career includes senior executive roles at Arista Records, Motown Records, MTV Networks, ABKCO Music & Records, and SiriusXM. She is currently a governor for the New York Chapter of the Recording Academy and serves on the artist relations committee for the Hip-Hop Museum, further demonstrating her commitment to the music industry.
+ The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), a trade organization representing over 700 independent labels, has announced its new board of directors and executive committee for 2025-26. This leadership transition is crucial for shaping the future of independent music.
New members elected to the board include David Barnes from Rhymesayers Entertainment, Glen Barros from Exceleration Music Partners, Jason Peterson from Godigital Media Group, and Vic Zaraya from Harmony. Returning board members include Nabil Ayers from Beggars Group, Hays Rudolph from Secretly Group, Tony Alexander from Made in Memphis Entertainment, Steven Hill from Warp Records, Nettwerk Music Group CEO Terry McBride, Louis Posen from Hopeless Records, and Zena White from Partisan Records.
A2IM’s executive committee will be chaired by Nabil Ayers, with Glen Barros of Exceleration Music serving as treasurer and Hays Rudolph as secretary. This restructuring reflects the organization’s commitment to advancing the interests of independent music.
“As I prepare to step down at the beginning of 2026, I’m reassured knowing their leadership will guide A2IM through the challenges and opportunities ahead,” stated Richard James Burgess, A2IM CEO and president, in a statement.
+ Sony Music Publishing has elevated Sarah “Pixie” Pickering to vice president of creative and writer services, as well as co-head of sync, according to an announcement made today. This move highlights Sony’s commitment to fostering creative talent within the industry.
Pickering will continue to co-lead SMP UK’s sync division and will “advance creative activity” for SMP songwriters and catalogs while “working closely with Sony’s sister companies to fuel synergies,” emphasizing a collaborative approach to music publishing.
“I’m delighted to work even closer with our incredible roster of songwriters, creating new opportunities beyond the traditional sync model,” Pickering expressed in a statement regarding her new role.
+ Harmony Music Publishing has promoted Tom Coulson-Smith from senior director of A&R to vice president of A&R, as announced by the company. Coulson-Smith first joined Harmony in 2020 and has since made significant contributions to the label’s success.
During his tenure at Harmony, Coulson-Smith has collaborated with artists such as Zach Nahome (known for his work with Olivia Dean, PinkPantheress, Bakar, Celeste, Tendai, and BiigPiig), the electronic duo Mount Kimbie, rock group Biff Cyro, Ivor Novello nominee Wesley Joseph, Grammy-winning producer Fred Ball, and Yazmin Lacey. Recent signees include Ed Thomas, co-writer and producer on the single “The Way I Love You” from Jorja Smith.
Before joining Harmony, Coulson-Smith worked as an A&R manager for Warner/Chappell, collaborating with artists such as Lianne La Havas and Marina, further enhancing his expertise in the industry.
Important Music Industry Updates on Monday, July 14
Empire has announced its expansion into the Nordic region with the hiring of Iman Hazheer as territory manager. In this newly established role, Hazheer will lead Empire’s strategic initiatives across Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. He will drive artist relations and market development, along with establishing regional partnerships to enhance the label’s presence.
Based in Stockholm, Hazheer will work closely with Empire’s international team to amplify the company’s footprint in the region. “The Nordic region has long been a global force in music, but the path to international recognition is becoming increasingly narrow, especially for independent and emerging artists,” stated Hazheer, highlighting the challenges faced by local talents.
He continued, “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges talented creators face when trying to scale beyond their home markets. That’s why I’m excited to join Empire, a company that not only understands the nuances of local culture but also offers a truly artist-first model. We’re here to challenge the status quo, champion artists on their own terms, and provide the Nordic talent pool with the platform they deserve on a global scale.”
Hazheer arrives at Empire with a decade of experience and a diverse background at the intersection of music, culture, and brand strategy. He spent nearly seven years at Spotify, where he led editorial strategy for the Nordics as a senior editor, curating playlists and shaping the regional music narrative. Prior to that, he worked with artists across Northern Europe as part of the entertainment division at Nike in Amsterdam.
“The further expansion across Europe into the Nordic region further cements EMPIRE as champions of bringing music and culture to a global audience,” stated Empire Founder and CEO, Ghazi. “Iman’s knowledge of the music business makes him the perfect fit to spearhead these efforts, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Pictured above (L-R): Nima Etminan, Iman Hazheer, and Ghazi.
+ Harmony Music Publishing has signed the Grammy-nominated Brazilian production duo Tropkillaz, consisting of Zegon and Laudz, to a global publishing agreement covering all new copyrights. This deal was initiated in close collaboration between Harmony’s offices in London, New York, and Miami, marking the company’s first-ever signing out of Brazil.
Tropkillaz boasts an impressive roster of collaborations with artists including Anitta, J Balvin, Marshmello, Justin Bieber, Doechii, Major Lazer, Snoop Dogg, Bob Marley, and Childish Gambino, as well as partnerships with songwriters and producers like Ryan Tedder, Stargate, Jason Evigan, and more.
Tropkillaz shared in a joint statement: “We’re thrilled to be joining the Harmony family and focusing on creating diverse new music. We have built a strong catalog with exclusive Tropkillaz releases while also producing for other artists worldwide—particularly in Asia, Latin America, and the U.S.—and we feel fortunate to see that work resonate globally. We’re also excited to have found a new home at A-List Management, embarking on this next chapter together – there’s so much more to come!”
+ Nashville-based hit songwriter and producer Mark Holman has secured a new publishing deal with Big Loud Publishing/ERN’s Cadillac Music. Holman has written songs for chart-topping artists like Morgan Wallen, Post Malone, Blake Shelton, and many others, showcasing his versatility and talent in the music industry.
“Big Loud has believed in me from the start, and I’m grateful to continue growing with them,” Holman shared. “Adding Cadillac to the mix just takes it to another level. I have a ton of respect for ERN—as a writer, an artist, and as a visionary—and I’m looking forward to what we can create together.”
“I’ve enjoyed working with Mark throughout the years. We always have a good time in the room, and he’s such a pleasure to collaborate with,” added ERN’s Cadillac Music Founder and CEO Ernest. “He has been a powerful force in town for several years, and we’ve clearly already made some magic together with ‘Flower Shops.’ I look forward to continuing to grow together as songwriters and producers. I’m grateful he wanted to be part of the Cadillac crew as much as I wanted him to be.”
+ Grammy and CMA-nominated songwriter Derrick Southerland has signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt. As part of the agreement, Kobalt has acquired a portion of Southerland’s extensive song catalog, expanding their portfolio with his remarkable works.
“Derrick is one of the most talented, prolific songwriters working in Nashville today,” stated Stephanie Cox, general manager/senior VP of creative at Kobalt Nashville. “He has the incredibly unique ability to write across genres, making him a perfect fit for Kobalt’s global ecosystem.”
Southerland’s impressive repertoire includes co-writing tracks for popular artists such as Carrie Underwood, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Fletcher, Laci Kaye Booth, Hunter Hayes, Breland, Charlotte Sands, High Valley, Charles Kelley, Muscadine Bloodline, Tanner Adell, Blair Davie, Dallas Smith, and many others. He has also contributed to Kane Brown’s Hot 100 certified gold single “Like A Rodeo” and Joshua Bassett’s “Crisis,” displaying his ability to create hits across various genres.
“I’m so excited to be partnering with Kobalt,” expressed Southerland. “When I met with Laurent Hubert, Jeannette Perez, Stephanie Cox, Rani Hancock, Kenny McGoff, and many others from the creative team, I knew this was the place I needed to be. Their enthusiasm not only about my writing and songs but also about my dreams and vision for the future made this the perfect partnership to help me achieve my goals. Huge thanks to Kevin, who was with me for my first major label outside cut and introduced me to this fantastic team. I’m looking forward to what’s coming in this next chapter of our careers.”
