Ruel signs with Giant Music and other artist signings

Huge musicThe record label, founded in 2022 under the banner The Azoff Company, has signed Australian singer/songwriter Ruelthe company reports BillboardThis is the first new signing for Nate Albertwho joined Giant Music as president in January. The label will release “Kiss Me,” Ruel’s cover of the Sixpence None the Richer hit, on Thursday (June 27).

“Ruel is truly a one-of-a-kind talent and we are excited to be part of his next chapter,” Albert said in a statement.

Best known for songs such as “Painkiller”, “Dazed & Confused” and “GROWING UP IS ___”, Ruel released his debut album, FOURTH WALLlast year. In August he is scheduled to play at Lollapalooza for the first time.

Ruel is managed by Nate Flagrant at Flagrant Artist Management.

Also this week…

Hip-hop producer, singer and songwriter Smooth signed with WME for global representation. The Melbourne-born artist began releasing music in 2018 and has since released several EPs. His single “Fall Back,” released in March, currently has more than 97 million streams on Spotify. He is managed by Benjamin James from mutual friends.

Alternative rock band from Boston Vundaba signed with Loma Vista recordings. The label released the group’s new garage rock song, “I Got Cracked,” on Tuesday (June 25). Vundabar, comprised of Brandon Hagen, Drew McDonald and Zack Abramo, is best known for its RIAA platinum-certified track “Alien Blues,” which has more than 540 million streams on Spotify alone. “Vundabar has already accomplished so much as a completely independent band, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to Loma Vista for this exciting next phase of their career,” said Loma Vista A&R Susan Bushh in a statement. The band is managed by Ally Ehasz And Zack Zarrillo in Alternate Side and booked by Greg Horbal And Carly Goldberg at Wasserman.

Aspiring country singer-songwriter Bayker Blankenship (“Maxed Out”) signed with Lone Star/Santa Anna Records. According to a press release, “Maxed Out” has more than 26,000 creations and more than 6 million views on TikTok. In a statement, the CEO of Alamo Records/Santa Anna Records Todd Moscowitz said the song “is quickly becoming a very reactive hit.”

Professional baseball pitcher Kenley Jansen founded an independent record label, KJ74 Entertainmentand signed three artists: RAFIK, Omar Pierce and Amos of Icons Curaçao. The label’s first release, RAFIK’s new single/video “TUKUM,” dropped on Friday (June 21). According to a press release, the label will be a “breeding ground” for emerging artists and will focus on a range of genres to introduce the sounds of the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao) to a global audience.

Drew Baldridge signed with UTA for representation in all areas. The country singer and songwriter’s single “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” is currently ranked 15th on the Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, a feat he achieved without the support of a major label or management team. Baldridge is signed to Sony Music Publishing. His team also includes the managing director Becky Harris (Huskin-Harris Business Management) and attorney Jeff Biederman (Greenberg Traurig, LLP). – Jessica Nicholson

Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter and producer Gallant (“Weight in Gold”, “Cave Me In”) signed with Mom+Pop Music. The first release under the deal is Gallant’s new single “Coldstar.” Gallant has collaborated with artists such as Dua Lipa, Zhu, Brandy, Noah Cyrus and Sufjan Stevens and has performed at festivals such as Coachella, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits.

10K Projects signed virtual artist Angelbaby through Web3 agency Hume and will re-release the track “Life Is Good” featuring Jagwar Twin. “This agreement is a major milestone for Hume as we continue our mission to become Pixar for music,” the Hume team said in a statement. “We have been looking for a partner that can further propel our artists into culture and we are excited to work with 10K on ‘Life Is Good’ toward that goal.”

Big loud recordings signed singer-songwriter Kashus CulpepperThe Alabama native began performing while serving in the US Navy in Rota, Spain. On Friday (June 21), the label released his single “After Me?”. Culpepper is represented by CAA for booking and is represented by Jay Harren. – Jessica Nicholson

Dexter and the Moon Rocks“a former country/western band” that now makes “western space grunge music,” according to a press release, signed with Severance documentsan imprint of Big Loud Rock. The label will release the band’s latest EP – aptly titled Western Space Grunge — on July 19. “Bleach,” the first song from the EP, was released on June 12. The band is managed by Chris Schoemann at Lion’s Claw Entertainment and booked by Michael Krug at WME.

Singer-songwriter and country singer Ashland Crafts signed to an independent record label Leo33. Craft has supported artists such as Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Zac Brown Band, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen on tour. She recently wrapped up her Damascus Acoustic Tour with Elvie Shane and performed at CMA Fest. Up next, she will play festivals such as Summerfest, Watershed Music Festival and Field & Stream Festival.