The sheer number of artist signings announced on a weekly basis makes it difficult to keep up, no matter how closely you pay attention to the industry news cycle. That’s why every other Tuesday, Billboard compiles the latest signings to labels, distributors, agencies, management companies and more, in an effort to provide a snapshot of the latest moves in the artist space, from household names to indie stars to emerging acts.
British singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur Rita Ora tops the roundup this week after signing with United Talent Agency (UTA), which will represent the multi-hyphenate talent in all areas globally.
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“Rita is a bona fide superstar who has shown, time and again, why she is beloved by fans worldwide,” said Samantha Kirby-Yoh and David Zedeck, UTA partners and co-heads of global music, in a statement. “We’re looking forward to joining her team for this next exciting chapter.”
According to a press release, Ora has racked up more than 10 billion streams across platforms and holds the record for the most top 10 singles for a British female artist in U.K. history with 13, including four No. 1s. In the U.S., Ora has charted four singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Black Widow,” the 2014 Iggy Azalea track on which she was featured, which peaked at No. 3.
“Rita is a brilliant multi-hyphenate whose talent and influence extend far beyond the stage and screen” added UTA partner and co-head of talent Jay Gassner. “UTA is thrilled to partner with her to build on her remarkable career and expand her horizons across media.”
Ora is managed by Melissa Ruderman, Dave Bugliari and Michael Cooper at Range Media Partners.
Check out the rest of the latest signings below.
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Danny Gokey (Red Street Records)
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}Three-time Grammy nominee Danny Gokey has signed with Red Street Records and is gearing up for his first release under the partnership, with the holiday song “The Moment the Whole World Changed” releasing on Friday (Nov. 7). Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus launched Red Street Records in 2018; the roster currently includes Jason Crabb, Cade Thompson and Iveth Luna. — Jessica Nicholson
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Kaitlin Butts (Republic Records)
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}Singer-songwriter Kaitlin Butts inked a label deal with Republic Records. The signing follows her viral hit, “You Ain’t Gotta Die (To Be Dead to Me).” The label will release her new EP, Yeehaw Sessions, on Nov. 14. — Jessica Nicholson
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New Constellations (Nettwerk)
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}Portland, Oreg.-based duo New Constellations (“Hot Blooded”), composed of Harlee Case and Josh Smith, signed with Nettwerk and released the single “Believe Again.” The group, which is currently on a U.S. tour, is slated to release a new album next year.
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Maesic (WME)
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}French producer/DJ Maesic (“Life Is Simple (Move Your Body)”), who was named Billboard‘s Dance Rookie of the Month in June, signed with WME in all areas. His team at the agency will be led by veteran booker Steve Hogan, alongside Laura Ruiz in London and Ian Wilkerson in Los Angeles. Maesic is managed by Timothy Sheldon at Tronjour Management, signed to Helix Records and published by Bison Publishing and Warner Chappell Music.
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Chelsea Jordan (Arista Records)
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}Singer-songwriter Chelsea Jordan (“THE GOOD PARTS”) signed to Arista Records, which is set to release her major label debut single, “level out,” on Wednesday (Nov. 5). Jordan released the EP BETTER WHEN LONELY late last year.
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Penelope Road (Make Wake Artists)
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}Make Wake Artists signed Atlanta-based band Penelope Road to a management deal. The five-piece will be co-managed by Make Wake founder and CFO Chris Kappy and Eric Berger. Signed to Warner Records, Penelope Road released its third EP, Chance Encounter, on Friday (Oct. 31). The band has several tour dates lined up through the end of the year.
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