{"id":2182156,"date":"2026-10-06T19:00:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T16:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2182156"},"modified":"2026-10-06T19:00:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T16:00:37","slug":"signed-thomas-rhett-strikes-new-deal-with-hybe-americas-blue-highway-hardy-inks-trippp-y-trio","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2182156","title":{"rendered":"Signed: Thomas Rhett Strikes New Deal With HYBE AMERICA\u2019s Blue Highway; HARDY Inks TRIPPP-y Trio"},"content":{"rendered":"
Thomas Rhett <\/strong>signed an \u201cartist-led partnership\u201d with HYBE AMERICA\u2019s Nashville-based country, Americana and roots rock division Blue Highway Records<\/strong>. According to a press release, the partnership, dubbed Fifty-One\/Forty-Nine Records, was \u201cbuilt around long-term ownership, creative independence and artist development. In partnership with Blue Highway Records, this label will serve as the home for Thomas Rhett\u2019s recorded music and the next chapter of his creative and entrepreneurial career.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cWhen we started talking about what the next chapter could look like, I knew I didn\u2019t simply want to make another deal. I wanted to build something that reflected the legacy and shaped the future of my music,\u201d Rhett said in a statement. \u201cFrom my initial conversations with Jake and the leadership team at Blue Highway, it was clear they, too, were thinking differently about what a record company can be for an artist today.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\t\t\t\t\tPublishing Briefs: Killing Joke Frontman Signs With Cooking Vinyl, Ad\u00e9la Collaborator at Prescription\u00a0Songs\t\t<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
\n\tRhett added that the deal \u201callows me the opportunity to own the body of work I\u2019ve spent my entire career creating, while still having an ambitious team and global infrastructure around me for my future recordings.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tFurther details of the partnership have not been disclosed.<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cThomas Rhett has always been an artist, a songwriter, a performer who brings the best of what being a progressive country artist is today: someone who is willing to explore how other genres merge with Nashville without losing his roots, without sounding calculated or forced,\u201d added Blue Highway Records CEO Jake Basden<\/strong>. \u201cHis musical fluidity is matched by his sense of lyrics, songs, and what people feel, creating an honest kind of country that finds its way into people\u2019s lives, wherever they are. Having watched Thomas Rhett come into his own and then achieve major success, I am honored to be his partner going forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\tBlue Highway Records is also home to Brett Young, Midland, Justin Moore, Jackson Dean, Preson Cooper and Mae Estes, among others. \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n
Check out more recent artist signings below.<\/strong><\/p>\n
\n\tHARDY signed brother trio TRIPPP<\/strong> to the newly formed Mockingbird Records<\/strong>, a sister country label to his previously announced rock imprint CROW Records. The new label launches in partnership with Big Loud Records<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe TRIPPP brothers \u2014 vocalist JD Stafford, guitarist Chaz Stafford and bassist Treyson Stafford \u2014\u00a0were born and raised in Arkansas. The siblings attended Nashville\u2019s Belmont University and released their EP nothin\u2019<\/em> and albumTRIPPP<\/em> this year, blending Southern rock, blues and bluegrass. TRIPPP supported Goodbye June on its Trouble For All tour in September, and will be on the road through October. \u2014\u00a0Jessica Nicholson<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Blake Whiten (CAA)<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Sydney Chance \/ Courtesy OH Creative\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Blake Whiten<\/strong> signed with CAA<\/strong> for global booking representation. Whiten, who is signed with Enchntmnt\/Warner Records, is currently spearheading his sold-out 22-show Something To Say<\/em> tour. His song \u201cBet On That\u201d earned Whiten his first Billboard Hot 100 entry, while his debut album Something To Say <\/em>debuted on the all-genre Billboard 200.<\/p>\n
\n\tWhiten has opened shows for Morgan Wallen this year and is set to perform at Stagecoach Music Festival in 2027.\u00a0\u2014\u00a0Jessica Nicholson<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Jesse Jo Stark (BMG)<\/h2>\n
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S<\/span>inger-songwriter Jesse Jo Stark<\/strong> brought her label Deadly Doll to BMG<\/strong>, which will release her album MUSE <\/em>on Nov. 6. The first single from the set, \u201ccolorado,\u201d is out now. Stark is managed by Sam Jackson <\/strong>and Liza Owen<\/strong>. \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Ruby Rose Turner (Atlantic Records)<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Colin Tilley\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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S<\/span>inger-songwriter and actress Ruby Rose Turner<\/strong>, best known for her role in Disney\u2019s Descendants<\/em> franchise, signed with Atlantic Records<\/strong>. Her new single, \u201cClementine,\u201d is available now. Last month, she released the track \u201cVanity.\u201d Prior to that, her song \u201cShuffle of Love\u201d was included on the Descendants: The Rise of Red<\/em> soundtrack. \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
Hudson Freeman<\/strong> signed to Mom+Pop<\/strong>, which will release his new album, Doom Country<\/em>, on Nov. 6. He\u2019s currently opening up tour dates for Jesse Welles in the U.S. Freeman has previously released three studio albums, including last year\u2019s is a Folk Artist<\/em>. \u2014 Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Baby Rasta & Gringo (Ganda Entertainment)<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Christopher Polk\/Billboard\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Baby Rasta & Gringo<\/strong>, composed of Wilmer Alicea and Samuel Gerena, reunited and signed a new management deal with Jonathan Gandarilla<\/strong> of Ganda Entertainment<\/strong>, who previously managed the Puerto Rican duo from 2008 to 2017. During its first successful run together, the reggaeton duo landed many\u00a0Billboard<\/em> chart entries, including a No. 2 on Top Latin Albums with its 2015 set\u00a0Los Cotizados<\/em>, as well as two No. 1s on Tropical Airplay with \u201cUn Beso\u201d (2015) and \u201cBailando Todo Se Olvida\u201d (2016).<\/p>\n
\n\tThe signing news comes on the heels of Baby Rasta & Gringo signing a deal with Interscope Records. The duo, which is making the rounds with its EP\u00a0Antes del Romance [Unplugged],<\/em>\u00a0is a finalist for Latin Rhythm Artist of the Year, Duo or Group at the 2026 Billboard Latin Music Awards. \u2014\u00a0Jessica Roiz<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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serpentwithfeet (One Little Independent)<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: HartDom\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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B<\/span>altimore-raised, New York-based singer-songwriter-producer serpentwithfeet <\/strong>signed with One Little Independent Records<\/strong>, which will release his new EP, Sentinel<\/em>, on Dec. 4. The title single is out now. To date, serpentwithfeet has released one EP and four albums, the most recent of which, GRIP SEQUEL<\/em>, was released last year. \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
Centricity Music<\/strong> signed Rachael Lampa<\/strong> to a global recording and publishing contract. Her debut single for the label, \u201cPermission,\u201d was released Sept. 25. \u2014\u00a0Jessica Nicholson<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Derrick Milano (Vitalize Records)<\/h2>\n
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Vitalize Records<\/strong> signed a new distribution and marketing partnership with Grammy Award-winning songwriter-producer Derrick Milano<\/strong> for his upcoming releases as a solo artist. Founded by 2026 Forbes<\/em> 30 Under 30 honoree Steff (Stephanie) Agathis<\/strong>, Vitalize will collaborate with Milano and his management team on distribution, marketing strategy, publicity and release positioning. A best rap song Grammy winner for co-writing Megan Thee Stallion and Beyonc\u00e9\u2019s \u201cSavage Remix,\u201d Milano counts additional credits on projects by Justin Bieber, Latto, Teyana Taylor and, most recently, BTS\u2019 Arirang album, including the tracks \u201cNormal\u201d and \u201cSwim.\u201d \u2014 Gail Mitchell<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Bess Atwell (Nettwerk)<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Elizabeth Landry\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Nettwerk Music Group<\/strong> signed U.K. artist Bess Atwell<\/strong>. The first release under the deal is Atwell\u2019s new single, \u201cThe Act.\u201d She previously released two albums: 2021\u2019s Already, Always<\/em> and 2024\u2019s Aaron Dessner-produced Light Sleeper<\/em>. \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
L<\/span>.A. rock band Liily<\/strong> signed with Atlantic Records<\/strong>, which will release its major-label debut album later this year. Two songs from the upcoming set, \u201cFOREVER\u201d and \u201cEVERYDAY,\u201d are out now. The group previously released two EPs and the album TV or Not TV<\/strong>. Liily consists of Dylan Nash (vocals), Charlie Anastasis (bass), Sam De La Torre (guitar) and Maxx Morando (drums). \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Mei Simones (Verve\/Interscope)<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Saeka Shimada\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Mei Simones<\/strong> signed to Verve\/Interscope<\/strong>, which will release her new album, Howl<\/em>, on Jan. 15. The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter also announced a North American headline tour starting in February. In a press release, her sound is described as a meld of \u201cjazz, bossa nova, samba and grungy math rock,\u201d with lyrics in both English and Japanese. Her debut album, Animaru<\/em>, was released last year by Bayonet Records. \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
Position Music<\/strong> signed Korean-American rapper and producer Bachyard Ghost<\/strong> to a joint venture label deal with The Cut Records<\/strong>. He\u2019s set to release his full-length debut following a string of singles including \u201cTAP IN\u201d featuring Qrystal, \u201cPretty Privilege\u201d with Justin Park and \u201cARIRANG\u201d with FVBII. The first releases off the upcoming album are \u201cPREESH!\u201d and \u201cFAITHFUL.\u201d \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Crate (Good English Records)<\/h2>\n
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N<\/span>ew York-based band Crate<\/strong> signed to Good English Records<\/strong>, which will release the group\u2019s self-titled debut album on Nov. 13. The first track from the album, \u201cNot My Song (Mine to Keep),\u201d is out now. The band is composed of Cody Hudgins, Ezra Engler, Henry Smith and Juan Angulo. \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
Kinsley<\/strong> signed with WME<\/strong> for global representation. The singer-songwriter recently released the debut EP Learn to Live <\/em>through MCA and inked a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville. \u2014\u00a0Jessica Nicholson<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
Emma Ogier<\/strong> has signed with Lost Highway Records<\/strong> and will release her debut album Fly 1111 <\/em>on Nov. 11, led by the new single, \u201cHands Tied.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\t\u201cWhat struck us immediately about Emma is how completely herself she is. Her songs are intimate and deeply human, but there\u2019s also a restless creative spirit behind them. She isn\u2019t interested in fitting neatly into a genre or following a prescribed path, which is exactly what we admire most about her. She\u2019s unstoppable and is just getting started,\u201d Lost Highway Records executive vp and co-heads\u00a0Robert Knotts<\/strong> and Jake Gear<\/strong> said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\n\tOther artists on the Lost Highway Records roster include Kacey Musgraves, Vincent Mason and Brandi Carlile. \u2014\u00a0Jessica Nicholson<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Jub\u00ebl (Symphonic)<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Peter Hansen\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Symphonic<\/strong> signed Swedish pop-dance duo Jub\u00ebl<\/strong> to a distribution deal in conjunction with the launch of Jub\u00ebl\u2019s new label, Peach Lemonade. The duo consists of producer and vocalist Sebastian Atas and producer and guitarist Victor Sj\u00f6str\u00f6m. \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Lewis Love (EMPIRE Nashville)<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\tImage Credit: Courtesy EMPIRE\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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A<\/span>ustralian country singer-songwriter Lewis Love<\/strong> has partnered with EMPIRE Nashville<\/strong>, bringing Love into the label\u2019s global network. Love is managed by Hallwood Media. \u2014\u00a0Jessica Nicholson<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
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Daniel Doss (WieRok Records)<\/h2>\n
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WieRok Records<\/strong>, the flagship label of Franklin, Tenn.-based WieRok Entertainment Group, signed singer-songwriter and worship leader Daniel Doss <\/strong>to a record deal. He\u2019s slated to release his debut on the label next year. Doss\u2019 songs have been recorded by artists including Stephen McWhirter, Aaron Shust, Stars Go Dim, Seventh Day Slumber and Joseph Habedank. \u2014\u00a0Chris Eggertsen<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/li>\n
![\"Jaz](\"https:\/\/www.billboard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Killing-Joke-Jaz-Coleman-Billboard-1800.jpg?w=237&h=147&crop=1\")
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