Signed: ‘Pretty Little Devil’ Singer-Songwriter Shaya Zamora Scores Atlantic Label Deal

Indie folk singer-songwriter Shaya Zamora has signed with Atlantic Records, which will release his new single, “Sinner,” on Friday (July 12), the label tells Billboard. Atlantic says shortform content teasing the upcoming track has already generated more than 24,000 creates and 30 million views on TikTok.

A native of rural Washington, Zamora only officially began releasing new music last summer and dropped his debut EP, Eulogize, in late January. The set was propelled by the success of its breakout track “Cigarette,” which boasts more than 25 million streams on Spotify alone. That was followed by his Atlantic debut, the single “Pretty Little Devil,” which caught fire on TikTok where it has racked up more than 200,000 creates and over 350 million views, according to the label (“Devil” was added to TikTok’s #NewMusic global discovery hub.) On Instagram Reels, “Devil” boasts more than 16,000 creates and over 85 million views.

More new music from Zamora is slated to drop later this year.

Zamora is managed by Matt Reed at Hyphen Media Group and Devin Poindexter at Mad Jack Management.

---

Also this week…

Ciara signed with WME for worldwide representation in all areas. The singer, who a press release states has sold more than 23 million records and nearly 30 million singles worldwide off hits like the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single “Goodies” and “1, 2 Step” featuring Missy Elliott, is currently working on her eighth album, which will include the previously-released single “How We Roll.” In addition to her music, Ciara was recently featured in Warner Bros.’ 2023 musical adaptation of The Color Purple. She also recently signed with align PR and continues to be represented by IMG Models.

Also at WME, Belgian techno DJ and producer Amelie Lens signed with the agency which will represent her for touring and support the expansion of her labels and brand across events and collaborations. Lens owns two labels: Lenske (Farrago, AIROD, Ahl Iver) and Exhale Records, which is geared toward aspiring producers and is behind the EXHALE event series. Lens’ upcoming tour dates include performances at festivals including DOUR Festival, Tomorrowland and Junction 2.

Vector Management welcomed several new artists to its roster under the leadership of Vector West head Nicki Loranger. They include rapper Yung Gravy, electronic duo 3OH!3, DJ Valentino Khan, indie pop band The Aces, singer-songwriter Jack Harris, DJ-producer 4B and singer/multi-instrumentalist Bryant Barnes. Gravy, Khan, 4B and Barnes came to the agency through manager Henley Halem, who also officially joins Vector as a manager alongside Gabriel Apodaca, who brought 3OH!3 to the firm.

Nashville-based label and management company Gravel Road, led by Anthony Martini and Rich Barnerhas, signed country-rock duo Lakeview to the label side of the business. According to a press release, the duo’s Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy earned nearly 30 million streams with their breakthrough hit “Home Team” and recently released the new song “Money Where Your Mouth Is” featuring Gideon. The Gravel Road roster also includes Compton Cowboys and producer Scattered Brains. – Jessica Nicholson

Big Machine Label Group imprint Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment (formerly BMLG Records) signed rising singer-songwriter Shaylen. Following a decade in Los Angeles making pop music, Shaylen returned to Nashville in 2022 and has since scored successes on the country music front including the single “What If I Don’t,” which currently boasts more than 29 million streams on Spotify alone. She’s managed by Two Hats Music Group in Nashville.

Brazilian electronic artist and DJ Victor Lou (“Diu Diu Lai”) signed with UTA for global representation, excluding Brazil, in all areas. Lou recently came off his international tour Summer All Day, which concluded in Orlando, Fla., at the end of March. It was Lou’s first run in the U.S. Festival performances on the tour included Rock in Rio, Lollapalooza, Tomorrowland, XXXperience and Só Track Boa.

Rising urban artist La Cruz has inked deals with Lionfish and Saint Edd for management, as well as with Warner Music Latina for distribution. Born Alfonso La Cruz in La Guaira, Venezuela, LaCruz is an indie artist who’s become an empowering gay voice in the reggaeton space. He previously went viral in the LGBTQ+ community thanks to music videos such as “Te Conoci Bailando” and “Quítate La Ropa,” both of which show men dancing and twerking. “We are incredibly proud to welcome LaCruz to our label,” Roberto Andrade, MD of Warner Music Latin,a said in a statement. “His talent and authenticity have truly captivated us. His music embodies the diversity that enriches our industry. We look forward to his unique talent and vision shaping the future of music.” Under the new management and distribution partnership, LaCruz wants to take his mission and voice to an even broader audience. – Jessica Roiz

Nettwerk signed San Jose, Calif.-based lo-fi beatmaker and multi-instrumentalist Knowmadic, who has scored streaming success with tracks including “Faces” and “Fade.” The label will release his upcoming album, rain check, later this summer.

R&B singer-songwriter TA Thomas signed with High Standardz/Def Jam Recordings, which released his new single, “Risky,” on June 27. Thomas’ debut album, Caught Between 2 Worlds, dropped last September. Thomas is managed by Tosh Mac.

King Thief, billed as a “punk supergroup” featuring members of Teenage Bottlerocket, This Is a Standoff, Choke and The Fullblast, signed to Thousand Islands Records, which will release the band’s debut single, “Gymposter Syndrome,” on Wednesday (July 10), followed by an album this fall. The band consists of Eric Neilson (Change Methodical, Midnight Peg), Ryan Podlubny (Fullblast), Shawn Moncrieff (Choke), Nick Kouremenos (Fire Next Time, This Is a Standoff, TheJohnsons) and Darren Chewka (Teenage Bottle Rocket, Old Wives).