Rubén Blades Signs Global Partnership Deal with Virgin Music Group

Posted on November 12, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Rubén Blades has a new deal…

The 76-year-old Panamanian musician, singer, composer, actor, activist and politician has signed a global partnership with Virgin Music Group.

The indie artist, who releases music under his own label Rubén Blades Production, was previously with AWAL.

This new deal with Virgin sets him up for the “next chapter in his legendary career,” states a press release.

One of the most influential and revered Latin artists of all time, Blades – whose career spans over five decades – is known for music that is both poetic and socially conscious and rooted in storytelling.

A key figure in the New York salsa revolution during the 1970s, Blades has dedicated his career to propelling Afro-Cuban music.

The “Pedro Navaja” singer was honored with the Latin Recording Academy’s Person of the Year award in 2021, he also won album of the year award for SALSWING! at the Latin Grammys that year.

“Rubén Blades has built an incredible legacy in Latin music as a trailblazer, pushing artistic boundaries and cultural change. We look forward to working with him on the next phase of his illustrious career and furthering his legacy with new audiences around the world,” Víctor González, president of Latin America and Iberia for Virgin Music Music Group, said in a statement.

Overall, Blades – also an actor who played the role of Daniel Salazar on Fear the Walking Dead – has won 12 Grammy Awards and 11 Latin Grammys. This year, he’s a two-time nominee at the 25th annual Latin Grammys where “Aún Me Sigo Encontrando,” his collab with Gian Marco, is up for song of the year and his latest album, Siembra: 45° Aniversario (En Vivo en el Coliseo de Puerto Rico, 14 de Mayo 2022), is up for best salsa album. The ceremony takes place Thursday (Nov. 14) in Miami.

Maria Becerra Announces Natanael Real & Armando Lozano as New Co-Managers

Posted on November 11, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Maria Becerra has new management.

The 24-year-old Argentine singer-songwriter, who has been dubbed as “a leading voice in Argentina’s urban pop movement,” will ] be co-managed by Natanael Real and veteran Mexican manager Armando Lozano after she parted ways amicable with longtime manager José Levy.

Real has been Becerra’s longtime day-to-day manager, while Lozano steps into a bigger role after working two years as a consultant for the artist for all territories outside Argentina.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to María for placing her trust in me over nearly seven years, from the very beginning. It has been a true pleasure and honor to be part of her professional journey, and I wish her every success in this new chapter,” Levy told Billboard in a statement.

In turn, Lozano, who until recently also managed Mau & Ricky, said: “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to join María in this exciting new phase of her career. I am confident that remarkable achievements await her, further cementing her place as the global star she truly is.”

Added Real: “From the start, I’ve been inspired by María’s extraordinary talent and charisma. It is a privilege to support her in this new chapter and help her reach even greater heights.”

Becerra started her career as a YouTuber in her native Argentina as a tween, posting all kinds of content that included music covers.

By 17, she was focusing only on music and started working with Levy.

In 2021, at 21, she released her debut album, Animal via 300 Entertainment and earned a Latin Grammy nomination for best new artist.

In 2023, Becerra signed a deal with Warner Music Latina as a joint venture with 300 Entertainment, still managed by Levy, and also received the Visionary Award at Billboard’s inaugural Latin Women In Music event.

Becerra is in the midst of her first major U.S. tour and released new singles with Yandel (“El sexo está de moda”) and Gloria Trevi (“Borracha”), the latter which she performed at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in October.

She currently has 24 million monthly listeners on Spotify, making her 240 in the world on the platform.

Becerra has multiple entries on the Billboard charts, including two No. 1s on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay chart.

Demi Lovato Named Brand Ambassador for Affordable Kitchenware Brand Bella

Posted on October 9, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Demi Lovato is cooking up a new endeavor…

The 32-year-old half-Mexican American Grammy-nominated singer and actress, who says she’s in her “Martha Stewart era,” has been named brand ambassador for Bella, an affordable kitchenware brand that sells space-saving cookware priced at $15 and up.

“I like to believe I’m in my Martha Stewart era, and, when I came across Bella, I wasn’t intimidated by the products,” Lovato said in a statement. “They’re easy to use, the colors are fun and different (the Surf color is my favorite), and I just knew these were the kitchen products I wanted to use every day.”

As part of the partnership, Lovato debuted Bella’s new Fits-Anywhere collection — available in the brand’s signature colors: Oatmilk, Plum and Surf. Lovato also stars in a “360-degree media campaign” helmed by director Maca Rubio.

Described as a “first-of-its kind kitchenware system that saves up to 50 percent more space,” Bella’s Fits-Anywhere collection is comprised of seven small appliances and two cookware pieces.

The set includes an air fryer, griddle, blender, waffle maker, coffee maker, warming tray, toaster and more.

According to Bella, the cookware is free of PFAs, PFOA, PTFE, lead and cadmium, and features the brand’s trademarked EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating.

“We spoke to thousands of consumers and learned that 74 percent of their countertop space is taken up by appliances. We wanted to declutter their kitchens, create space and give them more room to gather with family and friends,” said Shae Hong, founder and CEO of Made by Gather and Bella.

In addition to announcing its first brand ambassador, Bella is launching a selection of 21 other products including an AirFryer Toaster Oven, an update to Bella’s Rocket Blender and a single-serve coffee maker in the Oatmilk colorway.

Bella is available at major retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart and Macy’s.

Noreh Signs with 5020 Records

Posted on September 15, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

It’s an important first for Noreh…

The Venezuelan singer/songwriter and producer, known for his infectious melodies and raw lyricism powered by his captivating vocals, has leaped from an indie artist to landing his first label signing with 5020 Records, which was launched by Sony Music.

“We were independent for a while but I’m clear that every part of the process (as hard as it was) brought us here,” the Venezuelan artist and former Billboard On the Radar Latin act, expressed in an Instagram post. “I never included the word ‘dreams’ in my vocabulary because I felt that wanting big things was not for people like me and fortunately I was wrong! […] Right now they come together: the support you give me, my team working hard, our tattooed ballads + the new chance and a new team of people willing to add and amplify what we already do and even more important: that these songs reach many more corners. I’m 27 years old and this is just beginning. 5020, you and I will make a great album.”

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Noreh as a new member of the 5020 Records family,” Rafa Arcaute, president of 5020 Records said in a press statement. “His innovative approach to music and his ability to connect with audiences on a deep level make him the perfect addition to our roster of artists. We are excited about the opportunity to support his artistic development and help him achieve even greater success.”

Kartiah Vergara Signs with The Rosenzweig Group

Posted on September 14, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Kartiah Vergara has new representation…

The Chilean-Australian actress has signed with The Rosenzweig Group for representation in all areas.

Vergara was recently cast in the upcoming Sarah Snook-led Peacock series All Her Fault, based on the Andrea Mara novel of the same name, alongside Daniel Monks and Duke McCloud.

In addition to Snook who stars, the cast also includes Dakota Fanning, Abby Elliot, Jake Lacy, Sophia Lillis, Jay Ellis, Thomas Cocquerel and Michael Peña.

Per the official logline: “Marissa Irvine (Snook) arrives at 14 Arthur Avenue, expecting to pick up her young son Milo (McCloud) from his first playdate with a boy at his new school. But the woman who answers the door isn’t a mother she recognizes. She isn’t the nanny. She doesn’t have Milo. And so begins every parent’s worst nightmare.”

Vergara previously was seen in supporting roles in Ticket to Paradise, starring Julia Roberts and George Clooney, and in the 2019 family adventure live-action film Dora the Explorer: The Lost City of Gold.

Selena Gomez Reaches Billionaire Status

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Selena Gomez has a billion reasons to smile…

The 32-year-old Mexican American singer, actress, producer and businesswoman has taken her beauty brand Rare Beauty all the way to the bank after five years.

Gomez, a Golden Globe nominee, has reached billionaire status, according to a new report that finds her wealth has been largely driven by her Rare Beauty cosmetic brand, which she launched in 2019, as well as other ventures that leverage her 424 million Instagram followers.

With an estimated $1.3 billion worth, she’s now one of the country’s youngest female billionaires, per Bloomberg.

Rare Beauty makes up 81.4% of Gomez’s fortune.

The value also takes into account her interest in the Wondermind mental health startup, the estimated value of her music album sales and real estate properties, as well as earnings from streaming deals, brand partnerships, concert tickets and acting.

Although Gomez’s last solo tour was 2016’s Revival Tour, and her last album was 2020’s Rare, she has remained busy as a star and executive producer on Only Murders in the Building, which was recently renewed for Season 5.

Thanks to Only Murders in the Building, Gomez is currently nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, her first nod in the category. The Hulu show is also up for Outstanding Comedy Series for the third consecutive year.

Meanwhile, Gomez is preparing to return to her roots with Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, a sequel series to her 2007-’12 Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place, premiering Oct. 29 at 8pm ET/PT. Gomez and returning co-star David Henrie also serve as executive producers.

Mon Laferte Renews Partnership with Warner Chappell Music

Posted on August 27, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Mon Laferte is coming back…

The 41-year-old Chilean & Mexican musician, singer, composer and painter has renewed her partnership with Warner Chappell Music, signing a worldwide administration deal.

“I’m really excited for what’s ahead. They were the first ones to have faith in me,” said Mon Laferte in a press release.

This reunion marks a significant homecoming for the artist, who previously collaborated with Warner Chappell in the early 2010s when her early albums like Desechable (2011), Tornasol (2013), Mon Laferte, Vol. 1 (2015) and La Trenza (2017) were released.

“It’s great to have Mon back at WCM,” added Gustavo Menéndez, president or U.S. Latin & Latin America at Warner Chappell Music. “We initially signed her back in 2013 when she had just moved to Mexico, and it was perfect timing — an opportunity to understand her dreams and aspirations from the start. I admire her for the incredible artist, songwriter and performer that she is and am personally very happy to have her back – this return signifies a beautiful full-circle moment for us.”

The announcement of the deal follows the release of a Netflix documentary about her life, titled Mon Laferte, Te Amo, which premiered earlier this month.

The Latin Grammy-winning artist is currently on her Autopoiética World Tour, produced by Live Nation, in support of her latest 2023 album of the same name.

The tour has taken her through Europe, North, Central and South America.

“Mon’s artistry is unforgettable in every sense of the word,” said Carlos Ruíz, managing director of Warner Chappell Music México. “She’s a passionate songwriter, an incredible performer, and an even more remarkable human being. With a fearless approach, she has stayed true to her art while constantly evolving, surpassing labels. Our entire team is really looking forward to supporting her in this next phase of her career.”

For the time being, Universal — whom she was previously with — will still administer her albums Norma (2018), 1940 Carmen (2021), Seis (2021) and Autopoiética.

In May, Mon Laferte signed a record deal with Sony Music Latin. In October and November, she is poised to perform a few more dates in Mexico City and Ciudad Juárez as well as Chile’s Viña Del Mar.

Funko Releasing Limited Edition Pop! Collectible of Ice Spice

Posted on July 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Ice Spice is getting funko-fied…

Funko has announced the release of a limited-edition Pop! Collectible of the 24-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-nominated rapper in celebration of her highly anticipated debut album Y2K, which was released on Friday, July 26.

The adorable Pop! vinyl is wearing the same outfit from Ice Spice’s Y2K album cover — denim shorts, a white cropped tank top and green boots — and sports her signature red hair.

The Ice Spice x Funko Pop! vinyl retails for $15 and measures approximately 3.25-inches tall.

The Funko Pop! will be available for pre-order at Funko.com and Ice Spice’s official merch shop starting on Wednesday, July 31, at 9:30 a.m. PT through Thursday, Aug. 8, at 9:30 a.m. PT.

Ice Spice joins a list of other rappers who have gotten the Funko Pop! treatment including Doja Cat, Salt-N-Peppa, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G. and Lil Wayne.

Her long awaited YK2 album features the singles “Think You The Shit (Fart),” “Gimme a Light,” “Phat Butt” and “Did It First.” Travis Scott, Gunna and Central Cee are featured on the album.

The Bronx native, who was born on January 1, 2000, named album after the Y2K era, as she explained in an interview with Rolling Stone.

“I was really born into chaos, and I feel like the album sounds very chaotic, in a good way,” she said.

“I think I’m, like, 90 percent I’m going to do whatever I want, and then 10 percent I’ll give you something you want,” she explained of creating the album. “But at the same time, I just really like making fun records because that’s what I like to hear most of the time.”

Pepe Aguilar Signs Worldwide Deal with SESAC Latina

Posted on July 28, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Pepe Aguilar is going global…

The 55-year-old Mexican American singer and producer has signed a worldwide deal with SESAC Latina, per Billboard.

Previously with BMI, Aguilar now joins his children, Ángela and Leonardo Aguilar, who are also part of the SESAC Latina roster.

“We are pleased to announce that superstar Pepe Aguilar has affiliated with SESAC Latina,” Celeste Zendejas, SVP, SESAC Latina, said in a statement. “His career success is truly unparalleled, and he is one of the most iconic figures in Latin music. We pride ourselves on being a family at SESAC, and we are thrilled to work with one of the most famous families in the Mexican artistic world, and we can’t wait to celebrate their continued success in the years to come.”

The son of regional Mexican music royalty — his father was the legendary Antonio Aguilar and his mother the iconic Flor Silvestre — Aguilar, who has been performing since he was a toddler, branched out of regional early in his career to sing in rock bands.

Eventually, he would become a renowned ranchera and mariachi music artist placing, so far, nine top 10 titles on Billboard‘s Top Latin Albums chart.

Throughout his career he’s also won four Grammys and five Latin Grammy Awards.

Most recently, he released Que Llueva Tequila, which thrives on the regal mariachi sound that has characterized Aguilar’s style. Earlier this month, the regional Mexican hitmaker also wrapped his Jaripeo Hasta Los Huesos Tour with his children and brother Antonio Aguilar Jr.

Pepe Aguilar joins SESAC Latina’s roster that includes Nicky Jam, Edén Muñoz, Christian Nodal and Manuel Turizo, among others.

Pipe Bueno Signs Deal with Warner Music Latina

Posted on July 25, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Pipe Bueno has a new deal…

The 32-year-old Colombian singer-songwriter has signed a deal with Warner Music Latina, becoming the label’s latest signee deriving from Colombia’s música popular scene.

The agreement was made with Bueno’s management companies Ocesa Seitrack, where he’s represented by Alex Mizrahi and Octavio Padilla, and JB Management, where he’s represented by Juan Guillermo Ballesteros.

He signed with both companies last year. Campaigns for Bueno will be managed and operated from the Warner Música Mexicana division in Los Angeles, with the support of Warner Music Mexico.

“At some point, I envisioned being backed by one of the best record labels in the world, and without a doubt, Warner Music is one of them,” said Bueno in a statement. “I am excited to know that today I am signing with a company that has begun to believe in Colombian regional music, and has its eyes set on our genre. I have high expectations, and Warner Music’s support will be crucial in achieving everything I have in mind.”

“For us, making this signing happen was very important,” added Ballesteros. “We have achieved an incredible partnership with a total focus on everything that surrounds Pipe Bueno…his music and all his projects as a brand. We want to elevate the Colombian genre to another level, and we are confident we have found the best way to do it with Warner Music.”

Under the new deal, Bueno announces his upcoming album. According to a press release, it “promises a unique fusion, showcasing his Colombian regional music while honoring and celebrating Mexican regional music.” His debut single under the label, “Una Pregunta” featuring Gerardo “El Jerry” Coronel, premieres Thursday (July 25).

“We are delighted to welcome Pipe Bueno to the Warner Music family,” said Roberto Andrade Dirak, MD of Warner Music Latina. “His dedication and passion for Colombian popular music are inspiring, and we are proud to be part of this new stage in his career.”

Rubén Abraham, GM of Mexican music at Warner Music Latina, added: “He’s an artist who respects and deeply understands the essence of Mexican regional music. His upcoming album is a great opportunity to continue boosting Pipe’s career in Mexico and the United States; it features high-level collaborations that reinforce Pipe’s credibility and respect in Mexican music.”

The artist born Andrés Felipe Giraldo Bueno launched his self-titled debut album in 2008 and has since risen to pioneer “la música popular Colombiana,” a musical genre that fuses traditional folk music from the Paisa Region with Regional Mexican elements, such as mariachi and ranchera.

The genre is locally known as “música de cantina” and is played at every parranda, parties that feature local music and food.

Bueno has since laced the genre with urban and pop rhythms by teaming up with artists such as Wisin, Zion and Darrel. He has also collaborated twice with his good friend and colleague Maluma on the tracks “La Invitación” (2014) and “Tequila” (2020). The former track peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Latin Rhythm Airplay chart in 2017.

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