Republic Signs New Boy Band JYT, Subject of Upcoming Docuseries, Alongside Freddy Wexler
Republic Records and Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer Freddy Wexler have jointly signed JYT (Just Your Type), a new boy band that will be the subject of a multi-part docuseries documenting their formation, it was announced Friday (Dec. 5).
Composed of five members aged 15-17 — Caden, Tyler, Bryan, Recker and Toby — JYT was formed through an unusual process that saw the members choose each other, a press release states. The group has spent the last year in “intensive development” in Los Angeles, training with choreographers led by Nick DeMoura, who has worked with stars including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Usher and Megan Thee Stallion. DeMoura choreographed JYT’s first visual project — the video for their debut single “What U Want,” released on Friday (Dec. 5).
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“From the moment these five kids stood in a room together, I knew we had something special,” said Wexler, who has written and produced for artists including Selena Gomez, Shakira, Halsey, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. “JYT isn’t a manufactured boy band, they chose each other. I’m thrilled to be partnering with Monte and the incredible team at Republic, with whom I’ve shared some of the most pivotal moments of my career. America hasn’t launched a global boy band in decades, and these kids are about to change that.”
“My first interaction with Freddy was nearly 20 years ago when I tried unsuccessfully two separate times to sign him to a record deal,” added REPUBLIC founder and chairman Monte Lipman in a statement. “Two decades later, I’m proud to call Freddy an extraordinary partner as producer, label head, and creative force; as we launch an explosive new band together via his label Wexler Records / Republic Records. In the spirit of never say never, we finally found a way to be in the Freddy Wexler business after all these years.”
Added DeMoura, “When I first saw JYT dance, I felt the same fire that made NSYNC a movement, not just a band. These kids train like athletes, perform like veterans, and have the potential to be this generation’s defining boy band…which is exactly why I wanted to be part of this.”
According to the release, JYT has racked up more than 500,000 followers across platforms before releasing any music.
Watch the video for “What U Want” below.
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