Signed: deadmau5 Label Takes on Virtual Artist DEATHPIXIE; Pedro Sampaio Inks With WME

Virtual artist DEATHPIXIE signed with deadmau5‘s label mau5trap. The first release under the deal was a take on deadmau5’s “RAISE YOUR WEAPON,” which came out on Friday (July 11). DEATHPIXIE’s mau5trap debut EP is set to drop on Oct. 31, followed by “immersive live performances,” according to a press release. The release adds that DEATHPIXIE’s music, described as a mix of phonk, trap, techno, bass house and dubstep, is “created by an emerging group of songwriters, producers and animators” and that “there is a human behind every element of” the project.

Brazilian artist Pedro Sampaio signed with William Morris Endeavor (WME). The signing follows a winning streak for Sampaio, whose “Perversa” — a collaboration with J Balvin, also on WME’s roster — continues to gain momentum outside of Brazil. “WME represents artists I deeply admire, with powerful and successful global careers,” Sampaio said in a statement. “I’m very excited to have this team with me at a time when my music is reaching new countries and new cultures. I want to keep taking Brazilian funk further.” Also DJ and producer, Sampaio is set to embark on a summer festival tour in Portugal, with shows in Porto, Madeira Island, Azores, Nisa and the Algarve. – Griselda Flores

Universal Music Greater China signed a global alliance with Mandopop artist David Tao and his company, GREAT Entertainment. Through the deal, UMG Greater China will look to introduce Tao’s music to a global audience. The first release under the agreement is Tao’s eighth studio album, STUPID POP SONGS, his first full-length project in 12 years.

Nashville-based, pop-punk singer-songwriter Taylor Acorn signed with Fearless Records, which released her latest single, “Goodbye, Good Riddance,” on Friday (July 11). She’s set to play When We Were Young and Warped Tour this summer, along with a U.S. headlining tour.

Country artist Trey Pendley, who recently signed a label deal with Leo33, signed with WME for global booking and with Blue Harbor Music for publishing. Pendley is also repped by Make Wake Artists for management, Wiles + Taylor for business management and Ritholz Levy Fields for legal. His most recent release, “Drunk as Any Rich Man,” dropped on June 27.

Ascend Music signed Americana rock duo Marfa, marking the first signing to the new Big Machine Label Group imprint, which was launched in partnership with Ascend4M founder/CEO Joel Klaiman. Marfa, composed of Bryce Menchaca and Kellen Wall, has also released the new track “Little Miss Two Time,” written by Menchaca, Wall and Morgan Nagler. – Jessica Nicholson

DJ duo AD/HD, formed by hit songwriters Ashley Gorley and Jesse Frasure, signed with The Neal Agency for booking. Gorley was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and both writers have earned numerous accolades, including CMA and ACM wins, and songwriter of the year wins at ASCAP and BMI. The Neal Agency’s roster also includes Morgan Wallen, HARDY, Ella Langley, Bailey Zimmerman and Anne Wilson. – Jessica Nicholson

Mom+Pop Music signed RYMAN and released his new single, “Green,” on Friday (July 11). Described as having “country/pop/alternative sensibilities,” he’s set to support Ben Kweller as well as Joshua Slone on tour this summer and early fall.

Will Jones signed with WME for booking representation, and with Lady Luck Songs and Blue Harbor Music for publishing and artist development. Jones recently released the new song “Lonesome Dove,” which he wrote with Davis Corley, Lee Starr and Dan Wilson. – Jessica Nicholson

Atlantic Records signed Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Whitney Whitney, whose upcoming EP, 1.1, is set for release on Friday (July 18). She recently released the single “Does the Narcissist Need a Kiss.”