Music Industry Moves: Tove Lo’s Pretty Swede Records Signs Googly Eyes

Tove Lo’s independent label, Pretty Swede Records, has signed googly eyes ahead of the release of her debut EP, “Starlet Sellout,” due out Sept. 27.

Pretty Swede Records is an independent label founded in 2022 by Tove Lo. To date, Pretty Swede has released Tove’s 2023 LP “Dirt Femme,” and her collaborative 2024 “Heat” EP with SG Lewis. Googly eyes’ “Starlet Sellout” EP marks the first release by Pretty Swede outside of Tove’s own artist project.

Pretty Swede have signed googly eyes in collaboration with Tove’s longtime collaborators Neon Gold, who worked on Tove’s “Truth Serum” EP in 2014, in addition to music from Charli XCX, Marina & The Diamonds, Christine and the Queens, Ellie Goulding and more.

“Googly eyes is such an incredible artist, writer and producer, and her new EP is full of gold,” said Tove. “I’m very excited for this project to be the first new artist release on Pretty Swede Records! Of course together with my friends at Neon Gold.”

+ Warner Music Nashville has signed William Beckmann to its roster. The 28-year-old, bilingual, Texas native’s first offering post-signing is the single “Not That Strong,” out this Aug. 30.

“William has a swagger that is both retro and youthful. Combine that with his rich, timeless, vocal and the result is a modern-vintage sound that is quite unique not just to the country format, but to all genres of music,” said Stephanie Wright, senior VP of A&R for Warner Music Nashville. “Whether he is serenading in English or in Spanish, you immediately recognize that William Beckmann is in the one of one category of artists.”

“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the Warner family,” said Beckmann. “From the very beginning they’ve had such a holistic understanding of both my journey to this point and vision for the future, I can’t wait to begin releasing music together.”

+ Beginning today, U.S.-based songwriters can claim and manage their works catalog with Tidal’s new songwriter tools that allow them to manage their royalties, including mechanical royalties.

“As a songwriter who produces my own music, the new Tidal songwriter tool makes a noticeable difference by giving me a straight-forward look at my catalog to make sure I’m getting accurate royalties”, said singer-songwriter Sabrina Song. “The ability to manage my works in one place really allows me to focus more on making music.”

“To begin collecting royalties on their songs, creators need to sign up with the proper rights organizations—altogether a confusing process for most,” added AllTrack Founder and CEO Hayden Bower. “We are proud to partner with TIDAL to introduce new AllTrack technology that makes registering for performing rights and getting paid as simple as possible for creators.”

For more information, visit tidal.com/forsongwriters. 

+ Independent publishing company Prescription Songs, in partnership with Disruptive Label publishing, has signed Afrobeats artist Jaya. The Nigerian artist, songwriter and producer was signed into the company by Prescription Songs VP of A&R Eddie Fourcell.

Since teaming up, Jaya has landed a placement on Da Baby’s upcoming album, and is currently working on records for Oxlade, RunTown, Lion King 2, and a number of Nigerian artists.

“I’m thrilled to partner with Disruptive Label and Prescription Songs for my global publishing deal,” said Jaya. “From day one, my mission has been to create Afro-global music while expanding as a multi-genre songwriter. Big thanks to Rob Jua and Eddie Fourcell for their belief in me—exciting times ahead!”

Fourcell adds, “Jaya is an incredible talent and as the world continues to embrace the amazing music and talent coming from Africa, I’m equally as excited to work alongside our team and Rob to help continue to develop and break the next global talent from Nigeria!”

+ UTA has launched a new Christian music division led by Jonathan Roberts, who joined UTA in May. Roberts is an industry veteran with over a decade of experience in Christian-focused music acts and a proven track record as a cultivator of talent.

“UTA is deeply committed to the growth of the Christian music division,” said Scott Clayton, UTA partner and co-head of UTA’s music department. “We are leveraging the full strength of the agency, bringing together agents who are inspired by the genre and its connection with fans.”

“We are witnessing an unprecedented moment in the music industry, where Christian music is resonating with wider audiences,” added Roberts. “UTA’s roster of Christian artists reflects the growing demand for the genre and we are thrilled to be part of this exciting moment alongside these artists.”

UTA’s Christian music division serves as an extension of UTA’s Heartland initiative, which was founded in 2020 by UTA agent Nick Barnes, and will tap into the company’s vast music network and resources, spanning from music crossover to brand partnerships.