Atlantic Records has signed Grammy-nominated American indie singer-songwriter Clairo.
The signing, announced Thursday (September 18), comes as Clairo’s latest album, Charm, spent 14 weeks on the Billboard 200 chart, helping the artist amass over 7.5 billion global streams.
Atlanta-born Clairo, whose real name is Claire Cottrill, previously recorded under Fader Label, which she signed with in 2017 following the success of her lo-fi track Pretty Girl.
Clairo said: “I’m so thrilled to begin this next chapter of my musical journey with Atlantic. From our first meeting, they immediately understood my vision, and it feels good to know I can continue to be as expressive and free with my ideas with a great new partner by my side.”
MBW understands that the signing was led by Atlantic Music Group Chairman and CEO Elliot Grainge, alongside Chief Operating Officer Zach Friedman, General Manager Tony Talamo, Lauren Holman (EVP, Sales & Streaming Atlantic Music Group) and Brandon Davis (EVP, Co-Head of Pop/Rock A&R at Atlantic Records).
Clairo’s manager Mike Ahern of Good Buddy Management and attorney Peter Lewit of Davis Shapiro Lewit & Grabel negotiated the deal terms, although financial details were not disclosed.
“I’m so thrilled to begin this next chapter of my musical journey with Atlantic. From our first meeting, they immediately understood my vision.”
Clairo
Clairo’s most recent album, Charm, released last year, secured her a nomination for Best Alternative Album at the 67th annual Grammy Awards.
Clairo has collaborated with producers for her three albums. She has worked with Vampire Weekend artist Rostam Batmanglij on 2019’s Immunity, Jack Antonoff on 2021’s Sling and Leon Michels of El Michels Affair on Charm.
The 27-year-old artist started self-recording songs and music videos at age 13, building an early following on YouTube before transitioning to streaming platforms.
She has since established herself as a live performer, appearing at Coachella, The Newport Folk Festival and more. She has also appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
“She’s not just one of the most important songwriters of her era, she’s an artist whose work and aesthetic is truly unique.”
Elliot Grainge, Atlantic Music Group
Elliot Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Atlantic Music Group, said: “Clairo represents the rare kind of artist who reshapes the music landscape simply by being true to herself.
“She’s not just one of the most important songwriters of her era, she’s an artist whose work and aesthetic is truly unique. As a leading voice in music today, we are honored that she has chosen the Atlantic family to be part of her next chapter.”
Clairo joins other artists in Atlantic’s roster including Charli xcx, FKA twigs, Janelle Monáe, and María Zardoya of The Marías.
The announcement comes just a day after Atlantic Music announced that it has entered into a joint venture with Limosa Nostra Records, a label founded by artist, entrepreneur, and designer Ricky Hil.
Last month, Atlantic Music expanded the roles of Rayna Bass and Selim Bouab, Co-Presidents of 300 Entertainment. They have received additional appointments as joint Co-Presidents of Hip-Hop, R&B, and Global Music at Atlantic Records.
Elsewhere, Lanre Gaba transitioned into a newly created advisory position as Executive Vice President of Artist Strategy & Development at the company. Bass, Bouab, and Gaba will continue to report to AMG CEO Elliot Grainge.
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