Sony Music Entertainment‘s RCA Records has announced the relaunch of JIVE Records as a frontline standalone label, with former UnitedMasters executives Mike Weiss and David Melhado set to serve as co-Presidents.
The British-American label, which was founded in 1981 by Clive Calder and led for over 25 years by Barry Weiss, became part of Sony Music in 2004 and the RCA Music Group in 2008.
JIVE has been home to artists such as A Tribe Called Quest, Aaliyah, Backstreet Boys, Usher, and Outkast, as well as acts including Justin Timberlake, P!NK, Chris Brown, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears, who remain part of the RCA roster.
“JIVE Records is deeply personal to me – it shaped entire generations and the way I learned this business.”
MIKE WEISS
JIVE will operate out of Sony Music’s New York City headquarters with Weiss and Melhado reporting to RCA Records Chairman and CEO, Peter Edge and COO, John Fleckenstein.
“JIVE Records is deeply personal to me – it shaped entire generations and the way I learned this business,” said Mike Weiss.
“Relaunching this iconic label with David allows us to carry forward JIVE’s legacy of creative and operational excellence while proving that major labels can deliver both innovation and fairness for artists.
“The same artist-first philosophy that guided us at UnitedMasters is what we plan to bring to JIVE, and I’m grateful to Rob Stringer, Peter Edge, and John Fleckenstein for trusting us with this legendary brand.”
“Relaunching JIVE alongside Mike is an opportunity to honor its independent spirit and double down on developing artists while shaping culture.”
DAVID MELHADO
Returning with “a mission to honor its legacy while reimagining it for today’s music landscape”, the revived label will focus on new signings across all genres.
“I’ve spent much of my career developing artists from the ground up, which has shaped my perspective on this business and what artists need to build lasting careers,” said Melhado.
“Relaunching JIVE alongside Mike is an opportunity to honor its independent spirit and double down on developing artists while shaping culture. I’m excited to work with Rob Stringer, Peter Edge, John Fleckenstein, and the entire team to bring this vision to life.”
Praising their “holistic artist development approach”, RCA references the “incredible success” Weiss and Melhado enjoyed at indie artist services and distribution platform UnitedMasters, with acts such as Brent Faiyaz, BigXthaPlug, Floyymenor, NLE Choppa, Ekkstacy, Anycia and Sarz.
“We admire the impressive results Mike and David have achieved in their careers.”
PETER EDGE
RCA Records Chairman and CEO Peter Edge added, “We admire the impressive results Mike and David have achieved in their careers. Bringing them in to lead JIVE Records feels like a natural evolution – and a poetic way to revive a label that has been at the forefront of hip-hop and pop.
“Their sharp instincts and proven ability to discover and develop artists make them a great team to launch JIVE’s next era.”
Last September, RCA struck a deal with Bourne Creatives to launch a joint venture focused on signing and developing new artists across multiple genres.
Meanwhile, last month, Sony Music UK appointed Jerome Porritt as Head of A&R at RCA Records UK.Music Business Worldwide
