Fresh Ink: Ava Max Joins IAG Roster, Grimes Adds New Management with SANA & People First Projects

ROSTR & NIF track thousands of artist signings every year - Fresh Ink helps you keep track of some of the highlights over the past week. Let's dive into some of the signings you should know about in this week's edition.

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Now fully independent following her departure from Atlantic Records, Ava Max has signed with Jeremy Holgersen, Paul O'Loughlin, Max Rosenfield, Jarred Arfa & Megan White of Independent Artist Group (IAG) for representation. The pop star released "Kill It Queen" through Artist Partner Group earlier this year, her first release as a fully independent artist.

Canadian electronic/pop artist Grimes has teamed up with Lucas Thomashow of SANA & Ryan Sullivan of People First Projects for management, joining current day-to-day Jesse Allen at Dean St Co. The announcement comes after news in April that forthcoming album Psy Opera is set to be released soon.

New Orleans indie-folk/soul singer-songwriter Hans Williams has landed a dual deal with Giant Music for records and Camp Music Management, where he'll be guided by Riley Kirkwood and Logan Kearns. Williams has built a growing independent following including 200M+ global streams and now has his debut album set for November 2026 alongside an extensive touring schedule.

Legend Bob Dylan has moved from CAA to WME for North American representation, signing with Robby Fraser. The 85-year-old Nobel laureate is currently in the midst of his extensive Rough and Rowdy Ways US tour.

Twenty years after forming in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Passion Pit have landed with Red Light Management's Pete Galli. The band's anniversary run culminated in two sold-out nights at the Bellweather in LA, with the City of Boston officially declaring July 24 as Passion Pit Day. The group now heads into the studio to work on their first album in a decade.

Nashville singer-songwriter Maggie Antone has joined Island Records, coming off a breakthrough run anchored by her 2024 debut album Rhinestoned, released on her own Big Love imprint, and lead single "Johnny Moonshine," which has surpassed 12M Spotify streams. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut that year and played ACL Fest and Windy City Smokeout in 2025.

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Check out the rest of our hottest signings of the week below: