Fresh Ink: John Legend Signs With Roc Nation, Farruko Adds Walter Kolm To Management Team

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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After nearly 20 years with manager Ty Stiklorius of Friends at Work, John Legend joined Roc Nation under CEO Jay Brown & Anthony Patterson. Stiklorius will continue as Legend's partner in non-music ventures while the Roc Nation roster - including Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, and Megan Thee Stallion - adds the "All of Me" singer currently on his A Night of Songs & Stories Tour.

Farruko signed a 360 co-management deal with WK Entertainment and Massivo Entertainment, teaming up Walter Kolm with longtime associate Oscar Paniagua. The Puerto Rican reggaetón star brings 15B catalog streams, six Billboard 100 hits to the partnership, which was announced following his Ultra Music Festival 2026 performance with Steve Aoki.

Longtime pop staple Sara Bareilles has joined Rick Roskin & Kate Arenson’s touring roster at CAA. Managed by Izvor Zivkovic (Split Second) and John Meneilly (Left/Right), Bareilles recently starred in Girls5eva and earned a Tony nomination as The Baker's Wife in the 2022 Into The Woods revival.

Alt-rock artist Jutes signed a worldwide publishing deal and label extension with Position Music. The Canadian-born, LA-based songwriter released a new single ‘Disassociate’ marking his next chapter following 2024's Dilworth album alongside viral hit ‘Sleepyhead’. Managed by Mike Maloian (257 Management), Jutes kicks off his Far From Dilworth European tour May 2.

Disney Descendants star Kylie Cantrall inked with Republic Records in partnership with APG and Heroine Music. The actress-singer released debut EP B.O.Y. via APG last year and sold out 40 North American arenas on the Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour. First single under the Republic deal, "Carrie Bradshaw," drops this spring.

Buzzy South London singer-songwriter fliss signed a worldwide publishing deal with PULSE Music Group. Only two songs out, her releases have already landed her some Spotify playlist covers and will be appearing at Reading Festival this summer.

Following their recent publishing deal with UMPG, Future Islands have logged another move, this time teaming up with Alex Bruford & Will Church of ROAM for touring representation WW (ex-CAN/USA).  The band will release their forthcoming album From a Hole in the Floor to a Fountain of Youth next month via 4AD.

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