Music Marketing

Independent Artists Signing Record Deals after TikTok Success in 2022

Alex Mitchell-Hardt

Oct 7, 2022 — 3 min read

It's no secret that TikTok has become the most popular place for A&Rs to discover new talent.

These days, if you find your name on the TikTok Emerging Artists Chart you can rest assured every label is now aware of you.

A recent Vox report found that of the 125 emerging artists they tracked, over 45% of them signed a major label record deal after going viral on TikTok.

In this post, we'll share 5 emerging artists that have broken through in 2022 and landed one of those coveted deals.

1) Katie Gregson-MacLeod | Signed with Columbia Records

Most Viral TikTok Sound: "Complex (demo)"

Story: The Scotland-native signed to Columbia Records after posting a 45 second clip of her song “Complex”. Since being released on Spotify, the song has racked up over 10 million streams. More details via NME.

Must See Video:

@katiegregsonmacleod here’s my saviour complex song #fyp #originalsong #singersongwriter ♬ complex (demo) - Katie Gregson-MacLeod

2) Armani White | Signed with Def Jam

Most Viral TikTok Sound: "Billie Eilish"

Story: Signed by DefJam in July 2022 after his single "Billie Eilish" took over TikTok. The single is now closing in on 100 Million Spotify streams. More details via Billboard.

Must See Video:

@armaniblanco IM REALLY THE GOAT NOW 😤🐐 #fyp #phillytiktok #blacktiktok #billieeilish #goated ♬ original sound - Armani White

3) Ktlyn | Signed with Diemon Records

Most Viral TikTok Sound: "Big Mad"

Story: Ktlyn was discovered on TikTok by independent rap icon Russ. After delivering the goods on his “Handsomer” open verse challenge on TikTok, she was chosen to be on the official remix for the song - boasting over 40 million streams on Spotify. More Details via Billboard.

Must See Video:

@ktlynraps I won’t lie that extra coin don’t hurt 🤣 @russ eng @brendangone #handsomer #russ #rap ♬ HANDSOMER (Remix) (Feat. Ktlyn) - Russ

4) Warren Zeiders | Signed with Warner Records

Most Viral TikTok Sound: "Ride The Lightning"

Story: The Hershey, PA native signed with Warner Records after amassing a huge TikTok following and having this track "Ride the lightning" take off on the platform. The song is now certified Gold. More via Billboard

Must See Video:

@warrenzeiders Can Y’all Blow This Up 2x ⁉️⚡️#fyp #countrymusic #country #warrenzeiders #singing #viral #xyzbca ♬ original sound - Warren Zeiders

5) Lehla Samia | Signed with CMG Records

Most Viral TikTok Sound: "Call on Me"

Story: The R&B artist turned TikTok star was signed by Yo Gotti to his CMG Record Label. Along with the record deal, Yo Gotti handed her the keys to a pink Lamborghini. More Details via Complex.

Must See Video: