RCA Relaunches JIVE Records
• RCA Records announced the re-launch of the iconic label JIVE Records. Former UnitedMasters executives Mike Weiss (right) and David Melhado (left) will serve as its co-Presidents.
JIVE Records returns with a mission to honor its legacy while reimagining it for today’s music landscape. Driven by bold creative instincts, JIVE Records, which will exist as a frontline standalone label, will focus on new signings across all genres.
“JIVE Records is deeply personal to me — it shaped entire generations and the way I learned this business,” Weiss said. “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.”
Melhado said, “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. 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.”
RCA Records Chairman & CEO Peter Edge states, “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.”
Weiss and Melhado are modern executives who achieved incredible success at UnitedMasters by taking a holistic artist development approach with artists such as Brent Faiyaz, BigXthaPlug, Floyymenor, NLE Choppa, Ekkstacy, Anycia and Sarz, amongst others.
JIVE Records, 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. It has been home to superstars such as A Tribe Called Quest, Aaliyah, Backstreet Boys, Usher, and Outkast as well as Justin Timberlake, P!NK, Chris Brown, *NSYNC and Britney Spears, who remain part of the RCA Records roster to this day.
JIVE Records will operate out of Sony Music’s New York City headquarters with Weiss and Melhado reporting to Peter Edge and COO John Fleckenstein. [Photo Credit: Daniel Prakopcyk]
