Smallpools
25 Artists, 25 Albums, 25 Years of Vagrant Records
For much of the last quarter-century, Vagrant Records has been synonymous with the emo and alternative scenes. Much like how Epitaph Records and Fat Wreck Chords have become well-established homes for punk, Vagrant remains one of the most significant labels in the world thanks to a catalog featuring hundreds of beloved albums and dozens of all-time classics. Beginning with the launch of the Get Up Kids’ Something to Write Home About on Sept. 28, 1999, Vagrant went on a several-year run that included some of the biggest names of the 2000s, ranging from Saves the Day to Alkaline Trio, Dashboard Confessional to Rocket from the Crypt. But rather than hanging the past when artists left for to major labels, breaking up, or otherwise parting ways with Vagrant, the label adapted, expandi...
The Deals: Burna Boy Signs With SESAC, Waterparks & Smallpools Soak Up New Record Contracts
Singer-songwriter and Nigerian pop star Burna Boy has signed with performing rights organization SESAC for direct U.S. representation. Born Damini Ogulu, Burna Boy recently released his fifth studio album Twice As Tall, executive produced by Ogulu, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Bosede Ogulu. It was the follow-up to 2019’s African Giant, which nabbed Burna Boy a Grammy nomination this year for Best World Music Album. Burna Boy’s U.S. stardom took off only recently, thanks in part to collaborations with American music stars including Coldplay’s Chris Martin (“The Monsters You Made”) and Sam Smith (“My Oasis”). He was also featured on last year’s Lion King soundtrack The Gift, curated by Beyoncé. “With his empowering lyrics and enrapturing beats, it’s no surprise that Burna Boy is leading the w...
