John Mayer Establishes New Record Label, Sob Rock Records, in Partnership with Mercury Records
Entertainment

John Mayer Establishes New Record Label, Sob Rock Records, in Partnership with Mercury Records

authorBy Stephen King
DateOct 22, 2026
Read Time2 min

John Mayer, the celebrated singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso, has confirmed the establishment of his own record label, Sob Rock Records. This exciting new endeavor sees Mayer collaborating with Mercury Records, a division of Universal Music Group. The label's name is inspired by Mayer's most recent album, and its launch was revealed shortly before the anticipated release of his new single, "Tom and Jerry," scheduled for October 23rd.

Mayer shared his positive experience with this new partnership, stating that working alongside Tyler Arnold and the skilled team at Mercury Records has been highly productive. He emphasized the ease and reward of transforming his creative concepts into reality, expressing a profound sense of inspiration and anticipation for future projects. Tyler Arnold, Chairman and CEO of Mercury Records, reciprocated Mayer's enthusiasm, welcoming him to the label and acknowledging his status as a monumental artist. Arnold highlighted Mercury's commitment to supporting Mayer's artistic endeavors and his new label, which joins a prestigious roster including artists like Noah Kahan and Morgan Wallen. This move represents a pivotal moment for Mayer, as it follows his 2022 departure from Columbia Records, his long-standing label since the early 2000s.

Looking ahead, Mayer's schedule is set to be exceptionally busy, with plans for a series of performances at the Sphere in Las Vegas commencing in April of next year. Earlier this year, in a feature story by The Hollywood Reporter that recognized him as a philanthropist, Mayer disclosed his dedication to crafting his next album. He explained his deliberate withdrawal from the public eye to channel all his time and energy into creating a new record, aiming to deliver something truly remarkable upon his return to the world stage.

This strategic move by John Mayer into label ownership, backed by a major music group, not only underscores his artistic independence but also demonstrates his evolving vision for his music career. It's a testament to the idea that artists can continuously redefine their paths, seeking new avenues for creative expression and control while maintaining a commitment to their craft and audience. This proactive step sets a precedent for artists to actively shape their legacies and contribute to the industry on their own terms, fostering innovation and empowerment within the music landscape.

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