Soulidified, 'Building the Band' Breakout Group, Secures Atlantic Records Deal
Entertainment

Soulidified, 'Building the Band' Breakout Group, Secures Atlantic Records Deal

authorBy Ta-Nehisi Coates
DateAug 19, 2026
Read Time3 min

Emerging from the competitive crucible of Netflix's 'Building the Band,' the dynamic vocal ensemble Soulidified has officially inked a landmark recording agreement with Atlantic Records. This significant development comes just a year after their formation on the widely acclaimed reality series. The quartet, consisting of Shade Jenifer, Malik Heard, Bradley Rittmann, and Landon Boyce, captivated audiences with their harmonious blend and impressive vocal abilities, particularly noted for their renditions of Usher's 'U Remind Me' and Miguel's 'Sure Thing' during the show's third episode, which aired in July 2025.

Since their television debut, Soulidified has been on a relentless upward trajectory, diligently cultivating their craft and expanding their fan base. Their journey post-'Building the Band' saw the release of their debut original single, 'One & Only,' in August 2025, followed by their latest track, 'What’s Your Name,' in February. The group has also gained valuable live performance experience, having supported acclaimed artist Khalid on four tour dates. Looking ahead, Soulidified is poised to embark on their own 'What’s Your Name' international tour this fall, with planned stops in major cities across Brazil, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, and London. This strategic move underscores their global ambitions and the considerable momentum they have built in a relatively short period.

Soulidified's Ascent: From Reality TV to Major Label

Soulidified, the vocal quartet discovered on Netflix's 'Building the Band,' has officially joined Atlantic Records' roster. Composed of Shade Jenifer, Malik Heard, Bradley Rittmann, and Landon Boyce, the group quickly distinguished themselves with their exceptional talent and collaborative spirit during the show's run in July 2025. Their captivating performances, particularly their interpretations of popular R&B hits, solidified their potential and set the stage for their future success. This signing marks a pivotal moment in their burgeoning career, validating their journey from a televised formation to a professional music contract with a renowned label.

The band's path to a major label deal was paved by their consistent efforts and growing popularity. Following their impactful appearances on 'Building the Band,' Soulidified released their inaugural single, 'One & Only,' in August 2025, followed by another single, 'What's Your Name,' in February. These releases demonstrated their artistic evolution and ability to produce original content that resonated with their audience. The group also gained significant exposure by opening for Khalid on several tour dates, further honing their live performance skills and expanding their reach. These strategic steps, combined with their inherent talent, made them an attractive prospect for Atlantic Records, a label known for fostering successful artists.

A Vision for Global Impact: Industry Veterans Endorse Soulidified

Industry veteran Johnny Wright, who has successfully managed the careers of iconic groups like the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, expressed profound confidence in Soulidified's potential. Wright, who co-manages the group with Fernando Watson and Jayvon Hicks of Day to Day Management, noted that from the moment he witnessed them on 'Building the Band,' he recognized a unique quality unmatched by other groups he had encountered. This endorsement from such a respected figure in the music industry highlights the rare caliber of talent and cohesion within Soulidified.

Michael Parker, SVP of A&R, and Justin Horowitz, VP of Digital Marketing at Atlantic Records, echoed Wright's sentiments, expressing immense excitement about welcoming Soulidified to their family. They emphasized that beyond the band's undeniable musical prowess, Soulidified is actively pushing boundaries in the music landscape. Their collective and individual messages of unity and their ability to bring together diverse backgrounds resonate deeply, cultivating an incredible community of fans. Atlantic Records is eager to support the band's growth and evolution, anticipating their significant impact on the global music scene as they embark on an international tour hitting cities like Brazil, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, and London this fall.

More Articles
Entertainment
Nielsen Enhances TV Audience Measurement with New Co-Viewing Technology
Nielsen is introducing innovative measurement tools, including wearable devices, to more accurately capture "co-viewing" habits, where multiple individuals watch content together. This initiative aims to provide a more precise understanding of audience size and engagement, addressing the evolving landscape of media consumption and ensuring fairer valuation for television programming as the new TV season approaches.
By John LasseterAug 19, 2026
Entertainment
Hollywood's Pursuit of Federal Film Tax Credits: A Nationwide Production Boost
Hollywood is actively campaigning for a federal film tax credit to stimulate domestic production across all states. This initiative aims to level the playing field for states without robust local incentives, attract more film and TV projects to the U.S., and create jobs nationwide. Industry leaders are engaging with Congress, advocating for policies that would make the U.S. more competitive with international production hubs.
By Stephen KingAug 19, 2026
Entertainment
Nielsen Enhances TV Measurement for 2026-27 Season, Addresses Prior Criticisms
Nielsen is introducing a series of updates to its television ratings system for the 2026-27 season, including refinements to its monthly viewing metric, The Gauge. These changes aim to improve accuracy in measuring total TV users and co-viewing, as well as integrating more current demographic data. The move follows earlier controversy regarding measurement adjustments, which Nielsen has now addressed to ensure greater consistency with industry currency ratings.
By Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieAug 19, 2026
Entertainment
Steven Soderbergh's Curated Film Series: A Cinematic and Culinary Experience in London
Filmmaker Steven Soderbergh is launching an exclusive film and cocktail series, 'A Man Under the Influence,' in collaboration with British arthouse chain Everyman and his Bolivian brandy brand, Singani 63. Kicking off on September 3rd in London, the 63-day event will feature nine films personally selected by Soderbergh, each paired with unique Singani 63 cocktails. This London debut follows a successful New York run, promising a blend of cinematic artistry and sophisticated mixology.
By Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieAug 19, 2026
Entertainment
Mattel Launches Global UNO Championship Series on Twitch
Mattel has announced the UNO Championship Series, a new competitive card game event that will be streamed live on Twitch. The series aims to transform the classic card game into an exciting, high-stakes tournament, complete with unexpected twists and turns that define the UNO experience. Qualifying rounds will be held across various locations in the U.S. and through the UNO Mobile app, leading to a grand finale in Los Angeles with a $50,000 prize.
By Mindy KalingAug 19, 2026