Chappell Roan-Olivia Rodrigo Producer Daniel Nigro Strikes Expanded Deal With Universal for His Amusement Records Label

Daniel Nigro, Grammy-winning producer-cowriter for Chappell Roan and Olivia Rodrigo (and Variety’s Hitmakers 2024 producer of the year) has struck an expanded partnership for his Amusement Records label with Universal Music Group.

Under the new agreement, Amusement will operate as a central label venture within UMG, with new artist signings able to partner across UMG’s iconic global family of labels, according to the announcement. Both Chappell and Rodrigo are signed with UMG labels, Island and Interscope respectively.

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Nigro said, “After six years of working almost exclusively with the various labels/artists under Universal, it made perfect sense to make the relationship more formal. I want Amusement Records to be a place where artists can feel comfortable growing and developing at their own pace but with all the real resources needed to thrive and succeed. Also, a place where I can have the freedom to help choose the right team each time for the artist. I know in my heart that the people at Universal understand this, and I am beyond excited about what’s to come.”

UMG chairman-CEO Lucian Grainge said, “Daniel embodies the type of creative brilliance and entrepreneurial spirit that is at the heart of UMG. I’m so pleased to embark on this next chapter in our successful relationship, and I can’t wait to hear the culture shaping music and artists Daniel will bring next to our global family.”

Nigro founded Amusement Records in 2023, as a home for Chappell Roan, who had parted ways with her former label, to release the songs they created together for “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.” The album was released in September 2023 and has racked up more than 4.3 billion streams, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. This month, five years after its initial release in April of 2020, “Pink Pony Club” reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has spent 2 weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.

Nigro, who has racked up two Grammys and 13 nominations, has also worked closely with artists such as Caroline Polachek, Sky Ferreira and Conan Gray.

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