MUMBAI: One of the most renowned singer and songwriter in Latin music, Prince Royce has signed a recording contract with Sony Music Entertainment to release his upcoming albums in Spanish and English.
The association will witness the label unveiling Spanish Bachata and pop albums through Sony Music Latin along with a host of English pop albums through RCA Records. His first Spanish album is due this fall and his English debut is slated for 2014.
Sony Music Latin MD Nir Seroussi said, “Making a tremendous mark right out of the box, Prince Royce has quickly become a leading voice for young Latinos. An icon in music, style and image, he inspires a generation that knows no borders. We are honoured that he chose Sony as his partner in the next chapter of his success story.”
RCA Records CEO Peter Edge said, “We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with such a dynamic Latin artist on his first English album. Prince Royce’s early successes have paved the way for the next generation of Latin music and we are eager to join forces with our partners Sony Music Latin to fully maximize his music and career.”
As per reports, Royce initially signed by producer Sergio George, found great success with George’s indie label Top Stop Music, and his debut was the top-selling Latin release of 2011. He further released his sophomore set Phase II, last year.
But relations between Royce and Top Stop soured, with Top Stop eventually suing the singer for breach of contract and Royce countersuing them.
Royce said, “I’m excited about this new move in my career which will help to expand the global reach of my music. I chose Sony as it was clear we have the same passion and common vision about the direction in which we want to take my music and career.”
Upon becoming a free agent last month, many top record labels had their eyes on the young artist. In the end, Sony Music Entertainment, which reps crossover international artists like Shakira, Pitbull and mainstream acts, Justin Timberlake and Usher, proved to be the perfect home for Royce’s music.
His manager at DAS Communications David Sonenberg said, “In seeking a home for Royce, we wanted a label that was genuinely excited about the music he wants to make. The excited and passionate response that Sony showed us when we played them new music made it an easy choice. We’re looking forward to a long and successful journey.”
Prince Royce is the biggest breakthrough artist the Latin music industry has seen in many years. His self-titled debut album has been certified 3x Platinum in US and Puerto Rico, and 4x Platinum in Chile. He has also recorded hit songs with superstars Maná, Daddy Yankee and Thalia, toured the US with Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull and recently closed 2012 with his own 30 city US tour, which included sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall and the Nokia Theatre LA.
He has 12 Latin Billboard Awards, 13 Premio Lo Nuestro and 12 Premios Juventud to his credit. At the age of twenty-two, he garnered the Composer of the Year Award at the 2012 Latin Billboard Awards, becoming the youngest person in the history of the awards to receive the honor; and at 23 he garnered the 2013 BMI Latin Songwriter of the Year Award.