Chuggi’s latest signing a stones throw from top of the pops

Michael Chugg and Andrew Stone have signed 20-year old Mason Watts to City Pop Records.

The music biz disruptors were “instantly hooked” after hearing Watts’ bedroom demos, signing the Queenslander to a roster that includes Sheppard, Lime Cordiale and Avalanche City.

His first single ‘Recovery’ is a made-for-radio pop gem produced by Edd Holloway, whose credits include Lewis Capaldi, James Bay, Tom Walker, Tom Grennan and Gabrielle Aplin.

“Mason is the kind of artist who is tailor-made for the new borderless, global music business we are in today,” said Chugg. “Uniquely talented, and with a work ethic that will carry him around the world, we are so excited to have signed him to our new venture, City Pop Records.”

Stone is also quietly confident that Watts has the goods, saying: “We were instantly hooked hearing the songs he had been working on in his bedroom and the local scene in QLD and feel it’s just a matter of time before Mason is a household name.”

The label is part of Chugg Music, the independent shop that offers management, a record label, artist services and publishing under the one storefront.

Both Chugg and Stone see their business as “a pop music powerhouse”, taking on the majors by connecting young and social-savvy signings with top songwriters and producers.

Watts also joins newcomer and Tik Tok star Mia Rodriguez on the label. Her recently released second single ‘Psycho’ was instantly added to rotation on triple j.

And there is no place Watts would rather be to launch his career, too.

“Signing a deal has always been a dream of mine and to have such a passionate and talented team like City Pop behind my music is super exciting,” he said.

Watts is now working on his first release for City Pop Records, to be distributed by Believe.