John Mayer has signed a new record deal, launching his own Sob Rock Records in partnership with Mercury, the singer, songwriter and guitarist announced Thursday (Oct. 22).
The news follows last week’s tease that new music from Mayer is on the way. His new single “Tom and Jerry” is out Friday (Oct. 23), marking his first solo release since his 2021 album, Sob Rock, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Sob Rock was Mayer’s last album for Columbia Records; in 2022, he announced on Instagram that he “decided not to renew” his recording agreement with the label.
In September, Mayer was announced as the Sphere’s next big act. “Meet me where the light is…,” he teased on Instagram at the time. “I can’t wait to show you what I’m putting together. See you at Sphere.” His residency extends from April through June 2027 for a total of 21 shows, all of which will feature him solo, with a live band and a trio. Mayer previously played the Sphere in 2024 and 2025 as part of Dead & Company, performing as lead guitarist and also co-creative directing the shows.
“Announcing this [Sphere] run has been one of the best moments of my year so far. It makes real something I’ve been working on for several months, and the excitement around the reveal inspires me to go even deeper into creating this show over the months to come,” Mayer shared on Instagram after the reveal. “It’s never lost on me that I get to work with the most talented people to make beautiful things for a living.”
Mercury Records chairman and CEO Tyler Arnold signed Mayer to Mercury, where he will join a superstar roster including Post Malone and Noah Kahan. Of the signing, Mayer shared in a statement: “Working with Tyler Arnold and the talented team at Mercury Records has already proven to be a great partnership. The path from creative vision to execution has never been easier or more rewarding. I feel very inspired, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
“John Mayer is one of the greatest artists of all time, and I couldn’t be prouder to welcome him to Mercury Records,” shared Arnold. “We’re excited to be part of his next chapter and to partner with his label, Sob Rock Records, to help bring his creative vision to life.”
Mercury has a successful history of strategic partnerships, including with Morgan Wallen (Big Loud Records), Tucker Wetmore (Back Blocks Music/MCA) and Metro Boomin (Republic Records).
Throughout his storied career, Mayer has charted 23 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and landed 15 entries on the Billboard 200, including No. 1 albums Heavier Things (2003), Battle Studies (2009) and Born and Raised (2012).
