Warner Records has launched a new joint venture label called Defiant Records in partnership with A&R president Steve Carless. The label aims to develop artists who challenge conventional music industry norms and embrace innovation.

The label's debut release, "Defiant Presents: Jiggy In Jersey," features a 28-track collaboration between Newark artists MCVERTT, Bandmanrill, and Sha EK, blending drill music with Jersey club sounds. The project includes a new music video for "Face Down," featuring A$AP Ferg and Sexyy Red.

Steve Carless, who previously held executive positions at Atlantic, Def Jam, and Republic, emphasizes that Defiant Records will focus on artists who are "always challenging the status quo" and remain in an "innovation phase of their career."

This launch follows Warner Records' recent expansion initiatives, including:

• A worldwide joint venture with Second Estate Records
• The creation of Major Recordings, their first flagship electronic dance music label
• The establishment of Protect the Culture, an Africa-focused JV label

Warner Music Group's financial performance shows promise, with Q2 2023 revenue reaching nearly $1.6 billion. The company's stock (NASDAQ: WMG) has seen a 17% increase over the past month, despite a 7% decline since the beginning of 2023.

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