Singer-songwriter Jesse Jo Stark has signed a major global recordings deal with BMG. The partnership brings her independent label imprint, Deadly Doll, into the deal just weeks before the release of her highly anticipated album MUSE on November 6.
The agreement marks an important new chapter for Stark. At the same time, she is making changes to her management team.
She has partnered with Openstage co-founder Sam Jackson and Liza Owen. Together, they will help guide the next stage of her music career.
BMG Deal Opens a New Chapter
BMG announced the partnership on September 29. Dan Gill, the company’s EVP of Recorded Music for the West Coast, praised Stark’s distinctive creative identity and fearless approach to music.
Importantly, the deal allows Stark to maintain her creative vision through Deadly Doll. At the same time, she gains access to BMG’s global music platform.
As a result, the partnership brings together Stark’s independent artistic world and BMG’s international reach. It also arrives at a key moment, with MUSE set to arrive in just a few weeks.
‘Colorado’ Introduces MUSE
Stark has already given fans a glimpse of her upcoming album. Her first single from MUSE, “Colorado,” arrived with an official music video.
The track offers an intimate introduction to the project’s sound. Moreover, it highlights a more vulnerable side of Stark’s songwriting.
However, the singer has not abandoned the darker atmosphere associated with her music. Instead, she blends that cinematic quality with a more personal emotional approach.
Therefore, “Colorado” gives fans an early idea of what to expect from MUSE.
Album Created in Aspen
The upcoming album has a unique origin story. Stark created MUSE during three intense weeks in Aspen, Colorado.
She worked alongside close friends and collaborators while surrounded by snow-covered mountains. Consequently, the isolated setting gave her plenty of space to focus on the music.
Rather than entering the process with a strict plan, Stark allowed the songs to develop naturally. This approach helped her explore different emotions and ideas as the project took shape.
The result is an album that appears more intimate while still retaining the distinctive atmosphere found throughout her work.
Deadly Doll Is More Than a Label
Meanwhile, Deadly Doll remains an important part of Stark’s creative identity. The imprint began with her 2017 single of the same name.
Since then, it has grown beyond music. Deadly Doll has also developed into a clothing and merchandise brand.
Through the imprint, Stark brings together several parts of her artistic world. Music, fashion, design and visual storytelling all play a role.
That broader creative vision has become one of the defining features of Stark’s career.
Stark’s Connection to Fashion
Stark’s creative work also extends deeply into fashion. She serves as vice president and creative director at Chrome Hearts.
The luxury brand was co-founded by her parents, Richard Stark and Laurie Lynn Stark. As a result, fashion has remained closely connected to Stark’s creative background.
Her work across different industries has also influenced how she presents her music. Rather than separating sound from visuals and style, Stark often brings all of these elements together.
A Distinctive Musical Identity
Stark’s sound draws from a wide range of influences. Her inspirations include country, punk, The Cramps and Merle Haggard.
She also incorporates elements of underground B-horror aesthetics. Together, these influences have helped create the dark and cinematic quality associated with her music.
At the same time, MUSE appears to move further into personal songwriting. The project keeps some of Stark’s established style while allowing her to explore a more vulnerable side.
From Live Shows to Major Festivals
Stark has also built an impressive live performance profile. Over the years, she has opened shows for major artists, including Post Malone, Guns N’ Roses and Jane’s Addiction.
She has also appeared at major festivals. Her performance history includes Lollapalooza, Reading and Leeds, and Coachella.
Furthermore, these experiences have helped Stark reach audiences in different settings. She can move from intimate performances to large festival stages while maintaining her distinctive artistic identity.
New Management Adds Momentum
The BMG deal is not the only major change surrounding Stark. Her partnership with Sam Jackson and Liza Owen adds another layer to the next phase of her career.
The new management team arrives just as MUSE is preparing for release. Therefore, Stark now has an expanded professional team supporting the album and everything that follows.
At the same time, Deadly Doll remains central to her creative direction. This allows Stark to build on her independent identity while working with a larger global music company.
What to Expect From MUSE
For now, fans can look forward to MUSE arriving on November 6. “Colorado” has already offered the first glimpse of the album’s emotional and musical direction.
The project could mark one of the most personal chapters of Stark’s career. It combines vulnerability with the dark, cinematic sensibility that has become part of her signature style.
Meanwhile, the BMG partnership gives the album an international platform. However, Stark’s connection to Deadly Doll ensures that her independent creative identity remains an important part of the project.
Jesse Jo Stark Enters a New Era
Overall, the BMG partnership arrives at an exciting point in Jesse Jo Stark’s career. She has a new global recordings partner, a new management team and a new album on the way.
Most importantly, MUSE appears to represent a fresh creative direction. While the project keeps elements of Stark’s established sound, it also explores a more intimate and emotionally open side of her artistry.
For now, “Colorado” is the first window into this new era. With MUSE arriving November 6, fans will soon get to hear the full story.
Stay tuned for more updates on Jesse Jo Stark, MUSE, Deadly Doll, BMG and the latest entertainment news.
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
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