Los Angeles — John Mayer is returning to releasing solo music after several years spent pursuing other projects, including his work with Dead & Company. The singer-songwriter and guitarist has now established his own record label, Sob Rock Records, in partnership with Universal Music’s Mercury Records.
The announcement, made Thursday, comes four years after Mayer revealed in 2022 that he was parting ways with Sony Music. He had offered little information about his next recording home until earlier this year, when he hinted that new studio recordings were in the works.
The new label takes its name from “Sob Rock,” Mayer’s 2021 album and final release for Sony. Although no new album has been announced, his first solo single in five years, “Tom and Jerry,” is scheduled to arrive Friday under the new label.
“Working with Tyler Arnold and the talented team at Mercury Records has already proven to be a great partnership,” Mayer said in a statement. “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.”
Arnold, Mercury’s chairman and CEO, welcomed the partnership, praising Mayer’s standing as an artist and expressing enthusiasm about the label’s role in his next phase.
“John Mayer is one of the greatest artists of all time,” Arnold said. “I couldn’t be prouder to welcome him to Mercury Records. 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.”
“Tom and Jerry” will become available on digital streaming platforms at midnight as Thursday turns into Friday. Fans who listen to Mayer’s SiriusXM channel, Life With John Mayer, will have an opportunity to hear the track in advance throughout Thursday.
Blake Slatkin produced the song alongside Mayer, while Serban Genhea handled the mixing.
The recording credits also list Chaplin Studios as the location where the track was recorded. Mayer’s activities outside music have included partnering with film director McG to purchase the Hollywood property, which began as Charlie Chaplin’s studio before later becoming the home of A&M and Henson Studios.
Mayer and McG discussed their experience taking control of the historic studio with Variety at the beginning of 2026.
During that period, Mayer also signaled that 2026 would bring renewed attention to his solo recording work. In recent years, he had concentrated on his role as co-frontman of Dead & Company, including serving as the primary designer of the group’s Sphere residencies in 2024 and 2025.
His return to recording follows plans for an extensive run of live performances at the Las Vegas Sphere next year. Mayer currently has shows scheduled at the venue from April 8 through June 12.
The performances will feature a different format from a conventional concert, with Mayer playing separate sets with his full band, the John Mayer Trio and as a solo performer.
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