John Mayer launches Sob Rock Records, releases single "Tom and Jerry

John Mayer announced on Wednesday that he is launching his own label, Sob Rock Records, and will issue “Tom and Jerry,” his first single since the 2021 Sob Rock album, under the new imprint. The song, a breezy pop‑rock track with a funk‑inflected guitar line, will be available on all streaming platforms on Friday, marking the first release from the artist’s self‑run label.

Mayer’s move comes after a decade of working with major record companies, most recently Columbia Records, where he released several Grammy‑winning albums. The Sob Rock album, a nostalgic tribute to 1980s soft‑rock, was his last full‑length project and sparked speculation that he was stepping back from the traditional label model. In a 2023 interview, Mayer said he wanted more control over his music and the ability to release material on his own timetable, prompting talks with BMG to create an imprint that would give him both creative freedom and the distribution muscle of a major.

“Tom and Jerry” was written and produced by Mayer alongside longtime collaborators Steve Jordan and Noam Kanai, and features a brass section that nods to the album’s retro vibe. The single debuted with a lyric video that has already amassed over two million views on YouTube. Fans have praised the track’s catchy chorus and Mayer’s signature guitar work, while industry analysts note that the launch of Sob Rock Records reflects a growing trend of established artists forming their own labels to retain rights and revenue.

The new label will serve as a home for Mayer’s upcoming projects, including a full‑length album slated for early 2025 and a planned summer tour that will showcase both classic hits and fresh material. By handling his own releases, Mayer hopes to set a precedent for other mid‑career musicians seeking more autonomy. The success of “Tom and Jerry” will be an early test of whether the independent route can match the reach of his previous major‑label releases.