Hayden Pedigo Signs with Sub Pop Records in Unconventional Deal

Amarillo-based musician Hayden Pedigo has officially joined the roster of Sub Pop Records, marking a significant moment in the avant-garde artist’s career. The signing, announced on February 17, 2026, follows a productive 2025 for Pedigo, which saw the release of two albums: I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away and In the Earth Again, a collaboration with Chat Pile.

A Unique Contract

The agreement between Pedigo and Sub Pop is notable for its unconventional terms. Beyond standard industry arrangements, the contract includes a payment of “777 Gorgeous Dollars,” a lifetime supply of free passes to Ol’ Bernard’s Roller Rink & Organ Honkers, and a one-foot plot of land at Village Lake in Richland County, South Carolina – a location formerly known as Alcohol and Drug Abuse Lake [Pitchfork].

Perhaps most surprisingly, the contract explicitly prohibits Sub Pop from requesting Pedigo to perform covers of bands including Def Leppard, Dokken, The Doors, Van Halen, or Tank Top Party Lads [Archyde].

Artist’s Statement and Future Projects

Pedigo expressed his excitement about the partnership on Instagram, stating, “I signed with @subpop!!! The greatest label on earth! I can’t explain to y’all how excited I am to be working with them!” He also shared that he is currently working on his next full-length album and has “a lot of exciting things coming” [Pitchfork].

NTS Residency

In addition to the album, Pedigo will also host a four-month-long residency on NTS, titled Amarillo Highway With Hayden Pedigo, beginning February 25th [Pitchfork].

About Hayden Pedigo

Hayden Pedigo, born March 26, 1994, is an American musician known for his work in avant-garde music, as well as his pursuits as a politician, performance artist, and model [Wikipedia]. His music is deeply influenced by his upbringing in the Texas Panhandle and incorporates elements of American primitive guitar, ambient, and experimental sounds [Wikipedia]. He has previously released music through labels such as Marmara Records and Mexican Summer.