JIVE Records Returns: RCA Taps UnitedMasters Alums to Lead Label Relaunch

In a major move for the music industry, RCA Records has officially revived the legendary JIVE Records as an independent, frontline label. Stepping in to lead the charge are co-Presidents Mike Weiss and David Melhado, both of whom join the label following successful tenures at UnitedMasters.

​A Storied Legacy Returns

​Originally established in 1981 by Clive Calder, JIVE Records spent decades as a powerhouse under the leadership of Barry Weiss. The label became a cornerstone of Sony Music in 2004 and eventually integrated into RCA in 2008. In a full-circle moment, Mike Weiss—son of the former JIVE chief—will now helm the brand his father helped build.

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JIVE’s historical roster reads like a "who’s who" of music royalty, having served as the home for:

• ​Hip-Hop Icons: Outkast, A Tribe Called Quest.
• ​Pop Superstars: Britney Spears, *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, P!NK, Justin Timberlake.
• ​R&B Legends: Aaliyah, Usher, Chris Brown.

​The New Vision

​Operating out of Sony Music’s New York headquarters, the relaunched JIVE aims to blend its historic reputation for creative excellence with a modern, artist-centric approach. Weiss and Melhado will report directly to RCA Chairman/CEO Peter Edge and COO John Fleckenstein.

​"Relaunching this iconic label... allows us to carry forward JIVE’s legacy of creative and operational excellence while proving that major labels can deliver both innovation and fairness," noted Mike Weiss.

​David Melhado echoed this sentiment, emphasizing a commitment to independent spirit:

​"Relaunching JIVE alongside Mike is an opportunity to honor its independent spirit and double down on developing artists while shaping culture."

​Leadership Background

​The duo brings a proven track record of artist development from their time at UnitedMasters, where they worked with rising stars and established acts such as:

• ​Brent Faiyaz
• ​BigXthaPlug
• ​NLE Choppa
• ​Floyymenor

​RCA Chairman Peter Edge expressed high confidence in the pair, calling the revival a "poetic" evolution and praising their "sharp instincts" for discovering the next generation of talent.