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Amarillo-based musician Hayden Pedigo has signed with Sub Pop Records, marking a significant step in the avant-garde artist’s career. The announcement, made on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, comes after a successful 2025 for Pedigo, who released two albums last year: I’ll Be Waving as You Drive Away and In the Earth Again, a collaboration with Chat Pile. The signing signals a new chapter for Pedigo as he prepares his next full-length album with the acclaimed indie label.
The agreement between Pedigo and Sub Pop is, to say the least, unconventional. Details released by the label include 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, formerly known as Alcohol and Drug Abuse Lake in Richland County, South Carolina. Perhaps most notably, the contract stipulates that Sub Pop will never ask Pedigo to perform covers of bands like Def Leppard, Dokken, The Doors, Van Halen, or Tank Top Party Lads.
Pedigo shared the news on Instagram, expressing his excitement: “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 added that he is “currently cooking on my next full length album, and I have a lot of exciting things coming.”
The musician, known for his American primitive guitar style and exploration of experimental sounds, began his career releasing music through smaller labels like Marmara Records and Mexican Summer. His work often draws inspiration from his upbringing in the Texas Panhandle, a theme that resonates throughout his discography. Pedigo’s musical journey began at age 12 when he started learning guitar, initially focusing on artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Ry Cooder before expanding his influences to include John Fahey and Miles Davis.
Beyond music, Pedigo is also described as a politician, performance artist, and model, showcasing a diverse range of creative pursuits. His 2013 debut album, Seven Years Late, was released through Maramara Records after he sent a demo video to the label. He has consistently pushed boundaries in his work, collaborating with artists across various genres and experimenting with different musical forms.
In addition to the album deal, Sub Pop announced that Pedigo will host a four-month-long residency on NTS, titled Amarillo Highway With Hayden Pedigo, beginning February 25th. This residency will provide a platform for Pedigo to share his musical tastes and explore new sonic territories.
The unusual terms of the contract have garnered attention online, sparking conversation about the relationship between artists and record labels. Although the specifics are likely tongue-in-cheek, they highlight Pedigo’s unique artistic vision and Sub Pop’s willingness to embrace unconventional talent. Pitchfork noted the playful nature of the agreement, suggesting it’s a creative way to announce the partnership.
Pedigo’s signing to Sub Pop represents a significant moment for the artist and a potentially exciting development for fans of experimental and avant-garde music. The label, known for its support of influential artists like Nirvana and The Postal Service, has a history of championing innovative sounds.
As Pedigo begins work on his next album with Sub Pop, fans can anticipate a continuation of his boundary-pushing artistry and a further exploration of the sonic landscapes that have defined his career. The NTS residency will offer a glimpse into his creative process and provide a platform for him to connect with audiences in a new way. The coming months promise to be a period of growth and experimentation for the musician as he embarks on this new chapter.
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