Spirit Music Group Partners With Erik Belz On JV, Signs Patrick Ridgen
Erik Belz. Photo: Brittany Belz
Spirit Music Group has formed a joint publishing venture with writer, producer and manager Erik Belz. In addition to aligning Belz as a writer on Spirit’s roster, the deal established Belz’s publishing company, Electric 88 Music, which will sign and develop his own roster of artists, writers and producers.
Belz has produced and written songs for artists across many genres, including Pitbull, Austin Mahone, Granger Smith, Thompson Square, Jez Dior, Kylie Morgan, Metro Station, Smoke Purp, Jake Paul, Slim Jxmmi and Lia Marie Johnson. He has served as co-manager for EDM star Slushii since 2021. Belz’s music has appeared in such shows such as CSI, Scorpion, Station 19 and The Equalizer.
The first signing to Belz’s Electric 88 Music is Patrick Ridgen, who is professionally known as PLAYDED and is a Los Angeles-based producer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist. Electric 88 Music will be based at Belz’s recording studio complex in Encino, California.
“Spirit Music is excited to get to work with Erik as a writer/producer as well as a partner to sign and develop talent,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “We are also thrilled to welcome PLAYDED to the Spirit family. We can’t wait to see what we can build together!”
“Spirit Music Group has been very supportive of my career and creative vision from day one,” shares Belz. “I am excited to partner with Jon [Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group], Frank and the Spirit Music Group team to create opportunities for new talent and to kick things off with the signing of a proven talent like Patrick.”
“To have the support of the team at Spirit Music Group and Electric 88 Music is really a dream come true,” adds Ridgen. “I couldn’t be happier to work with this team of exceptional creative executives.”
