In a significant industry development that reshapes the landscape of música Mexicana, Warner Chappell Music has finalized a thorough global publishing deal with Rico o Muerto, the influential independent record label co-founded by regional Mexican music maverick Oscar Maydon and his partner Alexis “Chachito” Fierro.
The partnership marks Warner Chappell’s strategic expansion into the increasingly popular música Mexicana genre while providing Rico o Muerto’s roster of artists with unprecedented global exposure.
Carlos Ruiz, Managing Director of Warner Chappell Music Mexico, spearheaded the negotiations alongside Delia Orjuela, Head of Creative for Música Mexicana at the publishing giant.
The collaboration is expected to bolster Warner Chappell’s diverse portfolio while leveraging Rico o Muerto’s deep cultural roots and forward-thinking vision within the Mexican music industry.
For Maydon and Fierro, who founded Rico o Muerto with the explicit goal of empowering artists, the deal represents a validation of their innovative approach to the music business.
Both founders bring unique perspectives as artists and songwriters themselves, allowing them to understand the creative needs of their roster in ways traditional labels might not.
The artist-first mentality at Rico o Muerto creates an authenticity that resonates deeply with creators seeking true representation in música Mexicana.
The fast-rising independent label has already made significant inroads in Mexico’s vibrant music scene, with artists like Víctor Mendívil joining their growing roster.
Warner Chappell’s global infrastructure will now help propel these talents onto the international stage, where regional Mexican music has been experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity.
Industry analysts note that this partnership arrives at a prime moment, as música Mexicana continues to break boundaries and reach new audiences worldwide.
The deal emphasizes creative collaboration between Warner Chappell’s experienced team and Rico o Muerto’s authentic artistic vision. The agreement provides multiple song placement opportunities that will benefit all artists on the label’s roster.
The announcement was officially made on October 8, 2025, bringing excitement to the Latin music community.
Looking ahead, the partnership is positioned to capitalize on current market trends while developing emerging artists through combined resources.
For Maydon, whose reputation as a musical rebel has defined his career, this global publishing pact represents not just a business opportunity, but a chance to share the rich traditions of música Mexicana with listeners around the world.
The partnership will also support Rico o Muerto’s artists in navigating the complexities of metadata registration to ensure proper royalty collection across all global platforms.
Artists under the deal will have support registering their compositions with performance rights organizations to maximize their public performance royalties worldwide.
