Az Cohen’s new independent label, AZTEC, has signed its first artist, Beeson, an indie pop singer-songwriter from Arizona in the United States. AZTEC is a joint venture with French music company Believe, and Beeson’s first release on the label, “Worse Not Better,” is due Dec. 4.
Beeson’s background#
Beeson has been releasing music independently since 2023, the year she graduated from BYU. Over that period she has played more than 100 shows around Utah.
Her releases to date include:
- Last Shot, her first EP (extended play), released in 2023
- Ritual, her second EP, released in 2025
- “Going,” her latest single, released in July
How AZTEC was formed#
Az Cohen founded AZTEC earlier this year after leaving 300 Entertainment, a label that was once independent and is now owned by Warner Music Group. He spent more than a decade there building his A&R (artists and repertoire) experience, working with artists including Young Thug and Gunna.
Cohen was also involved in Post Malone’s early career. He later took over 300’s distribution division, Sparta, which he ran until founding AZTEC.
Believe’s first US label#
The joint venture marks Believe’s first label venture in the United States. The company has built up divisions around the world over the past 20 years and entered the United States, the world’s largest music market, in 2026.
Beeson is the first artist signed to Believe’s first US label.
Statements on the signing#
Cohen, the son of YouTube global head of music Lyor Cohen, said in a statement:
“AZTEC was founded with a laser focus on finding super-powered humans with a real sense of who they are and what they want. Beeson knows with clarity what things are supposed to look like, sound like, feel like, taste like and even smell like in the universe she is cultivating. Ultimately it is our privilege to support her in the everyday work that goes into building that out. She is one of the most powerful songwriters I’ve had the good fortune of working with. My team and I are so excited to show up and relentlessly share her gift with the world.”
Beeson said in a statement:
“I’ve always dreamt of landing with a team that could give my project a limitless ceiling while I hold the reins, and working with AZTEC has shown that I can truly have both, and have a good time while I’m at it. I’ve been totally indie up until now, and the thing that drew me to this team is that they are both scrappy and super legit. They aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty, but they know how to play in the big leagues because each of them already has. The squad is made up of humans who are both specialists and jacks of all trades; they are each true experts in their fields, but seriously down to help with whatever I need, whenever, the way you have to when you’re building something from the ground up. It feels really special to be working with a crew this dedicated, and I’m stoked for what we’re building together.”
