John Mayer, the seven-time Grammy winner, has released “Tom and Jerry,” marking his first new solo music since his 2021 album Sob Rock. And if that wasn’t enough, Mayer is also launching his own record label, Sob Rock Records, in partnership with Mercury Records. So yes, he’s clearly got a lot going on right now. The new single was produced by Mayer alongside Blake Slatkin, mixed by Serban Ghenea, and recorded at Chaplin Studios. Before its wider release, the track premiered on Mayer’s SiriusXM channel, LIFE with John Mayer, giving fans an early taste of what he’s been working on.

As for the title? It actually has a pretty personal origin. Mayer explained that “Tom and Jerry” was the name he gave the first voice memo he saved when he came up with the song idea. He also shared the lyric, “And if you ever come through, which I doubt you’ll do, I’ll run away with you,” hinting at the romantic, slightly wistful feeling that inspired the track.

Watch “Tom And Jerry” by John Mayer

Mayer’s launch of Sob Rock Records signals a new chapter in his career, giving him a label of his own through his partnership with Mercury Records. The label is part of Mercury’s wider commitment to working with distinctive artists and developing new talent, with a roster that includes names such as Post Malone, Noah Kahan, Zayn, and Stephen Sanchez. He has spent more than two decades building a career as a songwriter, guitarist, and performer; launching his own label could open up another side of his work in the music industry.

It’s an interesting move for an artist who’s already achieved so much, but it also makes sense. After years of navigating the industry as a major-label artist, having his own imprint could give him another avenue to shape his musical future and potentially support other artists along the way. Five years after Sob Rock, John Mayer is officially back in solo mode, and it looks like this new chapter is about more than just releasing music.

Photo Credit: Jenna Houchin