Universal Music Group Archives

Singapore – Global music label Universal Music Group (UMG) and social media platform TikTok had recently announced a new licensing agreement, which will see the return of UMG-labeled music to TikTok.

It is worth noting that UMG previously removed all of their music catalogue on TikTok back in February this year following a show of disappointment in terms of compensation to signed artists whenever their songs are used on the platform.

Under the new deal, by harnessing TikTok’s best-in-class technology, marketing and promotional capabilities, UMG and TikTok will deliver improved remuneration for UMG’s songwriters and artists, new promotional and engagement opportunities for their recordings and songs and industry-leading protections with respect to generative AI.

As part of the agreement, both organisations will work together to realise new monetization opportunities utilising TikTok’s growing e-commerce capabilities and will work together on campaigns supporting UMG’s artists across genres and territories globally.

In addition, TikTok and UMG will work together to ensure AI development across the music industry will protect human artistry and the economics that flow to those artists and songwriters. TikTok is also committed to working with UMG to remove unauthorised AI-generated music from the platform, as well as tools to improve artist and songwriter attribution.

Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “This new chapter in our relationship with TikTok focuses on the value of music, the primacy of human artistry and the welfare of the creative community. We look forward to collaborating with the team at TikTok to further the interests of our artists and songwriters and drive innovation in fan engagement while advancing social music monetization.”

Meanwhile, Shou Chew, CEO of TikTok, commented, “Music is an integral part of the TikTok ecosystem and we are pleased to have found a path forward with Universal Music Group. We are committed to working together to drive value, discovery and promotion for all of UMG’s amazing artists and songwriters, and deepen their ability to grow, connect and engage with the TikTok community.”

Fans on TikTok can now look forward to the return of UMG’s recorded music and publishing catalogs and once again enjoy creating videos using music from some of the world’s biggest artists and songwriters as well as exciting emerging talent.

Moreover, TikTok will continue to invest significant resources into building artist-centric tools that will help UMG artists realise their potential on the growing platform. Tools including “Add to Music App”, enhanced data and analytics, and integrated ticketing capabilities will benefit artists, both financially and in building their global fanbases using TikTok’s scale and engaged community, while strengthening online safety protections for artists and their fans.

Ole Obermann, global head of music business development at TikTok, said, “We are delighted to welcome UMG and UMPG back to TikTok. We look forward to working together to forge a path that creates deeper connections between artists, creators, and fans. In particular, we will work together to make sure that AI tools are developed responsibly to enable a new era of musical creativity and fan engagement while protecting human creativity.”

Meanwhile, Michael Nash, chief digital officer and EVP at Universal Music Group, commented, “Developing transformational partnerships with important innovators is critical to UMG’s commitment to promoting an environment in which artists and songwriters prosper. We’re gratified to renew our relationship with TikTok predicated on significant advancements in commercial and marketing opportunities as well as protections provided to our industry-leading roster on their platform. With the constantly evolving ways that social interaction, fan engagement, music discovery and artistic ingenuity converge on TikTok, we see great potential in our collaboration going forward.”

Singapore – Multinational music company Universal Music Group (UMG) and music creation platform BandLab Technologies have announced an industry-first strategic collaboration to promote responsible AI practices in music creation.

The partnership will advance the companies’ shared commitment to the ethical use of AI and the protection of artist and songwriter rights. Both companies aim to empower the next generation of artists, including those within the BandLab community.

They will also pioneer market-led solutions with pro-creator standards to ensure new technologies serve the creator community effectively and ethically. They are also planning to develop new and enhanced commercial and marketing opportunities for UMG-signed and BandLab native creators.

The collaboration is designed to be a beacon of innovation and ethical practice in the industry as it adapts to the evolving digital music landscape. It will bring in a new era where artists are supported and celebrated at every stage of their creative journey.

BandLab has already pledged its support for the Human Artistry Campaign (HAC), a global coalition devoted to ensuring AI technologies are developed and utilised in ways that champion human creativity and culture.

Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO at Universal Music Group, said, “We welcome BandLab’s commitment to an ethical approach to AI through their accessible technology, tools, and platform. We are excited to add BandLab Technologies to a growing list of UMG partners whose responsible and innovative AI will benefit the creative community.”

Commenting on the partnership, Michael Nash, EVP and chief digital officer at UMG, also shared, “Meng Kuok and his team at BandLab Technologies, as well as the Caldecott Music Group network, have achieved impressive scale at the dynamic intersection of social music and creator technology innovation. At UMG, we constantly seek to empower and support both established and emerging artists. Given BandLab’s passion for music and their dedication to nurturing early-stage artistry at the nexus of ecosystem transformation, they are an excellent partner that is compelling for us on multiple fronts.”

“This is more important than ever right now as AI assumes an increasingly prominent place in the evolution of music creation tools. We look forward to establishing new creative, marketing, and commercial opportunities for our artists and actively engaging with BandLab’s creator community through a highly synergistic structure, collectively protecting today’s and tomorrow’s future superstars through responsible approaches to the utilisation of AI in the creative process,” he added.

Meanwhile, Meng Ru Kuok, CEO and founder at Caldecott Music Group and CEO at BandLab Technologies, said, “BandLab Technologies and our wider Caldecott Music Group network are steadfast in its respect for artists’ rights and the infinite potential of AI in music creation and we believe our millions of users around the world share in this commitment and excitement.”

He added, “Though new technologies offer unbelievable possibilities to break down more barriers for creators, it’s essential that artists’ and songwriters’ rights be fully respected and protected to give these future generations a chance of success. As demonstrated by BandLab embracing the Human Artistry Campaign principles and this collaboration with UMG, we are committed to getting it right. Through our joint efforts, we anticipate a future of music that is innovative, rewarding, and endlessly inspiring.”

Philippines — Caltex, a subsidiary of Chevron Corp., has partnered with VMLY&R, a global brand and customer experience agency, to launch #Caltexunstoppablestar, a campaign on TikTok centred around engaging musicians and fans across Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The said campaign was also done in collaboration with Def Jam Southeast Asia, Universal Music Group’s flagship hip-hop label.

Musicians and fans across the said countries are encouraged to enter the rap challenge on TikTok, which aims to underscore the joy of driving and the freedom of journey.

The mechanics, as conceptualised and executed by VMLY&R, features a unique 60-second rap song co-written and co-produced for Caltex by SonaOne and performed by artists across three countries: Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia. The rap is divided into four 15-second sections, each increasing in speed and difficulty. Leveraging the different AR features of Tiktok, participants can create unique rap videos of their celebration of the joys of driving and adventures.

Dean Gilbert, general manager for marketing and sales support of Chevron Corporation, said that VMLY&R and Def Jam Southeast Asia helped Chevron encapsulate Caltex’s #unstoppable ethos through a fun and unique campaign. Gilbert added that with Caltex’s unbeatable mileage, users can keep on going, and fuel stops become one less thing holding them back from what they want to achieve, be it performing as a rap artist or running daily errands.

Valerie Madon, chief creative officer of VMLY&R Asia, said, “Singing in our cars is a universal joy, and Caltex is focused on enabling drivers to enjoy their journeys. Sharing energy and new music through this project encompasses the human spirit we are championing and keep empowering as the VMLY&R brand.”

The song, written and produced for Caltex by Def Jam Southeast Asia, features a catchy, tongue-twisting, free-flowing rap. Participants are encouraged to use Caltex’s special TikTok AR filters to glam up their rap to get a chance to win numerous prizes up for grabs in the contest.

Meanwhile, Calvin Wong, CEO of Universal Music Group Southeast Asia, commented, “Hip-Hop is highly influential across the region. With some of Southeast Asia’s biggest rappers including Malaysia’s Joe Flizzow, Thailand’s Daboyway and the Philippines’ Matthaios performing on the track, we’re excited to see how fans and users take the song to the next level through this partnership.”

According to the agency, within just 10 days of launch, the campaign has already garnered over 650 million views on the hashtag page with several unique submissions from participants. The campaign is running in Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand from February 18, 2022, to April 24, 2022.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysian arm of Universal Music, a division of Universal Music Group, has appointed Kim Lim as its newest managing director to help accelerate domestic artist development and label growth in the country.

The appointment comes as part of a series of strategic hires to further expand and bolster the senior management team as part of the company’s effort to accelerate domestic artist development and label growth within the region.

Through the appointment, Lim will oversee UMG’s operations throughout Malaysia. Based at UMM’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, she will report to Calvin Wong, CEO at Universal Music Southeast Asia and senior vice president for Asia.

Prior to her new position, Lim has held a variety of senior roles within the company, most recently serving as senior director of new business and artist management, as well as head of marketing and sales for Malaysia for Universal Music Malaysia.

She also spearheaded the launch of Celebrity 360, an industry-leading full-service management company which manages the careers of some of Malaysia’s most popular and influential talents from the worlds of music, film/TV, entertainment and lifestyle including Anis Nabilah and Alvin Chong.

Speaking regarding her appointment, she stated, “I am excited to lead the amazing team here in Malaysia, as we look at new ways to expand the horizons and think expansively about what is possible for a music company to achieve. We will continue to focus on domestic A&R, discovering and developing the best talent our country and region have to offer.

She added, “We will innovate and carve new paths to ensure that Malaysia’s vibrant music culture is more accessible to partners, platforms and most importantly music fans throughout the region than ever before.”

Joining her as well in the recent slew of promotions are Hermond Cheng, director of A&R and marketing and head of Def Jam Malaysia; Ivan Koh as director of commercial and digital strategy; and Patrina Wong as finance and operations director.

Meanwhile, Calvin Wong, CEO at Universal Music Southeast Asia and senior vice president for Asia, commented, “I am thrilled that Kim’s ability, business innovation and strategic leadership have enabled her to rise from within UMM to the top job in Malaysia. Having been a passionate and successful marketing executive on the label side, she has achieved amazing results in transforming our non-recorded Income, whilst spearheading the innovative and successful launch of Celebrity 360 in Malaysia.”

He added, “I’m confident that with the team of Kim, Hermond, Ivan and Patrina in place, UMM will continue to expand the opportunities for Malaysian music talent around the world, whilst achieving new levels of success domestically.”

Seoul, South Korea – Big Hit Entertainment, the South Korea-based entertainment group which handles various K-pop artists, including world-known group BTS, has announced it is entering an expanded strategic partnership with global music corporation Universal Music Group (UMG).

The partnership entails both companies working closely together in increasing opportunities for artists through innovation and technology, while expanding the global reach of K-pop music and culture around the world.

Furthermore, the partnership will allow UMG artists to explore enhanced ‘direct to fan’ communications through Big Hit’s Weverse, a dynamic community-based platform that allows loyal artist fans to engage, share and interact, see and hear new content and purchase new products.

“Our two companies indeed share values and visions in that we both pursue constant innovations and are committed to providing our fans with genuine music and content of the highest and uncompromising level of quality. In this sense, I strongly believe that UMG and Big Hit will create a synergy that will rewrite the global music history,” said Bang Si-Hyuk, chairman and CEO of Big Hit Entertainment.

The partnership, announced through the recently-established live-streaming platform of Big Hit Entertainment called KBYK’s VenewLive, also stated details about assembling and debuting a new global K-pop boy group together in the U.S. for the first time.

“We will strive to secure competitive platform leadership and develop a top group of artists through the close partnership between our two companies, enabling K-pop to transcend all borders and languages. This project is especially significant as it will apply Big Hit’s ‘success formula’ established over the past 16 years to the U.S., the center of the global music market,” said Lenzo Yoon, CEO of global and business at Big Hit Entertainment.

Members of this new boy group will be selected through a global audition program, which is on track to begin airing in 2022 and will be launched in conjunction with a major U.S. media partner. The debuting global act will work based on the K-pop system – a full production that combines music, performance, fashion, music video, and communications with fans.

Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, said, “With their innovative approach to developing artists and embracing new technology, Big Hit has become one of the most dynamic companies in music entertainment. We’re thrilled to be working together as we launch a new joint venture between our companies that will further accelerate K-pop as a global cultural phenomenon.”

The upcoming audition program will also seek the help of Geffen Records, leveraging their extensive industry network and partners to oversee the music production, marketing, and global distribution operations. Big Hit will utilize its global expertise to lead the discovery, training, and development of new artists, fan content production processes, and management of fan communications through the Weverse platform.

John Janick, Chairman, and CEO at Interscope Geffen, commented, “We are all incredibly excited about this joint venture project between Geffen Records and Big Hit. This partnership offers both of us an incredible opportunity to work together helping to shape the future of music globally to the benefit of artists and fans alike.”

Singapore – Universal Music Singapore, a music-based entertainment division of Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced that former Warner Music Singapore Managing Director Simon Jerome Nasser has been appointed to the position of managing director and head of live for Southeast Asia.

As a core member of the regional executive team, he will be overseeing UMG’s operations within Singapore, leading and developing domestic and international activity within the market. He will be based within UMG’s regional office in Singapore and will report to Calvin Wong, chief executive officer of Universal Music Southeast Asia (UMG SEA) and senior vice president for Asia.

As head of live for SEA, Nasser will be managing UMG’s live activity across the region and will work closely with UMG’s global vice president of live events Jimmi Riise to expand and develop strategic live opportunities for UMG’s domestic and international talent, labels, and partners in the region.

Nasser joins the company with more than thirty years of music industry experience in the region. He held the MD position in Warner Music Group (WMG) from 2015-2020where he discovered, developed, and broke both domestic and international talent within Singapore and the wider SEA region.

Nasser has significant experience in the live arena, having helped promote tours and shows in recent years within SEA for domestic and international artists including Kylie Minogue, FUN, Anne-Marie, The Click Five, YouTube Stars, and MLTR among others.

A promoter of industry rights within Singapore and the wider region, Nasser is also the current chairman of the Recording Industry Association Singapore, Music Rights Singapore, and Recording Industry Performance Singapore.

In making the announcement, Wong said, “I am excited for Simon to join me in Singapore and to help us to build an exciting future for UMG across the region. His skillset is unparalleled in the market, his passion is infectious and his track record at breaking artists locally is second to none. I am sure his legacy will continue to shine in his new role.”

Meanwhile, Riise added, “I am delighted that Simon will now lead our live business activity within Southeast Asia. His vast experience and deep local knowledge will help provide a new focus to our activity across SEA and will allow us even greater synergy between our recorded music and live operations in the region, to create maximum impact for our artists and their fans.”

Commenting on his appointment, Nasser said, “I am excited to join the team UMG here in Singapore and SEA. Music has been and will always be my big passion in life. It is a privilege and blessing to now be part of UMG, the global industry leader, and the market-leader here in Singapore. I’m humbled to be given this opportunity to work within a team of incredible leaders and amazing artists to embrace my passion and love for music, a DNA for life.”

“Over the coming months and years, we will focus on developing our domestic artists and labels, nurturing their creative vision to help them reach new audiences across the region and globally while identifying and creating exciting growth opportunities for Universal Music Singapore. The current live landscape in SEA allows us to help artists, partners, and brands curate personalized, innovative, and valuable experiences and performances that will embrace the digital space, live streaming, and of course, public live events as they become more frequent again in the years to come,” he added.