Category: music
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aespa and Spotify Invite Fans With an Immersive MY VAULT Experience
K-Pop sensation aespa has released their sixth mini album, Rich Man, emphasizing inner strength over material wealth. Collaborating with Spotify, they invite fans to experience MY VAULT, an interactive celebration in Seoul, Tokyo, and Bangkok. The event allows attendees to explore personal growth, featuring exclusive merchandise and engaging activities.
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Pink Floyd Announce Wish You Were Here 50
Pink Floyd celebrates the 50th anniversary of “Wish You Were Here” with a special release on December 12th. This edition includes six unreleased demos, multiple formats, and enhanced audio mixes, including Dolby Atmos. Fans will also find rare live recordings and exclusive merchandise, providing fresh insights into the band’s iconic work.
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J-Pop: Warner Music Japan CEO Interview
Billboard JAPAN spoke with Takeshi Okada about global collaborations, WMJ’s comprehensive deal with Yuki Chiba, and his vision for the future. In December 2024, Takeshi Okada was appointed the new President and CEO of Warner Music Japan (WMJ). Previously, as part of Universal Music, he served as the Managing Director of EMI Records, where he played a…
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Sony’s “Becoming Led Zeplin” becomes the biggest opening weekend for an Imax-exlussive music release
BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN, the first sanctioned documentary about the iconic band, debuted strongly with $3M at IMAX® and will expand nationwide on February 14, 2025. The film provides a unique look into their origins, featuring rare footage and interviews. Despite challenges, it offers a definitive glance at the band’s early career.
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Why The Philippines and Indonesia Are ‘Trigger Markets’ For The Global Music Industry – According To Spotify’s Sulinna Ong
With the immense weight that ‘trigger cities’ like Manila and Jakarta carry as music adopters, Southeast Asia serves as a key market to dictate streaming habits and patterns worldwide. As Spotify hits close to 250 million paid subscribers this 2024, the music streaming giant continues to look towards SEA for inspiration.
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Special guests announced for Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s NYE Disco on BBC One and iPlayer
On New Year’s Eve, Sophie Ellis-Bextor headlines a glittering BBC event alongside Jessie Ware and Jake Shears, performing hits and surprises to celebrate the year’s end. Following her successful tours and viral singles in 2024, the festivities will begin at 11:30 PM on December 31, continuing after midnight celebrations.
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Wicked is the Next Chapter in Universal’s Renowned History of Movie Musicals
Universal Pictures has showcased nearly a century of musical films, with “Wicked” (2024) marking a pinnacle in this legacy. This piece explores past classics like “Show Boat,” “Flower Drum Song,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which laid the groundwork for modern movie musicals, celebrating cultural significance and diversity.
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Disney to Become New Home of ‘The GRAMMYS®’ Under 10-Year Global Deal with The Recording Academy®
Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Dana Walden and The Recording Academy® CEO Harvey Mason jr. announced today an unprecedented new 10-year global deal for The GRAMMYS® to be exclusively simulcast on ABC, Hulu, and Disney+ beginning in 2027 — making The Walt Disney Company the first new home for Music’s Biggest Night® in 50 years. The Recording Academy and Disney entered into an agreement that solidifies…
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Music docu “THE SOUNDTRACK OF CHANGE” debuts, co-produced by Selena Gomez
The documentary “LOUDER: THE SOUNDTRACK OF CHANGE,” produced by Selena Gomez and Stacey Abrams, premieres on October 17. Directed by Kristi Jacobson, it explores the impact of iconic female musicians and their bold actions through personal stories and archival footage, celebrating their influence on culture and politics, particularly ahead of elections.
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Behind the Score: Music-Making for Universal’s Cinematic World
From iconic anthems of Jurassic Park to Pharrell’s unforgettable hits in Despicable Me, Universal’s music is more than a backdrop—it’s a vital part of the narrative that connects audiences around the world.
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Warner Music Korea Launches New Label Mplify and Signs Olivia Marsh as First Featured Artist
Warner Music Korea has launched MPLIFY, a label focused on supporting Korean artists in the international music scene through English-language music. Olivia Marsh, a Korean-Australian artist, is the first to join, with her debut single releasing in October. The label promotes artistic freedom while leveraging Warner’s global network to nurture talent.
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Grammy Award Winner Usher Announces November 1 Release of Confessions (20th Anniversary Edition)
USHER has announced the 20th anniversary edition of his iconic album “Confessions,” now available for digital and 2-LP vinyl pre-order. This edition includes orchestral versions of “Burn” and “Superstar” as bonus tracks. USHER expresses pride in the album’s lasting impact and cultural significance over the past two decades.
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Meta and Universal Music Announce Expanded Global Agreement
Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG) announced an expanded global agreement to enhance creative and commercial opportunities for UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) songwriters on Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads, and WhatsApp. The renewed partnership aims to protect human creativity, ensure fair compensation for artists and songwriters, and address…
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RCA & Legacy Release First Fully Comprehensive Collection of Elvis Presley’s Hometown Recordings ‘Memphis’
Elvis Presley’s ‘MEMPHIS’ release marks a 111-track box set capturing his journey from Sun Studio to Graceland, featuring newly mixed tracks by Matt Ross-Spang. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of his first sessions, Elvis Week 2024 will host ‘MEMPHIS’ events at Graceland, including a concert and listening event. The collection offers fresh insight into Elvis’s bond…
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Spotify Celebrates 8 Years With BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK has risen to global stardom, accumulating over 13 billion streams on Spotify. The #8YearswithBLACKPINK campaign on Spotify will feature daily surprises on the This Is BLACKPINK playlist. The group’s top listening markets on Spotify include the U.S., Indonesia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Brazil. A celebration of BLACKPINK’s journey awaits on the This Is BLACKPINK…
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Usher: Rendezvous in Paris Concert Film Coming to Global Cinemas From September
USHER’s 2023 eight-concert performance in Paris is captured in the film USHER: RENDEZVOUS IN PARIS, showcasing his iconic hits and behind-the-scenes moments. Partnering with AMC Theatres and Trafalgar Releasing, the film will be screened worldwide from September 12-15. USHER’s intimate concert experience promises a captivating global cinema event.
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Careless Whisper’ Celebrates 40 Years
To mark the 40th anniversary of George Michael’s “Careless Whisper,” a special EP will be released on 18th October. It includes a previously unreleased live version from a 2008 concert at Madison Square Garden, along with newly mastered versions of the original single. This iconic song continues to resonate with new generations and has achieved…
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The Rise of Japanese Pop Music – Article by Spotify
Japan’s music scene, from J-Pop to J-Rock, is gaining global appeal through platforms like Spotify’s Gacha Pop playlist. This curated collection features diverse Japanese artists, anime music, and Vocaloid tracks, garnering over 380,000 saves globally in its first year. The playlist acts as a bridge between Japanese pop culture and international listeners, spotlighting up-and-coming artists…
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Charli xcx on How She Stole the Summer – Article by Billboard and Deep Dive on Music Marketing
British pop star Charli XCX has achieved a new high in her career with her latest album, featuring a controversial neon green cover. The color has sparked a trend, with fans and major brands embracing it, leading to a marketing frenzy. Charli’s team created a “brat generator” for fans to make their own art inspired…
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Disney’s Mickey Mouse Collaborates with Simple Plan as Part of a New Album of Reimagined Hit Disney Songs
Disney announced the first single from the upcoming album “A Whole New Sound”: Simple Plan’s cover of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight.” Available on all streaming platforms, this pop-punk rendition celebrates the 30th anniversary of The Lion King. Mickey and Friends curated the album, with the full release later this year featuring reimagined Disney…
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Spotify’s Wrap on Cannes Lions 2024! Inside the Awards, Beach Action, and More
Spotify shone at the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, winning nine awards for their B2B campaign “Spreadbeats” and a Bronze Lion for 2023 Wrapped On-Platform experience. The festival featured engaging discussions with industry leaders, live performances, and star-studded soirées, making it a resounding success for the brand.
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Dua Lipa and Coldplay’s Glastonbury performances marks the first ever sets to be livestreamed globally
Music fans worldwide can now livestream Dua Lipa and Coldplay’s headline performances at Glastonbury on BBC.com, a first for the BBC. Viewers can also enjoy festival highlights and analysis throughout the weekend on the platform. This move is part of the BBC’s commitment to share cultural moments like Glastonbury with global audiences.
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Music Industry Unites to Protect the Rights of Musicians Amid The Growth of Generative AI Technology
More than fifty industry supporters, including NAMM, Sydney University, and BandLab Technologies, stand alongside Roland and Universal Music Group to champion “The Principles For Music Creation With AI.” These principles aim to protect human creativity in the responsible use of AI, promoting transparency, equity, and ethical industry standards. The coalition encourages global adoption of these…
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Avril Lavigne Releases First-Ever Greatest Hits Album with Upcoming Concerts Already Sold Out!
Avril Lavigne releases her first Greatest Hits album, featuring 20 fan-favorite tracks spanning her career. She is also touring North America and has released four studio albums on vinyl for the first time. The tour showcases her powerful vocals and high energy, and the track list includes hit singles like “Sk8er Boi” and “Girlfriend.”
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Off the Record: A New Music Series Commisioned by TikTok
TikTok launches Off the Record, a series showcasing top musicians discussing the creative process behind their new albums. Charli XCX, Meghan Trainor, and Bleachers kick off the series, with stars like Shakira and Camila Cabello to follow. The artists share behind-the-scenes insights and engage with fans on TikTok, revolutionizing music discovery.
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Bridgerton TV Series to Feature First-Ever Original Song for the Bridgerton Universe
Bridgerton’s highly anticipated third season charms viewers with a mix of orchestral pop covers and original compositions, adding a modern twist to Regency romance. The soundtrack’s contemporary covers showcase renowned artists and a first-ever original song. The series’ music supervisor and composer share insights on their creative process and the themes behind the music.
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Spotify’s 2024 Songs of Summer Predictions Are Ready to Bring the Heat
This summer, Spotify predicts a diverse playlist featuring Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and tracks from Billie Eilish, Tyla, Kendrick Lamar, and Post Malone will dominate the airwaves. The playlist offers something for everyone with pop, hip-hop, and Latin music. For the complete list, visit Spotify’s official Songs of Summer Playlist.
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Billie Eilish and Spotify Bring the Mysterious Universe of ‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT’ To Seoul
Spotify and Billie Eilish brought an immersive listening experience of her third studio album, “HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,” to U.K. and now Seoul, South Korea. The event allows fans to immerse themselves in Billie’s latest musical journey through her album art and tracks. This marks Billie’s first full-length album in three years, with Spotify…
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Netflix Announces Title For Upcoming Summer Music Docseries Following Global Girl Group, KATSEYE
Netflix will premiere “Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE” in summer 2024, a docuseries following the creation of girl group KATSEYE. The series offers unprecedented access to the global girl group’s journey to stardom, showcasing the unique training program from HYBE and Geffen Records. Award-winning director Nadia Hallgren leads the project.
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Universal Music Group and TikTok Announce New Licensing Agreement
Universal Music Group and TikTok have forged a new licensing agreement, aiming to benefit UMG artists and songwriters. The partnership, focusing on music’s value and human artistry, promises improved remuneration and promotional opportunities. Both companies will collaborate on new monetization avenues and artist-centric tools, while ensuring responsible AI development and protection for artists.
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Universal Music Bring C-Pop to Global Audiences
Universal Greater China and TF Entertainment have formed an alliance to expand the influence of C-pop acts like TFBOYS and Teens In Times globally. This collaboration aims to elevate Chinese pop music to a global stage and will leverage UMG’s distribution and marketing network to promote C-pop internationally.
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Spotify Premium Users Can Now Turn Any Idea Into a Personalized Playlist With AI Playlist in Beta
Spotify introduces AI Playlist in beta, allowing Premium users in the U.K. and Australia to create personalized playlists through unique prompts. Ranging from moods to activities, users can watch their ideas transform into curated playlists. This feature leverages personalization technology and AI to offer a tailored musical mix. Users can manage and refine their playlists,…
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Universal Music Expands Relationship with Spotify
Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify are expanding their partnership to enhance music discovery and fan engagement. UMG artists will soon be able to share pre-release teasers and expanded pre-save opportunities on Spotify, while UMPG’s agreement will allow the streaming service to distribute music videos in the US. The collaboration aims to create deeper social…
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Five Artists Reflect on Five Years of Spotify in India, Reaching New Fans, and the ‘True Power’ of Music
Spotify launched in India in 2019 and has become the most-loved audio-streaming platform, connecting local artists with global audiences. The platform has empowered Indian musicians through insights and opportunities, leading to substantial growth in global music consumption. Artists such as Anuv Jain, King, Jasleen Royal, Armaan Malik, and Jonita Gandhi share their experiences and gratitude…
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Spotify celebrates a decade of K-Pop on the platform
Spotify celebrates a decade of K-Pop with “K-Pop ON! First Crush” series, featuring ENHYPEN, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, and STAYC. The campaign includes covers of songs by senior artists and aims to unite global K-Pop fans. Exclusive content and interviews are available on Spotify and YouTube. K-Pop’s global demand is evident, with significant streaming numbers. K-Pop…
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The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version)’ to Debut Exclusively on Disney+
Disney+ will exclusively stream Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) concert film from March 15, 2024. Directed by Sam Wrench, the film includes “cardigan” and four acoustic songs. With a global box office record of over $260 million, it is the highest-grossing concert film. Disney CEO Bob Iger expressed excitement about bringing this…
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Universal Music Portfolio Widely Recognised Across Genres at the 66th Grammy Awards
Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” wins a historic fourth Album of the Year award, while Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” takes home Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Universal Music Group and its artists bag numerous accolades across various genres, showcasing their dominance in…
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Best New Artist 2024: Everything You Need To Know About This Year’s Nominees – By Spotify
In the last eight years, Spotify has recognized the top rising stars in music, culminating in a pre-show party celebrating this year’s nominees: Gracie Abrams, Fred again.., Ice Spice, Jelly Roll, Coco Jones, Noah Kahan, Victoria Monét, and The War and Treaty. The event featured live performances, notable attendees, and was sponsored by Dunkin’. Each…
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“Why We Must Call Time Out on TikTok” by Universal Music – an Open Letter
Universal Music is dedicated to empowering their artists and songwriters worldwide, and they are focused on negotiating fair compensation from platforms like TikTok. They aim to address issues such as artist remuneration, AI music creation, and online safety. They are committed to standing up for their artists and ensuring fair treatment in the face of…
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Meta Partners with Doja Cat to Experience Her Concert in VR
Experience the ultimate virtual concert with Doja Cat: The Scarlet Tour in VR, premiering on January 20 in Meta Horizon Worlds’ Music Valley. Filmed at a sold-out Detroit show, this immersive experience lets you enjoy Doja Cat’s popular songs and captivating performance from the comfort of your living room, bringing the concert to life like…
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LIL NAS X: LONG LIVE MONTERO Documentary Debuts on HBO
The HBO Original documentary LIL NAS X: LONG LIVE MONTERO captures the journey of Lil Nas X as he embarks on his first-ever headlining US tour. It delves into his personal exploration, challenges of stardom, and role as a Black, queer icon. With unprecedented access, the film portrays his vulnerability off stage and spectacular presence…
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SIA & Endel Launch a Scientifically Backed Sleep and Lofi Album For Christmas
Endel and Atlantic Records collaborate to release scientifically-backed Sleep and Lofi albums based on Sia’s EP ‘Gimme Christmas’. Sia’s holiday tracks are transformed into calming soundscapes, aimed at reducing stress and aiding relaxation. The albums, available on major streaming platforms, offer unique listening experiences with a cozy, festive vibe.
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Universal Music Receives Grammy Nominations
Boygenius, Jon Batiste, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift, and Lana Del Rey are among the top nominees for the Grammy Awards. They received multiple nominations in various categories, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist. Universal Music Group and its affiliated artists received numerous…
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Snapchat’s introduces an AR experience for the release of The Rolling Stones’ new album “Hackney Diamonds”
Snapchat and the Rolling Stones have teamed up to create an augmented reality experience to celebrate the band’s new album, “Hackney Diamonds”. Through a dedicated lens on Snapchat, users can dance alongside 3D Bitmoji avatars of the band members and even purchase exclusive Rolling Stones T-shirts for their Bitmoji.
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TikTok Music launches in the market
TikTok launches TikTok Music, a premium music streaming service in Singapore. It integrates music discovery from TikTok, allowing users to enjoy viral tracks, create collaborative playlists, and enjoy ad-free listening. New features include Party It, FYP Tuning, and Tonik, making music discovery more personalized. Users can try the service with a one-month free trial.
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Singapore cancels Drake after a new diss track
Drake’s recently released album faced backlash in Singapore due to a controversial lyric insulting the country. The song triggered a 34.5% negative sentiment increase among Singaporean netizens, leading to ongoing criticism. The offensive line sparked shock and heated discussions online with many highlighting the inaccuracy of the portrayal of Singapore’s economic status.
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‘Barbie’ Album Producers on “I’m Just Ken” Success and How Greta Gerwig Landed Nicki Minaj
By Hollywood Reporter. Mark Ronson joined his fellow ‘Barbie’ album collaborators to talk about the hit tracks from Minaj, Ryan Gosling and Billie Eilish. Ryan Gosling, inspired by the song, ended up singing and Nicki Minaj’s involvement in “Barbie World” was secured thanks to Gerwig’s direct intervention. Billie Eilish also contributed to the album.
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YouTube Announces AI Music Principles and Launches YouTube Music AI Incubator
YouTube has released its first AI music principles and launched the YouTube Music AI Incubator, partnering with Universal Music Group artists, songwriters, and producers. The principles focus on responsible collaboration, protecting artists, and leveraging AI for creative expression while ensuring safety. The initiative aims to empower artists and ensure fair compensation in the evolving landscape…
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Bebe Rexha Hosts Her First Ever Metaverse Concert on Roblox
Bebe Rexha’s first-ever metaverse concert is set to take place on Roblox—a global immersive platform where millions of people connect and communicate daily—on Friday, July 28, 2023. The concert follows the launch of Bebe Rexha’s new album, Bebe, and the conclusion of her Best F*N Night Of My Life summer tour, inviting fans to experience…
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Snapchat Enhancing Live Music Festival Experience Through AR with Live Nation and Kygo
Snapchat is enhancing live music experiences with augmented reality at major festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival and Lollapalooza. Through a partnership with Live Nation and Disguise, they will provide custom AR experiences and integrate AR visuals with on-stage productions. Collaboration with DJ Kygo will also bring immersive AR experiences to his concerts, aiming to change…
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DJ Khaled Announces Partnership with Def Jam
DJ Khaled, a global music icon, announced an exclusive partnership with Def Jam Recordings, where he will release music under his We The Best label and take on an executive role. He expressed gratitude and excitement for the collaboration. Additionally, he revealed upcoming projects, including a new sneaker release and philanthropic initiatives.
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Kendrick Lamar Won Best Rap Album for Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers and Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “The Heart Part 5”
Universal Music Group and its artists shone at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Samara Joy was named Best New Artist, Kendrick Lamar won three Grammys, and Tobias Jesso Jr. secured the first-ever Grammy for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical. The Recording Academy Global Impact Award was presented to Dr. Dre, and various artists across genres…
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Tencent Music and Universal Music Extends Multi-Year Licensing Agreement
Tencent Music Entertainment Group and Universal Music Group have renewed their strategic licensing agreement. TME will maintain access to UMG’s music catalogue for their platforms, including streaming in Dolby Atmos and HD formats. The partnership aims to enhance user experiences and promote artist-fan interactions in China. UMG looks forward to supporting talent and engaging music…
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Michael Jackson’s Triller Turns 40 – Sony Music Global Campaign
Forty years after the release of “Thriller,” Sony Music and The Estate of Michael Jackson announce a global campaign to celebrate its 40th anniversary. The campaign includes fan events, immersive experiences, and screenings of the “Thriller 40” documentary. “Thriller” is the best-selling album of all time and revolutionized music, video standards, and choreography. Michael Jackson’s…
