Tag: Universal Music Group

  • McCartney hits the right note with Man on the Run

    McCartney hits the right note with Man on the Run

    MUMBAI:  He may have left The Beatles behind, but Paul McCartney never missed a beat. Man on the Run, a new documentary streaming globally on Prime Video from 25 February, takes audiences on a front-row journey through McCartney’s life after the world’s most famous band split up.

    Directed by Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville, the film charts McCartney’s creative rebirth alongside his wife Linda, as the two form Wings and redefine what it means to start again under the glare of fame. Packed with never-before-seen footage and rare archival treasures, the documentary offers an intimate glimpse at the man behind the music, facing both artistic challenges and personal triumphs.

    Produced by Tremolo in association with MPL and Polygram Entertainment, Man on the Run will first hit select cinemas before landing on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories.

    But that’s not all, the film headlines a larger partnership between McCartney, Universal Music Group, and Amazon, set to roll out over the coming year. Fans can look forward to exclusive music releases, limited-edition merchandise drops, and even McCartney’s own commentary on Amazon Music.

    The collaboration also coincides with the November release of Wings: The Story of a Band on the Run, his companion book, and Wings, a self-titled definitive music collection arriving on vinyl and streaming platforms. Add to that his upcoming Got Back tour across North America, and it’s clear Sir Paul’s still flying high.

     

  • UMI strikes the right chord with Maddock Films in global music alliance

    UMI strikes the right chord with Maddock Films in global music alliance

    MUMBAI: The movie business just got a new soundtrack partner and this time, it’s playing to a global beat. Universal Music India (UMI), the Indian arm of Universal Music Group, has inked a strategic tie-up with Maddock Films and its new music label, Mad For Mussic, founded by producer-director Dinesh Vijan. The deal will see UMI serve as Maddock’s worldwide strategic partner for future film soundtracks and allied offerings.

    For UMI, it’s more than just a duet, it’s a full-blown re-entry into India’s most dominant music category: film soundtracks. With UMG’s global network as its amplifier, Maddock’s repertoire will now find international stages, while UMI cements its foothold in a market where movies and music are inseparable.

    Maddock Films, which has carved its niche with hits like Stree, Bhediya, Munjya and the upcoming Thama, has long treated music as central to its storytelling. Its chartbuster “Pardesiya” from Param Sundari is a case in point, having ruled social media and streaming platforms alike. “Our cinema is the cinema of real India,” said Vijan. “Music has always been one of its pillars. With UMG, we’re ready to scale that ambition.”

    Universal, of course, is no stranger to Hindi film soundtracks. Its catalogue has spanned classics from Sholay and Deewar to Devdas and Bombay. But this partnership marks a sharp pivot to contemporary hindi film industry, with an eye on both local dominance and global resonance.

    Calling the deal “a crucial step forward,” UMG’s Adam Granite hailed Vijan as “a first-class storyteller with an unparalleled ear for music.” UMI’s India MD Sanujeet Bhujabal called Maddock’s output “fearless, forward-thinking storytelling,” while India SA chairman & CEO Devraj Sanyal noted that the move comes at “the perfect time” for UMI to re-enter the Indian film music market.

    With Maddock’s track record of genre-defining cinema from horror-comedies to mainstream hits and UMI’s global muscle, the stage is set for Hindi soundtracks to travel farther and louder than ever. Call it a match made in musical heaven, with India’s stories and songs primed for a world tour.

  • Desi Trill names Ruth Mohinani as head of operations in India

    Desi Trill names Ruth Mohinani as head of operations in India

    MUMBAI: Desi Trill, the trailblazing global movement reshaping South Asian music and culture, has announced the appointment of Ruth Mohinani as its head of operations in India. With over 17 years of experience in television, music, and sports, spanning content strategy, IP development, A&R, sync, and licensing, Ruth is set to supercharge Desi Trill’s footprint in one of the world’s most electrifying music markets.

    As the driving force behind Desi Trill’s expansion in India, Mohinani will spearhead collaborations, curate groundbreaking events, and propel South Asian artists onto the global stage.

    Expressing her enthusiasm for this pivotal role, Mohinani shared, “Desi Trill is more than a movement—it’s a cultural shift. I’m honored to take on this role and work with a team that’s dedicated to showcasing south Asian artistry worldwide. Desi Trill’s vision aligns with my own—to empower artists, build meaningful IPs, and create content that resonates across cultures. The journey ahead is exciting, and we’re just getting started.”

    Echoing this excitement, Desi Trill co-founder Shabz Naqvi stated, “Ruth’s entry marks a pivotal moment for us in India. Her impressive track record and deep understanding of the industry make her ideal to drive our mission of creating a new genre and building south Asian talent globally under our Brown Is Everywhere community activations. We’re excited to have her on board in this journey.”

    Prior to joining Desi Trill, Mohinani served at Rolling Stone India as SVP – content strategy, where she played a key role in shaping content direction and artist engagement. Before that, she led Indian hip-hop’s meteoric rise as general manager (A&R) at Universal Music India, overseeing record-breaking streaming successes through Mass Appeal India and Def Jam India.

    Her illustrious career also includes pivotal leadership roles at NBA India, Viacom18 (Vh1 India & Comedy Central India), and Zee Trendz/Zee Café, where she pioneered IP development, content programming, acquisitions, talent management, and major events. Beyond corporate leadership, Mohinani remains a steadfast mentor, guiding emerging artists as they navigate the ever-evolving music industry.

    With this strategic appointment, Desi Trill is doubling down on its mission to connect South Asian sounds with global audiences, expanding its reach and influence across India and beyond.
     

  • WPP and Universal Music partner for brands and bands

    WPP and Universal Music partner for brands and bands

    MUMBAI: This could be music to WPP’s  clients’ ears.  The creative transformation company and  music-based entertainment  powerhouse Universal Music group (UMG)  announced on 12 December that they are planning to work in harmony with each other.

    The duo has got into a strategic partnership that will provide clients’ brands with cutting-edge audience engagement strategies leveraging the power of music. The new alliance  brings together UMG’s family of artists and labels, and its global data and insights team, with WPP’s creative scale and extensive client network, giving brands new opportunities to connect with audiences through music. 

    The collaborative partnership offers WPP clients’ new opportunities to connect with some of the world’s most popular artists and their music, and unique access to UMG’s iconic music catalogue to unlock additional areas of amplification through data-driven and technological innovation. In addition, WPP and UMG will work together to responsibly explore new ways that AI can better help brands and artists connect and create authentic cultural moments.

    The announcement builds upon the history of successful collaboration between WPP and UMG for Brands (UMGB), as exemplified by their ongoing partnership with The Coca-Cola Co. Working together, WPP and UMG have collaborated on global initiatives such as the award-winning Coke Studio and Sprite Limelight music platforms. Through these programmes, a diverse array of established and emerging artists have amplified brand messaging, galvanising fan communities worldwide while expanding their audiences. 

    “Music is becoming an even more powerful cultural force, and technology is rewriting how we experience it,” said WPP chief technology officer Stephan Pretorius. “This partnership with UMG will allow us to leverage emerging technologies and data insights to create truly innovative music-driven campaigns for our clients, shaping the future of brand engagement.”

    “This collaboration provides benefits to stakeholders of each company. On  the one hand, combining innovative new technologies with UMG’s industry-leading data insights, we can create significant new commercial opportunities for our artists and songwriters,” added  UMG chief digital officer & EVP Michael Nash. “In addition, working together with WPP, we will harness and amplify the unmatched power and reach of music for WPP’s clients and brands through new strategic initiatives and programmes.”

    This initiative is part of WPP’s larger strategy to invest in data and technology-driven solutions and partnerships with the world’s leading companies to drive value for its clients. Hopefully, WPP’s clients have their headphones on and are listening. 

  • Def Jam Recordings India, UMGB & Red Bull launch new season of Red Bull 64 Bars

    Def Jam Recordings India, UMGB & Red Bull launch new season of Red Bull 64 Bars

    Mumbai: Def Jam Recordings India, in partnership with Universal Music Group for Brands (UMGB), announced a dynamic collaboration with Red Bull to launch the highly anticipated new season of Red Bull 64 Bars. This collaboration aims to shine a spotlight on India’s vibrant hip-hop talent, delivering eight original tracks that represent the country’s diverse music, culture across multiple languages.

    Originally conceptualised by Red Bull, Red Bull 64 Bars stands apart from traditional rap formats by eliminating commercial elements like hooks and refrains, allowing artists to focus purely on raw lyricism and beats. This stripped-back format highlights the unfiltered skill and authenticity of rappers and producers, fostering genuine artistic expression. Powered by the influence and reach of UMG’s premium hip-hop label, Def Jam Recordings India, this season promises an exciting roster of some of India’s most talented emcees, along with a star-studded lineup of producers and artists.

    The format is straightforward, although it does involve a bit of understanding of rhythm and beats. In music (and specifically hip-hop) a single bar is a measure of four counts over a beat. For 64 bars, that means there’s room enough for approximately two minutes of words. Usually, a bar is one aspect of rap vocals, which often form the verse of a song and then there’s the chorus or the hook.

    Season one of Red Bull 64 Bars featured a series of 10 rappers from around the country who worked with Mumbai’s ace beatsmith Karan Kanchan to create a new track that’s all bars. The artists included Bengaluru-based rappers such as Hanumankind and RANJ, plus Mumbai’s cream of the crop, including Dee MC, Shah Rule, MC Altaf, Tienas and Trichia Grace-Ann Rebello, also Delhi NCR bred rappers Agsy and Rawal, and Mohali-based Sikander Kahlon.

    Senior vice president & business head – new business & brand partnerships, India & South Asia, Preeti Nayyar shared, “At UMG for Brands, supporting emerging artists has always been at the heart of what we do. The 64 Bars concept has captured our interest for some time, and we knew it was the kind of project we wanted to champion and partner with. Now that it’s finally happening, we couldn’t be more excited to be part of it. This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission to foster creativity and elevate the next wave of hip-hop talent in India. With Def Jam Recordings India being the best fit from our labels, we’re uniquely positioned to amplify this initiative. We are thrilled to be part of this incredible initiative that showcases the richness and diversity of India’s music culture through Hip-Hop. It’s a unique platform for artists to share their personal stories with the world, and we couldn’t be more excited to contribute.”

    The new season will feature three of India’s top producers — Karan Kanchan, Sez On The Beat, and Parimal Shais — who will infuse their unique creative energies into the project, shaping the future of Indian hip-hop with their distinctive styles.

    Universal Music Group head of the independent artist collective Sumedhas Rajgopal shared his excitement about the collaboration, “This partnership with Red Bull’s 64 Bars underscores our commitment to elevating and empowering the voices of Indian hip-hop talent. At Def Jam Recordings India, we are passionate about preserving the authenticity of the genre, the culture and Red Bull 64 Bars perfectly aligns with that vision. This platform gives artists the freedom to express themselves without limitations, and we are thrilled to bring these powerful, original tracks to the world. India’s hip-hop scene is evolving rapidly, and we’re proud to play a role in its journey.”
     

  • Republic Records signs AP Dhillon

    Republic Records signs AP Dhillon

    Mumbai: Republic Records, owned by Universal Music Group, has signed AP Dhillon to their roster. Known for artists like Taylor Swift, Post Malone, John Legend, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, and Drake, Republic Records continues to expand its diverse lineup.

    This deal marks a significant step for brown representation globally and sets a precedent for future talent and the community. “Republic Records got and understood who I am from day one. We’re all in harmony when it comes to this new music, and now I just can’t wait to show everybody what we’ve been cooking up,” stated AP Dhillon.

    Dhillon has been independently releasing music since 2019. He is famously known for his 2020 single – Brown Munde – one of the most viral and trending songs on the billboard, amassing nearly 700 million YouTube views to date. With the new deal, the singer-songwriter will be on Republic Records’ roster and he is all set to release a single – Old Money – with the label this Friday (9 Aug) and a new album, The Brownprint, following two weeks later, on 23 Aug.

    AP Dhillon has also directed the music video for his upcoming single – Old Money – and the clip will star Bollywood icons Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt. As AP Dhillon revealed, “I came up with a concept that was influenced by all my favorite action movies, and Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt showed up and killed it. Old Money is the perfect way for me to start my next era, especially with going big for the music video. I hope you love it as much as I do.”

    Dhillon has also co-produced The Brownprint, with DZL (Future, Central Cee), Luca Mauti (J.Cole, Eminem) and AzizTheShake (BIA, Central Cee) also contributing to the upcoming album.

  • Coke Studio Bharat Season 2 to elevate sonic and visual storytelling

    Coke Studio Bharat Season 2 to elevate sonic and visual storytelling

    Mumbai: Building on the international acclaim garnered by Coke Studio Bharat Season 1, featuring viral tracks like Khalasi, Holi Re Rasiya and Kya Karie Korimol, the eagerly awaited Season 2 is scheduled for launch on 9 February 2024. Focused on elevating the global success of its debut season, Coke Studio Bharat is geared up to bring a fresh perspective to its core idea of Apna Sunao- an idea that empowers voices and stories from the heartland of India to take their rightful places with global audiences.

    Continuing with the ethos of #ApnaSunao our stellar team for Season 2 features the award winning musician and sought-after songwriter Ankur Tewari, who serves as the creative architect. Alongside this creative force, we have a think tank comprising prominent lyricist Swanand Kirkire, joining the distinguished lyricist Kausar Munir and award-winning sound engineer and music producer KJ Singh. This dynamic team, led by Ankur, has once again curated a diverse lineup of artists for an unparalleled musical experience that mirrors the heartbeat of India’s youth. With a focus on Gen Z and their emotional spectrum, this season delves into themes of happiness, sadness, and fast-paced lives, promising an immersive journey through soul-stirring songs that resonate as the quintessential soundtrack to our  lives.

    Introducing a fusion of established and emerging talents like Diljit Dosanjh, Neha Kakkar, Digvijay Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, Kanishk Seth, Cyli Khare, MC Square, Mohito, Komorebi, The Quick Style, Ikky, Raf Sappera and many more. The season promises to create a sonic journey that transcends boundaries, celebrating the rich diversity of India’s musical landscape.

    Taking it to the next level, unlike ever witnessed before, season 2 of Coke Studio Bharat introduces a groundbreaking transformation by creating a unique storyline for each individual musical symphony breaking away from its traditional studio setting for the very first time. Thematically, this season pioneers visual storytelling hoping to delight and expand its narrative reach. This captivating exploration spans diverse traditions, from Marathi and Kumaoni to Punjabi and Hindi, ensuring a unique and compelling experience for audiences across India.

    Ankur Tewari, acclaimed musician and sought-after songwriter, shares his thoughts on the upcoming second season of Coke Studio Bharat, ”As we embark on the second season of Coke Studio Bharat after a fantastic first run, let the music speak, weaving together the rich threads of our cultural mosaic. Get ready for another season filled with soulful tunes and vibrant melodies! In the vast realm of music, the fusion of diverse tunes becomes a grand celebration of emotions and cultures. My association with Coke Studio Bharat has been enriching and has brought me profound joy, as it unfolds as a dynamic arena where a multitude of musical threads interweave, crafting a symphony that resonates with the intricate hues of our collective human narrative”.

    Coca-Cola India, and Southwest Asia VP marketing Arnab Roy said “We’re delighted to announce the launch of Coke Studio Bharat season 2.0 which will continue to celebrate the richness of regional music of Bharat . We will strive to provide a platform to emerging , independent artists this season in partnership with some established iconic names. The soundtracks have been curated to capture the spirit of a young , energetic and optimistic Bharat.”

    Universal Music India (UMI) as executive producers of Coke Studio Bharat spoke of the association. Universal Music Group chairman & CEO, India & South Asia, SVP strategy- AMEA Devraj Sanyal shared, “Coke Studio Bharat Season 1 surpassed our expectations, garnering immense love and appreciation on Songs like ‘Khalasi,’ ‘Holi Re Rasiya,’ and ‘Kya Karie Korimol’ that seamlessly integrated into the ever-changing soundscape of our nation, propelled by the influence of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The success can be attributed to the exceptional storytelling and musical integrity.

    As we embark on Season 2, our commitment is to elevate creativity and consistency in the synergy of music and artistry. The resonance of Bharat’s sound has transcended borders, celebrating global recognition and that brings us immense joy, fortifying our mission and purpose on a grand scale.”

    Listeners can tune into Coke Studio Bharat across all audio OTT platforms including Spotify, Gaana, Saavn, Wynk Music etc. with creation & distribution managed by UMI. UMI has collaborated with Colosceum Media for video production, breathing life into Ankur Tewari’s vision.  

    The first song of the season will be “Magic” by Diljit Dosanjh going live on 9 Feb. Come join in the celebration by scanning the QR code on a Coca-Cola pack to directly reach the dedicated Coke Studio Hub. This hub hosts exclusive content created by the artists, along with behind-the-scenes visuals. Additionally, enjoy live access to videos 48 hours before their global release, explore unreleased content, and participate in engagement-led activities, such as karaoke sessions on your favorite Coke Studio Bharat tracks. Share your renditions and be a part of amplifying the musical celebration across the nation.

  • Universal Music Group acquires UK label Oriental Star Agencies’ complete catalogue

    Universal Music Group acquires UK label Oriental Star Agencies’ complete catalogue

    Mumbai:  Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s one of the leaders in music-based entertainment announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase the catalogue of iconic UK-based South Asian record label Oriental Star Agencies (OSA Ltd). The deal includes all of the label’s recordings and where held, publishing rights.

    A slice of over 50 years of South Asian culture and heritage, the catalogue comprises approximately 18,000 songs, concert and video recordings, featuring legendary and genre-defining Pakistani and Indian artists. The acquisition is another demonstration of UMG’s strategy to accelerate its growth in high potential music markets around the world.  The Asian music market grew by 15.4 per cent in 2022 according to the IFPI, the record labels’ global trade body, with overall revenues from the region accounting for 22.9 per cent of the global market.

    OSA Ltd is a UK-based label with strong local and international ties and a unique history. Founded in 1966 by Muhammad Ayyub and his brothers, who moved from Pakistan to the West Midlands in 1961, the label was borne out of Ayyub’s deep love for music and nostalgia for the music of his childhood. Initially approaching EMI to stock these titles, he went on to import records from Pakistan and India, as he sought to meet the demand of his local community who also craved the authentic sound of their motherland.

    From these local community origins grew the most prominent South Asian record label in the UK. OSA Ltd can be credited with not only introducing authentic South Asian music to a British audience, but also playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the UK Bhangra genre and launching the careers of numerous significant British and South Asian artists.

    Highlights in the catalogue include Malkit Singh (who became the top-selling Bhangra artist worldwide with nearly 5 million album sales), Bally Sagoo, Attaullah Khan and legendary GRAMMY nominated artist Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, who has recorded over 125 albums. In 2002, the music of OSA Ltd found a fresh audience when several label tracks were featured on the Bend It like Beckham soundtrack. In recognition of this trailblazing contribution to the South Asian music landscape, in 2014, Ayyub was awarded an MBE honour for service to broadcasting, Asian music and community services. In 2017 the OSA Ltd owners finalised a sale to Hi-Tech Music Ltd, another British record label with a strong history spanning 35 years.

    The acquisition complements UMG’s current service offering and will help drive momentum for the South Asian music market, enabling local artists to reach the largest possible audience in the global community.

    Universal Music Group executive vice president of market development Adam Granite said, “This acquisition of a hugely successful and iconic British-Asian label specialising in South Asian music will further increase Universal Music Group’s exposure to, and participation in, a fast growing and rapidly changing market. I am particularly pleased that Universal Music Group will become the next custodian of Oriental Star Agencies, a label that has played an unparalleled role in bridging the musical identities of the UK and South Asia, taking the unique sounds of its artists to a broad audience. We believe this catalogue has huge potential, and look forward to taking it to the next generation of music fans globally.”  

    (Chino) Mohammed Twaseen OSA Ltd said, “This is a momentous day for OSA and all our artists. Becoming part of the UMG family will turbo-charge our South Asian music, helping it to get in front of more music fans across the world. The past decade has seen a true global explosion of music from the region, and now, under UMG’s stewardship, the next decade promises to be even more exciting.”

  • Ty-Ty Smith and Shabz Naqvi launch DESI TRILL MUSIC with Universal Music Group

    Ty-Ty Smith and Shabz Naqvi launch DESI TRILL MUSIC with Universal Music Group

    Mumbai: Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, has announced the launch of DESI TRILL MUSIC, a new label venture led by Ty-Ty Smith and Shabz Naqvi. The label will be dedicated to DESI TRILL, a new genre of music that combines the musical style of South Asian artists with modern genres, representing a new global sound.

    As music enthusiasts eagerly embrace fresh sounds, industry veterans Shabz Naqvi and Ty-Ty Smith have introduced their music venture, DESI TRILL. Amid the ever-evolving South Asian music scene, which caters to diverse musical tastes with a range of genres and sounds, there’s no better moment to join the industry. It’s worth noting that Lucian Grainge, chairman and chief executive officer of Universal Music Group (UMG), personally extended his blessings and welcomed the DESI TRILL team into the UMG family.  

    What sets DESI TRILL apart from other labels is its endeavour to create a new music genre, one that hasn’t been explored by anyone in the past. The innovative blend of Hip Hop, R&B, and the dynamic essence of South Asian (Desi) music will give the listeners a genre that’s not only captivating but also transformative. Distributed globally by Universal Music Group, DESI TRILL is being launched at a time when Desi Music’s popularity is at its zenith with millions of die-hard fans spanning across the globe are grooving to its sounds and beats.  

    Another crucial factor that works for DESI TRILL as it readies itself for launch is the abundance of experience that its team has under their belt. Ty-Ty Smith, in his career spanning over 20 years, is co-founder of Roc Nation, the global entertainment company that has cultivated many of today’s biggest acts such as DJ Khaled, JAY-Z, J Balvin, J. Cole, Rihanna and Shakira among others. Shabz Naqvi on the other hand began his journey at just 16 in the heart of South London and since then he has acquired chart topping acclaim and 11 major music awards along the way.  

    DESI TRILL’S debut artist is DJ Lyan, a trailblazer who adds a unique dimension to the label. His collaborations with South Asian artists will undoubtedly be something to watch out for.

    In making this announcement UMG chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge said, “As the home for artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship in music, we’re so pleased that Ty-Ty and Shabz have chosen UMG as the global partner for DESI TRILL. Having worked with Ty-Ty for many years, I know we share a passion for discovery and artist development, and I am excited to watch how he and Shabz influence culture around the world with this exciting new sound.”

    Commenting on their label, DESI TRILL, Naqvi and Smith say, “The whole idea and inspiration behind DESI TRILL is to break boundaries. It’s about giving South Asians a voice and what could be a better way to do so than through music. It’s also a lot to do with expanding Hip Hop even further across the world and creating a new first-of-its-kind genre of music. South Asian culture, its food and its music among other things is rapidly spreading throughout the world and DESI TRILL aims at giving music lovers the best of both worlds by creating music that blends two extremely popular genres together. We are really excited to begin this journey and we hope to have the support of music lovers across the world with us.”  

    UMG India & South Asia chairman & CEO & senior vice president – strategy of AMEA Devraj Sanyal said, “At Universal Music India & South Asia, we’ve been pushing the envelope for South Asian artists and our brand of music into the mainstream globally, and to that end I’m so pleased to welcome the legendary Ty-Ty Smith and Shabz Naqvi’s DESI TRILL as part of our larger UMG family, which will showcase South Asian Art and Culture with its history and incorporate a new genre which is a fusion of Hip Hop/R&B/Pop and Dance while keeping cultural Indian heritage in the sound. The whole world is celebrating culture and DESI TRILL will be a part of that!”

    DESI TRILL MUSIC’s first music offering will be available in October.

  • Universal Music Group inks licensing deal with Lomotif

    Universal Music Group inks licensing deal with Lomotif

    Mumbai: Singapore-based short video app Lomotif and Universal Music Group (UMG), on Monday announced a global agreement that allows Lomotif’s users to creatively tap into UMG’s vast catalogue of music for their videos.

    Lomotif has seen more than 225 million installations of the app globally, and its users are watching more than 300 million videos a month in over 200 countries, the platform said in a statement. With the new agreement, UMG becomes the first major music company to globally license Lotomif, empowering the company’s community of users to create clips using songs from UMG’s music library, it added.

    “Our deal with Universal Music Group will continue to grow users and increase engagement within our platform, a destination for emerging artists, and will significantly expand the types of music our community can utilise, collaborate with, and share,” said Lomotif’s CEO and founder Paul Yang. “With nearly 800 million videos created to date, we are heading in a great direction as a platform, and making high-value content, functionality, and features available to our community will only help us grow exponentially.”

    “We are very pleased that Lomotif’s fast-growing community of users around the world will be able to take inspiration from the artists and music they love, all while ensuring UMG’s artists are fairly compensated for the value music generates on Lomotif’s platform,” said UMG’s executive vice president of digital strategy Michael Nash. “UMG continues to broaden the creative and commercial opportunities for our artists by licensing an ever-expanding array of new digital platforms and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs. We look forward to working with Lomotif to help unlock even more innovative music-based features for their community.”