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Tag: Universal Music

  • Universal Music announces U2 iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour 2015

    Universal Music announces U2 iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour 2015

    MUMBAI: The dates for U2’s upcoming iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour 2015 have been announced today. The iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour which begins in 2015,will see U2 play indoor arenas for the first time in a decade, in 19 cities worldwide during it’s first year with pairs of shows in each city. Tickets for all shows will go on general sale on Monday 8th December. In addition, special shows are being planned for Dublin for the end of next year – to benefit the U2-initiated Music Generation project – details of which will be announced as soon as they are finalised.

     
    The tour follows the recent release of U2’s thirteenth studio album Songs of Innocence by Island Records, which was given to U2.com subscribers and gifted by Apple to over half a billion iTunes Music Store customers worldwide. To date, songs of Innocence has been streamed 81m times and has been downloaded by 30m fans.

     
    -“We are going to try to have a completely different feeling from night one to night two” said Bono, “and have some fun playing with the idea of innocence and experience. More to be revealed!”

     
    “The anticipation for a U2 tour is always extraordinary, as it should be,” said Arthur Fogel | President – Global Touring and Chairman –Global Music.“Following the record-setting 360° Tour I’m amazed that they still want to be ground-breaking, this time on a more intimate scale.”

     
    Tickets for the U2 iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour 2015 go on general sale beginningMonday, December 8th.  As usual, there is an exclusive priority presale for U2 Fan Club subscribers at U2.com, from Thursday, December 4th at 10am through Saturday, December 6th at noon (all times local). Tickets will be general admission on the floor and reserved seating in the stands.

     
    UPS is the logistics supplier to the tour. Ron Rogowski, UPS Vice President, Global Brand and Sponsorships said -“We’re excited to work closely with U2 and Live Nation on this amazing tour in the most sustainable and environmentally responsible manner while providing them speed, efficiency and reliability.”

     

  • Mirriad partners with Universal Music and Havas for native in-video advertising

    Mirriad partners with Universal Music and Havas for native in-video advertising

    MUMBAI: Mirriad, the global leader in native in-video advertising, Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s leading music company, and Havas announced today that the companies have signed an agreement that enable UMG to feature digital brand integrations in select music videos by using Mirriad’s Academy Award-winning video technology.

     

    In addition, Havas, through its Havas Media network, becomes the first global agency to partner with Mirriad and UMG for strategic native in-video advertising from key clients including LVMH, Dish Network, LG, and Coca-Cola.  Havas’s venture 18-Siliwood, a research center launched in collaboration with Orange Silicon Valley, will also incorporate Mirriad technology and UMG content in ongoing research it is conducting in media, content, technology and data science.

     

    Mirriad’s technology integrates products, signage, video and other forms of branded assets into professionally produced video content. The company has more than four years of global broadcast experience, working with many of the world’s top broadcasters and content owners. Mirriad’s pioneering form of advertising has been described as “the cure for ad blindness” with research proving brands are two times more likely to be top of mind with consumers watching native in-video ads than comparable pre-rolls or interstitial spots.  

     

    This agreement builds on Mirriad’s recently announced launch with distribution partner Vevo, the world’s leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform.

     

     Mirriad’s technology will allow agencies such as Havas Media to run multi-title campaigns in select UMG music videos on-air, online and on mobile. For the first time ever, Mirriad’s native in-video ads can be planned and executed with the same reach and frequency metrics as traditional ad campaigns. Mirriad offers content owners and creators complete editorial control over brand integrations, as well as the incremental revenue stream to UMG and its artists. 

     

    “Through innovative technologies such as Mirriad’s, and leading global agencies such as Havas, we can offer our artists additional opportunities to generate revenue from their music videos,” said Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO, Universal Music Group. “And with Mirriad’s highly customizable platform, we have the ability to insure that artists’ and brands’ interests are aligned while we remain focused on presenting fans with the most compelling music experience possible.”

     

    “Partnering with Mirriad and UMG is an innovative way for us to help brands build more meaningful relationships with consumers,” said Yannick Bolloré, Chairman and CEO of the Havas Group.  “Mirriad will make it possible for us to create a more authentic, logical and in-context connection with our clients and audiences that have insatiable appetites for content across multiple screens.”

     

    “We are thrilled to work with UMG and Havas as we grow our brand globally and extend our technology beyond broadcast television to online digital video.   We want to help bring a better experience to fans”, said Mark Popkiewicz, Mirriad’s Chief Executive Officer “We designed Mirriad with content producers very much in mind so our platform allows all stakeholders to painlessly review and approve campaigns ahead of launch.”

     

                                                       

  • Max Life Insurance launches ‘i-genius Young Singing Stars’

    Max Life Insurance launches ‘i-genius Young Singing Stars’

    MUMBAI:  In a bid to nurture young talent in the country, Universal Music India has partnered with Max Life Insurance to launch ‘i-genius Young Singing Stars’ aiming to recognise and reward young singing talent in the country.

     

    Commenting on the collaboration, Universal Music & EMI Music, South Asia managing director Devraj Sanyal said, “The i-genius Young Singing Stars initiative from Max Life Insurance is one where the return on emotional quotient clearly outweighs the brand’s requirement for a return on investment. At Universal Music, nothing matters more to us than finding the right talent; the younger the better. This platform is backed by great mentors Salim Merchant & Shraddha Sharma, a technology layer by Sensibol Technologies and a robust platform by Hungama.”

     

    Collaborating on the venture to discover music stars in the making, Universal Music and Max Life Insurance will scout talented children between the ages of 8-11 years (i-genius Junior) and 12-15 years (i-genius Senior). Salim Merchant and Shraddha Sharma will feature as brand ambassadors and jury of the talent hunt. Winners will get a chance to be signed on by Universal Music India.

     

    Commenting on becoming a brand ambassador, Salim Merchant said, “It brings me great pride to be a part of an initiative like this. Working with kids brings me great joy, and I am absolutely looking forward to mentoring them” 

     

    Universal Music India will offer one lucky winner from each category an album contract. Also, four finalists from each category, win a singles contract with Universal Music for a compilation. Registrations to the talent contest are now open and will end on the 31 October 2014 , wherein those interested can register via IVR on 092500 32222 or visit the i-genius website www.igenius.org. The grand finale of Max Life Insurance i-genius Young Singing Stars is scheduled to take place in December.

     

    Max Life Insurance CEO and managing director Rajesh Sud said, “We are glad that this property has become a legacy and reached out to over 20 lakh children across the country. The overwhelming response to all our i-genius initiatives in the past has prompted us to extend the programme in the field of music as well.”

     

  • Universal Music releases Priyanka Chopra’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”

    Universal Music releases Priyanka Chopra’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me”

    MUMBAI:Universal Music via Interscope Geffen A&M is pleased to announce the release of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (ICMYLM), the brand new single off Priyanka Chopra’s much anticipated debut album. Chopra’s new track, a fresh and contemporary EDM ballad, was produced by German DJ / Producer Manual “Manian” Reuter and went `live’ across all digital outlets in India on 22nd April`14. Within 3 hours of it’s release, the single had climbed to #3 on the iTunes India overall `singles’ chart and subsequently peaked at #1 on a chart that includes `Bollywood’ music too. The physical CD single is scheduled for a 30th April`14 release and will feature two brilliant `remixes’ of the single.

     

    The song’s video, set for release on May 1st, features actor Milo Ventimiglia (of NBC television series `Heroes’ fame) and chronicles mini moments from a now one-sided romantic relationship about to end. The video was conceptualized and directed by acclaimed duo Jeff Nicholas and Jonathan Craven of The Uprising Creative, whose credits include Rihanna’s “Take Care”, Justin Timberlake’s “Take Back The Night” and Shakira’s “Empire.”

     

    Says Priyanka Chopra, “This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. It’s my ode to a classic, a song that I love, and one that says so much – this is for the actor in me”. She continues, “My fans have been super supportive on my previous two International singles “In My City” and “Exotic” and now I can’t wait to hear what they think of my latest single, which for the first time is just `me’ on the track!” .

     

    The release of “I Can’t Make You Love Me” follows her two big hit singles “In My City” with Will.i.am, and “Exotic” with Pitbull which have cumulatively sold over half a million units (physical + digital) here – a record for `single’ sales in India! In 2012, Chopra also collaborated with The Chainsmokers as a feature on their track “Erase.”

     

     

    Speaking on this occasion Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director, Universal Music Group & EMI Music, South Asia said “After two successful international singles in “In My City” and “Exotic”, Priyanka Chopra steps out with this banging EDM ballad which is destined to become this summer’s dance anthem! And this time she’s stepped up her game with a single all by herself unlike her previous hits which were collaborations. Once again we at Universal Music will roll out the best possible plan in support of this single to ensure that it’s another sure fire hit and further build up anticipation for the release of Priyanka’s debut international album later this year”.

     

    In the US, Beats By Dr. Dre, in collaboration with Best Buy Co., Inc. will also pay homage to Chopra’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with the launch of a new campaign for the popular Beats Pill XL portable Bluetooth speaker. Chopra and her new track will be featured in the national ad campaign, which will run nationwide through May`14. Anjula Acharia Bath, CEO of Desi Hits and Chopra’s Management, notes, “Beats has taken the world by storm and I can’t think of a better platform or brand to release Priyanka’s new single to the US Market.   We could not be more proud to support the launch of the new Beats Pill XL…let’s face it, sometimes bigger is just better!”

     

    Priyanka boasts of more than 18 million followers across her social media platforms while combined YouTube views for her first two singles / videos is now over a phenomenal 50 million. The new single “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is available across all digital platforms.

  • 9X Media scores a hat trick with Universal Music

    9X Media scores a hat trick with Universal Music

    MUMBAI: India’s largest music network – 9X Media has completed a hat trick with Universal Music by collaborating again, on a music compilation for the iTunes Store. 9X Media’s all-time Bollywood hits channel 9X Jalwa has partnered with the leading music label Universal Music India to launch ‘9X Jalwa R D Burman Blockbuster Beats’ on iTunes. The compilation features 25 of the most popular Bollywood songs created by the legendry music director R D Burman and is exclusively available on the iTunes India store.

    9X Jalwa R D Burman Blockbuster Beats features some of the most popular and all time Bollywood hits such as Mehbooba Mehbooba, Aa Dekhen Zara, Dil Lena Khel Hai Dildar Ka, Yamma Yamma, etc. These 25 foot tapping numbers can be downloaded from iTunes Store for only Rs.150/-.

    Speaking of this collaboration Ms. Vibha Gosher, SVP – Digital, 9X Media Group, said, ”After the success of 9XO Fresh Hits and 9X Jalwa Blockbuster Beats, 9X Jalwa RD Burman Blockbuster Beats will be our third compilation with Universal Music. This compilation is our tribute to the most versatile and iconic music director of Indian Cinema. Our earlier integrations with Universal Music have received a phenomenal response with the albums featuring amongst the Top 10 iTunes albums. RD Burman tunes still makes the nation dance and we are extremely positive that this compilation will resonate well among Bollywood music lovers.”

    9X Jalwa R D Burman Blockbuster Beats will be promoted on 9X Jalwa through innovative in-video integrations, promo spots programmed at key tune-in times throughout the day. This would also be complemented with an equally aggressive marketing activity across social media communities of 9X Jalwa and Universal Music India.

    Vinit Thakkar, Digital Head, Universal Music India, says, “R.D. Burman is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the Bollywood music industry, and a large amount of his catalogue content lies with us. Hence, we feel that the 9X Jalwa R.D. Burman Blockbuster Beats compilation was the ideal way in which to commiserate his death anniversary, through its offering of classic R.D. Burman hits to all his fans.”

    9X Jalwa R.D. Burman Blockbuster Beats compilation is available for Rs 150 on the iTunes store in India for download on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC or at: www.iTunes.com/In.

     

  • Universal Music releases first-ever digital box set app

    Universal Music releases first-ever digital box set app

    MUMBAI: Universal Music Catalogue is hailing the release this week of ‘the world’s first-ever digital box set’ available on tablets and smartphones – a special 2013 edition of The Who’s 1969 album, Tommy.

     

    UMC has collaborated with developers MODO to produce a brand new iPad digital box set application, to complement the recently-released deluxe and super deluxe editions of Tommy.

     

    Users can download the app for free. If they already have Tommy in their iTunes music collection they can play the full tracks on tablet devices along with the visuals and extra features that accompany the super deluxe set. If not, they can play 90-second edited previews through iTunes and buy them directly.

     

    The digital box set also includes: a built-in music player (functional whilst reading the book and exploring the photos). The video section includes five tracks streamed into the app taken from The Who’s Live At The Coliseum ’69 show; a specially-developed Pinball Game – created using the NYC Metropolitan Opera House gig of 1970 poster image that encourages users to play and post their scores as well as links to the official Who site, official store and social channels.

     

    Universal Music Group International digital head Geoff Smith said: “The Tommy digital box set transforms the beautiful physical box edition into a unique and fully-immersive experience allowing fans of all ages across the world to access and explore this seminal album in a fully interactive way.”

     

    News of Android and Windows 8 versions of the app will be announced in due course.

  • Universal music india signs worlds renowned dj – armin van buuren for his latest album `intense

    Universal music india signs worlds renowned dj – armin van buuren for his latest album `intense

    MUMBAI: Having won global acclaim for his music, DJ Armin Van Buuren, one of the most sought-after EDM producers and DJ’s the world over, has signed an exclusive licensing deal with leading music label Universal Music India for his brand new album `INTENSE’. With 4 hit albums under his belt, the world-renowned DJ unleashes his 5th studio album which will be available in India later this month. The album promises to hit just the right spot with EDM lovers in India with a wide selection of genres and styles including progressive, trance, classic and rock.

    Armin Van Buuren propelled to stardom with his weekly radio show ‘A State of Trance’. The show astonishingly has a 20 million fan following across 50 countries. No stranger to the global music scene, he features in bestseller charts the world over, having won a string of awards and recognitions along the way. His upcoming album features various promising tracks, from the intricate and mind-blowing cadenza that is ‘Intense’ to the feel-good ‘This Is What It Feels Like’ and ‘Turn This Love Around’. From the quieting beat-ballad of ‘Sound of The Drums’ to Armin’s dedication to the harder shades of his beloved trance, ‘Who’s Afraid of 138?!’. Through 15 sparkling new singles, he intrigues, fascinates and moves his fans and listeners. The album includes collaborations with Israeli violinist Miri Ben-Ari, Australian duo NERVO and singers, Trevor Guthrie, Emma Hewitt, Laura Jansen, Fiora and many other gifted artists, ‘Intense’ is the album that dance land has been waiting for.

    Speaking on the new album, ‘Intense’, Armin Van Buuren said, “’Intense’ embraces more genres than any of my other albums, crossing over from progressive and trance to classic, even rock. Being a perfectionist, some of these tracks have taken me months to finish. Incorporating as many real instruments as possible, it includes a live orchestra, as well as the rock band of my brother Eller. It’s been an honor to work with such talented artists, singers and songwriters, they’ve really inspired me. It’s been an ‘intense’ 2 years in the making, but I’m very pleased with the result. I’m also excited that the album comes out on Universal Music in India and I’m sure they will leave no stone unturned to market and promote it, ensuring that it reaches out to all my fans out there well in time for my India stopover of my ‘Armin Only – Intense World Tour’ early next year.”

    Commenting on having signed one of the biggest DJs on the EDM scene, Devraj Sanyal – Managing Director, Universal Music / EMI Music, South Asia said, “I have had the privilege of knowing Armin from many years now and he is one of the most stellar global DJ’s there is! To have someone of his caliber in my fold is extremely exciting and adds huge credibility to the EDM play that we have in South Asia. `Intense’ is an incredible album with some great songs like “This is what it feels like”, “Waiting for the night”. “Pulsar”, “Turn this love around” amongst others. The timing of this signing is terribly opportune as we also roll out a monster line up with DJ’s like Avicii, Afrojack and the legendary Tiesto. This is the most exciting time for EDM fans in the region. We will treat all of these like our mainstream releases and the PR, Media & hype following these will be akin to our A Listers like Eminem, Gaga, Katy Perry and others.”

    The ever-growing EDM scene has kept its ear out for the successor of ‘76’, ‘Shivers’, ‘Imagine’ and ‘Mirage’. Growing part of a musical legacy that includes countless enduring and future classics, Armin Van Buuren once again lives out his vision. The new album INTENSE will be released later this month and will be available on both digital as well as physical formats exclusively on Universal Music India.

  • 9XO Fresh Hits gets onboard iTunes

    MUMBAI: Universal Music India and 9XO have announced the release of a new music compilation exclusively on iTunes in India. 9XO Fresh Hits is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Indian music market and points to a potentially exciting future for music fans in India. 

     

    9XO Fresh Hits features the biggest international hits from 2013 with artists including Avicii, will.i.am, OneRepublic and PSY.

    9XO is the official marketing partner of the compilation alongside Universal Music India. 9XO is aimed at an international music audience with programming that includes interactive countdowns and showcases the best international music videos. 9XO will be promoting the complication through innovative in-video integrations, promo spots programmed at key tune-in times throughout the day along with aggressive marketing across their social communities.

     

    Universal Music India Digital Head Vinit Thakkar says, “Following the launch of the iTunes store in India in December 2012 it became clear to us that we needed to create a first-of-its-kind product for the Indian market and distribute it through iTunes. Needless to say, we are delighted to have worked with such as strong channel partner in 9XO, who has been instrumental in the entire process and getting the end product out to Indian customers.”

     

    Speaking of this association 9X Media Group SVP – Digital Vibha Gosher said, “We are extremely pleased to partner with Universal Music to launch 9XO Fresh Hits on iTunes. In its very first year of launch, 9XO has become India‘s favourite destination for International music. Knowing that most of our viewers consume their music across platforms we have channeled our strategies to make a significant footprint across platforms. 9XO Fresh Hits is our first initiative for the International Music fans. The compilation captures the 9XO experience for music lovers who love to consume their music on the go. We feel this will definitely resonate well with our viewers. It’s been received very well by our Social Media communities. The 9XO Fresh Hits will give our fans and viewers a fantastic listening experience at a great price.”

     

    9XO Fresh Hits will be available for Rs 150 from iTunes on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac or PC or at: www.iTunes.com/In.

  • Prague to release next month after tangle with censors over a song

    Prague to release next month after tangle with censors over a song

    NEW DELHI: Prague by Ashish R Shukla which has already done a global festival circuit round is being released on 6 September.

     

    The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had raised objection to one song from the film –Bottal khol. Composed by Tony Kakkar and sung by Neha Kakkar and Tony, the number got held up at the CBFC, resulting in delay of the film’s release.

     

    Under the banner Glamour Struck Productions Prague had been conceived and produced by Rohit Khaitan and made in association with Maxwell Entertainment. Directed by Ashish R. Shukla (creative head – Dev D), it stars Chandan Roy Sanyal, Elena Kazan, Arfi Lamba and Mayank.

     

    The Music is by Atif Afzal and some other guest composers, Lyrics by Varun Grover, Sound by Sanjay Chaturvedi, Editing by Meghna Manchanda Sen, Action by Parvez Shaikh, Art direction by Siddharth Mathawan & Mrinal Das, DI & VFX by Reliance Media Works.

     

    For the first time, three music companies – Crescendo (earlier known as BMG Crescendo), Universal Music and Times Music is releasing the music of the film.

     

    The album of Prague has more than 25 sound tracks and background pieces based on several themes which will spread on digital platforms and retail chains worldwide. Prague audio CDs are now available at all music stores.

     

    Prague is a city with a history of heritage, myth and superstition. The film shows a passionate architect with hang ups and delusions about love and life, a Czech gypsy girl looking for her identity and love, and a mean friend. All of them come together, interfering, manipulating, coaxing and torturing each other as their search for peace, freedom and love continues.

     

    This film is a psychological thrilling ride which takes one to the darkest corners of the mind, the shut down alleys of the soul and the graveyard of the heart.

  • HP teams up with Universal Music & Hungama.com to launch music service

    HP teams up with Universal Music & Hungama.com to launch music service

    MUMBAI: HP has joined forces with entertainment giants Universal Music and Hungama.com to launch subscription-based music service in India called HP Connected Music.

    The service provides unlimited rental downloadable music free of charge for one year. This brand new service is available on selected HP notebooks with the imbedded Windows 8 launcher.

    With the new range of HP consumer notebooks featuring Windows 8, consumers can now enjoy music on the move – with acess to their favourite music anywhere, anytime. HP Connected Music is available in India on selected consumer notebooks.

    HP Connected Music has been introduced in India to provide HP customers exclusive content and access to Hungama.com’s and Universal Music‘s diverse catalogue which includes over 1 million songs from more than 20,000 artists from different genres inlcuding Bollywood, Devotional, Rock, Classic, Hip Hop, Jazz, Regional, R&B, Country and others.

    Consumers will have access to unique content such as previews, behind the scenes, VIP events and many more, to connect with their favourite artists, including the likes of A. R. Rehman, Sonu Nigam, Priyanka Chopra, Anoushka Shankar, Euphoria and international artists like Justin Bieber, Lady GaGa, Aerosmith, Akon among others.

    Speaking about the service, HP PPS India Head, Marketing Ranjivjit Singh said, “Our consumers have told us they want a seamless music experience, while using their device and this is exactly what HP Connected Music provides. Through its subscription service, it allows people the chance to explore a whole new world of music and exclusive content, while using their HP device.”