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Max Martin: Why a Pop-Hit Songwriter and Producer Created a Musical

March 31, 2023

Even if you don’t know who Max Martin is, you’ve definitely heard his songs. Hit-pop songs are kind of his thing after all. Martin first stepped into the music world in 1985 as a frontman for....

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MANILA GREY: Vancouver's Rising R&B Duo

March 18, 2023

The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......

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How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

March 17, 2023

The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

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Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

March 4, 2023

Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

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Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

March 3, 2023

Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

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Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

February 25, 2023

People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

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Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

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How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

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Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

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Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

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How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

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Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

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Universal Music Group and HYBE Forge Strategic 10-Year Distribution and Collaboration Agreement

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In a significant move that underscores the evolving dynamics of the global music industry, Universal Music Group (UMG) and HYBE, a prominent South Korean entertainment company, have announced the formalization of a comprehensive 10-year agreement. This partnership, which extends and deepens the collaboration between two of the industry's powerhouses, aims to leverage their combined strengths to enhance global music distribution, artist promotion, and fan engagement strategies.

 

Strategic Distribution and Collaboration Framework

 

Under the terms of the agreement, UMG will gain exclusive global distribution rights for HYBE's diverse and rich music catalog, which includes the works of global K-pop phenomenon BTS among others. This arrangement signifies a pivotal moment for both entities, aiming to maximize the reach and impact of HYBE's artists across various markets worldwide.

 

A key component of this partnership is the integration of HYBE's innovative fan engagement platform, Weverse, with UMG's efforts to tap into and cultivate superfandoms. Weverse, known for its unique ability to foster direct connections between artists and fans, will play a crucial role in enhancing UMG's engagement strategies. The collaboration with Weverse began in 2020, marking a milestone in the adoption of fan-centric platforms by Western music entities.

 

North American Marketing Initiatives

 

The agreement also outlines a collaborative approach to marketing and artist promotions in North America. Spearheaded by Scooter Braun, CEO of HYBE America, these initiatives are expected to bolster the presence and influence of both HYBE and UMG's artists in one of the world's largest music markets. This strategic focus on North America underscores the global ambitions of HYBE and its commitment to expanding its artists' footprints beyond Asia.

 

The Debut: Dream Academy and Beyond

 

An exciting aspect of the HYBE-UMG partnership is the launch of 'The Debut: Dream Academy,' a joint venture aimed at scouting and developing new talent within the United States. This project, which represents a fusion of HYBE's successful K-pop training model with UMG's extensive industry resources, promises to introduce fresh and innovative talents to the global music scene.

 

UMG's Global Strategy and HYBE's Ambitious Vision

 

This expanded deal with HYBE aligns with UMG's strategic objective to diversify its global portfolio and embrace emerging music trends, such as K-pop and Afrobeats. For HYBE, the partnership with UMG not only reinforces its position as a global entertainment leader but also offers new avenues for growth and innovation.

 

As the music industry continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital era, the UMG-HYBE partnership stands as a testament to the power of strategic collaboration in achieving mutual growth and redefining the landscape of global music entertainment.