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Find the Right Manager for Your Music Career—Even If You're Just Starting Out

September 3, 2024

The idea of hiring a traditional manager might seem premature, but finding someone who can handle your online presence and help you network could be exactly what you need to take your career...

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How to Be a Successful Songwriter When You Can’t Play an Instrument

August 26, 2024

If you’re a songwriter who can sing but can’t play an instrument, you may feel like you’ve hit a roadblock in your creative journey. You have the ideas in your head, but you’re unsure how to turn...

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What Is the Point of Mastering If the Mix Is Good? A Guide to Understanding Mastering's Role

August 26, 2024

For many newer producers, it can be confusing to understand the importance of mastering, especially when your mix feels polished and balanced. However, mastering is an essential step in the...

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Write a Vocal Melody That Stands Out: Tips for Phrasing and Dynamics

August 25, 2024

If you’ve been writing music for a decade but are just starting to dive into vocal melodies, you’re not alone in facing challenges with phrasing and creating vocal dynamics that don’t feel repetitive.

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Add FX and Ear Candy to Your Tracks: Tips for Taking Your Sketch to the Next Level

August 23, 2024

Adding FX and ear candy can feel like a daunting task, especially when you start to overthink the process. However, these little details are often what bring a track to life, adding depth, excitement.

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Recreate a Vocal Stutter Effect Like Skrillex: A Step-by-Step Guide

August 21, 2024

If you’ve just stepped into the world of music production, vocal stutters can be a fun and impactful technique to add excitement and energy to your tracks. You’ve heard that fast vocal stutter at...

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Get a Great Sounding Synth: The Deadmau5 Approach

August 21, 2024

If you’ve been experimenting with synthesizers, you know the quest for a perfect synth sound can be a challenging but rewarding process. Whether you’re looking for something clean yet huge, or...

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Make Music Again: Overcoming Creative Burnout Like Pharrell Williams

August 21, 2024

Hey there, fellow music creators! Whether you’re balancing a day job, DJ gigs, and music production, or just feeling creatively stuck, you’re not alone. Many of us hit a wall at some point, where...

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Master Your Craft as a Beatmaker: The J Dilla Way

August 21, 2024

In this article, we’ll explore the most efficient ways to master your creative process as a beatmaker, and how you can learn from one of the most respected producers in the game: J Dilla.

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Bumbershoot Festival 2024: A Creative Celebration in Seattle

August 8, 2024

This Labor Day weekend, Bumbershoot Arts and Music Festival returns to Seattle Center from August 31 to September 1, 2024. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, Bumbershoot continues to be a...

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Ohana Festival 2024: A Must-Attend Event for Music Creators

August 8, 2024

As the summer winds down and the crisp autumn air begins to roll in, music enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating one of California’s premier music festivals. The Ohana Festival, set to take place...

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Desert Daze 2024: A Creative Oasis for Music Enthusiasts

August 8, 2024

As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the golden tones of fall, the anticipation for one of California’s most eclectic music festivals begins to build. This October, the 2024 Desert Daze music...

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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.