universal music publishing group
UMPG Wants More of Its Songwriters Working in Podcasts
Universal Music Publishing Group has announced a new partnership with narrative-focused podcast creator Audio Up, opening up new opportunities for their songwriters to write original music for the company’s programs. According to the announcement, UMPG writers can be “signed” by Audio Up to make these themes and scores. Additionally, UMPG signed the company’s CEO, “Jingle Jared” Gutstadt, to an exclusive global publishing deal. With a background in writing and producing for production and contemporary music, Gutstadt is the rare example of a working musician and music business entrepreneur. He founded both Audio Up and music production agency Jingle Punks, which sold to Anthem Entertainment (formerly known as Ole) in 2015. Audio Up productions are supported by SiriusXM and Audible, and the...
Universal Music Publishing China Hosted a ‘League of Legends’ Songwriting Camp With Riot Games
As the music industry continues to invest deeper into the lucrative esports space, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) China and Riot Games China have concluded a songwriting camp focused on promotional songs for the game publisher’s upcoming 10th League of Legends World Championship. The camp took place at the end of July and brought together 14 UMPG China songwriters — both virtually and in the GUM Studio Shanghai recording facility — to create six songs for the widely-viewed championship, which takes place this year in Shanghai from Sept. 25 to Oct. 31. “Music and gaming are activities of no boundary. When matching them well, possibilities are endless,” said UMPG China managing director Joe Fang. “I am honored to be partnering with Riot Games on t...
Publishing Briefs: Rodney Jerkins Puts Hipgnosis Under His Spell, Primary Wave Acquires Stake in Devo
Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited has acquired the 982-song music catalog of four-time Grammy winner Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, who under the terms of the deal will also join Hipgnosis’ Investment Adviser’s Advisory Board. The agreement includes 100% of Jerkins’ writer’s share of income for his early works and 100% of his publishing interest and writer’s share of income for his later works. Jerkins’ long list of hits includes tracks for Mary J. Blige (“I Can’t Love You”), Brandy (“The Boy Is Mine”), Whiney Houston (“It’s Not Right But It’s Okay”), Destiny’s Child (“Say My Name”), Beyoncé (“Déjà Vu”), Spice Girls (“Holler”/”Let Love Lead the Way”), Michael Jackson (“You Rock My World”), Sam Smith (“Stay With Me”), Lady Gaga (“Telephone” feat. Beyoncé), Jennifer Lopez (“If You Had My Love”), Jus...
Universal Music Publishing Group Names Joe Fang Managing Director In China
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) has named Joe Fang — a longtime media executive with a focus on global markets — its first-ever managing director, China. Based in UMPG China’s new Beijing headquarters, Fang reports to Andrew Jenkins, UMPG president, Australia and Asia Pacific Region. In his new role, Fang will oversee the publishing giant’s Chinese language roster, and lead the development of UMPG Hong Kong, working closely with Universal Music Group in China as well as local partners. UMPG recently joined the Music Copyright Society of China, and is deepening its cooperation with Chinese DSPs, tech companies and content providers. “Continuing with our efforts to be best-in-class around the world, we have put a strong and strategic emphasis on UMPG’s gr...
