Universal Music Group and NetEase Cloud Music, a leading music streaming service provider in China, have announced a strategic multi-year license agreement for UMG’s world-leading music catalog of artists and recordings across NetEase Cloud Music’s streaming platform and associated digital services in China.
Under the agreement, NetEase Cloud Music will distribute UMG’s global recording catalog across its streaming services and affiliated digital products. The catalog includes both local Chinese and international artists that are signed, released and distributed by UMG’s labels.
This strategic agreement will also see the companies collaborate on feature marketing campaigns and product innovation, and “artist-centric” provisions and terms covering artificial intelligence reflecting a shared commitment to responsible AI practices.
In making the announcement, William Ding, CEO of NetEase Cloud Music, said: “NetEase Cloud Music is very pleased to have reached a multi-year licensing agreement with UMG. With the largest user base globally, China stands as the world’s biggest music streaming market. Moving forward, we will continue to work hand in hand with UMG to deliver premium music experiences to our users in China. At the same time, we look forward to exploring even more diverse and multifaceted avenues of collaboration with UMG.”
Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development, Universal Music Group, said: “This renewed agreement with NetEase Cloud Music represents a meaningful step in deepening UMG’s long-term commitment to China’s music market. Together, we aim to strengthen an artist-first streaming environment that supports creators, engages fans, and connects China’s music market more closely with the global music industry.”
+ YeaH1 Group and Sony Music have announced the launch of SYE Holdings, a joint venture through which the two companies “are committed to creating a sustainable path for Vietnamese artists and propelling Vietnamese culture onto the world stage,” according to the announcement. The goal of the partnership is to help establish a “direct pipeline” for V-Pop artists to access international charts and regional playlists, as well as the advertising, film, and entertainment sectors.
Immediately following the partnership announcement, SYE Holdings officially launched its first major project, introducing the boy group Uprize, described as “Vietnam’s first idol boy group to debut immediately from the survival reality show ‘Tan Binh Toan Nang’ (‘Show It All’).”
Kenny Ong, managing director for SME Malaysia, Singapore & Vietnam, says, “Sony Music is dedicated to honoring the unique cultural heritage of the markets we enter. Our strategy is to build a ‘viable model’ for our artists’ sustainable careers, where Vietnamese cultural identity is honored and built upon. By integrating local creativity into Sony Music’s world-class network, we are ensuring that Vietnamese talent has the sustainable career path and international visibility it deserves.”
Ngo Thi Van Hanh, CEO of YeaH1 Group, adds, “YeaH1 contributes three essential resources to SYE: a deep understanding of local audiences, international-standard production capabilities, and a multi-platform media ecosystem. When these values resonate with Sony Music Entertainment’s global network, we are not only establishing new standards but also creating a sustainable infrastructure for Vietnamese talent to proudly step out into the world with their own identity.”
+ Goldenvoice has announced that talent buyer Luke Hanna has joined the company’s San Francisco office. He returns to the company after booking shows at the Regent Theatre, the Belasco, and third-party theaters in Los Angeles. Based in San Francisco and reporting to SVP, Talent at Goldenvoice Danny Bell, Hanna joins the booking team for the Warfield and the Regency Ballroom, in addition to other Bay Area events.
“We’re excited to welcome Luke back to Goldenvoice,” Bell says. “He’s built a strong track record booking shows in LA, and we’re confident he’ll be a key contributor as we continue to grow our presence in the Bay Area.”
+ AEG Presents has elevated and added four members to its Global Touring division. Caleb Merrell and Laurel Hilburn, previously serving as tour directors, have been elevated to senior tour directors. Previously a tour marketer at Live Nation, Ryan Erickson joins AEG Presents as senior director of marketing; previously a senior project manager at Paramount, Emily Harenza will now serve as director, digital marketing.
Merrell and Hilburn will be based in Nashville, with Merrell reporting to SVP of Production & Direct Support, Jonathan Baden and Hilburn reporting to SVP of Touring, Jenny Heifetz Henault. Erickson will be based in Los Angeles and report to SVP of Marketing & Artist Development, Rich Holtzman, and Harenza will be based in the AEG Presents New York office, reporting to Sr Director of Marketing Victoria Cappelli Greiner.
Commented President of Global Touring at AEG Presents, Rich Schaefer, “Laurel and Caleb have played integral roles in our touring operation, and we’re proud to promote them to Senior Directors. We’re equally excited to welcome Ryan and Emily’s expertise to the marketing team, a group that continuously innovates in service of our artists and their tours.”