Universal Music Group has reached what it calls a “landmark” strategic distribution agreement with Modern Sky, a prominent independent music company headquartered in China.
UMG said in a press release today (November 20) that the deal will provide Modern Sky with an “extensive catalog” and artist roster, giving it access to UMG’s global distribution network.
According to UMG, the deal “will also [open] The door opens for expanded collaboration between the two companies, as well as “promoting and introducing China’s original music and vibrant youth culture to an international audience.”
Modern Sky was founded in 1997 and has more than 150 Artists including Matt Lv, Click #15, Aflou, DOUDOU, Frankfurt Helmet, Shii and other emerging artists.
The label also has what UMG says is a “vast catalog” of “thousands” of original songs, with “hundreds” of new tracks added each year. The label has released more than 500 albums.
In an exclusive column for MBW seven Founder and CEO of Modern Sky years ago (2017) Shen Lihui He told us about “the huge business opportunities for global music companies in China”.
“There is greater potential if we find ways to collaborate across the East-West divide and bring our cultures closer together,” he added.
At that time, the CEO of Modern Sky estimated that there were approximately 365 million Chinese people will be “happy to buy culture and entertainment – young people have new disposable income for leisure”.
He added: “That may not be the entire 1.2 billion population, but it’s still equivalent to the entire United States buying music. Imagine that?
To that end, Modern Sky’s new global distribution partner—and the world’s largest music rights holder— universal music grouphas been expanding its presence in the market in recent years.
At UMG’s Capital Markets Day in September, adam graniteThe executive vice president of market development discussed Universal Pictures’ strategy in “high-potential markets” and revealed that Universal Pictures has just opened its fifth office in Greater China. Shenzhen.
The new location joins Universal Music Group’s offices in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing and Shanghai in China, which will become the world’s second-largest digital music market by 2023.
Just last month, Virgin Music Group, Part of Universal Music Group Acquisition of global independent artist and record label services division industryan artist and label services and rights management business focused on China, India and other “high-potential markets.”
Also last month, Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) Announced a strategic agreement with iQiyi to exclusively distribute new works of contracted players China’s New Rap 2024 while providing them with a “comprehensive support network” around the world.
Xu Zhen, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said in announcing the news: “We are delighted to partner with Modern Sky, which has played an important role in defining China’s independent music culture and driving it forward.
“Together, our goal is to amplify these voices on the global stage and celebrate the role of Chinese music in today’s cultural conversation.”
Timothy Xu, Universal Music Greater China
Timothy Xu added: “This collaboration not only expands the global influence of Chinese music, but also highlights the unique vitality and creativity of today’s young generation in China.
“Together, our goal is to amplify these voices on the global stage and celebrate the role of Chinese music in today’s cultural conversation.”
“Joining UMG’s global network and its community of outstanding artists marks an exciting new chapter for us.”
Shen Lihui, Morden Sky
Shen Lihui, founder and CEO of Modern Sky, said: “At Modern Sky, we have always upheld an independent spirit and forward-looking vision, and are committed to embodying the cultural identity of China’s younger generation.
“Joining Universal Music Group’s global network and its community of outstanding artists marks an exciting new chapter for us. Through this partnership, we are excited to bring a fresh side of Chinese originals to the world, inviting people around the world to audiences experience the unique energy and cultural depth of China’s young people.
“We are excited to facilitate this two-way connection and expand the horizons for Modern Sky and UMG artists around the world.”
Adam Granit, Universal Music Group
Adam Granite, Executive Vice President of Market Development at Universal Music Group, added: “Modern Sky’s international reach and commitment to amplifying diverse Chinese voices makes this partnership an exciting opportunity.
“This collaboration not only supports Modern Sky’s move to the global stage, but also provides an opportunity for Universal Music Group’s international artists to connect with Chinese audiences.
“We are excited to facilitate this two-way connection and expand the horizons for Modern Sky and UMG artists around the world.”
In 2009, Modern Sky launched the Strawberry Music Festival, becoming China’s first large-scale outdoor music festival. Today, the company hosts more than 30 music festivals each year and more than 1,000 Performances are held all over China.
Modern Sky has also accelerated its international expansion in recent years, opening branches in New York, Liverpool and Tokyo.
In 2014, the first international music festival Modern Sky Music Festival was held in New York’s Central Park.
Since then it has held events in cities including Helsinki, Seattle, Los Angeles and Toronto. In 2025, the Strawberry Music Festival will debut in Tokyo and plans to expand to more international cities.
Universal Music Group believes Modern Sky has played an important role in shaping China’s independent music scene, producing more than 500 The album also collaborates with Chinese bands and artists, including New Pants, Re-TROS, Second Hand Rose, Miserable Faith, Thank God, Wu Tiaoren, Sound Fragment, Zhang Qiang, Ma Di, Yao Shisan, Ah Si, Zeng Yike and Tizzy T.
Also cooperated with artists such as BooM, KAFE.HU, PK14, Sober, Zuo Xiaozushu, Supermarket, Glamorous Pharmacy, The Dada, MRSEATURTULE, Mosaic, Queen Sea Big Shark, SPARROW, MERCADE, TheFallacy, The Big Wave, Muma, Joy, etc. Go over and wait.global music business
