For the 67th GRAMMY Awards nominations, UMPG songwriters, artists, producers and composers earned a record 111 nominations spanning 51 categories! Across genres, our talent contributed to many of this year’s most influential and culturally significant songs.
News
Creative music publishing executive David Gray promoted to UMPG Managing Director U.K. and Head of Global A&R
David Gray has been promoted to Managing Director, U.K. and Head of Global A&R for Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), a leader in global music publishing, it was announced today by UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson, to whom Gray reports. Gray will relocate to London from New York in January. Passing the reins to Gray is longtime UMPG U.K. Managing Director Mike McCormack, who has established a consultancy and formed a joint venture with the company.
Meta and Universal Music Group announce expanded global agreement
Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced an expanded global, multi-year agreement that will further evolve the creative and commercial opportunities for UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) songwriters across Meta’s global network of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads and, for the first time, WhatsApp.
UMPG appoints established brand executive Alix Kram as Head of Marketing
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), Universal Music Group’s leading global publishing division, today announced that accomplished branding executive Alix Kram has been appointed to Head of Marketing, a newly-created global role. Based in New York, she will report to UMPG Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson, and UMPG COO Marc Cimino. Additionally, Kram will provide marketing support for Bravado, UMG’s global merchandise and brand management company, reporting to President Matt Young. In her new role at UMPG, Kram will oversee the company’s marketing efforts with a focus on creative storytelling and cultural relevancy. She will work to amplify initiatives across business units, and maximizing awareness and opportunities for UMPG-owned catalogs. Additionally, Kram will work with Bravado to drive strategy and create revenue-generating opportunities for UMPG/Bravado catalog IP.
UMPG secures agreement with TikTok
We are pleased to inform you that our negotiations with TikTok have resulted in a new agreement. Music from UMPG songwriters and administered catalogs will be available on the platform shortly. We are happy to say that this is a multi-dimensional licensing deal that will deliver significant industry-leading benefits for UMPG’s global family of songwriters, artists and rightsholders.
Bob Dylan Center and UMPG announce inaugural Songwriter Fellowship recipients
The Bob Dylan Center [BDC] and Universal Music Publishing Group, the global publishing division of Universal Music Group, today announced the inaugural recipients of the Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship: rising talents Tega Ethan from Nigeria and Taylor Zickfoose from Washington state.
Universal Music Publishing signs classical music icon Andrea Bocelli to exclusive, global publishing agreement
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), the leading, global publishing division of Universal Music Group, today announced that legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli has been signed to an exclusive, global publishing agreement through UMPG’s Classics & Screen department. One of the most successful and influential classical singers in modern history, Bocelli this year celebrates his 30th anniversary in music. Through the new agreement, UMPG will represent Bocelli’s future works, as well as his latest album, “A Family Christmas”. Having set countless sales records, Andrea Bocelli has sold over 90 million albums to date and generated more than 16 billion streams. The celebrated tenor has become a long-standing ambassador for Italian culture around the world and drew worldwide attention in 2020 with his record-breaking ‘Music for Hope’ event which became one of the biggest musical live stream performances of all-time.
UMPG signs legendary singer-songwriter Yusuf / Cat Stevens to exclusive, global administration agreement
Universal Music Publishing Group today announced that one of the UK’s most influential songwriters, Yusuf / Cat Stevens, has signed to an exclusive, global administration agreement. Inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Yusuf / Cat Stevens is responsible for some of the most beloved and enduring songs in the canon of popular music.
Statement from UMPG on TikTok
TikTok is removing UMPG songs because there is no license in place. As always, UMPG will only support partners that value songwriters, artists and your songs. We have a long history of successfully fighting for our songwriters and will continue to do so.
Universal Music Publishing Group signs multi-Grammy award-winner Dan Wilson to exclusive, global publishing agreement
Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) today announced that esteemed singer/songwriter/producer Dan Wilson has been signed to an exclusive, global publishing agreement. Under the new agreement, UMPG will represent Wilson’s future works, effective immediately.