News

Universal Production Music launches ‘Universal Music For Creators'

Universal Production Music, a division of Universal Music Publishing Group, today announced the launch of Universal Music for Creators, a new subscription music licensing service that provides content creators with claim-free, premium music and sound effects for online videos at an all-inclusive price. 

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Universal Music Publishing Group signs legendary Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz to exclusive, global publishing agreement

Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG), Universal Music Group’s leading global publishing division, today announced that superstar Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz has been signed to an exclusive, global publishing agreement. 

Through the new agreement, UMPG represents the majority of Schwartz’ renowned catalogue. One of the most prominent composers in theater history, Schwartz has written songs for iconic Broadway hits WICKED (including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” & “For Good) – which has been adapted into a two-part major motion picture starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Schwartz is also the mastermind behind scores for GODSPELL, PIPPIN, THE MAGIC SHOW, THE BAKER’S WIFE, WORKING, RAGS, and CHILDREN OF EDEN, as well as young audience musicals CAPTAIN LOUIE and Disney’s MY SON PINOCCHIO.

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UMPG signs David Kushner to exclusive, global publishing agreement

UMPG is happy to welcome rising singer-songwriter David Kushner who has been signed to an exclusive, global publishing agreement. This deal was facilitated by publishing A&R Jennifer Knoepfle (EVP, Co-Head of A&R). 

Based in Los Angeles, Kushner’s hit song “Daylight” has amassed a wide scope of success. “Daylight” accrued over 515 million streams on Spotify, 2.4 million videos on TikTok, and was ranked #1 as the most Shazamed song. The song also received a Gold certification from Music Canada, a Gold certification by the British Phonographic Industry, a Platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association, and a two-times Platinum certification in Poland. The Chicago native got his start when his song “Miserable Man” went viral on TikTok and topped charts internationally across Norway, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

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UMPG update on Phonorecords III

I write today to ensure you’ve heard the good news that the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) issued its Final Determination upholding the rate increases in the Phonorecords III case. This covers on-demand digital streaming royalties for the years 2018-2022.

We expect these escalating topline revenue rate increases to result in more royalties paid to songwriters and publishers. This is in addition to the topline revenue royalty rate increase resulting from the settlement between the DSPs and Publishers for 2023-2027 in the Phonorecords IV case. Under the Phonorecords IV settlement, topline revenue royalty rates increased are increasing gradually from 15.1% to 15.35%.

As a long-time champion of songwriters’ rights and protections, we are pleased with this result, but of course there remains work to do. We are fully committed to driving continued progress to ensure that songwriters are fairly compensated, and that your immense value is recognized.

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The Bob Dylan Center and Universal Music Publishing Group announce inaugural Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship

The Bob Dylan Center [BDC] and Universal Music Publishing Group [UMPG], the world’s leading music publishing company, have joined forces to launch the Bob Dylan Center Songwriter Fellowship, it was announced today by BDC Director Steven Jenkins and UMPG Chief Operating Officer Marc Cimino. To be awarded to two recipients annually, the Fellowship was created to mentor and develop aspiring songwriters in association with the tremendous educational resources of the Bob Dylan Center.

Each Fellowship encompasses a $40,000 project stipend, public engagement and presentation opportunities, dedicated time in BDC’s Bob Dylan Archive® to study Dylan’s creative process, roundtrip airfare to Tulsa and accommodations in the city, mentorship from UMPG songwriters and executives, and recording time in Tulsa’s historic The Church Studio, the famous studio of Leon Russell.

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