Universal Music Greater China launches new multi-label structure with distinct label brands

Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has expanded its recorded music operations within China, including the establishment of a multi-label structure featuring new flagship labels. This is to strengthen its focus on the domestic artists and repertoire division (A&R), and local-language artists within the region.

The expansion will see with the establishment of several distinct label brands, including Republic Records China, EMI China, PolyGram Records China and Universal Music China. Each label will operate independently with its own dedicated artist rosters, A&R and specialist marketing teams, with all of them overseen by Sunny Chang, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China.

"I believe under the new structure of four distinct labels, the star team at UMGC will be able to better support local musicians in a way that is more professional and comprehensive. With an innovative and pioneering spirit, UMGC will develop rising stars from the Chinese market and promote Chinese pop music so that it can be heard an audience around the world," said Chang.  According to Universal Music Greater China, Republic Records China is the first international division of leading US label Republic Records to launch worldwide. 

The new Republic Records China label will be built with the same blueprint and ethos as its sister label, under the leadership of Tony Wen, who has been appointed managing director of Republic Records China with immediate effect.  Wen will focus on signing and developing the next generation of Chinese music and C-pop talent from China, with a view to reaching a global audience.

Meanwhile, Universal Music China will be relaunched as a newly shaped label division under the leadership of Garand Wu, managing director of Universal Music China, and will represent some domestic talents. In addition, the label will be home to China’s acclaimed classics and jazz division, which includes music and artists from the historic Deutsche Grammophon and Decca labels, alongside leading Chinese classical talents such as Lang Lang and Wang Yuja. UMC is also home to the Magic Muses label, China’s first label dedicated solely to film soundtrack and score.

EMI China’s relaunch will mark the beginning of a new era for the historic label, which has been an integral part of China’s musical legacy for more than a century. The label will be led by Mei Yeh, who will also continue to serve as managing director, Universal Music Taiwan. EMI China’s new dedicated A&R and marketing team will be based in Beijing and report to Mei. The team will focus on developing new talents alongside an existing artist roster. 

Also, Polygram Records China will relaunch under the leadership of Duncan Wong, who will also continue to serve as managing director, Universal Music Hong Kong. The label will relaunch with a dedicated A&R and marketing team based in Beijing, alongside additional resources in Hong Kong and will leverage the history and success in Cantopop that PolyGram achieved in the region throughout the past half century.

UMGC added that under the multi-label structure, it will focus on developing new innovative strategies to support the new labels and providing services to China’s music talents. Additional labels dedicated to growing music genres within Greater China will be launched in the coming months. All labels under UMGC will work with local digital partners in content licensing and creative marketing, alongside UMG’s global network of platforms and partners to support the growing global popularity of Chinese music around the world.

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