8 posts and columns on UMG

One Down: Spotify Signs Sony to U.S. Deal

in Media on January 19, 2011 at 4:18 pm PT

This doesn’t get them into the States, but it gets them a lot closer: Music service Spotify has finally signed with Sony for a U.S. distribution deal. Multiple sources tell me the deal, which has been very close since last fall, is now closed.

Big Music’s Digital Strategy: Cheap CDs

in Media on March 18, 2010 at 5:32 am PT

There’s a good chance you haven’t bought a CD in a long time. Would you think about it if they cost $10 or less?

Universal Music Group Didn’t Help Veoh, but It Didn’t Kill It

in Media on February 11, 2010 at 4:25 pm PT

The music label’s suit made it very difficult for Veoh to climb out of the deep hole it found itself in last year. But it was the Web video start-up, not Universal, that dug that pit.

Old News: A New Boss for Universal Music in 2011

in Media on February 10, 2010 at 4:37 am PT

This one counts as news in a technical sense, only: The people who own the world’s biggest music company have finally announced plans to bring in new management. Vivendi says it will install Lucian Grainge as head of its Universal Music Group unit in 2011, replacing longtime head Doug Morris. The Grainge era will really start this summer, since Universal’s international boss will be moving to New York in July, when he and Morris will be “co-CEOs” for a six-month stint.

Vevo–aka “YouTube Music”–Gets a CEO: Universal Digital Boss Rio Caraeff

in Media on May 8, 2009 at 1:13 pm PT

There are plenty of question marks surrounding Vevo, Universal Music Group’s new music video site that’s scheduled to launch later this year with a big assist from Google’s YouTube. But here’s one answer: The venture will be run by Rio Caraeff, who currently oversees UMG’s digital business.
caraeff-rio

It’s Official: YouTube, Universal Music Launching New Video Site

in Media on April 9, 2009 at 12:26 pm PT

The world’s largest video site and the world’s biggest music company are joining up. Google’s YouTube and Vivendi’s Universal Music Group will be launching a new site, dubbed VEVO, which will highlight UMG’s videos. This is essentially what I’ve been calling “YouTube Music,” and it’s been in the works since last fall; in March I reported that the two sides had basically hammered out a deal. It’s a pretty big deal for YouTube, the music business, and the rest of the media world.
lil-wayne

Weekend Update, 03.07.09

in News on March 8, 2009 at 12:00 am PT

Will [insert company name here] find a viable revenue strategy any time soon? Everyone’s hustling, that’s for sure. It’s this week’s theme.
chiatwit