Universal Music Group (UMG) has signed a strategic global partnership with independent Italian music company Sugar.
Founded in Milan in 1932 by Ladislao Sugar, Sugar is home to Italian and French soundtrack catalog CAM Sugar, which boasts over 2,000 original soundtracks.
The catalog features works such as La Dolce Vita, Amarcord, Mondo Cane, Il Postino, 8½ (pictured) and Il Gattopardo (The Leopard), from over 400 music composers such as Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone, Luis Bacalov, Riz Ortolani, Piero Piccioni, Armando Trovajoli, Piero Umiliani, Stelvio Cipriani, Fiorenzo Carpi, Philippe Sarde, and many more.
As part of the far-reaching agreement, UMG label Decca Records and Sugar will work closely together to explore this vast collection of music.
In addition, future recordings from Sugar’s frontline roster of artists will now be distributed domestically via UMG Italy, with support from UMG’s global network of labels.
The worldwide agreement extends a 25-year relationship between the two companies, having forged a working partnership across numerous projects with Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli – including, his record-breaking, live-streamed Easter performance earlier this year from the Duomo cathedral in Milan, Italy, and the global chart-topping success of Si, Bocelli’s most recent studio album, which was nominated for a Grammy and reached No.1 in both US and UK in October, 2018.
Other artists on Sugar’s frontline roster include developing rapper and songwriter Madame, Italo-French rapper Speranza, Australian singer-songwriter Michael Leonardi, indie singer-songwriter Lucio Corsi, young pop-r&b artist Sissi, NYV, techno-pop trio Fuera and electric harpist, Kety Fusco.
The roster also includes established artists including Negramaro, Italy’s biggest pop-rock stadium act, eclectic pop star Malika Ayane, pop-jazz artist Raphael Gualazzi and indie rocker, Motta.
Sugar Music Group is led today by third generation music executive, President and CEO, Filippo Sugar.
“Having worked with Universal on various projects for over 20 years, I felt this was the right time to turn the page and write a new chapter.”
Filippo Sugar
Sugar said: “I believe that in today’s marketplace, the greatest opportunity for an independent label is to develop its artists and repertoire globally.
“Having one, truly unique, worldwide distribution solution for the entire breadth of Sugar recordings is a very important step, as we look to grow our reach and visibility into new territories.
“Having worked with Universal on various projects for over 20 years, I felt this was the right time to turn the page and write a new chapter.
“As soon as I had the opportunity to lay out my vision with Lucian, in a matter of minutes, the ball started rolling. I wish to thank Lucian for having always been there for me, and very much look forward to working with the many talented Executives within the UMG family, to bring to life some new innovative projects from Italy. We have some great new music on the way.”
“A true family business, Sugar has helped introduce the world to Italian music culture throughout its eighty-year history.”
Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group, added: “We are thrilled to expand our long-standing relationship with Filippo and Sugar Music, and to provide support for their artists and rich catalogues worldwide.
“A true family business, Sugar has helped introduce the world to Italian music culture throughout its eighty-year history.
“Over the years, they have been a great partner to us for Andrea Bocelli, and we look forward to many more successes together in the future.”
“We are delighted begin a new partnership with Sugar Music after 25 years of long-standing collaboration.”
Dickon Stainer, Universal Music Group
Dickon Stainer, President and CEO of Global Classics & Jazz, Universal Music Group, said: “We are delighted begin a new partnership with Sugar Music after 25 years of long-standing collaboration.
“It is a privilege to work with Filippo Sugar, his incredible roster of contemporary Italian artists, and the historic Sugar film catalogue which includes some of the most iconic scores ever written. We look forward to sharing this remarkable music with the world.”Music Business Worldwide
