Universal Music Publishing Australia has signed three artists in quick succession: multi-platinum electronic duo Peking Duk, solo artist and producer JOY and emerging band I Know Leopard.
Peking Duk, aka Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles, have signed an exclusive Australia and New Zealand deal with UMPG, announced by Bob Aird, Universal Music Publishing Australia MD, and Heath Johns, Universal Music Publishing Australia Director of A&R.
One of the breaktrhough Australian acts of 2014, Peking Duk’s latest single, Take Me Over feat. Safia, has achieved doubled platinum sales.
Previous track High feat. Nicole Millar recently amassed sales in excess of 3xPlatinum.
Heath Johns said: “We are beyond excited to conclude this deal with Peking Duk. As Adam and Reuben move closer to their keenly anticipated debut album we look forward to facilitating a range of creative collaborations. Peking Duk are a rare and special group and this will be a rare and special record.
“We are very stoked to have joined Heath and the Universal Publishing family for Australia and New Zealand,” said Reuben Styles of Peking Duk.
Meanwhile, singer/songwriter and producer JOY has signed an exclusive global publishing deal with UMPG.
The Brisbane-born 17-year-old is a winner of radio station Triple-J’s Unearthed competition.
Heath Johns said of the deal: “JOY is a special talent. She is a gifted performer, an honest lyricist and a truly impressive producer at just 17 years old.”
“We are excited not only for her artist project but also the value she can add to other projects as a collaborator and producer.”
JOY said: “I’m super excited about joining Universal Music Publishing, there are so many amazing artists to work with on the roster and the team is rad.”
In addition, up-and-coming Sydney group I Know Leopard have also signed a global deal with Universal Music Publishing Australia.
Since releasing their debut EP, Illumina, 12 months ago, the band have racked up impressive local airplay for tracks She, Hold This Tight and recent single Daisy Eyes.
“We are incredibly pleased to welcome I Know Leopard into the Universal Music Publishing family,” said Heath Johns.
“Their songs are emotive, finely crafted and they are a very impressive live proposition. We look forward to helping them build their career at home and abroad.”
“We are so excited to be working with the team at UMP,” I Know Leopard frontman Luke O’Loughlin said. “They really seem to identify with where we are coming from musically and fully support our vision. It’s nice to feel nurtured at this stage of our career and know that our songs are in good hands.”
UMP Australia’s roster also includes 360, Timmy Trumpet, Passenger, M-Phazes, The Veronicas, The Aston Shuffle, The Bamboos, Wave Racer, Gang of Youths, Guy Sebastian, Jet, Horrorshow, Little Sea, Jessica Mauboy, Louis Schoorl, The Living End, Wolfmother, The Potbelleez, Jackie Onassis, Bag Raiders, Dead Letter Circus, Spit Syndicate, Jonti, Last Dinosaurs and more.Music Business Worldwide
