Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) has renewed its contract with Chinese pop megastar, Eason Chan, having already worked together for over 19 years.
The news was announced at a special press conference in Macau on Friday (November 3), with Timothy Xu, the recently appointed Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, as well as Eason’s manager Lisa Kan, in attendance.
Since first signing with Universal Music Hong Kong’s CinePoly label in 2005, Eason Chan released his album U87 in June of the same year.
Since U87, Eason Chan has released 22 albums and Eps, boasting 154 chart-topping singles. Since joining UMG, Eason Chan has amassed over 75 billion streams across various platforms.
According to UMG, in November 2021, Eason’s single Warrior of the Darkness “became a phenomenon in the Mandarin music market”.
The song has topped 8.4 billion streams less than two years since its release, making it the biggest digital song in UMG China’s history.
Other accolades achieved over the past 19 years include various records at Hong Kong’s ‘Big Four’ music award ceremonies, including securing the Gold Award for Best Male Singer at the Commercial Radio Music Awards 10 times.
He also won the ‘Best Pop Male Singer’ award at the Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Award for thirteen years (2005-2017).
Eason has also been nominated for Taiwan’s Golden Melody Award for ‘Best Mandarin Male Singer’ nine times, winning three times, holding the record for both nominations and wins.
Last week’s press conference was attended by around 1,000 guests, including media, fans and UMG executives.
Senior management from key Asian markets of UMG, Calvin Wong (CEO of Universal Music Southeast Asia), Alice Phyliss Kent (General Manager of Universal Music Singapore), Kim Lim (Managing Director, Universal Music Malaysia) , William Hsieh (Managing Director of Universal Music Taiwan and SVP of Universal Music Greater China), and Claire Kim (Director, International Pop Marketing, Universal Music Korea) were present for the occasion.
The announcement followed the release of Eason’s latest studio album, CHIN UP! on October 27, his first in five years.
CHIN UP! features eight new tracks, all composed by Terence Lam, arranged by award-winning producer Ronghao Li and Terence Lam.
One of the lead singles from the album, Homo Sapiens, was awarded the ‘Song of the Year’ award at the inaugural Wave Music Awards hosted by Tencent Music Group, and was also recognized at the 34th Golden Melody Awards for Best Lyrics.
“Reflecting upon the cherished moments over the past 19 years with Universal Music Group, emotions well up. It has been an unforgettable voyage, and I am profoundly grateful for every step we have taken together.”
Eason Chan
In announcing the new album launch and the renewal with Universal Music, Eason Chan said: “Four years in the making, this album truly reflects the journey of my mind in the past isolated few years.
“My deepest appreciation and admiration to this album’s co-producers Terence Lam and Ronghao Li, who also made spectacular arrangements for these lovely tunes. And to my dear friend, a true legend, Mr. Tony Leung, for taking part in the latest music video of Don’t mind me.
Added Chan: “Reflecting upon the cherished moments over the past 19 years with Universal Music Group, emotions well up. It has been an unforgettable voyage, and I am profoundly grateful for every step we have taken together.
“As we move forward, I am pretty excited for more remarkable memories yet to be created. We shall continue to push boundaries and like always, keep the CHIN UP!”.
“The longstanding relationship between UMG and Eason epitomizes the deep-rooted trust and mutual success that we value immensely in this industry.”
Timothy Xu, Universal Music
Timothy Xu, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said: “The longstanding relationship between UMG and Eason epitomizes the deep-rooted trust and mutual success that we value immensely in this industry.
“It is a testament to our shared commitment to artistry and enduring partnership. I am deeply honored to have stepped into my role at such a pivotal moment, witnessing this renewal.
“I look forward to championing Eason’s future endeavors and, together, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the Chinese music scene and beyond.”
“As we look to the future, we are brimming with enthusiasm to further Eason’s international reach, ensuring his iconic music resonates with audiences far and wide.”
Adam Granite, Universal Music
Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development at Universal Music Group, said: “I’d like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Eason for choosing UMG once again. It’s a decision that further cements our cherished partnership.
“As we look to the future, we are brimming with enthusiasm to further Eason’s international reach, ensuring his iconic music resonates with audiences far and wide.”Music Business Worldwide
