Universal has become the second major to sign a multi-year licensing deal with high-resolution audio streaming firm MQA.
The deal follows a similar agreement made with Warner in May last year, as well as the launch of the ‘master quality’ format on Tidal in January.
As part of the UMG deal, the major label’s extensive catalogue of master recordings will be encoded in MQA’s technology, making the recordings available for the first time in high-resolution audio streaming.
MQA is helmed by former Warner Music Group veteran Mike Jbara as CEO.
Michael Nash, Executive Vice President of Digital Strategy at UMG (pictured), said: “The promise of high-res audio streaming is becoming a reality, with one service already in the market and several more committed to launching this year.
“With MQA, we are working with a partner whose technology is among the best solutions for streaming high-res audio, and one that doesn’t ask music fans to compromise on sound quality for convenience.
“We’re looking forward to working with Mike and his team at MQA to make our industry-leading roster of artists and recordings available to music fans in the highest quality possible.”
michael nash, universal
“We’re looking forward to working with Mike and his team at MQA to make our industry-leading roster of artists and recordings available to music fans in the highest quality possible.”
Jbara added: “We’re very pleased to be working with Universal Music to achieve our goal of moving studio-quality sound into the mainstream.
“Universal’s timeless catalogue and impressive artist roster will fuel music streaming services worldwide and enable the premium listening experience for all music fans.”
mike jbara, mqa
“Universal’s timeless catalogue and impressive artist roster will fuel music streaming services worldwide and enable the premium listening experience for all music fans.”
Music Business Worldwide
