Warner Music Singapore and Singapore-based independent record label, Cross Ratio Entertainment, have formed an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement.
Under the alliance, the pair will work closely on new releases, catalogs, brand partnerships, synchronization deals, marketing events, and in identifying and upstreaming potential artists.
Warner Music Singapore and Cross Ratio said that they will aim to unlock new opportunities for artists and the business in the booming Asian market.
The success of Asian music has the potential to reach a global audience, and Singapore, as a regional hub, provides an opportunity for the labels to export artists across Asia and beyond, Warner Music says.
The deal marks a key milestone for Cross Ratio, which Warner says, has become one of Singapore’s “most successful” independent record labels.
Dean Augustine, who has more than 30 years of experience in the music industry, founded Cross Ratio in 2015 with an aim of cultivating outstanding singers to enter the international market.
Augustine helped develop and promote artists such as Aiza Seguerra, MlCappella, Tay Kewei, and Vanessa Carlton.
Cross Ratio’s roster includes Akeem Jahat, Alfred Sim, Belinda Lee, and Derrick Hoh as well as over 200 music distribution artists such as Carla D, Fauzie Laily, Gentle Bones, and Narysal.
We trust that through this collaboration, we can leverage on Warner Music’s strength, regional and global expertise to help us put the music of our homegrown artists on the map.”
Dean Augustine, Cross Ratio Entertainment
“Cross Ratio Entertainment and our talented roster of artists are excited to be joining forces with Warner Music Singapore. It has always been our mission to grow and assist artists to break into the music industry in the region and across the world. We trust that through this collaboration, we can leverage on Warner Music’s strength, regional and global expertise to help us put the music of our homegrown artists on the map,” Augustine said.
Gerald Ang, Managing Director, Warner Music Singapore, also commented on the deal saying: “It’s an honor for Warner Music Singapore to support and partner with Cross Ratio Entertainment in their efforts. Dean has built one of the finest independent record labels in Singapore.”
Ang joined Warner Music Singapore as MD in 2020.
“Our deep understanding of the markets and worldwide network will enable us to pave a new way for their incredible music to audiences across the globe.”
Gerald Ang, Warner Music Singapore
“Over the years, they have identified and developed a solid repertoire of some of the most notable artists in Singapore, especially in the C-Pop space. Likewise, we are deeply committed to connecting artists with fans in South-East Asia, Greater China and beyond, further strengthening our collective position in C-Pop in the region. Our deep understanding of the markets and worldwide network will enable us to pave a new way for their incredible music to audiences across the globe.”
The partnership comes as Warner Music continues to expand its presence in Asia. Last year, it inked a strategic partnership with Thailand-based independent label What the Duck through the signing of singer-songwriter Valentina Ploy.
In 2021, Warner Music Asia launched a Pan-Asian dance label called Whet Records to work with both emerging talent and established DJs and producers, and prior to that, Warner Music Group unit ADA Worldwide formed ADA Asia in Singapore to extend ADA’s service across Greater China, Korea and South East Asia.
Through ADA Asia, Warner Music Vietnam was able to partner with one of Vietnam’s top aggregators and entertainment companies, Yin Yang Media, in 2021.
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