Content:
* Submitting your music to Universal Music Group (UMG) * Important to know * Major record labels under UMG
* Steps to submit your music * conclusion
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world's largest music company. It has operations in 60 countries.
UMG is responsible for managing a vast and diverse catalog of music, including popular artists and record labels such as Capitol Records, Interscope Geffen A&M, and Def Jam Recordings. It is involved in various aspects of the music industry, including distribution, marketing, and publishing.
Just to understand how big UMG is, in 2021 they had approximately 10,000 UMG employees globally. This number includes staff working in various departments, such as marketing, distribution, finance, and human resources, among others.
It is important not to be confused with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) which is a North American music publishing company and is part of the Universal Music Group.
Submit Your Album to UMG
If you're an unsigned artist, getting signed by Universal Music Group (UMG) is a dream come true for many artists, but it is a highly competitive process. The roster of Universal Music Group includes Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Queen, Taylor Swift, The Rolling Stones, Post Malone, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and many more.
If you just started creating music and you don't have a large number of streams and followers, it is most likely impossible for you to submit your album to UMG and get some attention from the major or its associated labels.
Important to know
The music industry is highly competitive, and the majority of artists signed to major labels do not achieve significant commercial success. According to some estimates, only a small fraction of artists signed to major labels become successful in the sense of selling substantial amounts of records or generating significant income from their music.
In other words, signing to a major label does not guarantee success, but it can provide artists with resources and support that can increase their chances of success.
Major labels have extensive networks, distribution channels, and marketing and promotion budgets that can help artists reach wider audiences and achieve greater success.
Here are some steps you can take to increase your chances of submitting music and getting signed by UMG:
Create a strong body of work: The first step to getting signed by UMG is to have a strong and consistent body of work. This means putting out quality music and building a solid following on social media and streaming platforms, and we are not talking about 1,000 followers or 1,000 streams. You’ll need to have a fan base, huge amounts of followers, and most likely live shows history with a growing amount of crowd.
Network: Networking is key to getting noticed by UMG or its associated labels. Attend industry events, perform at local venues, and make connections with other artists, industry professionals, and talent scouts. LinkedIn is a great place to start understanding the right personals and A&R working at UMG.
Utilize online platforms: Utilize online platforms like Spotify, Instagram and YouTube to share your music and reach a wider audience. Make sure your online presence is professional and represents your brand well.
Land Sync deals:
Getting your music on a TV commercial, film, or TV show could generate quick exposure to your music and could be a nice shortcut to getting attention from the major labels. Sync music supervisors play a big role in getting your music licensed, and they are responsible for placing music in film, TV, and other media. Reach out to them and send them your music. Make sure your music is commercial enough to be synchronized and licensed.
Get a referral: Getting a referral from someone who is already working with UMG can increase your chances of getting signed. If you know someone who is working with the label, reach out to them and see if they can put in a good word for you.
Be patient, the process of getting signed by UMG can take time, so it's important to be patient and persistent. Keep creating new music and building your following, and don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away.
Please note that UMG does not accept unsolicited material, meaning they will not receive your demo submissions directly, so it's best to get your music heard by the record labels through a referral or through a talent scout, radio DJ, industry professional, agent, or music supervisor.
Here are some of universal music's major record labels under UMG include:
Interscope Geffen A&M
Capitol Records
Def Jam Recordings
Republic Records
Island Records
Polydor Records
Decca Records
Deutsche Grammophon
Verve Label Group
Mercury Records
Each label under Universal Music Group (UMG) specializes in a specific genre or type of music. Here is a general overview of the kinds of music each label is looking for:
Interscope Geffen A&M: This label is known for its diverse roster of artists, including hip-hop, pop, rock, and electronic music. The record label is always looking for innovative and genre-defying artists who are pushing the boundaries of music.
Capitol Records: Capitol Music Group is a historic label with a focus on popular music, including pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic. They are always on the lookout for chart-topping artists who can appeal to a wide audience.
Def Jam Recordings: Def Jam is a legendary hip-hop label that has been responsible for the careers of some of the biggest names in the genre, including Jay-Z, DMX, and Public Enemy. They are always looking for the next big thing in hip-hop and are open to considering new and emerging artists.
Republic Records: Republic Records is a multi-genre label with a focus on pop, hip-hop, and alternative music. They are known for working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and Post Malone.
Island Records: Island Records is a label with a focus on alternative and pop music. They have a reputation for discovering and nurturing new talent, and are always on the lookout for artists who are pushing the boundaries of music.
Polydor Records: Polydor Records is a label with a focus on pop, rock, and alternative music. They are known for working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including The 1975, Lana Del Rey, and Lady Gaga.
Decca Records: Decca Records is a classical music label with a focus on orchestral and opera music. They are always looking for new and established classical artists who are making a difference in the genre.
Deutsche Grammophon: Deutsche Grammophon is a classical music label with a focus on classical, opera, and jazz music. They are known for their high-quality recordings and are always looking for new and established artists who can add to their already impressive roster.
Verve Label Group: Verve Label Group is a jazz music label with a focus on the traditional and contemporary jazz genres. They are always looking for artists who can bring something new and innovative to the genre.
Mercury Records: Mercury Records is a label with a focus on rock, pop, and hip-hop music. They are known for working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Queen, Elton John, and Amy Winehouse.
Steps to submit your music These are just a few of the many labels that fall under the UMG umbrella. Follow the next steps before you contact one of the labels associated with UMG:
Find which label fits your kind of music: Before submitting your music, research the various labels under UMG and determine which label is the best fit for your genre and style. Make sure the label you are submitting to is actively signing new artists.
Prepare Your Music: Make sure your music is of the highest quality possible. This includes proper mixing and mastering, as well as having complete and professional album artwork and a bio.
Create a Press Kit: A press kit is a collection of materials that provides information about you and your music. This should include your bio, album artwork, and a link to your music.
Find the Right Contact: A&R (Artists and Repertoire) executives responsible for discovering and signing new talent. You can find the right contact by doing a search online or reaching out to your network of music industry contacts.
Submit Your Music: Once you have found the right contact, send them an email with a brief introduction, a link to your music, and a press kit. Be professional and concise in your email, and avoid making excessive follow-up calls or emails.
Wait for a Response: After submitting your music, be patient and wait for a response. It may take several weeks or even months for UMG to
Conclusion:
Sending your song demo submissions or album submissions to UMG is not done directly and can be accomplished through UMG's record labels, affiliates, and associates connected with Universal Music Group. Getting signed as an artist with UMG could be the holy grail for some artists. Submitting your album to UMG is not an easy task, but it could be a game changer for some artists. We hope this article helps in your musical journey.
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