Universal Music UK’s UMTV division has re-launched as Universal Music On Demand (UMOD), as it continues to transition away from physical and download albums to focus on streaming and playlists.
Heading up the new label is Simon Barnabas, who joined UMTV as managing director in April after 16 years at Sony Music. He will report directly to Universal Music UK chairman and CEO David Joseph.
UMOD will co-ordinate Universal Music’s playlist strategy across the UK company, working with all of the group’s labels and building on its current group of playlist brands, including 100 Percent, THIS IS, Radio Active and HITS.
UMOD will also work on Universal Music’s compilation business, alongside unique artist projects and affiliated brand deals.
Commenting on the re-launch, Barnabas said:: “Universal Music On Demand is a seismic leap for the playlisting and compilation side of Universal Music UK’s business. It is a strategic response to market changes and the demands of music fans which will allow us to capitalise on the exciting and emerging opportunities within this new age of streaming.
"The formation of UMOD reflects the growing importance of playlists both culturally and commercially."
UMOD has assembled a new team of curators, analysts and marketers who will support emerging artists, global stars and Universal Music's back catalogue, in tandem with its streaming partners and international affiliates.
Barnabas added: "We will also continue the label’s great work in the traditional compilation and artist market, with an exceptional Q4 release schedule ahead to look forward to.”
You can read our exclusive interview with Barnabas here and in the latest edition of Music Week, which also includes the lowdown on the singles chart after Drake's One Dance fell one week short of equalling Bryan Adams' 25-year old record. We also look at plans for the new Bristol Arena, Courtyard Management's Brian Message gives a viewpoint on the FanFair Alliance, while Glassnote's Daniel Glass takes the Big Interview slot. Subscribe here.
