YESTERDAY, Universal Music Group announced that the newly established Universal Music China Greater Bay Area will be headquartered in Shenzhen, a move that aims to cultivate emerging local musical talent.

As one of the three largest music companies in the world, alongside Sony Music Group and Warner Music Group, Universal Music is the first major music production company to specifically target the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Adam Granite, executive vice president of market development at Universal Music Group, said that Universal Music China GBA is part of the group’s global development strategy. “We will deeply root ourselves in the local culture, enhance support for local artists, and continuously elevate the position of the Chinese music market within the global music industry, allowing the world to hear the unique sounds of China,” he explained.

In a statement, Universal Music said that its goal is to transform Universal Music China GBA into a youthful, trendy international music label that inherits the cultural and industrial foundation of Cantonese pop music by adopting an innovative and open approach.

Universal Music China GBA is expected to transform the GBA into a music and performance destination with international appeal. The group boasts a diverse array of music labels, and its catalog features classic artists like ABBA and The Beatles, as well as contemporary stars like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo. (Claudia Wei)