Sony Music is the new worldwide distribution partner of fast-growing Australian independent UNIFIED Music Group.
Sony’s distribution arm The Orchard, will now provide UNIFIED’s Recorded Music division with global distribution services across its six labels: heavy music label UNFD, hip-hop label ONETWO, dance music label NLV Records, electronic pop label, Exist. Recordings, developing Oz act label THAA Records and alternative rock label DOMESTIC LA LA.
Denis Handlin AO, Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, commented: “I am thrilled to announce the launch of this very special global distribution deal with UNIFIED. I have tremendous respect for Jaddan and the team at UNIFIED, and we have already celebrated some incredible achievements together. We look forward to furthering our partnership under this deal to a new level of success and growth by working with UNIFIED’s brilliant roster of artists and taking them to the next level in Australia and the world.”
Jaddan Comerford, CEO & Founder, UNIFIED Music Group, said: “UNIFIED could not be happier to be embarking on this new relationship with Denis Handlin, Rob Stringer, Brad Navin and the entire Sony Music and Orchard team worldwide. We’ve been desperate for a global solution so we can continue to scale and provide opportunities to our artists in the ever-changing landscape that is recorded music.”
“UNIFIED could not be happier to be embarking on this new relationship with Denis Handlin, Rob Stringer, Brad Navin and the entire Sony Music and Orchard team worldwide.”
Brad Navin, CEO, The Orchard, said: “The Orchard is excited to be the global solution that UNIFIED deserves. The company’s progressive outlook, innovative offering and ambitious curation aligns well with The Orchard’s mission, and our team is eager to bring UNIFIED’s artists the services they need to grow and adapt with the ever-changing industry.”
UNIFIED saw 33% of its revenue derived from outside Australia in 2017, and says it will add recorded music staff in its Los Angeles and London offices in 2018.
Sony Music Entertainment Australia already has a partnership with UNIFIED, through the indie’s artist management division that represents Sony Music Entertainment signed artists, Amy Shark and Tash Sultana (in conjunction with Lemon Tree Music).
Since 2011 UNIFIED’s catalogue has collectively sold over 800,000 albums worldwide.
In 2017, UNIFIED Recorded Music artists were streamed 120 million times – a 74% increase on 2016 – while retaining strong physical sales, particularly in the vinyl space where the group pressed 20,000 units across 25 titles.
(Pictured L-R: Denis Handlin AO, Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand and President, Asia, Sony Music Entertainment; Rob Stringer, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment; Jaddan Comerford, CEO & Founder, UNIFIED Music Group)Music Business Worldwide
